When SEGA first announced there was a new Virtua Fighter game on the way, beat 'em up fans everywhere rejoiced. When SEGA revealed that it was actually an RPG called Virtua Quest, those same fans looked quizzical. Understandably so, it wasn't the most predictable of announcements by any stretch.
Optimistically speaking, AM2's involvement in the game's direction could have this on the path to greatness. Pessimistically speaking, SEGA have completely failed to recognise what fans of Virtua Fighter want from the series. Realistically, however, it will probably fall somewhere between those two outlooks.
It is an RPG first and foremost, but if the action sequences are composed of frequent fights that meet previous VF standards, it could still engage the existing fanbase. Conversely, if the RPG elements aren’t emphasised enough, they won't be bringing new players to the fold. On balance then, Virtua Quest is treading a very fine line - it runs the risk of disappointing VF fans by focusing on the role-playing, and yet without new gameplay elements there would be no point in deviating from the proven formula.
To give SEGA the benefit of the doubt, we'll hope that they get the balance spot on, which will indeed make Virtua Quest something totally unique – an RPG beat 'em up, due out on GameCube in autumn.
Optimistically speaking, AM2's involvement in the game's direction could have this on the path to greatness. Pessimistically speaking, SEGA have completely failed to recognise what fans of Virtua Fighter want from the series. Realistically, however, it will probably fall somewhere between those two outlooks.
It is an RPG first and foremost, but if the action sequences are composed of frequent fights that meet previous VF standards, it could still engage the existing fanbase. Conversely, if the RPG elements aren’t emphasised enough, they won't be bringing new players to the fold. On balance then, Virtua Quest is treading a very fine line - it runs the risk of disappointing VF fans by focusing on the role-playing, and yet without new gameplay elements there would be no point in deviating from the proven formula.
To give SEGA the benefit of the doubt, we'll hope that they get the balance spot on, which will indeed make Virtua Quest something totally unique – an RPG beat 'em up, due out on GameCube in autumn.
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Comments
KiD 13 May 2004 22:53
1/2
"totally unique - an RPG beat 'em up"... ahem, Shenmue anyone. I'd much rather have Shenmue out than this... but if this will help make a profit for SEGA to eventually make Shenmue III available to the long awaiting fans of the series (and hopefully others), then GO FOR IT SEGA. This game looks interesting, and I'd buy it if I get a Gamecube or PS2.
Joji 14 May 2004 00:14
2/2
It's nice to see something different if you ask me. Sega doesn't make a lot of crap games, so I'll most likely bag this one too. Love a good rpg, so I'll have this, along with Tales of Symphonia, Baten Kaitos. And much later FF Guilty Wing, Fire Emblem and two Zelda games (if you count Four Swords), but to name a few.
Atleast my GC won't suffer the N64 way, with a huge lack of rpgs. Xbox could do with a few more rpgs also.
Atleast my GC won't suffer the N64 way, with a huge lack of rpgs. Xbox could do with a few more rpgs also.