Fighting + boobs = this game
DOA 1 is a classic 2D fighter with some swanky 3d-esque backgrounds. Let me say up front I am horrible at 2D fighting games anymore. I keep trying to side step to avoid an enemy and I forget you can’t do that. So I end up just getting crushed. DOA 1 has a lot of your basic modes with Arcade, Versus, and now incorporates Xbox Live into the mix. For fans of the DOA series, this is a very cool addition. DOA 1 was never released here in the states and shows off the look and feel of the old Sega Saturn. Now I admit I never had a Saturn, but this looks like it must have rocked the block back in the day. I admit it looks a little dated on the graphical powerhouse that the Xbox is, but it is a great piece of history. With only eight characters to pick from, the versus play can get a little boring, but it is still fun.
The second disc is the real gem of this game. It is a total re-build of DOA 2. It harnesses the power of the Xbox, and does not let go. It is a fast brutal fighter that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. You are not compelled to learn any crazy combos unless you want to. You can simple punch and kick your enemy into a lightening fast defeat. The combos you can lay down are just bone shattering put this together with some crazy reactive environments you can really lay the smack down.
Like in DOA 3, the keys to this game are the ladies of the game. OtherSteve found out very quickly that the big guys are too slow during combat. The ladies allow for lightening fast kicks and punches that while not as damaging, you deliver so many of them it doesn’t mater. Of all the game modes, I would have to say that Versus and the survival modes are my most favorite. Survival moves so fast ad is a ton of fun. The Xbox Live functions of this game are great. The interface and modes work very flawlessly, and add a great deal to this game. You can go through person after person talking smack as you kick them down the stairs. It is just too much fun.
Graphics
Readers, prepare yourselves for a very bold statement. There is no other fighting game out on the market today that can even come close to the sheer beauty of DOA 2. Everybody knows that when push comes to shove, Team Ninja at Tecmo can rock the block with the best of them. The attention to detail that they have is incredible. OtherSteve and I were in shock at how real the outdoor environments looked. The Safari and Beach levels were just ungodly with water and wind effects. The indoor arena you need to see is the Aquarium. This really shows what the Xbox is capable of. I don’t understand the rush for Next Gen. Consoles when you have a game like this come out.
I have one more thing about the graphics in this game. DOA has always been discussed for its, shall we say exposure of the female form. Strange fetishes aside, the DOA ladies are drawn very beautifully that is true. I have always felt that they use this to contrast their deadly abilities. This title though really has some interesting “giggly physics” as I like to call it. The ladies seem to have more bounce to the ounce that a Roger and Zapp concert from the 1970’s. I think this incorporates into the larger than life feel these games have always had, and is not harmful in any way.
Audio
This game has that great synth-techno fighting beat to it that helps you deliver the beat down on your opponent. Admittedly, it doesn’t add or take anything away from the game, but it just adds to the background beauty of the game. One weird audio quirk I have always noticed about the DOA games is that all the characters speak in Japanese. You get the subtitle for what they say, but it is just quirky. Not a bad thing though. I think it really adds to the overall feel of the game. You are playing something different than anything else out there; you are playing Dead or Alive.
Depth and Fun Factor
As for depth this game has unlockables galore. Story mode lets you unlock extra costumes for all the characters. Survival mode has all sorts of weird items you pick up and can view in the gallery later. There are at least three unlockable fighters for this game, and lord only knows what else. I think this shows not only the genius of the designers, but that they want the gamer to have a full and deep experience with gameplay. A good fighting game has a long shelf life because you can always find willing players. A great fighter like this will have people begging you to bring it off the shelf for hours of gameplay. It is also a wonderful stress reliever after a long day. A couple of rounds with Ayume will help anyone feel better about their day.
Fun? Is this game fun? Are you reading this right now? Are you breathing? Well of course it is fun. Whether you are a button masher or a skilled fingers ninja this game is loads of fun. I have said before and I’ll say it again, fighting games are the best games to get non-gamers to play. As long as you don’t beat them up too bad, you can always get them coming back for more.