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   By the end of February, the PlayStation 3 will get another "temporary exclusive" title, this time from SEGA, when their traditional Virtua Fighter series will be unleashed in next-gen format. Having already debuted in Japan at the arcades last year, Virtua Fighter 5 has gone gold just this week for the PS3, and it's still very far away from completion on Microsoft's Xbox 360. Unless you're paranoid enough to think that they're holding it back on purpose - something that has never been attested in the history of gaming (*cough* not since the last Zelda game came out on the GameCube one month ago).

   SEGA's announcement confirms that Virtua Fighter 5 will be released on the PlayStation 3 as intended, in the US, on February 20. Prior to this, the last release in the series dates back to August 2003, when Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution ironically marked the end of the series' evolution for another three and a half years.

   The new VF5 was developed by SEGA's internal studio AM2, and promises to deliver fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action as players head into battle, taking on a host of popular characters. The game will introduce two new dynamic characters - El Blaze and Eileen - complete with new fighting techniques and from completely different backgrounds. Players will be able to modify their characters by selecting from four base costumes and then decorate them by attaching a wide range of unlockable and earnable items. Players will not only achieve victory by defeating highly-skilled opponents, but also by competing for prizes and earning in-game money allowing them to buy many items at an in-game shop. Further building upon the depth of the series, players will now be able to move around their opponent using an "Offensive Move" technique, adding a new strategic element to their battles. End quote...

   Amazing as it may sound, despite the console's place of birth - and thus inherent affinity to fighting games - we have yet to witness a true invasion of butt-kicking, limbs-breaking, head-banging, chicks-screaming fighting games on the PlayStation 3. After all, Fight Night Round 3 can hardly be considered a representative of the genre, but that's about all there is right now on the PS3.