Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage Is A Knock Out For SEGA (Review)

Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. World Stage is the perfect showcase for the long-running fighting game franchise, even if it doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel or do much to win over new fans. Debuting in 1993 in an era dominated by Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, Virtua Fighter‘s use of three-dimensional space helped it stand out in a crowded field. Years later, that format has become an industry standard for fighting titles — but Virtua Fighter still remains at the top of the field thanks to its streamlined controls and hard-hitting combat.

Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. World Stage is no different, with a focus on expanding the player experience without sacrificing any of the tight gameplay design. While the game’s relatively barebones approach might leave new players wanting, there’s a level of craft and precision on display here that is impressive to any gamer looking for a strong fighting game experience. Especially for die-hard fighting game fans, Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. World Stage is a delight.

Rating: 4/5

Pros:	Cons:
Tight controls and streamlined combat options are very solid.	Lack of a campaign or story mode can make the solo player experience feel slight
Impressive graphics bring the Virtua Fighter 5 experience into the modern generation.	The game will feel almost too familiar to fans who’ve played previous iterations of Virtua Fighter 5.
“World Stage” is a great mode that pushes players to improve their skills.	The relatively straightforward approach can grow repetitive over time.

All Brawlers Welcome

Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. World Stage is a tightly executed fighting game that is tailor-made for fans of the series. There have been several versions of Virtua Fighter 5 released since the game debuted in 2006, with multiple console ports that update the graphics and tighten the controls. Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. World Stage follows that trajectory to a tee, with Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s Dragon Engine helping flesh out the looks and depth of the characters visually.

At its core, the latest title in the series plays very similarly to previous versions, with a focus on distinct combat styles and tight controls. The three-dimensional approach to combat leaves plenty of room for quick moves or devastating combos, especially in cage matches where players can juggle their opponents into walls to keep the flow going. The game still relies on a three-button layout for punch, kick, and block, which puts emphasis on timing and strategy over complicated and flashy combos.

While the combat has been refined enough for players to reliably depend on the control scheme, it can feel limited in comparison to other modern fighting games. This focus on deliberate combinations works, though, helping players who adapt to the control scheme (or have been playing with it for years) learn and master characters with ease. Fights are quick, with small blows and heavy hits all necessary to actually defeat an opponent. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage has no interest in reinventing the wheel, so longtime fans will be happy — even as critics of the format will still find plenty to complain about.

The World Stage In The Comfort Of Your Home

One of the big appeals of Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. World Stage is the inclusion of the titular “World Stage” mode. The closest thing the game has to a proper campaign mode, “World Stage,” pits players against CPUs that are modeled after pro players from around the world. The idea is that the player can fight their way through minor tournaments and rise in the ranks against genuine playstyles, replicating the feeling of being a tournament player all on their own.

As a means of improving as a player, “World Stage” is great. It’s a fun mode that encourages experimentation, with challenging boss battles and customizable options unlocked the further players can rise up the ranks. While the game lacks a genuine story mode or campaign, the “World Stage” set up is a clever workaround that can easily suck players into a dozen fights in quick succession. It’s also incredibly easy to find yourself creating your own narrative with repeat challengers.

It’s an engaging mode that adds a level of depth to the single-player experience, even if the fights can grow repetitive after a while. There’s a certain sense of personal achievement once players can overcome the biggest challenges, providing players plenty of opportunities to test their might. It’s also the key to unlocking customizable options, lending the game some personal touches.

Fighter’s Choice

Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. World Stage is a refinement and expansion instead of a genuine sequel. Fans of Virtua Fighter will absolutely love the new title, which tightens the graphics and presents new ways for players to improve their skills. Fighting game nerds will appreciate modes like “World Stage,” which tests players and gives them the pro gamer experience from the comfort of their home.

However, the relatively limited character choices and lack of a story campaign may be frustrating for players who’ve grown more accustomed to the cinematic stories of Mortal Kombat 1 or the expansive worldbuilding of Street Fighter 6. However, long-time fans and fighting game experts will have a blast with the “World Stage” mode, so calling it bare-bones feels wrong. It’s more focused on players improving their skills and testing their might, reflecting the focus on recreating tournament vibes.

While it may feel a little limited for gamers who are more used to a plethora of options, fighting game players who are looking to test their skills and improve their abilities against a host of play styles will find plenty to love with this one. Tight without ever feeling slight, Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. World Stage is a great choice for players who loved the Virtua Fighter series or who want to improve their fighting game mechanics.

A PS5 code for Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. World Stage was provided to Comicbook.com for the purposes of this review.