So, who here had a childhood filled with epic battles in Virtua Fighter? If you did, then buckle up because Sega just dropped a little teaser during CES that’s got everyone excited, though it’s about as far from actual gameplay as you can get. Think of it as an appetizer before the main course rather than the full feast we’re all waiting for.
The short clip debuted during Nvidia’s presentation, showcasing how far gaming graphics have come since 1999. But wait, before you get your hopes too high, the footage comes with a disclaimer: it’s “pre-development in-engine footage” and explicitly says “not actual gameplay.” So yeah, keep those expectations in check!
The folks are crafting this new installment at Ryu Ga Gotoku, known for their work on the Like A Dragon series. They first teased this project at The Game Awards last year, which made fans curious and anxious about what to expect next.
The clip prominently features Akira, the iconic mascot of Virtua Fighter. However, he appears quite different from his classic white GI and black belt days. It leaves us pondering how much this early peek will make it into the final version. Will we see Akira transformed or rejuvenated?
Sega’s head of transmedia hinted last year that they’ve got some nostalgia-fueled projects lined up, including this new entry alongside other classics like Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio. During an interview, Justin Scarpone mentioned that they’re working on several titles from their legacy bucket discussing Sega’s plans moving forward.
And just when you thought things couldn’t improve, late November saw another announcement: a remaster of Virtua Fighter 5 coming to Steam! This led many to speculate whether Scarpone was referring to that game or if there’s room for two Virtua Fighters in our lives.