Virtua Fighter 3tb: From Two Different Perspectives

*Note: The following review is a review of the import (Japanese) version of this game. The American version might be somewhat altered, I am unsure.

Having never played a Virtua Fighter game before, and being a fighting game fan, I was eager to check this out as it is one of the most recognized 3-D fighters to date. What I got was far beyond my expectations, even despite all of the great things I had heard. Virtua Fighter 3tb turned out to be the most in-depth and strategic fighter I had ever played. Myself preferring those kind of games (strategic) over combo crazy games, Virtua Fighter 3tb was the perfect game (with the exception of a few, minor flaws). However, like any other game, Virtua Fighter 3tb markets to a specific group of gamers. Because there are multiple groups of gamers, I will give a strong emphasis on how I feel, but also I shall look at it from a perspective of those who are not partial to these types of games as well.

--Graphics-- 9/10
Even though a rushed port, Virtua Fighter 3tb could possibly compete with the earlier PS2 games. While playing, you might see some minor pixilated areas (for example: certain movements), but this can be easily overlooked.
After player Virtua Fighter 3tb, it inspired me to check out the previous ones. I must say, it is good to see a VF game where the environment is not so bland and the characters don’t look like Legos. Not to say this prevented the earlier ones from being great games, but I’d much rather have good graphics compared to bad graphics. The atmospheres of VF3tb are beautiful, and they actually played a somewhat small role in the gameplay. Depending on such things as, the height for example, could actually affect the outcome of your moves. Don’t start to fret; because it is such a small detail, you might not even notice it.
The characters don’t look half bad either. They could still depict the characters of Virtua Fighter 3tb and match them up with the characters of the previous ones, but the ones of Virtua Fighter 3tb were enhanced big time. In fact, that is probably an understatement.
Only flaw in this area: Minor pixilation

--Sound-- 5/10
While you might be hearing all the ranting on how the soundtrack was garbage, I actually didn’t mind it all that much. What got me, however, were some of the voice-overs. Take Lion for example; his voice-over is SO cheesy! The voice-overs were both done in English and Japanese, but the major difference between the two was that the Japanese voice-overs sounded fine. It was only the English ones that contained some problems.
Only flaw in this area: Some voice-overs were cheesy.

--Control-- 10/10
I played VF3tb on three different controllers, and while the arcade version will always remain king of control, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t maneuver with incredible ease. Anyway, onto the outcome of each controller. The three controllers were: The Official Sega Dreamcast Controller, the Agetec Arcade Stick, and the Astropad. Here are the results of each one:

The first controller: the Official Sega Dreamcast Controller (the one that came with the system). The button layout on this controller was absolutely perfect for this game, but some might not have appreciated the fact that only the D-Pad was optional (this was not the controllers fault though). The R and L buttons were not used for actually moving the character, but instead for changing views. Even still, the DC controller’s size, button layout, and durability (example: non-sticking buttons) all proved to be useful. This controller is absolutely recommended for this game.

The second controller: the Agetec Arcade Stick. Perhaps the best arcade stick on the market for the DC, it was also perfect for this game. If you appreciate the arcade and it’s style, then this is the most recommended controller for this game. For more information on this particular stick, check out the reviews under Agetec Arcade Stick.

The third controller: the Astropad. Possibly the worst controller on the market (for DC), Virtua Fighter 3tb proves itself as even with this controller; the controls are still more than tolerable. While not recommended, that doesn’t mean the controls were bad (all the button rules on the Official Controller apply to this one too). For more information on this particular controller, check out the reviews under Astropad.

The button layout consisted of:
Y-Kick
B-Sidestep (apparently a new feature that it was included as a button)
A-Guard
X-Punch
R-Change View
L-Change View
Start-Pause

The move controls could compare to that of Dead or Alive’s, and they are in no way similar to Street Fighter or practically any other 2-D game. If you are not familiar with Dead or Alive’s controls, an example of a move would be ->PP K (forward, punch, punch kick).
Only flaws in this area: None.

--Gameplay-- 10/10
This game requires time and patience in order to get even the basics of this game down. However, once you get the basics down, you will find Virtua Fighter 3tb to be a fast-paced strategic game. People have complained about only 12 selectable characters, but the game is so deep, finding out each character’s strengths, weaknesses, and style would take an innumerable amount of time. If you take a button mash approach, not only will you not succeed, but you will also not find the gold that this game really is. Top notch, has to be the best fighting series out there.

The Casual Player says: Virtua Fighter 3tb is, in every aspect, too much of a complex game. If you buy Virtua Fighter 3tb looking for a combo crazy, button-mashing, brainless fighter, I suggest you look at games such as Tekken or Soul Caliber. This game is not for you.

--Extras-- 9/10
*Please note again that this is the Japanese version that I am reviewing. Some things, including extras, might have been altered.
For starters, there are six modes that you may select from the start-up screen (and, if you received the 2 disk version, the second disk tells you about Shenmue a.k.a Project Berkley at that time).
The six modes include:

Team Battle - This was not in the arcades, and basically you select 3 characters in which you are pitted against another 3-man team.

Normal Mode - Your standard arcade mode. Work your way to the top with your selected character.

Training - In VF3tb’s training mode, the other character actually fights back, but you can always decrease the level of difficulty. This mode is great for experimenting with characters.

VS Records - I’m not for sure, but I believe this mode is where you may save your fight videos.

History - This mode is pretty cool as it gives you a semi-long movie (with no words), and shows you the history and evolution of Virtua Fighter.

Options - Set on default, you have: 30 seconds per round; 3 rounds, Difficulty set on normal; Energy level at 200 (life bar) for both 1Player and 2Player); Stage Select on Challenger; Energy Recovery on Variable; and Ranking Mode is on.

(Project Berkley) - Tells you about what was Yu Suzuki’s current project; Shenmue.

Virtua Fighter 3tb is lacking VS (multiplayer) mode, but you may switch out with your friend on Team Battle Mode.

All in all, the extras are more than sufficient.

--Overall--
While not for some, Virtua Fighter 3tb is for anyone who is willing to invest the time and effort in getting into this game. With it’s strategic style, it would please anybody who is partial to those kind of fighters.