In a blink and you’ll miss it moment at The Game Awards, SEGA announced that Yakuza studio Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is working on a Virtua Fighter game.
It was then revealed that the game in question is Virtua Fighter 5 REVO, which is coming to Steam on January 27, 2025.
While it’s not exactly a long wait, the good news for retro gaming fans is that you can actually try it for yourself by playing the open beta this weekend.
However, in order to participate in the open beta on Steam, players will need to send a request to SEGA.
If you want to take part in the open beta, simply visit the Virtua Fighter 5 Steam page, scroll down the page and click ‘Request Access’.
The developer will send you an email to notify you when they’re ready to accept more participants. The beta runs until 5am GMT on the morning of December 17.
If you enjoy the game and want to pre-order ahead of launch, there are multiple editions available to purchase.
The regular version is available for just £12.79, which represents a 20% saving on the launch price.
All pre-order customers will receive additional customisation items modelled after the SEGA Mega Drive, Saturn and Dreamcast.
There’s also a 30th Anniversary Edition, which is priced at £31.99 until January 27.
The 30th Anniversary bundle contains the full game, as well as the Swimsuit Costume Set, the Sound Collection, artwork, the DLC Legendary Pack and “Ryu ga Gotoku” series Collaboration Pack, as well as the Anniversary Edition Special Title and Wallpaper Set.
Described as the “Ultimate Edition” of the popular fighting game, REVO adds Rollback Netcode support for smooth online play, as well as 4K visuals with new and improved high-resolution textures.
It features 19 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and customisation options.
According to the gameplay trailer above, this includes new balance changes and the return of popular moves and techniques from the past.
Modes include Rank Match, Arcade, Training, and Versus, as well as brand new 16-person online modes like Tournaments and League play.