Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku continue to work hard on the next Virtua Fighter game, having released several trailers that emphasize fighting as the central focus of what we’ve seen so far. Entering an all-new chapter of the series is a daunting task, and we had the opportunity to sit down with producer Riichiro Yamada to discuss the balance between old and new elements, Wolf’s redesign, and the approach behind the trailers released to this point.
For Yamada, it’s an honor to be part of the newest Virtua Fighter installment. He expressed deep respect for the series’ early major contributors, especially Yu Suzuki, and shared that he is both excited and nervous about carrying on their legacy.
One of the biggest challenges the team faces is deciding which features and aspects of the series should be preserved and which should evolve. To help maintain the core experience, the development team has brought on a battle manager who was deeply involved in previous Virtua Fighter titles. This ensures that longtime players will find familiar elements and that the fighting balance is as refined as possible.
When it comes to exploring new opportunities, Yamada explained that the team considers several factors, such as each character’s motivations for fighting and their position in the series timeline following Virtua Fighter 5.
A favorite among fans, Wolf Hawkfield, is making a return after coming out of retirement. For his comeback to pro wrestling, the developers emphasized the flashy entertainment aspect, shifting Wolf towards a more showman-like appearance. This is a departure from his almost strictly athletic battle gear seen in previous games.
Finding the right balance between introducing fresh ideas and keeping things recognizable for longtime fans has been a daily challenge for Yamada and his team. It’s an ongoing process that reflects their dedication to honoring the series’ heritage while pushing it forward.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146022/new-virtua-fighter-project-interview