The Virtua Fighter series, a pioneer in 3D polygonal fighting since 1993, is set to return in 2027 with Virtua Fighter Crossroads, developed by RGG Studio. Following the critically acclaimed Virtua Fighter 5 in 2006, the franchise has seen only revisions of its existing titles, until now. RGG Studio, known for its work on the Like a Dragon series, is aiming to innovate the franchise significantly, potentially making it the most groundbreaking entry since its inception.
According to Toshihiro Nakaya, head of the Virtua Fighter IP, the long hiatus was due to a commitment to introduce substantial innovation with each new installment. "The new title has to be something really awesome, innovative, and creative," Nakaya stated. "That's why it took so long to get where we are." Recognizing the dramatic changes in the video game landscape, RGG Studio's new concept for Virtua Fighter Crossroads seeks to break the mold of traditional fighting games.
To achieve this, RGG Studio has created a new genre they call "fighting adventure." This approach aims to expand the scope beyond typical fighting games, revitalizing the franchise with a large-scale narrative. Leveraging RGG Studio's expertise in narrative-driven action games, Virtua Fighter Crossroads will combine this with an all-new action movie-inspired combat system.
The game is set in Vilasapara, a fictional Southeast Asian city grappling with gang activity and a ban on firearms, where disputes are often settled through fighting. The city serves as a backdrop for underground fight tournaments that attract those seeking fortune. Narrative inspiration for the game comes from the comic series The Watchmen, aiming for a story that is both outlandish and believable.
"We still want to pay homage to that, but really modernize it, so that it makes sense in the current climate," said Creative Director and Producer Riichiro Yamada. "The other really important point we really drove home is that it has to be believable, even though it's sort of a different world, and some stuff might be a little off, like RGG does with their stories, it makes it very grounded."
The story of Virtua Fighter Crossroads follows four protagonists and features a multi-branching narrative that adapts to player choices and actions, a feature Yamada described as a "crossroad-style adventure." Players will explore the city of Vilasapara, engaging in battles, visiting restaurants, participating in side quests, playing minigames, and developing relationships.
The combat system is designed to be more technical than a standard RGG title, drawing from the fighting game genre. While traditional one-on-one battles will be present, the "Action Adventure" mode will include multi-opponent fights. New mechanics such as "Break" and "Rush" allow players to target specific opponent body parts for strategic advantage, and the "Flow Guard" system offers more control over defense. Battles are also presented in a cinematic style, reflecting RGG Studio's action movie influences.
RGG Studio is withholding some details on the fighting mechanics, stating that tournament readiness will ultimately be determined by the player community. "We just really want to show off that this is a new game, there's action adventure, there's a whole new concept," Yamada explained. "For me, the most important bit is just people can pick it up and they'll love the game. They'll play it, they'll have a great time, and it's a fusion of both genres."
Virtua Fighter Crossroads represents a significant attempt by RGG Studio to reimagine the classic franchise and expand the definition of what a fighting game can be, echoing the series' own history of innovation.