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Virtua Fighter 4
by Jolex Del Pilar
Wednesday, April 17 2002
Virtua Fighter 4 is as close to fighting perfection as any of us console warriors will get.
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Title:
Virtua Fighter 4
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Platform:
PS2
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Publisher:
Sega of Japan |
Developer:
AM2 |
#
of Players: 1 - 2 |
Genre:
Fighting
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Origin:
Japan
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Expected
Release:
April 2002 |
Grapevine:
The gameplay is just amazingly deep. One of the Virtua Fighter masters in Japan perhaps said it best when he said, "It only takes five minutes to learn how to play Virtua Fighter, but it takes a lifetime to master." |
In 1993, Sega of Japan decided to do something with the fighting game genre that hadn't been done for a long time up to that point, do something different. The market was under a glut of Street fighter clones, all in their 2D glory. The first Virtua Fighter made use of a new concept known as polygons. Only a few games from that era made use of polygons, a notable title being Star Fox. Virtua Fighter featured realistic moves, no fireballs or dragon punches here, and also very in-depth gameplay. By the 2nd and 3rd follow ups to the game, more than 20,000 different moves were available to the player. The gameplay is just amazingly deep. One of the Virtua Fighter masters in Japan perhaps said it best when he said, "It only takes five minutes to learn how to play Virtua Fighter, but it takes a lifetime to master."
Since 1993, only 5 characters have actually been added to the series. This is in stark contrast to any of the Capcom fighting games, which have a dozen or so characters, added with each installment. This shows that AM2 is actually taking time to judge whether a character is a nice fit into the series and also shows that they are taking time to perfect the characters mechanics, in essence making sure the new addition isn't too weak or too strong (cheap). Lei-Fei and Vanessa are the two new combatants that are added to Virtua Fighter 4, although the sumo champion, Taka-Arashi, has been sadly removed. We figured Taka-Arashi had to go because of the characters amazing weakness in combat at any difficulty level in Virtua Fighter 3. Of the two new characters, my favorite has to be Lei-Fei. A shaolin monk, Lei-Fei utilizes Shaolin-Ken as his chosen fighting art. His graceful forms and amazingly complex kicks make Lei amazing to watch and dangerous to challenge. As a word of advice, I personally would suggest that someone who chooses Lei as their main character be a pretty advanced player. To take advantage of his multiple stances and combinations, a multitude of complex button combinations must be performed. For this, Lei is most certainly a character for advanced players. Vanessa, a new female combatant, utilizes Muay-Thai fighting style. Although she can also fight from a more defensive stance than the Muay-Thai one, most players seem to like to utilize her more offensive stance (*cough*RYAN*cough*). She's a powerful character who will challenge even the most advanced players.
Lei Fei takes a unique stance to land his interesting but complex moves.
One thing you'll notice right away with the game is that the graphics have evolved yet again. The jump from the first Virtua Fighter to Virtua Fighter 2 was astounding, adding textures and environmental effects. The step from Virtua Fighter 2 to 3 was also a very big step visually. This is also the case from Virtua Fighter 3 to Virtua Fighter 4. The PS2 hardware has every chance to show off its "emotion engine" and it looks beautiful. The textures are sharp, the 3D models are very clean and complex, and the fighting backgrounds are the best of any fighting game to date except perhaps the XBox-powered DOA3. The character models feature a multitude of little details that will delight those who pay attention. Every fighter has every finger articulated, swaying clothing, and facial features that are well defined. The stages though are the gem of this whole package, although the techno music can get grating after a while. Whether it's a snow stage or desert arena, the sand or snow is deformable. So if you knock someone flat on their back *cough*RYAN*cough*, it will leave an imprint of their body on the sand or snow. Simply amazing detail is present here. The particle effects from the water, snow, or sand that is kicked up is also a nice effect that wasn't required but is welcome.
The graphics show just how pretty Sarah is. Too bad she's a little more dangerous than the picture might suggest...
So we know the game is beaut visually. In the gameplay arena it is no different. With almost a dozen different playing modes, Virtua Fighter will not get old quick over time. These modes include, Tournament, Versus Mode, Training mode, and the very entertaining "Kumite mode". In Kumite mode, you fight through dozens of fighters earning rankings and prizes along the way. Some of the prizes include new costumes, and even new character models. I won't give all the secrets away, but some "old" friends may return if you get far enough in the Kumite mode. The Kumite mode also represents the hardest challenge in the game. As you progress through, the A.I rises dramatically. With an advanced player, the later Kumite battles become full blown Kung-Fu fights. The last 20 fighters (High Kings) of the Kumite tournament are actually modeled after the top Virtua Fighters in Japan. This means, you'll be in essence playing the best of the best in the world. To tell you how difficult the last 20 fighters are, being the generally accepted fighting game champion of VGLN.com (plug), I have only managed to defeat the first two Virtua Fighter masters. The remaining masters are much too strong with the force.
From a sound standpoint, there isn't much new in the series. The notable exceptions are the soundtrack has a much more edgier techno-ish bend to it. This can be a good thing or bad thing depending on your taste. My favorite new "sound" innovation for the series is the new "hit" sounds. When you land a hard kick or punch that isn't blocked or in some way deflected by the opponent, a loud snapping pop is heard. Ever watch a Bruce Lee movie (aka Enter the Dragon) and remember the distinctive sound that one of Bruce's kicks made when it landed on someone? Yes, that's the sound adopted in this game. It is a small detail for most anyone, except a die-hard Bruce Lee fanatic like myself.
Now, although the review has been gleaming so far, I do feel as if I should point out the few weaknesses the game may have if you can call them weaknesses. Virtua Fighter 4 in the arcades preceded Virtua Fighter 4 on the PS2. Is the PS2 version up to par with the arcade version? In terms of gameplay and options, the PS2 version blows the arcade away. Graphically, the comparison is a little more slanted towards the arcade. Jaggies, although not as bad as in 1st generation PS2 games, are still a factor here. This can be somewhat alleviated with the use of a High-Definition AV cable. I was able to pick up a used one at Funcoland for a paltry $5; a brand new one might cost you a lot more. Another small flaw depending on whom you ask is the apparent cheapness of Akira. His character was strong VF1, and in VF2, but it is commonly known Akira was very weak in Virtua Fighter 3. Perhaps because of this, or a Sega executive who just loves the character, Akira has been given much greater strength and moves. The character is simply a powerhouse now with an array of deadly counters and combos that can leave a fighter with only half his health or LESS. This might be considered cheap by some, or a challenge by others.
On any level, it would be hard to argue that Virtua Fighter 4 isn't the best fighting game on the market at this moment. In terms of options, gameplay, and depth, Virtua Fighter is just the king. The silky smooth movements, and realistic moves will have you believing you are in a real "movie" kung-fu fight. This reviewer has never given out a 10 before, and that will still be the case now (let the egg throwing being). However it will receive the highest marks this reviewer has ever given out and if that isn't the great recommendation to go out and buy this game, then I don't know what is.
--- Jolex Del Pilar, E3 - 33days
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