The fighting game community is buzzing with speculation about Virtua Fighter 6, SEGA’s long-awaited return to the ring after a 20-year hiatus. With the landscape of fighting games now dominated by live-service models, seasonal DLC, and guest characters, it’s almost a given that VF6 will need to play ball to stay competitive.

As highlighted by a recent post from EXGaiden on X (formerly Twitter), the question isn’t if Virtua Fighter 6 will feature guest characters, but who they’ll be. SEGA’s rich catalog of iconic characters offers a treasure trove of possibilities, and with VF6 expected to make a splashy comeback, the inclusion of guest fighters could be the key to winning over both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Let’s dive into our top five picks for guest characters who could bring the heat to Virtua Fighter 6.

1. Kiryu Kazuma (Yakuza / Like a Dragon)

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Kiryu Kazuma, the Dragon of Dojima, is practically tailor-made for Virtua Fighter. With the Yakuza series being one of SEGA’s most beloved franchises, Kiryu’s inclusion would be a no-brainer. His brawler-style combat, grounded in street fighting and martial arts, aligns perfectly with VF’s realistic approach.

Imagine Kiryu squaring off against Akira Yuki in a battle of SEGA legends. The hype would be unreal. While Kiryu could be a launch character to draw in casual fans, SEGA might also save him for a Season 1 DLC to maximize revenue. Either way, his inclusion would be a guaranteed win.

2. Beat (Jet Set Radio)

This one might raise a few eyebrows, but hear us out. Beat, the rollerblading graffiti artist from Jet Set Radio, might seem like an odd fit for Virtua Fighter’s grounded combat. However, SEGA has a history of experimenting with wildcard fighters.

Back in 1995, SEGA AM2 developed Fighting Vipers, a spin-off of Virtua Fighter that featured quirky characters like a rockstar and a rollerblader. Beat could channel that same energy, bringing a fresh, unconventional fighting style to the roster. Picture him grinding on his skates for mobility and using spray cans as improvised weapons. It’s crazy, but it just might work.

3. Adam Hunter (Streets of Rage)

The Streets of Rage 4 resurgence cemented Adam Hunter as one of SEGA’s most iconic brawlers. A street fighter with a kickboxing-inspired move set, Adam would fit seamlessly into Virtua Fighter’s world.

While his SoR4 incarnation features some flashy, cartoonish effects (like green flames on his kicks), SEGA could easily tone these down to match VF’s more realistic aesthetic. Adam’s inclusion would not only please Streets of Rage fans but also serve as a bridge between two revitalized SEGA franchises.

4. Joe Musashi (Shinobi)

Rumors of a Shinobi revival have been circulating for years, and what better way to reintroduce the series than by featuring its titular ninja in Virtua Fighter 6? Joe Musashi’s acrobatic combat style and ninjutsu techniques would make for a fascinating contrast to Kage-Maru’s more traditional ninja moves.

A rivalry between the two could add depth to both characters’ lore, while also serving as a marketing opportunity for a potential Shinobi reboot. Plus, who doesn’t want to see a ninja showdown in a modern fighting game?

5. Ryo Hazuki (Shenmue)

If Kiryu is the face of modern SEGA, Ryo Hazuki is the spiritual grandfather of the Yakuza series. The protagonist of Shenmue has been absent from the spotlight for far too long, and his inclusion in Virtua Fighter 6 would be a dream come true for fans.

Ryo’s martial arts training and quest for vengeance make him a natural fit for VF. His move set could draw from traditional Chinese martial arts, offering a fresh yet familiar playstyle. The emotional resonance of seeing Ryo in a modern SEGA game would be enough to get fans talking—and playing.

 

Honorable Mentions and the Need for New Blood

While our list focuses on guest characters, it’s worth noting that Virtua Fighter could also benefit from introducing new original fighters to its roster. A fresh face could help new players connect with the series without feeling overwhelmed by its legacy.

That said, the lack of strong female guest candidates from SEGA’s catalog is a noticeable gap. While VF already boasts an impressive lineup of fighters like Sarah, Vanessa, and Pai, adding a high-profile female guest character could further diversify the roster. Perhaps a character from Bayonetta or Phantasy Star could fill this role in the future - if SEGA decide to abandon realism in favour of sales. However, it would be much preferred to see a newly created character fill that gap.

Final Thoughts

Guest characters are a divisive topic in the fighting game community, but there’s no denying their ability to draw in new players and generate buzz. For Virtua Fighter 6 to succeed in today’s competitive landscape, SEGA will need to pull out all the stops. Whether it’s Kiryu, Beat, or Ryo, the right guest character could be the key to ensuring VF6 isn’t just a comeback—it’s a knockout.

What do you think of our picks? Who would you like to see in Virtua Fighter 6? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to join the Virtua Fighter community on X for more discussions like this!

 

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