DEAD OR ALIVE
DEAD OR ALIVE is one of those fighting games that kinda flew under the radar but still managed to leave a mark, and while it didn’t blow minds like TEKKEN or STREET FIGHTER, it had its own flavor. The game introduced the series’ signature fast-paced combat, counter-heavy mechanics, and, let’s be real, the cheesecake that would later become a franchise staple. 
It wasn’t the most polished fighter out there, but it was fun, flashy, and had enough personality to stand out.
| GAME DATASHEET | |
|---|---|
| Name | DEAD OR ALIVE |
| Genre | Fighting |
| Console | Arcade, Saturn, PlayStation |
| Released | 1996 |
| Developer | TECMO |
| Publisher | TECMO |
| Language | Japanese | English |
Gameplay-wise, DEAD OR ALIVE is all about speed and counters. Unlike other fighters where blocking was your main defense, this games encourages you to time your counters (or "holds") to reverse attacks mid-combo. This makes fights feel more dynamic, tho the AI read your inputs like a mind reader. The roster is small but diverse, with fighters like Kasumi, the ninja with lightning-fast strikes, and Bass, the hulking grappler who could slam you into next week. Stages are interactive too, with multi-tiered arenas where you could knock opponents off cliffs or through walls, making it feel fresh.
Character models are blocky (as expected), but animations are smooth, and the game runs at a solid clip. The soundtrack's a mix of upbeat techno and rock, fitting the high-energy vibe, though nothing too memorable. Where the game really shows its age is in content, arcade mode, versus, and not much else. No deep story, no crazy unlockables, just straight-up fighting. Still, it deserves respect for trying something different, even if it was a little rough around the edges.
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