Virtua Fighter Gameplay Revealed in Engine

Virtua Fighter Returns: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled

Sega has dropped a fresh look at its upcoming Virtua Fighter title, marking the franchise's highly anticipated return after nearly two decades of dormancy. The development reins are held by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the acclaimed Yakuza series.

The recently released footage, shown at NVIDIA's CES 2025 keynote, isn't actual gameplay, but rather a meticulously choreographed in-engine demonstration. While showcasing impressive visuals, the perfectly timed moves hint at a pre-rendered presentation, more akin to a cinematic sequence than a spontaneous fight. This visually stunning showcase, however, offers a strong indication of the game's potential.

The video showcases a shift in visual style for Virtua Fighter. Moving away from its iconic polygonal aesthetic, the new entry aims for a more realistic look, blending elements reminiscent of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured, sporting new outfits that deviate from his traditional bandana and hairstyle.

This new Virtua Fighter entry represents a completely new game, not a remaster or update. While details remain scarce, Sega's commitment to reviving the franchise is evident, as highlighted by Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi's enthusiastic declaration during the VF Direct 2024 livestream: "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The game's development, alongside Sega's Project Century, is in the capable hands of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, who previously collaborated on the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. The studio's experience with the Yakuza series bodes well for the future of this fighting game legend. The release of Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown on Steam in January 2025 further fuels anticipation for this upcoming title.