See more screens from Virtua Fighter 5 ...

It's no exaggeration that a good portion of Virtua Fighter fans have had to go through an emotional roller coaster ride this year. After all, PlayStation 3 owners have been playing Virtua Fighter 5 since March, leaving Xbox 360 owners to look on in envy. Even after the 360 edition was announced, its online multiplayer for Xbox Live was still a hotly debated topic. At first, Sega-AM2 said it wasn't possible because lag and developmental difficulties associated with online gaming would keep them from recreating an authentic arcade experience.

Fanboy Fodder

Aside from online support, there are a few other big differences between the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Virtua Fighter 5.

  • The PS3 version was modeled after "Virtua Fighter 5: Version B," but the Xbox 360 version will be modeled after Version C, the newest version released in Japanese arcades. In addition to improving the game's balance, Version C gives gamers a slew of new custom character items and smarter opponents. Also, a significant number of artificial intelligence (AI) ghosts have been added to the game's Quest Mode, and will feature more unique play styles. However, whether Version C's bewildering Bingo mini-game will make an appearance is still unknown at this point.
  • Sega claims that the backgrounds in the Xbox 360 version will look much crisper than they do in the PS3 version. See for yourself: PlayStation 3 vs. Xbox 360
After that, we can only imagine that Microsoft unloaded dumptrucks full of money in front of their offices because online fighting has now been confirmed for the Xbox 360. However, the online capable upgrade came at a heavy price. Although the companies involved originally promised fans a summer release date, we've just entered early October, and it's still not on store shelves. Still, Sega of America is confident that the fighter will make its anticipated October 30th release with the game's online modes completely intact. Curious, we headed to Sega's Winter Wonderland event last Wednesday with hopes of seeing the peer-to-peer online mode in full effect. Or not.

Trouble with the hotel's wireless Internet system meant no up-close look at the game. Virtua Fighter's product manager says the online lobbies will not be nearly as elaborate as the system in Dead or Alive 4. In essence, it may more resemble the minimalist lobby system found in the PS3 version of Tekken: Dark Resurrection instead, which emulates more of that "arcade feel" where people form an orderly line around each game machine. However, gamers will still be able to view live matches in progress and download matches from the Internet.

See more screens from Virtua Fighter 5 ...

The product manager also adds that Microsoft and Sega will work hand-in-hand to release downloadable add-on content for Xbox Live, which will include themes, gamerpics, and unique items gamers can use to customize their fighters. Mum's the word on whether or not these upgrades will be released to the public for free.

Apart from a few differences, both versions are said to be virtually identical, but we'll have to wait until later this month to see if that's true ... or not. Whatever happens, we call dibs on the 1P spot.