Review--Dead or Alive 4 for XBOX 360

[martok2112]

VIDEOGAME: DEAD OR ALIVE 4
DEVELOPER: TEAM NINJA
PUBLISHER: TECMO
SYSTEMS: XBOX 360
RATING: M (MATURE FOR-- BLOOD, VIOLENCE, SEXUAL THEMES, PARTIAL NUDITY)
NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 1-2 on system, Co-op 2 player mode on system, Online multiplayer 2-16, Co-op 2.

Graphics: 5/5
Sound: 5/5
Control: 1.5/5
Story: 2/5
Endorphin Factor: 3/5
Frustration Factor: 0.5/5

Scoring system:
Average: 2.8/5

GAMES IT COULD BE COMPARED TO: DEAD OR ALIVE SERIES, TEKKEN SERIES, VIRTUA FIGHTER SERIES

DETAILS: I don't know why I take any interest in the Dead or Alive series of games beyond the fact that it has some damn gorgeous female polygonal models, and some of the most beautiful fighting environments I've ever seen. This game is the epitome of what I hate in some 3D fighting games. It is a button masher. Nothing more. There is little to no strategy, and the computer, even on easy mode, always seems to be 10 steps ahead of you when you attempt to make a move.

The fighting models look great, and the women are indeed beautiful. The environments are highly detailed, and multileveled, so there are plenty of things to break. However, I do not like the idea of being juggled (a term for being pinned against a barrier in the fighting level, and getting repeatedly hit and kicked, without being able to defend yourself.

The controls are total B.S. Too many times, it seems like the controls don't even respond, which of course opens up a whole slew of opportunities for your computer opponent to juggle you to death, counter any move you might successfully type in, and just flat out make you want to pull your hair out of your head.

Which leads to an even greater frustration factor. I mean, this game jumps from relatively easy opponents, to one's who can cheese you everytime with out fail.

Rumble Roses XX has just as much in the way of beautiful women and cool environments (in fact, it's an all female wrestling game), and the controls actually work. Of course, it's made by a different company I believe.

BOTTOM LINE: If you like to punish yourself, get this game.