Dead or Alive

"The Saturn's true graphical power is finally shown, not to mention the game is awesome!!!!!"

LONG LIVE TECHMO!!!!! Apparently they're friggin geniuses when it comes to programming the Saturn, because their port of their arcade fighting game is hands down THE best Saturn game in terms of visuals. It's also a great fighting game and up there with the Virtua Fighters series in terms of fighting game enjoyment.

Story: 7
There really isn't that much of a story. The tournament the fighters are in doesn't have an evil organization bent on world destruction like usual. It's just a peaceful tournament. Although there isn't much room for plot in a setting like this, it's refreshing to play a fighting game where fighters come to test their skills, not to save someone or get revenge because their uncle's cousin twice removed was killed by the evil organization leader.

Gameplay: 9
This is an awesome fighting game. Moves and simple combos are executed in a manner similar to the Virtua Fighter series (i.e. there's a punch button, a kick button and a defense button). Although there's a defense button, it's not used for blocking...it's mainly used for getting out of holds and for performing counter attacks; you can block by holding back on your joystick. There are hot coals surrounding each arena. If you cause your opponent to fall on them, it does extra damage. Try finishing your opponent with danger zone damage and see what happens. :) Just in case you haven't played DOA or DOA2 yet, here are the characters:

Kasumi: The main character. Powerful kicks and has a lot of tricky moves.

Lei Fang: Master of defense moves and can also deal out a good amount of offense.

Tina: A wrestler, has powerful throws and holds.

Jann Lee: You will dread his rushing forearm move with a passion. Very agile fighter.

Gen Fu: Your basic old Kung Fu master character. Quite powerful.

Ryu: ''Oh! I remember that guy! He's from Ninja Gaiden!'' Yep, nostalgic fans love using him. He's a very well balanced fighter.

Bayman: This guy has sick looking holds. No really, you'll almost feel violated.

Zack: Uses a lot of random punches and kicks to confuse the enemy. Stupid character personality wise.

Raidou: The boss. Isn't evil, but he sure fights as if he is.

There are many options in this Saturn version. Aside from the standard VS mode, there is a training mode, tournament mode and Kumite mode. Like some home versions of games, there are hidden features/options that appear when you beat the game with the right character or beat the game a certain amount of times. All characters have secret costumes, as well.

Graphics: THE BEST ON SATURN
It's rare when I give a category higher than a 10 and instead put a word or phrase that best explains how I feel. Those four words you see sum it up to a T. You will be amazed at how detailed the fighters are, not to mention how smooth they move...they move as smoothly as the arcade version!! The only thing that this game doesn't have from the arcade are the detailed polygonal backgrounds. Don't expect to find any low resolutions on this game, either. Techmo could not have outdone themselves more than they already have. Thanks for making the great game and thanks for the great Saturn port!!!!!

Sound/Music: 9
The music is straight from the arcade. Almost all of the voices are clear and coherent. ''Kore ga Mugen Tenshin nu yo!''

Control: 10
The same control as the arcade...how can you go wrong?

Replay Value: 10
Finding all the secrets will take a long time, plus this is a great fighting game to play with your friends. This fighting game will almost never get old.

Bottom Line?
This game sure did scare Sony. Good thing for them that it wasn't released in the US, because their version isn't quite as good. Saturn fans were waiting for a game that backed up their hopes that the Saturn could be as great 3D system as PSX if programmed right, and this was it. Not only does this game have the best graphics the Saturn has to offer, it's an awesome fighting game, which is why I give it a 10.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/16/01, Updated 07/16/01