http://xbox.ign.com/articles/560/560345p1.html
Summary:
Summary:
Dead or Alive Ultimate is indeed the Ultimate fighter on Xbox -- there is none better. The online set-up goes well beyond what has been previously done for fighting games and betters some online first-person shooters to boot. Team Ninja is master of maximizing the hardware and the fact that DOAU can look this good and run so well online is a testament to Team Ninja's dedication to Xbox. Few console games can compete visually and the amount of content in terms of unlockable costumes far exceeds what is seen from today's fighters. Sure, there's no concept art or storyboards to unlock, but I'd rather have 20 costumes for Kasumi over some artwork.
Not everyone in the world is a Dead or Alive fan. A lot of hardcore fight fans bemoan the fact that this is not Virtua Fighter. No, it's not. But guess what? There is no Virtua Fighter on Xbox. DOAU makes up for any lack of depth with addictive, fast, and fantastic fighting that takes place in some jaw-dropping locales with characters that fill up the screen and leave little to the imagination. DOA Ultimate is fun and while it's easy for anyone to pick up and play, those who are truly good at DOA know that there is skill involved. It is not just a button masher.
This is, in the end, a remake of DOA 2, with DOA 1 thrown in for nostalgia's sake. As such, don't expect a revolutionary change in how the game plays. But the greatly improved arenas, the plethora of costumes, the addition of slope moves, and the implementation of Xbox Live play makes DOA Ultimate one of the best games this year. If you have enjoyed the Dead or Alive series to date, then there's absolutely no reason to shy away from DOA Ultimate. For those who aren't fans or those who have never given the series a try, I warn you that this is not Virtua Fighter, but it is the best brawler on Xbox, hands down.
9.0 Presentation
Animated backgrounds play behind the simple menus, which is a nice touch. A ridiculous number of costumes, 22 arenas, and a smart online setup make for the Ultimate package.
10.0 Graphics
Yowsa! It runs beautifully and looks incredible. Smooth animations, great lighting and use of transparencies, amazing environments, with lots of nice extra visual touches.
8.0 Sound
Excellent use of 5.1. The sound field changes depending on where you are so that different arenas have a unique visual and audio feel. But that music -- it's dated. No custom soundtracks?
9.0 Gameplay
Some may cry that it lacks depth, but play an expert and you'll be proven wrong. Lots of fun and easy for anyone to enjoy. One of the best online games available.
9.5 Lasting Appeal
Loads of unlockables that make playing alone actually worthwhile. There may not be another online fighter this good in this generation and that will keep you coming back.
9.2
OVERALL:
(out of 10 / not an average)
Not everyone in the world is a Dead or Alive fan. A lot of hardcore fight fans bemoan the fact that this is not Virtua Fighter. No, it's not. But guess what? There is no Virtua Fighter on Xbox. DOAU makes up for any lack of depth with addictive, fast, and fantastic fighting that takes place in some jaw-dropping locales with characters that fill up the screen and leave little to the imagination. DOA Ultimate is fun and while it's easy for anyone to pick up and play, those who are truly good at DOA know that there is skill involved. It is not just a button masher.
This is, in the end, a remake of DOA 2, with DOA 1 thrown in for nostalgia's sake. As such, don't expect a revolutionary change in how the game plays. But the greatly improved arenas, the plethora of costumes, the addition of slope moves, and the implementation of Xbox Live play makes DOA Ultimate one of the best games this year. If you have enjoyed the Dead or Alive series to date, then there's absolutely no reason to shy away from DOA Ultimate. For those who aren't fans or those who have never given the series a try, I warn you that this is not Virtua Fighter, but it is the best brawler on Xbox, hands down.
9.0 Presentation
Animated backgrounds play behind the simple menus, which is a nice touch. A ridiculous number of costumes, 22 arenas, and a smart online setup make for the Ultimate package.
10.0 Graphics
Yowsa! It runs beautifully and looks incredible. Smooth animations, great lighting and use of transparencies, amazing environments, with lots of nice extra visual touches.
8.0 Sound
Excellent use of 5.1. The sound field changes depending on where you are so that different arenas have a unique visual and audio feel. But that music -- it's dated. No custom soundtracks?
9.0 Gameplay
Some may cry that it lacks depth, but play an expert and you'll be proven wrong. Lots of fun and easy for anyone to enjoy. One of the best online games available.
9.5 Lasting Appeal
Loads of unlockables that make playing alone actually worthwhile. There may not be another online fighter this good in this generation and that will keep you coming back.
9.2
OVERALL:
(out of 10 / not an average)
