Virtua Fighter's Return: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled
Sega has treated fans to a fresh look at the upcoming Virtua Fighter installment, marking the franchise's highly anticipated comeback after nearly two decades of relative inactivity. The development reins are held by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the acclaimed Yakuza series.
This new footage, first shown at NVIDIA's CES 2025 keynote, isn't actual gameplay, but rather a meticulously choreographed in-engine demonstration. While showcasing impressive visuals, the flawlessly executed moves hint at a cinematic presentation rather than raw, unedited gameplay. This carefully staged combat sequence, reminiscent of a Hong Kong action film, provides a glimpse into the game's potential visual style. The timing of this reveal, following recent releases from other major fighting game franchises, suggests a strong resurgence for the genre in the 2020s.
A Visual Evolution
The video showcases a noticeable departure from the series' classic hyper-stylized, polygonal aesthetic. The new Virtua Fighter appears to aim for a more realistic visual style, falling somewhere between the aesthetics of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The trailer features Akira, the franchise's iconic character, sporting new outfits, a departure from his traditional bandanna and spiky hair.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio at the Helm
The development of this new Virtua Fighter title falls under the purview of Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also responsible for the recently announced Project Century. Their involvement, along with their previous collaboration on the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, suggests a deep understanding of the franchise's legacy.
Details remain scarce regarding the new game's features, but Sega's commitment to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand is evident. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" This latest in-engine footage offers a tantalizing preview of what promises to be a significant return for this iconic fighting game franchise.
