The sound is the weakest portion of the game; there is just not much to it. Level specific background music plays, and each character has their own grunts or screams. Aside from that, there is the myriad of effects that come from attacks. A better soundtrack would not have been unwarranted, though you hardly need any kind of fireworks for the fighting. This is not a later version of Street Fighter with incredible super moves, punches, kicks, and there is no need for the game to elicit giant explosions. Still, a little more would have been nice. To its credit, the music coordinates with the style of level well. When it comes to the voice work, it ranges from bad to awful. It sounds like something right out of a recent Steven Segal movie.

The controls also could benefit from a little tweaking. Due to the fine tuned combat mechanics, players can ill afford a misstep. The 360 controller is just not the optimal piece of hardware for the job. Those not shy about shelling out the bucks will probably prefer to pick up the arcade fighting stick. It is a welcome addition for those who take this game seriously. For others just looking to have fun with their friends, I wouldn't spend the extra money. For as frustrating as the controls are, they are not bad enough to throw down sixty bucks. They work well enough that it really will not matter most of the time. Probably the best use of the 360 pad comes in the triggers, which serve as a combination of block and punch or punch and kick therefore making some difficult moves easier to execute.

Better late than never for 360, and in this case way better because VF5 came bearing the all important gift of online play. It can not be debated that this is a hardcore gamers' fighting game, but even those looking to just pick up and play will find more than enough to enjoy in this title.

By Tom Kelly
CCC Freelance Writer

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