Dead or Alive 5 Plus on PS Vita Today, Team Ninja Q&A

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Dead or Alive 5 Plus on PS Vita Today, Team Ninja Q&A

Dead or Alive, Team Ninja‘s long-running fighting game franchise, is getting its first PS Vita installment today in the form of Dead or Alive 5 Plus. How does one pack a game of this magnitude into a portable form factor? Do any concessions need to be made to keep everything steady at 60FPS? What new features can we expect, given PS Vita’s unique capabilities? We synced up with Yohei Shimbori of Team Ninja, who graciously answered these questions and more.

Dead or Alive 5 Plus for PS Vita

PlayStation.Blog: What has been your experience in terms of developing Dead or Alive 5 Plus for PS Vita? Have you had to make many concessions, or were you able to port the entire PS3 game over with minimal changes?

Yohei Shimbori, Director, Team Ninja: Certain elements of Dead or Alive 5 Plus (DOA5+) were relatively smooth in porting it to the PS Vita from the PS3. However, as you may notice from games already on the market today, a complete port in terms of graphics and physics remains a challenge which was also the case for DOA5+. Fluid fighting motion and stellar graphics are all staples of the Dead or Alive franchise, so delivering anything less would be unacceptable to us. Therefore our main objective was to create the most beautiful-looking PS Vita fighting game within a 60fps environment. This was one of the reasons we had to drop the Tag Mode, but we can confidently say that the goals we had for DOA5+ we have achieved!

Dead or Alive 5 Plus for PS Vita

PSB: In terms of the visuals, how close are the PS Vita version’s character models and environments to their PS3 counterparts?

YS: You shouldn’t notice any difference while playing the game. Obviously, the hardware specs are different between the two platforms, so if you were to compare identical screens from both, yes, there is a visual difference. But what would be the fun in doing such a thing? Rather than spending the time doing comparisons, it is our hope that instead players will enjoy the detailed visuals and animations our team has managed to accomplish in DOA5+.

PSB: Where did the inspiration for the two new first-person Touch Play modes come from? Has the gameplay changed significantly in terms of combos and move sets? Are these modes compatible with another player, or just the computer opponent?

YS: PS Vita’s features clearly played a big role in thinking of the Touch Play modes. Combining two of the hardware’s unique points with one of its challenges ultimately led us to the creation of this mode. Meaning, both the touchscreen and gyro sensors led us to the idea of holding the hardware vertically to start with. We worked on the gameplay for this new approach but couldn’t achieve what we were after…it did, however, lead us to the idea of taking out the player character from the screen and focusing directly on one player only, which meant that this mode would only work when the player battles computer opponents. This had never been achieved in the fighting game genre, so we were certainly worried at the beginning, but the risk paid off for us as we implemented a completely new feel.

PSB: Will we see any other new or exclusive content on PS Vita, or is this functionally a mirror image of the PS3 version of DOA5?

YS: In addition to the dedicated Touch Battle, we have some additional features as well. For players new to Dead or Alive, we’ve included a Tutorial mode. By learning everything from the basics of walking, to the new gameplay mechanics, anyone will be able to practice within a variety of battle environments. Also, considering the portable nature of the hardware, we have added Combo Challenge and Skill Info Plus. Combo Challenge allows you to start practicing with an easy combo eventually leading to the big combo moves for maximum damage. Skill Info Plus gives access to quick practice sessions at all times. Skill Info Plus allows detailed analysis of the moves in real time and is not limited to damage and basic frame data, but more detailed movement analysis with the experts and pro players in mind.

Also, we have broadened the in-game music experience and created new ninja costumes as well. So in addition to the individual DOA5+ stage music, brand new character-specific music is now available for Mira and Rig so please check them out.

Dead or Alive 5 Plus for PS Vita

PSB: DOA5+ features full Cross-Play support with the PS3 version, and promises to hold at a steady 60 frames per second. This seems technically challenging – how difficult was it to integrate this?

YS: Yes, this was a big challenge. Some 2D fighting games have already achieved this but not within a 3D environment. The key here was to make the best use of the available CPU power… the challenge in the development of the original DOA5 was to achieve the maximum technological capabilities of the PS3, but the PS Vita version presented new challenges. We can’t talk in detail of the exact approach but a lot of effort and thinking has gone into overcoming this. I hope to see everyone surprised at how the detailed 3D fighting has been recreated and simply lose track of time as they FIGHT!

PSB: There are reports that the PS3 version of DOA5 will see new updates and enhancements later this year. Will you be updating the PS Vita version accordingly?

YS: Sorry as there is nothing I can confirm at this time. We will of course reveal any information with you as soon as we can. :)

Dead or Alive 5 Plus for PS Vita

PSB: PS Vita has seen quite a few fighting games and all have been well received. Is there a particular reason why PS Vita works especially well for fighting games?

YS: The ease of play is definitely one of the key reasons. Fighting games generally have fairly quick rounds and battles. So whether it be a case of playing with friends or brushing up your skills, we anticipate shorter gameplay sessions than in the past.

The genre of fighting games is entering an era where evolving is required to survive the ever-expanding competitive market. One may even say this era is already here. I have always seen the intuitive touchscreen mechanism and the cross-platform functions of PS Vita as being key features for us to focus on from the start. Cross play has opened the door for PS Vita players who can practice and play anywhere they want to compete against players who have been perfecting their skills on PS3. It is difficult to predict who will be the stronger but it definitely is an interesting situation. We felt the excitement in the cross platform feature from the beginning of development so hopefully everyone will get a chance to experience the evolution and enjoy the game.

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74 Comments

4 Author Replies

  • I would buy this if I played fighting games. Even though I am not really a fan of either your Ninja Gaiden or DoA games, please keep supporting the Vita! Every game you bring widens the audience and helps me get games I will enjoy. I hope this game has big sales since I have seen a lot of hype around the web (anecdotal, I know).

  • Does it have any bonus content if we purchase it later today when the store opens?

  • Hi Justin,

    quick question. will it contain or have the Extreme Gravure mode like the JP version?

    if it is a JP only feature then i’m very disappointed and it will make me back off from buying the game even though I want it.

    Pls can you confirm this for us DOA fighters?

    • Justin Massongill

      I don’t know whether that mode will be included in this release. I’ll ask around and see what I can find out.

    • Justin Massongill

      Alright, still haven’t gotten official word about Extreme Gravure mode, but I did find out that if you get the demo for the game your progress will transfer over to the full version if you pick it up. The demo will also let you get down on some Cross Play versus matches with PS3 players. Eight stages included; play as Kasumi, Hayabusa, Eliot or Tina.

    • Justin Massongill

      And I’m back with the official response (better late than never!):

      The Gravure Movie will be limited to the Japanese Collector’s Edition at this time.

      There’ s a lot in DOA5+ worth checking out though — touch fights are surprisingly fun (hold your Vita vertically for a full-body view of your opponent). Thanks again for being patient!

  • I have had the game for a few days now since Gamestop broke their street date and like the McDonald’s slogan, “I’m Loving It!”. Really glad this will make me (possibly) retire from DOA: Dimensions on 3DS, and this is the closest thing to a Virtua Fighter on portable systems since this includes 3 VF characters with my favorite, Sarah Bryant.

    Now I’m hoping for a true DOA/VF crossover game.

  • Will the PSN download version include the bonus cheerleader costumes?

  • Also not sure if u can answer this, any word on sales on the DLC, I will probably purchase the last of i have not purchased to show my support for this franchise, the rest of the X-mas DLC and the Round 9 DLC (The outfits for the male fighters only)

  • A couple of things…
    … been playing since Friday. It was nice to see the Cross Save and Cross Play functions go live last night, but the wait to get my DLC (in short, all of it) over to my Vita is driving me mad. Fixing to have to go to work, please upload now now now!! Please?
    … please add in the Gravure Mode, as stated above. Obviously, already have the game, so not gonna say release it or no buy, but I hate it when something’s available in another region and we get the short end of the stick.

    Also, need Mardi Gras Mariposa costume!!

  • Should be getting my copy this afternoon, so I can’t comment on the game’s quality. But I can say this – if Team Ninja are so proud of what they’ve done with the Vita, why are they always posting images of the PS3 version on promotional pages? It’s a little shameful.

  • A few things for people still getting this game:
    -Mila’s and Rig’s themes are quite good in my opinion, sound a bit 16 bit BUT in a good way!
    -There are some 30fps but only in the background of some stages like with the beams creating the opportunity for a cliff move in the Scramble stage but it’s not that big of deal. The fighting is still 60fps.
    -No custom music for use from ur music app. :(
    -Only DOA4 and DOA5 music is in the Custom Music option but i still LOVE THIS GAME!

  • Oh, and there is no ‘gravure mode’. It’s a video available to Japanese Collector’s Editions.

  • Forgot to ask, will the PS3 DOA5 reequire a patch to enable cross play with DOA5+?

  • Hmmmm…. Not sure that outfit in the second pic is suitable for combat…

  • I just saw a post on twitter that the store might be updating already, it was said that the PSM are up???!!!!
    Check the search engine and see if u can find anything.

  • @12 YES the PS3 version requires a patch.

  • This will be my first DOA game but I will definitely be picking this up. Something about fighting games on vita seems so appealing : ) Glad to see cross play as well, thanks Team Ninja!

  • @16 Ur gonna really enjoy it, Think of it as a fast paced Virtua Fighter where everyone can do reversals. And stages are multi-tiered (NO RING OUTS)

  • Do you have all my money this month.
    I love 3d fighting games

  • i want to see how well Vita & PS3 connectivity will work, so i’ll definitely host lobbies via PS3. SfxTk had several lag issues when it came to that.

    Now i’m craving a Virtua Fighter for the Vita, 3 buttons would work just fine on it. Anywhere they put Akira, i’ll be willing to buy.

  • I cant wait

  • Any early buy bonuses for PSN?

    Thatd be kinda weak if there wasn’t

  • can i have this dead of alive plus on ps plus?

  • meh….another boring fighting game.

  • @Sonicfan11589 I haven’t played virtua fighter either lol, but if they make one for vita I’ll be sure to check it out

  • @ryumoau, thanks for your wonderful insight. Our lives have surely been changed for the better!

  • No Extreme Gravure mode ?

    Not buying Sigh

  • Hopefully the PS3 version gets an update *crosses fingers for extreme gravure mode* XD

  • Played my copy a bit, the game looks absolutely stunning on the Vita’s OLED.

  • Extreme Gravure Mode came from a promotional code right? a DLC?
    I like to stare at the girls after heavy fights session. And then go to sleep… >_<

  • 35 minutes until I have to leave for work, hurry up Sony!! I need me some of my DLCs. =P

  • I guess i will wait till I hear a confirmation that the Extreme Gravure mode will come to NA and EU versions of the game. till then I will just get the DLCs for DOA5.

  • great i want this game on my vita =)

  • Justin,

    Thank you for your reply, I hope to hear from you soon because I really wanna buy it but because I don’t know if it will include the Extreme Gravure I’m now backing off and don’t wanna take the risk of buying a game that doesn’t have all the features other regions has. I hope you will say we will have it with confirmation *crossing fingers*

    • Justin Massongill

      I might not have an answer in the immediate future, since the people I’m asking are on the other side of the world, but rest assured if I get confirmation one way or the other you guys will be the first to know. Thanks for being patient. :)

  • Hey, I pre-ordered the game and picked it up early at GameStop. When exactly can I redeem my costumes? And if there is a DLC date could you let me know.

    Love this game btw. :D

  • cant believe some people here are saying that if it dosent have gravure mode they will not buy the game that is pretty insane, fighting games are about the gameplay and cometitiveness they bring to gaming that is unmatched by any other game genre

  • Why can’t Team Ninja include the Tag option? I’d make concessions for 30FPS just to have the ability included? Does having the mode somehow bring down the other modes to 30FPS?!

  • Fighting games are one of my favorite genres on portable systems. They are great pick up and play games, with sessions that can last for short or long periods of time (great for portable burst sessions), and the characters make for long replay value. I’ve got Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, Street Fighter X Tekken, Blazblue, and Mortal Kombat, and they all rock.

    Dead or Alive will be a welcome addition!

  • wow man im still shocked,some people will not buy the game if it dosent have a mode were you can stare at the the games women in their bikinis, thats what a girlfriend in real life is for, and if you must need to watch that kind of stuff you should go and surf the internet, although i still suggest you find a girlfriend

  • @BlueBl1zzard

    And yet he would like a port of Flying Dragon from the N64…

    If it wasn’t obvious before that he’s just a useless troll, it sure is obvious now.

  • is there a way to choice who I play against from my PS vite, for example I wanna play against my brother and he is on his PS3 and I’ll be using my PS vita. I tried the invitation from my ps vita but that doesn’t work on PS3.
    any help?
    Thanks

  • Definitely picking this up day 1. Although I’m not a huge fan of fighting games, the Vita does have a great library of games to spend time on:

    Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 (my personal favorite)
    Mortal Kombat
    Playstation All-Stars (although the patches are starting to take a lot of memory space)
    Street Fighter X Tekken
    BlazBlue

  • Got the PS3 version through EU Plus this month. I’m having a BLAST with this game. It’s really fun to play.

    Definitely recommended to anyone who enjoys a good fight.

    Nice to see that you added some tutorial modes too.

  • 2 Questions: 1. Will there be a cross buy bundle for Vita and PS3 versions? 2. Will there be a GOTY or Full Edition on PS3 with all DLC included?

  • come on….update already! cant wait anymore to get this game…..good thing pai chan is in here….

  • Justin,

    Thank you for your cooperation and your help to find the answer.

    I hope they will give a positive answer tho. other than that thx a lot. I feel better knowing someone cares about PS players like you Justin :)

  • I have been patiently waiting for the digital version of Dead or Alive 5 Plus to be released on PSN today, March 19, 2013. It is currently 3:25 pm PST. How much longer until the digital release as the hard copy was available since yesterday?

  • Pacific time here. DOA5+ is now available on the store. TEKKEN 6 can be found by searching it.

  • It is already out, and I downloaded it

    Shop for ps vita does not find this game

    but it can be bought through the store on a computer

    https://store.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com/ #! / en-us/home/games

    and then download it to the shopping list

  • How is it that this game: http://www.siliconera.com/2013/03/19/atelier-totori-plus-for-vita-listed-on-gamestop-in-the-u-s/ came out and you guys didn’t let anyone know…
    I need to go find me a PSN Store card, I wanted this for a while and you guys stealth released it, wow.

    In other news, I had DOA5+ since the 15th, thanks GameStop!!

  • I see the stores got update already, but I still can’t redeem my cheerleader code. Also how can I use the PS3 DLC in the Vita, it won’t let me download it from there. and when I do the cross syn it only give me the costumes that I earned from the game itself.

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