Virtua Fighter's Return: A Glimpse into the Future
Sega has unveiled new in-engine footage of the upcoming Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's highly anticipated return after nearly two decades. Developed by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the footage offers a tantalizing preview of the game's visual style and direction.
The last major Virtua Fighter release was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a 2021 remaster. While not actual gameplay, the new footage, first shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, provides a glimpse into the game's in-engine graphics. The meticulously choreographed combat sequence, more akin to a cinematic fight scene than raw gameplay, hints at a polished and visually impressive final product. This return could solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games.
Evolving Visuals: A Modern Virtua Fighter
The footage showcases a departure from the franchise's signature hyper-stylized polygons, moving towards a more realistic aesthetic. The visuals appear to blend elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, creating a fresh yet familiar look. Akira, the franchise's iconic character, is featured in new outfits, a departure from his classic bandana and spiky hair.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for the Yakuza series and also involved in the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, is leading development. They are also handling Sega's ambitious Project Century. While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's earlier comments and Sega's commitment, as expressed by President and COO Shuji Utsumi ("Virtua Fighter is finally back!") in the VF Direct 2024 livestream, suggest a strong push to revitalize the franchise. The upcoming game promises a completely new experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
