"I pity anyone who does not own this game."

This is without a doubt my all time favorite fighting game. I almost always get excited when I think about playing this game. Anyone who loves fighting games and does not own this game, I can only feel sorry for you because you are really missing out on something here. Everything about this game is good. There is not one thing I can think of that I really do not like. I could go on forever telling you how much I love this game.

Gameplay: 10/10

Does it get any better? This is truly the best fighting engine ever created. Each and every character in the game can be mastered and they all have a full arsenal of sweet moves and combos. It is actually a lot of fun taking a character through the training modes learning all their special skills. Not one character in this game is boring to play as. They all have their own fighting style and personalities. You will actually get attached to your favorite characters as you take them through the quest mode. What is the quest mode? It is only the best thing to ever happen to a fighting game in terms of single player modes. Quest mode lets you take your fighter through various arcades to make a name for yourself by defeating the opponents. When you make a name for yourself at an arcade you get selected to enter a tournament for a prize. Then you get to move on to another arcade with even more experienced players to battle against. Also as you are doing this you earn items and cash. You can fully customize your Fighter with these items so that he/she does not even look like him/her. You use the cash to purchase various things, from unlocking game extras to new items for your Fighter.

There is also a mode called Virtua Fighter 10th anniversary, which is almost a whole other game in itself. It uses the graphics, and even some of the gameplay elements from the original Virtua Fighter, and all new music. It is definitely worth checking out.

But really this game is for just about anyone. There are fighters for all of the different Fighting methods. Are you a person that uses all out offense and never really blocks? Well Lau is for you! Are you a person that likes guys with big powerful throws? Wolf is for you! And the list goes on.

Graphics: 10/10

The graphics are as top-quality as any other fighter on the PS2. Character models all look spectacular. There is also real time effects that take place in the arena like damage to the ground or to the walls of the arena. Also real time effects happen outside the arena, like lightning destroying structures and more!

Controls: 10/10

I wouldn’t want it any other way! You have punch, kick and block. Plus button shortcuts for throws and other awkward moves, so there is absolutely nothing to complain about. You can juggle other characters in the air to perform high hit combos which is not hard at all, if you go through the combo training mode.

Sound: 10/10

Crisp Music, and amazing sound effects. The music for the stages has been redone from Virtua Fighter 4. The music will not annoy you in any way. Character voices are extremely well done, as well as grunts and taunts the characters yell out during fights. Easily a 10/10 here.

Replay Value: 10/10

This game just doesn’t get boring. For as long as it will take you to master every character and unlock all the items…. Virtua Fighter 6 should be out by then.

Quest mode will keep you busy for AWHILE! And there is always Vs mode so you can make a fool of your friends by literally bashing them into the cement. Plus good old Arcade Mode for the times when you only have a short time to play.

Comments:

I honestly don’t know why any fighter fan would not like this game. Maybe because it is a bit more on the realistic side because there are no fireballs or anything.

This game is pure genius and I think you should stop reading this review right now, and go out and buy this game.

Buy or Rent?

Why are you still reading this? Go buy it now!!!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/12/03