DEAD OR ALIVE 6

Far from make or break, this looks set to smash it

Format PS4 ETA 15 Feb Pub Koei Tecmo Dev Team Ninja

Telling a tale of escaped ninjas, business execs who like to scrap, and a super-secret fighter chick who really wants that extra-curricular credit, this ridiculous fighter returns. Swapping out sexier classic costumes for more tactically minded default get-ups for its protagonists, the sixth entry is switching things up just bit.

That’s not to say the new game hasn’t kept the series’ playful side, as you can see in new fighter NiCO (pictured). This teen is a genius scientist who also happens to be a keen martial arts fighter. Mixing her two favourite things she fights with plasma attacks and makes use of her tech – EMF Rings enable NiCO to move at lightning-fast speeds. Entrusted with the secret MIST project, she plays a role in the story.

DEAD SET

However, while there’s plenty for fighting game aficionados to get stuck into, beginners are being given more of a jumping-in point than they had in previous games. The Break Gauge fills as you take and land blows as well as when you block successfully. With the series’ first-ever super meter fully charged, you can unleash a number of special moves. By repeatedly tapping u, you can hurl up to four strikes against your opponent with the Fatal Rush. If you tap u as you’re trying to get a bit of distance, you trigger a Break Hold counter. If you tap the shoulder button when you’re trying to get up close, you set off the cinematic Break Blow that certainly leaves its mark on your foe. We’re already warming up, ready to jump back into the fray.

“NICO IS A GENIUS WHO HAPPENS TO BE A MARTIAL ARTS FIGHTER.”