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Dead or Alive 3
Debuting in November of 2001,
and developed by Microsoft/Tecmo this multi-player, 3D fighting game is
unlike any other to date. The graphics are stunning, the variety of
levels are competitive, and the competition fierce...which makes Dead or
Alive 3 (DOA3 for short) a superb game whether you're trying to kick some
serious ass or just play for fun.
Developed specifically for the Xbox, DOA3 utilizes this gaming platform to
it's fullest potential. Game features include 16 outstanding
fighting levels with multi-tiered settings that enable your character to
move throughout several areas within a specific level. They didn't
stop there, adding to the levels are destructible scenery and varying
terrain such as caves, mountains, woods, and snow-covered terrain.
With several player modes to choose from and secret levels to unlock I
found this game extremely challenging (the computer learns and adjusts to
your skill level) and sometimes frustrating as well.
When I first turned on the game, I was taken to a short
"cut-scene" for each player. A mini-movie if you will on
the background of each character. The visuals for the characters are
unbelievable detailed and amazingly smooth (no rough edges here!) and with
16 different characters to choose from; each with their own talent and
skill level, I quickly found my favorite among so many outstanding
fighters.
Once you've selected your fighter, it's time to select your mode of
play. From Story Mode (which unlocks more mini-movies) to Time
Attack, Survival and lest we forget Tag-Team Mode (yes tag-teams!), I
found the "Versus" mode; a one-on-one against the computer, my
favorite. A "Sparring Mode" is also available to those who
want to practice before actually taking on your opponent.
On to the stages. As I stated, with 16 different levels to choose
from the graphical quality of the stages presented are beautifully
designed and incorporate destructible scenery! Yea baby! For
example, one level starts at the top of a skyscraper surrounded by glass
walls. Waiting for the most opportune moment, I was able to use a
variety of moves to send my opponent sprawling through the glass down to
the center of the buildings below and send his health meter far enough
down where a few more good blows sent him packing.
Even though the game's criteria for winning the battles wasn't too tough,
I still found DOA3 quite competitive and the graphics alone kept me
playing. While in battle, there are specific conditions that are
required in order for a set victory and the player that wins the
pre-determined number of sets also wins the battle. When you've
kicked their ass enough times that their health meter falls to Zero you
are entitled to a KO and the screen screams KO at you and will give you a
slow-motion shot after the match to show the winning knock-out
punch/kick/combo delivered. In the "Time Attack" mode, you
win when your health is greater than your opponent's when time is
up. If you are knocked-out during gameplay, you have 3
"continues" in order to come back and whip some
butt.
Each stunningly crafted character has their own strike moves and combining
them with the use of the directional pad and buttons, you can execute
various attacks. You can also block, evade, and even crouch to
protect yourself from critical blows. From Ninja-style fighting to
German Karate to WWF Wrestling style fighting, I found it fun just to
explore the possibilities with each character and soon found out that
beating the old guy wasn't as easy as it looked!
One of the most important things to remember in this game is STAY OFF THE
WALL! Don't let your opponent back you into a wall or near a ledge
or you might as well kiss your ass goodbye. Putting some distance
between yourself and your opponent, or forcing him or her toward the wall
could turn the fight in your favor.
I also was able to get a hold of a DOA3 demo disc which included add-ons
to the costumes for the characters. After seeing only 3 or 4
costumes for each character it was a nice change of pace to have more
skimpy outfits to choose from for the women!
Overall, I found the game smooth, the graphics extremely well designed,
and just downright fun to play on a lazy, rainy Sunday afternoon.
The only frustrating moment came when I found out I couldn't beat my 10
year old son because his reaction times to the controller were too fast
for my old bones and eventually gave up to play another time when the
competition wasn't so fierce!
So whether you get this game just for the girls in the scantily-clad
outfits or you're wanting a simultaneous multi-player fighting-filled
weekend; DOA3 definitely delivers what most other fighting games wish they
were.
Overall Game Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Official
Xbox Website:
http://www.xbox.com
Where
to find XBox Cheats:
http://www.xboxcheats.com
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