Platformers, pro-wrestling-based offerings, and fighting games were my genres of choice as a kid. I spent so much time spent honing my skills on weekend-long rentals of everything from “Super Mario Bros. 2.” to “Street Fighter II Turbo”. There was one fighting game that really changed my perception of what the genre could produce. Instead of giving its characters magical powers & fireballs, “Virtua Fighter” focused on the player using characters rooted in mostly realistic combat (with some cartoonish elements like space jumping) on a 3D plane. “Virtua Fighter” revolutionized fighting games and I was there playing the Genesis port of “VF 2”.
My fandom halted thanks to not owning a Sega Dreamcast, but in 2002 when “Virtua Fighter 4” came to the PS2 I had to own the port. Once again many hours were poured into “VF 4”; the same with its expansion “Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution”. Thankfully gaming’s seventh generation would offer an online version of “Virtua Fighter 5” that also sported one of the best single-player modes in fighting game history. So when it was announced the believed final (true) entry in the franchise – “Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown” – would arrive on the Playstation 4 as “Ultimate Showdown” with a bigger focus on online competition I reverted to my young self as if it was Christmas Eve. I downloaded “VF 5 US” when it became available to my PS5 thanks to the game being cross-platform in presentation and went to the lab before entering the online realm just waiting to be thrashed (or produce the thrashing on yours truly).
Did I Complete “Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown”?
With “Ultimate Showdown” being promoted as an esport type of experience, this version of “Virtua Fighter” doesn’t feature a lot in regards to modes. Offline players can only take part in an “Arcade” ladder with the non-playable Dural awaiting to destroy any player that faces it, two-player versus, and Practice mode. The online options are pretty straight forward as well with a “Ranked” mode that puts the player in Practice until an online opponent is found. There is also online lobbies/“Rooms”.
In these Rooms, players can take part in single fights, elimination tournaments, and even league match-ups with up to eighteen players in one Room at a time. Unfortunately only one fight can occur in a room at a time; meaning players not at the top of the room can only spectate until it’s their turn similar to “King of the Hill” mode in the recent “Mortal Kombat” games. Though there isn’t a platinum trophy available to earn, players can earn trophies through some very grind-heavy requirements like playing 600 Ranked matches and 1200 fights overall. Though it will take quite a while to complete the game’s trophy list, those who enjoy “Virtua Fighter” games won’t feel disappointed with the grind.
Did “Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown” Live Up to the Hype?
Though the fighting engine & overall gameplay was established almost thirty years ago, much about what makes “Ultimate Showdown” special is what also treated gamers all those years ago. Like its predecessors, “US” maintains a very simplistic control scheme with only punch, kick & guard buttons. By tapping the punch & guard buttons at the same time (or mapping P + G to, say, the right bumper button) will perform a grab & throw attack. Throws do tremendous damage in “VF” games, but can be avoided rather easily or reversed. Certain stages are destructible or lack walls. When competing on elevated platforms or barricaded arenas where the fences/railings can be broken will create “Ring Out” scenarios that end a round immediately in favor of the fighter who is still on the platform; adding another gameplay element the player must be aware of at all times.
Thanks to the game’s overall control scheme & presentation, every character is accessible in one form or another; but to master said character will require a lot of training, practice & fights against other online players. Being that this is an online-focused game it is wonderful to know that the connection quality during online encounters is nearly flawless. Some fights will suffer from lag & hiccups, but those moments are few & far between unless the opponent has a one to two-bar connection quality.
As noted, offline players won’t find much to truly enjoy with this entry as the “Quest Mode” that was available in “VF 4”-“VF 5 R” doesn’t make a comeback just like it didn’t in “VF 5 Final Showdown”. “Quest Mode” used the data collected from various arcade players & “VF” developers to produce a series of competitors ready to fight a single player-chosen character. “Quest Mode” also offered currency & appearance customization items for the character being used in said mode. In “US”, customization is connected to paid DLC that also unlocks extra stages & retro costumes. The game also looks gorgeous using the “Dragon Engine” crafted by the studio behind the “Yakuza” series; though some character look a little odd compared to their eighth and even seventh generation counterparts. The sound is retro in the best way possible; harkening back to the days of “Virtua Fighter 2” right back din to the hollow echoes when blocking attacks.
There isn’t much to keep offline players coming back for more, but lovers of the “Virtua Fighter” franchise and those looking to test their skills online will mostly love this offering.
Should You Play “Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown”?
As a Playstation Plus free game until August 2021, fighting game aficionados should have nothing but wonderful moments playing “VF 5 US” both offline & online. But what about after the free window is closed? For someone who has enjoyed past “VF” games or online fighters (or both), there’s no reason to not put one’s money down right now to keep it for good. Those on the fence should definitely give it a download and try it out offline & online to see if this more grounded version of “Tekken” and “Dead or Alive” is enjoyable to them. Who knows – by giving “Ultimate Showdown” a chance a potential fan will appreciate going to any combat seminar.
