Summary

Dead or Alive 3 enhanced the fighting game genre with its exceptional graphics, character designs, and gameplay mechanics. Introducing new characters and levels, along with multiplayer capabilities, it provided an engaging and visually striking fighting experience that set new standards for 3D fighters.

• Release Year: 2001
• Genres: Arcade, Fighting
• Platforms: Xbox
• Developers: Team NINJA
• Publishers: Koei Tecmo Games, Microsoft Game Studios, Tecmo

Introduction

Dead or Alive 3 (2001) stands as a landmark title in the realm of fighting games, known for its impressive visual fidelity, detailed character models, and innovative gameplay mechanics. It built on the foundation of its predecessors to offer an even more engaging and visually spectacular fighting experience.

Synopsis

‘Dead or Alive 3’ (DOA3), released in 2001, is the third main installment of the ‘Dead or Alive’ fighting series. Developed by Team Ninja and published by Tecmo, DOA3 was a launch title for the Xbox. The game was critically acclaimed and a commercial success upon release, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

The game’s story focuses on DOATEC’s attempt to create the ultimate human weapon through their Omega Project. The project involved capturing and transforming Genra, the leader of the Hajin Mon sect of the Mugen Tenshin Ninja Clan, into an evil superhuman called Omega. To test Omega’s skills against others, DOATEC held the third Dead or Alive World Combat Championship.

The leader of the Mugen Tenshin clan, Hayate, and his half-sister Ayane (Genra’s foster-daughter and heir) entered the tournament, along with their friend Ryu Hayabusa. Their goal was to defeat Omega to prevent any destruction that may arise, and to kill Genra.

DOA3 improved upon the gameplay and graphics in beautiful detail compared to that of its predecessors. The game incorporated less damage percentiles in counter hold maneuvers, making players rely more on blows and throws to defeat opponents. Fighters who are caught in hazardous falls can now be knocked out if they have very low health.

The game adds a new feature in its Sparring mode called ‘Exercise’, an automatic command tutorial that teaches players how to perform attacks. Some tweaks have been added to the game system in the form of increased counter periods, unrestricted 3D-axis movement, and less emphasis on juggling combos. All these gameplay enhancements make the game suitable for beginners, and makes the artificial intelligence a bit more forgiving.

The European and Japanese versions of the game were released months later, featuring additional content and gameplay updates that weren’t featured in the North American version. On November 10, 2021, all versions of Dead or Alive 3 were made available to download from Xbox Live worldwide. On November 15, 2021, all versions were made backward compatible with the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

‘Dead or Alive 3’ is a landmark title in the fighting game genre, with its engaging storyline and innovative gameplay mechanics. Its legacy continues to influence the design of modern fighting games.

Characters

DOA3 features a mix of new and returning characters, each with their distinct fighting styles and narratives. Key characters include Kasumi, a runaway ninja; Hayate, an amnesiac shinobi; and Hitomi, a karate expert, among others. The game introduces several newcomers, expanding the series’ lore and providing fresh gameplay experiences.

Gameplay

The gameplay of DOA3 focuses on fast-paced, tactical combat. It incorporates a rock-paper-scissors mechanic with strikes, holds, and throws, encouraging players to anticipate and counter their opponents’ moves. The game also features enhanced interactive environments, where players can use the scenery to their advantage during fights.

Conclusion

Dead or Alive 3 is a standout title in the fighting game genre, offering a blend of aesthetic beauty, sophisticated mechanics, and dynamic gameplay. While it faced some criticism for content depth, its contributions to the evolution of fighting games cannot be understated, making it a must-play for fans of the series and the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern