STORY & GAMEPLAY
Super Streetfighter IV arrived with the Nintendo 3DS console on launch day, March 25th 2011 and was the most eagerly anticipated launch game by some distance. I remember playing Streetfighter 2 in the arcades many years ago and my how things change but yet still stay the same! Gone is the now seemingly limited choice of eight characters and four extra characters, now replaced in this latest instalment of the Capcom classic with 35 playable characters including all twelve original fighters.
The Streetfighter series has always had a very loose, basic story which is of little importance to the gameplay however, your chosen fighter does follow his own 'story' path through the game in arcade mode. Fighting, battling, improving your skills, both defense and attack whilst palying through the various modes and options are where the heart of this game lies. The different modes available really help the game thrive and grow into an addiction as you gradually learn different moves for your chosen characters and battle against either the 3DS, a friend or an unknown online opponent. Arcade mode is the standard fight against the 3DS controlled characters, gradually progressing past each opponent to reach your ultimate foe. Versus lets you choose either a computer controlled opponent or a friend to battle against (Your friend needs to be in close proximity to you). 3D versus is similar to Versus but offers an over your characters shoulder viewpoint, (which takes a little getting used to). Local wireless mode offers more battles against your friends but if you both have a copy of the Streetfighter IV game all characters will be playable ( as opposed to a limited choice if you own one copy of the game). Internet match offers impressive online battles with a really nice choice of options available including versus, 3D versus, friend battle and even a channel live online mode to view online battles. All the different modes coupled together with an extensive level of customisable options really add depth to the gameplay inviting you to come back again for just one more play.
And play I did, again and again! The battles were as enjoyable and intense as ever, the learning curve still perfect and the taste of victory still sweet. Complaints about the control method from Streetfighter fans , specifically the touch screen light mode which has been added to the game to make performing combos, super combos and ultra combos a mere touch screen press away have in my opinion been unfounded. I discovered that these added to the game experience, and as expected if I chose to use the touchscreen frequently I soon found myself brought back down to earth with a rather large bump. The option to use traditional specials and combos in pro mode is of course still available for the Streetfighter traditionalist and expert gamer who like nothing better than to kick a touch screen addicts backside , so please don’t fret! 3D Versus over the shoulder viewpoint proved surprisingly addictive and easy to use (after a little practice) and the whole Streetfighter package is well rounded off with collectibles, custom clothing, handicap options and more!
GRAPHICS, SOUND & 3D EFFECT
The graphics are very impressive imdeed and the developers have clearly got to grips with the new 3DS technology very quickly. The character models are smoothly rendered in 3D with superb animation and nicely drawn backdrops. The 3D effect of the characters is very impressive, they appear to be little diecast models perfectly moulded into your 3DS screen fighting to the bitter end. Music and sound effects are whilst still typically Streetfighter, still very well put together and add much to the fighting frenzy atmosphere. Backdrops whilst effectively rendered in 3D are very static with none or very little animation appearing in most of them, which is a bit of a shame. The end fight sequences, animations and cut scenes however really add to the game and the overall layout and presentation is superb.
THE GOOD
Beautifully created characters which are extremely well rendered and animated in 2D & 3D.
Streetfighter gameplay and options to the max, wonderful!
Great music and effects.
Excellent online options and great versus modes to battle your friends.
THE BAD
The backgrounds are a little bare and lack any real animation
VERDICT
Streetfighter hits the 3DS with an ULTRA COMBO! Great gameplay, excellent graphics and tons of options. A superb package which has been well thought out and produced. This is the best launch title and it deserves your cash so go out and buy it (unless you hate fighting games!).
OVERALL SCORE 9 / 10
Review and Pictures by Timothy Hughes
Images taken direct from Nintendo 3DS screens in 2D mode from actual gameplay
The Streetfighter series has always had a very loose, basic story which is of little importance to the gameplay however, your chosen fighter does follow his own 'story' path through the game in arcade mode. Fighting, battling, improving your skills, both defense and attack whilst palying through the various modes and options are where the heart of this game lies. The different modes available really help the game thrive and grow into an addiction as you gradually learn different moves for your chosen characters and battle against either the 3DS, a friend or an unknown online opponent. Arcade mode is the standard fight against the 3DS controlled characters, gradually progressing past each opponent to reach your ultimate foe. Versus lets you choose either a computer controlled opponent or a friend to battle against (Your friend needs to be in close proximity to you). 3D versus is similar to Versus but offers an over your characters shoulder viewpoint, (which takes a little getting used to). Local wireless mode offers more battles against your friends but if you both have a copy of the Streetfighter IV game all characters will be playable ( as opposed to a limited choice if you own one copy of the game). Internet match offers impressive online battles with a really nice choice of options available including versus, 3D versus, friend battle and even a channel live online mode to view online battles. All the different modes coupled together with an extensive level of customisable options really add depth to the gameplay inviting you to come back again for just one more play.
And play I did, again and again! The battles were as enjoyable and intense as ever, the learning curve still perfect and the taste of victory still sweet. Complaints about the control method from Streetfighter fans , specifically the touch screen light mode which has been added to the game to make performing combos, super combos and ultra combos a mere touch screen press away have in my opinion been unfounded. I discovered that these added to the game experience, and as expected if I chose to use the touchscreen frequently I soon found myself brought back down to earth with a rather large bump. The option to use traditional specials and combos in pro mode is of course still available for the Streetfighter traditionalist and expert gamer who like nothing better than to kick a touch screen addicts backside , so please don’t fret! 3D Versus over the shoulder viewpoint proved surprisingly addictive and easy to use (after a little practice) and the whole Streetfighter package is well rounded off with collectibles, custom clothing, handicap options and more!
GRAPHICS, SOUND & 3D EFFECT
The graphics are very impressive imdeed and the developers have clearly got to grips with the new 3DS technology very quickly. The character models are smoothly rendered in 3D with superb animation and nicely drawn backdrops. The 3D effect of the characters is very impressive, they appear to be little diecast models perfectly moulded into your 3DS screen fighting to the bitter end. Music and sound effects are whilst still typically Streetfighter, still very well put together and add much to the fighting frenzy atmosphere. Backdrops whilst effectively rendered in 3D are very static with none or very little animation appearing in most of them, which is a bit of a shame. The end fight sequences, animations and cut scenes however really add to the game and the overall layout and presentation is superb.
THE GOOD
Beautifully created characters which are extremely well rendered and animated in 2D & 3D.
Streetfighter gameplay and options to the max, wonderful!
Great music and effects.
Excellent online options and great versus modes to battle your friends.
THE BAD
The backgrounds are a little bare and lack any real animation
VERDICT
Streetfighter hits the 3DS with an ULTRA COMBO! Great gameplay, excellent graphics and tons of options. A superb package which has been well thought out and produced. This is the best launch title and it deserves your cash so go out and buy it (unless you hate fighting games!).
OVERALL SCORE 9 / 10
Review and Pictures by Timothy Hughes
Images taken direct from Nintendo 3DS screens in 2D mode from actual gameplay
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