Overview
Fighting enters the third dimension. Virtua Fighter abandoned 2D sprites for polygonal characters with distinct martial arts styles. Akira’s Bajiquan differed fundamentally from Lau’s Kung Fu. The simple three-button system—punch, kick, guard—enabled deep gameplay. Sega’s Model 1 hardware made it possible. The fighting game genre was changed forever.
Fast facts
- Developer: Sega AM2.
- Designer: Yu Suzuki.
- Year: 1993.
- Hardware: Sega Model 1.
Character roster
| Fighter |
Style |
| Akira |
Bajiquan |
| Pai |
Mizongquan |
| Lau |
Kung Fu |
| Wolf |
Wrestling |
| Jeffry |
Pancratium |
| Kage |
Ninjutsu |
| Sarah |
Jeet Kune Do |
| Jacky |
Jeet Kune Do |
Technical innovation
| Feature |
Implementation |
| 3D polygons |
First fighting game |
| Model 1 |
Custom arcade hardware |
| 60fps |
Smooth animation |
| Ring outs |
Stage boundaries |
Control system
| Button |
Function |
| Punch |
Strike attacks |
| Kick |
Leg attacks |
| Guard |
Blocking |
| Combinations |
Move depth |
Series evolution
| Title |
Year |
Advance |
| Virtua Fighter |
1993 |
3D foundation |
| VF2 |
1994 |
Model 2, refined |
| VF3 |
1996 |
Dodge button |
| VF4 |
2001 |
Quest mode |
See also