Dead or Alive 4

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Dec 29, 2005
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 76 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 76
  3. Negative: 0 out of 76
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  1. Edge Magazine
    70
    With it’s limited range of costumes (broadened with lazy palette swaps) and unambitious Tag and Team battles, DOA4 remains as familiar as the mild disappointment it delivers. [Feb 2006, p.84]
  2. Total Video Games
    70
    The counter/block system seems to be over-refined with a fine line drawn between whether a counter move is successful or not, and once an opponent is on a roll of combo attacks, players might as well put down the controller and let them do the damage because trying to escape proves to be exceptionally difficult.
  3. Boomtown
    70
    It’s a good game, but nothing more. It’s certainly not great. The single-player game isn’t very well balanced for most gamers and at times seems rather unfair.
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  5. GamesRadar+
    70
    Don't buy Dead or Alive 4 unless you're willing to become its student. It's a great looker, but it's a sourly aggravating game until you learn its ways. However, if you take the time to get some technique wrapped up in those fists, you'll start to enjoy the depth behind the startlingly pretty face.
  6. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    Where the actual game experience falls short, the online community experience impresses. [Apr 2006, p.89]
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  7. The Sydney Morning Herald
    70
    It's glitzy, ditzy and full of glam, but it will also leave you battered and bruised.
  8. Gaming Illustrated
    70
    Not what I would expect for the 360, but a good game nonetheless.
  9. Gamestyle
    70
    Dead or Alive 4 may not be the holy grail of fighters, but Tecmo have still crafted an enjoyable title with plenty of reply value.
  10. Gaming Age
    67
    The end result is a Dead or Alive game that's arguably deeper, dizzyingly beautiful and a blast to play online when the damn thing isn't just locking up.
  11. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    67
    This game is a beautiful mess. The Dead or Alive series has always been known more for T&A than tech gameplay; for every panty shot, there's a cheap juggle combo that involves less skill than it takes to input a cell-phone text message.
  12. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    65
    It shows off, but doesn’t have the talent to cash the cheques its looks and potential are writing.
  13. Eurogamer
    60
    If you're planning on playing the single-player much, it's an abomination, and you shouldn't touch it with a bargepole; and on Xbox Live, it's simply so flawed as to be unplayable in anything other than a basic 1v1 lobby, which arguably makes it into a pretty poor investment unless you have a friends list teeming with people who want to play.

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2005
3
#3 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2005
11
#11 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 259 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 195 out of 259
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 259
  3. Negative: 27 out of 259
  1. ECB19
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    it's an option if you have an Xbox, a great fighting game.
    It's a challenge that you have to train enough to beat or maybe try your luck XD.
  2. ibblue07
    Oct 23, 2021
    9
    Everything about Dead or Alive 4 is beautiful: the combat, the visuals, and the sound. Combined with the insane amount of content and highEverything about Dead or Alive 4 is beautiful: the combat, the visuals, and the sound. Combined with the insane amount of content and high replay value, gamers will certainly have a great time playing this game.… Full Review »
  3. CloudStrife05
    Aug 17, 2021
    9
    DOA4 was graphically amazing. Playing as Ryu Hayabusa just brought back those Ninja Gaiden feelings.
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