If you've ever wanted to see a bunch of very fit, very skimpily dressed characters duke it out while defying the laws of physics, then welcome to "Dead or Alive 5 Last Round." It's not just a fighting game; it's practically a gym membership that comes with a side of punches, throws, and occasionally, some really questionable fashion choices.
In "Dead or Alive 5 Last Round," the action is as fast as your thumb can handle, with a roster of characters that is almost as extensive as your Netflix queue. Featuring 36 characters, this game has people from all walks of life, including a couple of guest stars from the Virtua Fighter series (because why not throw in some Sega love?). You can choose from classic silhouettes like Kasumi or the bad-guy-turned-cyber-ninja Raidou and enjoy smooth, flowing gameplay that makes you feel like a martial arts master... even if you're really just mashing buttons like a toddler on a sugar high. The combat system is great for both veterans and newbies alike. There's a robust combo system that encourages crazy moves that look impressive with minimal practice. For those who are looking for a challenge, however, beware of the AI in training mode. They're like that know-it-all friend who always shows you up at the arcade, and let's just say, the stronger difficulty settings have more tricks up their sleeves than your average magician.
Visually, "Dead or Alive 5 Last Round" serves up graphics that can make you question if you accidentally entered a photo shoot for a fitness magazine. The characters are designed with a level of detail that would make even the most prominent of bodybuilders blush. The backgrounds are colorful, detailed, and occasionally feature jaw-dropping set pieces, like a battle on the sidelines of a photogenic beach or among the neon-lit streets of a bustling city. It's clear that the developers employed some wild tech during production. Thanks to the Soft Engine, characters move in ways that can only be described as... 'realistic' in the softest of ways. However, if you're in it for character outfits, just wait until you see the DLCs. You might even find an outfit from "Senran Kagura" that seems a tad too tight... not that anyone is complaining, right?
"Dead or Alive 5 Last Round" stands out as a solid entry into the fighting game genre with enough pizazz to keep you entertained. It's a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet it's polished enough to be an adequate competitor in the eSports realm. With tons of characters, modes, and aesthetic flexing, you and your friends can spend countless hours finding out which character's physics can defy gravity the most. In conclusion, if you're a fan of fighting games, or you're just looking for a title that can seamlessly combine martial arts and... well, martial art aesthetics, "Last Round" is definitely worth your time and hard-earned cash. Now go out there and find your perfect combo-just remember to have fun and breathe while you're smashing those buttons!