Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Fighting
- Platforms: Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System/Mark III
- Developers: Aspect
- Publishers: Sega, Sega of America, Tec Toy
Virtua Fighter Animation (1996)
Virtua Fighter Animation is a fighting game developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega for the Sega Saturn. It was released in Japan on December 22, 1995, and in North America and Europe in 1996. The game is a port of the arcade game Virtua Fighter 2, and features all of the characters, moves, and stages from that game.
Virtua Fighter Animation was praised for its graphics, which were some of the best on the Saturn at the time. The game’s character models were particularly impressive, and the animations were fluid and realistic. The game also featured a variety of gameplay modes, including a single-player arcade mode, a two-player versus mode, and a training mode.
Despite its critical acclaim, Virtua Fighter Animation was not a commercial success. The game was released at the end of the Saturn’s life cycle, and it was overshadowed by the release of the PlayStation and Nintendo 64. As a result, Virtua Fighter Animation is now a relatively rare game, and it is considered to be a hidden gem by many Saturn fans.
Gameplay
Virtua Fighter Animation is a 3D fighting game that uses a four-button control scheme. The buttons are used to punch, kick, guard, and throw. The game also features a variety of special moves and combos that can be performed by inputting specific button combinations.
Virtua Fighter Animation is known for its realistic and fluid combat system. The game’s characters move and fight like real martial artists, and the hit detection is very precise. The game also features a variety of environmental hazards that can be used to damage or knock out opponents.
Characters
Virtua Fighter Animation features a roster of eight playable characters. Each character has their own unique fighting style and special moves. The characters are:
- Akira Yuki – A Japanese martial artist who uses a combination of karate, judo, and aikido.
- Pai Chan – A Chinese martial artist who uses a variety of kung fu styles.
- Lau Chan – Pai’s younger brother, who also uses a variety of kung fu styles.
- Wolf Hawkfield – A Canadian wrestler who uses a variety of grappling and power moves.
- Jeffry McWild – An American boxer who uses a variety of punching and kicking combinations.
- Kage-Maru – A Japanese ninja who uses a variety of stealth and assassination techniques.
- Dural – A mysterious and powerful android who is the final boss of the game.
Development
Virtua Fighter Animation was developed by Sega AM2, the same team that developed the original Virtua Fighter arcade game. The game was directed by Yu Suzuki, who is also known for creating the Shenmue series.
Virtua Fighter Animation was developed using the same engine as Virtua Fighter 2, but the game’s graphics were significantly improved. The character models were redesigned and the animations were made more fluid. The game also featured a number of new gameplay modes, including a training mode and a two-player versus mode.
Reception
Virtua Fighter Animation was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and character roster. However, the game was not a commercial success, and it was overshadowed by the release of the PlayStation and Nintendo 64.
Despite its lack of commercial success, Virtua Fighter Animation is now considered to be a classic fighting game. The game is still played by fans around the world, and it is considered to be one of the best fighting games of the Saturn era.
Legacy
Virtua Fighter Animation has had a lasting impact on the fighting game genre. The game’s realistic combat system and fluid animations set a new standard for fighting games, and the game’s character roster has become iconic. Virtua Fighter Animation is also credited with popularizing the use of 3D graphics in fighting games.
Virtua Fighter Animation has been followed by a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Virtua Fighter 3, Virtua Fighter 4, and Virtua Fighter 5. The Virtua Fighter series is still one of the most popular fighting game franchises in the world, and it is considered to be one of the best fighting game series of all time.
Review Score
8/10
