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. Couch
    Jan 6, 2006
    9
    Graphics are a 9. Sound is a 9. Gameplay is a 9. This game is a perfect 9 to me. It has everything you want and expect from a fighting game with the best Xbox 360 graphics to date. The game is perfect on normal for most people. It gives plenty of challenge while still allowing you to beat the computer and make minor mistakes. On normal you can actually get by just button mashing, but if Graphics are a 9. Sound is a 9. Gameplay is a 9. This game is a perfect 9 to me. It has everything you want and expect from a fighting game with the best Xbox 360 graphics to date. The game is perfect on normal for most people. It gives plenty of challenge while still allowing you to beat the computer and make minor mistakes. On normal you can actually get by just button mashing, but if your going to want to be good you'll have to learn the awesome (but hard) counter system. For the pros there is a hard and very hard mode. Some things I hate about the game are the amazingly fast battles and the extreme shifts in difficulty. If your unlucky the computer can take you out in as much as 3-4 hits. Sometimes the computer will be near unbeatable, countering you from the start, while at other times they will be unable to attack you if you are able to slam them into walls long enough. Story mode also doesn't take very long to beat, but is actually pretty satisfying due to its hilarious and beautiful cinematics. This game also has many different characters to choose from. Though I wish they were all a little more different. As it stands there are only really 4 "kinds" of characters: the really fast women, the really slow but powerful men (mostly), people who are in between, and then the crazy drunken fighter who is just hilarious to watch. If you have friends and 2 controllers and you love fighting games go out and buy this title. If you sort-of-maybe like fighting games, or play solo most of the time just rent this title. If you hate getting frustrated at times, want a carefree, easy stress free game, don't like memorizing button combinations, and can not adapt to the fast pace of a fighting game DO NOT BUY IT. … Expand
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. iddqd4
    Feb 13, 2018
    8
    Графика отлично, звук хорошо, геймплей хорошо, итого достойный представитель серии.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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!
  11. 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.
  12. CloudStrife05
    Aug 17, 2021
    9
    DOA4 was graphically amazing. Playing as Ryu Hayabusa just brought back those Ninja Gaiden feelings.
  13. Goss
    Jan 16, 2006
    3
    Bouncing Breasts lots of bouncing breasts, surly by puting bouncing breasts into a game that is a poomans fighting game it will sell and guess what it does sell only because its the only decent fighting game on the 360, personally if you put dead or alive fighting mechanics up against the likes of Tekken street fighter or Soul Caliber then this game falls flat on its back in the first Bouncing Breasts lots of bouncing breasts, surly by puting bouncing breasts into a game that is a poomans fighting game it will sell and guess what it does sell only because its the only decent fighting game on the 360, personally if you put dead or alive fighting mechanics up against the likes of Tekken street fighter or Soul Caliber then this game falls flat on its back in the first round and it stays down. so if you like bouncing breasts your gonna love this game but if you like fighting games then this is a stinker, again the only reason this game is getting the scores that its getting is only because its the only fighting game out there.… Expand
  14. Jay
    Jan 3, 2006
    5
    The graphics are very good. The game play is not so good. All this game does is hit you with combos until you die. It either traps you against a wall or keeps you in the air until you are dead. No real style and if the game starts the combos thing, it's over. If you start get hit with combos, your character stops responding. No blocking , no hitting back, no moving, nothing. Oh... The graphics are very good. The game play is not so good. All this game does is hit you with combos until you die. It either traps you against a wall or keeps you in the air until you are dead. No real style and if the game starts the combos thing, it's over. If you start get hit with combos, your character stops responding. No blocking , no hitting back, no moving, nothing. Oh... and the damage to your character (per punch) is much greater than the damage from your punch to the AI character. Big differnce. Once again Team Ninja has produce another pretty game that substitutes graphics and unreasonable difficulty (cheating in my book) for original gameplay.… Expand
  15. JohnnyA.
    Mar 30, 2006
    2
    Yah the graphics are nice for the game but this game sucks. There is no depth in this game. I cant believe this game is being rated over 5. Keep away from this one and rent it first.
  16. 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
  17. MarcusNestor
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    Taking advantage of the superior technology of the new Xbox 360, Dead or Alive 4 raises the bar in both online and offline fighting. By utilizing the advanced technology of the new Xbox 360 hardware, Dead or Alive 4 redefines 3-D high definition graphics and sound, creating the most visually beautiful and realistic looking video game to date. Unsurpassed online capabilities via Xbox Live,Taking advantage of the superior technology of the new Xbox 360, Dead or Alive 4 raises the bar in both online and offline fighting. By utilizing the advanced technology of the new Xbox 360 hardware, Dead or Alive 4 redefines 3-D high definition graphics and sound, creating the most visually beautiful and realistic looking video game to date. Unsurpassed online capabilities via Xbox Live, new interactive stages, an all star line-up of old and new favorite characters, and the most complex DOA countering system yet. [Tecmo] I Know its not out yet but am a fan of DOA series so i gave it 10 and by the way TEKKEN 6 is gonna be on PLAYSTATION 3 I HATE Tekken games peace leifang Rules!!… Expand
  18. Adultgamer
    Dec 15, 2005
    0
    Crap.
    Im just glad ive now sold my 360 to some complete idiot who was willing to pay £800 for this eggbox.
    and i cant belive that £49.99 is the asking price for these games. get real people compair these games to there PC versions and you will notice 2 things. 1. the PC version looks better and is smoother 2. considering that the games are better looking on the PC they    Crap.
    Im just glad ive now sold my 360 to some complete idiot who was willing to pay £800 for this eggbox.
    and i cant belive that £49.99 is the asking price for these games.
    get real people compair these games to there PC versions and you will notice 2 things.
    1. the PC version looks better and is smoother
    2. considering that the games are better looking on the PC they are also more than £20 cheaper.
    so it has nothing to do with developing the games its all to do with microsoft selling you a cheap consol and charging you an extra £20 for there games just so they can get there money back. I was realy taken for a complete idiot when i got my 360. im just glad i got rid of it before it cost me anymore money.    … Expand
  19. AnonymousMC
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    Anyone who gives this game less than a 9 is not to be trusted.

    It's simply the greatest fighting games since Tekken 3, or Soul Calibur. This is coming from a guy who would have rated DOA 1-3 as 6's and called them just mediocre. The fighting has been tightened and deepend so much as to allow it to actually stand as a real game instead of just fluff, and it is the first 360    Anyone who gives this game less than a 9 is not to be trusted.

    It's simply the greatest fighting games since Tekken 3, or Soul Calibur. This is coming from a guy who would have rated DOA 1-3 as 6's and called them just mediocre. The fighting has been tightened and deepend so much as to allow it to actually stand as a real game instead of just fluff, and it is the first 360 game that really seems like it could not be done on a previos generation console. Best 360 game out right now, in my opinion.    … Expand
  20. IanW.
    Jan 28, 2006
    4
    It's not terrible, but it's not a 9 either. I've played it lots over the last nine days, and I want to like it, it's fast it and looks good. But, going back to playing DOA3, and I'm thinking, ok, it's not quite as pretty. So it's not really doa 4 is it, it's more a DOA 3.2 It's prettier, but doesn't really add much to the earliar games. If It's not terrible, but it's not a 9 either. I've played it lots over the last nine days, and I want to like it, it's fast it and looks good. But, going back to playing DOA3, and I'm thinking, ok, it's not quite as pretty. So it's not really doa 4 is it, it's more a DOA 3.2 It's prettier, but doesn't really add much to the earliar games. If you loved them, you'll love this, but if you're waiting for a great fighter game on the 360, then I'd suggest you wait.… Expand
  21. Shane
    Feb 7, 2006
    3
    this game is good atm, but when VF5 comes out it will suck. and if l thats the most power of xbox 360 games can do ime going for the PS3.. they have not even masted the hair of the toons and its a bit of a boutton bash. can u realy stay with the xbox 360 for 5 years with them graphics, ime waiting for nintendo rev and ps3:)
  22. JamesL.
    Mar 16, 2006
    3
    I realy liked DOA 3 but this I REALY hated. I dont care what anyone else says I hated this game. One major problem is the fights are over to quick.
  23. MarcD.
    Mar 26, 2006
    6
    The game looks gorgeous. Not in the photo-realistic sense...but, if you like your anime style characters to fight in a lush colourful environment...this game is right up your alley. Sadly...the meat of the game itself...was lacking. I was simply not impressed. Have had a lot more fun with the Tekken, Virtua Fighter and Soul Calibur series of games. Disappointing.
  24. FaTaliTy
    May 5, 2006
    1
    Miong you got this one wrong buddy but this game is terrible. Fights are over to quick, the gameplay is below average and the characters are terrible. I think if you want a crappy fighting game then buy this but if you want your moneys worth save it. Just pure crap.
  25. JaceN.
    Jul 11, 2006
    4
    Once again Tecmo proves that they dont know what the "Easy" difficulty setting is. As a result DOA4 plays worse than their much ciriticised Ninja Gaiden games for its relentless cheap million-attack-a-second gameplay that leaves base human reflexes unable to get a word in edgeways! Theres just no time for moves...no time for throws...no time for counters...theres barely enough time for Once again Tecmo proves that they dont know what the "Easy" difficulty setting is. As a result DOA4 plays worse than their much ciriticised Ninja Gaiden games for its relentless cheap million-attack-a-second gameplay that leaves base human reflexes unable to get a word in edgeways! Theres just no time for moves...no time for throws...no time for counters...theres barely enough time for button mashing...easily one of the best ways to get through the game as it leaves the CPU no opportunity to interrupt with an endless combo! So if you enjoy being so frustrated you could howl...putting down your controller in despair mid-match...and cursing the name of Tecmo and the blue haired japanese gaming gods they exclusively cater for...DOA4 is for you!… Expand
  26. 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
  27. AdamB.
    Jul 12, 2006
    6
    The computer AI is impossibly frustrating. The real enjoyment comes from the game's online play, and offline multiplayer, where human players don't have the ability to predict moves two milliseconds after your press the button combo. How well a player will do directly relates to how well and quickly they can counter, giving the game a sort of one-dimensional quality. Although The computer AI is impossibly frustrating. The real enjoyment comes from the game's online play, and offline multiplayer, where human players don't have the ability to predict moves two milliseconds after your press the button combo. How well a player will do directly relates to how well and quickly they can counter, giving the game a sort of one-dimensional quality. Although the graphics and sound are superb, they could have easily been done on previous generation systems; ironically, the most next-gen graphics appear in the pre-rendered end videos. Unless you are a DOA fan or enjoy extremely challenging, near-impossible games, I'd skip this one.… Expand
  28. BobX
    Dec 14, 2005
    0
    Basing my review of the glitchbox 360 title: dead or alive 4 off of the same technique gamepro did for their 100. I'm not playing the game and making it up(the game isn't finished and has been delayed 3 times now since gamepro put together their review). Looks like microsoft does't mind buying their reviews...
  29. 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
  30. NickV.
    Feb 2, 2006
    10
    DOA haters are all ridiculous. This game is pure fun from the instant you pick it up and is still a challenge weeks, months, and possibily years later. In other words, the game is deceptively deep in the long run, but simple enough for any fighting game noob to pick up and enjoy instantly. The bouncing breasts are amusing, but I assure you that the media pays WAAAAAYYY too much attention DOA haters are all ridiculous. This game is pure fun from the instant you pick it up and is still a challenge weeks, months, and possibily years later. In other words, the game is deceptively deep in the long run, but simple enough for any fighting game noob to pick up and enjoy instantly. The bouncing breasts are amusing, but I assure you that the media pays WAAAAAYYY too much attention to this aspect and turns off many of the people you see posting negative comments about this game which they probably haven't even played. This is the 360's must-own title. Anyone who says otherwise is likely a troll or a Sony fanboy....or both.… 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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