Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Virtua Fighter Animation delivers a classic one-on-one fighting experience, streamlined for the Game Gear’s hardware. At its core, the controls are straightforward: button 1 for punches, button 2 for kicks, and up on the D-pad to jump. Fans of the Virtua Fighter series will recognize the framework of special maneuvers tied to directional inputs combined with attack buttons, though the overall move list is simplified compared to the 3D titles.

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The title offers two distinct modes: Story and Versus. In Story mode, you step into Akira Yuki’s shoes and progress through anime-style cutscenes before and after each bout. Each victory recruits a new ally—Pai Chan, Jacky Bryant, Wolf Hawkfield, Kage-Maru, Sarah Bryant or Lau Chan—expanding your roster for subsequent fights. The progression feels rewarding as your team grows, culminating in the high-stakes showdown against Dural.

Versus mode lets you pit any unlocked fighter against the CPU or a second player. While the CPU battles are unrestricted, the two-player matches remove Kage-Maru from selection, adding a minor twist to your strategy. Matches follow a best-of-three rounds format: deplete your opponent’s health, knock them out of the ring, or maintain a higher health total when time expires to secure victory.

Unique to the Game Gear version are three viewing modes—Normal, Large, and Real-Time—that simulate the zooming camera effect known from the main series. Normal mode shows smaller sprites from a distance, while Large mode zooms in for more detailed visuals. Real-Time alternates dynamically between the two, giving each round a cinematic flair that keeps the flow exciting and varied.

Graphics

Given the Game Gear’s limited color palette and resolution, Virtua Fighter Animation impresses with its crisp, identifiable character sprites. In Large mode, each fighter’s signature moves and personalities are more pronounced, allowing newcomers and series veterans alike to appreciate the visual nods to their favorite characters.

The Real-Time viewing option cleverly mimics the camera zooms of the arcade and console counterparts, enhancing the sense of impact when a Haymaker lands or a Leap Kick connects. It’s a simple yet effective trick that breaks the monotony of static backgrounds, even if the frequent zoom transitions can occasionally obscure fine visual details.

The anime-style cutscenes bookending fights showcase lush, hand-drawn art reminiscent of the Virtua Fighter Animation series. Though they’re brief, these sequences add significant charm, providing narrative context and breaking up the combat rhythm. On the flip side, the Game Gear’s sprite resolution can make some backgrounds look sparse, but the solid character animation helps maintain immersion throughout.

Overall, the graphical presentation strikes a balance between fidelity to the source anime and the technical constraints of a handheld device. Fans will appreciate the attention to signature costumes and facial expressions, even if some stages feel more functional than flashy.

Story

Virtua Fighter Animation’s Story mode follows the anime’s narrative structure, dividing the journey into acts, each corresponding to a pivotal fight. Starting as Akira Yuki, you defeat opponents one by one, rallying them to your side. This recruitment mechanic not only adds a light RPG element but also personalizes your path through the tournament.

The cutscenes are a highlight, offering snapshots of key plot beats between matches. While the dialogue is sparse, it captures the spirit of the anime, giving fans a chance to relive iconic moments in fighting game form. Each character’s motivation unfolds in miniature doses, making the journey from rival to ally feel rewarding.

The final confrontation with the enigmatic Dural carries weight because of the buildup through prior battles. Though the overarching story won’t rival modern narrative-driven fighters, it’s a concise and effective way to give context to the bouts. Casual players seeking pure action may breeze through the tale, but series enthusiasts will value the faithful retelling.

By the time the credits roll, you’ve experienced nearly every major character arc from the anime, from Pai’s determination to Jacky’s road-racing bravado. It’s a tight package that offers just enough story to keep battles meaningful without bogging down the pacing.

Overall Experience

Virtua Fighter Animation for the Game Gear is a surprising triumph in portable fighting, offering a compelling blend of arcade-style action and anime storytelling. The varied viewing modes, robust roster, and faithful cutscenes make it more than a simple port—it’s a distinct handheld entry that stands on its own merits.

For fans of 2D fighters and the Virtua Fighter universe, this title delivers nostalgia wrapped in solid mechanics. The simplified controls ensure accessibility while retaining enough depth for seasoned players to chain combos and master timing. The absence of a dedicated block button on the Master System version (present on Game Gear via Start) is a caveat, but the handheld package feels complete.

Casual players will appreciate the quick pick-up-and-play nature, especially in Versus mode with friends, while solo players will find the Story mode’s structure and recruitment system genuinely engaging. The lighting-fast rounds and three-mode camera perspectives keep each fight fresh, even in longer sessions.

Ultimately, Virtua Fighter Animation shines as a handheld fighter that respects its source material and cleverly adapts it to portable constraints. Whether you’re chasing high-score combos or reliving classic anime moments, this title offers a rewarding, on-the-go fighting experience that still holds up today.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10