Dead or Alive: Dimensions for the 3DS is the newest installment in the DOA franchise, and the first ever on a Nintendo console. Dimensions takes what other DOA games have done so well and runs with it. First of all, this game looks fantastic; the 3D effect is not overpowering nor unwanted, however it does seem to run slower with the 3D on, at least in my opinion. I remedy this by enjoying the 3D effect while playing the story mode or going against computer characters, but while playing online I will toggle my 3D off so I have that edge against human opponents. Despite that one small complaint, this game has plenty of content and will satisfy not only the most hardcore fans, but also have plenty to offer for casual players or newcomers to the franchise.
Dimensions' Chronicle mode spans the entire history of DOA games, allowing players who are unfamiliar with the story to dive right in and experience it from the start, while experienced players get a nice refresher course. Having been a while since I played a Dead or Alive title, I was especially appreciative of this. Each chapter is quite lengthy, and the difficulty ramps up as you proceed (although they do give you some help and tips to go along with it, if you're new). Playing through the Chronicle mode also allows you to unlock additional characters to use in other modes, and with a 26 character roster, you will be busy for quite some time.
Aside from the main Chronicle mode, DOA: Dimensions also offers online and local multiplayer, survival and arcade mode, street and spot pass data, and a trophy/figure collecting system which allows you to photograph your favorite characters and store the image on an SD card. The spot pass wasn't the most impressive thing to me, since I usually just used it to get a new costume per day, but it does allow you to access other people's “Throw-down Challenge”. This is essentially a computer controlled version of that person's favorite fighter with their name, which you may then proceed to beat to a pulp to obtain additional skill points and figures for your collection. The multiplayer modes vary greatly, including not only a standard one-on-one local or internet brawl, but also online tag team brawls in which you and a friend can duke it out through a series of fights as a team. Survival is the same as every other fighting game's survival mode: beat down a certain amount of fighters in a limited time period and progress to the next challenge
If I haven't stressed this enough yet, the game is literally packed with content, and will keep fans trying to master the game and soundly whoop other players for quite some time. I highly recommend this to fans of the series, or anyone just looking to pick up a new 3DS title to tide them over for a few months. The replay value is high, and the multiplayer is well done and will provide a possible insight into the bright future of 3DS games, and how they might utilize the new system's capabilities for online play. Basically, overall, I have to say that I would give Dead or Alive: Dimensions five out of five ninja stars.
Submitted By: Corey Hall (Employee)