Brawling at it's best, though a bit bare-bones.

User Rating: 8.5 | Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown PS3
I've been a gamer long enough to regard VF as a pioneer in the fighting game genre, right there with Streetfighter. Years later, Sega's beat 'em up still reigns in terms of technique, depth, refinement and elegance, even if it has withdrawn mostly to Japanese arcades. Finally though, outsiders get the latest (and I think BEST) VF in the form of this DLC standalone title. Despite being an upgrade of a 2006 released game, VF5FS still looks gorgeous, with wonderfully-detailed character models sporting intricate costumes and peerless animation. The gameplay has been changed from the original immensely- it's now far more playable, faster and given to longer combos reminiscent of more recent fighters. Best of all, it's more accessible than ever to new players, no longer being restricted to a game that can only be mastered by the elite.

The DLC game comes with easily the best Character Customization in the genre, with thousands of items to make your character as dressed up or down as you want (I stress DRESSED- no, you can't get 'em naked), and just pimping out your favorite fighter will absorb you for hours.

Sadly, can't say the same for the single player modes- aside from the mainstay Arcade mode, a score/time attack and tutorial, there's only the Kumite-like Special Sparring mode which pits you against various teams of customized CPU AI. After that, nothing more except to keep playing to hone your skills and master your character- which admittedly will take you a long time. It's a good thing that the base gameplay IS great and the CPU A.I. quite a capable opponent. However, it's best to have a good internet connection and take your skills online to get the best of this game.

Though it's pretty bare bones (not even an attract mode!), VF5FS is an amazing treat that hardcore fight fans have been asking for. Even casual gamers can get into this now, and with a bargain price, there's no reason not to enjoy this instant fighting classic.