Combat Strategy

Dead or Alive® 4 marks the deepest, most strategic game in the series thus far, and, while many of the strategies common to the series are still effective, there are plenty of new elements to keep in mind and old tactics to toss aside. Here, then, are some tips and tricks to help you along the way.

Dead or Alive 4 is the most challenging
and complex entry in the series to date.

Understanding Reversals
The tried-and-true reversal system may be similar to previous versions, but enough has changed that a full explanation is in order. Only a complete understanding of the system will net you any benefit. First, the basics.

You can successfully reverse a:

• Mid-level punch by pressing back and X.
• Mid-level kick by pressing forward and X.
• High attack or jumping attack by pressing backwards-and-up and X.
• Low attack by pressing backwards-and-down and X.

Nifty outfit.

Basics aside, here are a couple of key points to keep in mind regarding reversals in DOA 4:

• Don't rely on them exclusively. In prior DOA games, you could count on a fair percentage of your damage coming from reversals, but their impact has been somewhat slimmed down in DOA 4. They do a fair bit less damage than before, so use them more as an effective stop to your opponent's attacks, as opposed to the primary source of your own damage dealing.
• If you're timing feels off, it's probably because you have roughly half the time available to successfully counter an attack as you did before. There's just a fraction of a second now to pull off a reversal. Use the sparring mode to practice your reversal timing if you're having trouble with it.
• A successful reversal paralyzes your opponent. They're unable to do anything for a second or two, making them vulnerable to ground attacks. Make sure you have your character's ground specific attacks (e.g. Jann Lee's stomp) memorized so you can take full advantage.

Patterns
Whether against the CPU or online opponents, recognizing patterns does a lot for you. Online players tend to fall in love with specific combos, which can be thwarted at the beginning by beating them to the punch (or kick as the case may be), or countered at the end with a reversal since the last move can usually be predicted.

Reverse that!

The reverse is true as well, especially online. Make sure you mix things up as much as possible. Remember, many combos start out the same but can end very differently, so try to make sure you change up not only your combos, but the ends of each combo to keep your enemy on their toes.

Separate Entities
More than in the series' past, each fighter offers their own unique style, so don't think that just because you're dominant with Bayman that you'll find equal success with Bass (or SPARTAN-458 for that matter). Treat each character as separate entities and you'll find more success.

Sparring
The sparring mode has been vastly upgraded, so learning each characters strengths and weaknesses, and mastering their litany of combos, is easier and more intuitive than before.

Pick any stage you've unlocked and spar against any character you want (just like before), but also set specific actions for your opponent to undertake and even select which stance they use. Go through each combo one by one, setting the game up so it ticks each combo and move off the list as you successfully complete it.

You would think those clogs would be a hindrance.

Context Sensitive
Use the environments to your advantage by not just knocking someone through a window or down a staircase, but also by employing context-sensitive actions: Leap over a barrier towards an opponent and lay down a special attack, use special acrobatic moves off of walls, and context-sensitive throws near hillsides and stairways. Practice extensively with your favorite characters to make good and strategic use of these moves, but they warrant the extra effort.

All in all, Dead or Alive 4 is the most challenging and complex entry in the series to date. You might find that those brand new to the series actually get off to a better start, as they won't be hindered by any preconceptions. Keep these tips in mind and consider all the changes have been made to the overall gameplay and each character.

Article by Alex McLain