Joystiq [PlayStation]

Let's talk about the highlights, then we'll talk about the low...lights. First off, common to all reviews is the mention of how smooth and precise the timing needs to be for the fighting engine. The engine is, without a doubt, the most complex and most rewarding fighting engine to attempt realistic fighting styles, cramming in so many moves for each character that mastering just one is really your only option.

Another highlight given the nod by most reviews are the graphics -- the characters look absolutely stunning in 1080i (yeah, it says 720p, but there's a noticeable difference between the two... I can't get 1080p so I can't say anything for that). There's something nice about seeing the stitching in people's clothing, the veins in their incredibly toned muscles, and the wrinkles on their knuckles. There's a reason there are less than 20 characters: each of these were meticulously designed to look very kick ass.

Thirdly, a nod goes to the customization options allowed through the "Quest Mode", introduced back in VF4: Evolution if memory serves. Each character has four distinct outfits with more than enough crap to buy for said costumes to keep you playing for days on end, just to achieve that customized character you really wanted. Personally, I only play this mode because, to me, I consider it a "faux-online" mode of play: you fight against randomly customized opponents of varying skill, with unique ring names, tag lines, and win/loss ratios. It's a lot of fun.

Okay. Enough of the good, what's wrong with the game? Every review preaches the same: no online play. Yeah, while online play would be a nice addition to any fighter, you've got to recognize that the timing for this fighting system is really precise. Meaning, any amount of lag would spell doom for your match. The way the game is set up, though, really indicates that online will be added later on (if that's possible... it should be). The 360 version is supposed to have online play, right? Well, expect an update before then for the PS3 version, or at least upon the 360 version's release. If the online mode is installed directly onto the hard drive, wouldn't it technically have a faster connection? Give it time. Online will come.

Another gripe found in a few of the reviews are the limited backdrops. There are only a little over a dozen areas to visit and while some are really nice, others are kind of "meh". The lack of destructible environments (although damaging the edge of the ring is hella fun) is also noted.

AI is cited as being lacking by some reviewers. Obviously, they've played a lot of fighting games. I'm not very good at these types of games and the Quest Mode gives you the heads up on how skilled your enemy will be. They certainly range from "let me stand here and get pummeled" to "let you stand there and get pummeled" in my honest opinion. It's sort of a gateway into learning the character's moves. I think it was IGN who said something along the lines of "you can back up, run in and do a quick throw move over and over again until you win". Sure, you could do that, but you'll look like a tool who doesn't want to actually learn how to play the game. Button-mashing, also, does not get you very far. Take what you will from this.

I've got a personal agenda with one thing in this game. Now, I know it's a staple of the series, but... Ring Outs? If I want to toss someone over that golden railing and pummel them against a golden buddha statue, I should be able to now. It's just a personal thing -- it neither gives nor takes away from the game since it was a function in all of the VF titles.

Overall, this is an incredibly fantastic, deep, and addicting game that deserves your love. With beautiful graphics, nice scenery (albeit limited selection), amazing battle engine, a plethora of unlockables and whatever else... this game should be in your PS3 right now. If it isn't, because you want online play or would prefer the button mashing goodness of other titles, that's okay. Know that we firmly believe that online play is going to be added on. Those who have the title can attest: it's definitely set up in such a way that it's planned. So, our score:

PS3Fanboy: 9 out of 10 fists to the face

Who do you play as? I've really grown attached to Eileen. She's a force to be reckoned with... plus, she's the only girl in the game who isn't really, really tall.