The latest entry from Team Ninja and Tecmo Koei’s flagship fighting game series, Dead or Alive 6, is ready to rumble. With a full roster of new fighters as well as old, fans are excited to try out new movements as well as revisit the veterans and master them in the sixth tournament.
It’s amazing to realize that the Dead or Alive franchise has been around since the arcade scene in 1996. The series has welcomed many iconic fighters into the arena. Some fighters have been included in every sequel’s roster, securing their slot as some of the best and memorable characters in the fighting genre.
To mark our anticipation for Dead or Alive 6’s release on March 1, 2019, we put together a list of the original Dead or Alive fighters that have been punching their weight since the first title, and how they’ve evolved over the last 22 years. From risque costume designs to incredible abilities, here are the seven original fighters of Dead or Alive.
Ayane, The Killer Kunoichi
A kunoichi of the Mugen Tenshin clan and the current master of the clan’s Hajinmon sect, Ayane has become one of the most popular characters in the Dead or Alive franchise. On par with Kasumi, she’s considered one of the mascots of the franchise.
Ayane’s most iconic costume is a dark purple, strapless dress with a pink butterfly printed on the skirt. Her outfit is complete with pull-on sleeves, stockings, heeled boots, and a giant orange obi bow tied around her hips. In Dead or Alive 6, her corset suit is now black with purple trim, gray tights, and black knee-high boots. Her long black ninja gloves now extend beyond her shoulders and are covered with light purple fabric.
Ayane is among the fastest characters. Adopting Mugen Tenshin Hajinmon Style Ninjutsu, she also has a set of moves to use while her back is turned. Her quick speed makes her excellent at intercepting opponents. She’s fast and deadly in the right hands.
Bass, King of the Ring
A retired pro wrestler, Bass Armstrong is just too… damn… STRONG! Fondly known as Mr. Strong in Dead or Alive 5, Bass is the over-protective father of Tina Armstrong. He’s often seen trying to stop Tina from dropping her title as a pro wrestler to become a Hollywood sensation. Poor dad.
Based on the American wrestler, Hulk Hogan, in the first game Bass’ beard and hair were blond. He also had lightly tanned skin and small eyes. Although his appearance hasn’t changed all that much, his wrestling costumes are still iconic, sporting a biker look or an American theme.
Bass is a power/grappler character, thanks to his large size. His throw attacks are combo based and can result in over 60 percent damage. His counters can inflict massive damage. He’s one of the heaviest characters in the Dead or Alive series and is one of the most aggressive fighters.
Bayman, The Man Who Overcame Death
Bayman has a dark story. Tasked with the assassination of Fame Douglas, he was betrayed by his employer, who attempted to kill him. With only a scar on his face, Bayman seeks vengeance and is on the hunt for his former employer, Donovan, and his secret organization. Do not mess with this guy.
His appearance hasn’t changed that much, but obviously, he looks much more defined in the latest series. He wears army uniforms and combat equipment. Recurring items include dog tags, camouflage pants, army boots, gloves, and berets.
Bayman uses Combat Sambo fighting style, a style from the Russian military. Bayman is a remarkably agile fighter with a highly defensive style. He is able to evasively roll in any direction. He is one of the only characters able to perform holds with his back turned. He also has expert holds that are extremely damaging. Best not to anger the man who overcame death.
Jann Lee, A Scorching Soul
Master of Jeet Kune Do, nicknamed “Dragon.” This scorching soul constantly seeks to test himself against the most fearsome opponents. He cares more about the level of skill than the level of fame and keeps up his training even after taking the Champion’s title in the previous tournament. I also think he’s kinda cute, but that’s not important.
Based on the star Bruce Lee, Jann Lee is often shirtless. He usually only wears kenpo pants, and sometimes, different martial arts outfits ranging from Bruce Lee’s signature yellow jumpsuit to Kung-fu suits with a dragon emblem, also usually associated with Bruce Lee.
He’s one of the fastest striking characters, with quick, intricate chain combos as well as sudden, hard-hitting “super blows”. Because of this, he can be considered a “strike” character in that he relies on quick combos to wear down the enemy and keep them on the defensive. I’ll be cheering for him in the sixth tournament.
Kasumi, The Kunoichi of Destiny
Alongside Ayane, Kasumi is probably the other most-well known Dead or Alive fighter. Although she is the successor of the legendary Mugen Tenshin ninja clan, she abandoned her clan and became a “runaway ninja”. Her resolve to leave came after her brother was murdered, and she sought to avenge him, which resulted in her being hunted by her own half-sister and cousin, Ayane. Talk about family drama.
She was originally designed with a childlike and youthful appearance, with the intention of making her look “soft”. But in Dead or Alive 6, Kasumi looks like a total badass. Her trademark outfit is a blue, side-tie dress with short puffy sleeves, white trim, her name stitched in gold on the back, and a light-colored phoenix pattern on the skirt, complete with stockings, low heeled sandals, blue & white leg guards and arm-guards. In Dead or Alive 6, she sports a black ninja bodysuit with white gloves and what looks like tabi with heeled kunoichi shoes, as well as sections with blue accents.
Her most significant strength is her excellent speed; she is one of the fastest striking characters in the game. Kasumi is a deadly weapon in the hands of experts who can utilize her deadly combos and air juggles. This kunoichi ain’t messin’ around.
Leifang, The T’ai Chi Ch’uan Genius
Leifang is a college student and taijiquan prodigy who just wants to prove to Jann Lee that she is a worthy and strong opponent.
In the original game, her clothes consisted of trousers, shorts, and flat shoes with simple detailing. Later, she started to sport high-heels and long, formal-looking, body-hugging cheongsams or qipao. They are often embroidered with Chinese-inspired patterns of birds and flowers. Most of her wardrobe consists of her simply wearing them in different colors.
However, in Dead or Alive 6, Leifang is now accessorized with white ox-horns. Her outfit is a yellow and white Chinese-style midriff with a black trim which also shows her waist and black ribbons in each side at the edge of her folded sleeves, a matching white and yellow trousers with black designs and black sneakers with white and yellow designs and cream soles. She also wears black fingerless gloves with yellow trim and red bands on each side.
Her strength lies in T’ai Chi holds that use her opponents’ power against them, and powerful attacks from “Sabaki” and “Inashi” parries. Her kicks are also incredibly strong. Let’s see how she fares against Jann Lee in the sixth tournament.
Tina, Superstar of a Thousand Dreams
Ahh, Tina. The abovementioned daughter of the professional wrestler, Bass. Despite her father’s intentions to raise her as a champion wrestler, she insists on pursuing her own dreams. These include a model, actress, rock star. Talk about ambition.
Originally supposed to sport blond hair, Tina was a brunette in the original Dead or Alive because the graphics on the Arcade version wouldn’t allow it. At least in Dead or Alive 6 she can now flaunt her blond locks. Her appearance usually shows her southern upbringing and urban rockstar-like casual wear with American flag prints showing her patriotic side. Now, it’s a perfect blend of that as well as a touch of wrestling inspiration. Even though she strives to be anything but, it’s still a nice homage to her roots.
Her abilities are derived from wrestling moves, much like her father Bass’ set moves. In the right hands though, Tina can handle any opponent. Just make sure you give her a chance to promote her upcoming film or whatever.
Zack, The Funky DJ
This funky DJ isn’t just about bringing the sick beats. He learned Muay Thai just by observation and imitation. He’s got the moves: dance and punch.
Zack probably has the most flamboyant and outrageous costume designs, especially in previous sequels. Green hair and goatee, an overly tight riff bra and white straps; this guy is serious about his funky (and weird) reputation. Zack is the only character that goes through the largest change of appearance every game since he changes his hair so much.
Zack is one of the fastest fighters in the series, with his Muay Thai moves being so bizarre, he can be unpredictable in the arena, which he obviously uses to his advantage. I’m keen to see what weird moves he’ll bring to the next sequel.
Are you excited for Dead or Alive 6? Will you be playing any of these original fighters? Who are your favorite Dead or Alive characters? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by Kikopaff
Kikopaff is an avid fan of comics, slurps many bowls of ramen, and lives in the Land Down Under. When she’s not writing about video games, she is playing Sid Meier’s Civilization VI or buried in a Terry Pratchett book. She also loves cooking up a storm in her kitchen.
