Virtua Fighter 5 is an excellent fighter, and a welcome addition to the VF series. The graphical evolution between this game and 4 is impressive, and lots of the mechanics of the previous game have been transported over nicely, while improvements such as side-steps/side-hits, a more varied combo system, etc., have been added. The customization is absolutely top notch here, as you can really make a character look like your own, and while the game has a lot of depth that can make it a bit intimidating for new comers, like I was when I first bought the game, training, and time investment will make you a much better player. Side content is sparse unfortunately in this ver. of the game, and I can't speak to how good/bad the Final Showdown update is, since I haven't played it, but this game, VF 5 Vanilla, is an excellent purchase if you're a fighting game fan.

This game. It really is something, I'll give you that. Dead or Alive 4 is a solid fighter. At the time, it was a demonstration of the 360's impressive graphical abilities, and also managed to retain the excellent and well-received combat mechanics of DOA 3. The game has a nice roster, a memorable cast full of both returning and new (at the time) characters, and visuals that hold up to this day. HOWEVER, DO NOT pick up this title if you are a newbie to the DOA series. Opt for DOA 3 instead. WHY? Cause this game, while attempting to shake up the DOA formula, throws in ridiculously unforgiving cpu opponents, counter moves that are more difficult to execute, amongst other things that just make the game a chore to play at times, if your new. This was my first proper introduction to the DOA series, and the amount of times I raged was ridiculous. If you are a beginner, come back to this game when you've become more used to the DOA series' mechanics. Still an excellent game, with a decent amount of content, but beginners, you have been warned.

Shin Megami Tensei If... is certainly nowhere near as good as the previous two entries in the series, like SMT 1 and 2, and if you didn't like the previous two entries in the series, you'll find nothing to appreciate here. With all that said, saying this game is under at least a solid 3 stars really isn't valid in my personal opinion. The gameplay is very similar to SMT 1 and 2, so that can be a pro or con depending on your takes on those games. The story is straight forward and simple, but that isn't a bad thing. Some of the new mechanics introduced in the game serve as pre-cursors to the Persona series, which is interesting. If anything, the game falls into the same trappings as most early SMT games. With that being said, there are some aspects of this game that are downright awful, such as the World of Sloth (which is made obvious in some of the other reviews). The multiple story routes are interesting, and add a bit of depth to each of your companion characters. Otherwise, the hate for this game is mostly un-warranted, as unless you didn't like the first two games in the series, your getting pretty much the same experience here.