#virtua striker 2

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A preview of 'Virtua Striker 2' on the Dreamcast. Source: A Dreamcast Q1 2000 Retail Video.

[lotusyiyen]

[retrogamingloft]

Virtua Striker 2 is an arcade soccer game developed by Sega AM2 and released in 1997 for the Sega Model 3 arcade hardware. As the second installment in the Virtua Striker series, it was one of the earliest fully 3D soccer games, praised for its stunning visuals and fluid animations. However, if you ask me, its gameplay is as restrictive as it is frustrating.

Dribbling is nearly impossible, as ball possession lasts mere seconds before an opponent inevitably tackles you. There are no skill moves, and passing is unreliable, often intercepted before reaching the intended player. On top of that, both in attack and defense, your teammates tend to position themselves poorly, often ruining potentially dangerous chances or leaving absurd gaps for opponents to exploit.

A sprint button wasn’t common in arcade soccer games at the time, but given the ambition behind this project—and how annoying the gameplay turned out—they could have added one in one of the many updated versions. They didn’t, though.

The result is a chaotic, almost pinball-like experience, where players must move the ball forward as quickly as possible, relying on counterattacks rather than controlled play. Scoring goals can be spectacular, but setting up those opportunities feels more like a battle against the game’s mechanics than a test of skill.

While its visuals were leagues ahead of the competition, many earlier arcade soccer games offered a far smoother and more engaging experience. Super Sidekicks (SNK, 1992) and Tecmo World Cup '90 (Tecmo, 1989), despite their simpler 2D graphics, allowed for better ball control, smoother passing, and more strategic playmaking. Konami’s Soccer Superstars (1995), though far less realistic in presentation, provided a much more dynamic experience, featuring special moves, effective dribbling mechanics, and a greater sense of player agency.

When Virtua Striker 2 Ver. 2000.1 was ported to the Sega Dreamcast in 1999, its shortcomings became harder to ignore. While the gorgeous graphics and high-speed action remained intact, its stiff controls, lack of depth, and exasperating mechanics were impossible to overlook in a home console setting, where players expected more than just an arcade spectacle. Eventually, Virtua Striker 3 (2002) addressed some of these issues, making its predecessor feel even more constrained in hindsight.

At the end of the day, Virtua Striker 2 is a game I have a love-hate relationship with. I can appreciate its nostalgic, high-energy arcade feel, but I can’t ignore its clunky, limiting gameplay. If Sega had refined the controls, added dribbling mechanics, and provided more freedom in ball movement, it could have been one of the greatest arcade soccer games of all time—if not one of the greatest arcade games, period. Instead, it’s a spectacle that looks better than it plays, often leaving me fighting the game itself rather than my opponents.

[superbbirdofparadise]

Like it says in the picture, this Bean is from Virtua Striker 2, a football/soccer game for the SEGA Dreamcast, and Rouge is from the infamous Pakistan McDonald's Sonic Heroes Happy Meal toys commercial.

I'm actually surprised no one has pick Fleetway Sonic as the worst Sonic since I Know they bitch and moan about how mean he treated Tails.

Next, why is Underground! Eggman the worst? The dude tried to MARRY SONIC'S MOM! That's fucking funny and his good version design is awesome too!

They should have put Satam, that versión of Eggman is as cliché as It gets. Ew.

Also WTF when did this horrible version of Rouge came out? And Bean? Someone tell me where they are because I don't Know their origins.

And finally I belive that 06 Blaze was peak Blaze too even if confusing for some. Idk about rivals! Silver, I only Know He stole from Tails.

That's All.

[adokle]

Bean, at his Virtua Striker scale more or less.

---

Using physical size as an indicator of the passage of time, we can determine that Bean the Dynamite's chronology goes:

Sonic series (Sonic sized, Small next to Eggman (And Fighting Vipers 1 humans))

->

Fighter's Megamix (Slightly shorter than a grown human)

->

Virtua Striker 2 (Significantly larger than a grown human, as illustrated)

---

Like Kong, he's likely still growing...

[neoclassic-sonic]

Fang the Hunter Miniseries Thoughts

I really like these panels from Fang the Hunter #1, it's a neat callback to their appearances related to Fighters Megamix.

Referencing Bean, a 15 year old duck who's into sports (particularly soccer! which in itself is a reference to his cameo in Virtua Striker 2) and Bark who has had a history of cooling problems as shown in his Fighters Megamix comic

In general I really like how the Fang the Hunter mini-series works as a soft-reboot for the Hooligans (or a return to form). Seeing as the Hooligans as a unit was an Archie-original thing, I /did/ felt kinda off seeing them as a unit in Mania and subsequently Seasons of Chaos. While Bean was written moreso morally gray with a penchant for chaos and Bark was written as ''hanging with a bad crowd'', (imo) it didn't really honor (admittedly what little) they had with their original StF appearances and Fighters Megamix profiles as non-villains.

Don't get me wrong I loved the hooligans, Fang and his mooks worked really well cohesively as a design and as a unit. I just really welcome their return to form, especially in preparation for Fang's Big Break and Sonic Superstars where Fang is back more than ever as a villain for Classic Sonic.

And I felt that the energies and dynamics they established in Fang the Hunter adds more depth to them as characters. Re-establishing the unique bond Bark and Bean have with each other.

There's always been this underlying question of ''why does Bark hangout with the Hooligans when he's not really inclined for misdeeds?'' and it's nice to know the answer is ''to keep Bean in check.'' Bark is there for a reason. (btw I don't mean to imply Bark only sticks around for Bean, he also loves to fight and use his fists as shown in Seasons of Chaos when he squares off against Knuckles and Mighty (Which I think is nice, out of everyone from StF, I like that the fighting aspect is carried through with Bark.) and when he was about to use his fist on Eggman's doors.)

''What about Bean then?'' also answered in the same panel, ''because it's been fun!'' which is authentic to this chaotic streak they've got for Bean which I love! But their involvement with Fang is called into question when... it's not fun anymore. As Bean said ''you need us more for backup than we do you for inspiration.''

Bean says he likes the wacky jobs, which come to him via Fang who is a merc for hire, but he calls in to complaint the fact Fang keeps getting jobs from Eggman. Ergo his (and Bark's) companionship to Fang is dependent on whether Fang can keep Bean entertained.

(I know this is a gag panel but I want to bring attention to Bark's expressions here, we've consistently seen since Seasons of Chaos and Amy's 30th Anni, Bark holds Amy's opinion of him in high regard, and is visibly ashamed when he has to do her wrong. Fang also regrets it but that's more of having to deal with Amy's hammer I think.)

It leads into this interesting balance they have this tension and are knowingly... well I don't want to say ''fake'' but they have their reservations about each other. Bean outright calls out that Fang is ''pretending to like them'' and there is sarcasm dripping from ''So Happy you're sticking with me''. This relationship is business!

I don't mean to say Fang doesn't care about Bean and Bark, while they're under his leadership he sees them as ''his'', teammates he's responsible for.

It's a consistent trait he's had since Amy's 30th.

And I do want to point out that Bean and Bark /do/ like Fang as well, it's just the history of being let down over and over again that's burnt them out from partnering with him.

These panels also shed some insight on how Fang values his relationships. He's a ''you scratch my back I'll scratch yours'' kinda guy. He HATES being crossed and is willing to turn his back on something that will bite him in the ass and he's shown this off before.

He doesn't have loyalty with Eggman necessarily, it's moreso a loyalty to himself, his bike, money and people he's contracted with (Bean and Bark, Eggman). He's loyal to you as long as you don't stab him in the back. The slightest hint that you're a burden to him? He'll cut you off. Which I think really works for him as a selfish mercenary character.

This selfishness is what ultimately rubs Bean and Bark the wrong way.

Bean cares about Bark and Bark cares about Bean, Bean is especially disappointed when Fang implies leaving without Bark.

After seeing that their search amounted to nothing? Especially after almost getting KILLED? Bean cuts thins off with Fang and takes Bark with him.

And as for Fang?

After losing Bean and Bark, things lead to Fang's Big Break and he appreciates not having to share his rewards anymore.

Overall I felt this was a very natural way of explaining why Bean and Bark are no longer with him and also allowing Fang to be more villainous in Superstars. Especially his treatment/apathy towards Trip the Sungazer.

[annon-guy2]

Video Game Martial Artist Battle Royale Poll

Note 1: They are allowed to use their Energy Based Attacks along with their natural talent.

Note 2: While Akatsuki has the Blitz Motor, it is implanted into him, so it's technically a part of him, so he's allowed as well.

Note 3: Heart's powers come from her bonded Arcana, but even so, she too is allowed.

[conceptmobius]

Those are better walk animations than they had in Adventure 2!

~Ryan

Onto The Field ‘Virtua Striker 2002’ Gamecube Support us on Patreon

[itsfantasticac]

Sega Game Triathlon was a press event held at Sega headquarters in1995. Staff from major gaming publications would compete in Indy 500, Virtua Striker, and Virtua Fighter 2, to crown an overall winner. Attendees included Virtua Fighter legend Bunbun-maru, representing Famitsu.

Gamest magazine no. 152 (Oct. 15, '95), pg. 235

[archoneddzs15]

Sega Dreamcast - Dreamcast Express Extra

Title: Dreamcast Express Extra / ドリームキャスト エクスプレス エクストラ

Developer/Publisher: Sega

Release year: 1999

Catalogue No.: 610-7709

Genre: Demo Disc

A special sample disc given away to Dreamcast buyers for a very short period of time. The disc includes the following:

PLAYABLE DEMO GAMES:

Cool Boarders BURRRN

Shutokou Battle

Sonic Adventure International

Soul Calibur

Chu Chu Rocket

VIDEO PREVIEWS:

Shenmue

Space Channel 5

Dream Flyer

Virtua Striker 2 ver.2000.1

Seaman

[newfalco]

Triforce Arcade Collection en Wii U - Virtua Striker, Mario Kart Arcade GP 1 & 2 y F-Zero AX.

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A Japanese trailer for 'Virtua Striker 2 V. 2000' on the Dreamcast.

[posthumanwanderings]

[retrogamingloft]

Virtua Striker is an arcade football game developed and published by Sega in 1994, running on the Model 2 arcade hardware. It was one of the first soccer games to feature fully polygonal 3D graphics, marking a significant shift from the sprite-based visuals of its predecessors. The game was built for arcade play, focusing on fast-paced, high-energy matches rather than realistic football mechanics.

The game follows a knockout-style tournament format, where players choose from 18 national teams and must win multiple rounds to claim the championship. Matches are played with a single continuous timer, typically lasting around two minutes per game, though this could vary depending on the arcade's settings. In the event of a tie, the game could either go directly to a penalty shootout or feature an extra-time period with a golden goal rule, also subject to the operator’s configuration.

For its time, Virtua Striker was a technical showcase. The Model 2 hardware powered fully 3D stadiums, animated crowds, and dynamic camera angles, creating a visually striking experience. Player models were angular due to the limitations of early 3D rendering, but they were well-animated and visually impressive for the time, with distinct uniforms that made each team recognizable. Sound design included stadium ambiance, crowd chants, and minimal but effective commentary, reinforcing the arcade atmosphere.

Everything sounds great so far, right? Well… not exactly.

The controls are simple, featuring a joystick for movement and three buttons—pass, lob, and shoot. There is no sprint button or advanced dribbling system, meaning gameplay relies heavily on basic passing and shooting mechanics. However, passing is unreliable, often feeling like a gamble when trying to move the ball forward or execute a through pass.

Defending is equally problematic, as both the player's team and the AI struggle to react properly to crosses. Any ball sent into the box has a high chance of leading to a goal, regardless of positioning. The goalkeepers are even worse—if a player gets a one-on-one opportunity, it's almost always a goal, as the keeper frequently remains motionless, making no effort to save the shot. This results in a chaotic, counterattack-heavy style of play, where defensive structure is almost nonexistent.

Anyway, despite its mechanical flaws, Virtua Striker was a commercial success, drawing players in with its impressive 3D graphics and accessible controls. It remained an arcade-exclusive title for many years before later receiving an arcade-perfect port on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, preserving (unfortunately, lol) the original experience without modifications.

[vgprintads]

‘Virtua Striker 2: ver. 2000.1′

[DC] [FRANCE] [MAGAZINE] [2000]

“With players so well-built, football risks becoming a chick’s game.” ~Ad Caption

More French beefcake? Well, gotta make up for all these past Sextembers!

Source: Consoles Max, February 2000 (#08) || Abandonware Magazines

[sonichedgeblog]

Extremely rare footage of Bean appearing in the Dreamcast version of ‘Virtua Striker 2′. You have to beat the CPU 50 times as the secret FC SEGA team, be losing, & swap players in the 2nd half.