After nearly two decades away, Virtua Fighter is finally back with actual gameplay to prove it. Sega dropped the first legitimate combat footage from their upcoming fighter at EVO Vegas 2025, and it’s looking surprisingly brutal for a series known for its technical precision over flashy violence.
The minute-long trailer, released by developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, shows series veterans Akira and Sarah Bryant trading blows in a stripped-down training environment. Unlike the pre-development footage shown in January, this new material represents what Sega calls its “first official look at gameplay” for the project.
New Virtua Fighter Footage Stays True To Series Roots
The fighting system appears to stay true to the series’ technical roots while incorporating modern visual enhancements. The combat delivers satisfying impact with precise controls and lightning-fast reactions, with what observers have noted as similarities to contemporary Tekken games in terms of fluidity and responsiveness.
This marks the first major Virtua Fighter release since 2006’s Virtua Fighter 5, while Virtua Fighter 3 got an arcade release in 2023, making it a noteworthy return for Sega’s pioneering 3D fighter. Interestingly, this instalment breaks tradition by moving development away from Sega’s historic AM2 Studio to Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the Pirate Yakuza series.
The studio has hinted at ambitious plans for this entry, including the possibility of a story mode, something that would represent a major departure for a series that has traditionally focused purely on arcade-style combat. The developers confirmed the game is being developed primarily for home consoles, with PC support already under consideration.
Beyond the technical improvements, the gameplay footage reveals subtle but important mechanical additions. Eagle-eyed viewers spotted what appears to be an enhanced dodge system that could add new layers of strategy to the traditionally grounded combat style. The training stage setting, while basic, showcases improved lighting and character models that bring the fighters to life in ways previous generations couldn’t achieve.
Virtua Fighter’s Return Could Shake Up Competitive Landscape
The timing of this reveal feels particularly significant given the current renaissance in fighting games. With Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 dominating tournament scenes, Virtua Fighter’s return could shake up the competitive landscape. The series has always carved out its own niche with a focus on realistic martial arts over supernatural abilities, and this new entry seems committed to maintaining that identity while modernizing the presentation.
Fans won’t have to wait long for more details, as Sega promises additional revelations at Tokyo Game Show in September. Until then, those craving some Virtua Fighter action can check out the upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage, launching on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S this October 30th for $20.
