Free-to-play Dead or Alive 6: Core Fighters version released

Koei Tecmo has released the free-to-play Dead or Alive 6: Core Fighters version on Steam, just a couple of weeks after the official release of the full game. They did promise it would turn up after the main game, but I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon.

This free-to-play release – which some may call a glorified demo – brings a small selection of characters: Kasumi, Hitomi, Diego and Bass. You can purchase additional individual fighters or packs, but if you are considering this, perhaps it's better to go for the full game instead.

As for game modes, it includes a nice selection with online ranked battles, Versus, Arcade, Time Attack, Training, and Quest modes. The introduction to the story mode is unlocked, as well as DOA Central, which is the hub for things such as wardrobe, music, library and theater.

Judging by the mixed reviews, Dead or Alive 6 is going the Street Fighter V route: a solid fighting game that was released with several technical issues that need to be fixed to make it truly shine.

Dead or Alive 5 also had a Core Fighters version, which is similar to what Square Enix recently did with Dissidia Final Fantasy NT – a free version with slim character choice that is built to tempt players into buying the full version. I long for a day when real demo versions are back into the video game industry, giving you a brief taste of what the full, complete, and micro-transaction-free version has in store.

While I'm at it, Koei Tecmo should seriously look into releasing Dead or Alive Xtreme: Venus Vacation in western regions. Just for academic purposes, of course.