Summary
Merging the excitement of blackjack with the charm of Dead or Alive’s characters, The Girls of Dead or Alive: Blackjack offers a distinctive twist on the casino genre, providing fans with a novel way to engage with their favorite characters.
- Release Year: 2009
- Genres: Strategy
- Platforms: iOS
- Developers: Tecmo Touch Games
- Publishers: Tecmo
Introduction
In 2009, the Dead or Alive franchise took an intriguing turn with The Girls of Dead or Alive: Blackjack. This game combines the series’ famed characters with the strategic gameplay of blackjack, offering a fresh twist on both the fighting and casino genres.
Synopsis
“The Girls of Dead or Alive: Blackjack” is a unique spin-off from the popular “Dead or Alive” series, developed by Tecmo. Released on June 10, 2009, for the iPhone and iPod Touch, this game diverges from the fighting genre of the main series and delves into the world of casino gaming¹.
The game features Kasumi, a well-known character from the “Dead or Alive” series, as the dealer at a blackjack table¹. The title suggests that more versions of the game featuring other female characters from the series may have been planned, but no plans for future installments are known for certain¹.
The gameplay is relatively simple, with the objective being to get 21 or the closest sum to 21 without going over on the cards¹. Players start with 100 coins and enter an amount to bid, then tap the screen to deal¹. Tapping the table indicates a hit, to add more cards, while sliding across the table indicates a stand, to stop adding cards to the sum¹. There are more complex controls available, such as split and double down¹.
If you win with a blackjack, your payout is increased by 50%¹. As more coins are earned, larger bets are possible to a maximum of 250 coins¹. Should a player lose all of their coins, they are given 100 again¹. As the dealer, Kasumi is limited in her play options, forced to hit on 16 or less, and forced to stand on 17 or more¹.
Returning to the main menu with a certain amount of coins unlocks costumes for Kasumi to wear in-game¹. Winning coins over the threshold and then losing it before returning to the menu will not result in an unlock, though unlocks do not take away coins from the player’s total¹. Coins can also be used to purchase sixteen images of Kasumi in Album Mode¹. These images can be used as iPhone backgrounds¹.
The game features five costumes for Kasumi; she starts with her trademark blue dress, and the player can unlock her white dress, and three outfits from Dead or Alive Xtreme 2¹.
In February 2010, Apple Inc. removed this game from the App Store, due to new censorship rules; Kasumi’s bikini costume breaks the rule prohibiting sexual content¹.
“The Girls of Dead or Alive: Blackjack” offers a unique twist on the traditional “Dead or Alive” series, providing fans with a new way to interact with their favorite characters. While it may not offer the same action-packed experience as the main series, it provides a fun and engaging alternative for those looking for a different kind of gaming experience.
Characters
The game features popular characters from the Dead or Alive series, including Kasumi, Ayane, and Hitomi, each offering different levels of blackjack challenge and interaction.
Gameplay
Gameplay revolves around classic blackjack rules with a twist. Players must use strategy to beat their opponents, who are characters from the Dead or Alive series. Winning games advances the player, unlocking new characters and venues.
Conclusion
The Girls of Dead or Alive: Blackjack stands as a unique entry in the franchise, blending casino gameplay with the world of Dead or Alive. While not without its flaws, it offers an entertaining experience for fans of both blackjack and the series.
Review Score
6/10
Art
Fan Art
Fan Art Style: Normal
Fan Art Style: Retro
Fan Art Style: Modern
