I started playing this series back when Dead or Alive 2 came out for the Sega DreamCast in 1999. In my mind it’s always been one of the better 3D fighters out there. With each new version they don’t stray too far away from what makes it great. Instead, they just add better level design, more characters, and improved game play. Some might remember how Street Fighter did this so successfully throughout the 90’s, and now with the spawn of the 3D fighters, this seems to be the safe bet. After all, too much innovation will only upset and alienate the hard-core fans. Conversely, this could be the downfall of the game in the long run if they don’t keep it fresh enough to entice new fans to the series.

Graphics: 9.5 / 10
I don’t know how the programmers do it. The graphics have always been great. Again pointing to the DreamCast version, the graphics back then were just as good as anything that came out for the Xbox later on. Since then, they’ve steadily improved just about everything. Compared to the Xbox version just before this, Dead or Alive Ultimate, the game isn’t light years ahead, but if you’re a fan of the series you’ll really appreciate all the little touches that polish the game up nicely. The characters themselves look amazing. Again, not leaps and bounds ahead of before, but take a closer look at the eye movements, the more realistic skin textures, and the way the clothes flutter.

The backgrounds have never been better before in this game or any other fighting game that’s come before it. Just like before, you can push your opponents off the ledges, but now the areas you fall into look just as beautiful as the areas you start in. There’s more moving objects in the background, more things to smash, and just pretty looking scenery to enjoy now.

Sound: 7 / 10
The sound is pretty standard fare. It sounds just like the last few iterations without much change here. Not that this is a bad thing mind you, since it’s all done fairly well. But I could have used an option to burn my own tracks, and even have them play on Xbox Live.

In all honesty though, sound just really isn’t a huge thing when it comes to fighting games and I kind of feel bad degrading the over all score by even putting a number here. But I’ve got to be honest -- the sound is good, but didn’t leave any lasting impression.

Controls: 9 / 10
Pretty much exactly like the last version few versions of the game, specifically DOA: Ultimate. If you’ve played a lot of the past games, you’ll pick this right up and be a competent player within an hour or so. If you’re not familiar with the series, you might think the game is super simple when you start playing. After all, there’s basically only four buttons: punch, kick, grab, and the ‘free button’ which if you hold back and tap you can catch the opponents attack and counter their move with something even more powerful. This formula might sound simple since there’s no ‘light’ and ‘strong’ attack, and no left or right hand attack specifically, but the system if very deep.

There are literally hundreds of moves in this game to master, with strategies that vary all across the board. The only other 3D fighter that I could compare the controls to would be Virtual Fighter. Other than that, I think this game may just be the best. If it weren’t for the new VF5 that I got to play in Japan recently, I’d give this section a 10.

Gameplay: 9 / 10
To me, the gameplay and the control in a fighting game is pretty much the same thing. Without good controls, you basically can’t have good gameplay. Thankfully that’s not the case here.

With the level designs the way they are, you can use the arena to your advantage while fighting by hitting your opponents into the electric walls -- and trying to hit them again and again into it when they stand. You can also hit opponents off cliff walls with any of the more powerful moves. One good strategy when your back is to the wall is to counter one of their punches, which in turn can actually send your opponent off the wall.
I honestly haven’t completed the single player game with any of the characters yet, as I’ve been really into playing against my friends, or online, so I can’t say much here. But I do know that although it’s interesting to learn about the different characters, it gets old after you’ve done it once.

The online play is very similar to DOA:Ultimate. It does however lag when you’re playing anyone too far away or with a bad connection. Trying to play against someone overseas isn’t the best idea, but it’s not so horrible that it’s unplayable as most of your moves still register.

All in all, really good.

Replay value, longevity: 8 / 10
You’ll have fun playing the single player for a few weeks, but once you’ve finished with
everything there is to do, you’re gonna need to start playing with some buddies or online.

Playing 1v1 or 2v2 at home is where I think the real fun is at. Even if you don’t have
sparring partners at your level, you can always adjust their life bar to keep it entertaining. And if you can find some friends at your level, you’ve got unlimited fun.

Can’t find anyone to play with at home? Just go online. There’s people playing 24/7,
literally. If you’re an addict, you’ve got a way to get a fix anytime. Beware, some of
those guys online are ridiculously skilled.

Overall (personal bias): 10 / 10
I’m giving this section the best score. Not because it’s my favorite game, but because I think it’s the overall best fighting game you can buy for any console system right now. The best game deserves the best score, regardless of its parts in my mind. I haven’t heard of any other game of this quality coming out any time soon for the Xbox 360, and I can’t imagine another console game being as good or better unless Virtual Fighter 5 gets released for the PS3 next year. Until then, DOA4 is king!