REVIEW:  Virtua Fighter Kids is essentially a "kiddie" version re-make of Sega's smash hit 3D fighting game, Virtua Fighter 2. VF Kids features all of the characters and stages from VF2, but each character was presented in a super deformed "chibi" style... meaning they have child-like faces, ridiculously large heads, and smaller bodies. Character faces also hosted a variety of facial expressions, and apparently the game was developed to "practice" on the facial & eye animations for Virtua Fighter 3.

 

 
Virtua Fighter Kids didn't play quite as smooth as the original VF2, but it was a hilarious and entertaining fighting game while it lasted... props to Sega for being adventurous! The Saturn version included some new FMV sequences over the arcade version and also added programmable button sequences to allow players to test and use pre-made combos. VF Kids is also the only game in the series to feature character endings!
 

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Page Updated: June 23rd, 2021 Developer(s): Sega AM2 Publisher(s): Sega Designer(s): Yu Suzuki                  Producer & Director Toru Ikebuchi         Main Programmer Kazuhiro Izaki         Main Designer Platform(s): Arcade, Sega Saturn Release Date(s): 1996                             Arcade July 26th, 1996          Saturn July 31st, 1996          Saturn Characters:  Akira Yuki, Jacky Bryant, Kage-maru, Lau Chan, Jeffry McWild, Sarah Bryant, Wolf Hawkfield, Pai Chan, Shun Di, Lion Rafale, Dural Featured Video: Related Games: Virtua Fighter Remix, Virtua Fighter 2, Virtua Fighter Kids, Virtua Fighter 3, Virtua Fighter 4, Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution, Virtua Fighter 5, Virtua Fighter 5 R, Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown, VF5: Ultimate Showdown, Fighting Vipers, Fighting Vipers 2, Fighters Megamix, Last Bronx    Gameplay Engine  7.5 / 10 Story / Theme  6.5 / 10 Overall Graphics  8.0 / 10 Animation  8.5 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  8.0 / 10 Innovation  7.5 / 10 Art Direction  7.5 / 10 Customization  6.0 / 10 Options / Extras  7.0 / 10 Intro / Presentation  8.0 / 10 Replayability / Fun  6.0 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  7.5 / 10 Characters  8.0 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  7.5 / 10  Review based on Saturn version       Final Words: If you were any kind of Virtua Fighter 2 fan, there's something to appreciate about the fact that VF Kids actually exists. It's a cool "fan service" game of sorts... and while completely unnecessary, it's definitely entertaining to see all of the VF characters in chibi form. Each of the 3D character models are charming, and the reimagined VF2 stages are cool as well. The character facial expressions, especially as they get hit, is still a priceless effect to this day.  This game (and others like it) gave the Sega Saturn some extra personality, back in the day. "Sega does what Ninten-don't?" Next up, VF Kart Racing. Missed opportunity Sega! ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen    Click Here for all screenshots!