Dead or Alive: Dimensions

ChatterboxZombie | 27 Jan 2012 | tl;dr

As its first proper fighting game on a portable console, Dead or Alive: Dimensions brings the infamous series of sexy ninjas to a whole new level. DoA has always boasted a unique fighting style with deep, intuitive gameplay, and a flirtatious visual style. 3DS owners put on your gloves and focus on the fight, this one is more than just a pretty face.

Dimensions serves as a sort of review for the entire series. Though there’s no new characters or story aspects to speak of, the leading game mode entitled “Chronicle mode” displays the events of the entirety of the DoA series events thus far, while also acting as a tutorial for new players. This leading feature is a bit of a hit and miss. Though the eased introduction into the fighting format will appeal to players new and old, the chapter specific story segments are borderline indecipherable. Though they’re told through gorgeous cut scenes, they’re far too isolated and spontaneous to make much sense.

It’s a nice thought that they put it in, but Fighting games are never really known for their stories. DoA is no exception there.

Alongside Chronicle is an impressive amount of game modes that really let you fight your foes however you like. A typical arcade mode see’s you scrap with one opponent after another, The free battle option let’s you set up detailed fights with your choice from a number of settings, and the comprehensive practice mode gives you a huge slew of abilities to help you master your combos, counters and throws.

Coupled with spot pass features, local and online co-op and even the controversial figure viewer mode, Dimensions has a console-sized line up of game styles that’s sure to give you your fair choice of action. The online co-op can be a little bit laggy at times, but with an easy to understand interface and an enjoyably painless connection process, Jumping online and battling it out with brawlers from all over the world is a real blast.

Not all the game modes are winners though. Along with Chronicles, the Tag-challenge mode is a bit of a stinker. Though Tag-team battles sounds cool on paper, you’re paired with an incompetent, useless AI and pitted against some of the hardest enemies the game has to offer. Add an unpolished switch out mechanic, and the Tag-challenge mode really drags down what could have been one of the games cooler ways to play.

Of course modes don’t mean anything if the core gameplay isn’t up to scratch, but that’s not a problem with Dimensions. The series’ patented Triangle-shaped fight system still reigns king with Strikes beating grabs, Grabs beating holds, and holds beating strikes. Fans of previous games in the series will feel right at home, with the counter system just as tight and responsive as ever.

Newcomers to Dead or Alive will find the fighting system a little bit strange at first. Though it’s got many of the genre’s classic skills like juggling and blocking, the environmental hazards and hold system is what really makes DoA stand out. The arenas in DoA encourage a dynamic style of play, and kicking your opponent off a building or slamming them into a wall is great fun. The counter system emphasizes timing your execution and reading your opponents movements, adding a neat sense of duality to the fights. This is one of the fastest fighting games on the planet, and when your hearts pumping and your thumbs are tapping, it’s great knowing you can take the fight with you anywhere.

Like all great fighting games, Dimensions offers a style that’s fun to just mash and fool around, but has the depth and detail for players who want to hone their skills.

With a total roster of about 26 characters, DoA has a smaller cast than many fighters these days. No fighter has been left uninvited here, and series staples like Kasumi and Ayane are all there, while accompanied by the powerful Boss Characters. There’s a good diversity in how the characters handle but an unfortunate repetition in fighting styles can leave a bit to be desired. Of the playable 26 characters about 9 are Ninja’s. Fans of fighting styles like Boxing or Tae Kwon Do will be sadly left out, but at least the brawlers each have a unique sense of personality all their own.

With more dialogue spoken before/after matches than most fighters, it’s easy to get attached to some of these awesome, lively characters.

They’re also pretty balanced as well, with none really standing out as particularly cheap or over powered. Sure that 3-string grapple can be annoying and the Ninja’s chargeable projectile attack will likely get old fast, but each character is just as dangerous and deadly as another in experienced hands.

Presentation wise Dimensions is a great sweeper, with a visual style that’s smooth and attractive. Though it doesn’t make great use of the systems 3D effect (with frame rates dropping to 30fps with the 3D enabled), the game looks gorgeous with detailed character models, fluid movement animation and some truly stunning set-pieces/arenas. The beautiful character designs are best enjoyed in the Voyeur-tastic figure viewing mode, and players of the male persuasion will likely enjoy the chance for a closer inspection of their favorite busty brawler. (Shake the console to make them jiggle, true fact).

Audio is a little lacking at times, with a rock anthem that kicks in on the main menu sounding very weak and tinny. But with some nice voice acting, smooth character tunes and the options to customize your Audio to original Japanese, Dimensions doesn’t sound bad at all.

If you’re a fighting game fanatic or just a casual combo-cruncher Dead or Alive: Dimensions offers a legitimately impressive package on a portable system scale. There’s one or two duds in the mode select and the Ninja obsessed theme won’t appeal to everyone, but with enjoyably addictive gameplay, a ton of options and voluptuous presentation, Dimensions has a lot to offer.. Easily one of the best titles for the system and a must have for anyone who wants to take their fighting spirit on the go, Dead or Alive: Dimensions will give 3DS owners a fantastic experience currently unrivaled on the system.

Wether you like brawling at the beach or getting Blue-balled on the bus, this one is worth the attention.

Written by ChatterboxZombie.