Stages are slightly more detailed, with some improved texturing and additional light sources sprucing up various scenes, and the lighting model itself has been mildly expanded with a heavy increase in bloom and a few more reflective effects on some surfaces.
VF5 uses Sega's older Lindbergh hardware, while Final Showdown operates on the newer RingEdge board, featuring a faster Intel CPU/NVIDIA GPU combo and more RAM. The rendering technology behind the game's appearance hasn't quite changed so dramatically though, despite the switch to more powerful arcade hardware. From a variety of moves and timing changes to revised animations and a weightier feel to the physics, the difference over Virtua Fighter 5 is considerable, while the existing cast of 18 fighters is joined by another two combatants - newcomer Jean Kujo and veteran Sumo powerhouse Taka-Arashi from Virtua Fighter 3. The core gameplay mechanics have been reworked extensively.
Not only do you get an incredibly deep and rewarding fighting game, it also represents a sizeable gameplay leap over and above its five-year-old predecessor. Available for just £9.99 on PSN or 1200 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live, Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown represents something of a bargain.