What's To Like: Tecmo Fighting Goodness! Incredible Graphics. What's Not to Like: Can't this stuff ever be translated better? Some Soul Calibur-like depth would be better. Not much different than DOA2,
In October 2000 when the PlayStation 2 was released there was a big discussion to figure out which game was better-Dead or Alive 2 for the Dreamcast or Dead or Alive Hardcore for the PlayStation 2. While there was a debate then, there can be no debate now-Dead or Alive 3 Xbox sets the new standard graphically for fighting games.
As you can imagine, the graphics on this game are incredible. It is amazing the attention to detail that Tecmo gave the game. From the shimmering water to the clouds in the sky, this game will be another "wow' game to show off to your friends.
All of the various modes from DoA 2 are still there and so is the rather inane "story" mode which really isn't much of a story. Just as in DoA2 and even Soul Calibur, the Japanese subtitles rear their head. Look at this exciting dialog: "You are not 'Shinobi'" "I want to be a movie star". Uh…okay. Anyway, in story mode you fight your way through a variety of baddies and when you beat the really bad boss guy, you get a lovely movie that shows what happens to your character and of course usually unlocks some new costume or feature.
Aside from the graphics, there's not a whole lot of 'newness' to the game-but that's okay by me. When you purchase Dead or Alive 3, you already know what you are expecting and nothing has changed from that formula. If you are looking for the depth of Soul Calibur, this isn't the place. This is a take no prisoners arcade fighting game an on that level it is very good.
Characters are fun to play and each has their own characteristics. I enjoy playing as the Hulk Hogan-wrestling like character. Sure he's big and slow, but watching him do piledrivers is a heck of a lot of fun.
Control is very similar to DoA2. If you've played DoA2, you'll know how to work your way around DoA3. A handy command list is shown on the pause screen, although you'll probably not have a clue as to what each move actually means as they are in Japanese. Just know that you hit the A button + left and you'll be all set-you'll figure out many of these moves through trial and error.
If you enjoy fighting games, you are going to buy Dead or Alive 3. It serves it's purpose very well, I would just not be expecting any sort of quantum leap gameplay wise over what you've played in DOA2.
-Dan Clarke
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