Hear the bang see the spark

We've known for some time that Samus Aran will appear in Dead or Alive: Dimensions as a non-playable character, but if you're the sort of person who likes to see things with their own eyes then this video will please you no end.

The footage accompanies a new press release from Nintendo that reconfirms the game's 20th May release date — a date we revealed first this week — as well as announcing all 25 Dead or Alive characters will be playable in the game, from Ayane to Zack, and daily SpotPass content updates for a whole month too. Will it be enough to claw you away from Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition, though?

STRIKING BATTLE ACTION IN 3D

Every character from the DEAD OR ALIVE™ series prepares for battle in breathtaking new graphics

14th April 2011 – For the first time on a Nintendo console, get ready for one of the most intense, visually stunning fighting games franchises ever, as DEAD OR ALIVE™ Dimensions, developed by Team NINJA and published by TECMO KOEI EUROPE, launches on Nintendo 3DS on 20th May 2011. Enjoy the 3D effect without the need for glasses, battle through rich and varied environments whilst smashing through walls or stomping through floors, wirelessly set-up matches and compete as one of 25 playable characters.

Offering fast-paced combat, devastating counter attack combinations and interactive environments which can be used to inflict heavy damage on opponents, including a special arena inspired by Metroid: Other M where RIDLEY will wreak havoc on both contestants, DEAD OR ALIVE™ Dimensions is a full-throttle smackdown experience. In another unique addition to the gameplay, the Nintendo 3DS Touch Screen will show players the combination moves each fighter can carry out during the game. Learn the controls to perform these powerful moves or use the Touch Screen to perform them on an opponent for maximum damage.

DEAD OR ALIVE™ Dimensions retells the saga of the franchise in a never-before seen way, discover the secrets behind the ongoing power struggle within the Mugen Tenshin ninja clan and the carefully guarded “Torn Sky Blast” fighting technique. The evil DOATEC company, host of the DEAD OR ALIVE™ tournaments, tries to uncover the secrets for perfecting the creation of a “super fighter”. DEAD OR ALIVE™ Dimensions will see the return of an array of attractive female characters, renowned for their beauty and classic to the DEAD OR ALIVE™ series such as Kasumi, Lei Fang and Tina Armstrong, along with more recent characters such as Kokoro, Eliot and Hitomi which are sure to appeal and whet the appetite of fans old and new.

In another first, every character in the DEAD OR ALIVE™ series is available in one game. Through the CHRONICLE mode, one of 12 game modes available, players will follow certain characters’ journeys to unravel the truth behind each of their stories. With the first four chapters representing the first four DEAD OR ALIVE™ games, the fifth chapter acts as an epilogue to the epic saga. Using the Touch Screen, players will be able to learn how each of the characters relates to one another and helps unravel the story behind DEAD OR ALIVE™ Dimensions.

Also new to DEAD OR ALIVE™ Dimensions is the ability to use unique applications of the Nintendo 3DS in order to add new depths to gameplay. One such example is by unlocking special character figurines through the THROWDOWN game mode distributed by Team NINJA exclusively via SpotPass. This mode will allow you to receive and challenge profiles from other fighters you come across via StreetPass. By competing in these battles you will be able to unlock the DEAD OR ALIVE™ figurines to add to your arsenal. Exclusively utilising SpotPass you can also collect up to 34 new costumes which will be distributed via SpotPass from 20th May 2011- 22nd of June 2011, however never fear as if you miss a costume then you have a second chance to be able to complete you collection as the SpotPass distribution will be repeated again from 24th June – 27th July

With the SHOWCASE mode players will be able to marvel at the full range of 3D figurines that can be unlocked whilst completing the game and position them in one of seventeen backgrounds to take pictures. View saved pictures taken in SHOWCASE mode in DEAD OR ALIVE™ Dimensions 3D PHOTO ALBUM. Show off your dynamic snaps that you have captured to others in full 3D, on your very own Nintendo 3DS.

Knuckle up for some heavy hitting action when DEAD OR ALIVE™ Dimensions arrives in Europe, exclusively for Nintendo 3DS, on 20th May 2011.