Dead or Alive 4

[forpey]

They basically said the net code was unfogiveable. That the AI (as you say) is really unrewarding. And the the balance is step backward to DOA3 over DOAU (mentions juggling particularly).

Oh yeah, they also said that some of the stages looked as if they had been ported straight from XBox versions with low resolution textures.

It's all a bit worrying for me as a prospective buyer.

[Mephistopheles]

They basically said the net code was unfogiveable. That the AI (as you say) is really unrewarding. And the the balance is step backward to DOA3 over DOAU (mentions juggling particularly).

Oh yeah, they also said that some of the stages looked as if they had been ported straight from XBox versions with low resolution textures.

It's all a bit worrying for me as a prospective buyer.

I read the review and I don't agree with it at all. I've had over 300 matches and have been playing it online for two weeks straight. This includes matches with loads of players, not just two. If there's ever lag, I exit the room and join another one. I play mostly with Japanese players as well, so that should tell you something.

The AI behaves differently from other games in that it counters a lot if you spam the same combos. But that's because the countering system is a key element of the gameplay and you can use the same countering tactics against the AI. If the AI were that difficult then there wouldn't be loads of people submitting their single player time attacks on the Live leaderboards. As for the boss, I'd say she's no harder than Jinpachi on Tekken 5, and certainly not as hard as any boss in any SNK game. However, she can be frustrating with certain characters. Although a lot of characters don't even face her in story mode.

The guy also implies that DOA2 is the best game in the series. Whereas I think this is a much tighter and more refined game than DOA2 and I believe most people here would agree. The stuff he says about juggling is also over-exagerrated. With the online competition I've played, I've rarely been juggled to even half my life bar. Maybe people just aren't that good.

However, I would concur that some stages are only a small step up from those in DOA Ultimate on Xbox. But they are in the minority, and most stages look simply stunning (casino, ninja dojo, market, kyoto garden, safari, wrestling ring etc).

Personally, it's my fave 360 game. An excellent review of it which I can agree with almost word for word is here.

[TheForce]

I'll be finally playing it this evening ! I can't wait to get going with it... and from what I've read I think I need a lot of practice ! but not to worry you'll all have a chance of beating the crap of me online.... but .... I'LL BE BACK and revenge will be sweeeet !

[forpey]

Thank you. Clears a lot up.

Also, can someone tell me whether Tag battles are back? I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere, but I need to know because I loved playing PS2 Co-op Tag matches.

[Daragon]

I can see where 6/10 came from. Other than a graphical improvement and a tacked on online lobby, this is basically no different to DOA3/Ultimate.

aving said that however, TN definately took a leaf out of Ninja Gaiden's book. Normal difficulty as I'm sure everyone is aware is horrendously tough - it starts off the first fight with a difficulty spike, then the next 7 or so rounds are ok, then once you reach about round 8 the CPU becomes what I can only describe as a "counter whore" every attack I throw is basically countered CHEAPLY. The AI also employs disorientation attacks where within seconds you swear you're playing as the other character only to suddenly encounter the squarking skank announcer scream "you lose" in your face.

Its enough to make you want to pick up the disk and play frisbee with it.

[Yoshimax]

Yes Tag is in - You can even do 4 player tag over live.

It's a fantastic game and easily the true "ultimate" version of DOA so far. The speed increases & tightening of the counter window have produced a game which I feel can finally stand up with Tekken & VF and not just be the flashy but poor relative.

[forpey]

Yes Tag is in - You can even do 4 player tag over live.

Wow! I didn't think it was. None of the reviews I've read have mentioned it.

DOA tag was always superior to VFtb and Tekken Tag, the tag moves are amazing to pull off. Interesting to note that the other 3D fighters have dropped this mode.

[112]

I personally dont think the tag system works with Virtua fighter as its not a button mashing game. Bouts are won through skill and engaging your opponant with tactics. Where as what you say about the tag system and pulling of fantastic moves is much like the capsom vs Marvel series where its jus so chaotic. Thats probably why they dropped it in Virtua.

112

[Kotatsu Neko]

Anyone read the Eurogamer review? It got quite a rough time (6/10).

I haven't got a 360, although I've been playing on a mates quite a bit. This game was suppsoed to be the one which made me get one for my birthday in Feb. Now I'm confused.

Basically the reviewer is a long term fan of the series, like me. And the criticsms he made did seem fair. Can anyone comment?

Yeah I read that review. I normally disagree with Eurogamer (they always come off as Edge-wannabes, and that isn't a good thing), but this review was pretty good. It is a really flawed game and the score reflected that.

6/10 is still above average.

[Mephistopheles]

Other than a graphical improvement and a tacked on online lobby, this is basically no different to DOA3/Ultimate.

Totally untrue. It's a very different game than previous installments. It's faster, more aggressive and has a lot more depth with the revamped countering system.

aving said that however, TN definately took a leaf out of Ninja Gaiden's book. Normal difficulty as I'm sure everyone is aware is horrendously tough - it starts off the first fight with a difficulty spike, then the next 7 or so rounds are ok, then once you reach about round 8 the CPU becomes what I can only describe as a "counter whore" every attack I throw is basically countered CHEAPLY. The AI also employs disorientation attacks where within seconds you swear you're playing as the other character only to suddenly encounter the squarking skank announcer scream "you lose" in your face.

Learn the game before you diss it. Learn to block, hold, counter and some combos and the AI comes down easily (even on V. Hard). There's a sparring mode for a reason. As for the disorientation attacks (stuns), wiggle the d-pad and hold X to get out of them. Not to mention that you can employ those stuns yourself. About to be knocked down? Hit back and X just before you hit the floor and your character will roll back up instead of lie on the floor.

etc.

[Akira]

"The problem, for me, is that the game builds on the deeply flawed system used in DOA3, rather than on the far superior gameplay used in DOA2, which the team returned to for DOA Ultimate on the Xbox."Eurogamer

LMAO! proves,in his second sentence no less,that he does'nt have a clue what he's talking about.The only thing superior about DOA2U is the counter system,but everything else is redundant in terms of gameplay when compared to DOA3.

Eurogamer.Sort your writer's out!

[TheForce]

I have finally received my cope of DOA4 yesterday, I'm going through story mode at the moment, but oh my god.. it seems that the little I knew from DOA3 doesn't work here at all, the fighting is more frantic and I really need to learn to use the counters and the reversal much much better ! IMO the fighting feels more new then what I expected (after reading some reviews). Haven't played it online yet (I need some serious practice first) ...

ps. who cares what they all write, as long as we enjoy the game I couldn't care less..

[Friction]

I'm realy enjoying this too (got it yesterday). Always been a big fan of the DOA series and up until now thought I was pretty good at it. How wrong I was!! This game is schooling me bigtime!

It's a bit frustrating sometimes when the computer seems to be able to counter everything I throw at it, but all part of the learning I guess!

Done quite well with progress (all story modes done and that) just be on a mission now to get all the costumes etc!

Then perhaps I might try online so if you feel like an easy victory, look me up

[Kieran76]

Also picked up a copy yesterday and I am useless, trying really hard to be a button bashing baboon but I keep panicking. Whose a good character to start with?

[Mephistopheles]

Also picked up a copy yesterday and I am useless, trying really hard to be a button bashing baboon but I keep panicking. Whose a good character to start with?

Try Elliot. He's not got the most flashy moves but is good to learn the basics with. I'd definitely recommend going into sparring mode with him and attempting to complete his exercise. You'll learn a lot, including how to counter/reverse moves.

Also note (for sparring): F+K = RT, P+K = LT, F+P = A... as in those commands are mapped onto those buttons on the pad. Also RB performs a taunt (a bit useless this one).