"A CLONE OF A CLONE?"

We have heard an earful about Dolly, the sheep that got cloned in the U.K. from a single cell. Well, in my book the fighting games from Sega's AM divisions (particularly # 2) share the same structure and gaming DNA. There are obvious jumps (in graphics and gameplay) from the original "Virtua Fighter" to "VF2", "Virtua Fighter Kids", "Sonic Fighting Game", and now "Fighting Vipers".

Although the gameplay isn't broke and definitely doesn't need fixing, you better be damned addicted to Sega's style of fighters in order to get a fill from "FV". The feeling of "deja vu" is approaching (but not getting anywhere near) a "Street Fighter" level of being there and done that. With all of the above being said, I have to admit that "FV" is kick-butt, adrenaline-pumping, finger-smashing fun for those not feeling jaded by the similarities (in high quality of design, that is) between it and the "Virtua" series.

GRAPHICS / SPECIAL EFFECTS: A -

It took a while to get adjusted to the low resolution, the instances of slowdown, and the lack of transparency effects on some stages (particularly Raxel's elevating stage). The smooth 60 frames-per-second, though, are worth the sacrifices. The characters are big, the backgrounds are adequate and the light-sourcing is generous. If the Saturn is being squeezed, as we've read in trade reviews, then the "Virtua Fighter 3" upgrade will be icing on top of good cake.

SOUNDS / MUSIC: A -

The crunches, punches and yells are the closest to what it would be like if you were inside a cage where two people are beating the you-know-what out of each other (that would be the Octagon in the Ultimate Fighting Championship...and who the hell wants to be there?). Some of the tracks remind me of garage-band music or wanna-be punk, but fits the premise of the game. However, the characters taunts and the announcer sound muffled; they pale compared to the arcade effects, which is a shame since the rest of the audio kicks.

GAMEPLAY: A

If you're like me (my deepest sympathy), you never played the arcade version of "FV" that much because of the difficulty and the obscenely short time for every round (you can't stage a comeback in less then 30 seconds with that wicked an Artificial Intelligence). Now, in the comfort of our own home and with friends on the couch, the depth of "FV" emerges and astounds the casual player. Juggles up the you-know-what, combos and 3D evading maneuvers. The training mode is a "Tekken 2" wannabe, but I'll take it.

My favorite character is (surprise!) Honey, because of taerial kick that can send the opponent flying and gives you time to plan the wall-throwing move that (if timed properly) will send either Tokio or Sanman (cheap and deeply disgusting bastards) through the walls. Therapeutic!

OVERALL: A -

If you've read my review of "Virtua Fighter Kids", I conclude it by saying that I intended to sell "FV" when "Megamix" comes out late this spring. After a handful of hours giving the game an extra try out (I've had it since December), I'm not so sure anymore. As a dedicated gamer with a N64, PSX, SNES and Saturn, I'm constantly shuffling my game collection and reselling games in order to get the cash for newer games (who said this hobby was cheap?).

Since there are so many copies of "Virtua Fighter 2" on, you can barely get $10 for it (Ridiculous! Although I don't play it or like it as much as before, it is a classic). "Fighting Vipeer" still commands a hefty resale value ($25), but that's gone when "Megamix" hits. What I'm trying to say is that all this AM2 fighters are clones from each other, and it is hard to justify having all of them unless you're a die-hard fan of the series (in which case, have a cake and eat it! "FV" rules!).

The quality of "Fighting Vipers" has given me second thoughts about dispensing from it, since I'm a sucker for quality (and AM2 brawlers excel in that area). Your own personal feelings toward Sega fighting games should determine if "FV" is worth having when "Megamix" is nearing a US release. If you're new to the Saturn (suckered by the triple-pack promotion?), I'd say go for "Megamix" instead of "FV". If you're a Sega man (or gal), you probably have it already.

So, when is "Fighting Viper Kids" coming out?

OVERALL: A -
- J.M. Vargas