DOA is back and it's still got the magic. But don't expect any leap forward in gameplay or anything. This is still a franchise game with an engine that's been tweaked and refined. However, DOA4 does add enough production value to make this a next-gen fighter. You'll get plenty of eye candy, and we're not just talking about the girls.

What do you expect from DOA? Fast-paced gameplay with lots of reversals and virtually no blocking? Because that's what you get with this game. This game hasn't changed since the Xbox version, or the PS1 version for that matter. They add a lot of new characters with different forms of combat including Master Chief from Halo! But the actual fighting still lacks the depth of Virtua Fighter. Basically, you kick and punch until you see a good combo you can pull off. Then the other person tries the same thing. And a skilled player can reverse a move during the combo. Sometimes.

So to make up for the lack of depth, they give you plenty of interactive stages and character costumes, and of course, the incredible graphics. No doubt about it. DOA4 is a visual masterpiece. Beautiful characters, great textures, and incredible backgrounds. DOA is a sight to behold. The characters still lack the facial details that real fighters have though. The music is also great and really sets the mood.

There's plenty of characters and even more clothing to unlock. There's online play and ranking that's excellent and real tough achievements. This is a short review because DOA4 is one of those franchise games that hasn't really changed. Is it a deep fighter? No. But it does provide plenty of content and very high production value that will keep anyone entertained.