I am new to the Virtua Fighting Series; however, Virtua Fighter 5 is a refreshing change from other well-known fighting games such as Tekken, Street Fighter, and Dead or Alive.
I am a big fan of fighting games and have thoroughly enjoyed Virtua Fighter 5. A key strength of Virtua Figther 5 is its unique fighting styles pertaining to the well designed characters in the game. The mix of characters offer a diverse range of fighting styles including jujitsu, Mantis Style, Monkey Style, Wrestling (both conventional and lucha libre), kick-boxing, Drunken fist, and more which helps differentiate it from other fighting games which cover more conventional martial arts.
Secondly, Virtua Fighter 5 presents itself with extremely well-defined and realistic graphics for both the fighters and the beautiful locations where the fights take place (by waterfall, on a beach, under the sakura blossoms, in a dojo and more).
Thirdly, Virtua Fighter 5 adds elements of realism by factoring in the characters' weights which impact the amount of damage they receive when falling, and being subject to particular attacks from varying opponents of all shapes and sizes.
Virtua Fighter also includes an Arcade Mode which enables vast customisation by fighting numerous AI opponents in arcade-style battles and tournaments which offer bonus items and cash to purchase costumes and accessories for your fighter.
Lastly, Virtua Fighter 5 is fun to play with friends as a friendly competition and still includes traditional fighting mechanics based on strategic combat, timing, countering, stringing combos for both High/Mid/Low attacks; so, you can't rely on button mashing to win your matches.
Overall, an enjoyable game, especially with the company of others, and a definite keeper for collectors and connoisseurs of fighting games :-)