Dead or Alive Goes MIA From 360 Launch
Itagaki says game is getting the once-over it needs to arrive as bug-free as possible.
Tecmo's Dead or Alive 3 was one of the biggest games at the launch of the Xbox and it was responsible for a lot of the admittedly limited success, if you can call it that, of the console in Japan. But those hoping for a repeat with Dead or Alive 4 at the Xbox 360 launch have been instead gifted a lump of coal in the form of a delay.
The precise reasons for holding back the game are unknown, but series producer Tomonobu Itagaki commented to the Japanese press, as reported by GameSpot, that the game was being put through final balancing, to ensure that fighting game fans get the most out of the experience - online and off.
Itagaki also revealed that the game will have more than 20 characters, and that the "true ending" will only be open to those gamers dedicated enough to earn the right to finish the game with returning character Elena - only available after beating the game 16 times.
Dead or Alive 4 was originally slated to hit alongside the 360's Japanese debut on 12 December but that has been pushed back, probably into early 2006.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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