Virtua Fighter - Saturn, 8/3/95 & 10/7/95
Review 1 - 8/3/95
If you don't know about either (a) the Saturn, or (b) Virtua Fighter, then it's likely that you are someone who cannot decipher sensory information.
Or you have been dead for a year.
A quick summary for those unfortunates: the Sega Saturn is a flash new console, due out here in the autumn.
Virtua Fighter is a conversion of the smash arcade beat 'em up.
Though we had few doubts that Sega would produce a stunning title to showcase their new machine, Virtua Fighter still came as a bit of a shock.
The characters - though oboviously very stylised and blocky - move in a remarkably convincing 3D fashion, recoiling from every punch and kick.
The lack of fireball-style special moves is part of the game's appeal, and makes for a nice change.
It's easy to be blinded by Virtua Fighter's stunning visuals.
However, prolonged play of the game underlines subtleties not immediatedly apparent in the arcade version.
Each of the eight fighters is naturally empowered with different strengths and weaknesses.
Learning to use them to the full is a major part of the game's appeal.
As with all beat 'em ups, Virtua Fighter works best with two players, yet solo the game is more satisfying than any other basher we've played.
If criticism need be made, then the graphics aren't perfect. The polygons occasionally disappear, and we're not overly keen on the Saturn joypad.
At the end of the day, Sega has produced a title which not only showcases the Saturn's power, but should pacify the most angry gamester.
Virtua Fighter - Saturn - by Sega
Players: 1-2
Graphix: 94%
Sonix: 93%
Gameplay: 91%
Lifespan: 89%
Originality: 75%
Uppers: One of the best fighters ever
Downers: Very expensive on import
Overall: 92% - Virtually brilliant
Review 2 - 10/7/95
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