Virtua Fighter 2

Virtua Fighter 2 is a 3D 1v1 fighting game, similar in concept to other games of the series. Players select a character and attempt to use that character to overcome a series of opponents. This can be done by simply knocking the other character out (by dealing enough damage), or by knocking them out of the square "ring" where the fights occur. Each fight takes place over many rounds; typically, 3 rounds in a best-of-3 approach (though this can be varied).

The game is played with an eight-way stick to control character movement, and three buttons (guard, punch, and kick), which are used in various motions to pull off a character's signature attacks. The arena size could be adjusted to a tiny platform or 82 meters (269 feet). This is the only game in the series—other than Virtua Fighter Remix —that could have such size adjustments. The physical energy meter could also be adjusted to infinity , giving the player the advantage when beating opponents or practicing moves against the computer player.

Adjusting the arena to a smaller size and giving the characters infinite health could lead to mock sumo matches, wherein victory is achieved by knocking the other player's character out of the ring. Each character has their fighting style, loosely based on various real-world fighting methods, such as wrestling or eastern styles. Each character has many unique moves; however, like in the original Virtua Fighter, many characters share many moves with another character (for instance, Lau Chan and Pai Chan each practice similar forms of Kung Fu). In addition, the entire roster of characters shares certain moves and functions; for instance, every character has a basic throw that can be executed by pressing the guard and punch buttons simultaneously.

The number and variety of attacks possessed by each character have also been expanded, including counter-attacks and the ability to prevent throws (with rapid reactions required on the player's part). All nine characters from the original Virtua Fighter are once again playable in Virtua Fighter 2 . The sequel also adds two new characters: Shun Di , an old drunken fist master from China , and Lion Rafale , the French son of a wealthy businessman who uses praying mantis style kung fu . Additionally, Shun and Lion have the unique ability to perform "axis strikes," in which they would move around other characters' attacks, accentuating the game's 3D nature.