the net. While it is possible to manually direct one's partner towards or away from the net, she will generally move to cover whichever area the player has left empty. The game is one of the few to make use of the analog sensitivity of the face buttons on the Xbox controller, with a softer touch allowing one to barely hit the ball over the net. In addition to the core volleyball mechanic, the game features a relationship system between the various women on the island. Through gifts and skillful play, players can induce other characters to increase their esteem and positive feelings toward the character being played. A positive relationship with one's partner can translate into better performance during a volleyball match, while strong relationships with the other women leads to opportunities for new partners. Conversely, negative feelings from a partner can lead to missteps on the court, or can lead to gifts being thrown away unopened. All money carries over between vacations, so that unspent "Zack bucks" can be used by a different character selected on the next play-through. Similarly, all swimsuits acquired by a given character remain with that character for all future play sessions. Since each character has access to a different set of swimsuits at the shop, the majority of suits for each character can only be acquired as gifts. Many of the costumes are very revealing and make the women appear almost nude in some instances. This, coupled with the suggestive poses the women present themselves in (which can be viewed and zoomed in on from almost any angle, as controlled by the player) led to the first Mature rating in the series' history. While the game is entirely played with Japanese voiceovers, the story cutscenes are played with English and Japanese voiceovers. Characters There are eight playable characters, seven from previous Dead or Alive titles plus Lisa, who makes her debut in this title. Zack (voiced by Dennis Rodman) is not a playable character but appears in the game's beginning and ending cinematics, with small appearances throughout the game. His girlfriend, Niki (voiced by Kari Wahlgren), appears only in cutscenes. As such, the volleyball players consist of: Ayane – Japanese ninja and rival (as well as half-sister) of Kasumi. (voiced by Wakana Yamazaki) Christie – British assassin and automobile enthusiast. (voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi) Helena – French opera singer fond of walking her