Virtua Fighter 5

Platform: Xbox 360, also PS3.
Verdict: The king of fighters.
Rating: 4½/5
As the very first 3D beat-em-up, the original Virtua Fighter was a blocky mesh of simple polygons that held gamers entranced with it’s primary colours, innovative gameplay and promises of what the future held. Fast forward almost 15 years and the latest iteration of this refined and polished series arrives, surpassing 93’s teenage visions, promising unparalleled gameplay and future arthritis.
Originally released on the PS3 a year ago, the 360 version has been a long time coming but the wait has been well worth it - based on the Version C arcade revision, it surpasses the PS3’s version with important gameplay tweaks, improved graphics and the killer addition of online play.
Regarded by many as the best 3D fighter, Virtua Fighter’s combat system is held highly and with good reason.
From simple button mashing to ‘sit down with a manual and revise em’ combos, VF5 allows beginners an easy entry into its hardcore fold, while the experts dip their resin covered virtual fists into the broken glass of high level play and showboat their skills online.
Those unfortunate souls without Xbox Live (hurry up Paul) or friends can take solace in the play modes on offer - alongside the traditional Arcade mode lies the addictive and balanced Quest mode where you tour virtual arcades, enter tournaments and unlock clothing and items for your fighter as you rank up the leaderboards.
Different arcades represent differing levels of difficulty and unlike the Arcade mode’s steadying increase in difficulty (to rock hard) it’s easy for the beginner (or expert) to settle into a Quest mode arcade and fight a continual queue of like-skilled opponents.
Online play may be the jewel in the 360’s crown but it’s also where the game is weakest - restricting you to single matches against strangers with the inability to switch characters when playing with friends, VF5’s offering is frugal at best but thankfully lag free.
Alongside the deep and satisfying gameplay, gorgeous graphics and wide variety of martial artists and moves, any gripes quickly fade away in a flurry of fists.
I’m 3rd Dan, come fight me.