• ID = PS0930
• STYLE = 3D Fighting
• DEV. = AM2
• PUB. = Sega of America, Inc.
• R-DATE = Mar-20-2002
• ESRB = T / For Teen
• PLAYERS = 1 player
• LIST PRICE = $19.99
  

This new version of the definitive hand-to-hand martial arts sim features fully optimized graphics designed to harness the power of the PlayStation2. Virtua Fighter 4 also delivers an extremely deep fighting system, highly tuned AI, and two new characters hungry for their place at the top. If you are new to the Virtua Fighter series, the in-depth training system will teach you the art of combat, move by move. Rewards await those who master every move, and you can expect to unlock a few secret techniques along the way.

Two new characters (Lei Fei and Vanessa Lewis) join 11 VF veterans for a grand total of 13 fighters, each with his or her own unique styles based on real martial arts. New counters and defensive moves allow players to switch up their stances and fighting styles midbout. High-polygon character models, exquisite detail, and brilliant light sourcing combine to create breathtaking visuals. You can also train a computer-controlled character through sparring and an easy-to-use rewards system, then pit your character against a friend's, or challenge the arcade mode. A new accessory system allows you to customize your character's clothing, sunglasses, hairstyles, and more.

Description 2:
There’s brutal, and then there’s VIRTUA FIGHTER 4. Considered by many to be the force responsible for the popularity of arena-style fighting games, the VIRTUA FIGHTER franchise has long been a source of enjoyment for folks who like a little blood in their video gaming. Known for its fluid physics and dynamic visual presentation, the series has always based its brand of combat on actual martial arts techniques and traditions. In this update, there are 11 veteran characters to choose from, and two new fighters to spice things up a little.

The game’s creators have peppered in a few new defensive moves and fighting stances, making VIRTUA FIGHTER 4 the most involved series installment to date. In addition to the in-fight enhancements, the game allows you to train an AI fighter to your liking, then stand back and which him (or her) go. VIRTA FIGHTER made its debut in the arcade, and with this rebirth on the PlayStation 2 console, there is finally a home-based experience that rivals the original. Play alone or challenge a pal.

• 13 playable characters.
• New defensive moves.
• Incredible AI.
• Awesome visuals.
• Multiplayer action.

Amazon.co.uk
Virtua Fighter 4 is Sega's first blockbuster release for the PS2. Exclusive to Sony's machine (for now, anyway), this is the game that's supposed to put Sega on the map for PlayStation2 owners. The pedigree couldn't be any better: the original game was the first ever 3-D beat-'em-up title, and this third sequel has possibly the most stunning graphics yet seen on the PS2.

If you sense a "but" coming, you're either getting to the end of your cigarette or you've already played the arcade version. The Virtua Fighter series is renowned for its tactical fights, full of blocks and counters rather than the more simplistic combo-centric gameplay of the rival Tekken games. This makes the Virtua Fighter games a little harder to get into, but far more rewarding over time. The "but" comes into play when you realize that Virtua Fighter 4 is substantially different from what has come before. For starters, the Dodge button has been axed, making it much harder to take full advantage of the 3-D arenas. There's also less of an emphasis on counterattacks and more on chaining together effective combos.

All of this has no doubt been done to attract Tekken fans, and indeed if you're a fan of that series but were disappointed by the lackluster Tekken Tag Tournament, this is definitely the game for you. If you're an old-school Virtua Fighter fan, this is still the game for you, but it does come with a slight hint of disappointment. But then, life's like that. --David Jenkins