DOA4 delay defended

Though Tecmo has confirmed the delay to Dead or Alive 4, the company has chosen not to give too many details as to the reasons behind the later release date, which has yet to be set.

The latest issues of Famitsu Xbox 360 and Dorimaga, however, give some insight into possible causes. The two magazines feature interviews with the game's producer, Tomonobu Itagaki, conducted before news of the delay was confirmed.

Itagaki told Dorimaga that at the time, DOA4 was already 95 percent complete, but there were still some system tune-ups and game balance issues that needed work. Since DOA4 is being created with a focus on online play, Itagaki indicated he wanted the game fully balanced before it left his hands.

He told the magazine the "last five percent is the most crucial point in development," and that the team was working around the clock to make sure the game was released in perfect condition.

In Famitsu Xbox 360, Itagaki commented that while many developers choose to release their games in an unfinished form and distribute patches afterwards, it's a methodology he despises. However, that doesn't mean that the team won't release its own patches after the game's release if needed.

Itagaki also confirmed for Famitsu Xbox 360 that DOA4 will feature a total of 22 characters, including Elena, Genfu, Ein, Leon, Tengu, and Spartan 458, a guest character from Bungie Studios' Halo.

When asked about how the collaboration with Bungie came about, Itagaki revealed that he kicked off the relationship around the time when Halo 2 and Ninja Gaiden were being developed. Itagaki said he often gets collaboration offers from other studios, but this was the first time he reached out and requested such an arrangement.

His said his developers are working on Spartan 458 with "the same care" they put into the game's original characters. Itagaki debunked rumors that Spartan 458 plays identically to Bayman, commenting that she will be a speedy character that's easier to control.

In terms of other characters, Itagaki said that Elena isn't selectable from the start. Players will need to clear the game with 16 other characters in order to unlock Elena. Beating the game with her will lead to a "grand finale," which Itagaki calls the "true ending" to DOA4.

For gamers still in need of closure, Itagaki also revealed that Ayane was the winner of DOA3 in terms of the series' storyline.