AOU represents the first time VF5 has been put on display in playable form at a trade show. Previously, the game has appeared on location test in Tokyo arcades (for a hands-on look from late last year, check out this story).
The AOU version of the game has clearly advanced beyond the location test versions, as one can immediately discern from the show trailer that we've uploaded (click the "video" link below and start downloading!). In addition to new effects, including some particularly convincing muddy water in a new canyon stage, the trailer shows the return of a few classic stages, like Shun's bridge stage and Jeffrey's island stage. The game also seems to have received a boost in the animation department, with what appears to be character motion blur helping to make movement smooth.
Most show goers seemed to be interested in the two new characters Sega has prepared for VF5, El Blaze and Eileen. While the identity of both characters was revealed a while back, today we got first details on their background stories.
It turns out that both characters have a connection to one of the older VF fighters. El Blaze, who uses Lucha Libre and hails from Mexico, is jealous of the stardom Wolf has attained, and has entered this fifth tournament in order to surpass the heavy weight wrestling champ. Eileen, who uses Kou-Ken and hails from China, lost her father in her youth and was raised by grandfather. In addition to her Kou-Ken training, she enjoys the opera, and came to idolize Pai upon seeing her performance. One thing lead to another, and now she's in VF5.
Both of these characters are fast. El Blaze, who may look big at first glance, is actually a lot smaller than the larger VF5 characters -- most notably Wolf (in the storyline, El Blaze is a junior heavy weight compared to Wolf's heavy weight). El Blaze has some lightning fast moves, as we discussed in our previous hands-on play test. While we didn't get a chance to try out Eileen today, her speed should be apparent from the trailer.
Sega also unveiled an exciting new system today. VF5 will let players save replays and convert them to movie form. The movies can then be viewed once players return home. While we don't know of the specifics on how this system will work, Sega imagines players analyzing their weaknesses and also saving permanent records of their best fights.
With all the technical innovations going into VF5, one might wonder if Sega is planning on doing away with real life tournaments. That won't be the case, Sega has assured. As it did with previous VF games, Sega will be holding old-fashioned tournaments on a regular basis.
And when VF5 arrives (Japanese arcade distribution is reportedly set for June), you can start practicing.