Seven years after its initial launch, Dead or Alive 6 arrives on PlayStation 5. Called Last Round, the new version of the game looks better, includes the non-crossover DLC characters (Nyotengu, Phase 4, Momiji, Rachel, and Tamak), and includes some new features like a photo mode. It’s a great introduction if you missed out on DOA6, but returning players will have to wait for some of its more exciting additions.

Ultimately, this still plays like Dead or Alive 6, so any gripes or praise you had for its gameplay carry over here, as it hasn’t been overhauled. Thankfully, I really enjoyed how DOA6 played, and Last Round let me play it in 4K, where the action looks better than ever. The triangle system gameplay is still the base, where strikes, throws, and holds balance each other out, and the fatal rush mechanic still makes it easy for newcomers to get a grasp on the gameplay.

Like the base game, there’s a pretty impressive number of modes. From its cinematic story mode to a ton of single-player quests and combo challenges, there’s a surprising amount of stuff you can do before testing your skills online. Granted, this was all in the base game, so those looking for a bunch of new content will be a bit disappointed, as it’s mostly a straightforward update.

One of the coolest improvements in Last Round is Team Ninja’s oboro lighting system, which makes the game really pop more and improves the water effects significantly. However, not all stages currently support the new lighting, which is frustrating. Five fan-favorite characters, including Kasumi and Marie Rose, have brand-new costumes, too, but that number also feels a bit underwhelming when there are over 30 characters in the game. It feels like a lot of the bonuses have an asterisk attached, which is a shame.

The most sizable new content is the introduction of a photo mode, which is a perfect fit for the series. Series producer Yosuke Hayashi told PSLS that they wanted to make the “ultimate photo mode,” and it’s hard to argue against that. While it takes some time to get used to the controls, there are a ton of different options ranging from sweat and facial expressions. Photo modes are rarely a selling point and more of a bonus, but Team Ninja did a great job with it, which will please die-hard fans.

The biggest disappointment of Dead or Alive 6 Last Round is the lack of crossplay and rollback netcode. This would’ve been the perfect time to get this working and test it out before the next game in the series. Throw in that both King of Fighters crossover DLC characters (Mai Shiranui and Kula Diamond) don’t come with Last Round, and this feels a bit less like an ultimate edition than it should.

There’s a lot to be excited about in the future for Dead or Alive 6 Last Round, as more stages will get oboro support in free updates. More characters and skins are coming as future DLC, as well, but realistically, some of these should’ve been the selling point of Last Round. It feels like a great starting point, but it arrives seven years after DOA6’s initial release. I had a great time getting back into the game, but it’s hard to justify to more casual fans at this point if they already own the base version.

Dead or Alive 6 Last Round (PS5) Review: Final Verdict

With the most interesting new content coming mostly down the line, Dead or Alive 6 Last Round is difficult to fully judge at launch. It looks and plays great, so it should tide over fans as they wait for the seventh entry in the fighting game franchise. However, it’s hard not to be somewhat underwhelmed by most of the levels not supporting the new lighting engine and crossover DLC characters not coming with the base game.

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