There are two types of fighting game fans: those who love arcade thrills and button-bashing combos (i.e. Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat-style brawlers), and those who have patience and know it’s all about timing your attacks and reading your opponent a.k.a. your Virtua Fighter fans.Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. released earlier this year on PC, but Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage builds on that foundation. It’s worth noting that this is the first time console players will get hands-on with the game, while PC fans will receive it as a free update if they already own Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.
Xboxer
This review looks at the Xbox build, so everything is being seen through fresh eyes, having not played the original R.E.V.O. In short, this is the definitive version of 2006’s Virtua Fighter 5, which has been on quite a journey over the past 19 years.
The biggest change here is in the single-player side of things, as the World Stage campaign marks a welcome return to the Quest Mode format, last seen in Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution on PS2.
Arcade Pedigree
You’ll fight through different virtual arcades against increasingly challenging AI opponents as you climb the ranks, all while unlocking new cosmetics — over 300 in total — and completing various challenges. It also acts as the perfect training ground to master your skills before heading online to face the world.
All the past multiplayer modes return, along with cross-play across all formats, including (once it launches) the Switch 2 version, complete with rollback netcode.
The full cast makes the jump to this new build, with 19 fighters — each distinct in pace, moveset, and power.
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However, there’s a strange situation with the only new fighter in the game: Dural, the series’ long-serving final boss. She’s locked behind a paywall as DLC.
Being able to unlock her by completing World Stage mode would have been a no-brainer, so this feels like an odd misstep in what is otherwise a stellar package.
There’s also an excellent training mode that teaches you everything you’d want to know about your main fighter, right down to frame data if you want to go hardcore.
Classic Virtua
Gameplay is pure Virtua Fighter through and through. All the series staples, precise timing, a balance of offence and defence, and punishing mistakes, are present and polished.
Visually, the game looks great, from the highly detailed fighters to the vibrant backgrounds that change with every fight. The animations deserve a special mention too crisp, fluid, and buttery smooth.
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Sound-wise, the game has a solid soundtrack that’s pure Sega, equal parts nostalgic and catchy.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is the best the game has ever been in its almost 20 years on the go. It also offers something new for everyone. Yes, it’s tough to start with, but keep at it and you’ll soon start to understand the Virtua Fighter way of fighting.
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