It has been 20 years since the last entry in the Virtua Fighter series, and for those expecting a standard return to the ring, Virtua Fighter Crossroads is going to be a surprise. During a recent behind-closed-doors presentation, Sega and developers RGG Studio confirmed that this revival is stepping away from the series' roots to become an open sandbox RPG.
Producer Riichiro Yamada, a veteran of the Yakuza series, noted that the pitch for a new Virtua Fighter was initially met with resistance in Japan, given that fighting games remain a niche market. His solution was to blend the series' legacy of intricate combat mechanics with the robust, narrative-heavy structure that RGG Studio is known for.
- Developer: RGG Studio, Sega
- Genre: Open Sandbox RPG
- Primary Inspiration: Watchmen and Detroit: Become Human
- Key Mechanic: Player-driven narrative choices
A Narrative-Driven Approach
While the game retains a fighting system true to the Virtua Fighter legacy, the traditional versus mode appears to be a secondary component. Instead, the core experience is built around a story that Yamada describes as having the feel of a "kung-fu movie." Players will follow multiple protagonists, including a central character named Cielo, with each path offering a different tone—from gritty, dark narratives to noir-inspired detective stories.
Yamada explicitly cited Watchmen as a major influence, specifically regarding the desire to create a believable, grounded world. He also pointed to Detroit: Become Human as a touchstone for the game’s structure, where player decisions fundamentally alter how the story unfolds. The goal, according to Yamada, is to encourage multiple playthroughs to see the different experiences created by these choices.
Side Content and World Building
Fans of RGG Studio’s previous work will find familiar elements in the side content, though with a different philosophy. While the game will feature various minigames and side quests involving the legendary cast from past Virtua Fighter titles, the development team has focused on keeping these activities grounded within the game's world rather than leaning into the more eclectic, comedic side content found in the Yakuza series.
Sega has yet to announce a release date or specific platforms for Virtua Fighter Crossroads, and the team remains tight-lipped on exactly how the combat and narrative choices will function in practice. However, the pivot to an action-adventure format suggests a significant departure from the series' history, aiming to capture a broader audience through story and world-building.