The Titillating Scoop
By Ben Barker
Few titles in the history of console game systems have generated the kind of across-the-board buzz that's greeted the latest game in Team Ninja's legendary Dead or Alivefranchise. But, unlike previous entries in the series, this newest offering—one that has everyone from CNN to IGN dropping their jaws and wagging their tongues—doesn't focus on bare-knuckled fighting or acrobatic kickboxing. Indeed, it's safe to say that there hasnever been a game quite like Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball. And, lucky for us, it's only on Xbox. Let's hit the beach!
Hitomi kicks up sand with an overhand smash.
Look & Feel
The DOA series and its developer, Team Ninja, never hesitate to push the graphics envelope. The last game in the series, Dead or Alive 3, broke all kinds of ground (as well as a few neon signs) when it came to depicting better-than-lifelike fighters in slam-bang action that literally shook the worlds around them. Xtreme Beach Volleyball leaps ahead of that already-impressive standard, depicting gorgeous characters that defy selected laws of physics, camera manipulation that lets you take in all the angles, and deep, detailed backgrounds that look even better than the real thing. (Trust us, after a few games, you will start to check out the backgrounds, too). Cut scene movies, some of which help earn this title its M rating, offer even more impressive cinematic eye candy, like those seen in DOA3. Some are downright hilarious—especially Zack's Titanic-sized introduction, which shows how he won enough dough to buy his own private island resort.
Kasumi's quest for vengeance leads to the volleyball arena.
With the game's innovative shopping and gift-giving system, you can customize the appearance, dress, and even tan lines of characters and their partners, using cash won from volleyball or casino gaming. Indeed, the game's rewarding depth truly comes into play when buying presents for your best girl—be it a bottle of suntan lotion for Tina, a butterfly comb for Lisa, or a million-dollar micro-bikini for Ayane. And, while nothing's been announced as of yet, it would probably be safe to bet (based on what they did with DOA3) that Tecmo and TJ will release more costumes and accessories, possibly through a certain Xbox magazine with "Official" in its name.
This little number is just the thing to perk up your partner.
Feast Your Eyes
The ladies of DOA are more beautiful than ever before, and they're taking advantage of their vacation on Zack Island to work on those tans. They also get a workout in the volleyball matches that are the core of this surprisingly deep title. Every bump, set, and spike flows smoothly without a single jaggy edge or frame-rate hiccup. The environments are equally stunning: The Casino area looks better than Vegas's ritzy Bellagio, the diverse match arenas (including the beaches, the jungle, and Zack Island's little neighbor, tiny Bass Island) are postcard-perfect, and the poolside resort options could divert the discerning gamer for hours at a time.
But, we digress. In this case, a few pictures are definitely worth a thousand words:
Coconuts have all the luck.
Hitomi recovers from a tricky return. After the game, she can soak up some sun in the nearby lounge chairs.
Stretching is very important for the serious athlete.
Stars & stripes forever.
Listen to the Warm
Add Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball to the growing list of games that allow you to customize your own soundtrack. The game's radio options let you choose from an impressive array of tunes from artists like Bob Marley, Christina Aguilera, and even the Spice Girls, among others. Of course, you're not limited to Team Ninja's peppy choices. Drop in some Rat Pack classics to get ready for night-time casino fun, set the volleyball games to your own favorite beach songs, pump up the beat for serious two-player exhibition grudge matches, and still enjoy every smack of the ball and cry of victory in glorious Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound.
See you on the beach!
Only On Xbox
Every so often, an Xbox game comes along that—in and of itself—justifies your purchase of the most powerful gaming system on the planet. Games like Halo, MechAssault, and Splinter Cell can now welcome Team Ninja's latest achievement to their ranks. With groundbreaking graphics, fully customizable sound, deceptively deep gameplay that's easy to learn and tricky to master, and—let's face it—the best-looking pixels you'll lay eyes on this year, Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyballwill prove to you the wisdom of going for the X.
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