When the last "real" Street Fighter game came out over 10 years ago, it is safe to say that people had lost 1) a large part of their complaint, and 2) the fan base they had in their heyday in the 90s . Street Fighter 3 3rd Strike not really make much of an effect, with Ken and Ryo join a bunch of misfits, many people do not care. It was beautiful, technically astounding and a spirited fighter, but it simply can not find a cord with the masses. Had the fighting legend lost his way?
After countless battles, we can say with a resounding no. Street Fighter veterans will find the game well known - some would even say that it is too well known. The original cast of combatants are back: Ryu and Ken, Chun-Li and Blanka to Vega and Bison.
Their style matches feel the same (at least with the performance) meaning fans around the world will feel at home with less the same, makes the arcade stick add-on so much more important. Fortunately, there are some differences in place and each of these is a positive step in the right direction.
Newcomers who feel more comfortable with games like Soul Calibur 4 or Dead or Alive 4 will not be intimidated. Dragon-punching, spinning bird kick and performance of the two and three hit combinations are now much, much easier and less technical. For the first time-in a 2D-based beat 'em up, your analog stick will be of far more use than your D-Pad. The timing to pull off special moves are more generous, which means that the barrier against more skilled opponents has been lowered.
It is no longer about whether you can pull the moves out, but if you can use them correctly, or link them to more complex combinations. One example is the new focus of attack. Similar to the Tekken, you have the option to charge up a powerful blow at the same time allows you to absorb an attack. Unlocking it will stun your opponent for a few seconds, leaving him vulnerable to all other attacks that you want.
There is also a great match-level, so everyone takes a beating, the chance to make a dramatic Britney Spears-like comeback. Lose enough health and your combo is activated which allows you to make a last-second attack to bring you back into the match. Perhaps what makes Street Fighter 4, Capcom is so unique is 2D fighting template and make it relevant and exciting to gamers used for next-gen anesthesia. The animation in Street Fighter 4 is breathtaking to behold. Animations feel overweight, blows and kicks have a real influence, and each character is filled with personality.
When you take a hit, you see the pain in their faces and their eyes almost bulging out of their sockets. Blanka looks unusually aggressive and less cartoony than before, while Chun-Li is more fluid and graceful than ever. Characters are more balanced now. The time weaker character like Blanche, has now taken steps to address their weakness, which makes them far more worthy opponents than before.
Zangief, E Honda (360 if yesterday was difficult to overcome even for beginners) has also stepped up, but they are naturally slower. The normal force versus velocity component is very clear. With Capcom balancing all the characters and hone them to perfection, your choice of a character that you enjoy playing so much easier. If you choose Blanka in the past, your strategy has been to get as close to your opponent as possible. Should you fight someone like Dhalsim, with his elastic arms and legs, it would have been over before you knew it. You can now select a character from the roster and be sure you have a chance against Ken-abusing scum.
New characters are as follows: Abel the GrApple, secret agent C. Viper, kung fu fighter Rufus, luchador El Fuerte, Seth and Gouken Head, a secret character. What strikes us is that these characters all blended so well with the old cast ... or rather, the old cast does not age. Has however changed is Capcom's vision of society. Guile was their take on the Americans in the 80s - a strong, muscular and athletic soldier with Rufus they seem to suggest that Americans are all obese big-mouth, with streams of dialogue, read the end of each match (where other fighters finish it off with a little phrase.) It does add to the humor in the game itself, and essentially, that the overall balance.
All these new characters and moves would be futile without any human interaction. An offline versus mode is your one-on-one battles that you have had in the past, but this is the new online mode that will get you excited. Firstly, the bad news: Only two players can go into the lobby at any given time. With that out of the way, does the rest very well. To find a stranger or a friend online, but takes just seconds to connect, even though our dubious internet lines. Once you've fought your opponent you are awarded with Battle Points, used for anything other than bragging rights. The higher the score, the more matches you have won. Battle Points may sound absurd, but you forget that it is our human nature to be competitive, and as such you are going to defend every point you earn online.
So we like it, and it is by no means an exaggeration to suggest that this is up there with the greatest fighters ever made. It is not button-mashy as Soul Calibur, it does not require a huge 20-button command that Dead or Alive and instead focuses on what is important - simplicity, strategy and fun. Exactly what you need before you begin to master its intricacies.
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