“Dead or Alive 5” (DOA5) was originally released in 2012, and after listening to fans, developer Team Ninja has refined the gameplay in the ultimate edition.
Review Score: 4.5/5
For Playstation 3, Xbox 360
Price 39.99
The Dead or Alive gameplay style hasn’t changed much and sticks to a fairly simplistic control scheme. One button controls punches, one does kicks, one does grabs and the last one handles holds or blocks.
The fights are quick, and the hits are strong. Great sound design gives each punch and kick a certain amount of audible power, but the game shines the most when fights veer away from the basic attacks and fighters start using more of the available moves like holds. Holds are counter attacks that must be expertly timed so that they can stop a combo in the middle or even prevent an attack and quickly turn the tide of battle.
Other enhancements to the battle system are the addition of ‘super’ attacks called “Power Blows” and “Power Launchers.” Both are strong attacks that incapacitate the opponent but take time to charge up to use.
DOA5 Ultimate really brings the ultimate in terms of content. Additions include five new characters, tag battles, two versus two online team combat, team battles and all the DLC and unlockable costumes from DOA5 and DOA5 Plus.
This version is truly a love letter to the fans, but it also caters to new players as well. When DOA5 originally launched, it pushed the tag line “I’m a fighter” in order to show its migration from an eye candy fighter to that of a hardcore technical fighter, but in an effort to not alienate casual fans, it includes a tutorial and missions for each character as well as a nonsensical story mode.
DOA5 Ultimate is the best edition of the game, jam packed with new content, beautiful sounds and visuals, and many ways to keep new and old fans interested. I highly recommend picking up the game, especially since it is priced around $40 better than its previous $60 price tag.
