The latest issue of EGM reports that Team Ninja is currently working on an exclusive Dead or Alive title for the Playstation 3. Considering the series has been a flagship title for the Xbox since Dead or Alive 3, this presents an interesting twist for DOA fans. The rumor doesn't clarify the actual title of the game, so it's possible that the PS3 will be receiving an updated Dead or Alive 4 (similar to Ninja Gaiden Sigma). In other words, the game in question isn't necessarily Dead or Alive 5. Hell, it might be another DOA Xtreme title for all we know. Come to think of it, the jiggle probably would look better in 4D.
In a 1UP interview, Team Ninja's main man Tomonobu Itagaki talks about everything DOAX2. Itagaki explains why certain decisions were made that affect DOAX2's gameplay, online functionality, exploits, and future updates. Not only does he have no remorse for the game's craptacular online options, but even goes far enough to say that the game's multiplayer "would have been better just to not have it to begin with". Also, a patch is going to be released removing the free money exploit, but don't worry because Team Ninja will be selling all the goods via micro-transactions. It's the old "we're removing this cheat so you can buy it from us" routine. And if you've ever questioned Team Ninja's dedication to their games; when asked about putting up a demo on the XBLM Itagaki stated that "for people who are looking for a demo it's unfortunate, since I've already begun moving on to the next game". Is it us or is Itagaki totally back peddling in this interview, stumbling over his own response, and seems totally clueless to what the fans actually want?
Posted Dec 19th 2006 3:15AM by Dustin Burg
Filed under: News
We're betting that the above image already piqued your interest and that we don't have to say much for you to click the "Read" link below. But we'll explain anyway. Over at gamerhelp they've wrangled together over 30 special screenshots of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 ... and we mean special. Everyone knows that the core focus of the DOA series is all about the gameplay (yeah, right), but they're chock full of half naked women too. So, if you're interested in some pron-like DOA screenshots get a clicking, but be warned they aren't G, PG, or even PG-13 ... maybe not even R.
Update 1: Fixed the spelling errors ... the peak of the mountain was made of chalk.
It didn't take long, and DOAX2 videos are already flooding YouTube. It's a veritable bevy of busty digital babes, with videos of the various minigames everywhere. The pole dancing sequences, however, take the cake. While most of the minigames, from butt battles to beach races, can be written off as innocent excursions, the pole dancing can be called nothing other than what it is ... um ... it's pole dancing. Sample a digital vixen shaking her stuff after the break. Be warned, the video is not safe for work (and some of the other ones we've found are very not safe for work).
Earlier this month, we reported that a former Tecmo employee was charging Tomonobu Itagaki (creator of the DOA series) with sexual harassment. After completing its own internal investigations, Tecmo has publicly responded, categorically denying the sexual harassment claims. Furthermore, the company clarifies that the woman was not fired but quit of her own volition. After that, however, things get a little sticky. From what we can gather, something definitely happened. According to Tecmo, the woman (and presumably Itagaki) "mingled personal affairs with their corporate responsibilities," resulting in "unnecessary confusion." In the aftermath, both the woman and Itagaki were demoted and had their salaries reduced. Something tells us "unnecessary confusion" must be pretty serious if it results in a pay cut. In an attempt to counteract the defamation of his name, Itagaki plans to countersue his accuser for damages.
Sexual harassment is no joke, but one has to wonder if this has affected the sales of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2.
Professional drunkenphilanderer, Tomonobu Itagaki, despite rumors that Dead or Alive 4 would be the final game in the series, recently confirmed that Dead or Alive 5 is in the works. We don't know too much about the title yet, but Itagaki-san has dropped a few hints. First, he claims that he has already envisioned the opening scene in his head (inside Itagaki's head ... what must that be like?), and will probably drop the tag team feature. We find that last bit more than a little strange, since he has frequently insulted the Tekken series for lacking a tag option. Frankly, we couldn't care less about the tag play if it gives us a passable online experience.
No console was announced, but given Team Ninja's history (and success) with Xbox, you can bet it will hit 360. So, if you thought the 360's days of wildly exaggerated bouncing breasts were over, think again. They will be back, only this time they will have an actual, you know, game behind them.
Tomonobu Itagaki, the man behind Xbox hits Ninja Gaiden and the Dead or Alive series, has been formally charged with sexual harassment. According to ZAKZAK, the former employee -- she quit on September 10th -- claims that she had a physical relationship with Itagaki since 2003 and is asking for the sum of 10 million yen (US $85,000). Itagaki acknowledges the relationship, but claims that it was consensual. Itagaki has reportedly been demoted at Team Ninja, though it is unclear if this was done as punishment or if it was done to downplay his image in court.
We have to admit the grim humor of the situation. He is the creator of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2, after all. We're fairly certain that it's at least a little funny that the man who basically introduced 3D bouncing breasts to the world is now being charged with sexual harassment. Whatever the outcome, we hope it doesn't interfere with Ninja Gaiden 2. We'd also like to note that this news traveled very fast; Itagaki's Wikipedia page is already updated for crying out loud! For our Japanese savvy readers, feel free to translate the original article.
Man, first there are movies on Marketplace, and now Tomonobu Itagaki is busted for sexual harassment. This is shaping up to be a weird day.
Tim Buckley takes on everyone's favorite gravity defying breasts in his latest comic on Ctrl-Alt-Del. He also takes the time to give a little rant on the game (and links us in the process. Thanks, Tim!). In his own words:
"Seriously, did you see those things? They're out of control. Breasts are supposed to be soft, attractive, harmless. Not constantly spazzing out like someone strapped Gloop and Gleep to some girl's chest. Those things have reached critical mass, and no one is safe. I don't think those tiny little bathing suits can contain that shit."
We love the comic, especially the title, "Secession" -- it'll make sense once you read it. Good stuff, and definitely worth checking out. Do we smell a winner in the next Joystiq Webcomic Wrapup?
In case you missed it the first time, the E3 Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 trailer has been re-released on Marketplace. The trailer shows off some of the titillating activities the lovely ladies of DOA will be performing. These include jet ski racing, watersliding, taking pictures, and -- ahem -- hip wrestling.
It's an old trailer, but I'll do anything to post that picture again (rawr!).
Kikizo recently sat down with the real Rockstar of developers, Tomonobu Itagaki. The creator of Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden, and the upcoming DOA Xtreme 2 shares some interesting...er...theories about game development. First and foremost, game development is all about getting drunk. Discussing the stage designs in DOA4 and Xtreme 2, Itagaki had this to say:
"So you know, all those attractive environments inDOA4, we usually come up with the ideas for that and talk about it while we are drinking. Basically, if we have twenty stages, nearly half of them will be based on theory from when we are still sober, and the other half we just try to come up with crazy ideas, while intoxicated. With the fighting title, maybe forty per cent of the stages were based on being loose and fun, but withDOAX2, ninety per cent is loose and fun!"
Wow. Frighteningly similar to blogging...
For what it's worth, Itagaki says that he's had his best ideas while drinking whiskey. Sounds good to me. Before you go inebriating yourselves, just remember: friends don't let friends drink and develop. Hit the read link for the whole interview.
Xboxic got some interesting faceplates today from an unidentified source. These Dead or Alive faceplates are almost definitely unofficial but they certainly are, um, eye catching. There are also Scarface and Blue Dragon faceplates in there for some reason.
As far as I know, these aren't available at retail. Of course, there's nothing to stop you from making them yourself.
Anybody have any other special faceplate designs they'd like to share with the rest of the class?
Hit the read link to see more (technically safe for work, but still pretty risqué).
In a 1UP interview, Team Ninja's main man Tomonobu Itagaki talks about everything DOAX2. Itagaki explains why certain decisions were made that affect DOAX2's gameplay, online functionality, exploits, and future updates. Not only does he have no remorse for the game's craptacular online options, but even goes far enough to say that the game's multiplayer "would have been better just to not have it to begin with". Also, a patch is going to be released removing the free money exploit, but don't worry because Team Ninja will be selling all the goods via micro-transactions. It's the old "we're removing this cheat so you can buy it from us" routine. And if you've ever questioned Team Ninja's dedication to their games; when asked about putting up a demo on the XBLM Itagaki stated that "for people who are looking for a demo it's unfortunate, since I've already begun moving on to the next game". Is it us or is Itagaki totally back peddling in this interview, stumbling over his own response, and seems totally clueless to what the fans actually want?
Earlier this month, we 
Professional 
Tim Buckley takes on everyone's favorite 
Xboxic got some interesting faceplates today from an unidentified source. These Dead or Alive faceplates are almost definitely unofficial but they certainly are, um, eye catching. There are also Scarface and Blue Dragon faceplates in there for some reason.
