Dead or Alive 5 was released in September 2012 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, garnering attention for its stunning visuals and intricate character models. While some critics dismissed it as just another fighting game with provocative costumes and a predominantly female roster, others praised its engaging gameplay and the presence of iconic fighters. This review delves into the game's features, its transition to the portable console, and its overall impact on the fighting game genre.
Released in September 2012 for PS3 and Xbox 360, Dead or Alive 5 captivated audiences with its stunning visuals and intricate character models. While some critics dismissed it as just another fighting game with provocative costumes, others praised its engaging gameplay and iconic fighters. This review explores the game's features, its transition to the portable console, and its overall impact on the fighting game genre.
After its initial success, Tecmo Koei decided to bring Dead or Alive 5 to Sony's portable console, resulting in the release of Dead or Alive 5 Plus on March 22, 2013. Despite mixed reactions to the original version, the portable adaptation has been hailed as one of the best fighting games available on handheld devices, second only to the likes of Mortal Kombat.
The storyline of Dead or Alive 5 Plus remains consistent with its predecessor. Helena, the owner of Doatec, organizes a tournament to find the strongest fighters. The campaign, filled with suspense and intrigue, keeps players engaged as they battle through various opponents. Although the storyline is similar to the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, the focus remains on the battle system and character handling.
The campaign mode, including cutscenes, lasts approximately 2-3 hours, with an additional hour for players who frequently lose battles. Watching all the cutscenes without skipping rewards players with an extra prize, adding an incentive to fully experience the storyline.
Dead or Alive 5 Plus boasts the best training mode in the series. The Training Plus mode is designed to teach players fluent movements, even for beginners. The tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on the battle system, starting with basic attacks and progressing to more complex combinations. Completing each chapter of the tutorial rewards players with a Trophy.
Once players are familiar with the basics, they can move on to Combat Training, which focuses on special combinations for each character. The Combo Challenge tests players' abilities to perform specific combinations, requiring them to complete each combo correctly before progressing.
Completing the campaign allows players to try out the entire roster of fighters. The "Fight" option in the menu offers various modes, including single races (versus) and time challenges, where players must finish battles as quickly as possible.
The Survival mode pits players against up to 10 opponents without losing, while the Arcade mode challenges them to fight as many enemies as possible until defeated. The game features eight difficulty levels, with higher levels resulting in better enemy defense rather than increased AI complexity. Players can upload their results to the leaderboard to compare their performance with others worldwide.
The Spectator Mode allows players to watch two characters fight each other while taking pictures, which can be stored on the console. This mode adds an extra layer of entertainment and engagement for players who enjoy observing battles.
Dead or Alive 5 and its portable counterpart, Dead or Alive 5 Plus, have made significant contributions to the fighting game genre. With its engaging gameplay, detailed character models, and comprehensive training modes, the game has earned its place among the best fighting games of its time. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, Dead or Alive 5 offers a thrilling and immersive experience that is sure to keep you entertained.
This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a detailed review of Dead or Alive 5, including its transition to the portable console and its impact on the fighting game genre. For more information on the game's features and reception, visit IGN and GameSpot.
