Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution ![]()
Last Updated: 1/10/2011 Developer(s): Sega-AM2, Genki (Dreamcast version) Publisher(s): Sega Platform(s): Arcade, Playstation 2 Release Date(s): Q3 2002 ( Arcade)
March 13th, 2003 (PS2)
June 30th, 2003 (PS2)
August 13th, 2003 (PS2)
Characters: Akira, Jacky, Kage, Lau, Jeffry, Sarah, Wolf, Pai, Shun, Lion, Aoi, Vanessa, Lei Fei, Dural, Brad, Gou Featured Video:
Related Games: Virtua Fighter, Virtua Fighter Remix, Virtua Fighter 2, Virtua Fighter Kids, Virtua Fighter 3, Virtua Fighter 4, Virtua Fighter 5, Virtua Fighter 5 R, Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown, Fighting Vipers, Fighting Vipers 2, Fighters Megamix, Last Bronx, Tekken 4
Gameplay Engine 9.5 / 10 Story / Theme 6 / 10 Overall Graphics 10 / 10 Animation 9.5 / 10 Music / Sound Effects 8 / 10 Innovation 7.5 / 10 Art Direction 8 / 10 Customization 9.5 / 10 Options / Extras 9.5 / 10 Intro / Presentation 6.5 / 10 Replayability / Fun 9 / 10 "Ouch" Factor 8.5 / 10 Characters 8.5 / 10 BOTTOM LINE 9.1 / 10
Review based on PS2 version Final Words: VF4: Evo was a really fun play-through... the 1-player Quest mode was fun, and I even had some rather epic VS mode battles with friends. As technical as VF4:Evo is, I still prefer the Tekken series when it comes to hand-to-hand 3D fighting games. Not only for the deeper characters, but for the faster gameplay and the ouch factor... VF characters need to be more MEAN. Heh. ~TFG Webmaster
REVIEW: VF4: Evolution is an enhancement to Virtua Fighter 4, adding two new characters (Goh & Brad), improved graphics (better anti-aliasing), updated Quest Mode & Currency system, and graphical updates to stages. The PS2 version includes over 1,500 items in which you can visually customize your characters with by winning "Prize Matches", Which adds outstanding replay value for the home version... And with a $19.99 price tag (since it was an instant "Greatest Hit" for some reason), it's a pretty damn good buy.
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Tons of new customizations... and so fun!
The gameplay is just as solid as the original VF4, and even feels a little smoother with this update. The 3D gameplay is of the most technical in any fighting game, but still noticeably much slower than the likes of Soul Calibur or Tekken... Not sluggish in terms of controls, but the actual gameplay speed. The new characters are no doubt the coolest VF characters and have great fighting styles, with HUGE movelists to boot. Most returning characters have some very good looking new moves as well. The animation in VF4: Evo is top notch, although there are some awkward movements and throws that could have much better "ouch factor"... Some of the older animations from previous games still plague this game, and probably should have been taken out of the game by now.
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Contrary to how they look... those rainbow-colored orbs over the life bar mean your fighter is a total badass.
The control is responsive for the most part, but when compared to Tekken or Soul Calibur, the response of the controls is actually slower (it's a proven fact). Certain advanced techniques like buffering and air combos require a bit of delay, and in my opinion, "odd" timing. The juggles in this game are ridiculous, perhaps even more so than the likes of Tekken 5 in my opinion... Lot's of ground juggling possibilities, which are just awkward looking. Still, VF4: Evo is a great 3D fighting game for casual and high level players alike.
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Behold the awesomeness of 10th Anniversary Mode...
The home package of VF4: Evolution is also packed with an entertaining Virtua Fighter 10th Anniversary mode, which combines elements from the original Virtua Fighter with Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution... All VF4: Evo characters are selectable in this mode with their full movelists, and can now jump much higher (like in the original VF) but fighting is limited to a 2D plane (unless you're thrown). Character models were rendered in the old & now laughable "blocky" style, yet their personalities seem to shine even more in this mode for some reason.
Only Arcade and VS mode are available in the 10th Anniversary mode, but it's a much appreciated addition and adds some quality nostalgia to this great package.