A new installment of long-running fighting game series Dead or Alive is coming, IGN can exclusively reveal. Almost seven years after the last numbered title, Dead or Alive 6

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Running on a new engine, Dead or Alive 6 introduces more refined and realistic visual details, including dynamic facial expressions. Characters make a fierce grimace as they execute kicks and punches, sweat covers their body after a combo, and wounds appear when they take damage. The concept art shows a more serious-looking take on series heroine Kasumi, with wounds on her face and a determined look in her eyes. 4K graphics and a drastically improved lighting system should enhance that new image.

ABOVE: Watch the reveal trailer for Dead or Alive 6.

Dead or Alive 6 Announcement Screenshots 13 IMAGES

While the visuals seem to be changing, Dead or Alive 6’s core gameplay stays familiar to what the series always has excelled at: over-the-top martial-arts action with interactive stages. However, DOA6 does try to welcome beginner players by introducing a new combo and special attack system: Fatal Rush and Break Gauge. These powerful attacks use simple commands to allow new players to experience the thrill of fighting games without too much practice. For seasoned players, the timing required to execute them perfectly should add an additional layer of strategy.Kasumi, Hayate, Hayabusa, Helena, Jann Lee, and Zack are confirmed as returning characters. According to Director/Producer Yohei Shimbori, the final character roster will include other familiar fighters as well as some brand new characters.

ABOVE: The first batch of screenshots from Dead or Alive 6.

Dead or Alive 6’s development is still in an early phase, so we should be able to hear more as progress is made. Follow updates on the newly opened Dead or Alive 6 teaser site . IGN had a chance to play the game, so be sure to check out our preview as well. And look for the gameplay reveal on IGN’s E3 Live show tomorrow afternoon!

Esra Krabbe is an editor at IGN JAPAN.