Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown
- June 1, 2021
Virtua Fighter 5 has aged like fine wine, and while some modern games feel more fluid or look prettier, Sega's classic cannot be replaced.
The legendary fighting series returns with Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown! Challenge the greatest fighters in the world in the ultimate remaster of the classic 3D fighter, now featuring gorgeous HD graphics, new online features, and all the bone-crunching, martial arts combat of the renowned original. Battle through classic VF modes like “Arcade” or “Rank Match,” create your own custom online…
Reviews
- Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown features impressive visual upgrades and retains the classic gameplay that fans love.
- The game offers a robust fighting system with a variety of fighters and intricate move-sets, providing depth and strategic battles.
- New customization options and the ability to change soundtracks enhance the overall experience for players.
- The game lacks a compelling single-player mode and several game modes have been removed, limiting its appeal.
- Online matchmaking is inconsistent and can be frustrating, which detracts from the overall experience.
- The absence of an inviting online community and the inability to play versus mode alone hinder the game's longevity.
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its smoothness and intricacy, maintaining the beloved core mechanics while introducing exciting new customization options and visual upgrades. Players appreciate the nostalgic feel combined with enhancements, making it a worthwhile experience for both new and returning fans of the genre. Overall, the game successfully blends classic elements with modern touches, ensuring it remains engaging and visually appealing.
“The visual upgrades are fantastic, same great gameplay we all remember, and the ability to change soundtracks is a nice touch.”
“But given how well its core gameplay holds up with its various enhancements, it’s certainly worth a look for fighting game fans looking for something a little different.”
“Virtua Fighter has never played or looked better; gameplay still holds up even after so many years; an excellent new package for its battle-tested foundation.”
“The gameplay feels outdated and lacks the innovation needed to keep players engaged.”
“The controls are clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to execute basic moves.”
“There are significant balance issues that make certain characters overpowered, ruining the competitive aspect.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their good-looking visuals and smooth, intricate gameplay, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the introduction of fun new customization options adds to the visual appeal.
“The visuals are stunning, with smooth and intricate gameplay that enhances the overall experience.”
“The graphics are beautifully designed, making every scene a visual delight.”
“The attention to detail in the graphics is impressive, adding depth and immersion to the game.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 200 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is criticized for being virtually nonexistent, leaving players feeling unengaged, and the inability to play versus mode solo further detracts from the overall experience.
“The story is nonexistent, making it difficult to engage with the game.”
“I can't play versus mode alone, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback, with users appreciating the ability to change soundtracks as a nice feature. Additionally, the visual upgrades complement the overall experience, enhancing the nostalgic gameplay.
“The visual upgrades are fantastic, and the same great gameplay we all remember is still there. The ability to change soundtracks is a nice touch.”
“The music really enhances the overall experience, making every moment feel more immersive.”
“I love how the soundtrack perfectly matches the game's atmosphere, adding depth to the gameplay.”
Critic Reviews
Back and Brighter Than Ever — Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown Review
While there isn't much of an incentive to play the game outside its online modes, Virtua Fighter 5 still does what it does quite well, and with a much-needed updated version now available to a newer generation, more players can now appreciate this stellar classic.
80%Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown Review (PS4)- The Return Of The King
Despite having a few flaws, such as missing modes and the lack of being able to invite friends for some online bouts, Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown is a solid title. If and when Sega addresses the online issues, this will be a title that everyone will be playing, there’s no doubt about that. Now if it was only available for the other platforms, it would be even better.
80%Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown Review – Aging Well
As a game, Ultimate Showdown does little to convince you to choose it over the newest Tekken, Dead or Alive, or Mortal Kombat game. But given how well its core gameplay holds up with its various enhancements, it’s certainly worth a look for fighting game fans looking for something a little different.
80%