VirtuaFighter5
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Resistance and Motorstorm topping charts in UK (not Europe)
After briefly, mistakenly and idiotically reducing the entirety of Europe, with all its many cultures, languages and shoes to just the UK in an article yesterday, we've taken steps to reinforce the pathways that connect our brains to our rapidly typing fingers. Said fingers insist that we now draw your attention to the PS3's continued success in Madagascar the United Kingdom, with launch titles Resistance: Fall of Man and Motorstorm perching comfortably atop the Chart Track software list for the week ending 24 March.Insomniac's first-person shooter debuted in the number one spot, with the muddy Motorstorm slotting into second position. Virtua Fighter 5 is all the way down in 14th position, bested by Namco's symphony of slide, Ridge Racer 7 (11th) and the comparitively out of tune F1: Championship Edition (7th). Finally, historically accurate crab battle simulations find themselves relegated to 16th position. With these PS3 exclusive (for now, in the case of Virtua Fighter 5) titles making a splash in the charts alongside the PS3's strong launch performance in Guam the UK, it seems the doom and gloom impression that resulted from so many dead launch events was unwarranted. The coming weeks will show us whether or not the PS3 can maintain its momentum in both hardware and software sales.
HORI Pro Fighting Stick... helps keep thumbs blister free!
Personal gloating moment: after obtaining the rank of "Veteran" in Virtua Fighter 5's Quest Mode, my thumbs are killing me. But it was worth it. Still worth it, since every character I fight now tries to demote my rank. Anyway, we got an e-mail from a fan who bought the HORI Pro Fighting Stick in one form or another. Granted, his board and stick seem to be a lot larger than the one offered by Amazon, but if you're really into fighting games and really against the SIXAXIS D-pad, it's probably worthwhile. I'm used to the D-pad now, especially the extra-handy shoulder buttons that help me with hitting two or three buttons at the same time. If you've got VF5, how are you guys faring? What character have you taken under your wing?[thanks a lot, Chairman!]
Metareview + Our take: Virtua Fighter 5
Well, we're going to go ahead and dip ourselves into the "review" world here. For the first PS3Fanboy metareview/review, we're going to go over Sega's Virtua Fighter 5. I was able to pry myself away from it long enough to write this. First off, we've compiled a few key sites and the copy of EGM sitting on my coffee table. I'm pretty sure "Game Informer" is the same as 1UP, but I might be wrong. Anywho, they scored the game thusly:IGN: 8.8Gamespot: 8.11UP: 9.5EGM: 9.5, 10, 9.5Before we go on, the rest of this review is a bit lengthy. So we're going to separate it into the "continued" portion. Go ahead and click through!
Virtua Fighter 5 tournament scheduled for AOU 2007
You can never have enough Virtua Fighter, as we've been reminded while playing the sublime PS3 version of VF5 over the past fortnight. It's a game that successfully caters for every type of player, from wide-eyed novices to sharp-eyed experts -- and those groups could well clash north of Tokyo tomorrow, where Sega is holding a "Fight of the Century" Virtua Fighter 5 tournament at Japan's annual AOU arcade game exhibition. The competition will take place in the VF5 corner of Sega's huge AOU booth, with 64 players (each of whom must have their own VF.Net access card in order to take part) fighting it out for the title of "Fighter of the Century." There's no big prize on offer (Sega isn't as generous as From Software), but that title will be coveted by Japan's Virtua Fighter hardcore and we expect the competition to be very serious indeed. The tournament will be played on Version B of VF5, which is the same build that Sega has ported to the PS3.
Virtua Fighter 5 -- #1 game in Japan... for now!
If you check out the latest Japanese video game rankings (ignoring all the pictures of the cute Asian women), you may notice that a certain title actually managed to pass by all those Wii and DS titles that have been very complacent at the top of Japanese charts for a long time (and not undeservingly so). While it may look like a bunch of question marks initially, you'll soon deduce that the game in the #1 spot is, in fact, Virtua Fighter 5.VF5 has apparently sold 48,346 copies since its release on February 8th -- and these rankings are measuring from February 5th - February 11th. Four days, fifty-thousand copies? Nice job, Sega and Sony. The question we should be asking is: will this game stay at the top of the chart? Will it have a similar impact Stateside and over in Europe? In any case, hats off to a great start, Virtua Fighter 5.
EVO2K7 Championship Series line-up revealed
As the definitive fighting game tournament (for the Western world that is), the EVO2K series is always one of the years hottest events. This year will be no exception as the final line-up of games has been decided.Returning for yet another headlining act will be Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. It will be joined by Marvel VS Capcom 2, Guilty Gear XX Slash, Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, Capcom vs SNK 2 and the immortal Super Street Fighter II Turbo. New to this years competition are Virtua Fighter 5 and Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. Melee. The latter of the two isn't all that surprising as Mario Kart DS was thrown into the fray last year for both fun and profit. Virtua Fighter 5 on the other hand will be interesting. The last time Sega's flagship fighter graced the stage of EVO was in 2004 and the turnout weren't favorable to say the least. While a new game could help strengthen the community, we'll have to wait and see if it can generate better results.If you're interested in throwing down with some of the best in the world, check EVO's website for information regarding qualifiers in your area. If not, you can always qualify at the main event itself in Las Vegas.
Virtua Fighter 5 supports 720p, but who read the latest EGM?
No, really, who read the latest EGM? We're going to have a paragraph to gloat. The PS3 Virtua Fighter 5 received game of the month, with a 9.5, 10, and 9.5 as its score. It's competition for the month was Crackdown, which fell a way's behind. Now, correct us if we're wrong, but aside from Twilight Princess for the WiiCube (which we technically shouldn't count for this claim, but will anyways) this is the highest score any next-gen game has received in the last six months. Even Gears of War was scored lower in the mag. What are we trying to say? Well, come Spring, you 360 owners will have a fantastic fighting game to enjoy. Until then, find a friend with a PS3 and try this bad boy out.So, what's the deal, then, Sega? Why are we only getting 720p support? The Japanese version had 1080i and 1080p support... even though Japanese gamers believe those are simply upscaled resolutions and not "truly" supported. In truth, it doesn't matter. This game is probably going to be the highlight of February and perhaps most of March. We'll be back with our very first PS3 game review before the end of the month!
Japanese release day highlights: 02.08.07
Another Thursday in Japan, another round of lovely digital entertainment. Today is our favourite day of the week -- even more so than Sunday. We put our skates on (not literally, you understand) and got down to our local game dealer for some home cooking, mama. Here's what we picked up, the best of this fine February release day: Cooking Mama (today we've been twirling pizza dough, fiercely whisking eggs, and rolling ham around asparagus spears -- tomorrow, we're going to try some haute cuisine; Wii) Virtua Fighter 5 (yes, it's just a bit good; PS3) Out Run 2 Special Tour (back to Japan in time for its 20th anniversary, but only just, and how we've been waiting for another Passing Breeze; PS2) Jet Impulse (this game is giving us impulses already, but what have the skies done to deserve our ascent?; DS) Luminous Arc (marvelous strategy from Marvelous; DS)
IGN developing content for Sega? 1UP contributing too?
As much as you might cherish pummeling IGN-created Virtua Fighter 5 character 'Ryuutoushi,' the unprecedented pairing of press and publisher warrants investigation. A Sega-sponsored contest in which an IGN reader is selected to design a game character would be one thing, but IGN editors contributing content for Virtua Fighter 5?Digging deeper, we discover that 1UP's James Mielke has also created a VF5 character, writing on his 1UP page, "I'm pretty sure I can die happy now, knowing that no matter how many additions there are to the series, that I am part ... of Virtua Fighter history." As it turns out, Mielke and presumably IGN, along with other members of the gaming press, won their right to design for VF5 by placing high enough in an "editor's tournament" hosted by Sega last year.Sure, it hurts deeply that Sega neglected to invite us; knowing that Kietzmann would have mopped the floor with Mielke and his editor ilk. Of course, Sega would have rejected his poorly disguised efforts to bring back Hornet (from Fighters Megamix), but still...In all seriousness, should we be concerned that critics have contributed, however casually, to Virtua Fighter 5? Can we really trust the opinions of those who have been charmed by thoughts of immortality within the game? There is certain danger in crossing this line.Note: the press-created characters are not playable, but will appear as opponents in various modes throughout the game.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Virtua Fighter 5 secret character... created by IGN?!
Yeah, it's true... IGN got to create a character in Virtua Fighter 5. Sadly, there's probably no way for you to play as the character they created, but you can test your might against him in Quest mode (but a future online update to make him an unlockable would be fairly keen). How'd they score a sweet deal with SEGA? Apparently, "SEGA allowed us the option to make one of the brawlers our own, creating their name, taunt and customized appearances (with two separate costumes)." Nice job, IGN. SEGA, can PS3Fanboy design the next Phantasy Star main characters? We'd love to.IGN chose to name their character Ryuutoushi ("Dragon Champion"), which is appropriate because the character uses the Dragon Champion's art of fighting... by Dragon Champion, we are of course referring to the legendary Bruce Lee. Jeet Kune Do, an almost artistic fighting style utilizing defense as offense (kinda sorta), is the fighting style Ryuutoushi will use against you (and the very concept of defense as offense in a fighting game will make it very difficult). IGN also uses many of Bruce Lee's philosophies on fighting as intros and taunts. Good stuff. We'll fight him.
Virtua Fighter 5: a primer
GameTrailers has released a video preview of Virtua Fighter 5. While the preview is for the PS3 version of the game, most of it should hold true for the 360 release. Specifically, it should give those unfamiliar with the game some idea of why hardcore fighting fans are nuts about it. One thing severely lacking from the PS3 version (as mentioned in the video) is that it has no form of online support whatsoever. We already knew it had no online vs. play, but the PS3 version even lacks something as basic as online leaderboards and the ability to trade saved videos. We can't imagine Microsoft would allow a 360 game to ship without at least having leaderboards, but we'll have to wait and see. Check out the video after the break.
PS3 Virtua Fighter 5 is gold
Game delays have relegated PlayStation 3 to lesser uses for the immediate future, but Sega is making good on its promise, with Virtua Fighter 5 now just a disc-press away. The fighter will meet its target release date, February 20, retailing for $59.99.Sadly, Virtua Fighter 5 will lack online support (including basic leaderboards). But amidst the current software drought, come February, Sega's old standby will be as good as it gets for PS3. Good thing MotorStorm will be just around the corner...Virtua Fighter 5 is also being ported to Xbox 360 for release this summer.
Today's prettiest video: Virtua Fighter 5 PS3 battle footage
The most downloaded video on GameTrailers, up seven spots from yesterday, is footage from the upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 for PlayStation 3. Since we remember a time when the Virtua Fighters were nothing more than wooden marionettes with painted facial features, we must say they have come a long way in technological evolution. The early water effects caught our eye first. Like its super-powered predecessors (3DO, anyone?), Sony's technological behemoth has shown it's capable of delivering some impressive visuals. What remains to be seen, at least in this example, is if developers have become accustomed to the Xbox 360 enough to match, or even surpass, said graphical prowess.The video is, as per our modus operandi, embedded after the break.
Virtua Fighter 5, gameplay videos galore
Virtua Fighter is not for everyone. Outside of Japan, it's never gotten the attention of a Tekken or a Soul Calibur or, to a lesser extent, a Dead or Alive. Some will argue that it's a critical darling, but critical success doesn't necessarily translate to high sales numbers. As old school SEGA fans, we have a soft spot for the series (in fact, I prefer it to Tekken or DOA), so we're going to pimp it all we can. GameTrailers has unleashed several new videos of the game in action (PS3 version). Two things are evident from these videos. One, it's real purdy. Two, it's painful to watch people that don't really know how to play (something that's true of all fighting games). Still, these videos should give hopeful fans an idea of what to expect when the game hits the Xbox 360 this summer. Check out three more videos after the break.
Rumor: Virtua Fighter 5 is 1080p
True HD, if you ask some people, is only 1080p. It's a shame, then, that few PlayStation 3 titles have yet to push resolution that high. Virtua Fighter 5, then, would be a great addition to the small library of 1080p games.According to a scan at IGN, the latest edition of Sega's flagship fighter might support 1080p resolution. However, the scan of the back of VF5's box is very fuzzy and could easily be just a Photoshop job by those abusing the Internets. Not only that, but we're pretty sure Sega or Sony would be mentioning 1080p as often as possible.We should know definitively by February 8, whenVirtua Fighter 5 lands in Japan.See Also:Virtua Fighter 5 smacks PS3, heads to 360
Xbox 360: The Best of 2007
2006 was a great year for the Xbox 360. We saw tons of great games -- Oblivion, Gears of War, and Dead Rising just to name a few -- Xbox Live Arcade showed signs of maturity, Xbox Live grew by leaps and bounds, and overall 360 sales are closing in on the 10 million mark. Yes, it was a good time to be a gamer if you had a 360. What about the future? What does 2007 hold for the Xbox 360? Read on and join the discussion.
Virtua Fighter 5 smacks PS3, heads to 360
Exclusive content has been slowly moving away from the PS3. Mostly, they've been fairly minor, like Koei titles. However, an arguably bigger title is making the jump to the Xbox 360. Sega has announced that Virtua Fighter 5 -- a former PS3 exclusive -- has moved over to the Xbox 360. Sega also offered a few more bits of information; The PS3 will still be getting a timed -- albeit short -- exclusive with the PS3 launch in Europe. The Xbox 360 version will be hitting Europe and North America in Summer 2007. The exodus of PS3 exclusivity should start worrying Sony. Microsoft has been doing a better job of tying down exclusive content and Sony doesn't want to wage the console war utilizing in-house studios exclusively. It could be the already declining interest in the PS3 and questionable production capabilities that are convincing companies to move the the already established Xbox 360 platform. [Thanks to all who sent this in]
Virtua Fighter 5 is coming to 360, booyah!
Our fanboy fingers are shaking as we type this, but we'll try to remain strong. SEGA has officially announced that Virtua Fighter 5 (AKA the mother of all Japanese exclusives) is coming to the Xbox 360 -- despite SEGA's claims otherwise. The game is expected to ship in Summer 2007, some months after the February release of the PS3 version. While this is great news for fighting fans, it's even better news for Microsoft's hopes in Japan. Virtua Fighter is huge in Japan, much bigger than it's ever been in North America or Europe. VF5 could very easily move some 360s in Japan, especially given that VF fans can pick up the 360 for much less than a PS3. Before we get too excited, we should point out that VF5 does not feature online play, an expected feature for 360 titles. Even including that caveat, this is an overwhelmingly positive outcome for Microsoft and 360 owners in general. Now if they'd just release a 360 compatible Virtua Stick .... Alright, let's make some bets. Which exclusive will make it to the 360 next? MGS4, perhaps?[Thanks to Xboxygen for tipping us off.]
PS3 Virtua Fighter 5 in North America on Feb. 20, European launch title
Sega's bringing Virtua Fighter 5 to PlayStation 3 in just two short months. The newest installment will arrive in North America on February 20 and will be boxed and waiting for PS3's launch in Europe (presumably in March). The next round of Virtua Fighter features 17 fighters (two new) with customization dress-up options. Unfortunately, Sega's franchise will still be restricted to offline-play.In Japan, Virtua Fighter 5's debut (February 8) will be followed by the release of Sega's 'Virtua Stick High Grade' on February 15. The USB arcade stick has not been confirmed for release outside of Japan, but is available for import. (For the thrifty: Hori is pushing a 'cheaper' alternative.)
We called it: Virtua Fighter 5 US/Europe release dates
Are your fingers itching for some of that mad fighting-game action? Were you planning on snagging the Japanese version of Virtua Fighter 5 because we weren't too sure when the North American or European versions were being released? Worry not, we've got it covered. IGN recently slapped up the release dates as given by Sega and you know what? Our guess was practically perfect. We said that the title would be released around the European launch and, well, that's true. The game is slated for a late February (the 20th) release for North America and will be a launch title for Europe. It's good to be completely and utterly correct. This news comes directly from Sega of Europe, remember, so the launch title mumbo-jumbo should be taken as fact, not as speculation. Excuse us while we do a victory dance in celebration of guessing the release dates.
