Virtua Fighter 4 (PS2) Kumite Mode Gameplay (Wolf)
36This is just some gameplay of the Kumite Mode in Virtua Fighter 4 on the PS2. This is fresh from the beginning where I start bottom rung with 0 wins, and 0 losses. I'm rather rusty at the game, so don't expect to see any advanced maneuvers, I was looking at the book when I could during the load screens, but I still mostly tended to stick with what worked best for me.
This is easily my favorite 3D fighting game on the PS2. I never had a chance to play VF3, but I owned VF2 on the Saturn and played it a lot prior to VF4 releasing, so I was really excited for this game, and it didn't disappoint. VF4 scaled back the additions made in VF3, and went back to the basics. The arenas went back to being simple squares, and the got rid of the dodge button.
By comparison to more flashier fighters, sure, the arenas seem plain, but that was the idea. Sure, Soul Calibur, Tekken 4, and Doa 3 had more complex environments, but VF4 plays better than all of them if you ask me (the only real debate for me would be with SC, and not the other two weaker fighting series'). So they went back to basics with the designs, and the gameplay. The added modes may also seem pretty bland to those who want to play volleball on a beach, a weak beat 'em up, or bowl in their fighting games, but I found the Kumite mode to be extremely addictive. I'd say Soul Calibur's story mode is more in-depth, but the Kumite mode came really close to being it's equal IMO.
The Kumite mode simulates fighting opponents in the arcades. You start out at a weak ranking, and have to work your way up the ranking, and as you do you fight A.I. opponents of varying degrees of simulated skill. It's actually a lot like the online setup for modern fighters. The best of three fights wins. In the Kumite mode, you also unlock new outfits, and items for your characters depending on how you do. Overall, it's actually a really addictive mode to play.
VF4 also added a cool addition with the A.I. mode where you train an A.I. bot (by beating up on him, and they will learn the moves you like to use) how to fight, and then you can set him/her lose on the Kumite mode. You can even have them fight your friend's A.I. bot. It's really cool rooting for your little A.I. bot to whoop some ass in the Kumite mode.
NOTE: As much as I enjoyed VF4, I have yet to pick up Evolution. I need to get on that one, because it's been on my list for years.