Dead or Alive 4

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Dec 29, 2005
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
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  1. TUGW
    Apr 8, 2023
    7
    Skip to any other Dead or Alive game over this one if you just wat single player. The extremely scripted and automated I.A is trash. This is not a great challenge when the I.A can counter 90% of the time oven when your attack does no connect. If you can play it Online or Local with a friend it can be a fun experience. Any other DOA game is far more balanced when it comes to I.A, and can beSkip to any other Dead or Alive game over this one if you just wat single player. The extremely scripted and automated I.A is trash. This is not a great challenge when the I.A can counter 90% of the time oven when your attack does no connect. If you can play it Online or Local with a friend it can be a fun experience. Any other DOA game is far more balanced when it comes to I.A, and can be beaten without you resorting to cheap tactics just to see the endings; that for the most part are irrelevant to the story. I see this one as the weakest in the series.… Expand
  2. Suadi86
    Nov 29, 2022
    8
    Not the best but is playable with new console with mos powered at the time 8/10
  3. hector_bcn98
    Nov 3, 2022
    8
    No es el paso adelante que se espera del 3. Mantiene la calidad pero no innova y pierde personajes por el camino.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 high replay value, gamers will certainly have a great time playing this game.
  6. CloudStrife05
    Aug 17, 2021
    9
    DOA4 was graphically amazing. Playing as Ryu Hayabusa just brought back those Ninja Gaiden feelings.
  7. shootingstars99
    Jul 10, 2019
    10
    The game is beautiful and still holds up today. The game has the classic DOA feel, and is accessible yet deep, and rides that line better than any fighting game out there. The game play is addicting, and you can learn new things about each character and combos you didn't know before each time you turn it on! A game for fighting game newcomers and veterans alike!
  8. M300
    Dec 12, 2018
    2
    A good looking game but a very flawed fighter.
    There is just no skill needed it is based entirely on luck.
    Noticed a certain fighter you vs will pummel you no matter how much skill you have, how much you block or how well timed you are. The AI knows everything and is able to read input before it executes, all this on normal difficulty, this is the sort of play you expect at very hard not    A good looking game but a very flawed fighter.
    There is just no skill needed it is based entirely on luck.
    Noticed a certain fighter you vs will pummel you no matter how much skill you have, how much you block or how well timed you are. The AI knows everything and is able to read input before it executes, all this on normal difficulty, this is the sort of play you expect at very hard not normal.

    Oddly winning a fight feels a test of patience and luck there was no fight i haf i could say i win with skill because the game does not allow for it.    … Expand
  9. Sressiv
    Mar 5, 2018
    7
    Good fighting game. Pretty tough at times. It has a deep and engaging fighting system. You can jump right in and play, but this game is difficult to master. The battles are finished quickly, though. You can't help but notice how good the environments look, certainly impressive for the time that it released! It definitely still holds up today.
  10. iddqd4
    Feb 13, 2018
    8
    Графика отлично, звук хорошо, геймплей хорошо, итого достойный представитель серии.
  11. Broyax
    Mar 17, 2017
    3
    Si je devais donner une note technique, elle serait de l'ordre de 8 ou 9 : c'est beau, parfaitement fluide, les temps de chargement sont quasiment inexistants, les bruitages sont les plus convaincants parmi le ribambelle de jeux de baston et les niveaux étonnament grands sont spectaculaires.

    Hélas, la technique est une chose et le jeu en est une autre, le jeu au sens propre,    Si je devais donner une note technique, elle serait de l'ordre de 8 ou 9 : c'est beau, parfaitement fluide, les temps de chargement sont quasiment inexistants, les bruitages sont les plus convaincants parmi le ribambelle de jeux de baston et les niveaux étonnament grands sont spectaculaires.

    Hélas, la technique est une chose et le jeu en est une autre, le jeu au sens propre, étymologique... Commençons par la vitesse délirante des coups et donc des combats, continuons avec les enchaînements de l'IA qui pleuvent sur le coin de la gueule, imparables, sans possibilité de contre... ou si peu : dans DOA 3, on pouvait contrer ; or dans DOA 4 cela tient du placement à la micro-nano-seconde ! et l'IA, elle, ne se prive pas pour vous contrer dans un battement de cil. Terminons avec le boss le plus crispant et frénétique qu'on ait jamais vu (trop de saké picolé et de cerisiers fumés sans doute ?).

    Dommage évidemment mais le pire finalement réside dans le fait suivant : DOA 4 est si rapide et survolté, si caricatural qu'on n'a même plus le temps d'admirer cette physique si soignée des nichons ! un comble.    … Expand
  12. JonasFriedkin
    Sep 6, 2016
    9
    While campy and difficult at the same time, but nonetheless Dead or Alive 4 has it's moments which Dead or Alive 5 could learn from instead of being a joke. Also fellow Itagaki on facebook.
  13. DanMaximo
    Apr 14, 2016
    9
    The evolution of the saga. The game is fast is dynamic is challenging. Besides having a very good color and some scenarios very good taste. In addition to a staff of very good character. Buenisimo also has some musical theme.
  14. ChrisMuller1992
    Jan 4, 2016
    8
    Initially i was gonna give this game a 4 cause of the very extremely cheap AI,but figured out the reason they counter your attacks is cause i use the same moves.They made the game challenging so that you can become a better fighter which i guess is a good thing,practicing how to counter your opponents attacks is key to winning a match,the graphics are stunning and the music depends on theInitially i was gonna give this game a 4 cause of the very extremely cheap AI,but figured out the reason they counter your attacks is cause i use the same moves.They made the game challenging so that you can become a better fighter which i guess is a good thing,practicing how to counter your opponents attacks is key to winning a match,the graphics are stunning and the music depends on the stage you play,voices are in japanese but i guess that didn't bothered me.Its very challenging game but if you give it a chance you'll see that challenge is quite the opposite of frustrating.… Expand
  15. sinadoom
    Sep 22, 2013
    8
    The first 7th generation fighting game, DOA4 is not only a very solid game in just the fighting mechanics, but also offers a complete package which even some fighting games lack today. The gameplay is very easy to pick up and understand without the need for a tutorial, yet it is difficult to master. The controls are excellent and combat not only looks cinematic but plays fast and fluentThe first 7th generation fighting game, DOA4 is not only a very solid game in just the fighting mechanics, but also offers a complete package which even some fighting games lack today. The gameplay is very easy to pick up and understand without the need for a tutorial, yet it is difficult to master. The controls are excellent and combat not only looks cinematic but plays fast and fluent too. In addition, stages are dynamic and serve as more than just a pretty background- they can be used against your opponents. There is very little stopping you from enjoying the game. Time attack, survival, versus, team battle, online, replay channel, an in-depth training mode as well as an amazing story (for a fighting game anyway) which is unique for each character make this easily one of the best fighting games around. You can play 1v1 or have 2v2, so if you prefer using just one character you can. By far the easiest fighting game to recommend for newcomers to the genre.… Expand
  16. Caestus
    Mar 8, 2013
    7
    Maybe the greatest trademark of the series is the hot babes, that are in lol. But it is a fast paced action fighting game, which relies on your reflexes, also. But the DOA Series had their best moments with the second installement.
  17. Deadsarow
    Mar 22, 2012
    9
    This is my favorite fighting game of all time. I was there when Team Ninja released Dead or Alive 3 on the original Xbox at launch, and I played it everyday. The incredible countering system got me to play more and more just to master each characters movements and play-styles. Now, DOA4 rises to the challenge and delivers a crisp, fast paced fighter that is pretty much perfect. I have aThis is my favorite fighting game of all time. I was there when Team Ninja released Dead or Alive 3 on the original Xbox at launch, and I played it everyday. The incredible countering system got me to play more and more just to master each characters movements and play-styles. Now, DOA4 rises to the challenge and delivers a crisp, fast paced fighter that is pretty much perfect. I have a few gripes however that made me give it a 9/10. THERE AREN'T ENOUGH MODES. WE NEED MORE FIGHTERS. That's it. Otherwise, DOA4 is a very unique fighter that will keep fans happy and newcomers posted for more.… Expand
  18. MegWhiteley
    Feb 25, 2012
    10
    Wow, really surprise, this version of Dead or Alive is the better, the graphics are incredible, the story, the characters, all in DOA 4 is fantastic. And the online is really amazing. I love it.
  19. GreenSkipper
    Apr 5, 2011
    9
    6 Word Review from Familiar Fan: Raises the bar for DOA fans. If you're a DOA fan returning to DOA, many aspects will be familiar to you. Attacks, grabs, and holds have all carried over from the other DOA games; and you will be familiar with those mechanics. Most of your combos you used from the previous DOA game should carry over to DOA 4, but that isn't a guarantee. However, there are6 Word Review from Familiar Fan: Raises the bar for DOA fans. If you're a DOA fan returning to DOA, many aspects will be familiar to you. Attacks, grabs, and holds have all carried over from the other DOA games; and you will be familiar with those mechanics. Most of your combos you used from the previous DOA game should carry over to DOA 4, but that isn't a guarantee. However, there are some new additions. Beside new characters, some characters not returning, and new/modified move lists there are bigger additions. Some sort of "rebound" mechanic as been added to combat, most characters have a "sub-stance" in their move list and the final boss might seem cheap when compared to DOA 3 or even DOA 2 boss. IF you're new to the DOA series, the game mechanics aren't impossible to learn in DOA 4, but WITHOUT an EASY mode and practicing only on AI will cause learning game mechanics to be challenging, but not impossible. If you have a buddy with DOA 4, 3 or even DOA 2 Ultimate play Versus with their copy and see if you can pick up the game mechanics from them. That way, they will pose a challenge yet can tone it down in difficulty when needed. If you didn't pick up game mechanics when versing with them, don't try the series.… Expand
  20. kyuudmc
    Dec 18, 2008
    8
    Don't expect it's anywhere near a Tekken ... but this is solid well balanced fighting game with amazing graphics and hotter babes XD don't miss this if you have an Xbox 360 ... oops! now I remember! the 360 D-pad is too bad sooo ... you have to spend an Xtra 60 bucks >_> I wouldn't do that.
  21. Llost
    Oct 24, 2008
    9
    I've had the game for nearly 2 years, it's awesome. It's got the fastest and most fluid combat of any fighting game, a great counter system, varied fighting styles, plenty of playable modes, online play (a little laggy at times though) and great graphics. I can't even stress how beautifully designed this game is. Does have some cons ofcourse, AI can be very difficult I've had the game for nearly 2 years, it's awesome. It's got the fastest and most fluid combat of any fighting game, a great counter system, varied fighting styles, plenty of playable modes, online play (a little laggy at times though) and great graphics. I can't even stress how beautifully designed this game is. Does have some cons ofcourse, AI can be very difficult (a pro if you like a challenge though), online is laggy and the endings can be a little underwhelming.… Expand
  22. WyattG
    Oct 28, 2007
    7
    This game came with my 360 as part of a package deal, and under normal circumstances it is not the type of game I would buy. So what's to like about the game ? The fighting is intense, the number of moves each fighter can do is incredible, the sound is great, the graphics are top notch, and the huge variety of modes you can play in is a real credit to the developers....so why 7 out ofThis game came with my 360 as part of a package deal, and under normal circumstances it is not the type of game I would buy. So what's to like about the game ? The fighting is intense, the number of moves each fighter can do is incredible, the sound is great, the graphics are top notch, and the huge variety of modes you can play in is a real credit to the developers....so why 7 out of 10 ?...Well to be really good at the game you have to be able to remember not only a large number of different moves that each fighter can do, but also the ridiculously long button combinations that are required to pull off some of the moves. I have enough trouble remembering the password at my local video store let alone having to remember the correct sequence of 10 buttons to pull off a special kick or punch ! Of course you can just mindlessly bash buttons and that will get the job done in many cases, but in story mode you will really need to learn some special moves if you are to beat every fighter. I will admit though, when you beat a fighter that you have lost 20 times in a row to you can't but help to yell out in delight (that's if you haven't thrown the controller through the tv or had to put it down because the blisters on your hands are starting to really hurt). To me the real value of this game has been when I have had people over and you can play 2 player versus mode. The fact that it is easy to play and the matches are quick, means that in a group of people you can share the controllers around which makes everyone feel involved.… Expand
  23. leonbayman
    Sep 13, 2007
    10
    the only people that think this is a bad game are those who suck at it and get their ass kicked every time because they dont understand the gameplay.
    this is not tekken
    you have to understand the importance of countering and high counter throws, if you dont get it and get fooled and always counter middle punch ofter every hit, you get your ass kicked this game is all about dirty    the only people that think this is a bad game are those who suck at it and get their ass kicked every time because they dont understand the gameplay.
    this is not tekken
    you have to understand the importance of countering and high counter throws,
    if you dont get it and get fooled and always counter middle punch ofter every hit, you get your ass kicked
    this game is all about dirty tricks and tactics. if you suck at the game then you hate the game,    … Expand
  24. Max
    Aug 3, 2007
    10
    This is my second favorite game from the Dead or Alive series. It's much faster than the older DOAs and there are many more moves and new characters. Every match on Xbox Live is different. It looks really detailed and sharp and the moves are fun to watch. The only thing DOA Ultimate had that DOA4 lacked was the wide variety of costumes. I also don't like how the four ninjaThis is my second favorite game from the Dead or Alive series. It's much faster than the older DOAs and there are many more moves and new characters. Every match on Xbox Live is different. It looks really detailed and sharp and the moves are fun to watch. The only thing DOA Ultimate had that DOA4 lacked was the wide variety of costumes. I also don't like how the four ninja characters are overpowered and everyone uses them online.… Expand
  25. JereRinne
    Apr 15, 2007
    5
    Well the game is brilliant, the System is good, graphics are great, BUT Temco HAD to make game so annoying ai that it costs a new conroller per week if you play it. It can make anyone so rageous that household gets new look in no-time. badest is that the AI players can do anything in snap, they respond everything at inhuman speed and percise, and story/time-attack allwys stays stuck inWell the game is brilliant, the System is good, graphics are great, BUT Temco HAD to make game so annoying ai that it costs a new conroller per week if you play it. It can make anyone so rageous that household gets new look in no-time. badest is that the AI players can do anything in snap, they respond everything at inhuman speed and percise, and story/time-attack allwys stays stuck in middle and last opponent, For some weird freaking supernatural Hitting speed. At time, ive ALMOST destroyed a tv, One 1000-paged book to my head, friend Destroyed one controller because i won him 3 imes, and friend won 11 times, My arms hurt for he will to hit first thing that comes into way when playing any 1P mode. The system is way too complex to do EVERYTHING in blink of an eye, all grabs and hrows i made have been success only because it was an accident. And if you try to still get back on your feet after 13-hit combo that ai makes, you can doubt the fact you ket KO:d in instant second you get up.

    IF temco is gonna make DOA5, then they should think twice to make game that only annoys people, it would be fun if it REALLY would have so-great defence system what they say in backcover - infact, you can´t defend at all. Lose the putton for millsecond, and youre ko:d, again. thanks a lot team ninja, for giving more pain!    … Expand
  26. MichelB.
    Feb 13, 2007
    10
    I've been playing this games for hundreds of hours and I still enjoy it as much as I did in the beginning. The fighting system is challenging and deep. And although I played against over 500 different players online, I still haven't seen all the moves yet. As for the difficulty - well since I'm a fan of the DOA series and Ninja Gaiden Black - it's just fine for me. TeamI've been playing this games for hundreds of hours and I still enjoy it as much as I did in the beginning. The fighting system is challenging and deep. And although I played against over 500 different players online, I still haven't seen all the moves yet. As for the difficulty - well since I'm a fan of the DOA series and Ninja Gaiden Black - it's just fine for me. Team Ninja really did another great job! Everyone who bashes this title just hasn't understand the way this game is meant to be played - it's fast, it's thrilling, it's exciting, it's challenging and it looks still amazing. Sure - it offers no weapons, special moves like flying fireballs, bloody fatalities or a series of lighting effects every time you've been hit - if you're looking for such things - DOA4 won't be your game. But if there is anything serious I would complain about than it's only the amount of costumes you can unlock and the fact that there are only three TagTeam Stages. Still I give this game a 10 - since there is no better fighting game out there (until DOA5 will be released).… Expand
  27. Deuce
    Nov 19, 2006
    4
    this game looks really good doesnt it....news flash team ninja..graphics dont make a good game...n i thought games were entertainment(as in they provide fun)...there is no fun in this game except for multiplayer...team ninja slaps half naked girls, good graphics and good cg together n call it dead or alive 4...this game is harder than ninja gaiden black...it doesnt work on skill but on howthis game looks really good doesnt it....news flash team ninja..graphics dont make a good game...n i thought games were entertainment(as in they provide fun)...there is no fun in this game except for multiplayer...team ninja slaps half naked girls, good graphics and good cg together n call it dead or alive 4...this game is harder than ninja gaiden black...it doesnt work on skill but on how well u can counter..the computer is abusively agressive n the seem to know wut move ur gonna do even the perfectly timed grabs...the moment you choose to block you can expect to be grabbed(its rediculous)its an unfair fight..its not challenging its fustrating...im sure the guy whose in charge of team ninja cant play this game either, but hey sex sells so ur gonna see the girls...and ur gonna buy this game and ur blood pressure is gonna rise that itagaki is so full of himself..why dont you make a game thats fun to play and not fun to watch!!!!...i gave this game a 4 because i wouldnt take it for free if i new what was waiting for me.… Expand
  28. ACE5
    Oct 28, 2006
    10
    You gotta give it to Team Ninja, when they create a game, they do it right! In a gaming world where developers create gamesthat are easy to beat, (because most gamers hate a real challenge) DOA4 is willing to push gamers to work harder for a victory. Most gamers are used to games that give you a special power that you can rely on, to dominate the game and just give the game away so the You gotta give it to Team Ninja, when they create a game, they do it right! In a gaming world where developers create gamesthat are easy to beat, (because most gamers hate a real challenge) DOA4 is willing to push gamers to work harder for a victory. Most gamers are used to games that give you a special power that you can rely on, to dominate the game and just give the game away so the player can feel a sense of false accomplishment. When in the real world no one just gives things away that easily. " You gotta work for it". And thats what the DOA series has tried to teach. I had fun with this game from beginning to end, and can honestly say it "IS" the greatest fighting game ever created at this time.… Expand
  29. ShaneS.
    Sep 12, 2006
    0
    DOA4's fighting system is wonderfully complex, and deep. There are over a hundred moves per character. The problem is that the controls are so touchy that it's nearly impossible to perform the same move twice. The result is nothing but button mashing. The game has no special moves of any spectacular effect. No fireballs ala Streetfighter II or anything like that. One of the most DOA4's fighting system is wonderfully complex, and deep. There are over a hundred moves per character. The problem is that the controls are so touchy that it's nearly impossible to perform the same move twice. The result is nothing but button mashing. The game has no special moves of any spectacular effect. No fireballs ala Streetfighter II or anything like that. One of the most annoying things about the game is that there's no jump button. To jump you have to hit punch and diagonall up/back at the same time. The controls are so touchy though that you'll perform a quick jab instead of jump backwards. Ever try to perform a fatality in MKII or MKIII? Imagine trying to do that button input, and distanceing mid combat. Good luck.… Expand
  30. KevinW.
    Sep 4, 2006
    9
    I'm honestly not a huge fan of fighting games. I'm usually pretty bad at them. That said, DOA4 is an awesome game. It's the first one I bought with my 360 and let me tell you, the reader who said that these graphics could have been "easily done on previous generation systems" needs to get an HD TV and see this thing in its full glory. The graphics, level and character I'm honestly not a huge fan of fighting games. I'm usually pretty bad at them. That said, DOA4 is an awesome game. It's the first one I bought with my 360 and let me tell you, the reader who said that these graphics could have been "easily done on previous generation systems" needs to get an HD TV and see this thing in its full glory. The graphics, level and character detain in HD are absolutely amazing. If Spartan looks as good in Halo3 as it did in DOA4 I will crap my pants. Yes, the AI is pretty hard and can be frustrating, but that is how they get you to practice offline! If you could plow through offline mode so easily there wouldn't be much depth to the game at all. I'm not too good at fighting games but with some persistance I was able to beat the story mode with every character and unlock the Spartan. I can also tell you that the game fighting is deeply layered. In summary: Awesome graphics, good sound, mediocre story, great gameplay.… Expand
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. GamePro
    100
    If looks could kill, DOA4 would be called Murderer's Row. This game is beautiful; even while you're beating the tar out of your opponent, you'll notice that your surroundings are among the finest you've seen in any fighting game... Hands down the best installment in the series. [Jan 2006, p.38]
    Read full review
  2. IGN
    90
    The counter system is less forgiving and will definitely challenge fans of the series, especially those fond of DOA3. This affects every other area of the game. The harder characters to master are even more powerful now, and there is more of a ground game, in addition to careful use of the backgrounds.
    Read full review
  3. 1UP
    90
    It's still "just" a fighting game, albeit an incredibly polished and finessed fighting game, but it won't open your eyes to things you've never seen before. It will bring the fighting game community together, however, thanks to its online functionality, and that's a good thing.
    Read full review
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