Dead or Alive 6

Another solid entry in a stalwart arcade franchise, Dead or Alive 6 doesn't stray too far from what's worked in the past. Whether you're in for fast combos or buxom beauties, Team Ninja have your back.

It perhaps plays things a little safe, but mechanically Dead or Alive 6 is up there with the best fighting games currently available. Whether or not you decide to make your way through its joyless story mode is up to you, but there’s plenty to do besides. Its penchant for showing flesh means that it won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but for those who don’t mind its titillation it offers countless hours of fast-paced pounding. Now with added cuts, bruises, scuffs and maybe a bit of dirt. That’s next-gen for you.

Dead or Alive 6 doesn't make any drastic deviations from the previous titles, but adds just enough new features to feel fresh and exciting. The changes that were implemented in the training mode help make what is traditionally one of the most boring game modes enjoyable and helps a lot with mastering the fighting mechanics. The different game modes and amount of collectibles such as trivia entries and wardrobe items provide plenty of single player content, but the main attraction is playing against other people. Dead or Alive 6 shines the most at its most basic level, which is two people just ...

Dead or Alive 6 may have put a further grind into certain unlockables but still delivers a fast paced and highly entertaining combat system that fans of the series as well as newcomers can love.

Call me crazy, but I find fighting games to be one of the oddest genres to fully grasp. Part of the reason for this confusion is the juxtaposition of it being easily one of the most approachable varieties of interactive entertainment, while simultaneously being one of the most impenetrably complex genres among its hardcore supporters. While there is an obscenely dedicated community surrounding the likes of the Street Fighter, Tekken, Super Smash Bros., or even Killer Instinct, for some reason the Dead or Alive franchise hasn’t gotten anywhere near as much love.

When I checked out Dead or Alive 6 during the January beta, it felt different enough from my usual rotation of fighters to warrant a deep dive. I’ve had my share of NetherRealm and Super Smash Bros. rage moments, but Team Ninja’s tournament looked like an enticing new brawl. This would be my first jump into the series. While there’s a specific reason for that, I decided to enter with an open mind.

Dead or Alive 6 retains the stellar action the series is known for, but it doesn’t do enough to warrant an immediate upgrade from previous entries. With only a handful of new fighters at launch, more casual fans might want to wait a bit.

Combat isn't pretty... except when it is.

Despite several years of being best-known for its sexiness, Dead or Alive has always been a genuinely good fighting game franchise. With a focus on bringing new players into the fold and downplaying its more provocative features, Dead or Alive 6 serves as a strong reminder of the solid gameplay that has always remained at its core.

Dead or Alive 6 isn't the full-blown sequel to Dead or Alive 5 that we were hoping for. It's been over six whole years since the previous game first launched back on the PS3, and three years since the enhanced remaster, Dead or Alive 5: Last Round, hit PS4. Given the wait, we expected a lot more from this sixth main instalment, even if it is still a flashy and fun fighter.

Team Ninja's latest fighter downplays the bouncy anatomy and plays up the brutal face-punches. Here's our review.

Dead or Alive 6 is an immensely fun package. Fights are thrilling, regardless of skill level, and the cast of characters is varied and fun to experiment with. But the game is dragged down by the series’ tired adherence to a sexed-up cast and bouncing body parts, as well as the business of selling provocative costumes. Given the game’s first season pass, which costs close to a hundred dollars and is stuffed with costumes — and one guest character, the busty Mai Shiranui from The King of Fighters — it’s pretty clear where Team Ninja and publisher Koei Tecmo’s priorities lie.