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Virtua
Fighter 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed
arcade hit, Virtua Fighter, which arrived in the arcades
back in 1993 using Sega's Model 1 arcade system. Sega's
AM2 team was praised for delivering the most innovative
and exciting fighting game to be released in a decade.
Where other similar games relied on gimmicks in an
attempt to excite fans of the stagnant genre, Sega went
back to basics with Virtua Fighter adding 3D technology
and making use of advanced motion capture and physics
techniques to create the most advanced fighting game in
the world. Released alongside the Saturn in 1995 it
became the most popular game for the console.
This
follow up, first released in arcades in 1995 on Sega's
advanced Model 2 system, does more than just build on
the original. Firstly, two new characters have been
added bringing with them two martial arts styles. Shun
Di uses a Drunken Kung Fu style used to lure opponents
into a false sense of security, by appearing
intoxicated, and punishing this with quick strikes. The
second new character, Lion Rafale, uses a style similar
to praying mantis Kung Fu, as with Shun Di his strength
relies on Surprising counter attacks. The most important
change that these new characters bring is a side step,
allowing the player to move towards and away from the
camera, a perfect answer to the criticism that the
original lacked "freedom of movement".
The
first thing most players are likely to notice is the
look of the game, despite the wide range of martial arts
styles used in the original, the character design left
alot to be desired. Characters are now more detailed and
thanks to better animation they now appear much more
individual. The game now includes over 1000 moves, every
character from the original remains and they're better
than ever. Most noticeable are Akira Yuki, who uses a
rare from of Karate called "Hakkyoku-ken", has the
ability to deliver a wide range of combos, Jacky Bryant
has also received an overhaul now using a more bouncy
style of Jeet Kune Do complete with a variety of new
moves and combos.
Where
the original's soundtrack was uninspiring, Virtua
Fighter 2 has a whole new score ranging from rock to
traditional oriental music. For those with different
tastes a Remix option is available. The Saturn version
includes many modes absent from the original and the
arcade version, these include: Vs Mode, Expert Mode,
Team Battle Mode and Watch Mode. Whilst the other modes
are self explanatory, Expert Mode, whilst first seeming
identical to the Arcade Mode, the AI examines your
techniques and over time, learns how to counter these,
forcing you to constantly change your style. For those
wishing to master the game, this is the best option.
Where
this game either succeeds or becomes a complete failure
is down to longetivety. Those wishing to merely complete
the arcade mode will get no more than ten minutes of fun
from this game, those wishing to completely master it
can expect a lifetime of challenge. With a huge variety
of characters, martial arts styles and ways to play
Virtua Fighter 2 is an instant hit, no other game in
it's genre comes close to matching it for fun and
technical impressiveness. For fans of the original and
Saturn owners looking for an innovative leap in gaming,
this is a must buy.
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