A new trailer for the upcoming Virtua Fighter Crossroads has been released, showcasing a mysterious new fighter known as the Bakunawa Killer. The reveal, which took place at Evo 2026, featured a blend of story elements and a brief demonstration of the character's moveset.
The trailer offered a glimpse into the narrative, with another character, Pai Chan, seen removing the Bakunawa Killer's mask and reacting with disbelief. However, the identity of the fighter beneath the mask was not revealed to the audience, fueling immediate speculation within the Virtua Fighter community.
One of the most prominent theories suggests the Bakunawa Killer could be Lau Chan, a legacy character whose fighting style bears similarities to the new fighter. The potential familial connection, with Lau Chan being Pai Chan's father, could explain her shocked reaction. Some fans have also noted a resemblance between the trailer's depicted conflict and a past confrontation between Lau and Pai Chan in the series.
However, this theory faces several challenges. Lau Chan would likely be significantly older, and the Bakunawa Killer's appearance, including dexterity and hair color, does not suggest an aged combatant. Furthermore, Lau Chan was previously depicted as battling a severe illness, raising questions about their current physical condition unless advanced medical intervention or technology was involved.
An alternative hypothesis posits the Bakunawa Killer might be Lei-Fei. In Virtua Fighter 5, Lei-Fei, a Shaolin Monk, sought to learn Lau Chan's martial arts secrets and attempted to kill Lau Chan when his patience wore thin. Given the time jump in Virtua Fighter Crossroads, it is possible that Lei-Fei and Lau Chan have since reconciled.
Beyond these main conjectures, the possibilities remain open-ended, as is common in video game narratives. Theories include a long-lost sibling of Pai Chan or even a time-displaced Lau Chan. Regardless of their identity, the Bakunawa Killer presents an intriguing new combatant, particularly showcased on a rain-slicked rooftop stage.
Players will be able to uncover the truth behind the Bakunawa Killer upon the release of Virtua Fighter Crossroads, which is slated for sometime next year.