"Just plain awesome"

Capcom has got to be one of the best; if not THE best video game company in the world. They never cease to amaze me when it comes to breaking new ground in game design and arcade to home conversions. The same goes to Sega for bringing into existence the console that makes it all possible. As you can probably tell, I am very impressed at this point.

Graphics 10/10: Yet again, a perfect arcade conversion. I didn't think it was possible, but 3rd Strike has not only met, but surpassed ALL previous graphical efforts in the Street Fighter series. All new backgrounds, higher resolution, character art and a flawlessly animated cast of old and new fighters make this nothing less than a visual masterpiece. You still get the trademark style of the other ''SFIII'' games, but a truck load of added detail sets this one apart.

Sound 10/10: The sound effects are nothing new, and are of the usual high quality, but all other aspects have been completely redone. Small touches such as a brand new announcer are very cool. The sound track; simply put, rocks. Many of the songs are brand new and some are awesome remixes that you will recognize from previous games. There's also so much bass that I'm almost afraid to turn it up for fear of shattering some windows:) Well done.

Control 10/10: Perfect, perfect, perfect. (and no, I will never get tired of saying it)

Gameplay 10/10: The fighting system seems to have been tweaked again, for the better of course. Some of the cheaper exploits available in the other SFIII games no longer exist, taking the overall difficulty up a notch. And the game as a whole just seems smarter and more balanced than the first two SFIII chapters. The new characters Q, Remy, Twelve, Makoto, and Chun Li are what help even things out this time around as well. Dreamcast exclusive features such as the ability to save and watch your own fight replays add a lot to the experience. What can I say, except that Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike is one of the highest quality and most FUN games I have ever played.

Final Thought: No thought required here---if you like fighting games, buy this one immediately

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/04/00, Updated 07/04/00