I'll just say that I think the game is amazing but I'll break it down in the usual categories for lawlz.
Graphics: 9/10 - For me the models, and even the level design are top notch. I loved the water raft stages design for example. Starting on it, knocking the raft into the river bed's torrent, and then getting knocked off a waterfall into a lush green forest with giant snakes, and other various animals, was pretty epic to me especially in a fighter. I do have some nick picking though, mostly with Hitomi's face, and the sweat textures. I thought the sweat looked more like rain water that didn't really look right to me, like it wasn't touching the skin perhaps, maybe it was too clear. Hitomi's face kinda looked like a dolls, which I still love her I was just a bit disappointed by it.
Game Play: 9/10 - For me it was incredibly smooth. Tekken for example feels like everyone has 20 pounds shackles on their feet and arms. Making it feel sluggish. DOA5 feels like at any time I do an action it is going to come out perfectly, and cleanly. I never had input errors, like some people have said. It also has some very deep fighting game aspects, and rewards constant evolution in matches. Doing the same old tricks will get you killed, but learning how to mix it up is heavily rewarded.
Balance: 7/10 - I think this might be it's weakest factor, I think some characters are just simply better then others. This is true for all fighters, and I can't really think of one game that would even get close to a 10 on this. For the most part I think it is possible for anyone to win with enough training and time spent on it.
Offline: 7/10 - I spent so much time going on an unlocking spree, and completing the story mode. That I spent nearly 20 hours just playing offline. I enjoyed myself, even though the story was cheesy. I personally just found myself laughing at it. I do hope for future DOA titles they try to get someone to expand on it much greater in detail, instead of random excuses to fight with no resolutions. The practice mode is one of the best, I wish all games had in game frame data for both blocking, hitting, and for distances. However it could improve by saying X attack crushes this type of attack.
Online: 6/10 - It isn't special, it doesn't seem to try to be, it's just basic online. You play in generally alright connection, that allows you to do the basics, but anything advanced might be a bit difficult to pull off. It also tends to have problem connecting with random people.
Overall: 7/10 - I won't use silly numbers like 7.5 out of 10 because I might as well be doing a out of 20. It's fun, it's a deep fighter if you are looking for it. Anyone who is a fan of the series will enjoy it, newer players will find it easy to pick up, but incredibly difficult to play against live opponents. It's a fun game that could have been beyond amazing with a few tweaks. Mostly to the netcode, and online features.
Fan Score: 9/10 - being a fan of DOA in general I'm happy with it almost completely, I wouldn't hesitate on my 80 dollar purchase. So being biased bumps it up 2 points
