Virtua
Fighter Kids
REVIEW:
Virtua
Fighter Kids is essentially a "90s-kid-friendly" version re-make of Sega's smash
hit 3D fighting game, Virtua Fighter 2. VF Kids features all of the characters and stages
from VF2, but each character was presented in a super deformed "chibi"
style... meaning they have child-like faces, ridiculously large heads, and smaller bodies. 
Character faces also hosted a variety of facial expressions, and apparently the
game was developed to "practice" on the facial & eye animations
for Virtua Fighter 3.
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Virtua
Fighter Kids character select screen.
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Virtua Fighter Kids has similar mechanics
to the original Virtua Fighter 2, but isn't quite as polished
technically. What it lacks, it makes up for in "charm" with a hilarious and entertaining
art style along with ridiculously cute chibi versions of Virtua Fighter's cast.
I give Sega credit for
being daring and adventurous enough to release this odd spin-off in 1996. 
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Their heads must have
large hit-boxes.
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The Sega Saturn version of Virtua
Fighter Kids included some new FMV sequences over the arcade version and
also added programmable button sequences to allow players to test and use
pre-made combos. Virtua Fighter Kids is also the only game in the
entire series to feature
character endings! While Virtua Fighter Kids might've been outshined
technically and visually by other Sega Saturn fighting games, it was still a
charmingly unique fighting game for the time.
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| Page Updated: |
February
24th, 2024 |
| Developer(s): |
Sega AM2 |
| Publisher(s): |
Sega
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| Designer(s): |
Yu Suzuki Producer
& Director
Toru Ikebuchi Main Programmer
Kazuhiro Izaki Main Designer
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| Platform(s): |
Arcade,
Sega Saturn
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| Release Date(s): |
1996 Arcade
July 26th, 1996  Saturn
July 31st, 1996  Saturn
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| Characters: |
Akira Yuki,
Jacky Bryant,
Kage-maru,
Lau Chan,
Jeffry McWild,
Sarah Bryant,
Wolf Hawkfield,
Pai Chan,
Shun Di,
Lion Rafale,
Dural |
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Featured Video:
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| Related Games: |
Virtua Fighter 2,
Virtua
Fighter Remix, Virtua Fighter 3, Virtua
Fighter 4, Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution,
Virtua
Fighter 5, Virtua Fighter 5 R, VF5: Final Showdown,
VF5: Ultimate Showdown, Fighting
Vipers, Fighting Vipers 2, Fighters
Megamix, Last Bronx, Bloody
Roar, Battle Arena Toshinden 2, Tobal
No. 1, Tobal 2, TEKKEN 2,
TEKKEN 3, Pocket Fighter
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Gameplay
Engine
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7.5 / 10
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Story
/ Theme
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6.5 / 10
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Overall
Graphics
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8.0 / 10
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Animation
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8.5 / 10
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Music
/ Sound Effects
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8.0 / 10
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Innovation
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7.5 / 10
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Art Direction
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7.5 / 10
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Customization
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6.0 / 10
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Options / Extras
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7.0 / 10
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Intro / Presentation
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8.0 / 10
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Replayability / Fun
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6.0 / 10
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"Ouch" Factor
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7.5 / 10
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Characters
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8.0 / 10
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BOTTOM LINE
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7.5
/
10
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Review based on Saturn
version
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| Final
Words: |
If you were any kind of Virtua Fighter 2 fan, there's something to appreciate about the fact that VF Kids actually exists. It's a cool "fan service" game of sorts... and while completely unnecessary, it's definitely entertaining to see all of the VF characters in chibi form.
Each of
the 3D character models are charming, and the reimagined VF2 stages are cool as well. The character facial
expressions, especially as they get hit, is still a priceless effect to this day.  This game (and others like it) gave the Sega Saturn some extra personality, back in the day. "Sega does what Ninten-don't?" Next up, VF Kart Racing. Missed opportunity Sega!
~TFG
Webmaster |
@Fighters_Gen
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