Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA, this latest edition of the long-running 3D fighter brings the classic mechanics of the Virtua Fighter 5 lineage into the modern console era. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage debuted earlier, but has now made its way to the PlayStation 5.
From the moment the introduction ends and the first fight begins, World Stage reinforces the ethos of “easy to pick up, hard to master” that the series has embodied for decades. The three-button scheme (punch, kick, guard) remains intact, and the flow of the combat retains that signature “measured but precise” feel. Yet this version layers on features clearly aimed at updating the experience: notably full cross-play support and rollback netcode have been added, significantly improving online stability and match-making reach. These upgrades alone shift the expression of the game from being a legacy-title to a competitive-ready version.
Narratively speaking, there is no cinematic story mode in the sense of a sprawling fighter-drama; rather, the new single-player offering – the “World Stage” mode – serves as a campaign of sorts. It presents a series of battles modelled on real-player data, giving the offline experience something to chew on beyond the bare Arcade run. This effort is welcome and for many brings a meaningful offline option where prior releases were thin. At the same time, its structure is repetitive in parts and lacks the narrative depth of story-driven rivals like the Injustice games, so while the premise is solid the execution leaves room for more ambition in future Virtua Fighter games.
When it comes to gameplay mechanics, World Stage hits hard. The combat engine is as crisp as ever: rapid evades, ring-outs, genuine multi-layered offense and defense, and characters with distinct weights and styles still stand out. Veteran players will feel immediately at home, and the added balance tweaks in this version give even long-time players fresh paths to explore. However, newcomers may feel the interface of learning remains steep: while training tools have improved, they’re still somewhat lacking in guided tutorials compared to more casual-friendly fighters. In short: the depth is there, but the ladder into it could be gentler.
Visually and sonically, World Stage presents the best face the series has had on this hardware generation. The updated engine offers smoother animation, detailed character models and cleaner stage presentation. The audio side doesn’t reinvent the wheel – the throbbing combat sound cues and theme tracks are solid if not spectacular – yet the whole package feels polished and intentional. Naturally, when compared to the most lavish modern fighters, some may find the aesthetic a bit conservative, but in the context of this franchise (and the fact that Virtua Fighter 5 is almost twenty years old) it fits perfectly.
Where the game falters is in some of its content and value considerations. While the addition of World Stage and the online upgrades are substantial, many features remain the same as previous iterations – meaning if you already own an earlier version, the leap may feel modest). Furthermore, the offline mode, while improved, remains relatively limited compared to narrative-rich or mode-heavy fighters. Some decisions around DLC (where certain characters and content are locked behind paid add-ons) and platform-specific ranking locks (even in cross-play) also slightly tarnish what is otherwise a strong update.
In conclusion, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage on PS5 succeeds in delivering a definitive version of a classic fighter: one that honors the legacy of the franchise while modernising key systems for today’s competitive and online-oriented landscape. For fans of the technical 3D fighting genre and veterans of the series, it’s a must-have while we wait for a new entry. For newcomers seeking flashy story modes or wide-ranging casual options, it may still require a bit of patience and willingness to engage with its steep system. Either way, it stands as one of the most refined 3D fighters available in this console generation.
Score: 8.1/10
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