VF5FS Pre-Launch Party Interview with Patrick Riley

A Famitsu article claimed 600 ~ 900 items per character, yet in a Beyond Gaming interview and several others, Frank Hom mentioned 400 ~ 700 DLC items per character. Does this mean there will be ~200 items per character in the game that’s not part of the DLC packs? Or is there a difference in the games per region? Or just a typo?

The correct figure is 600-900, so it's probably just a typo or error with the math (division). It's also confirmed that there are no region specific differences when it comes to items.

Can you explain how replay saving and uploading will work?

A replay upload feature exists where you can either save your own match, or matches you spectate. There is no limit to the number of replays you are allowed to upload to the cloud.

The 20 year anniversary of Virtua Fighter is coming up soon, any special plans for 2013? Perhaps a collection of past Virtua Fighter games?

We're aware of the anniversary, but there's nothing we can talk about right now.

Is it possible that portable character profiles can be implemented at some point? Or does being a downloadable game come with certain limitations?

The difficulty with implementing this is largely due to 1st party limitations. (Note: 1st party here refers to Sony and Microsoft's regulations around digital titles).

Are you planning to do events outside of Japan to determine Star Players?

It really depends on longer term popularity of the game. We'd certainly consider doing something offline, but if you're asking for in-game "Star Player" status, then the answer is unfortunately no.

Is the game patchable to include other game modes at some point? (e.g. Knockout trial, Bingo, etc)

While it may be possible, there are no current plans to do so. It may be considered if game out-performs expectations and there's a perceived market need or benefit.

Can data be saved and shared to other consoles (button config, customisations, etc)

No.

Will pre-fight intros be included in the game?

No.

Will there be a challenge mode (of sorts) to practice combos?

While it may be possible, there are no current plans to do so.

Is it possible to transfer your costume data from VF5 to VF5FS?

No, while it wouldn't be possible to "transfer" the item, it may have been possible to "map across" your customisations from VF5 to VF5FS. Unfortunately, this was not considered.

If there’s another gameplay revision to this game in the arcades, would we get this update in a patch? Are there plans for another arcade revision?

It really depends on SEGA Japan, and their arcade plans. It's a somewhat complicated question to answer.

Any plans to further support FS after EVO?

Yes!

Will there be any Avatar items for the XBOX 360 Avatars?

Avatar collections are planned! (Exclusive #1![/size])

Will there be any Gamer Pics or Themes available for XBOX 360 and PS3 owners?

Yes, PSN Avatars for PSN and some exclusive dynamic theme for PSN will be available! (Exclusive #2![/size])

Will there be anything at all for people who played the older versions of VF5 and got all trophies and achievements?

No, but that's a cool idea! We've done this on other games, but it would have been difficult to do something since we're essentially giving away all the DLC! In other words, a possibility would have been to assign a rare item for those with 100% achievements.

Where do you see VF going in the West from this point on?

Difficult to answer, but is dependent on how well the game performs in the longer term.

Crossover titles are fairly commonplace nowadays, and with VF characters appearing in the upcoming DOA5, is there any future in a complete crossover between the two titles?

Not in a position to answer, since it’s being driven by SEGA Japan because they own the IP.

Are there any plans, or possibilities, of releasing additional items via DLC after the initial packs at launch?

Bad news: no. Good news: everything is in there already! With these kinds of things we say "never say never", but there are no plans right now.

What is the reasoning behind not being able to see other people’s customisations if you haven’t bought the DLC?

Compatibility packs were looked into, but couldn’t be done for reasons that can’t be fully disclosed (mainly around 1st part regulations).

Are there any chances for a portable version of VF, perhaps on the Vita?

Nothing to announce.

Which characters will be in the demo?

To confirm, the demo will only be available on XBOX 360. Also it will include some Training mode functionality, Score Attack mode, and characters Jean, Taka, Sarah and Jacky will be playable. (Exclusive #3![/size])

When playing Offline versus mode, can both players use items/custom characters?
Yes.

Will VF5FS include subtitles for opening/victory intros?
No.

Note: Pat wondered if people prefer to have mix of different languages spoken (like it is now), or would they prefer everything in English? And does it bother people that, for example, Chinese characters speak japanese?

Is DLC like VF5R stages a possibility?

No current plans, but "never say never". These enhancements are usually left out as a result of a trade-off on filesize due to digital title limitations.

Is there anything censored in the English version?

No. For example, Shun will turn red when drunk.

When will the demo be released?

XBLA Demo will be released on the game release date

Will item win poses be included? Will they work online?

Yes, these are included in the console versions. They are made available by equipping specific items and are played either at random or according to one of four player commands. Please note however that these poses cannot be selected during online play.

Will there be anything else at stake during a ranking match? Will there be special titles, or ranks?

There'll be nothing additional at stake. The Ranking System will be as per the arcade.

Has the lobby (waiting) music been changed?

Yes.

Can you change characters in an online player match while in a lobby, or do you have to exit back out and come back in again?

Yes, you can change characters without having to leave the lobby.

Is the win/loss ratio tied to your character profile (like in VF5), or are they tied to the individual character?
Thought to be character specific

Tied to Profile

Will there be a PR message (two line) for online play?

No. Due to 1st party regulations, this is not possible for online.

End of interview

Yes to being able to change characters without leaving the room.

Original post updated for clarity.