DOA4's arrival slipping again?

Fortuitous fighting fans that finagled a newfound Xbox 360 had a fantasy: Beat the bejesus out of one another on November 22, the day the console launched. Those hopes were dashed when the console's lone fighter, Dead or Alive 4, was moved from its original place in the launch lineup to December 1.

Gamers cracked their knuckles and gritted their teeth at the news, but the extra week would give them more time to do a few push-ups and practice some roundhouse kicks. Soon after, online retailers began listing the game as being available on December 7, which was again met with various acts of pent-up aggression and splintered two-by-fours.

Next-gen fighting fans, prepare to have plenty of willing sparring partners--DOA4's hopeful release may be postponed once again to December 14. Both GameStop.com and EBgames.com are listing the game as shipping two weeks into December, more than three weeks after its originally planned release date.

EB Games was first to proclaim the game's initial delay through e-mails to customers who preordered the Xbox 360. The game has also missed its launch date of December 10 in Japan, moving back to December 17.

Dead or Alive 4 is rated M for Mature and will retail for $59.99. For more on the game, go a few rounds with GameSpot's previous coverage.

[UPDATE] Tecmo has not officially announced a release date for the game, so retailer projections should not be considered the be-all and end-all. A representative from the company has told GameSpot that an official statement concerning the game's status will likely be made next week.