Virtua Fighter 3tb | November 27, 1998
"Virtua Fighter 3" is a 3D fighting game developed by Sega AM2 (later Sega's 2nd Research and Development Division) and released by Sega Enterprises (later Sega). It was released in 1996 using the cutting-edge 3DCG arcade board "MODEL3." It is the third installment in the "Virtua Fighter" series.
"VF3" was released a year later in September 1997. The "tb" stands for team battle, which is a significant feature of this game. Unlike previous titles that focused on one-on-one matches, this game allows players to form teams with multiple characters (the same character can be selected) and engage in team battles.
On April 6, 1998, the game received the "1998 Computer World Smithsonian Award" from the Smithsonian Institution in the United States, recognizing its historical impact as computer software. Various materials from the series are now preserved in the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Later adaptations for other platforms were all titled "3tb." In 1998, it was released as a launch title for the Dreamcast, with the port handled by Genki. The fighting mode was not included; instead, it featured a single-player interruption format.
In 2023, it was launched as "3tb Online" on Sega's arcade platform ALL.Net P-ras MULTI Ver.3 (APM3), with the port developed by Ryu ga Gotoku Studio’s 1st CS Research and Development Division. Sega programmers utilized a MODEL3 emulator completed during work breaks to adapt "3tb" for current usage, including online battles and features for personal record cards (Aime cards) that track match history and ring names, viewable on the dedicated site "VF3tb Online.net."
In 2024, it will be featured as a minigame in "Yakuza 8" for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One, utilizing the "Dragon Engine" from "Yakuza 8."
Meanwhile, a port for the Sega Saturn was planned but ultimately canceled.
The 2nd World Fighting Tournament concluded with Kage Akira defeating Lau Chan in an intense battle. Some vowed to return, while others fulfilled their missions, each carrying their thoughts as they departed. A year and several months passed. Meanwhile, the evil organization "J6 (Judgment 6)" was increasing its influence in the shadows of the world, amid the spread of global pandemics and ongoing conflicts. Gradually, a massive dark shadow began to loom over the world.
Although Akira, the tournament champion, was not satisfied with his strength and aimed for a higher level, he continued training at the dojo with his grandfather. One day, an invitation to the "3rd World Fighting Tournament" arrived, featuring familiar faces and two new challengers. This time, there would be a total of 12 participants. Fueled by determination, Akira sensed the presence of rivals scattered across the world. A few days later, after receiving his grandfather's permission, he headed to the tournament venue.
