Virtua Fighter Animation

n/a

US/EU JP Master System
Virtua Fighter Animation
System(s): Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd. (JP, EU) Sega of America (NA) Tec Toy
Developer: Aspect
Supporting companies: Moore & Price Design Group (packaging)
Distributor: Ecofilmes (PT)
Licensor: TV Tokyo, TMS-Kyokuichi
Genre: Fighting/Kakutou Action (格闘アクション), Action
Number of players: 1 1-2
Official in-game languages: English English 日本語
Release Date RRP Code JP 1996-03-29 ¥4,8004,800 G-3380 US 1996-09-27 $34.9934.99 2570 EU 1996-11 MK2570-50 DE 1996-11 DM 69.9569.95 MK2570-50 PT 199x UK 1996-09-12 MK2570-50 BR 1997 R$39.9939.99 030020

Virtua Fighter Animation, known in Japan as Virtua Fighter Mini (バーチャファイターＭｉｎｉ), is a fighting game released for the Sega Game Gear in 1996. It is based off the Virtua Fighter anime series, which in turn was based off the original Virtua Fighter video game.

It is one of the few Game Gear fighting games, and the only Virtua Fighter game to date to be released for a handheld console. It is also one of the only Virtua Fighter games not to be presented in 3D (along with the Sega Mega Drive port of Virtua Fighter 2).

Tec Toy, Sega's Brazilian distributor, brought the game to the Sega Master System in 1997. The Master System version offers a larger screen resolution but has reduced color depth.

Story

Martial arts expert Akira Yuki wanders the world in search of enlightenment.

Gameplay

The game is a fighting game that reproduces the gameplay of the Virtua Fighter series. Two combatants compete to win two of three sets, with each set lasting 30 seconds or until a fighter is defeated. Fighters are defeated by knockout when their stamina gauges are depleted or by ring-out if they are pushed out of the bounds of the arena. Character employ fighting styles inspired by real-world martial arts, lacking the supernatural abilities of other fighting games. While the game lacks the pivoting camera angles of the 3D games, it reproduces the zooming with a magnified "large" view. The "realtime" view automatically switches between the normal and large views during fights depending on how far apart the combatants are.

Fighters move with and . They retreat with and advance with . They crouch with and jump with . They punch with , kick with , and guard with  START . Each character has a selection of special moves that may be done through specific button combinations.

The Master System port lacks the large view and has no ability to guard (or perform special moves requiring the guard button). It adds a two-player versus mode, accessed by pressing any button on the second control pad while on the title screen. The characters Wolf and Kage and not selectable in the two-player mode.

Modes

The main mode is a story mode that follows Akira Yuki on his journey across the world, where he meets the other characters and participates in a series of fights. The player can choose a character before each fight: Akira is initially the only playable character, but the other characters became selectable after they are defeated in fights. There is also a versus mode where the player chooses any character to play and fights a series of computer-controlled opponents.

Characters

Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, and should be reversed.

P	Punch
K	Kick
G	Guard

Playable

Despite their appearances in the anime, Jeffry McWild, Shun Di, and Lion Rafale were not included in the game.

Country: Japan Birthday: September 23 Blood type: O Technique: Hakkyoku-ken	Akira Yuki
	Akira is traveling to learn more about the world before taking over his family's martial arts school. He is nearly a master in the Chinese art called Hakkyoku-ken ("Eight-Point Fist"). Move list (Punch attacks) Name Command Description Chuusui P Jouho Chouchuu P Rimon Chouchuu P Hachimon Kaida P P Housui P Mouko Kouhazan P Hyakko Soushouda P Move list (Kick attacks) Name Command Description Shoutai K Migi Tankyaku K Renkantai K K Sokutai K Youzentai K Move list (Jump attacks) Name Command Description Toukyaku K on the way up Move list (Ground attacks) Name Command Description Gekihousui P Soukahou P Move list (Special attacks) Name Command Description Kansui Tai P K Tetsuzan Kou P+K Move list (Throws) Name Command Description Shin Iha P (close) Youshi Senrin P+K (close) Toushin Soutai P+G (close) Honken P+K+G (close)
Country: Hong Kong Birthday: May 17 Blood type: O Technique: Ensei Ken	Pai Chan
	Pai is the daughter of Koen-ken master Lau Chan, though their relationship is strained because she blames him for the death of her mother. She is being pursued by the Koenkan Gang and its leader Liu Kowloon, which is trying to force her to marry him. Move list (Punch attacks) Name Command Description Chuu Ken P Renshou P P Raigeki Shou P P P Souchuu Ken P Move list (Kick attacks) Name Command Description Koushuutai K Kensai Tai K Senchuu Tai K Hai Tenkyaku K Move list (Jump attacks) Name Command Description Hien Toukyaku K on the way up Move list (Ground attacks) Name Command Description Enshuu Raigeki P Rai'inshouda P Move list (Special attacks) Name Command Description Ensen Hairyuu P to counter opponent punch Rasen Anshou P to counter opponent kick Renken Tai P K Renkan Tenshin Kyaku P P P K Renkan Tenshin Soukyaku P P P K Renkan Hai Tenkyaku P P P K Sempuuga K+G Ensen Shou K+G Move list (Throws) Name Command Description Tenshin Soutou P+G (close)
Country: United States Birthday: August 28 Blood type: A Technique: Jeet Kune Do	Jacky Bryant
	Jacky learned Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee's martial arts style, along with his sister Sarah. Jacky has been working odd jobs while searching for a sponsor for his Indy car racing career. Move list (Punch attacks) Name Command Description Straight Lead P Jab and Straight P P Flash Piston Punch P P P Spinning Back Knuckle P Double Spin Knuckle P P Jab, Straight, Back Knuckle P P P Rising Elbow P Combo Elbow P P P Squatting Straight P Move list (Kick attacks) Name Command Description Vertical Hook Kick K Middle Kick K Low Kick K Somersault Kick K Spinning Kick K+G Double Spinning Kick K K Move list (Jump attacks) Name Command Description Jump Kick K on the way up Move list (Ground attacks) Name Command Description Jumping Knee Stomp P Soccer Ball Kick K Move list (Special attacks) Name Command Description Punch and Spin Kick P K Double Punch and Snap Kick P P K Elbow Spin Kick P K Punch and Low Spin Kick P K Combo Elbow Spin Kick P P P K Move list (Throws) Name Command Description Neck Breaker P (close) Northern Light Bomb P+G (close)
Country: United States Birthday: July 4 Blood type: AB Technique: Jeet Kune Do	Sarah Bryant
	Sarah studied Jeet Kune Do, along with her brother Jacky. She accompanied her brother on his adventures until captured by the Koenkan Gang. Move list (Punch attacks) Name Command Description Straight Lead P Jab and Straight P P Flash Spin Punch P P P Rising Elbow P Squatting Straight P Move list (Kick attacks) Name Command Description Vertical Hook Kick K Knee Kick K Dash Knee K Middle Kick K Low Kick K Illusion Kick K K Mirage Kick K K K Somersault Kick K Move list (Jump attacks) Name Command Description Jump Kick K on the way up Move list (Ground attacks) Name Command Description Jumping Knee Stomp P Soccer Ball Kick K Move list (Special attacks) Name Command Description Punch and High Kick P K Double Joint Butt P K Double and Side Kick P K Double Punch and Snap Kick P P K Combo Somersault P P P K Move list (Throws) Name Command Description Neck Breaker P (close) Front Suplex P+G (close)
Country: Japan Birthday: June 6 Blood type: B Technique: Hagakure-ryu Jujitsu	Kage-Maru
	Kage is a ninja belonging to the Hagakure-ryu clan, known for kidnapping important people and currently employed by the Koenkan Gang. Move list (Punch attacks) Name Command Description Danken P Resshou P P Sandan Geki P P P Jizuri Dan P Move list (Kick attacks) Name Command Description Tsukikaeshi Geri K Ryuei Kyaku K Naka Geri K Surigeri K Kaiten Jizuri Kyaku K Kouten Jizuri Kyaku K Move list (Jump attacks) Name Command Description Hijou Geri K on the way up Sempuu Geri K on the way up Move list (Ground attacks) Name Command Description Asuka P Kakato Otoshi K Move list (Special attacks) Name Command Description Hagasane P K Sandan Fuujin Kyaku P P P K Rairyuu Hishou Kyaku P+K+G Senten Kouten Move list (Throws) Name Command Description Koenraku P (close) Taitou P+G (close)
Country: Canada Birthday: February 8 Blood type: O Technique: Pro Wrestling	Wolf Hawkfield
	Wolf is a former hunter and lumberjack who became a professional wrestler. He searches the world in search for worthy opponents to fight. Move list (Punch attacks) Name Command Description Straight Hammer P Jab and Straight P P One-Two Upper P P P Vertical Upper P Sonic Upper P (close) Low Hammer P Shoulder Attack P Move list (Kick attacks) Name Command Description High Kick K Facelift Kick K Low Smash K Move list (Jump attacks) Name Command Description Rising Toe K on the way up Move list (Ground attacks) Name Command Description High Elbow P Elbow Drop P Move list (Special attacks) Name Command Description Hammer Kick P K Move list (Throws) Name Command Description Body Slam P (close) Giant Swing P (close) Brain Buster P+G (close)
Country: Hong Kong Birthday: October 2 Blood type: B Technique: Koen-ken	Lau Chan
	Lau is one of the leaders of the Koenkan Gang and the father of Pai Chan. Move list (Punch attacks) Name Command Description Chuuken P Renshou P P Raigeki Shou P P P Shakashou P Renshou P P Renkan Shou P P P Souchuu Ken P Move list (Kick attacks) Name Command Description Katsumen Tai K Senchuutai K Sensai Tai K Move list (Jump attacks) Name Command Description Hishuutai K on the way up Kokyaku Haiten K on the way up Move list (Ground attacks) Name Command Description Kosou Raishuu P Toushuugeki P Move list (Special attacks) Name Command Description Renken Tai P K Renkan Hai Tenkyaku P P P K Renshou Tenshin Soukyaku P P P K Renshou Hai Tenkyaku P P P K Sempuuga K+G Ensen Shou K+G Kensha Touraku P+G (close)

Bosses

	Dural
	Dural is a fighting robot created by the Koenkan Gang. She can perform many of the special attacks used by the other characters. She is normally unplayable but can be unlocked to play using a cheat code.

Acts

These stages are played in the Story mode.

	Big Trouble
	Opponent: Pai
	In Hong Kong, Akira runs into Pai Chan while eating at a restaurant. Pai is attempting to escape a martial arts criminal organization known as the Koenkan Gang, who is trying to force her to marry its leader, Liu Kowloon.
	The Bouncer
	Opponent: Jacky
	A club owner sees Pai and sees an opportunity to win favor with the Koenkan by returning her to them. He attempts to abduct her, sending his bouncer, Jacky, to fight for him.
	Fateful Clash
	Opponent: Kage
	Jacky's sister, Sarah, is lured into a trap and captured by the Koenkan. The group comes across the ninja Kage while searching for her. Kage was employed by the Koenkan to kidnap Sarah and gives them the message that she will be freed when Pai surrenders to their master Liu.
	The Wolf's Den
	Opponent: Wolf
	The group gets a tip that Sarah was taken to an underground arena. The manager there says he will tell them where Sarah is being held if they can defeat his champion, Wolf.
	The European Connection
	Opponent: Kage
	The group travels to a castle in Europe after hearing that Sarah is being held there.
	The Awakening
	Opponent: Sarah
	The group finds Sarah, who has been brainwashed by Liu.
	Wedding Bells
	Opponent: Lau
	While the group was distracted with Sarah, Liu abducts Pai and attempts to marry her. Lau Chan, the master of Liu, appears to challenge the group.
	Enter: Dural
	Opponent: Dural
	Liu sends Dural, a fighting robot, to stop the group.

History

Development

While it had already been released in Japan at this point, the North American version of Virtua Fighter Animation was announced at E3 1996, alongside a Sega Mega Drive version. While ready and playable on the Game Gear, Sega had only artwork to show for the Mega Drive port (a project that very likely became the Mega Drive version of Virtua Fighter 2).

Versions

Localised names

Also known as

Language	Localised Name	English Translation
English	Virtua Fighter Animation	Virtua Fighter Animation
English (US)	Virtua Fighter Animation	Virtua Fighter Animation
Japanese	バーチャファイターＭｉｎｉ	Virtua Fighter Mini

Production credits

Game Gear version

• Producer: Yasuhiro Nishimoto
• Programmers: Tatsuo Matsuda, Yoshiaki Makishima
• Chief Designer: Teruo Hamai
• Designer: Fumikazu Sugawara, Taro Murayama, Aya Sato
• Data Converter: Satoshi Ozawa, Yukio Shimeno
• Music Composer: Koujiro Mixa
• Special Thanks: Hisayoshi Yoshida, Kazuyuki Oikawa

Source:

In-game credits

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• Producer: Erik Wahlberg
• Product Managers: Bill Onderdonk, Eric Dunstan
• Product Specialist: Clint Dyer
• Package Art Director: Bob Schonfisch
• Package Art Firm: Moore & Price
• Manual: Wendy Dinsmore
• Lead Tester: Sean Doidge
• Assistant Leads: Jeremy Caine, Victor Quimson, Polly Villatuya, Fernando Valderrama, Lloyd Kinoshita
• Testers: Shari Shaklin, Annette Ancel, Matt Clerici, Kenneth Chan, Charles Yang, Arnold Galano, Raul Orozco, Matt Ironside, Chris Lucich, Jeff Junio, Jeremy Wheat, Rolef Conlan, Darren Nagtalon, Pedro Ponce, Chris Johnson, Byram Abbott, Sam Ford, Rob Prideaux

Source:

US manual

Magazine articles

Main article: Virtua Fighter Animation/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

File:VirtuaFighterMini GG JP TVAdvert.mp4

JP TV advert

File:VirtuaFighterMini GG JP TVAdvert.mp4

Physical scans

Game Gear version

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source

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Based on 0 review

Sega Retro Average
Publication Version Score Computer & Video Games (UK) 50 Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J 53 Hobby Consolas (ES) 88 Mega Fun (DE) PAL 63 Mean Machines Sega (UK) 89 Player One (FR) 40 Sega Power (UK) PAL 76

	66
Based on 7 reviews

Virtua Fighter Animation

Game Gear, JP
Cover
Cart

Game Gear, US
Cover
Cart Manual

Game Gear, EU
Cover
Cart Manual

Game Gear, PT
Manual

Master System version

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source

{{{{{icon}}}|L}}
Based on 0 review

Sega Retro Average
Publication Version Score Ação Games (BR) 80

	80
Based on 1 review

Virtua Fighter Animation

Master System, BR
Cover
Cart Manual

Technical information

ROM dump status

System	Hash	Size	Build Date	Source	Comments
?	CRC32 57f1545b MD5 fdc90edb44d2a2236ab9c29d2f073d3c SHA-1 ee24af11f2066dc8ffbefb72a5048a2471576229	1MB		Cartridge (BR)
?	CRC32 c05657f8 MD5 8f31e2b715d06b960fa294746e8bd1de SHA-1 b0622ef2e58fc38af35ead0a632babc4bfe49e86	1MB		Cartridge (JP)
?	CRC32 d431c452 MD5 db315b11c28f8be4ecdac77759e889de SHA-1 222f3e49f595ceb4263af329c4021d64fc4772e6	1MB		Cartridge (US/EU)