The combat system takes the best of the previous DOA games and combines them with new features.
Triangle System
DOA5 uses the Triangle System from previous Dead or Alive games. Similar to Rock - Paper - Scissors, the Triangle System consists of three basic moves, each one defeating or being defeated by another move. The three moves consist of Strikes, Throws, and Holds, with Strikes beating Throws, Throws beating Holds, and Holds beating Strikes.
When landing an attack of one type that beats another attacks become a Hi Counter, causing up to 50% more damage.
Power Blows
A new feature, Power Blow is a powerful attack that can be executed when a character's health is below 50% and enables the players to knock the opponent character away in a selected direction. By holding the corresponding button on the controller, this unique attack can be charged up to unleash a slow-motion cinematic combo that ends by allowing the player to “aim” where they would like to launch their opponent, including into Danger Zones.
Cliffhangers
When characters are thrown into the Danger Zones or over a cliff of a multi-level stages, the new Cliffhanger feature is activated. This new feature presents the thrown player with a cinematic QTE (quick time event) that if successful will save them from the fall.
Critical System
Critical Stuns - By landing specific moves, you can put the enemy into a Critical Stun state. Characters in this state are unable to block, but can still perform holds. Watch your opponent's movements carefully and follow up your attacks while avoiding their holds.
Critical Combos - If you strike your opponent while they are in a Critical Stun state, you can prolong the amount of time they remain stunned. Although you can attack with various moves, there is a limit to the damage that can be inflicted by Critical Combos. Once that limit is reached, you will not be able to land any additional attacks.
Critical Bursts - If you land a specific strike that takes you over the damage limit of a Critical Combo, then you can cause a Critical Burst. This will leave your opponent completely defenseless, so it's the perfect chance to land juggling combos, Power Blows and other high-impact moves.
