Karate kid, chuck norris and Bruce lee get married and have 17 different types of children.. boom Virtua Figher 5!!
I'm not going to lie here; Virtua Fighter hasn't been my favorite fighting series. In fact, its not even a close second; I've always enjoyed two main fighting series over VF: Street Fighter and Tekken. I don't have a problem with VF on the contrary; I think it's a vibrant fighting series with a great history. I've just never been able to get into the series. That was until VF4 came out for the PS2. Easily one of the best fighting games released on the PS2; everything shines in VF4: graphics were mind blowing, gameplay was super in depth; combining a realistic real with tactical wisdom. Beside Tekken 5 and Street Fighter Anniversary collection I would have no problem recommending VF4 as being one of the best fighters on the PS2. As time went by, I like most gamers would inevitably be faced with VF4 successor VF5. I most say Sega has really fallen in recent years; creating piles of poopy so deep that I honestly believed no company could ever climb out. An the smell would be so god offal that all their employees would eventually off themselves. Yet, Sega-AM2 always seems to rise above and poopy and create a game that's a staple to every fighting game to follow.
~GRAPHICS~
The graphics look great, both on the PS3 or 360. The most noticeable enhancement is the character models which are ridiculously detailed. The environments though nice can't compete with the character models. The coolest part is that every character model can be modified with different items. But unlike most games, (I looking at you Tekken 5) the items are as detailed as the models. There is also so many different items that you can literally morph your character into a completely different person.
~GAMEPLAY~
The gameplay in VF5 is extremely solid but unfortunately not as inviting as other games such as Street Fighter, Tekken and even Dead or Alive. The problem is realism; most fighting games don't bother with the concept. Now don't misunderstand me; this isn't a perfect recreation of a realistic fight. Juggling opponents on walls and flying up in the arm to do some ground damage is still as over the top as ever. No, what's realistic is the core fighting mechanics: dodging, real life countering and Timing. Every other fighting game is based around unrealistic mechanics, which isn't a bad thing at all. I enjoy countering somebody's mid level kick and throwing them on their back or breaking their neck after countering a high punch. In my opinion, DOA and Tekken are movie choreographed scenes; VF5 is a boxing match or UFC fight. You don't see people counter punches in real life with wannabe Bruce Lee moves. They use positioning, timing and reactions to best their opponents. This is the exact mentality used within VF5 fighting engine. Though it is extremely satisfying to grow as a fighter in VF and see your skill level adapt to new skillful tactics. The learning curve is pretty high and very unwelcoming. Out of 4 friends that I know that have actually tired VF for the first time. One won actually invested the time to develop some skill; the other 3 got frustrated with the initial learning curve to enjoy the game. That's the biggest draw back to such an in depth system; most fighting games are shallow in depth and technique but offer an easy entry. VF5 is the exact opposite; this will surely alienate most causal fighting fans and instantly appeal to the hardcore fighting geeks. VF 5 fits the niche for games that are looking for something a bit more realistic but be careful; this isn't a game you will be able to invite your friends over to face off in. This isn't brawl or any welcoming fighting game; again this is no button masher!!
~CONTROLS~
I usually don't comment on the 360 controller in my 360 reviews but something must be said. Do not attempt to play this game with the regular console controller. Be advised, you must purchase the arcade stick to truly master the finer points of VF5. There is simply no match for having all three main buttons: Punch, Kick and guard ready to be pressed when using the Arcade stick. Compare that to your slow fat thumb being used on the original controller. Unfortunately, this presents two sides: Good - it adds that extra level of classic arcade feel. The game is enhanced using the arcade stick and moves can be pulled off better. Bad - the game and arcade stick will run you around a hundred plus dollars which isn't a very welcoming hand for most gamers. Trust me, (this is for non-hardcore fans who obviously already know to buy arcade sticks with their fighting game collection.) you wont regret buying the arcade stick.
~FEATURES~
Let me start by saying that the 360 version is by far the best version of VF5 on any consoles. Two main reasons: online and latest version from Sega-AM2. As most VF fans know, Sega-AM2 loves to update the arcade version of VF with different gameplay tweaks and items. VF5 is no exception; since the 360 version came out later than the ps3 version it obviously had the benefit of receiving the latest and greatest version of VF5. Now, I will admit that the online play though awesome to have isn't up to par to say Dead of Alive 4 (that other awesome fighter with super hot asian chicks with fun bags that could support all of africa's starving babies twenty times over!!) DOA 4 has a lobby system and an old school mentality. Basically you sit around an artifical arcade cabinet and watch as your friends battle it out. The coolest part is the options including: tournaments, King of the hill, Loser stays, Winner stays, etcetera. VF5 has none of this; here is a typical match on VF5:
1) Select Unranked, wait 10 minutes to find no opponents.
2) Select Ranked Match, find somebody that has over 1000 wins
3) Get your ass kicked, cowboy style.
4) Save the video of you getting you cheeks kicked in.
5) Return to the main online menu.
Though this online style may have been acceptable 3 years ago, now a days with DOA amazing online model there is no reason why VF5 has to feel so unintuitive. It's awesome to be able to play online but that isn't the reason why this game should get the praise it so rightfully deserves. Its the single player mode that places this game into the stratosphere. Sega-AM2 basically recreated the early 90's scene in a fun new digital way. You start off by selecting your favorite character and selecting from a limited amount of items and gadgets to deck him/her out with. Then, you select from 13 different fictional (I think) arcades around fictional (I think) japanese type map. Each arcades has a difficulty ranking letting you know what type of VF fighter you will be fighting with. This ranges from average beginner to elite badass. The structure is awesome and though I never went arcade hoping when I was a young lad since I wasn't good enough to go around town pwning people in VF or any arcade game; I now wish that I would have just to see the diferent skill sets of gamers. Being able to gain money and customize your character to the point were you literally can't even recognize him/her from there original model really allows for some awesome character creations. Of course, VF5 contains you normal Arcade, practice and endurance modes but the single player experience will really keep you coming back for more. Trying to beat all of your rivalies and collect every characters item is like playing pokemon on crack; HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!!
~SOUND~
The soundtrack is pretty generic and doesn't provide any memorable moments. The sound effects are easily the best in
fighting game history. I mean who doesn't want their kicks to sound exactly like a whip, AWESOME!
~CONCLUSION~
I think that all the core elements are perfectly tweaked in VF 5. The graphics are top notch, well at least the character models are true next gen. Each feature provides loads of fun but personally I just try and dominate the wickedly awesome AI. Online play and your standard arcade modes will also provide some longevity. Unfortunately, you get what you put into VF5; to some it will be a perfect combination of realism and fun. To others the learning curve will be to steep at first to truly understand what most will say. Best next gen fighting game; easily the best on the 360. Just be warned, you must have the arcade stick to enjoy this game!! The 360 controller in general wasn't really made for anything besides shooters. So don't expect to pull off any difficult moves!!