"The perfect fighter for the perfect price"

Talk about a steal! The update to one of the greatest fighting games ever created goes on sale for $20! The original was good, but this game is great! What makes the difference? How about 2 new fighters, current fighters balanced further, updated graphics, and Quest mode.

The two new fighters are Brad Burns and Goh Hinogami, both with fighting styles new to the virtua fighter games. Brad Burns uses Muay Thai kick boxing and Goh uses Judo. Both Fighting styles are welcome additions to the game.

The graphics, while not the best ever for a fighter(DOA3 still has that title), they are the best graphics in a fighter for the PS2. Although Tekken has some nice graphics, this games graphics are just flat out better. Every move animates smoothly, no frame rate drops, and I have yet to see a clipping problem (and I have seen more than my share in Tekken 4).

The 13 characters that where in virtua fighter 4 all make a return, and they look better, and some are actually better because AM2 took the time to go through and balance some of the problems players had with a few of the characters. All in all this leads to a game that depends of player skill and not character power.

But lets get to the basics of every review

Graphics: 10
Like I said, just flat out amazing for the PS2.

Controls: 10
Although the 3 button set up would seem rather simple (Punch, Kick, and Guard) , the button combinations that are used constantly make it seem much deeper than it first appears.

Sound: 8
The characters grunts and cries all sound very nice. The music though, while good, they wont stick into your head like some of the beats from Tekken Tag or 4.

Extras: 10
I consider Quest mode an extra simply because a great fighter like this could get away with just having an arcade mode and a training mode. Quest mode adds HOURS of extra play time. The great thing about Quest mode is if you do not like how your fighter looks, you can earn money by winning tournaments, then purchasing new clothes for your fighter to wear. Its like playing a violent game of dress up :D

Overall verdict: 10
If you have $20, and you do not hate fighting games, or you love you them, go out and buy this game. You will not find a better fighting game, at this price or higher. Bar none the best of the best. Even if you hate fighting games, rent this one. It may change your mind.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/14/03