We had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview Yasunori Sakuda, the Producer of Venus Vacation PRISM – DEAD OR ALIVE Xtreme- and Department Manager of Team NINJA Department 1, who shared insights about the latest installment in the DOAX series during Tokyo Game Show 2024. The new title marks a significant shift in direction for the franchise, focusing more on story-driven experiences and character relationships.

A Fresh Start for the Series

The DOAX series has come a long way since its inception, with Dead or Alive Xtreme Venus Vacation (DOAXVV) running successfully for seven years in Japan and 5.5 years internationally. “Although the number of characters has increased significantly, allowing players to find their favorites, some players may have missed the opportunity to engage with this IP over time,” Sakuda explains. “Therefore, we hope that this new installment, PRISM, will make it easier for more people to connect with these characters and experience the IP.”

The evolution from DOAXVV’s initial roster of 4 characters to its current 31, including 20 original characters, showcases the series’ growth. However, the team recognized the need for a more accessible entry point. “We are truly grateful to have so many players continuously enjoying this game,” Sakuda acknowledges, while highlighting PRISM’s departure from the gacha system. This new buy-to-play single-player format represents a strategic shift to welcome both returning fans and newcomers to the franchise.

Story-Focused Experience

PRISM marks a significant departure from the series’ traditional gameplay elements. “This new installment will place greater emphasis on the story aspect, allowing players to engage in dates and deepen their relationships with the characters,” Sakuda notes. This shift reflects a more narrative-driven approach, moving away from the mini-game-centric format of previous titles.

The change extends to the mini-games themselves, which now serve the story rather than standing as separate activities. “Compared to the previous installment, these mini-games will place a greater emphasis on close interactions with the girls and building affection. The scope of the game mechanics will differ from the previous title,” Sakuda explains. He specifically notes that beach volleyball, a series staple, won’t be included, underscoring the team’s commitment to refocusing the gameplay experience.

“Players can capture heartwarming moments through photography and change outfits to experience the storyline, which is the biggest difference from the previous game,” Sakuda adds, emphasizing how every element now serves the central narrative and relationship-building aspects.

Capturing Moments

The photography system in PRISM represents a core pillar of the player experience, deeply integrated with the game’s emphasis on emotional connection. “At the core of our game is the enjoyment of interacting with these girls,” Sakuda emphasizes. “Throughout this experience, players may encounter heartwarming moments, and during these times, they can pause the game to capture the girls’ charm from various angles.”

The technical implementation reflects this philosophy: “Since we’ve already made the characters interact in a three-dimensional and lifelike manner using 3D CG technology, we want to provide players with the freedom to capture and preserve the moments they cherish.” This system allows players to document their journey and emotional connections at any time, making every playthrough uniquely personal.

Streamlined Customization

In PRISM, the customization system has been deliberately scaled back to focus on quality over quantity. “Nearly all the costumes in the new installment have been newly created, and these outfits are intended to be closer to the everyday styles that the girls might wear when going out or on dates, including some cute, stylish, and even slightly sexy outfits,” Sakuda reveals.

The team has taken a clear stance on costume design: “The costumes in this new installment have been completely newly created, and there will be no outfits from DOAXVV. In terms of style, the outfits in the new game are more aligned with what the girls might wear in their daily lives or at gatherings.” While the total number of outfits will be smaller than DOAXVV’s extensive collection, each outfit will offer multiple color variations to provide variety.

This approach ties into the game’s broader strategy of differentiation. As Yasunori Sakuda explains, “If players want more experience with changing outfits and customizing character appearances, they can continue to enjoy DOAXVV. However, if they are more interested in enjoying romantic interactions with the girls and experiencing the moments of emotional connection, we recommend trying the new installment, PRISM.”

Future Plans

Regarding VR support, Sakuda shared detailed insights: “During the development of this game, we indeed drew on our experience from creating the VR version of DOAX3… However, at this stage, developing VR requires splitting the game content into two screens to create a stereoscopic effect, which inevitably impacts the game’s graphics quality.” He added, “To ensure smooth gameplay, there would have to be some reduction in visual fidelity. We have meticulously crafted the stunning visuals we can currently present on screen, and lowering the quality to accommodate VR would likely go against our commitment to high-quality standards.”

The decision against character DLC stems from narrative considerations. “The narrative structure of the game allows player choices to impact the story’s development, which may involve choosing between one character or another. Adding new characters within this framework would make it difficult for them to integrate naturally into the existing storyline,” Sakuda explains. However, he doesn’t rule out future possibilities: “As for high-profile characters like Marie Rose, who do not appear in this new installment, if the game receives a warm reception and performs well, there may be an opportunity for players to see their return in future titles.”

Yasunori Sakuda concluded with an encouraging message to Southeast Asian players: “Although the international version of DOAXVV has been operational for a long time and many players in Southeast Asia have shown love and support for our characters and the game, this new installment, PRISM, will bring a fresh experience for everyone. Whether you are a returning player or trying out the series for the first time, we hope you will come to appreciate and enjoy this IP even more through this new game.”