Platform(s): PC (version reviewed)
Genre: Vintage 3D Fighter

Ah, Virtua Fighter—a name that once sent arcade-goers into a frenzy, mashing buttons with the fervour of a caffeinated squirrel. Now, SEGA has dusted off this relic, slapped on a fresh coat of paint, and served it up to PC players as Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., just in time for the series’ 30th anniversary. But does this revamped classic hold its own against modern contenders, or is it simply a nostalgia trip best left in the past?

The Same Face, Just a Little Shinier

If you’ve already played the Ultimate Showdown on PS4, then R.E.V.O. will feel like a very familiar face, just with a fresh coat of paint. This PC version keeps the same online-focused, player-vs-player setup as its predecessor. The characters return in full force, all 19 of them, with their signature moves and new outfits to boot. You can also expect smoother visuals, a solid 60 FPS performance, and the all-important Rollback Netcode—all of which are crucial for ensuring that online brawls aren’t ruined by lag or glitches.

For the uninitiated, Virtua Fighter is a fighting game that doesn’t need flashy gimmicks or supers to shine. It’s a three-button affair—punch, kick, and block—and the combo strings require precision, not memorisation. The game might look simpler compared to the likes of Tekken or Street Fighter but don’t be fooled. It’s easy to get into, but it’ll take a good amount of practice to master.

Old-School Meets New Tech

Despite nearly two decades of age, Virtua Fighter 5 hasn’t aged a day in terms of gameplay. The matches are fast, the action is intense, and each fight feels like it could come from an action flick. No building up meters, no EX moves—just raw skill. But here’s the thing: it’s still a classic game, with all the old-school charm that could leave you longing for some of the modern features from other fighting games. While R.E.V.O. offers new balance changes and that sweet rollback netcode, it’s not quite the revolution its title suggests. It’s a comfortable, reliable experience for fans who know what they’re getting into.

Online matches have become much more reliable, thanks to the rollback netcode. It can’t fix all your connection issues (if your Wi-Fi’s as stable as a toddler on a sugar rush, good luck), but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. Still, it’s the balance patch that could make this iteration worth revisiting, but only if you’re ready to dig in and adapt to the tweaks that veterans will find refreshing.

A Bare-Bones Experience for the Diehards

Now, here’s where Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. starts showing its age—there’s not a lot of meat on the bone for single-player content. Missing modes from the original game, like the much-loved tournament and story modes, are notably absent. So, if you’re looking for something to do when you’re not ready to face off against real players, prepare to be disappointed. What you get instead are a few options: Arcade, Training, and, of course, online modes like Ranked and Room Match.

If you’re the competitive type, the Tournament mode that runs every weekend will keep you busy, but long-time fans who enjoyed the earlier, more content-rich versions of the game may find this offering a bit lacking. It’s a game focused purely on player-vs-player action, and while that’s great for competitive players, others might miss the variety the original had.

Character customisation is there, but it’s nothing to write home about. You get a handful of outfits, hairstyles, and colour palettes—but don’t expect Tekken 8-level customisation. It’s basic, though still fun if you like adding your personal touch. Just don’t get your hopes up for anything groundbreaking.

A Relic, But a Reliable One

It’s great to see Virtua Fighter back on PC, but let’s not kid ourselves: it’s not the dazzling new entry fans were hoping for. Missing modes, a lack of an in-depth single-player mode, and a general feeling of being “good enough” rather than revolutionary will likely disappoint the diehards. But if you’re after a dependable, no-frills fighter, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. delivers exactly that. It’s a cheap and cheerful way to experience the core of Virtua Fighter while we wait for the next big thing in the franchise. If you’re into pure combat without the fluff, this is a solid, if somewhat dated, port.

Final Score: 50/100

Review copy provided by publisher.