Koei Tecmo Under Fire: DOA6 ‘Last Round’ Rerelease Sparks Massive Player Outrage

Hey PakGamers, ever notice how some games just vanish from digital storefronts, only to pop back up later in a ‘new and improved’ (or so they claim) version? It’s a trend that rarely goes down well with players, and it seems Koei Tecmo has just learned this the hard way with Dead or Alive 6.

The original Dead or Alive 6, which many fighting game enthusiasts enjoyed, was recently pulled from sale. In its place? Dead or Alive 6 Last Round. And oh boy, the reception for this ‘new’ version on Steam has been brutal. We’re talking a whopping 70% negative user reviews!

To put that in perspective, the original DOA6 was sitting pretty with around 70% positive reviews before all this went down. Now, even that version is seeing negative reviews as players protest Koei Tecmo’s move. It’s a clear message: gamers aren’t happy.

So, what’s got everyone so riled up? For starters, the DLC in Last Round is reportedly even more expensive. And while you can transfer most of your old save data to unlock previously purchased characters and costumes, there’s a catch. Fan-favorite SNK crossover characters, Mai Shiranui and Kula Diamond, require a repurchase. Talk about a double dip!

Beyond the wallet-draining DLC, players are calling Last Round incredibly barebones. Visually, there’s hardly any difference – one stage got a lighting upgrade, but that’s about it. The ‘big’ new feature Koei Tecmo is touting? A photo mode. Seriously? While costumes might unlock a bit faster, that hardly makes up for the lack of substantial new content.

Adding insult to injury, Last Round still doesn’t include crucial modern fighting game features like rollback netcode (essential for smooth online play) or crossplay. And to top it off, some players are reporting a 40% bigger install size for a game that offers so little extra. It’s a head-scratcher.

The Dead or Alive series has always walked a fine line, trying to be a serious fighting game while also being known for its ‘fan service.’ Developers have often promised to focus more on the core fighting mechanics, but then we see new DLC rolling out with bikinis and bunny outfits. This rerelease feels like it leans heavily into that ‘fan service’ reputation, completely overlooking what actual fighting game fans want.

As one Steam reviewer bluntly put it, “It’s insulting. Tecmo just sees this as the coomer franchise and thinks they can get away with the absolute bare minimum.” Another called it “the biggest scam Koei Tecmo has pulled so far.” It’s clear that players feel ignored and exploited, especially those who were hoping this would be an opportunity for Dead or Alive to truly evolve as a fighting game. This whole situation is a stark reminder that gamers expect genuine value and respect, not just recycled content with a higher price tag.