Virtua Fighter 4 offers a selection of thirteen characters to engage in one-on-one beat 'em up action. Most of them are from previous games, but two of them are brand new to this game.
The game features the standard array of modes, including Arcade, VS, and Practice, as well as a new feature called "A.I. Sparring", where you train a player controlled by the computer using various moves and techniques.
There are numerous arenas to choose from, including some interactive ones that allow you to break away from the main ring. The environment affects the gameplay, with footprints on sand or snow, splashes in water, and broken floors when hitting opponents hard enough.
Each fighter has a wide range of moves, from basic punches and kicks to ten-hit combos and special attacks.