Dead or Alive 5 is back with more bouncing melons, pervy camera angles, intriguing looks, though this time on a whole new cinematic system which makes the game look better than ever. The rock-paper-scissors system Dead or Alive 5 uses is easy to embrace but enveloped with depth for those that want to do more than frantically bash buttons. This is known as the ‘Triangle System’, the game’s core ruleset commands that attacks take priority over throws, throws override counters, and counters interrupt attacks. This could be confusing for the first time fighters but it shouldn’t take very long to get to grips with the system.
Much like the ‘Triangle System’, you can also learn step-by-step on ‘Story’ mode where you play through chapters of each of the main characters of the game. Through there, the game will guide you to fight the CPU alongside completing the story, and from there, this is where you will grasp the fighting mechanics of the game, as its difficulty continually elevates.
The main plot continues with the war between the Dead or Alive Tournament Executive Committee (commonly known as DOATEC), and the Mugen Tenshin Ninja Clan. After Ayane successfully defeat DOATEC’s last creation, Omega, Hayate returned to the Mugen Tenshin clan, taking over the leadership. Now leader, he goes on a quest; to put an end to DOATEC, for all the suffering it has caused to the world. He is accompanied by Ayane and Ryu Hayabusa; Kasumi, though reluctant, is dragged into the events herself as she follows her brother.
New to this instalment is the ‘Power Blow’, a unique super move of sorts that does devastating damage. The Power Blow can be used in tough situations and be used with a combo where you can land a great deal of damage. The special moves can be used effectively if you are low on health, similar to the to the ‘Rage’ mode in ‘Tekken Tag 2’, but this will put on a lot more pressure and will show off an impressive cinematic scene of the attack if you perform the move perfectly. As with previous entries, victims can also be launched into a specified Danger Zone to inflict additional damage using the environment
Overall, Dead or Alive 5 has wowed me. It’s a great return for the series which has been silent for six years. I love the new graphics and effects which have been both changed and improved since the previous game. The in-depth triangle system is surprisingly complex, much more so than the simple Street Fighter/Tekken games. This shows an interesting way of fighting and will impress a lot of people out there when they get a firm understanding of the gameplay.
Are you interested in this game? If you want any more tips and tricks, let us know over on Twitter @PushStartMedia ! 😀