Help Me Understand: Assessing Criticism of DOA6

[TheIndustrialCowboy]

Hello!

I have a few questions I'd like to present to the DOA fanbase in this post, but first I'd like to preface them with some context regarding my experience with DOA6 thus far:

My father and I started playing DOA6 in late March this year. We were looking for a PS4 game to play together while high, and the idea of dressing up cute anime girls in sailor uniforms and watching them thrash eachother senseless struck us both as rather amusing. What we found, however, was a game with lasting play potential.

There are multiple aspects of the game that I've enjoyed so far. Firstly, Playing through the story gave context and personality to the characters, and piqued both of our interests in the lore of the series. I found it entertaining and compelling overall, even if slightly disjointed. Another element I've found appealing is the sheer variety of original characters (magic ninjas, assassins, maids, necrotic cyborgs, etc.) and customization options that help to make gameplay vibrant. My dad and I have bought at least three different customization packs and all of the DLC fighters for this reason. Finally, the gameplay is both satisfying and easy to grasp, and I haven't actually run into a serious shortage of players to face in ranked matches (despite usually playing from 1:00am-2:30am EST). I've gained immense satisfaction from improving my skills with my main online, and between my father and I, we've probably played DOA6 every night of the week since we first bought it. I main NiCO and my father mains Honoka.

DOA6 stands out to me because it brings together elements that other fighting games seem to lack (like a sense of humor, imagination, sex appeal, etc.) I don't usually play fighting games. I don't even particularly like fighting games in general. But somehow, I love DOA6.

My overarching question, then, is this: why does DOA6 get this much hate from the fanbase, even now? So far I've seen:

- The lack of online support at launch (a valid criticism, but doesn't really apply anymore imo)

- The DLC prices (which are admittedly egregious, probably the most valid criticism I've seen)

- Blame falling on certain characters (these types of complaints concern and disappoint me, because it's often characters that I like or don't mind)

- Blame falling on the story mode (I thought the main story was cool overall, and really want to see what happens next tbh)

With all of this in mind, I'd like to acquire some additional insight from the player-base, as I myself am rather new to the franchise: What would make a potential DOA7 better? Does the fanbase see players like me as "part of the problem"? What "type" of new players should the franchise be trying to attract? Is DOA currently more popular in the East (Asia) or the West (US & EU)?

P.S. Sorry for making this a massive essay by the way lol. I had a lot to get off my chest and was hoping to generate some discourse.

 

[KasumiLover]

Hello!

I have a few questions I'd like to present to the DOA fanbase in this post, but first I'd like to preface them with some context regarding my experience with DOA6 thus far:

My father and I started playing DOA6 in late March this year. We were looking for a PS4 game to play together while high, and the idea of dressing up cute anime girls in sailor uniforms and watching them thrash eachother senseless struck us both as rather amusing. What we found, however, was a game with lasting play potential.

There are multiple aspects of the game that I've enjoyed so far. Firstly, Playing through the story gave context and personality to the characters, and piqued both of our interests in the lore of the series. I found it entertaining and compelling overall, even if slightly disjointed. Another element I've found appealing is the sheer variety of original characters (magic ninjas, assassins, maids, necrotic cyborgs, etc.) and customization options that help to make gameplay vibrant. My dad and I have bought at least three different customization packs and all of the DLC fighters for this reason. Finally, the gameplay is both satisfying and easy to grasp, and I haven't actually run into a serious shortage of players to face in ranked matches (despite usually playing from 1:00am-2:30am EST). I've gained immense satisfaction from improving my skills with my main online, and between my father and I, we've probably played DOA6 every night of the week since we first bought it. I main NiCO and my father mains Honoka.

DOA6 stands out to me because it brings together elements that other fighting games seem to lack (like a sense of humor, imagination, sex appeal, etc.) I don't usually play fighting games. I don't even particularly like fighting games in general. But somehow, I love DOA6.

My overarching question, then, is this: why does DOA6 get this much hate from the fanbase, even now? So far I've seen:

- The lack of online support at launch (a valid criticism, but doesn't really apply anymore imo)

- The DLC prices (which are admittedly egregious, probably the most valid criticism I've seen)

- Blame falling on certain characters (these types of complaints concern and disappoint me, because it's often characters that I like or don't mind)

- Blame falling on the story mode (I thought the main story was cool overall, and really want to see what happens next tbh)

With all of this in mind, I'd like to acquire some additional insight from the player-base, as I myself am rather new to the franchise: What would make a potential DOA7 better? Does the fanbase see players like me as "part of the problem"? What "type" of new players should the franchise be trying to attract? Is DOA currently more popular in the East (Asia) or the West (US & EU)?

P.S. Sorry for making this a massive essay by the way lol. I had a lot to get off my chest and was hoping to generate some discourse.

It gets hate since the game's comeback mechanics with the break blow and break hold isn't liked that much among the more serious players. I don't mind them but many people feel the break hold breaks the momentum of the game and can get annoying to deal with

The balance of the game is also sometimes questionable since the game favors the faster characters ideally and some characters like Leifang and Bayman who were very strong in the previous take just aren't in 6 and characters who specialized in certain areas can easily be outplayed by characters like Kasumi or any other stronger character who can do what they do even better than them. Then there was the DLC in which was kinda weak since it favored the female characters and most packs are mainly just older costume sets and not ones we truly wanted back like the Santa dress and even new ones like the Santa bikinis were just stuff we didn't want or need

Overall the support of the game and it's last couple of updates just weren't doing it for most of the players, I say still play tho if you enjoy it tho

 

[Crext]

Heyhey.

I'd agree with Rob here in that the DoA community is large enough that it has loyal fans to the different games, with a diverse set of views. Those who swore to deep mechanics prefer DoA5 and DoA3 with unique mechanics being possible because of more frame traps and overall bigger potential for "domination". In short they're more esport friendly. The more casual crowd prefer DoA4 or DoA6 as there's greater comeback mechanics and you feel less in the enemy's clutches once you get into the mixer (if you fall down they can't "force tech" you as much (forcing you back up on your feet), etc) .

You also have outside critics in general, not to be confused with the fanbase, as DoA marketed themselves on the premise of having the best models and sexual jiggle physics, thus becoming a prime target of cancel culture. Let's not forget that gamergate ignited over Dead or Alive Xtreme 3 (Beach Volleyball), and that the Japanese branch didn't want to release it in the West because of this crowd. DoA5 and 6 was marketed more as a "I'm a Fighter" rather than "She kicks high", and they felt the Beach Volleyball games could ruin that rebranding. Also, since the game models are of such high quality, you won't get around the fact that they are used A LOT in off-brand content (porn), and everybody knows it. This is also something that keeps the brand alive and well even if most people prefer not talking about it. However, on the flip side you also got plenty of "invisible fans" that never even touch multiplayer, and mostly play the spin-offs like Warrior All-Stars, Orochi Warriors 3, Ninja Gaiden 3, etc. staring the DoA characters, or pick up stuff like Senran Kagura Beach Splash because they had Ayane, Honoka & Marie all while spending gacha money on DoA Xtreme Venus Vacation.

As for DoA6 in general I'd say the main issue was marketing (the game was fairly good in my view, even if I liked the mechs in DoA5 better (especially the force techs)). Anyways, they had a hard time of flipflopping between what demographics they wanted to target, where basically a very talented producer took on the role of PR-manager, and got caught in a political battle between the different factions we've mentioned. DoA has always been a very recognizable brand where many people who've never played the game know perfectly well what it is regardless, and you got coalitions of different interest groups fighting each other over silly things like if you should have a close up "Injustice style" finisher and if toning down the sex appeal as "optional" was deemed censorship or not.

As for me, I personally would prefer DoA7 to be like SoulCalibur 6, where you could make your own character and go on an adventure. I personally feel they shouldn't try recreating DoA1-6 again, as those games has aged very well. To me, the greatest thing about DoA is the characters. If you could see them in other genres I would love that. I even ended up buying all these Warriors games just because 1 character from DoA I liked was in them (same with senran kangura). At this rate I would continue to buy any game including them as well, be that Nioh (Nyotengu) to the next Fire Emblem (now wouldn't THAT be something?).

 

[KasumiLover]

Heyhey.

I'd agree with Rob here in that the DoA community is large enough that it has loyal fans to the different games, with a diverse set of views. Those who swore to deep mechanics prefer DoA5 and DoA3 with unique mechanics being possible because of more frame traps and overall bigger potential for "domination". In short they're more esport friendly. The more casual crowd prefer DoA4 or DoA6 as there's greater comeback mechanics and you feel less in the enemy's clutches once you get into the mixer (if you fall down they can't "force tech" you as much (forcing you back up on your feet), etc) .

You also have outside critics in general, not to be confused with the fanbase, as DoA marketed themselves on the premise of having the best models and sexual jiggle physics, thus becoming a prime target of cancel culture. Let's not forget that gamergate ignited over Dead or Alive Xtreme 3 (Beach Volleyball), and that the Japanese branch didn't want to release it in the West because of this crowd. DoA5 and 6 was marketed more as a "I'm a Fighter" rather than "She kicks high", and they felt the Beach Volleyball games could ruin that rebranding. Also, since the game models are of such high quality, you won't get around the fact that they are used A LOT in off-brand content (porn), and everybody knows it. This is also something that keeps the brand alive and well even if most people prefer not talking about it. However, on the flip side you also got plenty of "invisible fans" that never even touch multiplayer, and mostly play the spin-offs like Warrior All-Stars, Orochi Warriors 3, Ninja Gaiden 3, etc. staring the DoA characters, or pick up stuff like Senran Kagura Beach Splash because they had Ayane, Honoka & Marie all while spending gacha money on DoA Xtreme Venus Vacation.

As for DoA6 in general I'd say the main issue was marketing (the game was fairly good in my view, even if I liked the mechs in DoA5 better (especially the force techs)). Anyways, they had a hard time of flipflopping between what demographics they wanted to target, where basically a very talented producer took on the role of PR-manager, and got caught in a political battle between the different factions we've mentioned. DoA has always been a very recognizable brand where many people who've never played the game know perfectly well what it is regardless, and you got coalitions of different interest groups fighting each other over silly things like if you should have a close up "Injustice style" finisher and if toning down the sex appeal as "optional" was deemed censorship or not.

As for me, I personally would prefer DoA7 to be like SoulCalibur 6, where you could make your own character and go on an adventure. I personally feel they shouldn't try recreating DoA1-6 again, as those games has aged very well. To me, the greatest thing about DoA is the characters. If you could see them in other genres I would love that. I even ended up buying all these Warriors games just because 1 character from DoA I liked was in them (same with senran kangura). At this rate I would continue to buy any game including them as well, be that Nioh (Nyotengu) to the next Fire Emblem (now wouldn't THAT be something?).

I only disagree with one point, DOA6 imo has comeback mechanics but pretty much all games nowadays do, there's plenty of high level serious players who play 6 and can work around the comeback stuff. DOA4 imo was just as dangerous imo ground game wise as doa5 but they didn't have heavy force techs back then.

I feel ultimately what the player chooses to play should be up to them since I feel 5 and 6 have their fair share if things that could rub players the wrong way although imo I like both games, LR tho had the best content compared to 6 and that's also a major reason people prefer it because of the vast amount of costumes and characters. 6 could have been great but they decided to just can the game support rather than fix the issues and that was a cop out, at least with LR they made an effort towards the end to give everyone something and that imo was a great time for the community. Now it's mainly streamers and high level players and modders who are trying to keep the game alive and that can only work for so long when other games are still getting support while we mainly just get sale discounts and birthday reminders

 

[TheIndustrialCowboy]

I really appreciate everyone's insightful responses so far...

You've provided me with some interesting data. Thank you!

 

[Kasumi-Phase-X]

As a longtime DOA fan who had enjoyed the DOA franchise ever since I've seen magazine ads promoting DOA Ultimate, DOA4, & DOA Xtreme 2 then later rented DOA2 Hardcore from a place called Movie Magic (which was closed down like any rental stores like Blockbuster & Family Video for examples) which the DOA franchise was My favorite series from the fighting games & the Xtreme spin off titles. The DOA game I hate the most is Dead or Alive 6 because of how Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo (at least Worldwide) handle the series, being a downgrade from its previous title Dead or Alive 5 in terms of sex appeal (the very thing DOA6 stood out you). Here are My reasons:

Issue 1 Interviews & Games Direction: To start at the very beginning when DOA6 was announced there was an interview from IGN is when they got their First Hands-On on DOA6 which there was a line Shimbori (Director & Producer for DOA6) that was mentioned in the interview: “We wanted to make a more cool and mature Dead or Alive this time, and to that end we made a conscious decision to make the characters less sexualized,” Shimbori told IGN.

“We wanted to make a more cool and mature Dead or Alive this time, and to that end we made a conscious decision to make the characters less sexualized,” Shimbori told IGN.

Which as a longtime fan broke My heart, and felt a slap to the face from someone who cared about the series for what it was. Which felt like DOA6 was taking a completely wrong direction for a sequel that Shimbori had previously worked on DOA5 & DOA Xtreme 3 (as Director), there were many interviews that were similar in a sense that DOA6 won't be overtop with the Sex Appeal (which won't be realized until when the game got released along with DLC). Here was another interview from a Famitsu article that said this:

"As　a visual image ofShinborias a whole, this time I am planning to draw a character for "coolness".After all,there is an opinion that"DOA" series is "It is embarrassing that girls are too sexy and play."Indeed, when I went to last year's "EVO 2017" (the World Tournament of Fighting Fighting Games held in Las Vegas every year), the fans gave me the opinion that "I want you to make it a bit cooler game."There are also such things, this time,we value the parenthesis so thateveryone inthe players can be proud of being a player of"DOA".

Here are the 2 sources for example:

E3 2018: Dead or Alive 6 First Hands-On: Can Team Ninja Balance Familiar and Fresh? - IGN

Koei Tecmo’s beloved fighting-game series aims to satisfy longtime fans while offering a more mature and accessible experience. Here are our hands-on impressions, together with feedback from the developers at Team Ninja.

www.ign.com

DOA6: Famitsu Interviews Shimbori

Interview from famitsu https://www.famitsu.com/news/201806/09158656.html (google translated) The excitement of esports, "DOA" - First of all,please tell me how the development of"DOA 6" was decided. Shinbori's　previous album "DOA 5" is a cumulative total of 1 million packaged versions, the...

www.freestepdodge.com

Not everyone with Me included (mainly outside of FSD based on interactions and certain places I followed) were happy with what he was trying to do with DOA6. It was a very bad start to begin with.

Issue 2 DOA6 Level of Sex Appeal not being the same as DOA5: When DOA6 was released in Mar, 1st 2019 (which March was a month worth of DOA content from DOA6 being the first, followed by DOA Xtreme 3 Scarlet in Mar, 20, and finally DOA Xtreme Venus Vacation Asia/Steam release Mar, 27 (which that game was released back in Nov, 15 2017 on DMM Games)) the game starts off with Christie's Leather Leotard (based on her DOA4 costume) which is a sexy outfit, Honoka with her unzipped jacket showing off her top bikini & Pro Wrestler (from Deluxe Costume Set), Kasumi's Tropical Sailor outfit (from NG3 Razor's Edge), Leifang's Black Dress (from Dead or Alive 2), La Mariposa/Lisa's Bikini Outfits from Costume 7-9 & Deluxe Costume (both from DOA4), & Tina Deluxe Costume. Which to some perspective looks like a good start for DOA6, however if you compare what DOA5 previous had to offer to DOA6 this is where DOA6 starts to feels like a downgrade in terms of sex appeal from costumes & features.

Starting with Costumes that DOA6 doesn't have from launch like DOA5 (with No DLC included) are very revealing swimsuits (more than Christie Leotard for example) like Azurite swimsuit, Mach swimsuit, & Pleione swimsuit (from DOA Xtreme 2) which were unlockable outfits in DOA5 vanilla (PS3 & Xbox 360) via playing through Master Difficulty (Arcade, Time Attack, & Survival) or playing certain matches only for amount of times.

When it comes to DLC content the majority of their swimsuits are the more standard bikini once again their aren't swimsuits that very revealing like the ones I mention which what DOA5 has in DLC for some of the characters like what Tina, Christie, & Lisa wore in DOA5. Majority of DOA6 DLC seems similar but is missing some very sexy ones that DOA5 had like for example both games have Phase 4 costume that is dressed like Arnice from Nights of Azure however DOA6 took out a transformation that shows alot of skin (which in DOA5 you can transform into), and another outfit that to Me was the final straw for DOA6 which was when Rachel was released as a DLC character she had a certain costume that is based on a fiend from NG Sigma 2 Plus which the blue version showed alot of skin (while red one cover skin) but most importantly in DOA5 Ultimate had this outfit for the Trick-or-Treat Halloween Set which is exactly like the blue showing lots of skin but certain parts was colored purple. In DOA6 the fiend costume covered bare skin with black bodysuit (showing no bare skin) similar to the red one (not sticking to what NG Sigma 2 Plus had for each 2 fiend costumes Blue shows bare skin & Red covers skin) she doesn't have bare skin like previous games.

Here are some other issues I have is clothing destructions not as destructive like DOA5 Last Round when the game first introduce clothing destruction when they collaborated with the Senran Kagura franchise where the DOA girls were wearing outfits based on the Senran Kagura girls which you get to see their clothes destroyed along with seeing bit of bra & panties (like how Senran Kagura does in its game that DOA adapted not just for Senran Kagura but some other DLC costumes), in DOA6 very little damage is done like Kasumi & Helena only have their belly expose but the rest of the outfit isn't wreck like Senran Kagura outfits. Another downside in terms of sex appeal is Breast Physic option being reduced from DOA5+ Off/Natural/DOA/OMG to DOA6 normal Off/On (similar to DOA1).

Finally the dumbest of decisions is how filters work from violence & exposure setting, filters in general are not a bad option for those who want more or less depends on what you set it as such however DOA6 completely screwed up the filters. Starting with violence which filters the games super where you can see characters up close getting hit in the face however if your up against Marie, Honoka, NiCO, or Kula the camera would pan away not giving you up close punch in the face if you use the Super on them (which happen due to the complaints the team was given) what doesn't make sense is if violence filter is off you get up close hit in the face shots except the 4 girls I've mention which kinda kills the purpose having a filter. Another is exposure setting which covers certain areas of females to make it less sexy, however despite that the fiend costume I've mention is covered regardless on what setting exposure setting was on which would've been a perfect moment is if the exposure setting is off you should see the bare fiend skin or if the exposure setting is on it should cover the skin. In other words filters felt very point to have especially if certain things feel it filter is on despite it being turned off.

These were My problems with DOA6, and one game I don't play anymore with exception of making memes.

Here is an extra problem the entire DOA fanbase didn't like which is a PS4 exclusive which is Hair Customization and how its system was handled here are some articles on what they're about which was the last straw for every fanbase alike:

Koei Tecmo Dropped the Ball Hard with Recent DLC

It's time for the Dead or Alive community to bear arms against Koei-Tecmo for the absurd implementation of leasing hair colors through exchange of REAL money through the currency of 'Premium Tickets' exclusively on the PlayStation 4 console. As it stands thousands of people have expressed their...

www.freestepdodge.com

Collection of Mainstream Articles Destroying Koei Tecmo's 'Hair Rental Service'

Free Step Dodge commits itself first to the players of Dead or Alive, and since the controversial launch of version 1.20 we have made it a top priority to let Koei Tecmo know that these 'hair rental' & DLC business practices are unacceptable and that enough is enough. The mainstream press is...

www.freestepdodge.com

1.20 Requires PS4 Players to Pay Tickets Each Time a Hair Color Change Is Done

UPDATE 3/6/2020: Team NINJA tweeted an official apology to the fighters and stated that they were working on a better alternative to distribute hair colors. So players are encouraged to not purchase anymore colors until the issue has been rectified. The big hope is that players are able to use...

www.freestepdodge.com

Koei Tecmo's Latest Business Interview is Questionable

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-03-25-koei-tecmo-ceo-interview Game Industry. Biz met up with Koei Tecmo's CEO to discuss expansion, what's trending in the business industry of games & their recent success in the market. Hisashi Koinuma states that the conglomerate found global...

www.freestepdodge.com

"What would make a potential DOA7 better?" Heres what typed up for DOA7 in this thread at Aug, 31 2020 #2:

DOA 6: Ultimate/DOA 7 wishlist

Well at this point in time, I'm uncertain over what's next for Dead or Alive. So I guess I will put this up and see where everyone's mindset is whenever there's a new DOA game. I have a couple general things I can put on my wishlist and I'll just put it simply: DOA 6:U Modes 1. Expanded story...

www.freestepdodge.com

"Does the fanbase see players like me as "part of the problem"?" Based on your personal story, you are definitely not "part of the problem" since you seem like someone that is enjoying DOA for what it is. If you like a fighting game with sex appeal, I would be recommending DOA5 Last Round which is also available for PS4 since I consider that game better than DOA6.

"What "type" of new players should the franchise be trying to attract?" The ones that enjoy cute girls with sex appeal.

"Is DOA currently more popular in the East (Asia) or the West (US & EU)?" So far based what DLC they've been releasing, and the DOA gacha spin off title DOA Xtreme Venus Vacation which adds third party content it would be East especially with amount of content that Japan would enjoy like Senran Kagura, Tatsunoko, Fairy Tale, Attack on Titan etc.

 

[UpSideDownGRUNT]

Personally I dislike DOA6 because it's too all over the place gameplay wise, most of the reasons why I stopped playing DOA6 was because of balance updates and poor gameplay changes.

My Personal Problems with DOA6:
1. Balance updates were starting to make zero sense, characters that needed a proper nerfing never got one or poor nerfs and for some reason they would buff high tier characters like Hayabusa lol NiCO was nerfed in every single balance patch yet is still high tier.

2. I'm simply just not a fan of Break Gauge and Fatal Rush mechanics. DOA was already simple to pick up and play and really doesn't need these gimmick mechanics.

General problems with DOA6:
1. Identity Crisis. Dead or Alive 6 has no idea what it wants to be, it was marketed in the west as a serious esports fighting game but in Japan and Asia it was marketed like literally every other DOA series with sexy content and 3D oppai mousepads and stuff. It released a lot of fetish DLC mostly "revival" packs from DOA5 but also has things like the aforementioned mode that covers up cleavage and gives each girl a black pair of shorts etc.

2. Koei Tecmo's egregious monetisation of pretty much everything. Not just the Season Passes and costumes but even down to PS4 version having microtransactions locked limited time pre-order dlc costumes (some are even locked to different consoles) and the "hair rental" scandal which is arguably the straw that broke the camels back. After the mass negativity from the hair colour change mtx Koei Tecmo pretty much rushed Tamaki out of the oven and abandoned the game indefinitely.

3. Awful Development. Dead or Alive 6 had the unfortunate curse of being developed at the exact same time as KTs next big release at the time Nioh 2 and with half the budget of DOA5. Plus I believe at one point most of the veteran Team Ninja members left to work on Nioh 2 leaving DOA6 with mostly new hires and interns fresh out of school. Then add on to the fact that Team Ninja were forced to use a brand new engine nobody was familiar with within around 18-20 months.

 

[deathofaninja]

I will say that I've been completely out of the system for like over a year (life completely took over and shocked me) but I'm quite surprised by how many people stayed true to the game over the period of COVID. Before COVID we had a pretty big number of tournaments, and most people have opted for Hoodless Weekly while we get out of the pandemic.

There have been almost 100 straight weeks of Hoodless Weekly and that's some strong commitment. I've seen the players that enjoy that tournament get really good. Italy is also working on their scene.

Complete Italian DOA6 Elimination Round Tournament

Dead or Alive 6 is starting to see some more activity in its competitive scene again and Italian players are looking to get in the action being showcased and highlighted for their efforts. There are some real talented players that are missing from this Italian tournament, but there are a wide...

www.freestepdodge.com

As to the problems with DOA - it's the Internet; naturally you're going to hear every last problem people have with it. Like you, I enjoyed the story myself, and I also don't have problems finding a ranked game. What's your system of choice?

 

[TheIndustrialCowboy]

What's your system of choice?

I play on PS4 - which I've heard has a slightly more active casual playerbase than Xbox.

 

[deathofaninja]

Maybe - though the true 60 fps on Xbox Series S|X brought in a lot more people I think. Xbox is where I've been playing, but I'm also available on PC.

 

[KasumiLover]

PC tho imo is gonna be the best place to fight most players, the mods and generally better experience are what keeps alot of the better players locked in imo. Ps4 tho has a generally higher player base since it's the more easy access console besides Xbox one

Bar a few idk if I have any friends who own a PC that still play the console versions tbh

 

[jjinkou2]

It was practically abandoned immediately after it was released.

This !
It 's my biggest complaint. Every thing else is irrelevant to me. (DLC, Break Blow,Story...). No support is kiiling this game. It needs support , network servers are dying, there are not enough stages, costumes.

I'm still playing it and enjoying it more than every previous version, whatever people think about it, i don't care. Every other FG have their flaws. But this game is the closest of what i want to play.