Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. Developer Discusses Rollback Netcode, Rebalancing, and the Franchise's Future
Siji Aoki Explores What's New for Virtua Fighter Fans and What’s Next for the Iconic Fighting Series
Virtua Fighter has long stood as a pioneer in the world of 3D fighting games, carving out a unique niche with its focus on technique and fundamentals. Now, with the release of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. on Steam, the series is making its highly anticipated debut on PC, bringing with it a wealth of new features. These include rollback netcode for a smoother online experience, updated balancing from Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown, and stunning new 4K visuals. To celebrate the game's launch, Game Rant sat down with Virtua Fighter legacy project producer Siji Aoki to discuss how this new release paves the way for the future of the franchise.
While Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio works on the next mainline Virtua Fighter title, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is here to serve as the definitive edition for PC players, breathing new life into the 2006 classic.
What Sets Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. Apart from the Rest?
Q: For both newcomers and longtime fans, what’s most exciting about Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.?
A: The biggest changes are the addition of rollback netcode and the long-awaited balance adjustments. These updates make online play smoother and more enjoyable, with players no longer having to worry about lag, and they offer a fresh, balanced experience for everyone—old and new players alike.
Q: How does Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. differ from previous versions like Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown or Ultimate Showdown?
A: The key differences are the inclusion of rollback netcode and the game’s technical upgrades, including 4K resolution and a 60fps frame rate. These improvements deliver a more modern experience while keeping the core mechanics intact.
Q: Integrating rollback netcode into a game that’s 13 years old must have been tough. Can you tell us about the process?
A: It was indeed a challenge to add rollback netcode to legacy code, but thanks to the hard work and skill of our programming team, we managed to implement it successfully. Their efforts were crucial in making this feature work without compromising the game’s performance.
Q: How does the balance in Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. compare to the PS4 version of Ultimate Showdown?
A: The balance adjustments in R.E.V.O. are the same as those in Ultimate Showdown, so fans will notice that the gameplay feels fair and competitive, just like the console version.
Q: What would you say separates Virtua Fighter from other fighting franchises, especially for newcomers jumping in with R.E.V.O.?
A: Virtua Fighter prides itself on being a pure fighting game, with an emphasis on skill rather than flashy effects. Its simplicity, with just three buttons for controls, makes it approachable for newcomers, but its depth ensures that it can be mastered through practice and understanding of mechanics. That’s what really sets it apart from other modern fighting games.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Virtua Fighter on PC
Q: With Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. focusing on competitive online play, will future entries in the series be considered for PC?
A: PC demand for fighting games is growing, and we see this trend continuing. It’s becoming more and more essential to support PC platforms in the future, so we definitely plan on giving PC players the chance to experience more Virtua Fighter games moving forward.
Q: Dural, a key character in previous titles, is absent from Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. despite her presence in Final Showdown. Is there any chance she’ll make a return if enough players request her?
A: We’ve discussed Dural’s absence, and after considering her role, we believe she isn’t necessary for the highly competitive environment of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. and Ultimate Showdown. However, we’re always listening to our players, so if there’s significant demand for her, we’ll certainly consider adding her in future updates.
With its revamped features and sleek new visuals, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. offers a fresh yet faithful experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. With the groundwork laid for the franchise's return to PC, Virtua Fighter fans have much to look forward to, as the series continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The future of Virtua Fighter on PC looks promising, and R.E.V.O. is just the beginning.