Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball Xbox

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald Rating * * * *)

Developers Tecmo have still managed to create an intriguing sports game.

It features the female cast of the 3D fighting series Dead or Alive who have gathered on a tropical island for some fun. The extraneous plot sees familiar DOA fighting character Zack (voice, look and inspiration provided by Dennis Rodman) inviting fellow characters Kasumi, Lei Fang and the famous DOA women to his island getaway to take a break.

The single-player game begins by selecting a girl from the eight then spending a few weeks on the island shopping, buying gifts, sunbathing poolside and playing volleyball.

Obviously you will get to hang out with the girls, sunbathing and exchanging gifts but you can also go to the movies, enter beauty contests, buy bikinis and summer supplies or even gamble all your cash away playing Blackjack at the island's flashy casino.

DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball is pleasingly painless to play. Only two analog buttons control the action: one to spike and the other to set the ball. The harder you press down, the harder you hit the ball, the closer you are to where the ball is, the more accurate you are, and so on.

The visuals are breathtaking and the soundtrack is wholesome pop, including tracks from Christina Aguilera and the Spice Girls. Fans of decent music can play your tunes care of the Xbox's hard drive.

Jammed with mini-games and alternative events, DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball offers depth not commonly seen in a sports title and on close inspection, there is more to it than just beach balls and bathing suits.

Cost: $119.95


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