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