Publisher: Tecmo

Gemini Wing (1987)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Gemini Wing: A Timeless Arcade Classic

Introduction

Released in 1987, Gemini Wing is a vertically-scrolling shoot ’em up arcade game developed by Tecmo. It is set in a futuristic world where humans and aliens coexist peacefully until a tabloid journalist stirs up hatred towards aliens, leading to an invasion. The player takes control of a lone pilot who must fight back against the alien invaders and restore peace to the planet.

Gameplay

Gemini Wing is a classic vertically-scrolling shoot ’em up, similar to games like Gradius and R-Type. The player controls a spaceship that can move up, down, left, and right, and must shoot down waves of enemy aliens. The game is known for its unique power-up system, which grants the player temporary bursts of improved firepower instead of permanent upgrades.

The player’s ship can be equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the player must choose the right weapon for each situation. The game also features a variety of power-ups, such as speed boosts, shields, and extra lives.

Graphics and Sound

Gemini Wing features detailed and colorful graphics for its time. The backgrounds are organic and feature many sections which fire at the player character. The enemy designs are also varied and detailed. The game’s soundtrack is composed of catchy and upbeat tunes that add to the overall atmosphere.

Story

Gemini Wing has a surprisingly deep and complex story for an arcade game. The game is set in a future where humans and aliens have been living in harmony for many years. However, a tabloid journalist named Boris Kranst publishes a series of articles that stir up hatred towards aliens. This leads to an invasion by the aliens, who are determined to wipe out humanity.

The player takes control of a lone pilot who must fight back against the alien invaders and restore peace to the planet. The pilot is aided by a group of alien refugees who have been living in hiding on Earth. Together, they must fight their way through hordes of enemy aliens and defeat the alien leader, Kranst.

Legacy

Gemini Wing was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and story. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the NES, Super NES, and Sega Genesis. It has also been included in several arcade compilations.

Gemini Wing is considered to be one of the best shoot ’em ups of all time. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and immersive experience. The game’s message of peace and tolerance is also still relevant today.

Conclusion

Gemini Wing is a timeless arcade classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its unique gameplay, detailed graphics, and deep story make it a must-play for fans of shoot ’em ups. The game’s message of peace and tolerance is also a reminder that we should all strive to live in harmony with each other.

Review Score

8/10

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Tecmo Super Bowl (1993)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Tecmo Super Bowl: The Greatest Football Game Ever Made

Tecmo Super Bowl is a side-scrolling American football video game developed by Tecmo and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1991. The game was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest football games ever made.

Tecmo Super Bowl features all of the teams and players from the 1990 NFL season, as well as a number of additional teams and players that were not included in the original NES version. The game also includes a number of new features, such as the ability to create and edit your own plays, and the ability to play with up to four players.

One of the things that makes Tecmo Super Bowl so great is its simple yet addictive gameplay. The game is easy to learn, but difficult to master. The controls are simple and intuitive, and the game’s physics engine is realistic and challenging.

Another thing that makes Tecmo Super Bowl so great is its over-the-top action. The game is full of big hits, long runs, and spectacular catches. The game’s graphics are also very good for the time, and the game’s sound effects and music are excellent.

Tecmo Super Bowl has been praised by critics and fans alike for its gameplay, graphics, and sound. The game has been ranked as one of the greatest football games ever made by a number of publications, including IGN, GameSpot, and Electronic Gaming Monthly.

Gameplay

Tecmo Super Bowl is a side-scrolling American football game. The game is played from a behind-the-quarterback perspective, and the player controls all of the players on the field. The game’s controls are simple and intuitive, and the game’s physics engine is realistic and challenging.

The game features a number of different game modes, including a single-player mode, a two-player mode, and a four-player mode. The single-player mode allows the player to play against the computer, and the two-player mode allows two players to play against each other. The four-player mode allows four players to play against each other in a two-on-two game.

The game also features a number of different difficulty levels, so that players of all skill levels can enjoy the game. The game’s difficulty level can be adjusted by changing the game’s speed and the computer’s AI.

Graphics and Sound

Tecmo Super Bowl’s graphics are very good for the time. The game’s sprites are large and detailed, and the game’s backgrounds are colorful and well-drawn. The game’s sound effects and music are also excellent. The game’s sound effects are realistic and immersive, and the game’s music is catchy and upbeat.

Legacy

Tecmo Super Bowl is a classic football game that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, over-the-top action, and excellent graphics and sound make it a timeless classic.

The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the Sega Genesis, and the PlayStation. The game has also been released on a number of mobile devices.

Tecmo Super Bowl has been ranked as one of the greatest football games ever made by a number of publications, including IGN, GameSpot, and Electronic Gaming Monthly. The game is also a member of the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

Impact on Football Video Games

Tecmo Super Bowl had a major impact on the development of football video games. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, over-the-top action, and excellent graphics and sound set a new standard for football video games.

The game’s success also helped to popularize the side-scrolling football genre. A number of other football video games were released in the wake of Tecmo Super Bowl’s success, including NFL Blitz, NFL GameDay, and Madden NFL.

Conclusion

Tecmo Super Bowl is a classic football game that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, over-the-top action, and excellent graphics and sound make it a timeless classic. The game has had a major impact on the development of football video games, and it is still considered to be one of the greatest football games ever made.

Review Score

9.5/10

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Monster Rancher 2 (1999)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Monster Rancher 2: A Monster-Raising Adventure

Released in 1999, Monster Rancher 2 is a monster-raising simulation RPG for the PlayStation. It is the second game in the Monster Rancher series, and the first to be released in North America and Europe.

In Monster Rancher 2, players take on the role of a monster rancher, tasked with breeding, training, and battling monsters. The game features over 400 different monsters to collect, each with its own unique abilities and stats. Players can breed monsters to create new and more powerful creatures, and train them to improve their stats and abilities.

The game’s battle system is turn-based, and players can choose from a variety of attacks and abilities to use against their opponents. Monsters can also learn new abilities as they level up.

In addition to the main story mode, Monster Rancher 2 also features a number of side quests and minigames. Players can explore the world, participate in tournaments, and even create their own custom monsters.

Gameplay

Monster Rancher 2 is a simulation RPG that combines elements of monster raising, training, and battling. Players start the game by choosing a monster from a selection of eggs. Each egg has the potential to hatch into a different type of monster, and the type of monster that hatches is determined by the player’s actions during the hatching process.

Once a monster has hatched, players must care for it by feeding it, training it, and keeping it healthy. Monsters can be trained in a variety of ways, including through battles, training exercises, and special items. As monsters level up, they will learn new abilities and become more powerful.

Players can also breed their monsters to create new and more powerful creatures. Breeding is a complex process that takes into account the stats and abilities of the parent monsters. By carefully selecting which monsters to breed, players can create monsters that are perfectly suited for their battling style.

Battles

Battles in Monster Rancher 2 are turn-based, and players can choose from a variety of attacks and abilities to use against their opponents. Monsters can also learn new abilities as they level up.

There are three different types of battles in Monster Rancher 2:

  • Normal battles: These are standard battles that occur during the main story mode and side quests.
  • Tournament battles: These are special battles that occur during tournaments. Tournaments are held regularly, and players can win prizes for participating.
  • Friend battles: These are battles that occur between two players. Friend battles can be used to practice battling or to simply have fun.

Reception

Monster Rancher 2 was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its charming graphics, addictive gameplay, and innovative monster-raising system. The game sold over 2 million copies worldwide and spawned several sequels and spin-offs.

Legacy

Monster Rancher 2 is considered to be one of the best monster-raising RPGs ever made. It has been praised for its innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and addictive monster-raising system. The game has had a lasting impact on the genre, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Tips for Playing Monster Rancher 2

Here are a few tips for playing Monster Rancher 2:

  • Choose your starting monster carefully: The type of monster that you choose will have a big impact on your gameplay experience. Consider your battling style and choose a monster that complements it.
  • Train your monsters regularly: Training is essential for improving your monsters’ stats and abilities. Make sure to train your monsters regularly, especially before battles.
  • Breed your monsters to create new and more powerful creatures: Breeding is a great way to create monsters that are perfectly suited for your battling style. Experiment with different breeding combinations to see what kind of monsters you can create.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment: Monster Rancher 2 is a game that encourages experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different things and see what works best for you.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Ninja Gaiden (2004)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Ninja Gaiden (2004): A Masterpiece of Action and Gore

Released in 2004 for the Xbox, Ninja Gaiden is an action-adventure hack-and-slash video game developed by Team Ninja. It is a reboot of the classic Ninja Gaiden series, and it quickly gained critical acclaim for its intense combat, stunning visuals, and challenging difficulty.

The game follows the story of Ryu Hayabusa, a master ninja on a quest to recover the stolen Dark Dragon Blade and avenge the slaughter of his clan. Along the way, he must battle hordes of enemies, including ninjas, demons, and giant monsters.

Gameplay

Ninja Gaiden is known for its fast-paced and demanding combat. Players control Ryu Hayabusa, who is armed with a variety of weapons, including swords, claws, and throwing stars. Ryu can also use ninpo magic to enhance his abilities and perform devastating attacks.

The game features a variety of enemy types, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players must adapt their combat strategies to each enemy, using a combination of melee attacks, ninpo magic, and environmental hazards to defeat them.

Difficulty

Ninja Gaiden is infamous for its challenging difficulty. The game features a variety of difficulty levels, but even on the easiest setting, players can expect to face a stiff challenge. The game requires patience, skill, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.

However, the game’s difficulty is also one of its strengths. It creates a sense of accomplishment when you finally overcome a particularly challenging section or defeat a powerful boss.

Visuals

Ninja Gaiden was one of the most visually impressive games of its time. The game’s graphics are still impressive today, thanks to its detailed character models, lush environments, and over-the-top gore effects.

The game’s cutscenes are also notable for their cinematic quality. They help to tell the story and set the tone for the game’s action-packed gameplay.

Story

Ninja Gaiden’s story is relatively simple, but it is effective in its execution. The game follows Ryu Hayabusa on his quest for revenge, and it features a cast of memorable characters, including Rachel, a CIA agent who helps Ryu on his mission.

The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The cutscenes are well-directed and help to keep the player engaged in the story.

Reception

Ninja Gaiden was a critical and commercial success. The game received widespread praise for its combat, visuals, and difficulty. It was also a commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide.

Ninja Gaiden has been praised by many critics as one of the best action games of all time. It is a challenging but rewarding game that offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Legacy

Ninja Gaiden has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s combat system has been praised as one of the best in the genre, and it has inspired many other games.

The game has also been praised for its visuals, which were groundbreaking at the time of its release. Ninja Gaiden’s graphics still hold up today, and they continue to impress players.

Ninja Gaiden has spawned two sequels, Ninja Gaiden II and Ninja Gaiden 3. Both sequels were well-received by critics, but they did not achieve the same level of critical or commercial success as the original game.

Conclusion

Ninja Gaiden is a masterpiece of action and gore. It is a challenging but rewarding game that offers a truly unforgettable experience. The game’s combat, visuals, and story are all top-notch, and it is a must-play for fans of action games.

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Tecmo Secret of the Stars (1993)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Tecmo Secret of the Stars (1993): A Unique and Ambitious SNES JRPG

Released in 1993 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Tecmo Secret of the Stars is a unique and ambitious JRPG that combines first-person dungeon crawling with town management and multiple parties. The game was developed by Tecmo, who are best known for their Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive series.

Tecmo Secret of the Stars is set in the world of Aquaria, which is under attack by an evil force known as the Dark Star. The player takes control of two parties of adventurers, the Aquatallions and the Celestials, who must travel the world to collect the eight Crystals of Light and defeat the Dark Star.

The game’s most distinctive feature is its first-person dungeon crawling. When exploring dungeons, the player’s view is limited to what their characters can see, and they must carefully navigate their way through traps and enemies. The game’s dungeons are large and complex, and they often require the player to solve puzzles in order to progress.

In addition to dungeon crawling, Tecmo Secret of the Stars also features a town management system. The player can build and upgrade their own town, which will provide them with new items and services. The player can also recruit new party members and train them to become more powerful.

The game’s combat system is turn-based, and it features a unique “party switching” system. The player can control two parties of four characters each, and they can switch between parties at any time. This allows the player to use different strategies to defeat their enemies.

Tecmo Secret of the Stars was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become a cult classic among JRPG fans. The game’s unique blend of genres and its challenging gameplay have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.

Gameplay

Tecmo Secret of the Stars is a turn-based JRPG with a unique first-person dungeon crawling perspective. The player controls two parties of four characters each, and they can switch between parties at any time.

The game’s dungeons are large and complex, and they often require the player to solve puzzles in order to progress. The player must also be careful to manage their resources, as food and water are scarce in some dungeons.

In addition to dungeon crawling, Tecmo Secret of the Stars also features a town management system. The player can build and upgrade their own town, which will provide them with new items and services. The player can also recruit new party members and train them to become more powerful.

The game’s combat system is turn-based, and it features a unique “party switching” system. The player can control two parties of four characters each, and they can switch between parties at any time. This allows the player to use different strategies to defeat their enemies.

Story

Tecmo Secret of the Stars is set in the world of Aquaria, which is under attack by an evil force known as the Dark Star. The player takes control of two parties of adventurers, the Aquatallions and the Celestials, who must travel the world to collect the eight Crystals of Light and defeat the Dark Star.

The story is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue sequences. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is engaging and suspenseful.

Graphics and Sound

Tecmo Secret of the Stars features colorful and detailed graphics. The game’s dungeons are atmospheric and immersive, and the character designs are unique and memorable.

The game’s music is composed by Ryu Umemoto, and it is one of the most memorable soundtracks in SNES history. The music is catchy and atmospheric, and it perfectly captures the game’s sense of adventure and suspense.

Overall

Tecmo Secret of the Stars is a unique and ambitious JRPG that combines first-person dungeon crawling with town management and multiple parties. The game’s challenging gameplay, engaging story, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Pros:

  • Unique and challenging gameplay
  • Engaging story
  • Memorable characters
  • Beautiful graphics
  • Catchy music

Cons:

  • Can be difficult for beginners
  • Some of the dungeons are very long
  • The town management system can be tedious at times

Overall score: 8/10

Review Score

8/10

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Star Force (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Star Force (1984): A Vertical Scrolling Shooter Classic

Star Force is a vertical scrolling shooter arcade game developed and released by Tehkan (later known as Tecmo) in 1984. The player pilots a starship called the Final Star, and must shoot down waves of enemy ships and destroy enemy structures to progress through the game. Star Force was one of the first vertical scrolling shooters, and is considered to be one of the most influential games in the genre.

Gameplay

The player controls the Final Star, which can move up, down, left, and right, and shoot in eight directions. The player’s ship has two levels of weapon power, and can collect power-ups to increase its firepower. The game is divided into stages, each of which is named after a letter of the Greek alphabet. The stages become increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with more and more enemies and obstacles to contend with.

In addition to the main stages, there is also an additional level called “Infinity” (represented by the infinity symbol) which occurs after Omega. The Infinity level is infinitely long, and the player must face increasingly difficult waves of enemies.

Weapons and Power-Ups

The Final Star has two levels of weapon power: normal and charged. The normal shot is a single laser beam, while the charged shot is a more powerful spread shot. The player can collect power-ups to increase the range and power of their shots, as well as to gain temporary invincibility.

Enemies and Bosses

Star Force features a variety of enemies, including small fry ships, larger cruisers, and powerful bosses. Each type of enemy has its own unique attack patterns, and the player must learn how to defeat each one in order to progress.

The bosses in Star Force are particularly challenging, and require the player to use all of their skills and abilities to defeat them. Each boss has its own unique弱点, and the player must experiment to find the best way to defeat each one.

Legacy

Star Force was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the most influential vertical scrolling shooters of all time. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, combined with its challenging difficulty, made it a popular choice for arcade-goers. Star Force has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and has been included in numerous retro game compilations.

Star Force has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its memorable graphics and sound. The game is still enjoyed by fans of vertical scrolling shooters today, and is considered to be a classic of the genre.

Conclusion

Star Force is a classic vertical scrolling shooter that still holds up today. Its simple but addictive gameplay, combined with its challenging difficulty, make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a classic arcade experience, then Star Force is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8/10

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Tecmo Classic Arcade (2005)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Tecmo Classic Arcade: A Nostalgic Trip Back to the Golden Age of Gaming

Released in 2005, Tecmo Classic Arcade is a compilation of eleven classic Tecmo games that originally graced arcades in the 1980s and 1990s. This collection offers a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of gaming, allowing players to experience some of the most iconic titles from that era.

Eleven Timeless Classics

Tecmo Classic Arcade includes the following eleven games:

  • Bad News Baseball (1989): A wacky baseball game featuring over-the-top characters and夸张的玩法.
  • Double Dragon (1987): A groundbreaking beat-’em-up that set the standard for the genre.
  • Double Dragon 3: The Rosetta Stone (1990): A sequel to Double Dragon that introduces new characters and gameplay mechanics.
  • Ninja Gaiden (1988): A challenging and rewarding action game that helped to define the ninja subgenre.
  • Rad Racer (1987): A fast-paced racing game with impressive 3D graphics for its time.
  • Rygar (1986): An action-adventure game that tasks players with defeating monsters and collecting treasure.
  • Star Force (1984): A vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up that was one of the first games to use parallax scrolling.
  • Super Star Force (1986): A sequel to Star Force that adds new levels, enemies, and power-ups.
  • Tecmo Bowl (1987): A groundbreaking football game that introduced many of the features that are now standard in the genre.
  • Tecmo World Cup ’90 (1990): A soccer game that allows players to compete as their favorite international teams.
  • Wild Fang (1989): A side-scrolling action game that puts players in control of a wolf-like creature.

Arcade-Perfect Emulation

One of the strengths of Tecmo Classic Arcade is its arcade-perfect emulation. The games in this collection play and look exactly as they did in their original arcade versions. This is thanks to the use of the MAME emulator, which is considered to be the gold standard for arcade game emulation.

Multiplayer Madness

Many of the games in Tecmo Classic Arcade support multiplayer, allowing players to team up or compete against each other. This adds a whole new level of fun and excitement to the experience.

Nostalgia Overload

For gamers who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, Tecmo Classic Arcade is a nostalgia overload. The collection features some of the most iconic and beloved arcade games of all time. It’s a great way to revisit these classics and relive the memories of a bygone era.

Conclusion

Tecmo Classic Arcade is a must-have for fans of classic arcade games. With eleven timeless titles, there’s something for everyone in this collection. The arcade-perfect emulation and multiplayer support add to the overall experience, making this a must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Review Score

8.5/10

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The Girls of Dead or Alive: Blackjack (2009)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

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.

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

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Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball (2003)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball diverges from its fighting game roots to offer a unique sports experience, combining advanced graphics and physics with controversial yet captivating content.

Introduction

Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball takes the iconic characters of the Dead or Alive franchise to the sunny shores for a game of beach volleyball. This title marked a significant genre shift for the series and introduced a Mature rating due to its adult content.

Synopsis

“Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball” (DOAX), released in 2003, is a unique spin-off from the “Dead or Alive” series, which is primarily known for its fighting games. Developed by Team Ninja and published by Tecmo, DOAX was exclusively released for the Xbox. The game marked a departure from the series’ traditional fighting genre, instead offering a simulation-style gameplay focused on beach volleyball and other mini-games.

The game’s plot is set immediately after the tournament in “Dead or Alive 3” ended. The narrative revolves around the women of the DOA series who find themselves on Zack Island, a private resort owned by Zack. Zack, the only male character from the series to appear in the game, tricks the women into coming to the island under the pretense of another DOA tournament. Upon discovering the truth, the women decide to make the best of the situation by spending two weeks vacationing on the island.

The gameplay in DOAX encourages the player to establish relationships with the AI of characters and form a two-person team to compete in volleyball competitions. Each day, players can select one activity in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. These time periods can be used to court new partners or challenge existing partnerships to a game of volleyball. Winning a match provides money which can be used to buy swimsuits and accessories, either for oneself, or as gifts to bestow upon the other women. Players can also earn money through gambling at a casino located on the island.

Playing volleyball is done primarily through the use of two buttons, one designated for spiking and blocking, and the other for receiving or setting. As many of the actions happen automatically (e.g., jumping up to spike the ball), the game forces the player to focus on timing; a poorly timed press of a button results in a weak hit or a smash into the net.

DOAX was the first game in the series to have a Mature rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board due to its depictions of busty women in skimpy swimsuits. The game puts a big focus on collecting, socializing, and gift giving. It also allows the player to purchase hundreds of different swimsuits to wear in the game.

The game was followed by sequels “Dead or Alive Xtreme 2”, released in 2006 exclusively for the Xbox 360, and “Dead or Alive Xtreme 3”, released in 2016 in Asian countries.

“Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball” is a unique departure from the traditional fighting genre of the “Dead or Alive” series. It offers a simulation-style gameplay that focuses on beach volleyball, relationship-building, and a variety of mini-games, all set on the beautiful Zack Island. Despite the controversy surrounding its mature content, the game has left a significant mark on the gaming industry and has spawned several sequels.

Characters

The game features several female characters from the Dead or Alive series, each with their unique abilities and styles. Characters include Kasumi, Hitomi, Helena, and others, all presented in detailed, lifelike animations.

Gameplay

Gameplay revolves around beach volleyball matches with a focus on teamwork and strategy. The game also features a variety of mini-games and the option to gift clothing items to characters, affecting their performance and relationships.

Conclusion

Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball remains a controversial yet memorable part of the Dead or Alive series. It showcases the series’ versatility, despite the debate surrounding its content.

Review Score

7/10

Art

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Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Dead or Alive 4 (2005)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Dead or Alive 4 is a landmark title in the fighting game genre, offering enhanced gameplay, an expanded character roster, and a deep narrative. Its technical depth and engaging combat system have cemented its legacy as a classic.

Introduction

Dead or Alive 4, the 2005 masterpiece of the fighting game genre, continues the saga with enhanced gameplay, a tighter counter system, and an expanded roster that deepens its engaging narrative.

Synopsis

“Dead or Alive 4” (DOA4), developed by Team Ninja and published by Tecmo, is a fighting game that was released exclusively for the Xbox 360 in 2005. It is the fourth main installment of the Dead or Alive franchise. The game was originally slated to be a launch title for the Xbox 360, but was delayed until more than a month after the console debuted.

The game’s plot continues the war between the Dead or Alive Tournament Executive Committee (DOATEC) and the Mugen Tenshin clan. After Ayane successfully defeats DOATEC’s last creation, Omega, Hayate returned to the Mugen Tenshin clan, taking over the leadership. Now leader, he goes on a quest to put an end to DOATEC, for all the suffering it has caused to the world. He is accompanied by Ayane and Ryu Hayabusa; Kasumi, though reluctant, is dragged into the events herself as she follows her brother.

DOA4 introduced three new characters to the main line-up of regular fighters, as well as many multi-tiered and interactive fighting arenas. A gameplay system that, in some ways, differed greatly from previous installments. A sequel to the game, Dead or Alive 5, was released in 2012.

The game’s story mode introduces the player to new characters and opponents via combat which can then be played in the game’s other modes. New features are introduced in the gameplay and the game’s online mode. DOA4 has a number of updates in reference to previous titles. New to DOA4 is the introduction of the “Bounce Combo” system. After knocking an opponent to the ground with a strike attack, players can execute a Bounce Combo to perform further attacks on the opponent when they are bouncing off the ground.

Low attacks and some mid attacks can now be performed on opponents while they are down. Certain stages now have moving obstacles that will cause damage to fighters if they are hit by them, and using a counter hold at the right timing can help players avoid being hit by them. Certain stages now also have obstacles in which fighters can be knocked over them, and when the opponent is on the other side of an obstacle, players can jump over them and they can also perform flying attacks.

New to the game’s Online Mode is the introduction of Avatars and Virtual Environments, making it the first fighting game to include these features. Players can customize their Avatars and the environment and furniture in their Lobby. Players can take part in voice or text-based chat with other players while in the Lobby room. Award points are earned from winning online battles and players can use the points to buy accessories for their Avatars and Lobby rooms.

“Dead or Alive 4” is a significant installment in the Dead or Alive series, introducing new characters, gameplay mechanics, and online features. Its plot continues the ongoing conflict between the Mugen Tenshin clan and DOATEC, adding depth to the game’s narrative. With its innovative features and engaging storyline, DOA4 stands as a landmark title in the fighting game genre.

Characters

The game boasts 22 playable characters including series staples like Kasumi and Ryu Hayabusa, along with newcomers such as Kokoro, La Mariposa, Eliot, and Brad Wong. Each character brings unique fighting styles and storylines to the game, enriching the DOA lore.

Gameplay

DOA4 refines its fighting mechanics with updated move lists for each character and a more challenging counter system. The game also features interactive, multi-tiered arenas that add depth and strategy to the combat, making each match a dynamic experience.

Conclusion

Dead or Alive 4 stands as a testament to the evolution of fighting games, offering a rich blend of strategy, skill, and narrative. It solidified its place in video game history with its innovative gameplay and captivating character dynamics.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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