Dead or Alive 3

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Nov 14, 2001
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 72
  3. Negative: 3 out of 72
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  1. iamevilhomer
    Jan 31, 2018
    8
    Good fighter but being on xbox only hurt it... No one likes the dpad on the xbox controller for fighting games. You might be able to find a decent controller for this game nowadays but at the time the d pad was too frustrating to use compared to DOA2HC's ps2 dpad.

    Fix that problem and this game would be a 9. You can get a device that lets you play on xbox with a ps2 controller which    Good fighter but being on xbox only hurt it... No one likes the dpad on the xbox controller for fighting games. You might be able to find a decent controller for this game nowadays but at the time the d pad was too frustrating to use compared to DOA2HC's ps2 dpad.

    Fix that problem and this game would be a 9. You can get a device that lets you play on xbox with a ps2 controller which solves the problem entirely. Sadly it's 10 bucks.    … Expand
  2. evolution98
    Sep 17, 2018
    9
    The last best Dead or Alive game in the series.

    The graphics looked amazing back in 2001 and still look good today. The music fits every character to perfection. I'd love to own the soundtrack. The sound remains unchanged from Dead Or Alive 2 but more refined. The gameplay had a massive overhaul in terms of juggling, combos and damage balancing. It was the first fighting game to have    The last best Dead or Alive game in the series.

    The graphics looked amazing back in 2001 and still look good today. The music fits every character to perfection. I'd love to own the soundtrack. The sound remains unchanged from Dead Or Alive 2 but more refined. The gameplay had a massive overhaul in terms of juggling, combos and damage balancing. It was the first fighting game to have destructible and interactive environments on a sixth generation console. The wall bounce mechanic was awesome and the hold system was improved to be more simplistic over Dead Or Alive 2's hold mechanics. The gameplay was fun on every mode. Three new characters are added: Hitomi, Christie and Brad Wong. Hitomi is a clone of Ein but also a student practising karate, Christie is a badass assassin and Brad Wong is a drunken master.

    The main flaws with the game are that it's too short and its lack of good unlockable content apart from Ein from Dead Or Alive 2 and costumes for every character. It's a chore unlocking all the costumes. This is what brings the game down in my opinion.

    If the game was released on PS2 rather than on the Original Xbox which it originally was a launch title for and give it the "Hardcore" treatment from Dead Or Alive 2, it would be the perfect fighting game or they could just it give the treatment on the Xbox.

    I recommend you play it.    … Expand
  3. ECB19
    Feb 26, 2021
    9
    This game is pretty fun, if you have the first Xbox, This Fighting Game is great for your console, but if you want more costumes, you better play dead or alive ultimate.
  4. shootingstars99
    Jul 10, 2019
    10
    Still looks and plays good so many years later! The best fighter of it's time bar none. The game play does "easy to learn, tough to master" perfectly. There are a bunch of characters, each with their own distinct style and abilities, such as characters that are great at evasion, or characters that want to rush you down and stay in your face. There are many modes, such as survival, tagStill looks and plays good so many years later! The best fighter of it's time bar none. The game play does "easy to learn, tough to master" perfectly. There are a bunch of characters, each with their own distinct style and abilities, such as characters that are great at evasion, or characters that want to rush you down and stay in your face. There are many modes, such as survival, tag team, story and the funnest of all, multiplayer with friends. The fighting itself looks and plays like a dream, especially for a game that is a few console generations removed now.… Expand
  5. ayysuvi
    Jul 12, 2019
    9
    An amazing game. Kasumi is pure gold. Hitomi could kick me in the face and I'd thank her.
  6. flashstep111
    Jun 28, 2021
    10
    This game is honestly still the very best dead or alive game even in 2022. I think the game does a perfect job from voice acting to the intense fast combat gameplay. Controls are super tight and well thought out. I disliked the mid kick forward counter mechanic that was introduced in dead or alive 4 and carried onto the new DOA games. The music, stages and characters are all superblyThis game is honestly still the very best dead or alive game even in 2022. I think the game does a perfect job from voice acting to the intense fast combat gameplay. Controls are super tight and well thought out. I disliked the mid kick forward counter mechanic that was introduced in dead or alive 4 and carried onto the new DOA games. The music, stages and characters are all superbly designed and added variety to the game. I think keeping all counters to the back and X buttons was good enough, no need to complicated the fighting mechanics of the game. I really hope we get a dead or alive 3 port to steam and current gen consoles. This game deserves to be played by more people. I think not enough people experienced the game to give it a fair rating. I think this game is a Must Play game and was way ahead of its time when it came out. PLEASE Remaster/remake DOA3!

    Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

    My name is Flash and I'll see you guys on the next game review.    … Expand
  7. CloudStrife05
    Aug 17, 2021
    9
    DOA3 was so amazing. Wished I still owned it. It was my fav. fighting game for the Original Xbox.
  8. ZackW.
    Jan 19, 2002
    4
    Dead or alive 3 is a great game. But not as good a said to be. Nothings really changed about it. Graphics are good. But some of the new character designs make them look ugly.This game is pretty good. But I prefer doa2 hardcore for tons of costumes and more.
  9. FabrizioI.
    Jul 25, 2002
    6
    A pretty tech demo. while the game shows us what xbox can do , the is almost identical to DOA2. Also DOA3 is a short game, the extras are limite the tag option is quiet fun but only if you have three friends to play it. Do your self a favor don't buy this game unless you haven't played a DOA game before. If you really want an awsome fighting game buy VIRTUA FIGHTER 4 for the A pretty tech demo. while the game shows us what xbox can do , the is almost identical to DOA2. Also DOA3 is a short game, the extras are limite the tag option is quiet fun but only if you have three friends to play it. Do your self a favor don't buy this game unless you haven't played a DOA game before. If you really want an awsome fighting game buy VIRTUA FIGHTER 4 for the PSX2 or if you can, grab a copy of SOUL CALIBUR for the DC.… Expand
  10. JoM.
    Apr 5, 2003
    10
    Very solid game, there is no fighting game yet better than DOA3. I love DOA3!!!
  11. TenshiK.
    Mar 17, 2002
    10
    This a great game, much than any other 2 on 2 game I played.
  12. EllenN.
    Mar 6, 2002
    10
    Great graphics, it's at the top of my list. The moves slide together perfect. Good chararacters too. GO AYANE.
  13. Wiseman
    Aug 12, 2002
    9
    The most beautiful version of the best fighting game franchise. The fighting system is much more dynamic than the dial-a-combo fighters out there. The best multiplayer game since Street Fighter 2. Only the short singleplayer experience saves this one from 10.
  14. PatrickH.
    Oct 5, 2003
    8
    Very good game!!!
  15. BobB.
    Sep 19, 2003
    10
    Absolutely...the best fighting game!!!
  16. Mike
    May 28, 2004
    10
    Graphics that make other games feel shame.
  17. StephenS.
    Dec 30, 2001
    9
    The gameplay, graphics, and sound are aallwesome, but it does have one major flaw. The storyline isn't very deep. It'd be nice if you could learn a bit more about the characters.
  18. ElliottW.
    Jan 8, 2002
    10
    It's awesome, plain and simple. It is the best 3D fighting game I've ever played! the graphics are unbelievable, and the other two aren't bad either! The characters are very detailed, as well as the environments. Everything about this game is perfect, except for how short the storylines are. That's the only downside.
  19. StealthK.
    Aug 16, 2002
    9
    This game is a lot of fun. A perfect game for Xbox. Fun gameplay good graphics and the girls...yeah.
  20. GameBreaker
    Jul 25, 2004
    10
    This game is still the best fighter on any system and it is 2 1/2 years old. Tekken and Soul Caliber come close but the lack of realistic backgrounds and first generation PS2 graphics are not acceptable. This game is a lot easier to play with the original controller than the S-controller because of the different d-pad designs. Wish I could find the booster disc from 2 years ago though for This game is still the best fighter on any system and it is 2 1/2 years old. Tekken and Soul Caliber come close but the lack of realistic backgrounds and first generation PS2 graphics are not acceptable. This game is a lot easier to play with the original controller than the S-controller because of the different d-pad designs. Wish I could find the booster disc from 2 years ago though for more costumes and movies. Oh well, Tecmo said Ulimate will come with DOA 1 with it's original engine, DOA 2 with the updated DOA 3 engine and the booster disc extras from 2 years ago. Finally, all DOA's on one system and DOA 4 next year, probably on XBOX 2. Officially can't wait!… Expand
  21. RudyT.
    May 9, 2005
    8
    This is a true masterpiece in the fighting genre. The graphics are incredible, the environments are detailed. It rocks! The gameplay at heart is responsive and works to the player's advantage. The selection of characters is varied and all of them are detailed. I would reccomend buying the Platinum Hit for $20. With environments you can interact with, it's a great purchase.
  22. RobertR.
    Jan 31, 2002
    10
    Best fighting game on any of the consoles.
  23. ZackP.
    Feb 14, 2003
    6
    It's too easy. Omega is too easy. The girls are hot but the only good thing about the game is the multiplayer!
  24. DavidM.
    Sep 14, 2003
    9
    This is a fine fighting game, and a great way to spend a beery evening with friends. Lush visuals and more options than anyone could handle give it longevity and a fantastic gaming experience.
  25. JarrodR.
    Dec 26, 2001
    10
    Think this is one of the most kick ass games I have ever played...The girls are f.....g hot too.
  26. EstefanoH.
    Nov 13, 2002
    10
    This game is perfect for play with varius friends.... It is better than virtual fighter 4 :)
  27. GaborA.
    Nov 12, 2003
    9
    The most recent game to blister my fingers from so much and so involved gaming since Killer Instinct for the SNES.
  28. SkeletonBones
    Jun 29, 2017
    6
    Dead Or Alive 3 game released almost 15 years ago at the start of the first Xbox. This game is an excellent project, but only at the start. In fact, the game is rather boring and is passed pretty quickly for all the characters, just as Duke's controller is difficult to play and not convenient. The graphics in the game are pretty good, you can not argue with that.
  29. hector_bcn98
    Oct 31, 2022
    9
    Misma valoración que DoA Ultimate si no fuera por que la cantidad de desbloqueables, es decir, de duración del juego, es mucho menor. De locos que haya un videojuego de 2001 con esos gráficos.
  30. ibblue07
    Aug 27, 2021
    8
    I love Dead or Alive 3, but there's one problem I have: there is no online mode. Fighting AI can get boring after a while so it would be nice to fight against actual players outside of local play.
  31. Suadi86
    Nov 29, 2022
    9
    I believe for the time D.O.A 3 are the best I purchased xbox original at the time with this game for me are unbelievable
  32. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    8
    Fast paced, flashy, and kinetic, this 3d fighter is a constant thrill ride. Complex combos can be a pain but overall a solid set of gameplay options and a well balanced fighting system mean its always fun to be a flashy ninja or bruce lee

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Xbox Game of 2001
3
#3 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2001
7
#7 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Cincinnati Enquirer
    80
    A perfect game for "guy's night" at home.
    Read full review
  2. Xbox Nation Magazine
    70
    There is very little here that we would describe as new, original, or subtle. [Jan 2002, p.76]
  3. Official Xbox Magazine
    95
    Glorious looking, fast moving fighter with all the right moves. [Dec 2001]
See all critic reviews »