Virtua Fighter Returns: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled
Sega has treated fans to a fresh look at the upcoming Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's highly anticipated return after nearly two decades of relative dormancy. The new in-engine footage, showcased at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, offers a glimpse into the game's visual style and combat mechanics.
The last major Virtua Fighter release, Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown (a remaster), launched in 2021. While the franchise saw a commemorative physical release of Virtua Fighter 2, the upcoming title represents a completely new entry in the series, slated for release after Ultimate Showdown's January 2025 Steam debut.
The footage itself, while impeccably choreographed, is not actual gameplay. It's a staged demonstration, showcasing the in-engine graphics and giving a strong indication of the game's visual direction. The visuals appear to blend elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, moving away from the franchise's classic polygonal style towards a more realistic aesthetic. The iconic character Akira is featured, sporting new outfits that depart from his traditional look.
Development is being spearheaded by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the Yakuza series and co-developers of the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. They are also handling Sega's ambitious Project Century. This collaboration suggests a significant commitment to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand.
While specifics remain scarce, Sega's enthusiasm is palpable. As President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared during the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" This new footage, along with previous comments from project director Riichirou Yamada, hints at a bold new direction for the franchise. The return of Virtua Fighter promises to further solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games.
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