Difference between revisions of "Virtua Fighter 3"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
| bobscreen=Virtuafighter3_title.png
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| bobscreen=Virtuafighter3 title.png
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| developer=[[Sega AM2]]
 
| developer=[[Sega AM2]]
| distributor=[[Deith Leisure]] (UK) {{fileref|CVG UK 180.pdf|page=80}}
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| support={{company|[[81 Produce]]}}, {{company|[[Attractive Action Club]]}}
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| distributor=[[Deith Leisure]] (UK){{magref|cvg|180|80}}
 
| system=[[Sega Model 3 Step 1.0]]
 
| system=[[Sega Model 3 Step 1.0]]
| romsize={{Arcade}} 106.5 MB{{ref|http://mamedb.com/game/vf3}}
 
 
| sounddriver=
 
| sounddriver=
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
 
| players=1-2
 
| players=1-2
 
| genre=Fighting
 
| genre=Fighting
| releases={{releases
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| releases={{releasesArcade
| arcade_date_jp_1=[[AOU Show 1996|1996-02]]
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| mod3_date_jp=1996-09{{fileref|Sega Arcade History JP EnterBrain Book-1.pdf|page=142}}
| arcade_type_jp_1=playable demo
+
| mod3_date_us=1996
| arcade_date_jp_2=1996-07-26
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| mod3_date_uk=1996-11{{magref|cvg|180|80}}
| arcade_type_jp_2=full game
 
| arcade_date_world=1996-11 {{fileref|CVG UK 180.pdf|page=80}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
'''''Virtua Fighter 3''''' (バーチャファイター3) is the third entry in the ''Virtua Fighter'' series, and a direct sequel to ''[[Virtua Fighter 2]]''. It was released in 1996 for [[Sega Model 3 Step 1.0]] arcade hardware, as the first game to hit the system, followed by ''[[Scud Race]]''.  
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'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (バーチャファイター3) is the third entry in the ''Virtua Fighter'' series, and a direct sequel to ''[[Virtua Fighter 2]]''. It was released in 1996 for [[Sega Model 3 Step 1.0]] arcade hardware, as the first game to hit the system, followed by ''[[Scud Race]]''.
  
''Virtua Fighter 3'' makes predictable graphical and audio improvements over its predecessor, ''Virtua Fighter 2''. ''Virtua Fighter 3'' also adds new gameplay innovations such as multi-level play areas and dodge button, as well as two new playable characters, [[Aoi Umenokoji]] (a Japanese student) and [[Taka Arashi]] (a sumo wrestler). A port for the [[Sega Saturn]] (and later [[Sega Dreamcast]] as a launch title) was announced but ultimately cancelled, however an update, ''[[Virtua Fighter 3tb]]'' was released on the Dreamcast.
+
==Gameplay==
 +
''Virtua Fighter 3'' builds on the work seen in ''Virtua Fighter 2'', however unlike its two immediate predecessors, the game doubled up as a technical showcase for cutting-edge Sega hardware (in this case, the Model 3 board).
  
Video game magazines at the time described it as having the best video game graphics up until then, comparing its [[wikipedia:Real-time computer graphics|real-time graphics]] to pre-rendered CGI of that era.
+
This iteration adds undulation for some of its arenas, such as a staircase in Lau's stage, a sloping roof for Pai and a raft constructed of individually moving elements bobbing on a water surface. Some stages are "multi-level" (similar to the techniques used in ''[[Mortal Kombat III]]''), and while all the arenas in ''[[Virtua Fighter]]'' and ''Virtua Fighter 2'' were square, stages in ''Virtua Fighter 3'' are a wide variety of shapes. The "ring out" system has also been downgraded - while it has not been removed entirely, some stages have walls, and characters can use said walls to their advantage.
  
It was followed by a sequel, ''[[Virtua Fighter 4]]'', in 2001.
+
A fourth button, {{Evade|game=vf3}} (Evade/dodge), was added to the {{Punch|game=vf3}} (punch), {{Kick|game=vf3}} (kick) and {{Guard|game=vf3}} (guard) commands of previous titles (although its inclusion was not originally intended{{magref|nextgeneration|11|10}}). Pressing the button with the joystick in neutral or held up makes the character move into the screen (i.e. away from the viewer), while pressing the button with the joystick held down makes the character move out of the screen (i.e. towards the viewer). This 'evasion' technique enables players to dodge incoming attacks, creating opportunities to counter-attack almost immediately.
 +
 
 +
Two new playable characters were added; Aoi Umenokoji and Taka Arashi, the latter of whom represented a huge technical challenge due to his size and subsequently failed to appear in ''[[Virtua Fighter 4]]''.
 +
 
 +
With the exception of Dural who has none, characters' eyes in ''Virtua Fighter 3'' are able to move independently from the head, and so can track the opposing player during a fight. Characters also exhibit heavy breathing and more emotion after performing moves, and clothing is less rigidly attached to their bodies, creating a simplified "silk" effect in places. Motion blur has been for attacks, and faces in the game are reportedly comprised of about 1,000 polygons{{magref|nextgeneration|18|71}}.
 +
 
 +
===Characters{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970215171416/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/welcome/chara.html}}===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=250|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Akira Yuki{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216094855/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/akira/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Akira.png
 +
| desc=After his victory in the second World Fighting Tournament, Akira returned to his home to proclaim his victory. However, his grandfather told him that he hasn't mastered anything from his training. Akira decides to join the third World Fighting Tournament in order to test the results of his training and find out the meaning of "true strength".
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Pai Chan{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216094942/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/pai/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Pai.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Lau Chan{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216095012/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/lau/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Lau.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Wolf Hawkfield{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216095020/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/wolf/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Wolf.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Jeffry Mcwild{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216095032/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/jeffry/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Jeffry.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Kagemaru{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216095043/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/kage/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Kage.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Sarah Bryant{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216094904/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/sarah/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Sarah.png
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| desc=Although she had been rescued by her brother Jacky in the last tournament, Sarah's memories of her old life had been wiped clean. However, her memories returned to her while she was training. Now Sarah joins the Third World Fighting Tournament, with the hope that her training will advance the memory recollection.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Jacky Bryant{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216094916/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/jacky/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Jacky.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Shun Di{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216095056/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/shun/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Shun.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Lion Rafale{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216094930/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/lion/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Lion.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Aoi Umenokoji{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216094952/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/aoi/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Aoi.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Taka Arashi{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216095003/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/taka/index.html}}
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Taka.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Dural
 +
| image=VF3 Model3 Portrait Dural.png
 +
| desc=Not playable.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
==Gameplay==
+
==History==
This iteration is the first in the series to have undulation in the stages, such as a staircase in the Great Wall stage, a stage set on top of a sloping roof and a raft constructed of individually moving elements on a bobbing water surface.
+
===Development===
 +
As with its predecessor, work on ''Virtua Fighter 3'' is believed to have begun shortly after the end of ''Virtua Fighter 2''.
  
A fourth button, the Dodge, was added (the series had previously used only three - Kick, Punch and Guard). Pressing the button with the joystick in neutral or held up makes the character move into the screen (i.e. away from the viewer), while pressing the button with the joystick held down makes the character move out of the screen (i.e. towards the viewer). This 'evasion' technique enables players to dodge incoming attacks, creating opportunities to counter-attack almost immediately.
+
Concepts for ''Virtua Fighter 3'' were drawn up and to some degree implemented in advance of the Model 3 board being finalised. In fact, for a while, it appears that ''Virtua Fighter 3'' was literally just an enhanced version of ''Virtua Fighter 2'', with select Japanese journalists being allowed access to what was presumably a version still running on [[Sega Model 2]] code. 100,000 [[Sega Saturn]] owners we later given a promotional ''Virtua Fighter'' disc with pre-rendered artwork reportedly set to be used in ''Virtua Fighter 3'' - this subsequently evolved into an eleven-part "CG Portrait series" starting with ''[[Virtua Fighter CG Portrait Series Vol.1 Sarah Bryant]]''{{magref|maximum|1|114}}.
  
==Characters==
+
Many of the character models in ''Virtua Fighter 3'' are said to have stemmed from the ''Virtua Fighter CG Portrait Series'', with models being converted to Model 3 hardware. Exceptions include Dural who was likely re-built from the ground up, and predictably the two fighters who did not appear in ''Virtua Fighter 2''.
  
===Returning Characters===
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''Virtua Fighter 3'' was first shown to the public at [[AOU Show 1996]]{{magref|nextgeneration|17|14}}. The game was not readily playable, showing instead a rolling demo of six characters; newcomer Aoi, Lau, Jacky, Pai, Jeffry and Dural{{magref|nextgeneration|17|15}}. While rendered by Model 3 hardware, the sequences were scripted to demonstrate the advance in technology; with the fighting frequently stopping for a close up of each character's face.
* [[Akira Yuki]]
 
* [[Pai Chan]]
 
* [[Lau Chan]]
 
* [[Wolf Hawkfield]]
 
* [[Jeffry McWild]]
 
* [[Kage-Maru]]
 
* [[Sarah Bryant]]
 
* [[Jacky Bryant]]
 
* [[Shun Di]]
 
* [[Lion Rafale]]
 
* [[Dural]]
 
  
===New Characters===
+
However, to further demonstrate that the game was indeed running on real hardware, four visitors were chosen by Sega to play a prototype version of the game{{magref|nextgeneration|17|14}} as either Jacky or Dural{{magref|nextgeneration|17|15}}. The demo was later unveiled in North America at the [[ACME 1996|1996 ACME]] show, held during the 7th to 9th of March 1996, and was also brought to [[E3 1996]]{{magref|maximum|7|73}}.
* [[Aoi Umenokoji]]
 
* [[Taka Arashi]]
 
  
==History==
+
Once again character animations were created used motion capture technology. Aoi's traditional Japanese dance animations were motion-captured from a traditional Japanese dance instructor. Aoi and Jeffry were the most difficult characters to depict, with Aoi's kimono proving a programming challenge and Jeffrey's muscle movement being controlled by "muscular control" software{{fileref|GameOn US 06.pdf|page=7}}.
''Virtua Fighter 3'' was a launch title for Sega's [[Model 3]] arcade board. Developed by [[Yu Suzuki]]'s [[Sega AM2]], it was a revolutionary game from a technical standpoint, with its detailed computer graphics earning widespread praise. Characters' eyes appeared to track the opponent's position, their muscles could flex and relax, and the fighting arenas featured stairs and slopes. Computer and Video Games Magazine described the game's demo, which they saw in early March 1996, as "the most astounding display of video game graphic muscle ever in the history of this industry."
 
  
The game is also notable for being the last in the series until ''[[Virtua Fighter 5 R]]'' to include [[Taka Arashi]]. The series' current producer, [[Hiroshi Kataoka]], explained that the removal of Taka in subsequent installments was due to the technical implications of having a substantially larger character. Indeed, the character was nearly cut from ''Virtua Fighter 3'' due to difficulties with his jumping moves.
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The game was the last in the series until ''[[Virtua Fighter 5 R]]'' to include Taka Arashi. [[Hiroshi Kataoka]], explained that the removal of Taka in subsequent installments was due to the technical implications of having a substantially larger character. Indeed, the character was nearly cut from ''Virtua Fighter 3'' due to difficulties with his jumping moves.
  
Concepts for ''Virtua Fighter 3'' were drawn up and to some degree implemented in advance of the Model 3 board being finalised. In fact, for a while, it appears that ''Virtua Fighter 3'' was literally just an enhanced version of ''Virtua Fighter 2'', with select Japanese journalists being allowed access to what was presumably a version still running on [[Sega Model 2]] code. 100,000 [[Sega Saturn]] owners we later given a promotional ''Virtua Fighter'' disc with pre-rendered artwork reportedly set to be used in ''Virtua Fighter 3'' - this subsequently evolved into an eleven-part "CG Portrait series" starting with ''[[Virtua Fighter CG Portrait Series Vol.1 Sarah Bryant]]''{{ref|MAXMIMUM UK 01.pdf|page=114}}.
+
On July 26th 1996, a private showing of ''Virtua Fighter 3'' was held in Kamata, Tokyo, Japan.{{magref|cvg|178|10}}
  
{{rewrite}}
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Around July 1996, it underwent location testing at [[Tokyo Joypolis]], before getting a wider release in Japan in September 1996{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20120610004321/http://www.shenmue-online.com/pdf/YuSuzuki_Profile_Japanese.pdf}}. Reportedly the game was so popular during its initial location test that the average waiting time was eight hours, with people being forced to book slots ahead of time{{magref|ugameplayers|89|18}}.
===Playable Demo===
 
At the [[AOU Show 1996]], in February 1996, Sega displayed tech demos of [[Lau Chan]], [[Dural]], and new character [[Aoi Umenokoji]], who was unveiled for the first time at the show. However, Dural, the robotic final boss, garnered the most attention, due to being made of a metallic surface that reflected the surrounding environment. Sega also unveiled a playable demo at the same event, with two playable characters, Jacky and Dural.{{ref|https://archive.org/stream/Next-Generation-1996-05/Next%20Generation%201996-05#page/n13/mode/2up}}
 
  
The demo was later unveiled in North America at the [[ACME 1996|1996 ACME]] (American Coin Machine Exposition) show, held during the 7th to 9th of March 1996.{{ref|https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_174_1996-05_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n9/mode/2up}}
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===Location testing===
 +
{{LocationTestTable|
 +
{{LocationTestRow
 +
| venue=[[Tokyo Joypolis]]
 +
| start=1996-07
 +
| end=1996-07
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
The May 1996 issue of ''[http://www.giantbomb.com/computer-and-video-games-magazine/3010-2618/ Computer and Video Games]'' previewed the game's demo that was shown at the ACME show in March 1996. They stated the "disjointedness" of ''Virtua Fighter 2'', ''[[wikipedia:Tekken 2|Tekken 2]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Soul Edge|Soul Edge]]'' "is completely gone" and the "characters are so smooth" that "every frame looks almost good enough to be a singular [[wikipedia:Pre-rendering|SGI-rendered]] [[wikipedia:Computer-generated imagery|image]], not a polygon construct." They noted "high-res detail" from "every angle, no matter how zoomed in" and [[wikipedia:Transparency (graphic)|transparency]], [[wikipedia:Alpha blending|translucency]], [[wikipedia:Computer graphics lighting|lighting]] and [[wikipedia:shading|shading]] effects. They praised the [http://www.giantbomb.com/motion-capture-animation/3015-5882/ motion capture animation] of "absolutely gorgeous" Aoi Umenokoji and considered Dural's "morphing from [[wikipedia:liquid metal|liquid metal]]" to look more impressive than the [[wikipedia:T-1000|T-1000]]'s similar effects in the film ''[[wikipedia:Terminator 2: Judgment Day|Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''.{{ref|https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_174_1996-05_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n9/mode/2up}} The April 1996 issue of ''[[wikipedia:Sega Saturn Magazine|Sega Saturn Magazine]]'' also compared Dural to the T-1000, noting Dural "looked almost identical" and the "metal surface reflected light from the surrounding" backdrops, which they described as "absolutely breathtaking."{{ref|''Sega Saturn Magazine'', issue 6, p. 6}} The May 1996 issue of ''[[wikipedia:Electronic Gaming Monthly|Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' stated, "Never in the history of gaming has ''any'' product ever looked as good as" ''Virtua Fighter 3'', with "astonishing" graphic detail for each fighter, including visible facial expressions, a "lifelike" smile, eyes which follow the opponent, and clothes which move with the wind and change position and shape as the character moves.{{ref|''Electronic Gaming Monthly'', issue 82, May 1996, p. 70-1}} The June 1996 issue of ''Computer and Video Games'' compared the game's graphics to "the most impressive movie [[wikipedia:Visual effects|special effects]]" at the time.{{ref|https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_175_1996-06_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n103/mode/2up}} The June 1996 issue of ''[[wikipedia:GamePro|GamePro]]'' described the graphics as "truly lifelike" and also compared Dural's liquid-metal body to the T-1000 from ''Terminator 2''.{{ref|https://archive.org/stream/GamePro_Issue_093_Volume_08_Number_06_1996-06_IDG_Publishing_US#page/n49/mode/2up}}
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===Release===
 +
The first cabinets in the United Kingdom appeared at [[SegaWorld London]]{{magref|mms|49|11}}.
  
===Arcade Release===
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===Legacy===
The game was released for location testing at an exhibition hall in [[wikipedia:Kamata, Ōta, Tokyo|Kamata, Tokyo]], Japan, on July 26, 1996,{{ref|http://www.solvalou.com/subpage/arcade_reviews/258/637/virtua_fighter_3_review.html}} before getting a wide release in September 1996.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20120610004321/http://www.shenmue-online.com/pdf/YuSuzuki_Profile_Japanese.pdf}}
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''Virtua Fighter 3'' was followed by an update in ''[[Virtua Fighter 3tb]]'', and a direct sequel in 2001's ''[[Virtua Fighter 4]]''.
  
<!-- Squirrel says - nobody cares. Do we agree with Squirrel?
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==Versions==
''Computer and Video Games'' reviewed the arcade version in its November 1996 issue. They stated that the backgrounds "look incredible" and "affects the way the game plays," noting that for "the first time in a one-on-one fighting game, the scenery undulates on some stages, adding to the strategy element of the game." They declared that it "is the best 3D fighting game ever," noting that, with "FULL 3D movement, it finally breaks away from 2D gameplay with 3D graphics, and makes the most realistic and enjoyable fighting game around."{{ref|http://www.solvalou.com/subpage/arcade_reviews/259/637/virtua_fighter_3_review.html}} The December 1996 issue of ''Computer and Video Games'' noted that ''Virtua Fighter 3'' was "Still the most impressive and most played game" at the 1996 [http://segaretro.org/Amusement_Machine_Show JAMMA] show.{{ref|http://www.solvalou.com/subpage/arcade_reviews/252/637/virtua_fighter_3_review.html}} The February 1999 issue of ''Computer and Video Games'' praised it as "the best fighting game ever."{{ref|https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_207_1999-02_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n13/mode/2up}}
+
===Saturn version===
 +
Following its arcade debut, it was rumoured that ''Virtua Fighter 3'' would be brought to the [[Sega Saturn]]. This was confirmed at E3 1996{{magref|maximum|7|73}} and then confirmed again the [[Sega Saturn Senryaku Happyoukai]] conference on the 8th November 1996 by [[Yu Suzuki]]{{magref|ssm|15|9}} However, given the complexities involved in converting [[Sega Model 2]] games to the system, it was widely expected that converting a Model 3 game would bring significant challenges.
  
In Japan's 1996 [[wikipedia:jp:ゲーメスト大賞|''Gamest'' Awards]], the arcade version of ''Virtua Fighter 3'' won the award for best graphics. It also came fourth place in the list of best games of the year and fifth place in the list of best fighting games of the year.{{ref|''The Best Game 2: Gamest Mook Vol. 112'', p. 6-25}} -->
+
While originally set to use base Saturn hardware{{magref|maximum|7|73}}, it was later decided that an "accelerator cartridge" (of unknown specifications) would be used to give developers access to Model 3-like graphics{{magref|mms|52|10}}. This peripheral could then theoretically be used for other conversions, such as ''[[Scud Race]]''{{magref|mms|52|10}}. [[Sega Europe]]'s [[Andy Mee]] suggested the price would be pegged at around the price of a third-party [[Nintendo 64]] game in the UK - £80, but hopefully lower{{magref|mms|52|10}}. The game was originally expected to launch for the Saturn by Christmas 1997{{magref|maximum|7|73}}.
  
===Saturn Prototype===
+
During 1996 a promotional trailer for Saturn ''Virtua Fighter 3'' was released in Japan, and subsequently passed across the world's press. The trailer comprised entirely of pre-rendered footage, with no gameplay shown and no references to dates or price. No in-game Saturn footage or screenshots were ever released to the public during the conversion's development.
''Virtua Fighter 3'' was due to be released on the Sega Saturn, albeit with vastly reduced graphics. A trailer was released during 1996 which made it onto numerous promotional videos and was featured in many magazines, although no gameplay footage of a Saturn version has ever emerged. The decision was later made to bring the game to the [[Sega Dreamcast]] instead, however significant delays meant that it was substituted for the improved ''[[Virtua Fighter 3tb]]''.
 
  
Reportedly, Sega AM2 were working on a 3D accelerator cartridge for the Sega Saturn to boost the performance of a Saturn ''Virtua Fighter 3''. This would have plugged into the Saturn's cartridge port to give the game extra resources at run-time, although the idea had been scrapped by mid-1997{{fileref|CVG UK Freeplay 10.pdf|page=1}}.
+
By mid-1997, all plans for an accelerator cartridge were seemingly scrapped{{fileref|CVG UK Freeplay 10.pdf|page=1}}{{magref|ssm|23|7}}, despite initial mixed messages coming from Sega{{magref|edge|50|10}}. It is suspected the high costs{{magref|edge|50|10}} and the simultaneous development of a console successor to the Saturn were the main factors in the decision.
  
==Production Credits==
+
''Virtua Fighter 3'' was still being listed in Sega's release schedules by mid-1997, with a vague "1998" release date{{fileref|SegaSaturnPerfectCatalogue JP 1997.pdf|page=87}}.
{{multicol|
+
 
'''Producer:''' [[Yu Suzuki]]<br>
+
===Dreamcast version===
'''Program Director:''' [[Tetsuya Kaku]]<br>
+
When the [[Sega Dreamcast]] began to make the news, it a port of ''Virtua Fighter 3'' was once again expected, however significant delays meant that it was substituted for the improved ''[[Virtua Fighter 3tb]]''. ''3tb'' was a launch title for the console in all regions.
'''Design Director:''' [[Kazuhiro Izaki]]<br>
+
 
'''Game Director:''' [[Daichi Katagiri]]<br>
+
==Production credits==
: '''Programmers'''
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Production credits}}
'''Game System, Undulation:''' [[Tetsuya Kaku]]<br>
 
'''Game System:''' [[Daichi Katagiri]]<br>
 
'''Game System, CPU Battle:''' [[Kota Matsumoto]]<br>
 
'''Cloth, Motion System:''' [[Yuichiro Mine]]<br>
 
'''Polygon Management:''' Yoichi Nakazato, [[Naohiro Hirao]]<br>
 
'''Camera:''' [[Takashi Ono]]<br>
 
'''Stage Collision:''' [[Norio Haga]]<br>
 
'''Stage & Character Effects:''' [[Shigeru Yoshida]]<br>
 
'''Stage Effects:''' Tsuyoshi Nishida<br>
 
'''Replay, Ending:''' [[Syuji Takahashi]]<br>
 
'''Advertise, Ending:''' [[Hiroshi Masui]]<br>
 
'''Scroll, Hand Motion:''' [[Takeshi Yamanouchi]]<br>
 
'''Main Motion Set:''' [[Masataka Daigo]]<br>
 
'''Motion Set:''' [[Kazuhiro Shigekuni]], [[Masaya Takeshige]]<br>
 
:: '''Designers'''
 
: '''Motion Designers'''
 
'''Main Motion Design, Direction:''' [[Kazuhiro Izaki]]<br>
 
'''Motion Design, Advise:''' [[Toshiya Inoue]], [[Naotake Nishimura]]<br>
 
'''Motion Design:''' [[Kasyo Oda]], [[Akira Morimoto]]<br>
 
'''Assistant Motion Design:''' [[Daichi Katagiri]], [[Manabu Tsukamoto]]<br>
 
: '''Character Designers'''
 
'''Character Modeling Direction:''' [[Toshihiro Nagoshi]]<br>
 
'''Main Character Design, Modeling:''' [[Mika Kojima]]<br>
 
'''Character Design, Modeling:''' [[Ringo Manabe]]<br>
 
: '''Stage Designers'''
 
'''Stage Design Direction:''' [[Naotake Nishimura]]<br>
 
'''Main Stage Design, Modeling:''' [[Hideaki Kato]]<br>
 
'''Stage Design, Modeling:''' [[Gaku Nakatani]], [[Shinichiro Shimano]], [[Naoaki Tasaka]], [[Masaaki Somaki]]<br>
 
: '''Planner'''
 
'''Planning Support:''' [[Manabu Tsukamoto]]<br>
 
: '''Sound Designers'''
 
'''Program:''' [[Hiroshi Kawaguchi]]<br>
 
'''Compose, SE:''' [[Takenobu Mitsuyoshi]], [[Fumio Ito]], [[Hidenori Shoji|Hidenori Syoji]]<br><br>
 
'''Supervisor:''' [[Toshihiro Nagoshi]]<br>
 
: '''Assistant Programmers'''
 
'''Reflection Mapping, Model3 Base:''' [[Takuji Masuda]]<br>
 
'''Collision, Pin Point Light, Utility:''' [[Takashi Fujimura]]<br>
 
'''Polygon Converter:''' [[Kazuhiko Takata]]<br>
 
'''Sound, I/O Utility:''' [[Koki Koiwa]]<br>
 
'''Test Mode, Coin Utility:''' [[Kazutoshi Tozawa]]<br>
 
: '''Assistant Designers'''
 
'''Stage Design:''' [[Yasuo Kawagoshi]], [[Junichi Yamanaka]], [[Kazufumi Ohashi]], [[Hidenobu Miyakita]], [[Mitsugu Tsuchida]]<br>
 
'''Assistant Stage Design:''' [[Shinya Inoue]]<br>
 
'''Effect Design:''' [[Makio Kida]]<br>
 
'''Scroll Design:''' [[Yukinobu Arikawa]], [[Kazuhiro Izaki]]<br>
 
'''Character Design:''' [[Akihito Hiroyoshi]], [[Daisuke Sato]]<br>
 
'''Taka-Arashi Design:''' [[Tetsunari Iwasaki]]<br><br>
 
'''Publicity:''' [[Yasushi Nakajima]], [[Yoshifusa Hayama]]<br>
 
'''Special Thanks:''' [[AM4|AM R&D Dept. #4]], AM Hardware R&D, [[AM2|AM R&D Dept. #2]] Technical Research Section, 81 Produce, Action Team AAC, [[Yasuyuki Hattori]], Terushige Watanabe, Yuko Ota<br>
 
'''Presented by:''' [[Sega]]<br>
 
}}
 
  
==Promotional Material==
+
==Magazine articles==
<gallery>
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
VirtuaFighter3 Model3 EU Flyer.jpg|EU flyer
 
</gallery>
 
  
==Physical Scans==
+
==Promotional material==
{{ratings
+
{{gallery
| icon=Arcade
+
|{{gitem|VirtuaFighter3 Model3 EU Flyer.jpg|EU flyer}}
| allgame=90
+
|{{gitem|VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Flyer.jpg|US flyer front}}
| allgame_source=''[https://web.archive.org/web/20141115044043/www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11507&tab=review AllGame]''
+
|{{gitem|VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Flyer2.jpg|US flyer back}}
| cvg=100
+
{{galleryPrintAd
| cvg_source=[https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_180_1996-11_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n79/mode/2up {{num|180|page=80/81/82}}]
+
|segapowergr|2|76
| gamepro=83
 
| gamepro_source={{num|99}}, ''[https://archive.org/stream/GamePro_Issue_099_Volume_09_Number_12_1996-12_IDG_Publishing_US#page/n49/mode/2up p52]''
 
 
}}
 
}}
{{Scanflyer
 
| console=Model 3
 
| region=US
 
| page1=VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Flyer.jpg
 
| page2=VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Flyer2.jpg
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 +
===Merchandise===
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Merchandise}}
 +
 +
==Artwork==
 +
<gallery>
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 VF3 LOGO.png|Logo
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 AKIRA.png|Akira
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 AOI.png|Aoi
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 JACKY.png|Jacky
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 JEF.png|Jeffry
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 KAGE.png|Kage
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 LAU.png|Lau
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 LION.png|Lion
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 PAI.png|Pai
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 SARAH.png|Sarah
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 SHUN.png|Shun
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 TAKA.png|Taka
 +
VF4DedicatedArtworkDisc VF3 WOLF.png|Wolf
 +
SegaForeverYT AkiraYuki3 1500x1500.png|Akira
 +
SegaForeverYT LauChan3 480x480.png|Lau
 +
SegaForeverYT LionRafale2 1440x1440.jpg|Lion
 +
</gallery>
  
 +
==Physical scans==
 +
{{ratings|MOD3}}
 
{{ScanArcade
 
{{ScanArcade
 
| type=upright
 
| type=upright
Line 167: Line 195:
 
| manual=VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Manual Deluxe.pdf
 
| manual=VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Manual Deluxe.pdf
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Technical information==
 +
In the Dreamcast port, the character model of Aoi Umenokoji consists of about 7500 polygons, with her head alone consisting of about 4300 polygons. In the water stage, the polygon count reaches up to 1.9 million polygons per second, about 32,000 polygons per scene at 60 FPS. ''Virtua Fighter 3'' had the highest character polygon count in any video games at the time, up until ''[[Dead or Alive 2]]'' on the [[Sega NAOMI]] arcade system in 1999.
 +
 +
==External links==
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19961114192349/http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/welcome/index.html Virtua Fighter 3 Home Page (archived 1996-11-14)]{{fileref|Harmony JP 147.pdf|page=21}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{multicol|
+
<references/>
<references />
 
}}
 
  
 +
{{VirtuaFighter3Omni}}
 
{{VirtuaFighter}}
 
{{VirtuaFighter}}
[[Category:Model 3 games]]
 
[[Category:1996 Model 3 games]]
 
 
[[Category:Model 3 Step 1.0 games]]
 
[[Category:Model 3 Step 1.0 games]]
 
[[Category:Unreleased Saturn games]]
 
[[Category:Unreleased Saturn games]]
[[Category:Unreleased Dreamcast games]]
 

Latest revision as of 12:00, 22 September 2023

n/a

Virtuafighter3 title.png

Virtua Fighter 3
System(s): Sega Model 3 Step 1.0
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Supporting companies:
Distributor: Deith Leisure (UK)[1]
Genre: Fighting

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Arcade (Model 3)
JP
¥? ?
Arcade (Model 3)
US
$? ?
Arcade (Model 3)
UK
£? ?























Virtua Fighter 3 (バーチャファイター3) is the third entry in the Virtua Fighter series, and a direct sequel to Virtua Fighter 2. It was released in 1996 for Sega Model 3 Step 1.0 arcade hardware, as the first game to hit the system, followed by Scud Race.

Gameplay

Virtua Fighter 3 builds on the work seen in Virtua Fighter 2, however unlike its two immediate predecessors, the game doubled up as a technical showcase for cutting-edge Sega hardware (in this case, the Model 3 board).

This iteration adds undulation for some of its arenas, such as a staircase in Lau's stage, a sloping roof for Pai and a raft constructed of individually moving elements bobbing on a water surface. Some stages are "multi-level" (similar to the techniques used in Mortal Kombat III), and while all the arenas in Virtua Fighter and Virtua Fighter 2 were square, stages in Virtua Fighter 3 are a wide variety of shapes. The "ring out" system has also been downgraded - while it has not been removed entirely, some stages have walls, and characters can use said walls to their advantage.

A fourth button, E (Evade/dodge), was added to the P (punch), K (kick) and G (guard) commands of previous titles (although its inclusion was not originally intended[3]). Pressing the button with the joystick in neutral or held up makes the character move into the screen (i.e. away from the viewer), while pressing the button with the joystick held down makes the character move out of the screen (i.e. towards the viewer). This 'evasion' technique enables players to dodge incoming attacks, creating opportunities to counter-attack almost immediately.

Two new playable characters were added; Aoi Umenokoji and Taka Arashi, the latter of whom represented a huge technical challenge due to his size and subsequently failed to appear in Virtua Fighter 4.

With the exception of Dural who has none, characters' eyes in Virtua Fighter 3 are able to move independently from the head, and so can track the opposing player during a fight. Characters also exhibit heavy breathing and more emotion after performing moves, and clothing is less rigidly attached to their bodies, creating a simplified "silk" effect in places. Motion blur has been for attacks, and faces in the game are reportedly comprised of about 1,000 polygons[4].

Characters[5]

VF3 Model3 Portrait Akira.png Akira Yuki[6]
After his victory in the second World Fighting Tournament, Akira returned to his home to proclaim his victory. However, his grandfather told him that he hasn't mastered anything from his training. Akira decides to join the third World Fighting Tournament in order to test the results of his training and find out the meaning of "true strength".
VF3 Model3 Portrait Pai.png Pai Chan[7]
VF3 Model3 Portrait Lau.png Lau Chan[8]
VF3 Model3 Portrait Wolf.png Wolf Hawkfield[9]
VF3 Model3 Portrait Jeffry.png Jeffry Mcwild[10]
VF3 Model3 Portrait Kage.png Kagemaru[11]
VF3 Model3 Portrait Sarah.png Sarah Bryant[12]
Although she had been rescued by her brother Jacky in the last tournament, Sarah's memories of her old life had been wiped clean. However, her memories returned to her while she was training. Now Sarah joins the Third World Fighting Tournament, with the hope that her training will advance the memory recollection.
VF3 Model3 Portrait Jacky.png Jacky Bryant[13]
VF3 Model3 Portrait Shun.png Shun Di[14]
VF3 Model3 Portrait Lion.png Lion Rafale[15]
VF3 Model3 Portrait Aoi.png Aoi Umenokoji[16]
VF3 Model3 Portrait Taka.png Taka Arashi[17]
VF3 Model3 Portrait Dural.png Dural
Not playable.

History

Development

As with its predecessor, work on Virtua Fighter 3 is believed to have begun shortly after the end of Virtua Fighter 2.

Concepts for Virtua Fighter 3 were drawn up and to some degree implemented in advance of the Model 3 board being finalised. In fact, for a while, it appears that Virtua Fighter 3 was literally just an enhanced version of Virtua Fighter 2, with select Japanese journalists being allowed access to what was presumably a version still running on Sega Model 2 code. 100,000 Sega Saturn owners we later given a promotional Virtua Fighter disc with pre-rendered artwork reportedly set to be used in Virtua Fighter 3 - this subsequently evolved into an eleven-part "CG Portrait series" starting with Virtua Fighter CG Portrait Series Vol.1 Sarah Bryant[18].

Many of the character models in Virtua Fighter 3 are said to have stemmed from the Virtua Fighter CG Portrait Series, with models being converted to Model 3 hardware. Exceptions include Dural who was likely re-built from the ground up, and predictably the two fighters who did not appear in Virtua Fighter 2.

Virtua Fighter 3 was first shown to the public at AOU Show 1996[19]. The game was not readily playable, showing instead a rolling demo of six characters; newcomer Aoi, Lau, Jacky, Pai, Jeffry and Dural[20]. While rendered by Model 3 hardware, the sequences were scripted to demonstrate the advance in technology; with the fighting frequently stopping for a close up of each character's face.

However, to further demonstrate that the game was indeed running on real hardware, four visitors were chosen by Sega to play a prototype version of the game[19] as either Jacky or Dural[20]. The demo was later unveiled in North America at the 1996 ACME show, held during the 7th to 9th of March 1996, and was also brought to E3 1996[21].

Once again character animations were created used motion capture technology. Aoi's traditional Japanese dance animations were motion-captured from a traditional Japanese dance instructor. Aoi and Jeffry were the most difficult characters to depict, with Aoi's kimono proving a programming challenge and Jeffrey's muscle movement being controlled by "muscular control" software[22].

The game was the last in the series until Virtua Fighter 5 R to include Taka Arashi. Hiroshi Kataoka, explained that the removal of Taka in subsequent installments was due to the technical implications of having a substantially larger character. Indeed, the character was nearly cut from Virtua Fighter 3 due to difficulties with his jumping moves.

On July 26th 1996, a private showing of Virtua Fighter 3 was held in Kamata, Tokyo, Japan.[23]

Around July 1996, it underwent location testing at Tokyo Joypolis, before getting a wider release in Japan in September 1996[24]. Reportedly the game was so popular during its initial location test that the average waiting time was eight hours, with people being forced to book slots ahead of time[25].

Location testing

Location tests
Venue Start date End date Comments
Tokyo Joypolis 1996-07 1996-07


Release

The first cabinets in the United Kingdom appeared at SegaWorld London[26].

Legacy

Virtua Fighter 3 was followed by an update in Virtua Fighter 3tb, and a direct sequel in 2001's Virtua Fighter 4.

Versions

Saturn version

Following its arcade debut, it was rumoured that Virtua Fighter 3 would be brought to the Sega Saturn. This was confirmed at E3 1996[21] and then confirmed again the Sega Saturn Senryaku Happyoukai conference on the 8th November 1996 by Yu Suzuki[27] However, given the complexities involved in converting Sega Model 2 games to the system, it was widely expected that converting a Model 3 game would bring significant challenges.

While originally set to use base Saturn hardware[21], it was later decided that an "accelerator cartridge" (of unknown specifications) would be used to give developers access to Model 3-like graphics[28]. This peripheral could then theoretically be used for other conversions, such as Scud Race[28]. Sega Europe's Andy Mee suggested the price would be pegged at around the price of a third-party Nintendo 64 game in the UK - £80, but hopefully lower[28]. The game was originally expected to launch for the Saturn by Christmas 1997[21].

During 1996 a promotional trailer for Saturn Virtua Fighter 3 was released in Japan, and subsequently passed across the world's press. The trailer comprised entirely of pre-rendered footage, with no gameplay shown and no references to dates or price. No in-game Saturn footage or screenshots were ever released to the public during the conversion's development.

By mid-1997, all plans for an accelerator cartridge were seemingly scrapped[29][30], despite initial mixed messages coming from Sega[31]. It is suspected the high costs[31] and the simultaneous development of a console successor to the Saturn were the main factors in the decision.

Virtua Fighter 3 was still being listed in Sega's release schedules by mid-1997, with a vague "1998" release date[32].

Dreamcast version

When the Sega Dreamcast began to make the news, it a port of Virtua Fighter 3 was once again expected, however significant delays meant that it was substituted for the improved Virtua Fighter 3tb. 3tb was a launch title for the console in all regions.

Production credits

Main article: Virtua Fighter 3/Production credits.

Magazine articles

Main article: Virtua Fighter 3/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

VirtuaFighter3 Model3 EU Flyer.jpg
EU flyer
VirtuaFighter3 Model3 EU Flyer.jpg
VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Flyer.jpg
US flyer front
VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Flyer.jpg
VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Flyer2.jpg
US flyer back
VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Flyer2.jpg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Power (GR) #2: "Októmvrios-Noemvrios 1997" (1997-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg

Merchandise

Main article: Virtua Fighter 3/Merchandise.

Artwork

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
GamePro (US)
83
[33]
Next Generation (US) NTSC-U
100
[34]
Player One (FR)
98
[35]
Arcade (Model 3)
94
Based on
3 reviews

Virtua Fighter 3

Model 3, US (Deluxe)
VirtuaFighter3 Model3 US Manual Deluxe.pdf
Manual

Technical information

In the Dreamcast port, the character model of Aoi Umenokoji consists of about 7500 polygons, with her head alone consisting of about 4300 polygons. In the water stage, the polygon count reaches up to 1.9 million polygons per second, about 32,000 polygons per scene at 60 FPS. Virtua Fighter 3 had the highest character polygon count in any video games at the time, up until Dead or Alive 2 on the Sega NAOMI arcade system in 1999.

External links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Computer & Video Games, "November 1996" (UK; 1996-10-09), page 80
  2. Sega Arcade History, Enterbrain, page 142
  3. Next Generation, "November 1995" (US; 1995-10-24), page 10
  4. Next Generation, "June 1996" (US; 1996-05-21), page 71
  5. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/welcome/chara.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-15 17:14)
  6. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/akira/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:48)
  7. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/pai/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:49)
  8. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/lau/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:50)
  9. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/wolf/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:50)
  10. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/jeffry/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:50)
  11. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/kage/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:50)
  12. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/sarah/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:49)
  13. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/jacky/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:49)
  14. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/shun/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:50)
  15. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/lion/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:49)
  16. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/aoi/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:49)
  17. http://www.sega.co.jp:80/AM2/taka/index.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 09:50)
  18. Maximum, "October 1995" (UK; 1995-09-01), page 114
  19. 19.0 19.1 Next Generation, "May 1996" (US; 1996-04-23), page 14
  20. 20.0 20.1 Next Generation, "May 1996" (US; 1996-04-23), page 15
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Maximum, "May 1996" (UK; 1996-05-30), page 73
  22. File:GameOn US 06.pdf, page 7
  23. Computer & Video Games, "September 1996" (UK; 1996-08-11), page 10
  24. http://www.shenmue-online.com/pdf/YuSuzuki_Profile_Japanese.pdf (Wayback Machine: 2012-06-10 00:43)
  25. Ultra Game Players, "October 1996" (US; 1996-09-03), page 18
  26. Mean Machines Sega, "November 1996" (UK; 1996-10-04), page 11
  27. Sega Saturn Magazine, "January 1997" (UK; 1996-12-17), page 9
  28. 28.0 28.1 28.2 Mean Machines Sega, "February 1997" (UK; 1997-01-xx), page 10
  29. File:CVG UK Freeplay 10.pdf, page 1
  30. Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1997" (UK; 1997-08-13), page 7
  31. 31.0 31.1 Edge, "October 1997" (UK; 1997-09-12), page 10
  32. File:SegaSaturnPerfectCatalogue JP 1997.pdf, page 87
  33. GamePro, "December 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 54
  34. Next Generation, "March 1997" (US; 1997-02-11), page 102
  35. Player One, "Novembre 1996" (FR; 1996-xx-xx), page 40
  36. File:Harmony JP 147.pdf, page 21


Virtua Fighter 3

Virtuafighter3 title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Credits | Hidden content | Bugs | Development | Magazine articles | Reception | Merchandise


Books: Virtua Fighter 3 Command Game Guide (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 Act. 0.5 (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 Act.1 (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 Act.2 (1996) | Prima's Virtua Fighter 3: Unauthorized Arcade Secrets (1997) | Virtua Fighter 3 Official Playing Guide (1998)
Music: Virtua Fighter 3 Sound Tracks (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 On The Vocal (1997) | Kimi ga Inai Yoru (1997)
Videos: CGMV Special Virtua Fighter 3: Geki no Shou "Battle" (1996) | CGMV Special Virtua Fighter 3: Shippuu no Shou "System" (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 Maximum Battle (1997) | Java Tea Battle Koushien King of Virtua Fighter 3: King of King's (1997) | Java Tea Battle Koushien King of Virtua Fighter 3: Queen of Queen's (1997)
Events: Virtua Fighter 3 Maximum Battle Morinaga Angel Cup (1997) | Java Tea Battle Koushien King of Virtua Fighter 3 (1997)

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Virtua Fighter series
Virtua Fighter (Remix | PC) (1993-1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 (Mega Drive | Sega Ages 2500 Series) (1994-1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 (3tb | 3tb Online) (1996-1997) | Virtua Fighter 4 (Evolution | Final Tuned) (2001-2004) | Virtua Fighter 5 (R | Final Showdown | Ultimate Showdown) (2006-2021)
Spin-offs
Virtua Fighter Kids (1996) | Virtua Fighter Animation (1997) | Virtua Fighter 10th Anniversary (2003) | Virtua Quest (2004)
Cross-overs
Fighters Megamix (Game.com) | Dead or Alive 5 (5+ | Ultimate | Last Round) (2012-2015)
Portrait series
Virtua Fighter CG Portrait Series: (1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | The Final) (1995-1996) | GG Portrait: Yuuki Akira (1996) | GG Portrait: Pai Chan (1996)
Others
Virtua Fighter (LCD) (1995) | Electronic Virtua Fighter (199x) | Virtua Fighter (R-Zone) (199x) | Virtua Fighter 3 Win-PC-Collection (1996) | Virtua Fighter (2007) | CR Virtua Fighter (2008) | Virtua Fighter Mobile (2008) | Pachinko CR Virtua Fighter Revolution (2012) | Virtua Fighter Cool Champ (2012) | Virtua Fighter Fever Combo (2014) | Virtua Fighter Pachislot (2014) | Virtua Fighter Battle Genesis (2019)
Unlicensed
Virtua Fighter 2 vs. Tekken 2 (199x)
Demo discs
Java Tea Original Virtua Fighter Kids (1996)
Albums
Music
Virtua Fighter: Saikyou no Senshi (1994) | Sega Saturn Virtua Fighter Maximum Mania (1994) | Virtua Fighter "Sega Saturn" Image by B-univ Neo Rising (1994) | Virtua Fighter 2 Dancing Shadows (1995) | Virtua Fighter Soundtrack Vol. 1: Shinshou Hassei (1995) | Virtua Fighter Soundtrack Vol. 2: Ryuuko Kaikou (1996) | Ai ga Tarinaize (1996) | Virtua Fighter Soundtrack Vol. 3: Koubou Banjou (1996) | Virtua Fighter Complete Vocal Collection (1996) | Virtua Fighter Kids Sound Tracks (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 Sound Tracks (1996) | Fighters Megamix Sound Tracks (1997) | Virtua Fighter 3 On The Vocal (1997) | Kimi ga Inai Yoru (1997) | Virtua Fighter 4 Official Soundtrack (2002) | Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution Original Sound Tracks (2002) | Yuuki (2004) | Virtua Fighter 5 Original Sound Track (2011) | Virtua Fighter 5 R Official Sound (2012) | Virtua Fighter 5 Official Sound (2012) | Virtua Fighter Best Tracks + One (2015) | Virtua Fighter esports Premium Music Collection (2021) | Virtua Fighter (2023) | Virtua Fighter 3tb Online Premium Music Collection (2023)
Books
Book
Virtua Fighter Maniax (1994) | V Jump Books Game Series: Sega Saturn Virtua Fighter (1994) | Virtua Fighter Maniax Replays (1994) | Virtua Fighter Sega Saturn Fighting Manual Vol. 1 for Novice (1994) | Virtua Fighter Ougi no Sho (1995) | Virtua Fighter Maniax for Windows (1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 Act.1 (1995) | Virtua Fighter Sega Saturn Fighting Manual Vol. 2 for Expert (1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 Maniax Replays (1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 Act.2 (1995) | Virtua Fighter Remix Sega Saturn Fighting Manual Complete (1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 Maniax (1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 Sega Saturn Fighting Manual Vol. 1 for Novice (1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 Act.3 (1995) | Arcade Game Hisshou Hou Special: Virtua Fighter Kids (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 Command Game Guide (1996) | Virtua Fighter Legend of Sarah (1996) | Virtua Fighter 2 Perfect Guide (1996) | Virtua Fighter 2 Fighter's Bible (1996) | Virtua Fighter 2 Game Guide Book (1996) | Virtua Fighter Graphics "Model 2" (1996) | Tokyo Virtua Monogatari (1996) | Virtua Fighter 2 Sega Saturn Fighting Manual Vol. 2 for Expert (1996) | Virtua Fighter Kids Fan Book (1996) | Virtua Fighter Honoo no Maki: Pai Chan Bukyou Gaiden (1996) | Virtua Fighter Ryuu no Maki: Touken Kairou (1996) | Virtua Fighter Kids Sega Saturn Fighting Manual (1996) | Virtua Fighter Kids Kyuukyoku Hon (1996) | Virtua Fighter Relax (1996) | Virtua Fighter: Arashi no Maki (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 Act. 0.5 (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 Act.1 (1996) | Virtua Fighter 3 Act.2 (1996) | Fighters Megamix Fighting Master's Guide (1997) | Fighters Megamix Official Guide (1997) | Virtua Fighter 2: Ten Stories (1997) | Fighters Mega Books (1997) | Fighters Megamix Comic Anthology (1997) | Virtua Fighter 3 Official Playing Guide (1998) | Virtua Fighter 3tb Kanzen Kouryaku Dokuhon (1998) | Virtua Fighter 3tb Perfect Guide (1998) | Virtua Fighter 4 Perfect Guide (2001) | Virtua Fighter 4 Yoku Wakaru Haoh Yousei Dojo (2002) | Virtua Fighter 4 Kanzen Kouryaku Guide PS2 Ban (2002) | PS2 Ban Virtua Fighter 4 Perfect Guide (2002) | Virtua Fighter 4 The Complete (2002) | Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution Perfect Guide (2002) | Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution: Yokuwakaru Hisshou Senjutsu Shinan (2003) | PS2 Ban Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution Complete Guide (2003) | Virtua Fighter 10th Anniversary: Memory of Decade (2003) | Virtua Fighter 2 Technical Archive (2004) | Virtua Fighter 4 Final Tuned Master Guide (2004) | Virtua Fighter Cyber Generation: Judgement Six no Yabou Kouryaku Navigation (2004) | Virtua Fighter 4 Final Tuned Orange Book: Junkies' Last Stand (2004) | Virtua Fighter 5 Technical Book (2006) | Virtua Fighter 5 White Book: Keep It Real (2006) | Virtua Fighter 5 Black Book: Keep It Moral (2007) | Virtua Fighter 5 for PlayStation 3 Complete Guide (2007) | Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown Masters Guide (2010) | Virtua Fighter no Neppa (2018)
TV and Film
Virtua Fighter CGMV (1994) | CGMV Virtua Fighter 2 (1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 (1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 Eternal Battle (1995) | Virtua Fighter (1995) | Virtua Fighter Special Training Pack (1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 Wheel of Fortune (1995) | Virtua Fighter 2 Wheel of Fortune The Best Bout (1996) | Sega Official Video Library Vol. 2: Virtua Fighter Kids (199x) | Virtua Fighter 3 (Columbia video series) (1996) | CGMV Special Virtua Fighter 3: Shippuu no Shou "System" (1996) | CGMV Special Virtua Fighter 3: Geki no Shou "Battle" (1996)