On release of the Saturn version, "Sega Saturn Tsūshin" scored the game a 38 out of 40. "Famicom Tsūshin" would score the same version a 36 out of 40 five months later. In a review of the Japanese release, "GamePro" praised the retention of the fighters, moves, varying camera angles, and controls of the arcade version, as well as the improved voice and sound effects and home version options, and concluded it to be "one of the best games ever bundled with a system". Their later review of the North American release was similarly laudatory, but remarked that "Tekken" and "Battle Arena Toshinden" for the soon-to-launch PlayStation were even better. "Next Generation", which also reviewed the game prior to the Saturn's USA launch, disagreed, contending that "What "Virtua Fighter" lacks in "Arena Tohshinden"s immediate graphical punch, it makes up for in grinding longevity." They particularly praised the game's depth and realism, and summarized that "The Saturn "Virtua Fighter" is, to all intents and purposes, the coin-op game brought home. And away from the arcade, under the harsh light of unhurried examination, its merits grow."