Dead or Alive 3

"You just have to appreciate it for what it is..."

Most people say that this game is based on one simple premise: sex sells. Well, that's... kinda the truth to this game, but behind all the sexyness, there lies a nice, simple to get into fighting engine.

Graphics 10/10
Amazingly detailed and lit graphics give this game a great, kinda ''real'' feel to it. From detailed, perfectly moving hair, to the quality of the facial features, this game has everything in the graphics department. Animations are smooth, and yes, the women in the game do have some ''bounce'' to them. The fighting areas are incredibly detailed, and they are interactive, but that's more in the gameplay department. When glass shatters (such as when you put an opponent through it) the effect is awesome.

Sound 9/10
The music goes with the game quite well actually, but there is NO way to switch the game's voice language to English, and listening to Japanese speech can get annoying sometimes. But there is a way to turn off the voices, thank goodness. That ability saved my sanity more than once. The game also features some Aerosmith songs, and I personally don't like Aerosmith.

Gameplay 10/10
This game has a unique fighting system, of holds, counters, and throws, that is quite easy to learn, but very hard to master. Almost every, if not every move in this game is either reversable or blockable, which is a nice help when experienced players have to go against ''button mashers''. I sometimes liken the fighting system to the old game of ''rock paper scissors''. The game has a couple of different modes. Story mode, where you pick a character and bring them through their story, Time attack, where you try to get a good time in either Single or Tag Match modes, Survival, in which you try to last through waves of opponents, and Watch, where you can watch 2 computer controlled players beat the crap out of each other. The levels are interactive, allowing you to punch, kick or throw your opponent down, off of a roof, or even kick or punch them through glass, and the ''shattering glass'' effect is nice.

Multiplayer 10/10
The multiplayer options in this game are nice and aplenty. Have a regular match with a buddy. Have your buddy on your team in a tag match. Have two of your buddies against you and a buddy in a tag match. This is one place where the game seriously shines.

Rent/Buy
If you like fighting games, Dead or Alive 3 is a definite buy. Even if you aren't a fan of fighting games, rent it and give it a try. You might like it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/01/02, Updated 08/01/02