The latest update for Dead or Alive Xtreme Venus Vacation (DOAXVV) features a complete redesign of Honoka. The update is part of the True Color Update (TC) series, which aims to deepen the characters' personalities with new costumes, voice lines, and exclusive stories. Designer Fubuki and producer Yasunori Sakuda led the development of the update, highlighting Honoka's new look and engaging storyline.
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Honoka's evolution in the DOA franchise
Introduced in Dead or Alive 5 Last Round (2015), Honoka quickly won over fans and became one of the franchise's most iconic characters. Unlike traditional fighters, she has a delicate appearance and charismatic demeanor, making her a popular choice among players.
In DOAXVV, Honoka maintains this essence, but now receives a deeper story, allowing for a more emotional interaction with players. The TC update reinforces Honoka's growth, adds new narrative elements, and deepens her relationship with the "Owner," the player in the game.
The concept behind the new “Cross the Line” costume
The highlight of the TC update is Honoka's exclusive costume, called "Cross the Line." The outfit follows a more mature and sensual concept, moving away from the character's traditional cute and colorful style.
Designer Fubuki explained that he wanted to portray a more confident, determined Honoka with a look that conveyed a new identity. The costume uses monochromatic tones with asymmetrical details, reinforcing a unique visual identity. The name "Cross the Line" reflects the idea of showing Honoka overcoming barriers in her relationship with the Owner.
Furthermore, the team planned every detail to highlight the character's evolution. Honoka tied the costume's bow herself, leaving it slightly disheveled. This choice reinforces the idea of a young woman trying to impress someone special, but without losing her authenticity.
Narrative and deepening the relationship with the player
The TC update isn't limited to Honoka's appearance. The game's storyline has also been expanded to provide a more immersive experience. The character's story now focuses on her emotional journey and the development of deeper feelings for the Owner.
According to Sakuda, one of the team's challenges was finding a balance between Honoka's gentle personality and her new, more confident approach. The idea was to show that, despite the visual change, the character's essence remains the same.
Another significant element of the update is the introduction of a new affectionate nickname for players. Honoka now calls the Owner "Nā-kun," an affectionate diminutive, further reinforcing the closeness between character and player. This change follows the tradition of TC updates, where other characters have also begun to treat players more intimately.
The importance of updating for the future of DOAXVV
Honoka's TC update comes at a significant time for DOAXVV. In November 2024, the game turned seven years old, cementing its status as one of the longest-running titles in the Dead or Alive franchise. To celebrate the milestone, the team held in-person events and released new content, furthering fan engagement.
Additionally, DOAXVV is expanding its presence with the new title Venus Vacation PRISM, scheduled for release in March 2025. The game promises a more immersive take on the interactive romance genre, and Honoka will be one of the main characters.
The decision to release the TC update before VV PRISM's arrival may have been strategic, preparing players for a new phase of the franchise. According to Sakuda, the coincidence of dates wasn't intentional, but it ended up creating an interesting connection between the two games.
Expectations for future updates
With the success of the TC updates, expectations now lie with which characters will receive similar redesigns in the future. Honoka was a natural choice due to her popularity, but fans speculate that other characters like Nyotengu and Kanna may be next.
Producer Sakuda stated that the team always considers community requests and that further updates will depend on fan feedback. He also emphasized that feedback on Honoka will be crucial in determining the direction of future redesigns.
In the meantime, players can now check out the new version of Honoka in DOAXVV, exploring not only her new look, but also the narrative changes that make her an even more captivating character.
