| The Ultimate Ten: Why DOAU Rules Saturday, October 23, 2004 - 10:42 AM By: Vegeta Source: IGN.com |
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| Dead or Alive Ultimate is just a few days away and frankly, we can't stop playing Team Ninja's awesome fighter. Though Ultimate is billed as a remake of Dead or Alive 1 and 2, it feels like a brand new game. The Ultimate? For a DOA fan, that is a definite. While you'll have to wait until Tuesday for our review, we wanted to get you psyched for the upcoming release with a look at the top ten reasons why Dead or Alive Ultimate will kick ass. This wasn't an easy task, as there are plenty of reasons to love DOAU. And once ten choices were made, we still had to decide their order of importance (or kick-assedness). Keep in mind that the focus of DOAU -- and therefore the focus of our Top 10 list -- is Dead or Alive 2. Not everything could make the list. There was debate that we should simply list our ten favorite fighters, but DOAU has more to offer than some brawlers we've all come to know and love. There are some obvious choices and perhaps some glaring omissions, but we fell, in the end, these ten are the reasons we enjoy playing DOAU If you don't agree, write your congressman. While we could just tell you why all of our choices rock, we figured we should also show you why they are the 10 best things about DOAU. That's why we've included brand new direct-feed video for many of our Top 10 choices along with some fresh new screenshots. We've been covering DOA Ultimate for months now and have an extensive list of features. This is our last, the Ultimate feature if you will. Enjoy and we'll see you Tuesday for the review and our final verdict on DOA Ultimate. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #10 - Reversals -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Easily the most controversial aspect of the Dead or Alive series, reversals are back once again. Remember, though, that we are talking about a remake of DOA 2, which means the combos and the reversal system is not quite that same as what you previously experienced on Xbox in DOA 3. DOA 3 featured a three-point counter system that was easier to perform, though it did require precise timing. While timing is slightly more forgiving in DOA 2, there is a four-point counter system. This means that you must know when to press diagonal up-back, diagonal down-back, middle-back, and middle-forward. It's knowing when to press forward for a reversal that requires you to have a much better understanding of each character's combos. The main complain about reversals is that they are too powerful and mediocre players rely on them greatly in order to win battles. The truth, though, is that reversals are part of the game to force the attacker to vary their combos. A successful reversal is often based on predicting an opponent's attack. Since each fighter has dozens of combos, if you simply switch up your styles you will have a much better time of avoiding reversals. The fact of the matter is, reversals make the list because they have always been a part of the Dead or Alive series. Yes, they do cause a bit too much damage in DOAU, but damn if they don't look fantastic. Sometimes they are your only recourse against a fighter like Jann Lee and, honestly, they give a great advantage to experienced players who can easily counter newbies who keep using middle attacks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #9 - Classic Battles -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's been three years since the last Dead or Alive game and while DOAU may be billed as a remake, it is, in fact, a very fresh and new experience. Finally we have the chance to relive some of our favorite character battles. Everyone has a particular set of characters they like to take against one another, matchups that seem more intense than the average fight. While Brad Wong and Christie from DOA 3 are not in Ultimate, we can't wait to pit Hitomi against Kasumi or Tina versus Bass. DOAU has some of its own natural adversaries based on the story mode. Ein and Hayabusa have that whole Ninja-on-Ninja thing going, Kasumi and Kasumi are a perfect fit (being she's been cloned and all), and you really can't dispute a Leon vs. Bass battle. While you may have your own favorites, we've decided to put a list inside of a list. So here are our five favorite matchups: #5 - Zack vs. Jann Lee: Battle of the cheese characters. While we love both, these are the two characters often favored by newer players because they are have simple, powerful combos that allow them to win battles with just a few lucky strikes. Against one another, this is the quickest battle you can possible have. #4 - Helena vs. Lei Fang: Battle of elegance. These two ladies are the classiest of the DOA gals and also have more elegant fighting styles. Normally we'd pit Helena against Christie, but sadly that's not possible. In any case, the battle of beauties is best with two experienced gamers. #3 - Bayman vs. Leon: You can't really get a more equally matched battle than two characters with the same moves. The different looks and costumes are often enough to fool folks. This is a titanic battle, one filled with power and some great throws. Time and again, this is one of our favorite matchups. #2 - Tina vs. Bass: Wrestlemania Ultimate. We're not big fans of these characters alone, but against one another it just seems like a match made in heaven. Both have great launching moves and a load of cool combo throws. This is a grabby battle, but a good matchup with two characters that have plenty of reason to fight with one another. #1 - Kasumi vs. Ayane: Horndog dream battle. Both are hot (even for virtual girls), but more importantly, both are very quick and strong. This is a blazingly fast battle, not in terms of length, but based on the fury of the attacks. Combos rip nonstop. The counters come like mad. Kasumi's front flip, which can vault her over her foe for a shot at their back, is neutralized by Ayane, because she has numerous back attacks. A great battle and with at least 40 costumes between the two ladies, it's one you can experience numerous times and never get tired of watching. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #8 - Tag Team -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tag Team is nothing new to the Dead or Alive series and it sees no fundamental changes in Ultimate. That's fine with us, because Tag Team -- both online and offline -- is one of our favorite games to play with four buddies. If you're never played a game of DOA in your life, here's how it works. You have two pairs of fighters, with up to four players each controlling a fighter if you like. Only two fighters will battle it out in an enclosed arena at one time, but you can "tag" a partner by tapping the Left Trigger. This brings in your partner and takes you out, allowing your character to heal on the sidelines. There are scripted moments where the two members can fight at the same time, but these are special throws. Double tap forward and hit the Left Trigger. Time it right and you will get a cool team combo attack. Some tag teams also have special attacks specifically designed for that team. If you want to see something cool, try out Kasumi and Hayabusa together. Each character has at least one perfect Tag Team partner for which they have custom combo moves. What makes Tag Team a little more appealing this time out is that you can play it online. A friend can also play in the second slot as a guest, though they won't get any stats accumulated while playing. Tag battles are offered for the majority of online modes, so you will have plenty of opportunities to play online with four-player battles. The down for DOA 3's tag mode was that there were a limited number of arenas. Not so this time, as there are five Tag Team arenas with the likelihood of at least one other unlockable Tag Team battleground. Dangerzone, Cyclotron, Downtown, Ray House, and Aquarium are enclosed arenas, but they are each unique places to fight and offer some greater variety to the hectic four-character grudge matches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #7 - DOA 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Though not as flashy as DOA 2, the original DOA (based on the Saturn version) is an interesting flashback to fighting games of the past. The similarities between Virtua Fighter and DOA have always been pretty obvious, but no more so than with the original version. Though there have not been the technical upgrades given to DOA 2, the first DOA does appear to have seen a few polishes. The models are a bit smoother than we remember and the game runs like lightning -- it's really fast, which gives DOA 1 its own sense of beauty. There are numerous modes you can try out, including Arcade Mode, which allows you to battle the original DOA boss, Ayane. You can also try and best Time Attack, Survival, and Kumite. Or you can take your battle online with many of the same gameplay options as with DOA 2. What we love about the first DOA is that there's so much of the sequels already in here. Though all your battles are on a square disco floor, many of the 3D arenas found in Ultimate are seen as backgrounds here. It's surprising to see how some moves have never changed and it's cool to pull off numerous reversals, though they don't come close to the over-the-top madness found in DOA 2 and 3. While most folks will stick to DOA 2 Ultimate, everyone should take a bit of time to play some of the original that started it all. It's a cool window into the past and DOA is actually a very good game. No, it certainly isn't pretty by today's standards, but it's still a fun fighter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #6 - Visuals -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No other third party developer has tapped into the graphical power of the Xbox like Team Ninja. Be it DOA 3, Ninja Gaiden, or now DOA Ultimate, Itagaki and crew know how to make pretty games. At first glance, you may think that Ultimate isn't much of a visual upgrade from DOA 3, but you'd be wrong. DOA Ultimate does a lot more than DOA 3 while maintaining an always-solid 60 frames per second while supporting widescreen 480p -- even online! It's a magnificent-looking game that puts just about everything else on Xbox to shame. Fighting arenas are now filled with life. Some, like Safari, feature animated beasts of the jungle. Others, like White Storm include non-stop snowfall and realistic tracks in the snow. Even a simple arena like the Yozakura has an inordinate amount of cherry blossom petals floating about. There's not an ugly stage here. If you want an idea of how much better the visuals are, just think about the Aquarium from DOA 3. This was the prettiest of all battlegrounds. Guess what, it's pretty middle-of-the-road in Ultimate. Yes, it really looks that good. Though the animations haven't really changed, outside of some new moves, it doesn't change the fact that the game has better lighting, more particles, and more destructible objects. Whether it's the shimmer on the water in the Yozakura or the amazing flashes of lightning in the Burai Zenin, DOAU doesn't fail to dazzle. Oh so pretty. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #5 - Slope Moves -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- While the majority of combos and moves remain the same as previous iterations of Dead or Alive, one big addition comes in the form of Slope Moves. With arenas featuring stairs and hillsides that allow access to lower tiers, there's a new type of throw players can utilize to take their opponents down a notch. Slope moves are easy enough to pull off. It's as simple as pressing the throw button, without any direction on the D-Pad. You have to make certain your opponent is right on the edge of a slope, otherwise this won't work. Every character has a basic slope move, some way to get an opponent to the lower level. Bass' has him launching into the air and piledriving his victim from 20-40 feet up. Zack turns his opponent into a snowboard. Tina does a similar move, but uses boys as sleds. It's pretty damn cool. Not every arena has a slope, but most of the arenas that feature multiple tiers (15 total) tend to also include slopes. While the Demon Church and the Crimson don't have slopes, they still feature some impressive long drops. If you are looking for the best places for slopes, here's our five faves, in order of course: #5 - The Prairie: A simple dirt slope that's not easy to find. Still, find it and use it to your own delight. #4 - The Dragon Hill: This towering temple has multiple sets of long stairs. Not only can you roll your enemy down the steps, you can also kick them through some breakable chains for added effect. #3 - The Safari: Multiple small dirt slopes that lead to elephants and hippos. Drop your opponent into a pool of water, then kick them into a 'phant to finish him off. #2 - The Great Wall: Yes, it's that Great Wall. There's an endless series of stairs and they are long. Knock an opponent down the steps and they will roll for five or ten seconds. It's an awesome visual. #1 - The White Storm: The mother of them all, the edge of the arena is one giant snow slope that's easy to find (or rather, impossible to miss) and offers up the best of the slope moves. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #4 - Costumes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wowie-zowie. Dead or Alive Ultimate goes overboard with the costumes. While DOA 3 was sadly lacking unlockables, Ultimate has tons of goodies to discover by playing the various single-player modes. Each over the 15 characters begins with just two costumes. By playing Story Mode, Time Attack. And Survival, you can take the starting 30 costumes and turn it into roughly 200. Yes, 200. For the girls, expect at least 20 costumes a piece, while the guys have a few less and Tengu appears to have just one alternate (though who the hell cares about Tengu?). Some costumes are holdovers from the first three Dead or Alive games, but there are many others to be uncovered. Hayabusa, last seen staring in the awesome Ninja Gaiden, comes with four Gaiden costumes (including both outfits from the Hurricane Packs). Each of the girls has a special black Xbox costume, which were first shown off on some real-life models at this year's Tokyo Game Show. Kasumi and Ayane have personalized white t-shirts and black bikini bottoms. Tina has her cat suit and also a costume where she is draped in the American Flag. Zack has his teletubby gear and Gen Fu has communist military garb. The girls also have at least one DOA Volleyball bikini a piece and some have more than one. While a few of the costumes are merely color changes, most of unique. How will Team Ninja possibly top this? We're not really sure that will be possible, but anyone who complained that DOA 3, even with the Booster Pack, didn't have enough costumes will have nothing to bitch about now. As for our favorites? We'll take Hayabusa's demon outfit from Hurricane Pack, Ayane's overalls with nothing underneath, and Kasumi's Santa's helper outfit. What's really great about the unlockable costumes is that even a DOA expert will have to devote a lot of hours of solo play just to unlock everything. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #3 - The Girls -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Let's face it, there's no way that the guys of DOA are gonna make it in a Top 10 list. Sure, we love Hayabusa and Zack as much as the next person, but DOA has always been about the women. Oh, I guess also about the fighting, but mainly about the women. Ultimate offers up six ladies for your viewing pleasure. None of them are slouches in the fighting arena and each actually has a very distinct fighting style. These are anime girls realized in 3D, with big, expressive eyes, small mouths, colorful hair, and a penchant for drama. They have the most costumes and if you change your age to 99 in the settings, you'll see increased boobie bouncing. Let me be clear, that while the ladies are lovely, it's not the only reason we love them so. The female dramas, particularly Kasumi and Ayane's past (which is displayed in an awesome opening CG) is more compelling than Ein's memory loss or Bass' disapproval of his daughter. The ladies are fun to fight with and are generally less cheap than most of the men (let's all eye Jann Lee and make him feel uncomfortable). As we love lists within lists, we've ranked the ladies of DOA Ultimate. You may disagree, but this is how we stack 'em.: #6 - Tina: We love her, but not like the others. Her wrestling style is cool, but she's more power than elegance. #5 - Helena: We love he fighting style and if you know how to use her, she is tough to beat. Not for beginners, but a great pick for experienced players. #4 - Lei Fang: Elegant in Chinese dress and still less slutty than the rest when in midriffs. She has an interesting set of moves and in the right hands can be an unstoppable foe. #3 - Ayane: Purple hair and a dirty fighter? 'Nuff said. #2 - Hitomi: Perfect for the novice player or the advanced fighter, Hitomi is the lone DOA 3 holdover for a reason. Plus, we love the denim. #1 - Kasumi: Not only does she have the best costume (Santa outfit), but she also has some of our favorite moves, particularly her various combo throws. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #2 - Arenas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOA Ultimate features more than 20 arenas, several of which have some alternate versions that can be accessed by pressing the Black Button or X when selecting them. Many old favorites have returned, including the Aquarium, Aerial Gardens, and the Demon's Church. However, many of the arenas have been so greatly changed or improved, you may not even recognize them. I will warn that a few arenas, such as Danger Zone and the Aquarium, haven't seen much change, but many others have. The revamped arenas really bring a lot of new flavor to the tried-and-true DOAU formula. Some stages are very complex, like Dragon Hill, which has about a dozen different spots where you can knock an opponent down a level. First there are stairs on either side of the starting point, a breakable window in the back (which leads to a massive drop inside of a serpent temple) and a drop to a lower roof in front. Knock someone down the steps or onto the lower landing and you then have four more places to knock them down further. Front there you have even more options -- it's crazy. Along with numerous drop points in the arenas, there's also a multitude of breakable objects. At the Great Wall, you can slam an opponent into the walls, breaking stone and kicking up dust. At the Koku an there's a snowman ready to be trampled. Sometimes the environment will literally fall apart around you as is the case with the Great Opera arena. The Opera is on fire, burning to the ground. Knock your opponent off the stage and as you fight below the stage, the Opera house crumbles around you. With more than 20 arenas, it's not easy to choose five that really rock us the most. But it's out job to make the tough choices, so here's our top five: #5 - The Ray House: The only enclosed arena on the list, the disco features a DJ doing the announcing and a brilliant display of color and transparencies. A beautiful arena. #4 - The Crimson: You start on a roof, with four ways to knock your opponent. Depending on the angle, you will land them on different parts of the street below. One drops them on a cab, crushing it and setting off the alarm! #3 - The Suspension Bridge: Seen in the background in the original DOA, you start on the bridge and can either knock your opponent off the side or kick them through the broken planks. Either way, the fight resumes on the ground, with a rabbit running past in fear. #2 - The Demon's Church: The classic comes with a beautiful stained glass window and breakable statues. There's also a massive church bell above the tower. Knock your opponent upwards and they slam into the bell giving a mighty clang. What's best is you can still airthrow them on the way down. #1 - The Safari: Hippos, elephants, lions, and vultures -- oh my! You start on a small hill with lions casually watching your brawl. Kick your opponent near one and it growls. On the lower levels you can knock opponents over hippos or into elephants, who rear up in protest. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #1 - Online -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally, Ultimate was titled Dead or Alive Online. There's a reason for that, the premier purpose of this game is to get people to fight on Xbox Live. Having played a bunch of DOA Ultimate, we have to say that while Mortal Kombat: Deception may have been first, it gets kicked in the goodies, tossed through a window and then eaten by baby lions by DOA Ultimate. The online rocks. Not only is regional fighting without any frame drops (as far as we've ever experienced), but there are numerous online modes you can enjoy. Each of these modes features a "Virtaul Arcade" function. What the hell does that mean? Basically, you can have up to eight people in your game lobby. Think of this as an arcade with one machine. Two players fight while others watch and wait their turn. Thanks to a spectator mode, this works very well. No more fighting one-on-one, you can now have a group of people enjoying each match. Rankings are offered, both for your skills online and also for your single-player scores in Survival and Time Attack. Reliability ratings are included so you can see which players are least likely to punk out of a match and you can see the online community's most used characters and strongest characters (those that win the most matches). In all, there are six different online modes, most of them allowing for Tag Team battles and all supporting the idea of an eight-player virtual arcade. Does any other online fighter offer that? Nope. Not even close. That's why the online portion is easily the very best thing about DOA Ultimate. So which online mode is the best? We ranked them, of course: #6 - Loser-Stays: This one still leaves us pondering the point. If you lose your match, you get to continue to play against the next challenger, while the winner goes to the back of the line. Uh.... sure? #5 - Kumite: One player is the Champion and will always be in the fight. The other players in the arcade rotate through, fighting the Champion. Win or lose, the Champ stays. #4 - Survival: There is one Champion chosen and they attempt to defeat each player in order without getting KO'd. A nice way to test a superior player against lesser players in an endurance bout. #3 - Tournament: A bracketed tournament that sees players battling to see who can be the champion. Classic style, but we'd love to see a larger tournament bracket as well. Perhaps we will. Hmm... #2 - Team Battle: Players split into two teams and then proceed to battle, one at a time, to see which team is the last standing. #1 - Winner-Stays: The true arcade mode, if you win you keep fighting. Losers go to the back of the line to challenge again. This gives plenty of incentive to win, plus you really lose track of time in these matches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- That's it for our big fat list of reasons for loving Dead or Alive Ultimate. Personally, I would have just listed Kasumi ten times, but that doesn't seem nearly as interesting. Well, to me it does, to you, maybe not so much. Click the link below to check out our new screens and 14 direct-feed movies of DOAU in action. Be sure to check back Tuesday for our review. Until then, enjoy one last pic. Sorry, couldn't resist! -- Hilary Goldstein |
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