DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round

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2019’s DEAD OR ALIVE 6 received average review scores on its release. Whilst it was praised for the deep combat mechanics, it was criticised for a poor story mode and barebones multiplayer.

Now, developer Team Ninja has released DEAD OR ALIVE 6: Last Round for current gen consoles. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, what does this new and improved version have to offer? Well, prepare for a punch to the gut, because this game is far from being a knockout…

DEAD OR ALIVE 6: Dead On Arrival

Christie hits Bayman with a chop to the face, whilst a car is on fire in the background. — Christie clearly not a fan of Bayman’s shades.

I am, admittedly, kind of a casual fighting game fan. Although I do enjoy beating people up (virtually, of course), I tend to stick to the single-player content. Unfortunately for me, fighting games are often more focused on multiplayer. With that said, do you have any recommended fighting games for solo players such as myself? Let me know in the comments below!

Gameplay

So, what’s new in the gameplay department? Unfortunately, absolutely nothing aside from a new photo mode. Although calling that gameplay is a bit of a stretch… Admittedly, the fighting in Last Round is just as complex and satisfying as ever. But, the distinct lack of additions is instantly noticeable to anyone coming over from DOA6. Tag battles are still absent, and every other mode remains untouched. Crossplay and rollback netcode, things that are quickly becoming the industry standards, are also missing.

An image showcasing the photo mode. Characters Tina and Bass are mid-fight, with Tina kicking Bass in the face. — Photo Mode is great, but we want more!

At least five of the original game’s seven DLC characters are included. Though Mai Shiranu and Kula Diamond will need repurchasing. Yes, even if you already paid for them in DOA6! No other DLC is included, although returning players who have previously paid for content can transfer it over to Last Round. All this, plus the promise of more DLC to come, and Last Round doesn’t feel like a complete (or improved) edition. Sure, it was never touted as such, but bringing a seven-year-old title to modern consoles and not including previous content just feels like a cheap attempt at a cash grab.

If you’re someone who didn’t play DOA6, then Last Round is still a really solid fighting game. The Triangle system gives every move an appropriate counter. Strikes beat throws, throws overpower holds, and holds trump strikes. It can take a while to learn, but it is genuinely rewarding once mastered!

Graphics & Audio

Series regular Kasumi performing a strike on Raidou, sending him flying backwards. They are inside a circular boxing ring. — Combat is as fluid as ever, and arguably the best in the series.

DOA6: Last Round features graphical improvements in the form of improved lighting and shading. Sounds great, until you realise this is only available on one stage! An absolutely baffling decision, despite Team Ninja announcing more stages will receive the improvements in future patches. Aside from that, though? It looks almost identical to the PlayStation 4 version I already own.

Longevity

It’s hard to quantify just how long a fighting game will last. People will play the same ones online for years, whilst others are dead and buried within a few months. Last Round has a sizeable amount of single-player content, which is always nice to see. Thankfully, Team Ninja has reduced the grind of unlocking alternate costumes in Challenge Mode. Whilst this technically reduces time spent with the game, I was more likely to return to it knowing I wouldn’t have to grind for hours for one new outfit.

Final Thoughts

Hayate awaits Hayabusa to stand, before continuing to attack. — We love a little ninja on ninja action here at ThumbCulture.

DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round feels like little more than a cash grab designed to sell more DLC. With no upgrade path for returning players, there is genuinely nothing here that I could recommend over DOA6. If you’re a newcomer, however, then this is still the same engaging, deep fighting game from 2019.

A disappointment for long-time fans, we can only hope future updates will add new features. Preferably ones not locked behind a paywall. As it stands now, Last Round is less of an updated version of DOA6, and more of a current gen version of it.

Therefore, DEAD OR ALIVE 6: Last Round receives the Thumb Culture Bronze Award.