Dead or Alive is a Japanese fighting game saga signed by Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo, born in arcades in 1996 before fully blossoming on home consoles. Originally presented as a more fast-paced alternative to Virtua Fighter, the series notably makes great use of its iconic counter system, but also of its multi-level arenas where opponents can be knocked down - in sometimes spectacular falls - as well as a particularly aggressive game pace.
The story centers on the Dead or Alive tournament organized by the DOATEC conglomerate, bringing together ninjas from the Mugen Tenshin clan and other secret agents, with a mix of fighters from all countries. With its six main installments and a number of spin-offs, Dead or Alive left its mark on 3D brawlers with its physics engine, its spectacular staging of ring outs, and also for some sometimes contested directorial choices.
Games in the Dead or Alive franchise