The Best Fighting Game, Ever.

If you’re like me, then you’ve probably seen Sega’s Virtua Fighter series develop from its first incarnation as blocky polygon, 3-D fighter to a fluid and beautiful arcade masterpiece. More recent fans of the series are no doubt discovering its charms as well, as older gamers had years ago. Luckily for both groups (and those that own a PS2) VF4 has landed at home, just a short while after its release in the arcade. VF4 is the best fighting game ever made. That’s right: Ever Made!

This PS2 arcade translation is pretty good. The graphics are some of the best I’ve seen on the PS2. Though not as polished as the arcade version, there enough Wow! on the disc to keep you gazing at your TV. For me, the sound was the only truly horrible thing about this title. I mean, it sounds as if they just ripped all the various hitting, falling, grunt, scream samples from the first VF. All well, the game is just too darn good to let this bother me.

The console edition is jam-packed with all kinds of goodies that only die-hard fighting games will love and appreciate. There are the standard Arcade and Vs. modes essential to all games of this sort. Add to these a ‘Kumite’ mode in which a single player enters a tournament in which wins produce higher rankings, tougher opponents and extras that include new fighter costumes, trinkets and other surprises. Kumite can be enjoyed over a infinite expanse of time as VF4 allows you to save and edit a fighter of your choosing. Quite simply, if you can master the Kumite mode then you can master the game.

But, if you need help learning moves to execute in the tournament then you can always take advantage of the various training features that Sega has generously provided on the PS2 disc. First, there is the Command Mode where you basically follow on screen instructions to learn moves. The computer even as the (somewhat limited) ability to tell you what you’re doing wrong. The Free training mode basically just lets you practice moves against an opponent that can be set to any number of difficulties. You can have the opponent just stand there taking hits, blocking specific attacks or be a really aggressive attacker. Last, there is the Trial Mode: the computer asks you to pull off a bunch of moves – be they punches, kicks, blocks, throws, etc. – to earn points and raise your skill level. All these training modes are intended to shape you in the best fighter possible and quite frankly, you’ll need to train in order to master this game.

Each fighter has at least two dozen or so moves that can be performed in addition to throws and counters. There are basic moves to each character that can be mastered pretty easily but anyone within 15 minutes of playing the game. However, the challenge begins by stringing those moves together in a devastating combo. Still, a beginner can start putting combos together fairly easily with the right amount of practice. Where the beginner will start to have trouble is with the combos that evolve out of specific moves or stances. In this instance, a character might need to strike a certain (and fashionable) pose before being able to execute a certain list of moves. Or, one move might be necessary in order gain the ability to access other, more complicating attacks or throws. Think of each fighter as having a move list that resembles a tree: the trunk is composed of a small list of easily executive moves but one move may branch out and, in turn, lead to another series of moves. Yes, VF4 can be that complicated. Add to all that, the many characters with the ability to counter various forms of attacks whether they be punches, kicks or throws. If your opponent tries to land several punches your way, you might have the ability to grab deflect their attack. Or, if you find yourself about to be grabbed and brutally thrown about, quick thinking might be able to get you out of that jam.

Basically, VF4 is full of fighters with deep move lists that will take some time to master thoroughly. While a beginner (or someone that is very lazy) can probably get by with a fare amount of button mashing, eventually they’re going to hit a wall. That wall will be other players that have actually taken the time to learn every single move for one or all players. And here is VF4’s strength: the multi-player modes. While the Arcade, Kumite, and Training modes are nice for developing your skill, it’s essential that you get others involved in the action too. Invite friends over and stage your own tournaments. Or, get really bold and head to the actual arcade and test your skill there.

Which brings me to my last point. You cannot fully appreciate VF4 without an arcade stick. The PS2’s game pad is just not sufficient enough to handle all the quick movement that is required for many of the characters. So, go out a buy a decent Arcade controller! Sega actually makes one specifically for VF4 however, as yet, it’s only available through the internet from Japan but it is worth the price and hefty shipping and handling fee.

VF4 is not for everybody. If you don’t like fighters then stay clear of this game: you’ll probably find it very boring. But, if you really like to fight then you can’t go wrong with this title. This is the best fighting game out there.