| Platform: | X-Box |
| Genre: | 3D Weapon Fighting |
| Players: | 1 or 2 |
The graphics in this game are certainly top-notch, at least in the X-Box version. I haven't been able to play either of the other two consoles' renditions of this game, but judging by the GameCube demo Babbages had running, I'd say the GC is a close second. Haven't been able to see the Playstation 2 version at all. Anyway, all the characters are animated very well, Namco probably used motion capture. There is a huge variety in character styles, with everything from big slow bruisers to swift swordsmen to lightning-fast ninja bitches. The female characters are certainly nice to look at (always a plus for me), and in certain outfits they have nice jiggliness (Taki's first outfit comes to mind). Only minor complaint is that Voldo is and always has been a freak, and I'd prefer to see him dropped from the roster or else just not dress him like a gimp. Also I would have loved to have seen one of the Dead or Alive ladies instead of Spawn. Spawn is indeed a badass, but I'm just not as familiar with him as I am the DOA girls, and I think it's high time Kasumi got the chance to actually use that sword she's kept strapped to her back for a while.
This series has been the best weapon-based fighter since Soul Edge, with an extensive move list for each character and plenty of versatility, even for the slower guys. It's a blast when played against other people, and the single player game is fun, and for once I've gone through a game that was challenging but not so much so that I threw down my controller in disgust and vowed never to play again. Granted, there was some controller-throwing and plenty of cursing, but this time I was able to eventually overcome and win.
There are loads of secret items to unlock, with several different weapons for each character, as well as third costumes for most of them. Plenty of modes of play that I haven't even really tried yet. And of course like all fighting games there is the playability added by having friends who will play against you.
I'm glad I bought this one, although truth be told I should have waited for a week or two, since I suddenly found myself with a lot less money in the bank than I thought I had. Not going to starve, but I'll be really glad when payday rolls around.