Dead or Alive 4 (Xbox 360, 2005)

I was a fan of DOA when it first came out and had been playing the each version as they had come to light. It's a good, solid fighter with a decent list of moves for each character allowing a good mixup of attacks to keep your opponents on their toes. The reversal system (which I feel was this series' major point, aside from the female "enhancements") seems a little harder to pull off than previous incarnations, but still keeps this from being a simple button mashing game. The graphics are excellent and are sure to please and the fighting arenas have plenty of things to bash your opponent into, making some hits and knockdowns especially entertaining. Would have liked to have seen a little more added to the series (minigames, yet more costumes, etc), but I guess you just can't have everything. Still a fan.

Tecmo's long-running fighting game series hits the Xbox 360 with its best installment to date, complete with plenty of complex and interesting characters, outstandingly good visuals, and great online play.
The Good: Finely tuned, fast-paced fighting action expertly combines depth and accessibility; big selection of well-designed characters means there's a fighter for everyone; great online play provides near-limitless challenge for competitive players; compelling unlockable extras and achievements; gorgeous presentation.
The Bad: A few graphical flaws; online lobby system is cute but feels needlessly tacked on; some stability and lag issues when playing online.

DOA4 is a fun fighting game with lots to offer. Graphics are still cutting edge even four years later. Sound is also superb as well. If you want to unlock all characters and all the secrets be prepared to devote some time to the game. Pick a character, master their moves, and be prepared for a fast paced battle. Take two players who are good and the characters will move so quick you will be hard pressed to keep up with the action. Online fighting is setup well with a lounge where players communicate and setup fights and from my experience the game did not suffer from lag. If you are a fan of the series or of fighting games in general then this is a game you need to take a look at.

I have been a fan of DOA since the Dreamcast demo disc first dropped it into my world. The story is still.....strange. The language is still understood through subtitles unless you know it and the woman still JIGGLE but EVEN MORE!!!

It's fun, a fall that would kill any of us is nothing, getting hit by cars and racing Cheetahs are nothing and the look of it all is.....nice.

The controls have become a bit harder to master, DOA3 made it easy to just counter every move and make any novice want to start a real fight, but this time around is not the case. It is even harder to hope to get the timing down to catch a flying knee, elbow or in some cases backside. And to make it even harder the fighting is SUPER FAST. Combos add up so quick you don't have time to even try to counter, just block and hope for an opening. Looking at flesh can cost you the match and time and every character is a BEAST if played with by the CPU at high levels or by a seasoned pro (like me).

You can win new outfits and what not's but there is no customization and it may not be for everyone (I had a date that seemed to get jealous when I kept playing with La Mariposa who before every fight "bounces" lets just say she told me that I had better watch the game bounce because she wasn't bouncing for me tonight........*sigh* cold shower time)

All in all great game for a challenge and for a nerdy bachelor party.

Pros
+ Amazing Graphics.
+ Fun characters. (Unlockable Master Chief!!!)
+ Fast-action.

Cons
- Glitches & collision detection problems.
- Online play tends to lag & AI can be difficult.
- Unlocking characters & achievements both can tend to be ridiculous.

Comments
DOA4 is stunning visually & gameplay can be fast & fun but there is still so much that should be done to improve the gameplay. The cinematics are beautiful but they really don't go anywhere towards a real story. Being able to play as Ryu from 'Ninja Gaiden' is a big plus as well. But don't expect to use a sword.

Verdict
Hardcore DOA fans should be the only ones buying this game. If you are looking for the future of fighting games look elsewhere such as 'Fight Night Round 3' & keep your fingers crossed that 'Soul Calibur' will be on the way soon.