The newly launched Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. has made a splash with its inclusion of an Arcade Mode for solo gamers, but it’s crystal clear that Sega’s main focus is on the thrills of competitive online battles. In the quest to revive the almost two-decade-old Virtua Fighter 5 for the PC audience, implementing rollback netcode was at the forefront, ensuring smooth gameplay despite potential lag. This technical enhancement has ushered in a fresh chapter for both Virtua Fighter 5 and its entire series.
In a chat with Game Rant, Seiji Aoki, the man behind the Virtua Fighter legacy project and a key figure in crafting Virtua Fighter 4: Ultimate Showdown, shed light on the arduous yet essential task of embedding rollback netcode into Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. for its PC return. Thanks to this feature, the game promises a leveled playing field for both newcomers and seasoned fighters, making it arguably the finest way to enjoy this classic brawler.
The idea of rollback netcode isn’t just thrown around lightly—it’s a game-changer for online gaming, affecting millions who dive into competitive matches across countless genres. Often, inconsistent internet connections or simply being too far from a server can throw a wrench into your gameplay, causing input delays or other frustrating hiccups. Rollback netcode tackles this head-on, allowing for smooth, seamless action even mid-match, essentially resetting to your last input without a hitch.
In today’s world of fighting games, featuring rollback netcode is almost a must-have, seen in heavy hitters like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. joins this roster as the first of its 2006 predecessors to embrace rollback, aiming for an online multiplayer focus. As Aoki puts it, this addition “creates a fair start for everyone” and ensures stress-free play.
Taking a closer look at how rollback netcode redefines Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., it’s evident that this update breathes new life into the title. While the crisp visuals and fluid gameplay are apparent improvements, it’s the seamless integration of rollback netcode that underpins the whole experience. This was no easy feat, according to Aoki, who described it as a “technical challenge” to mesh this feature with the core of the original game. Yet, it seems Sega is committed to reinvigorating the series, making a bold return to the PC platform and tapping into the growing pool of competitive fighters.
Aoki reflected on the potential of expanding to PC, pointing out its rising demand amongst gamers:
“In today’s fighting game scene, the push for PC compatibility is unmistakable. We’re confident this upward trend will only gain momentum, making PC support indispensable moving forward.”
The incorporation of rollback netcode in Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. isn’t just a nod to new-age gaming but a pivotal step in rejuvenating the series’ standing among PC gamers and ensuring long-term interest and enjoyment for its dedicated followers.
