Virtua Fighter 2

There are several reasons why fighting games continue to dominate arcades around the world, and Sega's Virtua Fighter 2 is one of these reasons. What began as a revolutionary 3D fighter in 1993 culminated the following year in a graphically astonishing sequel that took Japan, the United States, and everywhere in between by storm. And now, years later, one of the most successful arcade games in history has hit the PC in full stride. And the good news is, Virtua Fighter 2 still packs a big punch.

Virtua Fighter 2 boasts some of the most detailed 3D characters ever seen on the PC. All ten fighters are expertly motion-captured and texture-mapped in great detail. You can even watch their facial expressions change and their loose clothing rustle in the wind, lending a strikingly realistic look to the game that easily outclasses any and all competition. And speaking of class, Virtua Fighter 2 takes itself seriously; you won't see any blood spilled or bones busted. Just fast, furious, lifelike, hand-to-hand fighting.

Think your computer's the baddest polygon pusher on the block? Just toggle all of Virtua Fighter 2's graphics settings to maximum and watch your sorry machine groan in virtual agony. Even a top-of-the-line MMX-powered Pentium can't deal with everything Virtua Fighter 2 has to offer. Granted, this PC conversion theoretically allows you to recreate the arcade game (powered by Sega's mighty Lockheed Martin-powered proprietary Model 2 hardware) in full detail. And while it would be great to play the unadulterated arcade game at home, these high-level graphics options simply aren't practical and aren't even available unless you go for the whole-hog full install that demands upwards of 300 megabytes of disk space. Fortunately, if you set your sights a little lower, you'll be able to find a perfect middle ground between graphic detail and playability. If you set background detail to a minimum, you can play in high resolution and still witness the action at nearly 60 frames per second even on a low-end Pentium. Every sound sample and music track from the arcade translates intact to the PC version, but the arcade didn't sound particularly special in the first place - unless you want to count the mysteriously inappropriate English ("I'm faster than lightning!" exclaims Jacky Bryant) spoken by the non-Asian characters in the game.

Virtua Fighter 2's play mechanics translate perfectly to the PC, though you'll need a good gamepad to take full advantage of the precise control. The easy-to-learn punch/kick/guard button scheme belies the depth of Virtua Fighter 2. Each of the ten characters has dozens of different moves and combinations, including throws, counters, pursuit attacks, parries, and reversals. Most of these aren't difficult to accomplish, but the trick is rather to keep all of them in mind and to know when to use what. Fights typically consist of a best-of-three-rounds game, where you win either by beating the stuffing out of your opponent or shoving him out of the ring. Mastering but a single character is no easy feat, and chances are you'll want to master them all - Virtua Fighter 2 is a remarkably well-balanced fighting game where any of the ten characters can be deadly if used properly. Several new gameplay modes exist in the PC conversion, most notably Internet-ready multiplayer support. Like any good fighting game, Virtua Fighter 2 is at its best when two expert players battle it out against each other, but the computer opponent is no pushover and offers a great challenge in the meantime. The computer learns your tricks and patterns and won't hesitate to show you a thing or two of its own if you're not careful. Other goodies, including a sound test and an art gallery for each character, help pass the time when you're not duking it out.

Virtua Fighter 2 is unquestionably the best fighting game on the PC, and certainly one of the finest fighting games of all time. Those who enjoyed the arcade game will be more than pleased with the near-perfect PC conversion, which rivals even the excellent Sega Saturn console port. Otherwise, those who don't have as much experience with the coin-op will discover that Virtua Fighter 2 is hardly a mindless action game but rather a highly technical and totally fast-paced battle of wits. If you're a fighting game fan or if you're wondering what the fuss is all about, don't pass it up.

For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']

WHAT YOU GET:

This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.

IMAGES:

All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.

COMPATIBILITY:

Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.

PLATFORM:

Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.

64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.

Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.

MEDIA FORMAT:

Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:

Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.

Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.

Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.

SHIPPING:

We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.

International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.