So almost 3 years ago a little game called Dead or Alive 5 came out that I was excited for. You know the one I posted endlessly about for months? Well, who would have thought that this game would still be relevant to me this many years later. Now I've bought some re-releases in my time but this is the 3rd yes count it 3rd time I've bought this game. And strangely, I'm more excited about it than ever. I've been thinking the last few days what makes this game so compelling to me. Now the cynical answer obviously would be BOOBS. And guilty as charged I do enjoy the fanservice elements of the series. I've developed a crippling costume DLC addiction. I sort... of bought the $93 season pass? Yeah, ok I know... part of the problem.

Really though, the reason I enjoy it SO much is how the game plays. The back and forth of the triangle system makes for some thrilling game play. Without going into to serious detail the triangle system is basically paper , rock, scissors. Strikes beat throws,Holds beat strikes and throws beat holds. Its this synergy along with the top tier production and spectacle of the living breathing stages that make DOA's combat so flashy and fun. One of my favorite levels is the one that was in the DOA 5 demo "Scramble" its called. Both combatants start on top of a unfinished skyscraper under construction. When one combatant is smashed into a power generator it causes an explosion which sets off a chain of catastrophic events including the floor nearly buckling and a giant crane to wildly swing giant steel beams around. Its the essence of a hollywood action movie. Everyone can feel cool while playing DOA.

While the game has depth to it its also very accessible. Its a three button game Punch, Kick, Block. That is it. No having to watch a dozen meters fill up no confusing HUD elements just two combatants pummeling the ever loving shit out of each other. I also have been a fan of the characters of the Dead or Alive series. At least in my opinion they are some of the more memorable fighting game characters. And I enjoy thatTeam Ninja is starting to dip into the Ninja Gaiden series and bringing in characters like Momiji and Rachel.

I've been feverishly playing the game over the last week and really enjoying it. I was originally leaning to sticking with Rachel one of my real go to characters for Ultimate but Marie Rose has come onto the scene and stolen my heart. Part bubbly and cute and all deadly she is a ton of fun to play as. I'm sorry that I missed playing as her in Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate as I quit playing the game before any of the character DLC was added.

So, whats new in Last Round? What is worth buying this for the 3rd time? Well for starters two new characters. Raidou comes back from the dead to enter combat now looking like a Japanese Kano. The other new entry is a new fighter described as "Super Secret Fighter chick" Honoka. Not much is known about her at due time other than she has some mysterious power that lets her copy moves that she sees other fighters do. So naturally, her move set is cobbled together mostly with other fighters special stances and moves. She also seems to be a not so subtle nod to Love Live! character Honoka Kousaka. Beyond that two new stages have been added. "The Danger Zone" is a call back to a DOA 1 stage with exploding floors the other addition is "The Crimson" a Japanese shanty town.

Few other cool things about Last Round. Firstly, a large chunk of DLC is included with the game. Secondly, all DLC and Saves can be carried over from a previous generation consoles. Which is awesome as all previous titles and stats will carry over for you so you don't have to bother unlocking titles or costumes yet again for the 3rd time. There are some other smaller changes like the addition of a details menu allowing you to select hairstyles and glasses for the girls.

I can see how some might look at 2 new characters and 2 new stags and costumes and scoff and that is a fair enough reaction I suppose. However if you've been itching for a fighter on the PS4 there is no better choice right now. I think its also priced right. At $40 for the retail version you get everything and I think that is a good price.The game also looks really snappy and great on PS4 the skin textures look way better thanks to the new "Soft Engine". Now granted its not going to blow your socks off but Its a reminder that Team Ninja can make some good looking games and has me excited for possible future titles. I'm always down for a friendly challenge if anyone decides they want to play. My next blog will most likely be on the bouncy and curvacious girls of Senran Kagura. As Senran Kagura Estival Versus is coming out next month and I have an import copy on order! Till next time.