For a quarter of century, the Dead or Alive series has enthralled gamers with high-octane, face-smashing combat and wildly different characters. The games not only possess their own distinct look, but also a unique fighting style to boot. And what better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Dead or Alive franchise than to recall the devastating Power Blows, Break Blows and Special Moves? Read on for the best moves that have defined the series in recent years.
Akira Yuki – Shura Ha’ou Kouekazan
An upward rushing elbow followed by a right-handed strike to the solar plexus and upward elbow attack, before culminating in a devastating shoulder block. Akira Yuki’s Power Blow truly is something to behold. Just make sure you’re ready to pick up the pad again after Akira’s finished his Death Blow, because the pride of Virtua Fighter is easily one of the most powerful fighters in the entire Dead or Alive franchise.
Bayman – Russian Grenade Shot
Unleashing a series of clubbing strikes before choking his foe near to the point of unconsciousness and then absolutely yeeting them into the nearest wall, Bayman’s Russian Grenade Shot Power Blow is as savage as he is. And that’s no mean feat, considering what a brute the man is.
Hayabusa – Mid-Air Spinning Skull Driver
Making the most of his superhuman agility, Hayabusa’s Spinning Skull Driver allows him to launch his opponent into the air with a swift kick before snatching them from the air and driving them into the ground, noggin first. One of the oldest special moves in the entire Dead or Alive franchise, Hayabusa’s devastating mid-air throw is still one of the most beautiful (and devastating) special moves in the whole series.
Jann Lee – Fury Of The Dragon
It should come as little surprise that Jann Lee’s Power Blow is thoroughly inspired by the man around whom he has shaped his entire offensive arsenal. I’m speaking, of course, about legendary scrapper and mixed martial arts pioneer, Bruce Lee. With a furious rush of lightning-quick strikes that culminate in a fist-trembling power punch that sends his foes flying into the great beyond, for my money at least, Jann Lee’s Fury of the Dragon is one of the best Power Blows in Dead or Alive.
Kasumi – Double Palm Blow
Kasumi’s Break Blow in Dead or Alive 6 presents quite the spectacle. After a whirling storm of purple energies coalesce around her fists, Kasumi holds her palms together and jams them full force into the body of her hapless foe, propelling them into the sky and dishing out bucket loads of damage as a result.
Nyotengu – Yomotsu-Kaze
One of the most visually-impressive Power Blows you’ll ever see, Nyotengu’s Yomotsu-Kaze has Dead or Alive’s resident demon lady knock her enemies into the air before intercepting them for a quick embrace. However, rather than ending in a nice warm hug and a cuppa, Nyotengu’s Power Blow instead has the winged terror whipping her foe away before using a spiked fan to hit a homerun on their skull, sending them careening off into the distance. Ouch.
Are there any Power Blows, Break Moves or Special Moves you think should be on this list? Head over to our Community Forum to tell us what you think!
