Yu Suzuki is at it Again!

I can play this game for 45 minutes straight. And considering my attention span is extremely short, (I write reviews in little parts!) this is pretty darn good. The main reason I believe it keeps my attention is because it does have such an in depth fighting foundation. Now, I always say Tekken can compare to a chess game, but Virtua Fighter 4 is beyond that. If you really think about, you have to predict a movement in a split second, and sometimes you don't even realize it, its just instinct. Alright, so you do that in every fighting game, but there is no other game that delivers it so smoothly as this one. Even in choosing your character there is a thought process. I have even broken it down for you:

Power Freak: A person who takes the title of a "power freak" is a person who chooses characters who lack speed, but executes exceptionally powerful moves.

Mobility Madman: A person who takes the title of a "mobility madman" is a person who chooses characters who lack stronger moves, but instead possesses the power to "float like a butterfly". It can compare to guerilla warfare actually. Inflict weak damage, run away, then keep inflicting that small damage until the enemy is beaten.

In-betweener: A person who takes the title of an "in-betweener" is a person who chooses characters that do not have exceptional speed nor strength. They are like the name, in-between.

Although they do not name every category, it gets the basic ones down for ya.

Ahh! The enemy is executing his strongest move. I'll dodge then go for a grab. I don't know about you, but that is how I think when I play Virtua Fighter 4. When you look at the title, it is called Virtua Fighter, meaning as if you are to have a simulated experience as a fighter. To me, there is not a better title, for this is what it does for you. It grasps you, making you think like you're in hand-to-hand combat, and while you can make it as a button-masher, you can do a heck of a lot better by putting some thought into what you are doing. Who says video games are just brain candy? I have to think a lot!

Graphics: Superb. There have been complaints jaggies (think of blockiness), but come on we're only human beings, we can't be perfect in our technology (our perhaps in anything for that matter). Anyway, the environment is incredible, while I still think that Tekken 4's is better, this does not mean that VF4's is anything but amazing. The game goes at 60 frames per second delivering some very smooth animation. If you do not understand what I mean by 60 frames per second, think of those flip books, where you get a book and turn the pages real fast and it makes an animation. Well, just one of those pictures in that book is a frame. Now, picture 60 of those in one second. Pretty unreal, huh?

Control: Maneuvering and executing moves contains simplicity beyond belief. However, this game contains 3 buttons unlike it's predecessors, who had 4. Still, it takes about a second for both veterans and novices to get used to before they are all set. You know the saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"? Well, it wasn't broke, but they fixed it, and it was still great. One thing I have always admired about this game is the fact that it is purely based on reality. Looking from a negative perspective, you don't get those cool flaming fireballs out of your hands, BUT, if you look at it from a positive perspective, you can actually relate to what you are doing in the game, I'll dodge, then punch. You don't jump 20 ft. in the air,and you don't even jump except under certain rare circumstances.In fact, you jump about the height you would in real life. Just think: Look at it from a positive perspective.

Sound: Alright, I am going to share a secret with you. I have a twitch problem. It stinks, but I am blessed to be around people who understand, and don't make fun of me. Why is this relevant you ask? Well, the sound incites my twitch, so I cannot have it too loud. Meaning I don't get that great of an experience when it comes to sound. Even though due to my problem, I had to turn it down, I could still feel the beat of the music as well as the grunts of the characters as they swiftly execute their moves. While I have not played as every character, I am confident to say that the voiceovers have taken a big leap from the other games within the series. They have improved greatly, and they are more than tolerable.

Extras:

Training - Personally, I am disappointed in fighting games when it does not contain a training mode. I always love to get the feel of a character before I use them. This training mode is complete and thorough. Thumbs up.

Trial - You could think of this mode as an upgrade to just plain old training, and it can also really test your skills. This will entertain veterans and their skills as well as quickly improve a novice.

AI Mode - I personally think this is the best extra on this game. What happens is the game actually collects its observations of you, and then you can battle yourself, or what the game thinks of yourself. It gives you an emphasis on your strengths and your weaknesses. Pretty neat. Thumbs up.

Kumite - I have never been a real fan of this, but it is a nice extra for some. You work your way to become eminent, or high in rank as you battle multiple enemies. Like arcade mode, the it steadily progresses from easy to hard. Thumbs up.

Multiplayer - Get a friend, play em...you know the drill. Thumbs up.

Overall: In my opinion, I must say that it has to be the most complex 3-D fighter of all time. It is truly a chess game.