The fourth installment in the Dead or Alive series (excluding Beach Volleyball) continues in a similar vein of fighting game. Delivering another dose of combo heavy action set in a variety of highly interactive locations.
With Helena assuming control over DOATEC, an eclectic cast of fighters from all corners of the world battle each other for some personal goal. Each character has vastly different, and often unusual, motives.
In the main game's story mode, each character fights through a series of encounters, often with a bizarre context, such as taking exception to cruelty to a T-Rex or a fight over a fresh lettuce, both examples of the rather odd but still hilarious Japanese humour.
Xbox 360 supports XBOX Live, allowing players to watch fights while waiting for their turn in the arena. VOIP is also supported, as with many Live games.
Featuring a graphical upgrade and an improved fighting system, tested by some top DOA players before release, Dead or Alive 4 aims not only at the older DOA players but also entices new gamers due to its less intimidating control system, giving slightly less advantage to the experienced.