Immersive Virtua Fighter Gameplay Unveiled by Sega

Virtua Fighter Returns: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled

Sega has treated fans to a fresh look at the upcoming Virtua Fighter installment, marking the franchise's triumphant return after nearly two decades of relative silence. The new in-engine footage, revealed at NVIDIA's CES 2025 keynote, offers a glimpse into the game's visual style and combat mechanics.

The last major Virtua Fighter release was the 2021 Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown remaster (itself slated for a Steam release in January 2025), following a long period of inactivity aside from a Virtua Fighter 2 commemorative release. This new entry promises a complete departure from past titles.

The footage, while impeccably choreographed—more akin to a meticulously planned fight scene than raw gameplay— showcases in-engine graphics. It hints at a visual direction that blends realism with stylistic flair, seemingly bridging the gap between the aesthetics of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured, sporting new outfits that deviate from his classic look.

Development is being spearheaded by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the acclaimed Yakuza series and also involved in the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. They are also simultaneously working on Sega's ambitious Project Century. While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous comments suggest a bold new direction for the franchise.

Sega's commitment to reviving the Virtua Fighter brand is evident, with the company repeatedly sharing glimpses of the upcoming game. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi enthusiastically declared during the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The return of this legendary fighting game franchise promises to make the 2020s a significant era for fighting game enthusiasts.