Published by: SEGA

Developed by: SEGA-AM2

Genre: Fighting

Number of Players: 1-2

Rating: Mature

Release Date: US: February 20, 2007

Also Available On: Arcade, Xbox 360

Virtua Fighter 5 Official Site

Virtua Fighter 5 Gallery

Virtua Fighter, the game that lead the way for the 3-D fighting genre is back and better than ever with Virtua Fighter 5. The latest member of the popular series is currently under development for the Playstation3 and is slated for a February release. VF5 is expected to raise the bar of the fighting genre to new heights with its promise to take advantage of the power of next-gen hardware. VF5 will be packed with all the features gamers know and love, plus enhanced gameplay, addition of new characters, all new fighting styles, and newly redesigned 3D environments.

VF5 is expected to deliver fast-paced, heart-pumping action as gamers enter into the World Fighting Tournament with the fighters that made this series a phenomenon. SEGA is bringing two new characters to the VF series in its fifth installment, El Blaze and Eileen. Blaze and Eileen will bring their own unique fighting style and completely different backgrounds. El Blaze is a Mexican wrestling champion that uses the Lucha Libre fighting style, and Eileen, originally from China, uses a Monkey Kung Fu style which she learned from her grandfather. Gamers will take on the role of one of the 17 characters in the game. Fans of the Virtua Fighter series will be able to recognize most characters: Kung Fu teacher Akira Yuki, action star Pai Chan, cook Lau Chan, wrestler Wolf Hawkfield, fisherman Jeffry McWild, ninja Kage Maru, student Sarah Bryant, Indy car racer Jacky Bryant, herbal doctor Shun Di, college student Lion Rafale, college student Aoi Umenokouji, security officer Vanessa Lewis, monk Lei Fei, assassin Goh Hinogami, and ladies man Brad Burns.

As well as taking the role of one of the 17 main fighters, gamers will be able to customize a character to become the #1 Virtua Fighter. Gamers can modify their fighter by choosing one of the four main costumes and then decorate them with unlockable and earnable items through out the game. Gamers will not only fight their opponents, but also compete for prizes and in-game money that will allow them to buy several items at the in-game store.

VF5 will be continuing with the same formulas that work with VF4 and Evo. Gamers will get four modes in the latest series; Versus, Arcade, Dojo, and Quest. Versus Mode is exactly as what all versus modes are; nothing really new here other than being able to fight with your customized fighter. Arcade is a fantastic re-creation of the arcade version. Gamers will be able to progress and win as much as they can, working to the final battle with Dural. Dojo mode is, for a lack of a better word, training. Fighters will be able to enter two types of training in the Dojo; Command and Free. In command mode gamers will run through every attack at their fighter’s disposal. Gamers will also be able to choose time-attack, once they feel comfortable with their fighter’s moves. In free mode gamers will be able to practice against an AI opponent.

Quest mode is expected to be the thick of the game. Though Quest mode is basically a more enhanced version of the Kumite mode from Virtua Fighter 4: Evo, it should bring about the most addictive mode of the VF5. The idea is pretty basic: gamers use one of the fighters they have created and place them into the strange role-playing world. Their fighters will travel around facing AI opponents with many different levels of skill. Victory will earn gamers rank, money, and items as well as costumes and accessories. Further building upon the depth of the series, players will now be able to move around their opponent using an “Offensive Move” technique, adding a new strategic element to their battles.

The one drawback to VF5 is the lack of online play. With games like DOA and Mortal Kombat that supports online play, this could be the one thing stopping SEGA from holding the fighting genre crown at the end of ’07. Even without online play, VF5 is setting up to be an all out brawl and hell of a lot fun. With next-gen graphics, established mechanics and impressive fighting styles, VF5 is laying down the path for one of the better games of the PS3.

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