(LAST UPDATE: 7/15/09)
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Developer(s): Sega-AM2
Publisher(s): Sega
Platform(s): Arcade,
Playstation 2
Release: 2002
Characters:
Akira,
Jacky,
Kage,
Lau,
Jeffry,
Sarah,
Wolf,
Pai,
Shun,
Lion,
Aoi,
Vanessa,
Lei
Fei, Dural, Brad,
Gou
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, Fighting
Vipers, Fighting Vipers 2, Fighters
Megamix, Last Bronx
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.
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.
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.
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.
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- Review is for PS2 version of VF4: Evolution - |
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9 / 10 |
Closing Comment:
VF4: Evo was a really fun play-through for me... 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. Not only for the characters, but for the
faster gameplay and the ouch factor... VF characters need to be more MEAN.
Heh heh. ~F.Yagami,
Webmaster
of TFG
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