Virtua Fighter Unveiled: In-Depth Gameplay Showcase

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 return after nearly two decades of dormancy. The last major release was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown (a remaster), with only remasters and a commemorative release of Virtua Fighter 2 bridging the gap. This new entry, however, promises a completely original experience.

The recently released in-engine footage, first shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, offers a glimpse into the game's visual style. While not actual gameplay, the meticulously choreographed combat sequence hints at the game's direction. The polished presentation, more akin to a cinematic fight scene than a raw gameplay capture, suggests a high level of production value. With other fighting game giants recently releasing titles, Virtua Fighter's comeback could solidify the 2020s as a golden age for the genre.

A Visual Evolution

The footage showcases a noticeable shift in Virtua Fighter's visual identity. Moving away from its classic polygonal style, the game aims for a more realistic aesthetic, blending elements reminiscent of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The trailer features Akira, the franchise's iconic character, in updated outfits, deviating from his traditional look.

Development is being overseen 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 experienced team’s involvement bodes well for the game's quality.

While details remain scarce beyond director Riichirou Yamada's previous statements regarding the game's direction, Sega's commitment to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand is clear. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared during the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" This new footage further fuels anticipation for the game's eventual release.