Dead or Alive Ultimate

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Oct 26, 2004
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 64 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 64
  3. Negative: 0 out of 64
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    It's not deal-breaker, but DOA suffers from an intermittent case of the laggies. [Jan 2005, p.137]
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  2. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    Entertaining, but not for the hardcore fighting fan. Every move is very easy to pull off, it's more a matter of learning the best combos, and what each character will throw at you so you can properly defend yourself.
  3. Xbox Nation Magazine
    70
    An above-average brawler and can certainly provide entertainment when consumed in short spurts, but it simply lacks the sophistication to become a contender of the fighting-game throne. [Dec 2004, p.80]
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  5. Edge Magazine
    70
    This is no true sequel, nor is there the intent or transformative change to suggest that it could've been. The result, however, is no less appreciated – lavish, generous and a step to the left of the standard follow-up. [March 2005, p.88]
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  6. games(TM)
    70
    As good as your broadband connection... When everything in Dead or Alive Ultimate works, it's worth an eight, possibly even a nine. However, when it doesn't, you're looking at a five. [March 2005, p.98]
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  7. RewiredMind
    70
    If you have Xbox Live, then let the good times roll and be prepared to get pasted by the world's best players. A lot more could have been added.
  8. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    70
    Dead or Alive 3 is the better game overall, but for fans of nostalgia and those desperate to beat each other up over Xbox Live, Dead or Alive Ultimate is as good as it's going to get right now.
  9. netjak
    69
    Like a really hot looking Mercedes with only an AM radio, no cruise control, and cloth seats. It looks great, and it's fun to drive for a bit, but without all those sweet extras that are offered with virtually every other luxury sedan out there, it loses its charm rather quickly.
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  10. RealGamer
    64
    The cosmetic changes made to "Dead or Alive 2" do provide a level of intensity most beat 'em ups cannot reach. After the first few hours though, the wow factor will decline, leaving very little else in its place.
  11. G4 TV
    60
    Did we really need a third version of Dead or Alive 2? Probably not, and we definitely didn't need more DOA 1. But, for diehard fight fans and online junkies, Ultimate is worth a look.
  12. Times Online
    60
    The 3-D graphics, though impressive, have changed little, and the fighting characters remain pretty much the same.
  13. Gaming Target
    55
    A slightly enhanced collection of two aged fighting games that may look prettier and be playable online, but unlike the girl's chest size the game play just falls flat.

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best Xbox Game of 2004
23
#23 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 2 out of 34
  1. ECB19
    Oct 1, 2018
    10
    OMG!! maybe this is most complete games of DOA. this includes the best version of DOA 2 and the first game.. It is very funny you can play every day.
  2. ibblue07
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    Dead or Alive Ultimate is truly the 'ultimate' package of DOA games since it includes remasters of the first two games.
  3. shootingstars99
    Aug 23, 2019
    10
    DOA2 Ultimate still gets play from me at least once every two weeks. It's that good. There is a lot to learn and do in this game, and ways youDOA2 Ultimate still gets play from me at least once every two weeks. It's that good. There is a lot to learn and do in this game, and ways you can really delve into the deeper side of the action. The "exercise", which is an interactive command list, really gets your started on what your character can really do, and from there, you can find moves that go together and string together huge combos, apply that to tag mode, and you have a recipe for awesome, two-person combos!

    The game play itself has something to offer for fighting game fans of all skill levels, and is an aesthetically pleasing experience as well, as action packed as it is beautiful. The stages are still the most in-depth, thought out and creative maps I have seen in a fighting game to date. The multi-tiered design and intractable levels keep you on your toes and add in an additional layer of depth and really emphasizes your positioning. Survival mode is jam-packed with collectible items that spawn after each victory, and collecting them all and having to learn every character to collect 100% of them is a challenge.

    If there were a fighting game Mount Rushmore, this game would without a doubt be on it.    … Full Review »
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