In a announcement today comes word that Virtua Fighter 5 on the Xbox 360 is to feature online play. Additionally to this comes a host of other improvements that certainly distinguish itself from other versions of the came already available.

SEGA® Europe, Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. announced today that the highly-anticipated arcade fighting game, Virtua Fighter™ 5 for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, will feature an online versus mode at launch in Autumn 2007. The Xbox 360™ version of Virtua Fighter™ 5 is based on the latest arcade version update and features both analogue-stick and D-pad control, as well as vibration support. The game also includes an improved Quest mode featuring more CPU rivals, items, and emblems for character customization. The DOJO mode has added features including leaderboards, training move settings, improved throw and escape training, and the option to change your opponent’s position and recovery type. These all work to create a more refined DOJO mode where players can improve their fighting strategy.

This is great news, but only if it doesn’t have any show stopping lag issues. Fighting game fanatics will be the first to tell you that they don’t wont online play if it’s going to have lag, but if AM2 is willing to go forward with online play for the first time in any Virtua Fighter game to date then more power to them. Hopefully it will turn out better then that of Dead or Alive 4’s underwhelming online performance.

[Via Gamertag Radio]

-William “thewilleffect” Bell-