Virtua Fighter (Cross-platform, 1993)

Release date: Wednesday 1st December 1993

Platforms: Sega Saturn, Arcade

Published by: SEGA

Developed by: SEGA AM2

Genres: Fighting

Story Drive📖 1/20
Accessibility🚪 16/20
Depth🤿 10/20
Challenge💀 14/20
Duration⌛ 5/20
Freedom🌎 3/20
Review Scores
9xACA
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 9
Virtua Fighter brought polygon graphics to the table and became the first-ever 3D fighting game. While it was mostly just a bare-bones game beyond that, it was still a groundbreaking title for the fighting genre.
The Flair: A
Visually, the game couldn't compete with titles like Street Fighter and other 2D fighting games of the time, which featured beautifully animated sprites. Graphics were basic and undetailed, with even the menus featuring the most minimalistic interface imaginable. However, its original soundtrack was truly phenomenal and varied.
The Feel: C
The gameplay feels distinct in a positive way. Fighters move somewhat sluggishly, but in a realistic manner; connecting blows feels powerful and satisfying. Each character has a good variety of combos, the opponent AI is challenging, and the original three-button layout (guard, punch, kick) is intuitive. Few flaws can be found; overall, it’s a great effort.
The Fuel: A
The roster is decent, with not many fighters, but all are well-balanced and feel different from one another. There is no story or context whatsoever, not even after completing the game. The arcade mode simply consists of the same sequence of battles until you reach the end.
Solid
72
Classic Score
Conclusions
Virtua Fighter may not be a game you revisit often unless out of historical interest, but it's certainly not as bad as it may seem compared to contemporary fighting games. In 1993, the fighting genre existed only within 2D visuals, and Virtua Fighter was the first to break this mold. Despite its limited graphics and roster, it was groundbreaking and provided deep and fun gameplay, which is a remarkable achievement.
Virtua Fighter
Virtua Fighter (Cross-platform, 1993)
Badge Cabinet
Release date: Wednesday 1st December 1993
Platforms: Sega Saturn, Arcade
Published by: SEGA
Developed by: SEGA AM2
Genres: Fighting
Trait Chart
Story Drive 📖 1/20
Accessibility 🚪 16/20
Depth 🤿 10/20
Challenge 💀 14/20
Duration ⌛ 5/20
Freedom 🌎 3/20
Review Scores
9xACA
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 9
Virtua Fighter brought polygon graphics to the table and became the first-ever 3D fighting game. While it was mostly just a bare-bones game beyond that, it was still a groundbreaking title for the fighting genre.
The Flair: A
Visually, the game couldn't compete with titles like Street Fighter and other 2D fighting games of the time, which featured beautifully animated sprites. Graphics were basic and undetailed, with even the menus featuring the most minimalistic interface imaginable. However, its original soundtrack was truly phenomenal and varied.
The Feel: C
The gameplay feels distinct in a positive way. Fighters move somewhat sluggishly, but in a realistic manner; connecting blows feels powerful and satisfying. Each character has a good variety of combos, the opponent AI is challenging, and the original three-button layout (guard, punch, kick) is intuitive. Few flaws can be found; overall, it’s a great effort.
The Fuel: A
The roster is decent, with not many fighters, but all are well-balanced and feel different from one another. There is no story or context whatsoever, not even after completing the game. The arcade mode simply consists of the same sequence of battles until you reach the end.
Conclusions

Virtua Fighter may not be a game you revisit often unless out of historical interest, but it's certainly not as bad as it may seem compared to contemporary fighting games. In 1993, the fighting genre existed only within 2D visuals, and Virtua Fighter was the first to break this mold. Despite its limited graphics and roster, it was groundbreaking and provided deep and fun gameplay, which is a remarkable achievement.

Solid
72
Classic Score