Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fast fighter has lots of sexy imagery, minor game additions.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Dead or Alive 5 Last Round
What's It About?
DEAD OR ALIVE 5 LAST ROUND is an update of the original game released in 2012, and includes even sharper graphics, now in HD quality, along with new content such as extra fighters, stages and previously released downloadable content (DLC). The familiar Dead or Alive ("DOA") gameplay remains the same: chose a male or female character, and by utilizing their skillset – a series of punches, kicks, throws, and some bonus attacks (including weapons and magic) -- defeat the opponent you're pitted against. The fighters in the game are balanced against each other, so you'll learn which moves work best on specific characters, whether you're playing against the game's computer controller fighters or against a friend -- think of it as a violent rendition of rock-paper-scissors.
Is It Any Good?
Dead or Alive 5 Last Round is the best version of an already stellar fighting game – but just don't expect it to be much different than other versions of the DOA game it's based on. In other words, if you already own another version of Dead or Alive 5, such as Ultimate, there's no need to buy Last Round. Newcomers to the franchise should also be aware that many of its (mostly female) characters dress and move very provocatively. The fast action, multiple fighters and interactive environments are complimented by greatly improved graphics, bonus fighters and extra locations (though not many of the new characters are memorable, including a bland schoolgirl named Honoka). Some players are also complaining about various bugs that cause the game to freeze or crash altogether – which will be fixed in a downloadable "patch," apparently.
Along with a few single-player modes and head-to-head fighting in front of the same television, the game offers online matches, tournaments, and a global leaderboard to compare your performance with others. Dead or Alive 5 Last Round might not be ideal for younger players but mature fighting game fans will no doubt have a blast playing it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact of media violence. Should parents be worried about the fighting in this title, or is it simply part of the game (and the genre itself)? Do parents mind that men can beat up women in this game or is it ok because women can also fight men – and win?
Talk about the role of women in this fighting game. Does it objectify women? Are female characters turned into sexual objects because of the game's focus on breast size, skimpy outfits, and zooming in on body parts?
Game Details
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