14 DAY TRIAL // What will be the first next-gen arcade fighting, Virtua Fighter 5 now has an exact release date. Looks like Sega's next gen will be coming to game consoles sooner than expected.
As you probably know, Virtua Fighter 5 will be a PlayStation 3 title, so hurry and get a Sony next-gen (I'm assuming you don't have one yet). 1Up reports that Virtua Fighter 5 will hit stores on February the 20th, two weeks after the game is released in Japan. There is still no word on how much will the actual game cost, but considering that the Japanese version will retail for 8190 yen, some US$ 70, it will be quite expensive.
Sega also plans to release a joystick specially designed for this PS3 game, called Virtua High Stick Grade, which will retail for 7329 yen, meaning US$ 63. You will be able to hook-up this device to your PS3 via USB cable. It features arcade-like lever and buttons so you won't have to leave your house for that unique arcade hall experience.
Virtua Fighter 5 will feature two brand new characters as well as some returning heroes from previous installments. Akira Yuki, Pai Chan, Shun Di, Lion Rafale, Kage-Maru, Jeffry McWild, Vanessa Lewis, Brad Burns, Dural, Lau Chan and Lei-Fei will make their way back into Virtua Fighter. The newcomers are Eileen, a girl who uses the Monkey Kung Fu style, and a lucha libre wrester called El Blaze.
To tell you the truth, I can't wait for this game to come out, given the fact that I'm a fan of the series. But I hope that it won't be a PS3 exclusive because I don't see myself buying one just yet.