Dead or Alive (franchise)#Gameplay

Image:DOA tag attack.jpg throw by Helena Douglas and Leifang against Ayane in Dead or Alive Ultimate]]

The Dead or Alive series focuses on fast-paced gameplay in a three-dimensional playing field. Like other modern fighting games that attempt to emulate real life martial arts, DOA's input system is designed so controls correspond to the game character's actions; if the character moves forward with a punch, the controls most likely would include the punch input and pressing forward on the directional pad. In comparison to others in the fighting game genre, such as Virtua Fighter, the series places emphasis on striking characters quickly and efficiently. There is an emphasis on quick combos and air-juggles since the game's countering system and fast recovery times prevent slow, technical sets of moves in most instances. The series controls also make the instances of speed and simplicity more congruent with the focus of timing and combos in mind, as the commands for basic attacks are widely considered more straightforward than most video games. There is only one button for punch, kick, throw and guard, with the player rarely having to combine more than two different input schemes together at a time.

One of the series' most innovative additions to the genre is its countering system, officially known as the "Triangle System". The basic gameplay of the series is based on the Triangle System with three basic actions: Blows, Throws, and Holds; Blows beat Throws, Throws beat Holds, and Holds beat Blows.{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/new-dead-or-alive-6-trailer-explains-the-classic-triangle-system/ |title=New Dead or Alive 6 trailer explains the classic 'Triangle' system |last=Moyse |first=Chris |date=2019-01-13 |website=Destructoid |publisher= |access-date=2023-08-23 |quote=}} Beginning with the original Dead or Alive, players could tap the guard button and a direction corresponding with the anticipated attack, which would do a powerful counterattack known as Counter Hold. Counter Holds must be timed correctly and match the direction of the attack being countered. If the attack targets the torso, the player must also take into account whether the attack is a punch or a kick. The input for Holds has changed several times over the course of the series with the latest games adopting a 4-point Hold system, and some games offering the option to change the input type.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012-05-30-dead-or-alive-5-to-use-a-doa4-style-four-point-hold-system.html |title=Dead or Alive 5 to use a DOA4-style four-point hold system |last=Mallory |first=Jordan |date=2016-07-14 |website=Engadget |publisher= |access-date=2023-08-23 |quote=}} This countering system further sets Dead or Alive apart as skilled players can identify combo patterns on defense and counter accordingly, which in turn encourages the opponent to adjust their offense on the fly to be less predictable and avoid being countered.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/dead-or-alive-6-beginners-guide-tips-tricks/ |title=Dead or Alive 6: Beginner's Guide Tips and Tricks |last=Peterson |first=Cody |date=2020-04-09 |website=Screen Rant |publisher= |access-date=2023-08-23 |quote=Holds are the exact reason that playing randomly is so important. If an opponent is skilled enough to pick out a pattern then they know exactly what hold to throw up against an incoming attack. It is very easy to use holds to punish players with little skill. Unpredictability is the player's best friend, and keeping an eye out for a chance to hold can turn the tides of almost any battle.}}

Image:DOA3_Danger_Zone_Falls.gif. The character Ayane smashes Leon out the widow of a multi-storey building.]]

The series uses interactive features that appear in certain fighting arenas, called "Danger Zones". Fighters caught in a Danger Zone will take extra damage, giving the attacker a slight advantage. These environmental hazards can be anything from Falls to Explosives to Breakable Structures. If a fighter has low health, being trapped in a Danger Zone is more likely to knock them out than a normal attack, although in certain titles, elements such as falls cannot do this, and instead just leave the fighter with very low health.

In the first Dead or Alive, stages were simply fighting ring arenas and the Danger Zones were just explosive outer edges of the arena floors. In Dead or Alive 2, stage environments became larger and multi-tiered and the original Danger Zone was replaced with more fully interactive ones such as Falls off the Edge, Walls, Electrically Charged Walls, Explosive Walls, Breakable Walls and Windows. Players are also offered the ability to sidestep into the foreground or background.

Since Dead or Alive 2, the series has implemented its Tag team fighting system, allowing characters to switch back and forth instantly for combo attacks and even attack simultaneously when timed correctly. The Tag Mode also included special throws unique to certain pairs of characters called "Tag Throws", and the mode allows for the participation of four players, something not very common in the fighting game genre. Dead or Alive 3 introduced the "Attack Change" feature in the Tag mechanics where the fighting character can switch places with a partner, in which the character jumping in can then unleash an attack while jumping in. Since Dead or Alive 3, Tag matches can be selected in the other game modes.

Dead or Alive 3 improved upon the gameplay and graphics in superior detail compared to the previous games. The game offered unrestricted 3D-axis movements with better sidestepping, giving players the ability to dodge most attacks with a sidestep. The game added a new feature in its Sparring Mode called "Exercise" also known as "Command Training", an automatic command tutorial that teaches players how to perform attacks. The game expanded on the concept of multi-tiered environments, pushing the range of the stage sizes larger than that of its predecessors.

Dead or Alive 4 introduced the "Bounce Combo" system where players can perform further attacks to opponents who are bouncing off the floor or ground, and can also performed attacks on opponents while they are down. Moving Obstacles were introduced in certain stages as a type of Danger Zone that causes damage to fighters who are hit by them and using a counter hold at the right timing can help players avoid being hit by them. Jumping over non-moving Obstacles and performing flying attacks while jumping over them was also introduced. Dead or Alive: Dimensions utilizes the Nintendo 3DS bottom touchscreen in addition to the normal control system, offering optional touchscreen-based controls by tapping a move set to execute Blow combos, Throws, and Holds. Since Dimensions, the series supports in-game frame data that can be displayed during Training Mode.

Dead or Alive 5 uses a revamped control system and features a more cinematic experience, especially with regards to Danger Zone effects. "Power Blow" is a triggered powerful attack that can enable the player that is low on health to knock the opponent character away in a selected direction, possibly initiating a cinematic quick time event called Cliffhanger. The game's new Critical System features Critical Stuns, Critical Combos, and Critical Bursts.{{cite web|url=http://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/uk/features.html |title=Dead or Alive 5 Official Site | Features |publisher=Teamninja-studio.com |access-date=2013-08-14}} Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate further added the vertical Power Launcher and an extensive Tutorial mode.{{cite web|url=http://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/ultimate/uk/home.html#features |title=DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Ultimate Official Site: FEATURES |publisher=Teamninja-studio.com |access-date=2013-08-25}} Dead or Alive 5 Plus for the PlayStation Vita features optional touchscreen-based controls from first-person perspective.{{cite web|url=http://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/plus/us/newfeatures.html |title=DEAD OR ALIVE 5 PLUS Official Site | NEW FEATURES |publisher=Teamninja-studio.com |access-date=2016-03-19}}

Dead or Alive 6 introduces both the Gauge System and costume customization. The Gauge System consists of the "Break Gauge", which allows numerous special moves to be performed depending on how full the gauge is, such as Fatal Rushes, Side Attacks, Break Holds, and Break Blows.{{cite web |url=https://www.newsweek.com/dead-or-alive-6-basic-how-fight-doa-1348254 |title='Dead or Alive 6' Basics: How to Fight and Fatal Rush Explained |last=Martinez |first=Phillip |date=2023-03-01 |website=Newsweek |publisher= |access-date=2023-08-23 |quote=}} The game also features an enhanced Bounce Combo system that allows players to bound their opponent on the ground for a finisher, with different inputs depending on the character.

The spin-off Xtreme series is mostly based around two-on-two matches of beach volleyball and casino gambling. After the original Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball, the available activities have expanded to include the likes of watercraft racing and beach photography,{{cite web |url=http://www.deadoralive.jp/doax2/index2.html |title=DEAD OR ALIVE Xtreme 2 | The Official WebSite |publisher=Deadoralive.jp |access-date=2016-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401111739/http://www.deadoralive.jp/doax2/index2.html |archive-date=2016-04-01 }} while emphasizing the series' breast physics.{{Cite web |url=https://hothardware.com/news/dead-or-alive-extreme-3s-gratuitous-ta-deemed-too-sexist-for-american-european-audiences |title=Dead or Alive Extreme 3's Gratuitous T&A Deemed Too Sexist For American, European Audiences |last=Williams |first=Rob |date=2015-11-26 |website=HotHardware |language=en-us |access-date=2020-01-23}}{{Clear}}

{{Further|Characters of the Dead or Alive series}}

File:Dead-or-Alive-ninjas.jpg, Ryu Hayabusa, Ayane and Hayate]]

The Dead or Alive series depicts a collection of skilled martial artists in a worldwide competition named the "Dead or Alive World Combat Championship", or simply "the Dead or Alive tournament". DOATEC (Dead or Alive Tournament Executive Committee), a massive corporation with unknown motives, holds the fighting competition in arenas ranging from the North Pole to the Amazon rainforest.

Dead or Alive, the first game in the series, introduces the initial characters and their reasons for entering the tournament. For example, Zack enters for profit, while Kasumi, a runaway female ninja of the Mugen Tenshin Ninja Clan and the series' main protagonist, enters the tournament to seek revenge against Raidou, who injured her brother, Hayate. Kasumi wins the first DOA tournament and kills Raidou; however, due to her status as a runaway, the strict laws of ninja society prevent Kasumi from returning to her village and she becomes a hunted fugitive.

Dead or Alive 2 is set less than a year later, as Tengu escapes from his world and threatens the human world. Fame Douglas, the founder and CEO of DOATEC, is assassinated shortly after the first tournament, causing DOATEC to fall under a new leadership. Kasumi is kidnapped by DOATEC and used as a subject in DOATEC's bio-weapon experiment, Alpha. Kasumi's brother Hayate, previously injured by Raidou, is also kidnapped and used as a subject in DOATEC's bio-weapon experiment, Epsilon. New fighters include Ein, Helena Douglas, Kasumi Alpha, Leon, and Tengu. Eventually, Ryu Hayabusa kills Tengu and wins the second tournament.

Dead or Alive 3, takes place after the defeat of Tengu. The game's plot concerns a secret goal of DOATEC scientist Victor Donovan to produce the ultimate human weapon called the "Omega Project". Through the Epsilon and Alpha stages, it is initially believed that DOATEC captures and wipes the Mugen Tenshin's Hajin Mon ninja Genra's memory. In reality, as revealed in a retold-based game Dead or Alive: Dimensions, Genra betrayed Mugen Tenshin to align himself with DOATEC and reveals himself to be responsible for Tengu's invasion on Earth. He then voluntarily becomes a subject for his transformation into Omega. A third tournament is later held to test Genra's Omega abilities. In the end, Kasumi's half-sister Ayane kills her former master and wins the third tournament. The game introduces five more fighters: the first playable appearance of Hayate and the brand new fighters Brad Wong, Christie, Hitomi, and Omega.

Dead or Alive 4 again explores DOATEC's attempts to create a powerful clone of Kasumi with the Alpha Project. The various fighters discover the true nature of DOATEC and set out to stop it. Helena takes over DOATEC as its new president and CEO, determined to fight against the corruption within the organization and change DOATEC for the better. Helena wins the fourth tournament and decides to give the title to Zack. The game introduces four new fighters: Alpha-152, Eliot, Kokoro, and La Mariposa.

The fifth game, Dead or Alive 5, is set two years later. DOATEC is newly reformed with Helena still in control and Zack appearing to be an employee. Donovan forms a new organization called MIST to continue the Alpha Project. Jann Lee beats Hitomi in the last round of the fifth tournament. However, Jann Lee still feels that there is one person who he wants to defeat in order for him to be a true winner- Rig, who at first seems to have amnesia since he refers to Donovan as his dad. Meanwhile, Kasumi, Ryu, and Ayane, with help from Helena, fight to destroy the Alpha project and stop Donovan.

Continuing to Dead or Alive 6, DOATEC and Mugen Tenshin discover that MIST is after the fifth tournament qualifier participant, Honoka, due to her having a similar power signature as Raidou. By the time the sixth tournament begins, suspicions of Rig experiencing amnesia are confirmed; he is unknowingly being implanted with a hypnotic suggestion by MIST that brainwashes him to serve them under the alias "Victor Donovan Jr.", causing Bass and Jann Lee to worry about his current situation. For the final tournament match, Jann Lee is once again officially a winner, but he was unofficially defeated by a newcomer, Diego. Ayane and Honoka are soon kidnapped by MIST and coerced into unwillingly reviving Raidou, their biological father, as an undead cyber ninja demon. As her older half-sister, Honoka, is still weakened, Ayane teams up with Kasumi and Hayate to kill the revived Raidou once and for all. Helena, arriving at one of MIST's hidden laboratories to secure the place, approaches a young scientist, NiCO, who acts as Lisa's replacement and is responsible for Raidou's resurrection. Although NiCO attempts to revive Helena's mother, Maria, Helena rejects her plan, causing NiCO to escape from her.

{{Video game timeline

| compressempty = yes

| 1996 = Dead or Alive

| 1998 = Dead or Alive ++

| 1999 = Dead or Alive 2

| 2000a = Dead or Alive 2 Millennium

| 2000b = Dead or Alive 2 Hardcore

| 2001 = Dead or Alive 3

| 2003 = Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball

| 2004 = Dead or Alive Ultimate

| 2005 = Dead or Alive 4

| 2006 = Dead or Alive Xtreme 2

| 2008 = Dead or Alive Online

| 2009 = Girls of DOA BlackJack

| 2010 = Dead or Alive Paradise

| 2011 = Dead or Alive: Dimensions

| 2012 = Dead or Alive 5

| 2013a = Dead or Alive 5+

| 2013b = Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate

| 2015 = Dead or Alive 5 Last Round

| 2016 = Dead or Alive Xtreme 3

| 2017a = Dead or Alive 5 Infinite

| 2017b = Dead or Alive Xtreme Venus Vacation

| 2019a = Dead or Alive 6

| 2019b = Dead or Alive Xtreme 3 Scarlet

| 2025a = Venus Vacation Prism: Dead or Alive Xtreme

}}

File:Dead or Alive Online promotional models, ChinaJoy 20080717a.jpg promotion at China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference (ChinaJoy) 2007]]

The series was created by its original director and producer Tomonobu Itagaki after he became a programmer for Tecmo in 1992. During the mid-1990s, Tecmo was in financial trouble and was in need of a hit to boost sagging game sales. In this vein, Itagaki made a wager with the management of company, including the vice president later turned president of the company, Junji Nakamura, assuring he would create a video game that would garner a fan base. Tomonobu Itagaki stated how he was dissatisfied with the way modern fighting games at the time were presented; he missed the old arcade-style of play and had another vision for the fighting game genre. Following the initial working titles of "Ninja Fighter" and "Poligon Fighter",Dead or Alive History Book, p. 54-55. he named the series "Dead or Alive" to demonstrate both the company and game's fail or succeed status, and proceeded to form a division in the company named Team Ninja. The first Dead or Alive game was a success in helping Tecmo overcome their financial problems, and in turn, helped Dead or Alive become a franchise. Itagaki's inspiration for the series derived from the Virtua Fighter series in Japan as the management asked Itagaki to create a game similar to Virtua Fighter.{{cite web|url=http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/features/itagaki_interview_feb05_p1.asp |title=Video Games Daily | Tomonobu Itagaki: The Kikizo Interview 2005 with Team Ninja Boss |website=Archive.videogamesdaily.com |date=2005-02-15 |access-date=2016-03-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319000936/http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/features/itagaki_interview_feb05_p1.asp |archive-date=2016-03-19 }} Inspiration also derived from the Fatal Fury series in Japan, and the Mortal Kombat series in America, with DOA's sexual appeal drawn from the former series, and the ability to knock opponents off landscapes from the latter. When asked how he wished the series would contribute to the fighting genre, Itagaki replied: "I want people to remember DOA as a game that was very aggressive and combative. As to [...] how it contributed to the fighting genre – I look at it as something similar to how sushi was released in this country and became mainstream. You know, like, some people like graphics, some people like animation, some like flashy character design and so forth. Through DOA, we want to reach out to those people and become somewhat of a mainstream game."{{cite web | url = https://www.gameinformer.com | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19961227062528/http://www.gameinformer.com/ | url-status = live | archive-date = December 27, 1996 | title = Catching up with Tecmo's Prince of Darkness: Classic GI interviews Tomonogu Itagaki | publisher = Game Informer magazine Issue December 2004 | year = 2004}}

The sequels, Dead or Alive 2, Dead or Alive 3, and Dead or Alive 4 brought much success to the franchise, both critically and commercially. The success of Dead or Alive sparked a renewal interest in Tecmo's classic (but at that time long dormant) Ninja Gaiden series. After Ninja Gaiden was revived in 2004 by Itagaki and Team Ninja, they began linking it back with Dead or Alive, setting the franchises within the same universe with overlapping characters and events. As it was a complete reboot of the series and did not continue the canon of any previous Ninja Gaiden titles, the developers were free to do with the universe and its characters as it saw fit, and so the game was implemented into the DOA universe, setting up Ninja Gaiden I, Dragon Sword and Ninja Gaiden II as prequels to the first DOA. In addition, Ninja Gaiden protagonist Ryu Hayabusa, who had already been on the roster of every DOA fighting game since the beginning, plays a major role in that series' overarching storyline, which has been fleshed out during the development of the subsequent Ninja Gaiden titles. Having featured Ryu in most of Dead or Alive games during development of the Ninja Gaiden reboot, Team Ninja then included the characters Ayane and Kasumi in most of the Ninja Gaiden games. Conversely, several characters from DOA have roles in the rebooted Ninja Gaiden series, initially only appearing during story sequences but becoming fully playable characters in special modes in the later games. Rachel and Momiji, characters originating from the Ninja Gaiden series, appear in updated versions of Dead or Alive 5.

Before his departure from Team Ninja, Itagaki stated in 2006 that he had a new DOA game planned,{{cite web | last=Klepek | first=Patrick | year=2006 | title=Itagaki Confirms Dead or Alive 5 | url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3155366 | work=1UP.com | access-date=May 31, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215134/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3155366 | archive-date=September 27, 2007 }} but in a 2008 interview he said about the series: "This is another area that my closest colleagues and I all agree that we were able to achieve the definitive fighting game with DOA4. So we're not looking to extend the series at this point."{{cite web | last=Ogden|first=Gavin | year=2008 | title=Tomonobu Itagaki Interview | url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=189396 | work= ComputerAndVideoGames.com | access-date=May 24, 2008}} In a released statement on June 3, 2008, Itagaki announced his resignation from Tecmo (July 1, 2008) due to business troubles with then president of Tecmo, Yoshimi Yasuda. Itagaki filed a lawsuit against Yoshimi Yasuda for withholding a bonus promised for his previous works and for damages based on "unreasonable and disingenuous statements" made in front of Itagaki's colleagues. Other lawsuits were filed with former president, Junji Nakamura, demanding payment in executive retirement benefits on February 14, 2007, and two plaintiffs suing on behalf of Tecmo's 300 employees for unpaid wages on June 16, 2008. Itagaki stated that this would unfortunately lead to the end of production for the game and its series.[http://kotaku.com/5012535/itagaki-leaving-tecmo-suing-tecmo Top: Itagaki Leaving Tecmo, Suing Tecmo] However, Tecmo replied with the announcement that Team Ninja would not be dissolved upon Itagaki's departure, stating that both the Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive franchises would remain in production and that some projects were already underway.{{cite web|last=Magrino |first=Tom |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/ninjagaidenii/news.html?page=1&sid=6192053 |title=Tecmo affirms Itagaki departure – Xbox 360 News at GameSpot |publisher=Gamespot.com |date=June 3, 2008 |access-date=August 12, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402070036/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/ninjagaidenii/news.html?page=1&sid=6192053 |archive-date=April 2, 2009 }}

Soon after, Tecmo president, Yoshimi Yasuda, resigned from the company following the lawsuits and was replaced by Tecmo's chairman of the board, Yasuharu Kakihara. Tecmo would merge with fellow video game publisher, Koei, to form Tecmo Koei Games, now known as Koei Tecmo. The role of Team Ninja leader and series producer was taken over by Dead or Alive planner and tester, Yosuke Hayashi, while game designer and planner, Yohei Shimbori, takes over as director of the series. Dead or Alive Paradise was the first DOA console game not developed by the original Team Ninja. Dead or Alive 5 was created in partnership with Sega AM2 of Virtua Fighter fame, featuring several guest characters from that series. Free-to-play versions of the games Dead or Alive 5 and Dead or Alive 6 were released to attract new fans to the series and to introduce more people to the fighting genre, hoping to help to bring back the fighting games' golden era of the 1990s.{{cite web|author=Spencer |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/06/03/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-will-also-be-released-as-a-freemium-game-for-ps3/ |title=Dead Or Alive 5 Ultimate Will Also Be Released As A Freemium Game For PS3 |publisher=Siliconera |date=2013-06-03 |access-date=2013-11-15}}{{Cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2019/03/free-to-play-dead-or-alive-6-core-fighters-now-available|title=Free-to-play Dead or Alive 6: Core Fighters now available|date=2019-03-15|website=Gematsu|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-16}} On March 31, 2021, director Shimbori announced his departure from Team Ninja to pursue other opportunities,{{cite web |last1=Romano|first1=Sal|title=Dead or Alive series director Yohei Shimbori leaves Koei Tecmo|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/03/dead-or-alive-series-director-yohei-shimbori-leaves-koei-tecmo|website=Gematsu|date=March 31, 2021}} while his position of director was taken over by Hayashi. In 2022, Hayashi would step down as Team Ninja head to become the Koei Tecmo entertainment division's general manager,{{cite web |last1=Nelva|first1=Giuseppe|title=Koei Tecmo Teases Reveal of Games in The Works for Years That Will Show its "Full Power"|url=https://twinfinite.net/2021/12/koei-tecmo-2022-tease-new-game/|website=Twinfinite|date=28 December 2021 |access-date=27 June 2022}} with Fumihiko Yasuda serving as Team Ninja's current head.{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-3-werent-rightteam-ninja-fumihiko-yasuda/|title=Yaiba And Ninja Gaiden 3 "Weren't Right For The Series" According To Team Ninja's Fumihiko Yasuda|last=Aubrey|first=Dave|publisher=TheGamer|date=30 March 2021|access-date=20 March 2022}}

Since 2019, no new games in the fighting game series have been released.{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/tekken-8-devs-miss-competition-from-virtua-fighter-and-dead-or-alive/ |title=Tekken 8 devs miss competition from Virtua Fighter and Dead or Alive |last=Minotti |first=Mike |date=2023-12-12 |website=VentureBeat |publisher= |access-date=2024-02-12 |quote=Dead or Alive isn’t quite that dormant, with Dead or Alive 6 releasing in 2019, but it received a muted response from fans. We haven’t heard much about the series since.}} At the end of a presentation by Koei Tecmo at G-Star 2022, it was hinted that the franchise might be rebooted again in the near future. The rumors were subsequently disconfirmed by Team Ninja creative director, Tom Lee.{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/team-ninja-moves-to-clarify-ninja-gaiden-dead-or-alive-reboot-reports/ |title= Team Ninja moves to clarify Ninja Gaiden / Dead or Alive 'reboot' reports |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=2022-11-22 |website=Video Games Chronicle |publisher= |access-date=2024-06-15 |quote=}} In a February 2024 interview with Team Ninja department manager, Masakazu Hirayama, he stated that they are is considering the possibility of returning to the series, saying that Dead or Alive is an important IP to them.{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2024/02/05/team-ninja-interview-wo-long-fallen-dynasty-complete-edition-masakazu-hirayama-dead-or-alive-ninja-gaiden-revival-physical-edition-dlc/ |title= Team NINJA Interview: Wo Long Producer/Director Masakazu Hirayama on a Potential Sequel, the Possibility of Returning to Ninja Gaiden, Wo Long Complete Edition, the PC Port, Player Feedback, and More |last=Madnani |first=Mikhail |date=2024-02-05 |website=TouchArcade |publisher= |access-date=2024-06-18 |quote=While we have no plans at the moment, the NINJA GAIDEN and DEAD OR ALIVE are IPs that are important to us, so we are always considering the possibility.}} When asked about introducing a guest character from Dead or Alive to Tekken 8, producer Katsuhiro Harada cited this content drought as the main reason he doesn't see a collaboration happening.{{cite web |url=https://gamerant.com/tekken-8-dead-or-alive-crossover-requests-director-response/ |title=Tekken 8 Director Addresses Requests for a Dead or Alive Crossover |last=Gose |first=Lance |date=2024-06-13 |website=GameRant |publisher= |access-date=2024-06-15 |quote=}}

At the Tokyo Game Show 2024, Koei Tecmo announced Venus Vacation Prism: Dead or Alive Xtreme, a new entry in the Dead or Alive Xtreme spin-off series. It released in March 2025.{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/09/venus-vacation-prism-dead-or-alive-xtreme-announced-for-ps5-ps4-and-pc |title= Venus Vacation PRISM: DEAD OR ALIVE Xtreme announced for PS5, PS4, and PC |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2024-09-27 |website=Gematsu |publisher= |access-date=2024-09-27 |quote=}}

{{clear}}

{{Video game titles|

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive (video game)

| title = Dead or Alive

| date = {{Video game release|WW|November 26, 1996}}

| multiplereleasedates = no

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 1996 – Arcade (Sega Model 2)
1997 – Sega Saturn
1998 – PlayStation
2008 – PlayStation Network

| platform =

| notes =

• Released on PlayStation 3 as a PS one Classic in Japan on December 10, 2008.

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive 2

| title = Dead or Alive 2

| date = {{Video game release|JP|October 16, 1999|NA|February 29, 2000|EU|April 28, 2000}}

| multiplereleasedates = yes

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 1999 – Arcade (Sega NAOMI)
2000 – Dreamcast, PlayStation 2

| platform =

| notes =

• PlayStation 2 launch title in Japan.

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive 3

| title = Dead or Alive 3

| date = {{Video game release|NA|November 15, 2001|JP|February 22, 2002|EU|March 14, 2002}}

| multiplereleasedates = yes

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2001 – Xbox
2021 – Xbox Live

| platform =

| notes =

• Xbox launch title.
• Released on Xbox Live on November 10, 2021. The European and Japanese versions both feature more content and are downloadable from Xbox Live on American Xbox platforms by purchasing Dead or Alive 3 for $14.99 in the Xbox Store first, then changing the region in the Xbox settings to either United Kingdom or Japan, and restarting the console before downloading. The console can be switched back to the American region after the download is complete.

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive 4

| title = Dead or Alive 4

| date = {{Video game release|NA/JP|December 29, 2005|EU|January 27, 2006}}

| multiplereleasedates = yes

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2005 – Xbox 360
2021 – Xbox Live

| platform =

| notes =

• A demo version of the game was made available for free download on Xbox Live on July 24, 2006.
• Released on Xbox Live on November 15, 2021.

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive 5

| title = Dead or Alive 5

| date = {{Video game release|NA|September 25, 2012|JP|September 27, 2012|EU|September 28, 2012}}

| multiplereleasedates = yes

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2012 – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

| platform =

| notes =

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive 6

| title = Dead or Alive 6

| date = {{Video game release|WW|March 1, 2019}}

| multiplereleasedates = no

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2019 – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Arcade (Sega ALLS)

| platform =

| notes =

• A free-to-play version of the game was released under the name Dead or Alive 6: Core Fighters on March 15, 2019.
• An arcade version of the game was released on July 18, 2019.

}}

}}

{{Video game titles|

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive (video game)

| title = Dead or Alive ++

| date = {{Video game release|JP|October 16, 1998}}

| multiplereleasedates = no

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 1998 – Arcade (Sony ZN-1)

| platform =

| notes =

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive 2

| title = Dead or Alive 2 Millennium

| date = {{Video game release|JP|January 18, 2000|NA/EU|2000}}

| multiplereleasedates = no

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2000 – Arcade (Sega NAOMI)

| platform =

| notes =

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive 2

| title = DOA2: Hardcore

| date = {{Video game release|NA|October 25, 2000|JP|December 14, 2000|EU|December 15, 2000}}

| multiplereleasedates = yes

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2000 – PlayStation 2
2012 – PlayStation Network

| platform =

| notes =

• PlayStation 2 launch title in North America.
• Spelled DOA2: Hard*Core in Japan.
• Released on PlayStation 3 as a PlayStation 2 Classic in Japan on August 22, 2012 and in North America on March 24, 2015.

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive 5 Plus

| title = Dead or Alive 5+

| date = {{Video game release|NA|March 19, 2013|EU|March 22, 2013|JP|March 20, 2013}}

| multiplereleasedates = yes

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2013 – PlayStation Vita

| platform =

| notes =

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate

| title = Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate

| date = {{Video game release|NA|September 3, 2013|JP|September 5, 2013|EU|September 6, 2013}}

| multiplereleasedates = yes

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2013 – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Arcade (Sega RingEdge 2)

| platform =

| notes =

• A free-to-play version of the game was released under the name Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate: Core Fighters.
• An arcade version of the game was released on December 24, 2013 as Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate: Arcade.

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive 5 Last Round

| title = Dead or Alive 5 Last Round

| date = {{Video game release|NA|February 17, 2015|JP|February 19, 2015|EU|February 20, 2015}}

| multiplereleasedates = yes

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2015 – PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Arcade (Sega RingEdge 2), Microsoft Windows

| platform =

| notes =

• A free-to-play version of the game was released under the name Dead or Alive 5 Last Round: Core Fighters.{{cite web|url=http://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/lastround/us/ftp.html |title=DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round |publisher=Teamninja-studio.com |date=2015-01-15 |access-date=2016-03-19}}
• The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game are digital-only outside of Japan.

}}

}}

{{Video game titles|

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article =

| title = Dead or Alive Online

| date = {{Video game release|CHN|December 2008}}

| multiplereleasedates = no

| canceled =

| refs = {{cite web|url=http://doa.hehagame.com/ |title=生死格鬥 - Online |publisher=Doa.hehagame.com |access-date=2016-03-19}}

| release = 2008 – Microsoft Windows

| platform =

| notes =

• Dead or Alive Online ({{Lang-zh|生死格鬥 Online}}) was a free-to-play{{cite web|url=http://feature.mmosite.com/deadoralive/ |title=Dead or Alive Online - MMORPG Feature - MMOsite.com |publisher=Feature.mmosite.com |date=2009-06-19 |access-date=2016-03-19|archive-date=2012-04-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427155009/http://feature.mmosite.com/deadoralive/|url-status=dead}} online fighting game based on DOA2U that was originally planned to release in China for the 2008 Summer Olympics, with a worldwide release to follow after.{{cite web |title=Shanda to Operate TECMO's Flagship Game, Dead or Alive ONLINE |work=SNDA |url=http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/SNDA/0x0x333869/b5f8b4f1-b9e7-4cb2-b697-3734e79b1f9f/SNDA_News_2007_7_2_News.pdf |date=2007-07-02 |access-date=2007-10-07 |archive-date=2018-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724002321/http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/SNDA/0x0x333869/b5f8b4f1-b9e7-4cb2-b697-3734e79b1f9f/SNDA_News_2007_7_2_News.pdf |url-status=dead }}
• Players would create chibi-style avatars, interact in virtual communities and participate in one on one fighting match or tournaments. Players would also receive invitations to compete in various types of fighting contests and the game also supported a team mode, allowing players to form teams with their friends to coordinate in fighting.{{cite web|url=https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=37374|title=[Early Access] "Dead or Alive Online" Experience the sexiest online fighting competition|publisher=gnn.gamer.com |date=2009-06-13 |archive-date=2023-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203204559/https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=37374|url-status=live|language=chinese}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/03/dead-or-alive-goes-online|title=Dead or Alive Goes Online - IGN|publisher=IGN |date=2007-07-03}}
• The game was in open beta since December 2008,{{cite web|url=http://hg101.kontek.net/doa/doa2.htm|title=Dead or Alive|last=Katala|first=Kurt|work=Hardcore Gaming 101|access-date=8 October 2011}} with the latest beta having been released on August 24, 2009.
• In 2010, Tecmo Koei ceased Dead or Alive Online operations and all game servers were shut down.

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article =

| title = Dead or Alive 5 Infinite

| date = {{Video game release|CHN|2017}}

| multiplereleasedates = no

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2017 – Android, iOS

| platform =

| notes =

}}

}}

{{Video game titles|

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive Ultimate

| title = Dead or Alive Ultimate

| date = {{Video game release|NA|October 26, 2004|JP|November 3, 2004|EU|February 18, 2005}}

| multiplereleasedates = yes

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2004 – Xbox
2021 – Xbox Live

| platform =

| notes =

• Compilation containing an enhanced version of Dead or Alive 1 and a remake of Dead or Alive 2.
• Released on Xbox Live separately as Dead or Alive 1 Ultimate and Dead or Alive 2 Ultimate on November 10, 2021.

}}

{{Video game titles/item

| series =

| futuregame = no

| article = Dead or Alive: Dimensions

| title = Dead or Alive: Dimensions

| date = {{Video game release|JP|May 19, 2011|EU|May 20, 2011|NA|May 24, 2011}}

| multiplereleasedates = yes

| canceled =

| refs =

| release = 2011 – Nintendo 3DS

| platform =

| notes =

• Compilation game based on a modified Dead or Alive 4 engine.

}}

}}

{{Video game titles|

{{Video game titles/item

|series = yes

|article =

|title = Dead or Alive Xtreme

|release = 2003 – Microsoft Xbox (Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball)
2006 – Xbox 360 (Dead or Alive Xtreme 2)
2006 – Mobile (DOA Paradise♪)
2009 – iOS (Girls of DOA BlackJack: The Kasumi Version)
2010 – PlayStation Portable (Dead or Alive Paradise)
2016 – PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita (Dead or Alive Xtreme 3)
2017 – Microsoft Windows (Dead or Alive Xtreme Venus Vacation)
2017 – Arcades (Dead or Alive Xtreme Sense)
2019 – PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch (Dead or Alive Xtreme 3 Scarlet)
2025 – PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows (Venus Vacation Prism: Dead or Alive Xtreme)

|notes = * Beach volleyball game series featuring the female characters from the main Dead or Alive series and original characters.

• Starting with Dead or Alive Xtreme 3, the series has not been released outside of Asian markets.

}}

}}

{{Video game titles|

{{Video game titles/item

| article =

| title = Dead or Alive: Code Chronos

| canceled = November 5, 2010

| refs = {{cite web |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/11/05/team_ninja_projects_cancelled/ |title=Team Ninja's Project Progressive and Dead or Alive Cronus Cancelled |author=Anoop Gantayat |date=November 5, 2010 |publisher=Andriasang |access-date=November 3, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101108114618/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/11/05/team_ninja_projects_cancelled/ |archive-date=November 8, 2010 }}

| release = Xbox 360

| notes =

• Dead or Alive: Code Chronos was the code name for a cancelled video game that was in development by Team Ninja for the Xbox 360 during the mid-2000s.{{cite web| title=Dead or Alive: Code Cronos page| publisher=IGN | url=http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/568/568526.html| access-date=2008-11-29}}
• In a February 2005 interview, Team Ninja's Tomonobu Itagaki said that Code Chronos would be set prior to the original Dead or Alive and will relay the story of characters Ayane and Kasumi before the first tournament.{{cite web|title=Itagaki: The Kikizo Interview 2005 |publisher=Kikizo |url=http://games.kikizo.com/features/itagaki_interview_feb05_p3.asp |access-date=2008-11-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121155641/http://games.kikizo.com/features/itagaki_interview_feb05_p3.asp |archive-date=2008-11-21 }}
• Itagaki said it would "not be a fighting game" and instead act as a prequel to the series proper, and the game was supposed to be related to the part of the opening cinematic of Dead or Alive Ultimate that showed the child versions of Kasumi and Ayane. Earlier reports had implied the character of Helena would be more heavily involved.{{cite web | author = IGN staff| url = http://xbox.ign.com/articles/099/099847p1.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20020608225455/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/099/099847p1.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 8, 2002 | title = Q & A With Dead Or Alive 3 Creator, Tomonobu Itagaki | publisher = IGN | year = 2001}}
• In 2008, Itagaki officially resigned from Tecmo, thus leaving the Dead or Alive franchise.{{cite news | author = Philip Kollar | author2 = James Mielke | title = Itagaki Leaving Team Ninja, Suing Tecmo | publisher = 1UP.com | date = 2008-06-02 | url = http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3168056 | access-date = 2008-11-29 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090226220205/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3168056 | archive-date = 2009-02-26 }} And in November 2010, Yousuke Hayashi, the new head of Team Ninja, confirmed in an interview that the project has been officially cancelled.

}}

}}

{{main|DOA: Dead or Alive}}

A feature film titled DOA: Dead or Alive, directed by Corey Yuen and starring Holly Valance, Devon Aoki, Jaime Pressly, Sarah Carter, and Natassia Malthe, was released in the United States on June 15, 2007. In the film, four female fighters are invited to a martial arts contest; they begin as rivals, but work together to uncover the secret that Donovan, the organizer of the tournament, is trying to hide. Not screened in advance for the press,{{cite web | date= June 16, 2007 |author= Tom Russo |url= http://archive.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2007/06/16/in_doa_the_inspiration_and_excitement_are_mia/ |title= In 'DOA,' the inspiration and excitement are MIA |publisher= The Boston Globe |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170426145139/http://archive.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2007/06/16/in_doa_the_inspiration_and_excitement_are_mia/ |archive-date= 2017-04-26 }} the film received negative reviews and was a flop at the box office.

Several Dead or Alive characters have made appearances and are referenced in other games.

• Ayane and Kasumi both appear as playable characters in the Ninja Gaiden games.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405090450/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/06/ninja-gaiden-black-dog-days|archivedate=April 5, 2016|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/06/ninja-gaiden-black-dog-days|website=IGN UK|first=Hilary|last=Goldstein|date=August 6, 2005|accessdate=2024-06-16|title=Ninja Gaiden Black: Dog Days|url-status=live}}Shelby Reiches, [http://news.cheatcc.com/articles/389923#.UN5vyW_8KrE Kasumi Comes To Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215160218/http://news.cheatcc.com/articles/389923#.UN5vyW_8KrE |date=2013-02-15 }}, Cheat Code Central, 12/26/2012.
• Kasumi and Ayane appear as playable characters in the Monster Rancher games.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/ps-cheats/Monster_Rancher_2_Cheats |title=Monster Rancher 2 Cheats - PlayStation Cheats Guide |publisher=IGN |date= |access-date=2024-12-18 |archive-date=2017-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402020423/http://www.ign.com/wikis/ps-cheats/Monster_Rancher_2_Cheats |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/ps2-cheats/Monster_Rancher_4_Cheats |title=Monster Rancher 4 Cheats - PlayStation 2 Cheats Guide

|publisher=IGN |date= |access-date=2024-12-18 |archive-date=2018-03-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313072030/https://www.ign.com/wikis/ps2-cheats/Monster_Rancher_4_Cheats |url-status=live }}

• Kasumi's signature blue outfit appears as an alternative outfit for the character, Mio Amakura, in Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly.
• The outfits for Kasumi, Ryu Hayabusa, and Ayane, appear as alternative costumes for the characters, Arin, Max, and Kooh, in the Super Swing Golf games.[http://www.gamefaqs.com/wii/941762-super-swing-golf-season-2/cheats Super Swing Golf Season 2 Cheats, Codes, and Secrets for Wii], GameFAQs.
• An armor similar to Ryu's outfit makes a cameo in Halo 3 as an unlockable armor set called Hayabusa.{{cite web |url=https://gamerant.com/halo-hayabusa-armor-helmet-replica/ |title=Halo Fan Creates Impressive Hayabusa Armor Helmet Replica

|first=Jared|last=Stewart|publisher=GameRant |date=2021-06-12 |access-date=2024-12-18 |archive-date=2021-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613150414/https://gamerant.com/halo-hayabusa-armor-helmet-replica/ |url-status=live }}

• Ryu, Ayane, and Kasumi make guest appearances in the PlayStation 3 version of Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce where Ryu and Ayane are NPCs that offers three different quests to the player.Jim Sterling, [http://www.destructoid.com/ninja-gaiden-invades-dynasty-warriors-149615.phtml Ninja Gaiden invades Dynasty Warriors] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103118/http://www.destructoid.com/ninja-gaiden-invades-dynasty-warriors-149615.phtml |date=March 4, 2016 }}, Destructoid, 09.23.2009.
• Kasumi appears as a playable character in Queen's Blade: Spiral Chaos.
• Ryu's and Ayane's costume parts were available as exclusive DLC during the first anniversary promotion campaign for Dynasty Warriors Online.Anoop Gantayat, [http://andriasang.com/comyuk/ Dynasty Warriors Online Has Ninja Gaiden Sigma Costumes] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054118/http://andriasang.com/comyuk/ |date=March 4, 2016 }}, Andriasang.com, 2011-11-02.
• Ryu, Kasumi, and Ayane are playable characters in Warriors Orochi 3. They appear in another dimension where they assist the other warriors.{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/1593/1/warriors-orochi-3-ultimate-playstation-4.html|title=Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate (PlayStation 4) Review|last=Elias|first=Az|publisher=Cubed3|access-date=2014-10-20|archive-date=2014-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009025200/http://www.cubed3.com/review/1593/1/warriors-orochi-3-ultimate-playstation-4.html|url-status=live}}
• Ayane appears as a playable character in Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water during the post-endgame story.{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/933/933805/ |title=電撃 - 『零 ～濡鴉ノ巫女～』で『DOA』のあやねを操作できる特別ミッションの存在が判明！ クリア後の要素として収録 |website=Dengeki Online|date=2014-09-26 |access-date=2015-10-11}}
• Ryu and Ayane appear as playable characters in the Japan-only Dynasty Warriors Vs. (previously known as Dynasty Warriors 3DS).Alex Culafi, [http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29425 Ryu Hayabusa and Ayane Appearing in Dynasty Warriors 3DS] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015070753/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29425 |date=October 15, 2013 }}, Nintendo World Report, March 1, 2012.
• Kasumi, Ryu, Ayane, Honoka, and Marie Rose appear in Warriors All-Stars, whereas Kasumi, Honoka, and Marie represent Dead or Alive characters while Ryu and Ayane represent Ninja Gaiden characters.{{cite web |url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/09/13-1/musoustars-crossover-game-mixes-in-the-atelier-series-and-more |title="Musou☆Stars" Crossover Game Mixes in the "Atelier" Series and More |publisher=Crunchyroll |date=2016-09-06 |access-date=2016-09-14 |archive-date=2016-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914163850/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/09/13-1/musoustars-crossover-game-mixes-in-the-atelier-series-and-more |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=http://gematsu.com/2017/02/musou-stars-ayane-arnice-christophorus-tokitsugu-character-introduction-trailers|title=Musou Stars 'Ayane, Arnice, Christophorus, and Tokitsugu' character introduction trailers|date=2017-02-03|website=Gematsu|access-date=2018-05-24|language=en-US}}
• Ryu appears as a playable character in Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate.{{cite web |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/warriors-orochi-4-ultimate-ryu-hayabusa-reveal-trailer/ |title=Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate Reveals Ryu Hayabusa Is Back with a New Trailer

|first=Iyane|last=Agossah|publisher=DualShockers |date=2019-09-03 |access-date=2024-12-18 |archive-date=2021-05-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519023246/https://www.dualshockers.com/warriors-orochi-4-ultimate-ryu-hayabusa-reveal-trailer/ |url-status=live }}

• The presumable ancestors of Ryu Hayabusa respectively, Jin and Ren Hayabusa, including the ancient variant of Nyotengu, appear in Nioh 2 as secret bosses. Ryu Hayabusa later appears in a patch for the game.{{cite web |url=https://gamerant.com/ninja-gaiden-ryu-hayabusa-joins-nioh-2/ |title=Ninja Gaiden's Ryu Hayabusa Joins Nioh 2 Following Patch|first=Jared|last=Carvalho|publisher=GameRant |date=2021-02-19 |access-date=2024-12-18 |archive-date=2021-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310140641/https://gamerant.com/ninja-gaiden-ryu-hayabusa-joins-nioh-2/|url-status=live }}
• The outfits, hairstyles, and accessories for Kasumi, Ryu, and Ayane were used in Phantasy Star Online 2.{{Cite news|url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/120/G012075/20171120023/|title=「ファンタシースターオンライン2」，本日のアップデートでバスタークエストを拡張。「DEAD OR ALIVE」シリーズコラボのACスクラッチも登場|work=4Gamer.net|access-date=2018-05-15|language=ja|archive-date=2023-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622014849/https://www.4gamer.net/games/120/G012075/20171120023/|url-status=live}}
• Ayane, Marie, Honoka, Kasumi, and Tamaki appear in the Senran Kagura games.{{cite web |title=Hello and welcome to UPDATE 4 of SENRAN KAGURA ESTIVAL VERSUS: The final stretch! |url=http://estivalversus.com/updates/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415080627/http://estivalversus.com/updates/ |archive-date=April 15, 2016 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |website=Marvelous}}{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2017/03/senran-kagura-peach-beach-splash-dlc-round-one-trailer-dead-alive-xtreme-3-character-dlc-detailed |title=Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash DLC round one trailer, Dead or Alive Xtreme 3 character DLC detailed |website= Gematsu |date= March 16, 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316224311/http://gematsu.com/2017/03/senran-kagura-peach-beach-splash-dlc-round-one-trailer-dead-alive-xtreme-3-character-dlc-detailed |archivedate=March 16, 2017 }}
• Kasumi, Marie Rose, Nyotengu, and Honoka appear in The King of Fighters All Star.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/dead-alive-6-king-fighters-all-star-crossover/|title=Dead Or Alive 6 Crossover Event Coming To King Of Fighters All Star|first=J. Brodie|last=Shirey|publisher=Screen Rant |date=2021-07-17 |access-date=2024-12-18 |archive-date=2021-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720203657/https://screenrant.com/dead-alive-6-king-fighters-all-star-crossover/|url-status=live }}

Several games have made appearances and have been mentioned in other media. In the 2002 film Run Ronnie Run, the character, Jerry Trellis, is shown playing Dead or Alive 2 as Kasumi in two different scenes and as Gen Fu in one scene. Jerry uses some of Kasumi's moves in a real fight. Dead or Alive 2 is also seen briefly in the 2002 film One Hour Photo, where the son, Jake Yorkin, is playing the game in his bedroom. Dead or Alive 3 appears in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In the 11th episode of the 6th season entitled "Gone" from 2002, two of the Trio members, Andrew Wells and Jonathan Levinson, play Dead or Alive 3 at the arcade. On December 24, 2005, Dead or Alive 4 was briefly referenced in one of the comic strips for The Boondocks, as an Xbox 360 game that the character, Riley, was supposed to get for Christmas, but his threats to Santa, who was actually Riley's grandpa, resulted in his grandpa getting the game instead.https://assets.amuniversal.com/3f99a320539801315e2b001dd8b71c47 March 23, 2023 Dead or Alive has been featured numerous times in the Guinness World Records.{{cite web | url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/search?term=dead%20or%20alive%20game&page=1&type=all&max=50&partial=_Results&#search-results| title=Guinness World Records| website=www.guinnessworldrecords.com | publisher= | access-date=July 5, 2023}}

In October 2007, a fan-made web series of CG action movies called Dead Fantasy was created by late web-based animator and writer, Monty Oum. Dead Fantasy featured Dead or Alive characters, Kasumi, Ryu Hayabusa, Ayane, Helena Douglas, Hayate, Hitomi, along with Ninja Gaiden characters, Rachel and Momiji, competing against a number of characters from the Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts RPG franchises. The web series feature numerous battle royale-style brawls as the two sides fight against each other in a number of different environments. As well as the multiple references to the namesake series, there are also salutes to other games, films, and media of the fighting genre, plus some examples of fan-made weaponry and costumes. Dead Fantasy was well-received by fans of all four game series, and gained success on and off the internet, with trailers, previews and the instalments themselves being featured at several gaming conventions.{{cite web|url=http://gamingdead.com/2009/07/07/gd-at-ax-interview-with-monty-oum|title=GD at AX: Interview with Monty Oum|publisher=Gaming Dead|first=Meredith|last=Sweet|date=2009-07-07|access-date=2011-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202221728/http://gamingdead.com/2009/07/07/gd-at-ax-interview-with-monty-oum|archive-date=2015-02-02|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nag.co.za/2015/02/02/monty-oum-creator-of-rwby-dead-fantasy-has-died/|title=Monty Oum, creator of RWBY, Dead Fantasy, has died|publisher=NAG|first=Rick|last=de Klerk|date=2015-02-02|access-date=2023-02-14}}

{{VG Series Reviews

|updated = March 29, 2019

|gr = yes

|game1 = Dead or Alive

|gr1 = (PS) 83.92%{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197064-dead-or-alive/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105032918/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197064-dead-or-alive/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-11-05 |title=Dead or Alive for PlayStation |access-date=September 25, 2012 |publisher=GameRankings }}
(SS) 82.00%{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/197065-dead-or-alive/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412003757/http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/197065-dead-or-alive/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-12 |title=Dead or Alive for Saturn |access-date=September 25, 2012 |publisher=GameRankings }}

|mc1 = (PS) 84/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-1996/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation|title=Dead or Alive Reviews|access-date=September 25, 2012|publisher=Metacritic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230131516/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/dead-or-alive|archive-date=2012-12-30|url-status=live}}

|game2 = Dead or Alive 2

|gr2 = (DC) 91.37%{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197066-dead-or-alive-2/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106094644/http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197066-dead-or-alive-2/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-06 |title=Dead or Alive 2 for Dreamcast |access-date=September 25, 2012 |publisher=GameRankings }}
(PS2) 87.38%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/browse.html?search=doa2&numrev=3&site= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320215244/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/197067-doa2-hardcore/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-03-20 |title=DOA2: Hardcore for PlayStation 2 |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=2016-03-19}}

|mc2 = (PS2) 91/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/doa2-hardcore/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=DOA2: Hardcore for PlayStation 2 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2016-03-19}}

|game3 = Dead or Alive 3

|gr3 = 86.19%{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/475251-dead-or-alive-3/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213184028/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/475251-dead-or-alive-3/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-12-13 |title=Dead or Alive 3 for Xbox |access-date=September 25, 2012 |publisher=GameRankings }}

|mc3 = 87/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-3/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox|title=Dead or Alive 3 Reviews|access-date=September 25, 2012|publisher=Metacritic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223172154/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/dead-or-alive-3|archive-date=2010-12-23|url-status=live}}

|game4 = Dead or Alive 4

|gr4 = 85.49%{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/928260-dead-or-alive-4/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224230808/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/928260-dead-or-alive-4/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-12-24 |title=Dead or Alive 4 for Xbox 360 |access-date=September 25, 2012 |publisher=GameRankings }}

|mc4 = 85/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-4/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|title=Dead or Alive 4 Reviews|access-date=September 25, 2012|publisher=Metacritic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819083209/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/dead-or-alive-4|archive-date=2010-08-19|url-status=live}}

|game5 = Dead or Alive 5
Dead or Alive 5 Plus
Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate
Dead or Alive 5 Last Round

|gr5 = (Vita) 84.50%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/vita/693229-dead-or-alive-5-plus/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423104452/http://www.gamerankings.com/vita/693229-dead-or-alive-5-plus/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-23 |title=Dead or Alive 5 Plus (Vita) |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=April 1, 2013}}
(X360) 79.45%{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/936978-dead-or-alive-5/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408102328/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/936978-dead-or-alive-5/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-08 |title=Dead or Alive 5 for Xbox 360 |access-date=September 25, 2012 |publisher=GameRankings }}
(PS4) 75.19%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps4/835976-dead-or-alive-5-last-round/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612180633/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps4/835976-dead-or-alive-5-last-round/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-06-12 |title=Dead or Alive 5: Last Round for PlayStation 4 |publisher=GameRankings.com |date=2015-02-17 |access-date=2015-06-12}}
(PS3) 74.57%{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/643186-dead-or-alive-5/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408092704/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/643186-dead-or-alive-5/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-08 |title=Dead or Alive 5 for PlayStation 3 |access-date=September 25, 2012 |publisher=GameRankings }}
(XONE) 72.40%{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xboxone/835977-dead-or-alive-5-last-round/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011637/http://www.gamerankings.com/xboxone/835977-dead-or-alive-5-last-round/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-12-09 |title=Dead or Alive 5: Last Round for Xbox One |access-date=February 9, 2022 |publisher=GameRankings }}
(PC) 60.50%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/893782-dead-or-alive-5-last-round/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612204651/https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/893782-dead-or-alive-5-last-round/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-06-12 |title=Dead or Alive 5: Last Round for PC |publisher=GameRankings.com |date=2015-03-30 |access-date=2015-06-12}}

|mc5 = (Vita) 80/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-5/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita |title=Dead or Alive 5 Plus for PlayStation Vita – Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 30, 2013}}
(X360) 76/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-5/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|title=Dead or Alive 5 Reviews|access-date=September 25, 2012|publisher=Metacritic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006035230/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/dead-or-alive-5|archive-date=2010-10-06|url-status=live}}
(PS3) 74/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-5/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|title=Dead or Alive 5 Reviews|access-date=September 25, 2012|publisher=Metacritic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516102358/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/dead-or-alive-5|archive-date=2012-05-16|url-status=live}}
(PS4) 74/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-5-last-round/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Dead or Alive 5: Last Round for PlayStation 4 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic.com |access-date=2015-06-12}}
(XONE) 69/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-5-last-round/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Dead or Alive 5: Last Round for Xbox One Reviews |publisher=Metacritic.com |access-date=2015-06-12}}
(PC) 69/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-5-last-round/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Dead or Alive 5: Last Round for PC Reviews |publisher=Metacritic.com |access-date=2015-06-12}}

|game6 = Dead or Alive 6

|gr6 = (XONE) 80.00%{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/xboxone/240851-dead-or-alive-6/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611191058/https://www.gamerankings.com/xboxone/240851-dead-or-alive-6/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-06-11 |title=Dead or Alive 6 for Xbox One |access-date=March 28, 2020 |publisher=GameRankings }}
(PC) 75.00%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/240850-dead-or-alive-6/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612011004/https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/240850-dead-or-alive-6/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-06-12 |title=Dead or Alive 6 for PC |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=2020-03-28}}
(PS4) 72.13%{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps4/240849-dead-or-alive-6/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606223232/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps4/240849-dead-or-alive-6/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |title=Dead or Alive 6 for PlayStation 4 |access-date=March 28, 2020 |publisher=GameRankings }}

|mc6 = (XONE) 76/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-6/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Dead or Alive 6 for Xbox One Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=19 March 2019}}
(PC) 73/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-6/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Dead or Alive 6 for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=29 March 2019}}
(PS4) 72/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-6/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Dead or Alive 6 for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=3 March 2019}}

|game7=Dead or Alive Ultimate

|gr7=84.14%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/914836-dead-or-alive-ultimate/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224112931/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/914836-dead-or-alive-ultimate/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-12-24 |title=Dead or Alive Ultimate for Xbox |publisher=GameRankings |date=2004-10-26 |access-date=2013-12-22}}

|mc7=83/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-ultimate/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Dead or Alive Ultimate for Xbox Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2013-12-22}}

|game8=Dead or Alive: Dimensions

|gr8=82.02%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997816-dead-or-alive-dimensions/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510171421/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997816-dead-or-alive-dimensions/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-05-10 |title=Dead or Alive: Dimensions for 3DS |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=2012-12-21}}

|mc8=79/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-dimensions/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Dead or Alive: Dimensions for 3DS Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=Metacritic. CBS Interactive |access-date=2012-12-21}}

|game9 = Dead or Alive Xtreme

|mc9 = 73/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-xtreme-beach-volleyball/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball for Xbox Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2014-03-02}}

|gr9 = 74.24%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/561527-dead-or-alive-xtreme-beach-volleyball/index.html |title=Dead or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball for Xbox |publisher=GameRankings |date=2003-01-22 |access-date=2014-03-02}}

|game10 = Dead or Alive Xtreme 2

|mc10 = 53/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-xtreme-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 for Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2014-10-26}}

|gr10 = 54.35%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/928676-dead-or-alive-xtreme-2/index.html |title=Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 for Xbox 360 |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=2014-10-26}}

}}

The Dead or Alive games have been mostly well received. The fighting series have received positive reviews, with Dead or Alive 2 having the highest ratings out of the numbered games, and Dead or Alive 5 having the lowest except its Plus version for the Vita. Dead or Alive is considered one of the greatest fighting game franchises of all time. The franchise has received numerous awards and many nominations. Several games in the series have been considered as some of the best fighting games of all time and some of the best video games of all time.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:[http://www.ugo.com/games/top-25-fighting-games-of-all-time?page=4 Top 25 Fighting Games of All Time] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226201026/http://www.ugo.com/games/top-25-fighting-games-of-all-time?page=4 |date=2013-02-26 }}, UGO, July 11, 2010.{{cite web | author=Knight, Rich | date=December 7, 2008 | url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Top-10-Best-Fighting-Games-All-Time-13864.html | title=Top 10 Best Fighting Games Of All Time | website=CinemaBlend | publisher=Future plc | access-date=October 19, 2021}}{{cite web | author=Rubin, Peter | date=March 15, 2011 | url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/doa-3 | title=The 50 Best Fighting Games of All Time (Dead or Alive 3) | website=Complex | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319115201/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/doa-3#gallery | archive-date=March 19, 2011 | url-status=dead}}{{cite web | author1=Campbell, Colin | author2=Keiser, Joe | date=July 29, 2006 | url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 | title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century | website=NextGen | publisher=Future US | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 | archive-date=October 28, 2007 | url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=GamePro Staff |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/207999/the-18-best-fighting-games-pg-2-of-3 |title=The 18 Best Fighting Games, Feature Story from GamePro |date=2010-03-25 |access-date=2013-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325140536/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/207999/the-18-best-fighting-games-pg-2-of-3 |archive-date=March 25, 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/games/inpictures/top-20-beat-em-ups-of-all-time.php?ssid=7 |title=Dead or Alive 4 (Xbox 360) - The top 20 beat 'em-ups of all time - Games |publisher=Virgin Media |access-date=2013-12-21}}{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/doa-4 |title=28. Dead or Alive 4 (Xbox 360, 2005) — The 50 Best Fighting Games of All Time |publisher=Complex |date=2011-03-14 |access-date=2013-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628072610/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/doa-4 |archive-date=2013-06-28 }}{{cite book|editor=Tony Mott|title=1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die|year=2013|publisher=Universe Publishing|isbn=978-1844037667}}}}

The gameplay of the series was well praised for being fast-paced, fluid, aggressive, brutal, and strategic. Its Triangle system was notable for being innovative and unique to the fighting game genre, and it was the first video game series and first fighting game series with a multi-point counter system.{{cite web | url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/105527-first-videogame-with-a-multi-point-counter-system| title=First videogame with a multi-point counter system| website=www.guinnessworldrecords.com | date=9 October 1996| publisher= | access-date=August 16, 2023}} Dead or Alive 2 was a turning point for the series, since it offered many new features and was notable for improving and popularizing the concept of multi-tiered environments.{{Cite web |title=Dead or Alive 2 - Hardcore Gaming 101 |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/dead-or-alive-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323012940/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/dead-or-alive-2/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2023 |publisher=hardcoregaming101.net}} Dead or Alive 3 was notable for improving and expanding on what the previous games offered, it was notable for being one of the titles that were quintessential in helping build the Xbox brand,{{cite web | author=GamesRadar staff | date=June 23, 2012 | url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-games-that-shaped-a-generation-xbox/ | title=The games that shaped a generation: Xbox | website=GamesRadar+ | publisher=Future plc | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224122634/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-games-that-shaped-a-generation-xbox/ | archive-date=December 24, 2013 | url-status=dead}} it was the first fighting game for the said platform, the first fighting game to receive an award from the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAVGTR) during its year of inception,{{cite web | url=https://navgtr.org/2001-awards/ | title=2001 Awards NAVGTR | website=NAVGTR National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers | publisher= | access-date=January 20, 2020}} and the first fighting game to be included in the Xbox Championship tournaments.{{Cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20040307/ms.htm|title="Xbox Championship Vol.4 ~DEAD OR ALIVE 3" Kansai teams win both team and individual competitions|website=Game Watch|date=7 March 2004|language=ja|access-date=2024-01-22}} With Dead or Alive Ultimate, Dead or Alive was among the first fighting game series and the first Japanese fighting game series to offer online multiplayer, and was the first fighting game series to be included in the World Cyber Games (WCG).{{cite web|url=http://www.wcg.com//6th//history//wcg2005//wcg2005_overview.asp|title=WCG Official Website - WCG History - WCG 2005|publisher=World Cyber Games|access-date=13 April 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808133059/http://www.wcg.com//6th//history//wcg2005//wcg2005_overview.asp|archive-date=8 August 2010}} Dead or Alive 4 was the only fighting game to be included in the Championship Gaming Series (CGS), and its inclusion in the esport league in 2007 made Dead or Alive 4 the first fighting game to have a televised competitive esport scene.{{cite web |title=Champion Gaming Series Games |work=Championship Gaming Series |url=http://www.thecgs.com/index.php?s=games |access-date=2007-10-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007011852/http://www.thecgs.com/index.php?s=games |archive-date=2007-10-07 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.hotspawn.com/other/guides/championship-gaming-series-ahead-of-its-time| title=CHAMPIONSHIP GAMING SERIES: A CONCEPT "AHEAD OF ITS TIME"| website=Hotspawn | date=8 January 2023| publisher=Lawrence "Malystryx" Phillips | access-date=April 13, 2023}}

Other developers and critics have expressed opinions on the series. Sega developer Katagiri, gave praise to the series, stating that "the uniqueness of the defense and offense mechanics and the original elements of things like the danger zone were enjoyable and gave me an overall image that it was 'a series that has evolved in its own way".{{cite web | url=https://kotaku.com/how-virtua-fighter-was-dead-or-alives-daddy-5921948| title=How Virtua Fighter Was Dead Or Alive's Daddy| website=Kotaku | date=28 June 2012| publisher=Toshi Nakamura| access-date=March 22, 2023}} Namco on the other hand, ran radio commercial ads insulting the series, prompting creator Tomonobu Itagaki to place Namco's Tekken on his dislike list.{{cite journal|author=Xbox Nation staff |title=Paradise Lost |journal=Xbox Nation |publisher=Ziff Davis |issn=1538-9723 |date=Winter 2002 |url=http://bellsouthpwp.net/r/a/racerg/itagaki-xbn-winter2002.html |access-date=2007-09-23 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503103746/http://bellsouthpwp.net/r/a/racerg/itagaki-xbn-winter2002.html |archive-date=May 3, 2009 }}{{cite web|author=James Mielke |title=Itagaki's Hit List |publisher=1UP.com |date=September 29, 2005 |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3144194 |access-date=September 23, 2007 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Chance Asue of Gaming Illustrated expressed love for the series, stating, "This game, more than any other fighter, feels fun and exciting without having to invest my entire life into analysing it". Asue called Dead or Alive a perfect balance between accessibility and depth, and called the fighting system a beautiful system that you won't find in another game.{{cite web|url=http://gamingillustrated.com/a-love-letter-to-dead-or-alive/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918224315/http://gamingillustrated.com/a-love-letter-to-dead-or-alive/|archivedate=2015-09-18 |url-status=dead |title=A Love Letter to Dead or Alive |publisher=Gaming Illustrated |date=2014-02-14 |accessdate=2016-08-29}} GameRevolution included it in their Top 10 Fighting Game Franchises of All Time. Jeb Haught of GameRevolution always loved the series and its interactive environments, smashing opponents into environmental hazards for extra damage.{{cite web | url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/originals/12589-top-10-fighting-game-franchises-of-all-time| title=Top 10 Fighting Game Franchises of All Time| website= GameRevolution | date=10 June 2016| publisher=Jeb Haught| access-date=March 23, 2023}} Screen Rant included it on their 10 Toughest Fighting Games To Master and Dunia Games ranked it 4th toughest fighting game in their 10 Toughest Fighting Game Franchises of All Time, as both stated how its simple fighting system with a few amount of buttons makes it easy to get into the gameplay, but its additional features such as fast combos, efficient attacks and counter system makes Dead or Alive a fighting game difficult to master.{{cite web | url=https://screenrant.com/most-difficult-fighting-video-games/| title=10 Toughest Fighting Games To Master, Ranked By Difficulty| website=ScreenRant | date=9 September 2022| publisher=Matthew Demchak| access-date=July 10, 2023}}{{cite web | url=https://duniagames.co.id/discover/article/game-fighting-tersulit-sepanjang-masa/en| title=10 Toughest Fighting Game Franchises of All Time| website=Dunia Games | publisher=Hilmy Ramadhan Subari| access-date=March 23, 2023}} Link Cable Gaming.com ranked the franchise in 10th place in their Top 10: Fighting Game Franchises. Gaming.net placed it in 7th place in their 7 Best Fighting Game Franchises of All Time. Play Legit.net included the franchise in their Best Fighting Game Franchises and Stuff.tv included it in 10 of the best fighting games ever.

By July 2013, the DOA series was reported to have shipped over 8.6 million units worldwide,{{Cite web|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/224/G022452/20130706002/|title=「DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Ultimate: Arcade」が2013年冬に稼働。DOAがゲームセンターに帰ってくる|website=www.4gamer.net|language=ja|access-date=2019-02-15}} with that number, as of 2016, increasing to over 9.7 million units worldwide. As of April 2019, the series has shipped over 10.05 million units, with Dead or Alive 3 as the best-selling title with over 2 million units sold worldwide.{{cite web |author=Romano, Sal |date=January 17, 2021 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/01/dead-or-alive-and-modern-ninja-gaiden-creator-tomonobu-itagaki-establishes-itagaki-games |title=Dead or Alive and modern Ninja Gaiden creator Tomonobu Itagaki establishes Itagaki Games [Update]|website=Gematsu|archive-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117201926/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/01/dead-or-alive-and-modern-ninja-gaiden-creator-tomonobu-itagaki-establishes-itagaki-games|url-status=live}}{{cite web |author=Itagaki, Tomonobu |date=January 16, 2021 |url=https://www.facebook.com/tomonobu.itagaki/posts/2739978682932899 |title=Full Tomonobu Itagaki 2021 Bloomberg Interview (shared via Facebook)|website=Facebook }} As of April 2020, the series sales and free-to-play downloads combined totaled over 25.05 million units.{{efn|group=n|name=DOAsales}}

The Dead or Alive fanbase consist of several community sites and online groups.{{cite AV media |title= Dead or Alive 5: Last Round (End Credits) |type=Video |date=2019-02-28 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKmLjwVzq6g |time=03:41 |access-date=2024-06-15 |quote=Free Step Dodge, DOAWorld, TKPlayers, Competitive Dead or Alive Group/FB, and Dead or Alive Group/FB |via=YouTube}} Between 2015 and 2019, Team Ninja held annual Dead or Alive Festival events where fans could compete in fighting game tournaments, along with cosplay, photo and illustration contests, and could either win or purchase merchandise of the series.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:[https://www.teamninja-studio.com/doa5/lastround/us/doa_festival.html DEAD OR ALIVE 5: Last Round][https://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/lastround/us/doa_festival2016.html DEAD OR ALIVE FESTIVAL][https://www.gamecity.ne.jp/doafes/2018/ DEAD OR ALIVE FESTIVAL 2018][https://www.gamecity.ne.jp/doafes/2019/en/index.html DEAD OR ALIVE FESTIVAL 2019]{{cite web |url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2015/jun/06/dead-or-alive-festival-announced-massive-event-including-world-exhibition-site-events-and-more/ |title=Dead or Alive Festival announced - Massive event including world exhibition, on site events, and more |last=Macone |first=John |date=2015-06-06 |website=Eventhubs |publisher= |access-date=2024-02-25 |quote=}}{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/dead-or-alive-festival-in-tokyo-will-feature-demos-cosplay-and-more/ |title=Dead or Alive Festival in Tokyo will feature demos, cosplay and more |last=Moyse |first=Chris |date=2018-10-18 |website=Destructoid |publisher= |access-date=2024-02-25 |quote=}}}} Team Ninja would also hold costume design contests where various fan-made costume illustrations for specific characters were submitted to the producers and the winners would have their costume designs featured in the games.[https://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/ultimate/us/halloween2014/index.html DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Ultimate Halloween costumes 2014][https://www.gamecity.ne.jp/doafes/2019/section05en.html DOA6 Design contest] Several fans and players of the series, Emmanuel Rodriguez (MASTER),{{cite web|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/06/11/esports-master-landed-dream-job-at-team-ninja/|title=How an Esports "Master" Landed His Dream Job at Team Ninja to Help Players Be Great|publisher=Xbox.com|first=Jon|last=Robinson|date=2021-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611222410/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/06/11/esports-master-landed-dream-job-at-team-ninja/|archive-date=2021-06-11|url-status=live}} Kat Gunn (Mystik),{{cite web |title=Kat Gunn -- About |url=https://www.katgunn.com/ |website=Kat Gunn Official Website |access-date=May 8, 2021}} Vanessa Arteaga (Vanessa),{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Maddy |title=Ten Years Ago, Dead Or Alive Launched The Careers Of The Highest-Paid Women Pro Gamers |url=https://compete.kotaku.com/ten-years-ago-dead-or-alive-launched-the-careers-of-th-1795048304 |access-date=May 2, 2021 |work=Kotaku |date=May 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825222723/https://kotaku.com/ten-years-ago-dead-or-alive-launched-the-careers-of-th-1795048304|url-status=live|archive-date=August 25, 2021}} and Adande Thorne (sWooZie),{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jun-17-ca-webscout17-story.html|title=Ready to fight to the virtual death|author=Ruby, Aaron|date=17 June 2007|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=1 August 2015}} most of whom have competed in the Evolution Championship Series (Evo),{{cite web |date=February 2, 2007 |title=EVO 2006 Championship Series, powered by Yaris |url=http://www.evo2k.com/finals |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202042148/http://www.evo2k.com/finals |archive-date=February 2, 2007 |access-date=July 16, 2018}} World Cyber Games (WCS),{{cite web|title=WGC 2007 Official Games |work=World Cyber Games |url=http://www.worldcybergames.com/6th/2007/Games/officialgames.asp |access-date=2007-10-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070622194620/http://www.worldcybergames.com/6th/2007/Games/officialgames.asp |archive-date=2007-06-22 }} and Championship Gaming Series (CGS) esport leagues, have credited Dead or Alive for launching their careers in the gaming industry.

{{clear}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• [http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/dead-or-alive-series Dead or Alive franchise] at MobyGames

{{Dead or Alive series}}

{{Team Ninja}}

{{Tecmo Koei}}

{{Tomonobu Itagaki}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dead Or Alive (Series)}}

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