Street Fighter IV

"Street Fighting Nirvana..!"

Street Fighter IV, is, for want of a better word, nirvana.

This is the penultimate version, and the final realization, of the Street Fighter franchise. The core of the 'Street Fighter' franchise is in its fluid animation and gameplay, and Capcom did not disappoint, giving players beautifully-detailed locales and arenas to fight in. The characters themselves are jaw-droppingly animated in a hybrid CGI/hand-drawn style which lends itself to the over-the-top fighting atmosphere. The characters themselves are extremely varied, from the ever-popular (and series signature) Ken and Ryu, to the new luchador/cook El Fuerte and secret agent Scarlet Viper. As well, there are many different modes of play, from the Arcade and Versus modes to Challenge Mode (where the player must overcome certain obstacles to complete the mode, from surviving for as long as possible to learning the character's movelist), and Training Mode. There is enough variety in the game for beginning players and veterans alike!

The game uses the Combo gauge from previous incarnations of the series. For those not in the know, the Combo gauge charges with every successful attack against an opponent (or against you!), allowing for charged versions of special attacks by pressing two of the same button instead of one (for example, Ryu's Hadoken can be charged in to a better-damage variant by pressing two punch buttons after the requisite 1/4 toward movement). If the bar becomes fully charged, the character's Ultra Combos become available, allowing the player using them to do devastating multi-combo attacks.

However, two new gameplay concepts come into play as well-'Focus Attacks' and the 'Revenge Meter'. Focus Attacks are utilized by pressing the medium Punch and Kick buttons together. Why use this, you ask? Two Reasons; first, Focus Attacks absorb the first hit that connects with the 'Focusing' character, while delivering their own attack..! Better yet, the focusing character, with a successful attack, actually regenerates part of their Life Meter! Beautiful, isn't it? There are reasons to not always use Focus Attacks, foremost among them the reason I just outlined-Focus Attacks absorb ONLY the first hit received, not the second (or third, etc.). Now for the 'Revenge Gauge'...

To the side of the Combo gauge is a small circular icon-like device which fills as the opponent lands successful attacks. This circular device is called the 'Revenge Gauge'. It is used much like the Combo gauge, but is special in that once it fills and becomes red (and on fire!), the player may do an Ultra Combo that destroys the opposing character's ENTIRE LIFE METER..! This is tricky to pull off, but it can be done.

The heart of Street Fighter IV, like others before it, is Vs. combat-And again, Capcom does not disappoint, giving players a plethora of options to compete against one another. Players can play one another on the same XBOX360, or go online via XBOX Live.There is even an option to get online fight requests while playing the CPU in Arcade Mode-An option called 'Fight Requests'. Online is where SF IV really shines, though-There is little to no lag noticed between button press, movement and execution. Players can accumulate medals, icons and Achievements through online competition. In my opinion, this version of online play is one of the most beautifully-executed I've ever seen.

I purchased the Collector's Edition of the game, which came with a Soundtrack CD, a figurine of the 'Crimson Viper' character, an anime DVD, and a small (but well-drawn and -colored) hint book for the new characters... But I would only recommend buying this version if you have an extra $20 to spend (over the $59.99 price). Still, this is a must-buy game for new and old players alike..!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/19/09

Game Release: Street Fighter IV (Collector's Edition) (US, 02/17/09)