System: PS3
Dev: Am2
Pub: Sega
Release: Feb.19, 2007
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: T
Review by Maria Montoro

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

The graphics of Virtua Fighter 5 are nothing but gorgeous. They meet the PS3 standards and, in some ways, surpass them. The scenarios are varied and beautiful. You could be fighting in China and right after that you could find yourself in the middle of a fighting cage somewhere in America. Everything is rendered with deep detail, from the tiles below the character's feet, to their faces, and accessories. The shininess of the characters' skin is becoming a common feature in PS3 games and it makes the game a little less realistic. However, the facial features, the bodies, and the smooth animation make up for it and deliver a truly realistic appearance. Just looking at Eileen's scarf, delicately waving in the air in harmony with the character's moves will make you realize this is not just any fighting game, but one that belongs to the new generation of gaming.

The disco music with ethnic influences played during the fight sets the rhythm for the gameplay beautifully. These modern and attractive themes also manage to create a less aggressive environment, bringing more of an arcade feel instead. The fights in this game feel more like a sport and less like a battle of anger and revenge. When you play on Quest mode, you can turn on the commentaries. The announcers present the encounter like any other sports event. Although it's well done, it will get repetitive quickly. I also noticed that both announcers speak at the same time sometimes, which is somewhat strange and makes the conversation unintelligible.

Without the need for showing blood or other harsh elements, the game still manages to provide great satisfaction and fans of the fighting genre shouldn't be disappointed. All of the aspects of the game seem to have been developed with care, including the most important: graphics, music, and gameplay. If you don't like the Tekken games, maybe Virtua Fighter is not for you, but you could at least give it a try and see what you think. I give it thumbs up!

By Maria Montoro
CCC Co-Site Director

Features:

Sega and Sony play nice with PS3 exclusive next installment of Virtua Fighter by Vaughn Smith

May 8, 2006 - Virtua Fighter may have started it, but lately it would appear that popular fighters like Dead or Alive and Tekken finished it. Virtua Fighter fans would likely see this differently however, as the VF series has always been more about the fight rather than button mashing, online play or flashy visuals. Gamers argue that Sega is falling behind in their pursuit of the perfect fighting game due to the the games smaller roster of fighters and lack of any online modes. We personally think the smaller roster and unique 3 button control scheme (which still allows for countless grabs, counters, evades etc.) makes VF the ultimate fighting game as each character is completely different and requires hours of play time to master.

Virtua Fighter 5 will add two new characters to the list, which will see the entire roster of fighters ever to appear in the VF series gathered together in one place. One of the new characters will be El Blaze, a Mexican wrestler who shares some history with Wolf and uses the Lucha Libre style of fighting (hmm...maybe it's Jack Black....).

Unfortunately at this time it appears Sega still has no plans to take the game online, although this could change but it should be noted that VF's lead designer has stated in the past he has no interest in taking the game in this direction. Much like Virtua Fighter Evolution, players can win money and use that towards purchasing new accessories and colors for their favorite fighters.

Visually the game will support 720p resolution which will definitely make it the sharpest looking VF to date...not counting the first Sega Saturn version of of VF of course. Kidding.

By Vaughn Smith
CCC Former Site Director