View source for Dead or Alive 3

{{Short description|2001 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = February 2025}}
{{For|the film|Dead or Alive: Final}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Dead or Alive 3
| image = Dead_or_Alive_3_cover_art.png
| caption = North American cover art featuring [[Jann Lee]] (front) and [[Hitomi (Dead or Alive)|Hitomi]] (background)
| developer = [[Team Ninja]]
| publisher = {{vgrelease|WW|[[Tecmo]]|EU|[[Xbox Game Studios|Microsoft Game Studios]]}}
| director = {{ubl|[[Tomonobu Itagaki]]|Hiroaki Matsui}}
| producer = {{ubl|Tomonobu Itagaki|Yasushi Maeda}}
| writer = Hiroaki Matsui
| designer = Katsunori Ehara
| programmer = {{ubl|Mitsuo Osada|Takeshi Sawatari}}
| composer = {{ubl|Makoto Hosoi|Takashi Inamori|Ryo Koike}}
| series = ''[[Dead or Alive (franchise)|Dead or Alive]]''
| released = {{Video game release|NA|November 15, 2001|JP|February 22, 2002|EU|March 14, 2002}}
| genre = [[Fighting game|Fighting]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| platforms = [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
}}

{{Nihongo foot|'''''Dead or Alive 3'''''|デッドオアアライブ3|Deddo oa Araibu Surī|group=lower-alpha|extra=abbreviated as '''''DOA3'''''|lead=yes}}  is a 2001 [[fighting game]] developed by [[Team Ninja]] and published by [[Tecmo]] for the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] console as one of its [[launch title]]s. It is the third main entry in the ''[[Dead or Alive (franchise)|Dead or Alive]]'' fighting series following ''[[Dead or Alive 2]]'' (1999). ''Dead or Alive 3'' improved upon the gameplay and graphics in beautiful detail compared to that of its predecessors. The game's story focuses on DOATEC's attempt to create the ultimate human weapon through their Omega Project by capturing the Mugen Tenshin [[Ninja]] Clan's Hajin Mon leader, [[Genra]], and transforming him into an evil superhuman called Omega. The ninjas enter the third Dead or Alive tournament to defeat Omega.

''Dead or Alive 3'' was critically acclaimed and a commercial success upon release, selling over 1 million units in the first five months after its release,<ref name="rep7">{{cite web | author=Varanini, Giancarlo | date=May 6, 2002 | url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-or-alive-3-reaches-1-million/1100-2864274/ | title=Dead or Alive 3 reaches 1 million | website=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020531015604/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2864274,00.html | archive-date=May 31, 2002}}</ref> and went on to sell over 2 million units worldwide,<ref name="gematsu">{{cite web |author=Romano, Sal |date=January 17, 2021 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/01/dead-or-alive-and-modern-ninja-gaiden-creator-tomonobu-itagaki-establishes-itagaki-games |title=Dead or Alive and modern Ninja Gaiden creator Tomonobu Itagaki establishes Itagaki Games [Update]|website=Gematsu|archive-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117201926/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/01/dead-or-alive-and-modern-ninja-gaiden-creator-tomonobu-itagaki-establishes-itagaki-games|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bloom">{{cite web |author=Itagaki, Tomonobu |date=January 16, 2021 |url=https://www.facebook.com/tomonobu.itagaki/posts/2739978682932899 |title=Full Tomonobu Itagaki 2021 Bloomberg Interview (shared via Facebook)|website=[[Facebook]]|archive-date=January 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118161812/https://www.facebook.com/tomonobu.itagaki/posts/2739978682932899 |url-status=live}}</ref> becoming the best-selling game in the franchise and one of the [[List of best-selling Xbox video games|top 10 best-selling Xbox games]]. The game won several awards and was nominated for many others. The [[#European and Japanese versions|European and Japanese versions]] were released months later, featuring additional content and gameplay updates that are not featured in the North American version. 

''Dead or Alive 3'' later became [[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360|backwards compatible]] on [[Xbox 360]] in 2005. In 2021, [[#Backwards compatibility and re-release|all versions of ''Dead or Alive 3'']] were made available to download from [[Xbox Live]] worldwide, and were later made [[List of backward-compatible games for Xbox One and Series X/S#List of compatible titles from Xbox|backward compatible]] on [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]].<ref name="verge">{{Cite web |date=15 November 2021 |title=Microsoft's Xbox backward compatibility program returns with 76 new games |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/15/22782746/microsoft-xbox-backward-compatibility-76-new-games |access-date=2021-11-24 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=2021-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115182209/https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/15/22782746/microsoft-xbox-backward-compatibility-76-new-games |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Dead or Alive 3'' was followed by ''[[Dead or Alive Ultimate]]'' in 2004 and then its sequel ''[[Dead or Alive 4]]'' in 2005.

==Gameplay==
[[File:DOA3-4A.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Tag team|Tag]] Throw by [[Christie (Dead or Alive)|Christie]] and [[Helena Douglas]] against [[Gen Fu]]]]
The basic gameplay controls remain essentially unchanged from ''[[Dead or Alive 2]]''. Some tweaks have been added to the game system in the form of increased counter periods, unrestricted 3D-axis movement, and less emphasis on juggling [[Combo (video gaming)|combos]]. All these gameplay enhancements make the game suitable for beginners, and makes the artificial intelligence a bit more forgiving. Move properties for character attacks are updated. The game incorporated less damage percentiles in counter hold maneuvers, making players rely more on blows and throws to defeat opponents. Fighters who are caught in hazardous falls can now be knocked out if they have very low health.

The game adds a new feature in its Sparring mode called "Exercise", an automatic command tutorial that teaches players how to perform attacks. One Command is displayed onscreen at a time during gameplay and changes after being successfully performed, therefore players can easily practice learning character moves while commands are displayed at the same time.

The [[Tag team]] system, introduced in the previous game, was also updated. Tag Battle matches are made available to select in the game's Time Attack and Survival modes. A new mechanic called "Attack Change" was added, allowing the character tagging in to attack while switching in. The Tag Throws command was made a bit easier to activate.

Compared to previous entries in the series, the game takes advantage of the Xbox system's power to push the range of the graphics and environment sizes farther than the ''Dead or Alive 2'' games. The game has less unlockable content compared to ''DOA2: Hardcore''. The game also utilizes the Xbox controller's pressure sensitive analog face buttons to allow shortcuts in performing certain moves, making the controls lenient to allow players new to the series to adapt to the gameplay. Players have the option to turn the analog buttons on or off in the game's settings.

=== European and Japanese versions ===
Months after the initial North American release of the game, the [[#Backwards compatibility and re-release|European and Japanese versions]] featured many gameplay changes, with more than a dozen new attacks for characters, an improved and more challenging artificial intelligence, tweaked move properties for attacks, more unlockable content, much better sidestepping movements that allows players to dodge most attacks, and the controller's analog sticks can be used when the analog button setting is turned off.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/08/dead-or-alive-3-hidden-commands-faq-jap-386264|website=[[IGN]]|first=Don|last=Chan|date=April 8, 2003|title=Hidden Commands FAQ (JAP)|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227152349/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/08/dead-or-alive-3-hidden-commands-faq-jap-386264|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox/475251-dead-or-alive-3/faqs/17831 Dead or Alive 3 – PAL/JP Additional Moves FAQ], GameFAQs.</ref><ref name=ogh>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701232244/https://www.oldgamehermit.com/2021/01/review-dead-or-alive-3/|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url=https://www.oldgamehermit.com/2021/01/review-dead-or-alive-3/|website=oldgamehermit.com|date=January 31, 2021|title=Review: Dead or Alive 3|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Characters==
{{See also|Characters of the Dead or Alive series}}
''Dead or Alive 3'' features a total of 18 fighters, including 17 playable characters and the [[Boss (video gaming)|boss]] character [[Genra|Omega]]. The characters returning from the previous installments are [[Ayane (Dead or Alive)|Ayane]], [[Bass Armstrong]], [[Bayman]], [[Ein (Dead or Alive)|Ein]] (unlockable), [[Gen Fu]], [[Helena Douglas]], [[Jann Lee]], [[Kasumi (Dead or Alive)|Kasumi]], [[Leifang]], [[Leon (Dead or Alive)|Leon]], [[Ryu Hayabusa]], [[Tina Armstrong]], and [[Zack (Dead or Alive)|Zack]]. Playable newcomers are Chinese drunken fighter [[Brad Wong]], British assassin [[Christie (Dead or Alive)|Christie]], Japanese ninja [[Hayate (Dead or Alive)|Hayate]] (appeared in the roster of the previous title as "Ein"), and German-Japanese karateka [[Hitomi (Dead or Alive)|Hitomi]].

===New===
*[[Brad Wong]], a Chinese [[Drunken boxing|drunken fighter]] whose teacher, [[List of Dead or Alive characters#Chen|Chen]], sends him on a journey to search for the mysterious wine called "Genra". After three years of wandering, he finds himself in the Dead or Alive tournament.
*[[Christie (Dead or Alive)|Christie]], a British [[assassin]] and [[Snake Kung Fu|she-quan]] practitioner hired by [[Victor Donovan]], leader of DOATEC's anti-Douglas faction. She enters the tournament in order to keep an eye on Helena.
*[[Hayate (Dead or Alive)|Hayate]], a Japanese [[ninja]] and the 18th leader of the Mugen Tenshin Ninja Clan, who appeared in the previous game as "Ein". He enters the tournament again in order to defeat Genra, the superhuman created as a puppet of DOATEC's Project Omega.
*[[Hitomi (Dead or Alive)|Hitomi]], a German-Japanese [[karate]]ka who always wanted to fight in the Dead or Alive tournament. After getting permission from her [[List of Dead or Alive characters#Hitomi's father|father]], she joins the tournament in order to test her formidable skills against the real world.
*[[Genra|Omega]] {{ref|a|a}}, the evil superhuman of DOATEC's Project Omega who used to be Genra, the leader of the Mugen Tenshin's Hajin Mon sect and Ayane's foster-father.

===Returning===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Ayane (Dead or Alive)|Ayane]]
*[[Bass Armstrong]]
*[[Bayman]]
*[[Ein (Dead or Alive)|Ein]] {{ref|b|b}} {{ref|c|c}}
*[[Gen Fu]]
*[[Helena Douglas]]
*[[Jann Lee]]
*[[Kasumi (Dead or Alive)|Kasumi]]
*[[Leifang]]
*[[Leon (Dead or Alive)|Leon]]
*[[Ryu Hayabusa]]
*[[Tina Armstrong]]
*[[Zack (Dead or Alive)|Zack]]
{{div col end}}
<small>{{note|a|a}} Unplayable boss<br>
{{note|b|b}} Unlockable character<br>
{{note|c|c}} Unplayable in Story Mode<br></small>

==Plot==
The hero [[ninja]], [[Ryu Hayabusa]], put a stop to the evil doings of [[Tengu (Dead or Alive)|Tengu]] during the [[Dead or Alive 2|last tournament]], but it was too late to stop him from triggering a massive worldwide collapse. A dense cloud covered the entire planet in a shroud of darkness and fear. DOATEC has gone astray, turning into the hunting grounds for power-hungry scam artists.

This is when DOATEC's development department (a fortress for state-of-the-art military technology) witnesses the success of a genius. Following Project Alpha and Project Epsilon, the ever ambitious [[scientist]], [[Victor Donovan|Dr. Victor Donovan]] completes the Omega Project, producing a new superhuman: [[Genra]]. The man, who was once leader of the Hajin Mon ninjas of the Mugen Tenshin Ninja Clan, is no longer human, but a force of singular and unprecedented capabilities known as Omega. To test the subject Omega's skills, DOATEC announced the third Dead or Alive World Combat Championship.

The ninjas [[Hayate (Dead or Alive)|Hayate]], [[Ayane (Dead or Alive)|Ayane]], and Ryu Hayabusa enter the third tournament to defeat Genra. [[Bayman]], the [[assassin]] who was once hired by Victor Donovan to kill [[Fame Douglas]] during the [[Dead or Alive (video game)|first tournament]], enters the third tournament to get revenge on Donovan after he sent a mysterious [[sniper]] to kill him. Bayman easily quashed the sniper, but the feeble attempt on his life left Bayman in anger and in retaliation against Donovan. [[Helena Douglas]], daughter of Fame Douglas was captured by the anti-Douglas faction of DOATEC led by Donovan. Whether Helena likes it or not, she is dragged into the intertwined conspiracies within the huge DOATEC organization. Donovan challenges Helena to win the third tournament. If she wins, she will regain her freedom and learn the truth behind DOATEC. To prevent Helena from winning, Donovan hires a British assassin named [[Christie (Dead or Alive)|Christie]] to keep an eye on her, and kill her if necessary.

As the tournament is underway, [[Kasumi (Dead or Alive)|Kasumi]], who is hunted and forced to defend herself from multiple attempts on her life by highly skilled ninja assassins, due to her status as a runaway ninja, desires to see her brother Hayate again. She cross paths with her half-sister Ayane, who states that she can see Hayate if she wants as she's more focused on defeating Genra rather than hunting her. Kasumi meets with Hayate, who's torn between the ninja code and his love for his sister. He decides to save Kasumi by pretending he didn't meet with her. Afterwards, an argument is made between the ninjas on who should defeat Genra. Hayabusa is prepared to bring down Genra, but Hayate states to Hayabusa that he does not know Genra like he does since he and Genra are from the same clan. Hayate also states that since he is the new leader of the Mugen Tenshin, he should defeat Genra instead. Later, both Ayane and Hayate argue on who should defeat Genra. Ayane, as a Hajin Mon ninja and Genra's foster-daughter, feels that fate commands her to put Genra out of his misery and that it is her duty to defeat him. Eventually, Ayane wins the third Dead or Alive tournament and kills Genra. Saddened by his death, Ayane cremates his body and keeps his [[Vajra|tokkosho]] sword.

==Development and release==
[[File:TGS Xbox DOA3 promo 2001.jpg|thumb|''Dead or Alive 3'' promo booth at the [[Tokyo Game Show]] 2001]]
[[File:Dead_or_Alive_3_Hori_Arcade_Stick.jpg|thumb|right|A ''Dead or Alive 3'' Arcade Stick manufactured by Hori]]
After the success of ''Dead or Alive 2'', Tecmo was working on continuing the series when [[Microsoft]] approached them, offering a deal to develop the next ''Dead or Alive'' as an exclusive title for the recently announced Xbox. The Xbox was still in development, and Microsoft was in need of exclusive, high-profile games to show off the technical capability of their product. This deal also fit in with series creator [[Tomonobu Itagaki]]'s design philosophy of always targeting the most powerful console available for the development of ''Dead or Alive'' games. Itagaki accepted the offer as he noted how the specs of Xbox were much higher and more powerful than other systems such as the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Dreamcast]]. Itagaki and Team Ninja noted how developing solely for one home console was easier and how the Xbox's development environment was as convenient as the Dreamcast's, and was much more convenient than the PlayStation 2's.<ref name="g4 icons">''[[Icons (TV series)|Icons]]: Dead or Alive'' (television program).</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Bass, Dina | date=January 6, 2021 | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-01-06/xbox-the-oral-history-of-an-american-video-game-empire | title=Xbox: The Oral History of an American Video Game Empire | website=[[Bloomberg L.P.]] | access-date=2021-08-21 | archive-date=2021-01-06| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106131058/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-01-06/xbox-the-oral-history-of-an-american-video-game-empire | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://game.udn.com/game/story/122090/5308159|title=From "Dead or Alive" to "Ninja Gaiden", the adversity and peak of Itagaki Tomonobu's career|website=game.udn.com|date=2021-03-16|language=chinese|access-date=2024-02-15|archive-date=2024-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215153620/https://game.udn.com/game/story/122090/5308159|url-status=live}}</ref> 

In 2001, the release of ''Dead or Alive 3'' was announced in Japan, but the game was first released in the US, in order to coincide with the American Xbox [[launch title|launch]]. An updated version of ''Dead or Alive 3'' was then released for the Japanese and European Xbox launches several months later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/spring-tgs-2001-tecmo-reveals-dead-or-alive-3-for-xbox/1100-2702882/|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=March 30, 2001|title=Spring TGS 2001: Tecmo reveals Dead or Alive 3 for Xbox}}</ref><ref name=ign_doa3_update>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506044929/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/03/08/more-life-for-dead-or-alive-3|archivedate=May 6, 2016|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/03/08/more-life-for-dead-or-alive-3|website=[[IGN]]|first=Aaron|last=Boulding|date=March 8, 2002|title=More Life for Dead or Alive 3|url-status=live}}</ref>

The European and Japanese versions of ''Dead or Alive 3'' feature more content such as extra costumes, new attacks for characters, gameplay tweaks, and a new cinematic introduction for the game. Because of its early release, the North American version does not feature any of the above.<ref name=ogh/> In January 2002, Microsoft released the ''[[Xbox Exhibition disks|Xbox Exhibition Volume 1 disc]]'' containing booster content for ''Dead or Alive 3'', and in May 2002, ''[[Official Xbox Magazine]]'' provided a 'Booster Disc' for ''Dead or Alive 3''.<ref name=ign_doa3_update/> Both releases included the new cinematic introduction and all of the extra costumes released on the EU and JP versions of the game, but they did not however contain the extra fighting moves or general game balancing tweaks that the other versions brought.<ref name=ogh/> Both booster releases also contained a playable [[Game demo|demo]] for those who didn't have the game. Only Time Attack mode is playable in the demo and only Hitomi, Zack, Tina, Bass, Jann Lee, Leifang, Christie, and Helena are playable while the other game modes, characters, and game settings are locked down.<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116071723/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-or-alive-3-booster-disc-released/1100-2863920/|archivedate=January 16, 2016|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-or-alive-3-booster-disc-released/1100-2863920/|website=[[GameSpot]]|first= Giancarlo|last=Varanini|date=May 3, 2002|title=Dead or Alive 3 booster disc released|url-status=live}}</ref> The booster content continued to be provided with the ''Official Xbox Magazine'' demo disc from June 2002 to September 2002; each disc featured the same content but gave magazine buyers multiple times to acquire it.

In addition to the original soundtrack in the game, three songs by the American rock band, [[Aerosmith]], also appear in ''Dead or Alive 3'' and can also be played in the game's settings menu. "[[Nine Lives (Aerosmith song)|Nine Lives]]" was the opening theme, and "[[Home Tonight]]" was played over the credits. "[[Amazing (Aerosmith song)|Amazing]]" was not used in the actual game, but was a music sample under the settings menu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/aerosmith-lends-its-music-to-doa3/1100-2817408/|website=[[GameSpot]]|first=Shahed|last=Ahmed|date=October 11, 2001|title=Aerosmith lends its music to DOA3}}</ref>

The [[Platinum Hits|Platinum Hits, Platinum Collection, and Xbox Classics editions]] of the game were released in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226134302/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/09/12/platinum-guides-for-your-platinum-hits|archivedate=December 26, 2012|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/09/12/platinum-guides-for-your-platinum-hits|website=[[IGN]]|date=September 12, 2003|title=Platinum Guides for Your Platinum Hits|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Merchandise===
An [[Arcade Sticks|Arcade Stick]] for ''Dead or Alive 3'' made by Japanese video game peripheral manufacturer, Hori, was released exclusively for the Xbox on February 22, 2002, in order to coincide with the ''Dead or Alive 3'' and Xbox launch in Japan.

A soundtrack CD for the game, titled ''Dead or Alive 3 Original Sound Trax'' (KWCD-1006), was released by Wake Up in 2002. A guide book titled ''Dead or Alive 3: Prima's Official Strategy Guide'' by [[Prima Games]] was published in North America on November 5, 2001. Three more guide books were published in Japan in early 2002: ''Dead or Alive 3 Guide Book'' (デッド オア アライブ3 ガイドブック) by ''[[Famitsu]]'' / [[Enterbrain]], ''Dead or Alive 3 Kōshiki Kōryaku Guide'' (デッド オア アライブ3 公式攻略ガイド) by [[Kodansha]], and ''Dead or Alive 3 Perfect Guide'' (デッド オア アライブ3 パーフェクトガイド) by [[SoftBank]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.arcade-gear.com/Games/Dead_or_Alive_3/Dead_or_Alive_3.htm | title=Dead or Alive 3 | website=Arcade Gear | access-date=December 21, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131093630/http://www.arcade-gear.com/Games/Dead_or_Alive_3/Dead_or_Alive_3.htm | archive-date=January 31, 2014 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Backwards compatibility and re-release ===
''Dead or Alive 3'' later became [[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360|backwards compatible]] on the [[Xbox 360]]. On November 10, 2021, ''Dead or Alive 3'' became available to download on [[Xbox Live]] worldwide. As of November 15, 2021, ''Dead or Alive 3'' is now [[List of backward-compatible games for Xbox One and Series X/S|backward compatible]] on the [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]].<ref name=verge/>
 
The European and Japanese versions of ''Dead or Alive 3'', both which feature more content, can be downloaded from Xbox Live on American Xbox platforms by purchasing ''Dead or Alive 3'' for $14.99 in the [[Microsoft Store|Xbox Store]] first, then changing the region in the Xbox settings to either United Kingdom or Japan, and restarting the console before downloading. The console can be switched back to the American region after the download is complete.

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
|GR=86.19%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/475251-dead-or-alive-3/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224110343/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/475251-dead-or-alive-3/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-12-24 | title=Dead or Alive 3 for Xbox |publisher=GameRankings |date=2001-11-14 |access-date=2013-12-21}}</ref>
|MC = 87/100<ref name=mc>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-or-alive-3/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox | title=Dead or Alive 3 for Xbox Reviews | website=[[Metacritic]] | publisher=Red Ventures | access-date=December 21, 2013 | archive-date=December 23, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223172154/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/dead-or-alive-3 | url-status=live }}</ref>
|1UP = B−<ref name=1UP>{{cite web | author=1UP Staff |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/dead-alive-3 | title=Dead or Alive 3: Dead again | website=[[1Up.com]] |date=November 14, 2001 |access-date=July 15, 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713152952/http://www.1up.com/reviews/dead-alive-3 |archive-date=July 13, 2012}}</ref>
|Allgame = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web | author=Marriott, Scott Alan | url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=34190&tab=review | title=Dead or Alive 3 - Review | website=[[AllGame]] | publisher=[[All Media Network]] | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115015655/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=34190&tab=review | archive-date=November 15, 2014 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
|Edge = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine | author=Edge staff | title=Dead or Alive 3 (Import) | magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] | publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] | issue=106 | date=January 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | author=Edge staff | title=Dead or Alive 3 (PAL) | magazine=Edge | publisher=Future Publishing | issue=109 | date=April 2002}}</ref>
|EGM = 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine | author=EGM staff | title=Dead or Alive 3 | magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] | publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] | issue=150 | date=January 2002 | page=223}}</ref>
|EuroG = 6/10<ref>{{cite web | author=Bramwell, Tom | date=April 18, 2002 | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_doa3_x | title=Dead or Alive 3 | website=[[Eurogamer]] | publisher=[[Gamer Network]] | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019224759/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_doa3_x | url-status=live }}</ref>
|Fam = 37/40<ref name="fam">{{cite magazine | url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=10332&redirect=no | title=Xbox - DEAD OR ALIVE 3 | language=ja | magazine=[[Famitsu]] | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | volume=915 | date=June 30, 2006 | page=103 | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019190308/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=10332&redirect=no | url-status=live }}</ref>
|GI = 9.25/10<ref name="gi">{{cite magazine | author=Leeper, Justin | url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200112/R03.0804.1759.06716.htm | title=Dead or Alive 3 | magazine=[[Game Informer]] | publisher=[[FuncoLand]] | issue=104 | date=December 2001 | page=98 | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917093913/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200112/R03.0804.1759.06716.htm | archive-date=September 17, 2008 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
|GamePro = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine | author=Tokyo Drifter | date=November 14, 2001 | url=http://gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/18220.shtml | title=Dead or Alive 3 Review for Xbox on GamePro.com | magazine=[[GamePro]] | publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]] | access-date=March 6, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050207110119/http://gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/18220.shtml | archive-date=February 7, 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|GameRev = B<ref>{{cite web | author=Silverman, Ben | date=November 2001 | url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/34261-dead-or-alive-3-review | title=Dead or Alive 3 Review | website=[[GameRevolution]] | publisher=[[CraveOnline]] | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922113439/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/dead-or-alive-3 | archive-date=September 22, 2015 | url-status=live}}</ref>
|GSpot = 7.9/10<ref name=gs>{{cite web | author=Kasavin, Greg | date=November 12, 2001 | url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dead-or-alive-3-review/1900-2824040/ | title=Dead or Alive 3 Review | website=GameSpot | publisher=Red Ventures | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020126162125/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0,10867,2824040,00.html | archive-date=January 26, 2002 | url-status=live}}</ref>
|GSpy = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web | author=Turner, Benjamin | date=November 15, 2001 | url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/dead-or-alive-3/557983p1.html | title=GameSpy: Dead or Alive 3 | website=[[GameSpy]] | publisher=IGN Entertainment | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051230001851/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/dead-or-alive-3/557983p1.html | archive-date=December 30, 2005 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
|GameZone = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web | author=Bedigian, Louis | date=December 7, 2001 | url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18226.htm | title=Dead or Alive 3 | website=GameZone | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203093834/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18226.htm | archive-date=February 3, 2008 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
|IGN = 9.4/10<ref name=ign>{{cite web | author=Chau, Anthony | date=November 12, 2001 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/13/dead-or-alive-3 | title=Dead or Alive 3 | website=[[IGN]] | publisher=Ziff Davis | access-date=December 18, 2013 | archive-date=March 20, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320143218/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/13/dead-or-alive-3 | url-status=live }}</ref>
|NGen = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=ngen>{{cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen85Jan2002/page/n33/mode/2up | title=Dead or Alive 3 | magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]] | publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] | issue=85 | date=January 2002 | page=33 | access-date=October 19, 2021}}</ref>
|OXM = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Dead or Alive 3 | magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] | publisher=Imagine Media | date=December 2001}}</ref>
|rev1 = ''[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]''
|rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite news | author=Saltzman, Marc | date=November 28, 2001 | url=http://cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/112801_xbox.html | title=Xbox launch lineup [date mislabeled as "December 28, 2001"] | newspaper=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] | publisher=[[Gannett Company]] | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114171713/http://cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/112801_xbox.html | archive-date=November 14, 2007 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]''
|rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web | author=Steinberg, Scott | date=December 1, 2001 | url=http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_2135.html | title=Dead or Alive 3 | website=[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]] | publisher=MaximNet, Inc. | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011210100425/http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_2135.html | archive-date=December 10, 2001 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
|award1Pub = [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] ([[5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards|2002]])
|award1 = [[D.I.C.E. Award for Fighting Game of the Year|Console Fighting Game of the Year]]<ref name=aias/>
|award2Pub = National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAVGTR)
|award2 = Outstanding Fighting Game Sequel<ref name=navgtr/>
|award3Pub = [[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]
|award3 = Best Console Fighting Game<ref name=blister2001/>
|award4Pub = [[IGN]]
|award4 = Best Fighting Game of 2001<ref name=ign-fg-award/><br>Xbox: Best Graphics of 2001<ref name=ign-xg-award/>
|award5Pub = [[GameSpot]]
|award5 = Best Graphics, Technical<ref name=gamespot/>
}}

Upon its release, ''Dead or Alive 3'' was "critically acclaimed", receiving generally favorable reviews with the scores of 86.19% and 87/100, according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] websites [[GameRankings]] and [[Metacritic]].<ref name=mc/> In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave it a high score of 37 out of 40.<ref name="fam"/>

Anthony Chau of ''[[IGN]]'' gave ''Dead or Alive 3'' a 9.4 out of 10, stating that it "represents the new standard of excellence that only the Xbox can deliver", praising the game for its great attention to detail and its vast improvements on its predecessor. Chau also stated how Team Ninja "didn't stop setting standards in just the graphics as they combined this level of visual quality with subtle but innovative 3D gameplay mechanics incorporating a new standard of strategy never experienced in a 3D fighting game before".<ref name=ign/> ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s [[Greg Kasavin]] also praised the graphics, saying the game "looks absolutely stunning" and was the "best-looking home fighting game ever released", but opined that "once you get past its graphics, you'll find that ''Dead or Alive 3'' doesn't offer much of anything that hasn't been done in other 3D fighting games".<ref name=gs/> The staff of [[1Up.com]] agreed with this sentiment saying: "There is very little here that we would describe as new, original or subtle; where ''Soul Calibur'' painted a fighting masterpiece, ''DOA3'' portrays something more akin to the latest Bruckheimer production. Check it out, but expect a few pangs of disappointment".<ref name="1UP"/> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]]'' disagreed with ''Gamespot'' and ''1Up.com'' and gave the game 5 out of 5 stars, stating that the game was "Quite possibly the best 3D fighting game ever made, both in graphics and gameplay" and "It's fast, it's deep, and it's so beautiful it almost hurts".<ref name=ngen/> ''ActionTrip'' rated it 94 out of 100, stating how ''Dead or Alive 3'' truly excels in its variety of fighting styles and different moves and that "any self-respecting beat-em-up fan should own this game".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://xbox.actiontrip.com/reviews/deadoralive3.phtml | title=Featuring Dead or Alive 3 Review at ActionTrip | website=ActionTrip | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020609132021/http://xbox.actiontrip.com/reviews/deadoralive3.phtml | archive-date=June 9, 2002 | url-status=usurped}}</ref> John Valor of ''Cloudchaser'' praised ''Dead or Alive 3''{{'}}s full utilization of the Xbox controller with such ease, calling it "an incredible achievement".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://microsoft.cloudchaser.com/reviews/index.php?view=dead_or_alive_3&system=xbox&type=software | title=Cloudchaser Microsoft | website=Cloudchaser | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020209000734/http://microsoft.cloudchaser.com/reviews/index.php?view=dead_or_alive_3&system=xbox&type=software | archive-date=February 9, 2002 | url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]'' called ''Dead or Alive 3'' "The true King of Fighters", and "a perfect showcase for what kind of games the Xbox is able to deliver". Justin Leeper of ''[[Game Informer]]'' called it "a masterpiece in both form and function".<ref name="gi"/> ''GameShark'' stated "Is ''Dead or Alive 3'' a great game? Yes. Is it the best fighter ever? No, but hey, it's light years better than ''Tekken Tag'' and a hell of a lot more fun than ''Virtua Fighter 3''."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gameshark.com/xbox/articles/316310p1.html | title=Xbox: Dead or Alive 3 Review | website=GameShark | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020605012126/http://www.gameshark.com/xbox/articles/316310p1.html | archive-date=2002-06-05 | url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Newsweek]]'''s [[N'Gai Croal]] called ''Dead or Alive 3'' the future of fighting games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/5371/dead-or-alive-3/cover/group-1325/cover-84762/|title=Dead or Alive cover or packaging material|website=MobyGames|date=|language=en|access-date=2024-01-22|archive-date=2024-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122191653/https://www.mobygames.com/game/5371/dead-or-alive-3/cover/group-1325/cover-84762/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422201329/https://andjoy.org/usine/microsoft-xbox.php#gaxbox-5|archivedate=April 22, 2024|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/09/12/platinum-guides-for-your-platinum-hits|website=andjoy.org|date=August 11, 2023|title=XBOX - AndJoy|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Official Xbox Magazine]]'' gave the game a 9.5 out of 10, calling it a "Glorious looking, fast moving fighter with all the right moves" and "The most technologically advanced fighting game ever made".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vgpavilion.com/mags/2001/12/oxm/pages/|title=Pages - OXM Dec 2001|website=VideoGame Pavilion|date=14 April 2019|language=en|access-date=2024-01-22|archive-date=2024-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008150742/https://vgpavilion.com/mags/2001/12/oxm/pages/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Awards===
''Dead or Alive 3'' was awarded "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Fighting Game of the Year|Console Fighting Game of the Year]]" by the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]; it was also a nominee for the "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Animation|Outstanding Achievement in Animation]]" award, which ultimately went to ''[[Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee]]''.<ref name=aias>{{cite web | url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/IAA-5/winners.asp | title=5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards: Winners | website=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] | access-date=February 7, 2002 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603022924/http://www.interactive.org/awards/IAA-5/winners.asp | archive-date=June 3, 2004 | url-status=dead}}</ref> The game was also awarded "Outstanding Fighting Game Sequel" and nominated for "Outstanding Animation in a Game Engine" by the inaugural National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAVGTR).<ref name=navgtr>{{cite web | url=https://navgtr.org/2001-awards/ | title=2001 Awards NAVGTR | website=NAVGTR National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers | publisher= | access-date=January 20, 2020 | archive-date=December 28, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228070744/https://navgtr.org/2001-awards/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The game was also awarded "Best Console Fighting Game" and was nominated for "Best Graphics in a Console Game", "Best Multiplayer Console Game", and "Xbox Game of the Year" by ''The Electric Playground''.<ref name=blister2001>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030713062025/http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?id=8152&page=5 | url=http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?id=8152&page=5 | title=Blister Awards 2001 | author=Staff | date=January 25, 2002 | archive-date=July 13, 2003 | work=[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]] | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''IGN'' awarded it "Best Fighting Game of 2001" in their Best of 2001 Awards,<ref name=ign-fg-award>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/18/best-fighting-game-of-2001|title=Best Fighting Game of 2001|website=IGN|date=2002-01-17|access-date=2024-02-06|archive-date=2024-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206203917/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/18/best-fighting-game-of-2001|url-status=live}}</ref> "Best Xbox Graphics of 2001" in the ''IGN'' Reader's Choice Awards",<ref name=ign-xg-award>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/101/101080p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040614041901/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/101/101080p1.html|url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-06-14 | title=Xbox: Best Graphics of 2001 |publisher=IGN |access-date=2024-02-06}}</ref> and the game was a runner-up for ''IGN''{{'}}s "Best Xbox Game of 2001".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/101/101084p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040614045947/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/101/101084p1.html|url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-06-14 | title=Xbox: Best Xbox Game of 2001 |publisher=IGN |access-date=2024-02-06}}</ref> The game won ''GameSpot''{{'}}s annual "Best Graphics, Technical" prize among [[console game]]s,<ref name=gamespot>{{cite web | author=GameSpot staff | year=2002 | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p2_04.html | title=The Best and Worst of 2001 (Best Graphics, Technical) | website=GameSpot | publisher=[[CNET]] | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803070919/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p2_04.html | archive-date=August 3, 2002 | url-status=dead}}</ref> but also received a nomination in the "Most Disappointing Game" category,<ref>{{cite web | author=GameSpot staff | year=2002 | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p4_01.html | title=The Best and Worst of 2001 (Most Disappointing Game) | website=GameSpot | publisher=CNET | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803085016/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p4_01.html | archive-date=August 3, 2002 | url-status=dead}}</ref> and was a runner-up for the "Best Xbox Game" category.<ref>{{cite web | author=GameSpot staff | year=2002 | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/readers_bestof_2001/p8_01.html | title=Reader's Choice Awards:The Best and Worst of 2001 (Best Xbox) | website=GameSpot | publisher=CNET | access-date=February 28, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030203133817/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/readers_bestof_2001/p8_01.html | archive-date=February 3, 2003 | url-status=dead}}</ref> The game was also nominated for "Xbox Game of the Year" at the [[Golden Joystick Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Thomas |date=17 September 2002 |url=http://worthplaying.com/article/2002/9/17/news/5775/ |title=Golden Joystick Awards Is Announced |publisher=Worthplaying |access-date=17 September 2002 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803060842/https://worthplaying.com/article/2002/9/17/news/5775/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Sales===
''Dead or Alive 3'' became the best-selling installment in the franchise, one of the top 10 best-selling Xbox games, and the best-selling Xbox fighting game. In 2002, Tecmo announced the game had reached sales of over 1 million units worldwide in the first five months after its release.<ref name="rep7"/><ref name="g4 icons"/> The game topped the Japanese charts on release, coming in number 1 during Week 8 in 2002.<ref>[https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/games-by-year/2002-weekly Game Data Library - 2002 Weekly]</ref> The game sold over 1.5 million units by early 2003,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/5371/dead-or-alive-3/cover/group-37717/cover-102789/|title=Dead or Alive 3 cover or packaging material|website=MobyGames|date=2008-02-03|access-date=2024-02-06|archive-date=2024-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206205816/https://www.mobygames.com/game/5371/dead-or-alive-3/cover/group-37717/cover-102789/|url-status=live}}</ref> and went on to sell over 2 million units worldwide.<ref name="gematsu"/><ref name="bloom"/> By July 2006, it had sold over 950,000 units and earned over $36 million in the U.S. alone. ''NextGen'' ranked it as the 59th highest-selling game launched for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] or [[GameCube]] between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined sales of ''Dead or Alive'' fighting games released in the 2000s reached over 1.3 million units in the U.S. by July 2006.<ref>{{cite web | author1=Campbell, Colin | author2=Keiser, Joe | date=July 29, 2006 | url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 | title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century | website=NextGen | publisher=[[Future US]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 | archive-date=October 28, 2007 | url-status=dead}}</ref> The game became the third best-selling launch title next to Microsoft's ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Project Gotham Racing (video game)|Project Gotham Racing]]'' and the first third-party Xbox game to garner [[Platinum Hits|Platinum]] status.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.microsoft.com/2002/07/23/xbox-hits-major-sales-milestones-for-console-and-games/ | title=Xbox Hits Major Sales Milestones for Console and Games | date=23 July 2002 | access-date=2 October 2024 | archive-date=19 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919142013/https://news.microsoft.com/2002/07/23/xbox-hits-major-sales-milestones-for-console-and-games/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.multiplayer.it/b2b/articoli.php3?id=4874 |title = Multiplayer.it Business to Business |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030902075514/http://www.multiplayer.it/b2b/articoli.php3?id=4874 |archive-date=2 September 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
''Dead or Alive 3'' was re-issued in the [[Platinum Hits|Platinum Hits, Platinum Collection, and Xbox Classics]] line of games in 2003.

==Legacy==
[[File:DOA3_Xbox_Championship_Vol_4.jpg|thumb|''Dead or Alive 3'' competitive event at the Xbox Championship Vol. 4]]
''Dead or Alive 3'' is notable for being one of the titles that were quintessential in helping build the [[Xbox]] brand. It was a "[[Killer application|killer app]]", demonstrating how powerful the Xbox was, what the platform was capable of delivering, was the first fighting game for Xbox, and the only fighting game as a launch title for the platform.<ref name="g4 icons"/> The fighting game genre, being one of the core genres of gaming, gave the impression that home console launches wouldn't be very successful if they didn't have a great fighting game to launch with, and ''Dead or Alive 3'' became one of the key games in the Xbox's success.<ref name="g4 icons"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/icons/episodes/3803/Fighting_Games.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306013308/http://www.g4tv.com/icons/episodes/3803/Fighting_Games.html|title=Fighting Games|website=G4TV.com|archive-date=2005-03-06}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' included ''Dead or Alive 3'' among the Xbox games "that shaped the generation",<ref>{{cite web | author=GamesRadar staff | date=June 23, 2012 | url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-games-that-shaped-a-generation-xbox/ | title=The games that shaped a generation: Xbox | website=[[GamesRadar+]] | publisher=Future plc | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224122634/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-games-that-shaped-a-generation-xbox/ | archive-date=December 24, 2013 | url-status=dead}}</ref> and later included it in their list of the "best original Xbox games".<ref>{{cite web | author=GamesRadar+ staff | date=April 22, 2021 | url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-xbox-games-all-time/2/ | title=The best original Xbox games of all time (Page 2) | website=GamesRadar+ | publisher=Future plc | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019184806/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-xbox-games-all-time/2/ | url-status=live }}</ref> 

In 2002, ''Dead or Alive 3'' became the first fighting game to receive an award from the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAVGTR) during the academy's inaugural award show, and the first fighting game to be included in the Xbox Championship tournaments.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20040307/ms.htm|title="Xbox Championship Vol.4 ~DEAD OR ALIVE 3" Kansai teams win both team and individual competitions|website=Game Watch|date=7 March 2004|language=ja|access-date=2024-01-22}}</ref><ref name=doa_history>[https://archive.org/details/doahistoryteamninjafreaks/page/n81/mode/2up Dead or Alive History -Team Ninja Freaks- p. 81.]</ref> ''Dead or Alive 3'''s popularity led to the creation of the largest and oldest ''Dead or Alive'' community website, ''[https://www.freestepdodge.com/ Free Step Dodge]'', while the sidestepping mechanic in the [[#European and Japanese versions|''European and Japanese versions'']] of the game inspired the naming of the community site. 

In 2004, ''IGN'''s Hilary Goldstein declared ''Dead or Alive 3'' as the best Xbox Platinum Hit.<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019152503/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/22/top-10-xbox-platinum-hits?page=6|archivedate=October 19, 2012|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/22/top-10-xbox-platinum-hits?page=6|website=[[IGN]]|first=Hilary|last=Goldstein|date=June 22, 2004|title=Top 10 Xbox Platinum Hits|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, ''CinemaBlend'' ranked the game as the 8th best fighting game of all time.<ref>{{cite web | author=Knight, Rich | date=December 7, 2008 | url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Top-10-Best-Fighting-Games-All-Time-13864.html | title=Top 10 Best Fighting Games Of All Time | website=CinemaBlend | publisher=[[Future plc]] | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019184806/https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Top-10-Best-Fighting-Games-All-Time-13864.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2011, ''[[Complex Networks|Complex]]'' ranked the game as the 15th best fighting game of all time.<ref>{{cite web | author=Rubin, Peter | date=March 15, 2011 | url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/doa-3 | title=The 50 Best Fighting Games of All Time (Dead or Alive 3) | website=[[Complex Networks|Complex]] | access-date=October 19, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319115201/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/doa-3#gallery | archive-date=March 19, 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2016, ''Twinfinite'' ranked it 11th best fighting game of all time.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://twinfinite.net/gallery/top-15-best-fighting-games-all-time/| title=Top 15 Best Fighting Games of All Time| website=Twinfinite| access-date=July 10, 2023| archive-date=July 10, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710215327/https://twinfinite.net/gallery/top-15-best-fighting-games-all-time/| url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, ''Game Rant'' ranked it the "Best Xbox Fighting Game To Hold Up Well".<ref>{{cite web | author=David Heath | date=July 4, 2022 | url=https://gamerant.com/best-xbox-fighting-games-ranked-by-how-well-they-hold-up/#dead-or-alive-3| title=The 10 Best Xbox Fighting Games, Ranked by How Well They Hold Up| website=gamerant.com | access-date=May 6, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204165339/https://gamerant.com/best-xbox-fighting-games-ranked-by-how-well-they-hold-up/| archive-date=December 4, 2022 | url-status=live}}</ref>

{{clear}}

==Notes==
<references group="lower-alpha" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.tecmo.co.jp/product/doa3/index.htm}} (Tecmo)
*{{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20100404002825/http://www.tecmo.co.jp/teamninja/product_doa3.htm}} (Team Ninja) {{in lang|ja}}
*{{moby game|id=/xbox/dead-or-alive-3}}

{{Dead or Alive series}}
{{Team Ninja|state=collapsed}}
{{Tomonobu Itagaki}}

[[Category:2001 video games]]
[[Category:3D fighting games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Dead or Alive (franchise) video games]]
[[Category:Esports games]]
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[[Category:Martial arts video games]]
[[Category:Microsoft games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
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[[Category:Tag team video games]]
[[Category:Team Ninja games]]
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[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set in Venezuela]]
[[Category:Video games set on islands]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games]]
[[Category:Xbox games]]
[[Category:Xbox-only games]]
[[Category:Xbox Live Arcade games]]