Review by: Michael Rack
Published: November 24, 2004

The console industry is now leaning heavily into online play, but 3D brawlers have only begun to scratch the surface. Mortal Kombat: Deception recently broke the seal, but right on its heels came Dead or Alive Ultimate, with an entirely different idiom. While the former exists in a realm drenched in blood and evil, the latter takes a softer approach, showcasing the fairer sex in breathtaking environments. This title is essentially a remake of Dead or Alive 2, but with a hefty graphical overhaul and Xbox Live support. The original that started it all is also included with online play, but with the original graphics for that old school feel. If nothing else, the franchise is certainly known for its eye-candy, high kicks, plunging necklines, and arguably over-thought out mammary physics, but will this online early bird get the worm and capture an untapped audience, or is it just another pretty face? Read on as we take a long hard look at what Tomonobu Itagaki’s Team Ninja has unveiled.

As with most fighters, the story isn’t so much an epic tale as it is a collection of short stories. These do intertwine enough to warrant a relationship flowchart in the manual, but each character has their own perspective and side-story. Perhaps the most developed tale revolves around Kasumi, a red-haired, leggy ninja-vixen. The daughter of clan master Shiden and his wife Ayame, she is the symbolic princess of her clan. Loved by everyone, she strives to meet the high expectations placed on her shoulders with honor and humility. However, into every life, a little rain must fall. Her brother Hayate is seriously injured while protecting the clan from Raidou, a vicious man whose desire for power knows no bounds. Angered over her brother’s near-fatal injury, she leaves the village to seek vengeance.

Meanwhile, a shunned half-sister is kept in the shadows. Ayane is the product of a violent encounter between Kasumi’s mother and Raidou. The sisters are initially kept apart, unaware of their relationship, and Ayane is taken in by Genra, head of the clan’s secret society. This role places her significantly lower on the social ladder, giving rise to feelings of resentment when she learns of her lineage with the clan’s cherished heroine. However, when Kasumi abandons the tribe to pursue her brother’s attacker, she is declared a traitor, so Ayane is called on to follow and assassinate her privileged sibling.

Each character has a story to tell, but they are all drawn together by the Dead or Alive World Combat Championship. The first was thrown by a great man named Fame Douglas. He was murdered at the end of the 20th century, throwing the tournament’s future into chaos. A new promoter picked up the reins and announced the coming of Dead or Alive Championship 2. However, this new leader just so happens to be Fame’s murderer, who takes pleasure in causing discord, and may bring the world to its knees.

The Dead or Alive legacy has been in existence for several years now, but you don’t have to be a long-time fan to play. Rookies can check out the Practice mode to learn moves and attempt counters. You can also start an exercise routine that runs you through various techniques, throws, and combos, to get a feel for how a character can be used. Once you learn a few tricks, you’re ready to tackle the other modes available or to go online against the masses.