Apart from replayable value, VF5 offers a huge array of unique fighters and environments. There are a total of 17 fighters that you can use to your disposal; each has a completely unique style of fighting and appearance. The environments look somewhat 2D if you are one of those who unfortunately have to play PS3 on a 420p or 480p resolution television set. The game runs best at 720p, where the environments look smooth and appear as true eye candy. Apart from environments visually, there is quite a potpourri selection of them as well. Be it a raft, forest, or even a temple, VF5 offers the best and most random levels, but we have come to expect this from fighting games of this genre.

What is it that Virtua Fighter lacks? Sure, this game has shaped up to be quite a solid title so far, but what of the online modes.

Well, for starters, there is no online functionality whatsoever. That’s correct, you heard right, there is absolutely no online based features or modes. Not a single one. Not even leaderboards. This is extremely upsetting considering the great customizable features that were incorporated into the single player game. If only you could bring your unique character online and see how you stack up against a human fighter. What is even more disappointing is that SEGA will most likely create a phenomenal multiplayer feature exclusively for the Xbox 360 version that will be launched sometime this summer. At least we got our hands on the game first.

Virtua Fighter 5 is truly an astonishing achievement, and as eager PS3 fans, we are all welcoming this game with open arms. With replay value rivaling that of a Grand Theft Auto title and the graphics of a true next generation console, VF5 truly shines on its PS3 debut.

Although the VF series has not seemed to obtain the acclaim that it has in Japan, VF5 just might be a reason for a growing fan base in America. Virtua Fighter 5 has certainly shaped up to be the fight of a lifetime.