I am hyped about the return of Sega's Virtua Fighter, although I can't honestly say its Tokyo Game Show presentation had anything to do with that. Hey, it wasn't as bad as Microsoft's infamous Kinect demos at E3.
We did get a little bit of info about the systems that will power the venerable fighter's return.
This game offers two distinct battle rules to suit different play styles and preferences:
- Standard: Victory is determined by either depleting the opponent’s health or causing a ring out. By default, matches are won by taking three rounds.
- Uprising: A completely new battle rule that introduces dynamic momentum-shifting opportunities, offering a new gameplay concept that stands apart from standard rules.
The game also features three groundbreaking battle systems that drive the evolution of the series:
- Break & Rush: This innovative system introduces a dynamic damage accumulation mechanic. As specific regions of the body take repeated hits, damage builds up, eventually allowing for a targeted break. Once the attacker lands a break attack, they gain a strategic advantage, opening up new offensive opportunities. A ”broken” status carries over across rounds, creating a tactical layer that adds depth and tension to every match.
- Stunner & Stun Combo: Introducing a new strike technique called the “Stunner,” this system unlocks a fresh combo mechanic that emphasises fluidity and realism, without requiring complex inputs.
- Flow Guard: A stylish new defensive mechanic, the Flow Guard system emphasises fluid motion and visual flair. Working in tandem with the Break & Rush system, it introduces dynamic shifts in offence and defence across a variety of combat situations.
Sadly, we didn't get any gameplay, which is of course, what everybody was looking for. Maybe we'll get something more substantial at The Game Awards in December?