Street Fighter IV (PS3) Review

Posted by Gregory McDougal on 02.26.2009

Is this fighter's return a Hadoken of Ryu proportions or is it more like Dan's?




Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Fighting
Players 1-2 (Online and Offline)
Also available on the Xbox 360


Every genre of video game has a recognizable character or series that one would instantly think of when it comes to the specific genre. For RPGs (Role Playing Games) it has to be “Final Fantasy.” For sports it’s “Madden.” However, when it comes to fighting games, none and I mean no other series is more recognizable than “Street Fighter.” Sorry “Dead or Alive,” “Soul Calibur” and “Tekken,” I love you guys to death, but in terms of recognition, “Street Fighter” is the king. Ryu, Ken and the gang have been around for nearly two decades, showing the world that it’s possible to fuse MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and supernatural forces to have a great experience. No other word in gaming history is more popular than “Hadoken.” If there is, post a comment, as I am curious to know myself.

It’s interesting because while I enjoy the likes of “Soul Calibur,” and “Dead or Alive” a bit more, “Street Fighter” gets more respect. This is because if there were no Ken or Guile, there would be no Kilik, Maxi, Lei Fang or Hitomi. It laid the groundwork for what fighting games could and should be. However, there have been some stinkers in the franchise. Does anyone remember the “EX” installments? To me, without a doubt, the best iteration is the “Alpha” series. It introduced great new characters, less intimidating gameplay and a great art style. While the games were still 2-D, they could hold their own against any 3-D fighter. When “Street Fighter Alpha” was released, it received as much playtime as “Tekken 3” in my household. I must admit that was the last “Street Fighter” game I truly played for a while. “Street Fighter 3” did not entice me like the others, and like I said before, the “EX” installments were lame.

Now, 10 years after “Alpha 3,” Capcom has finally released the fourth iteration in the most revered fighting franchise. Now that the times have changed, can the series keep up with the current fighters? I can answer that with a resounding HELL YEAH!!! Normally at this point in the review, I mention the plot of the reviewed game. However, while there is one, it will go in one ear and out the other to you guys as the appeal of this game is about fisticuffs. Besides, I will leave that up to the individual once they play the game.



Sakura, One of The Console Exclusive Characters


Gameplay

As far as fighting games go, this is a well-oiled machine. The combat is seamless as executing moves are easy enough for an amateur to pull off, but deep enough for veterans to explore the infinite realms of possibilities. Each character has three sets of attacks. First, there are the special moves (Ryu’s “hadoken”). Second, there are the “super combos,” which would be the “shinku hadoken.” Third there are the “ultra combos.” These are simply the character’s signature finisher move that can change the outlook of the battle. Each character has a “revenge bar” at the bottom of the screen that will fill up once the person receives damage. When the character’s bar is lit up, he or she can perform their “ultra combo.” All I can say is it is a sight to behold. It is interesting because the moves do not seem as hard to pull off as previous games in the series (with the exception of certain characters). I feel more confident challenging people in “Street Fighter 4” than I ever did in “Alpha 3.” Even though experts will still own me, confident nonetheless.

New to the series is the “focus attack.” This will stop an opponent dead in his or her tracks, allowing you to pull off a chain combo. This is another deciding factor in battle, as knowing when to perform a “focus attack” at just the right time can separate the button mashers from the vets. Also, charging a “focus attack” can allow you to absorb up to one enemy attack. Performing this allows your vitality gauge to change color and will regenerate over time. Keep in mind that, while it is a great move, if your opponent performs a move that has the “Armor Break” property, it will be almost like not having performed a “focus attack” at all. Then there are four new characters. C. Viper, Abel, El Fuerte and Rufus are welcome additions to the roster as they are fun to use as well as balanced. I have become an Abel fan however, because to me he feels like a "Dead or Alive" character brought over to "Street Fighter."

As far as single player modes are concerned, there is the traditional “Arcade Mode” that allows you to view each characters prologue and ending story. Then there is the “Training Mode,” where you can practice your moves on a standstill character. While, I would have liked this mode be similar to “Virtua Fighter 4’s great training mode, where they explain how to each move is done, it is still not bad. The “Challenge Mode” is fun, as it has players going through “survival,” “time attack” and “trails.” This, along with playing online (more on that later) is the main ways to unlock new icons and titles that customize your personal stats. There is honestly nothing wrong with the core gameplay except for one thing…. SETH!! He is hands down the cheapest SOB I have fought against in the past decade. Even on a lower difficulty he can still be cheap. I bet you will see a lot of Seth’s online once players have unlocked him.



Good Ol' Thunder Thighs Is Back


Graphics

Graphically, this is one of the most stylized fighters out there. Each character has a unique look to them and is never forgettable. Seeing the look on a character as an “ultra combo” is about to be performed on them is classic. The backgrounds, while not bad or horrendous by any means, are just plain in comparison to the characters. Maybe this was Capcom’s decision in order to keep that 2-D feel, which is what “Street Fighter 4” is at its heart. In terms of presentation, it is easily on par with “Soul Calibur 4.” As great as the in-game engine graphics are, the anime endings leave much to be desired. They seem more like an afterthought and included just because. I love anime and that’s why it hurts me to say that. They also don’t do anything to enhance the story.


Sound

Typical “Street Fighter,” which is to say it is a great thing. When characters shout out their signature moves, it takes you back to the good ol’ days. Also, each characters theme music has been remixed and sounds great (my favorite is Sakura’s and Cammy’s). I know I will take some heat for this, but I love the main intro theme. I never skip it whenever I put the disc in. You can also switch between the character’s Japanese and English voices, so either way it is a win-win situation. I thought the English voices were not bad. I don’t even mind the announcer, as he is nowhere near as annoying as that weirdo from the “Soul Calibur” series.



Cammy's Ultra Combo


Lasting Appeal

Endless. Not only can you challenge friends locally, but now globally. That’s right people; “Street Fighter” is now online. As stated before, fighting online is one of the ways to earn medals, battle points, icons, etc. So far, I have not encountered any lag while fighting online. It’s as if the person is in my house. Even though the online is great, local matches are still the best way to play any “Street Fighter” game. The series is still in regional and international tournaments, and this installment will further cement its place among the elite. Years and years will go by and this game will still be in consoles.


The 411

If you love fighting games, BUY THIS GAME (you probably already have). Heck, even if you like having fun, this game is still worth the price. Capcom has found a way to bring in newcomers while not forgetting about its fan base. Until Tekken 6 is released, we are looking at the premiere fighting game of 2009. Bravo Capcom. Bravo.

Graphics	10.0	Great character designs make this fighter a force to be reckoned with.
Gameplay	10.0	Pure Street Fighter. Enough Said.
Sound	10.0	Great Intro as well as the option of switching between the Japanese and English Voices. Hearing the characters shout their moves is priceless.
Lasting Appeal	10.0	Long after you are finish with the single player challenge mode, there is online and local multiplayer which will last for years.
Fun Factor	10.0	The only reason I am not playing now is because I am writing the review. A worthy purchase for anyone who wants to play a fun game.
Overall	10.0   [ Virtually Perfect ]

Screenshots
All 10 Street Fighter IV Screenshots