Gaming Target - PlayStation 2: Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution

Written by Matt Partington on April 11, 2003

First Impressions: Apparently the Yoga fighter is just never good enough for the final version.

Even the best of games aren't perfect, and a good example of this was last year's PS2 hit, Virtua Fighter 4. Publisher Sega and developer AM2 are back at it again, but this time it's not an entirely new product, but rather a revised version of the game. Virtua Fighter 4 was the sparkplug to get the underrated VF series into the hands of the casual American gamer, and when they had complaints, Sega listened. VF4: Evolution sets out to get rid of the bad, add some good new, and provide an overall healthier fighting experience.

AM2 has made considerable changes and additions to VF4. Foremost are the technical refinements such as fixing the aliasing problems with the original (no more jaggies). The weather effects have undergone some treatments as well as the sound effects, which were somewhat primitive before. All together, the game just looks sharper and more like the arcade version.

Each game mode has been left intact with Evolution, but some such as Training mode have been adjusted for the better. Arcade mode has undergone some treatment, as now there are missions in between random fights where you must complete an objective within certain boundaries in order to win. If you do complete it successfully, you'll be awarded with money. Winning or losing the mission fights doesn't affect the actual arcade bracket, it's more of a bonus sort of thing. Several new arenas have also been added.

Kumite in Virtua Fighter 4 was a revolutionary style of gameplay in a fighting title, and easily the best part of the game. It was relatively simple idea: you'd just fight a limitless amount of battles and earn different degrees of skill as you progressed, but it created the feel of a real world or internet-based universe. As good as it was, AM2 is now taking the concept one step further. Evolution will feature something totally new and innovative called Quest mode. With a touch of RPG and a dab of Shenmue, Quest puts you in a simulated world where you compete against up to 500 other computer-generated players. Just like the AI in Kumite, ever persona will have their own style of fighting (as it's based off recorded data of real players).

There are two worlds to challenge people in at first Ц Sega World West and Event Square (more areas are unlocked as you work your way through the ranks). Every vicinity is a bit different and hold individual tournaments to participate in. Quest gives you the freedom to fight whoever you want, whenever you want. It's even deeper in a sense that you can steal different medals and badges from other players, and they attempt to fight you again and take it back. The more you win, the more money or items you get. Although Kumite gave you items after winning the occasional skirmish, Evolution works off of a УshopФ instead. With your earnings you can buy different things to alter your character to your pleasing. Aside from new gear, you can purchase special options such as VF1 mode and so forth.

Two new characters have been added to the mix, Brad Burns and Goh Hinogami. Brad is a kickboxer with a wide array of quick punches, jabs and kicks. Goh is a Judo master (need we say more?). As far as we know, all the characters from VF4 will remain on the roster. Both new character appear to be suited for the more experienced players.