Street Fighter IV

On February 20th 2009, the wait was over. The eagerly anticipated Street Fighter IV was finally released, and it was well worth the wait.

Taking the classic fighting system from the SF series and combining it with crisp, state of the art 3D character designs and 2D/3D backgrounds for fighting designs is probably the main selling point for this game, and the main reason why it's such a fantastic game.

Updated takes on the classic character's theme music tracks are also a winner as well as the amazing Japanese dub voices, but unfortunately it's the English dub that once again lets it down. The voice actors are in good form, but it's really the dialogue in cutscenes that are the poor point. The choice of characters receives a mixed reception from the fans, with huge favourites from the classic series returning , including 14 of the original 16 SFII characters and 5 from the Street Fighter Alpha series. 4 new characters are introduced and it's tough to adapt to their command lists and fighting styles at first, but the training and challenge are a huge help in helping the player master characters' abilities.

Like most fighting games however, it's the arcade mode's final boss that sticks out like a sore thumb as the worst character in the game.

Nevertheless, the game is still a huge winner, and easily a top contender for one of the top games of 2009, proof that when it comes to fighting games, Capcom will never be beaten. The SF series just keeps getting better with age, and this is as close to the perfection of the fantastic 1991 Street Fighter II original.

This game is really fun and has some stylish yet practical menus. I really enjoy the graphics and the framerate is impeccable. The intro is pure quality, perhaps even at a Persona-intro quality.

It does have some flaws, though. The anime cutscenes are well animated but the audio is where it fails. The English voice over is bad and not in sync with the characters' mouths.

Another negative quality occurs for those who are beginners. The gameplay is really hard to pick up.

Overrall the game is worth it if you are ready to make a commitment.

How long has it been to wait for a Street Fighter sequel? Well we got our prayers answered. However Street Fighter IV is just a prequel to SF2 and SF3 which some fans didn't hope to expect. Many hated this when they first saw the gameplay, but in the final product, it was outstanding.

First off the graphics will just blow your mind. Very artistic. All original 12 fighters return as well as new ones and from SSF2 and SFA.

The gameplay combined elements of SF2, SFA, & SF3 except introduction to the focus attacks and ultra moves. The removal of parrying from SF3 was a disappointment.

My only complaint is the A.I. like when you face the SFIV boss, Seth. Yeah he's easy in the first round, but when it comes to the second round he will get your @$$ handed to you. Well he's the boss, and bosses are usually cheap.

You might want to change the language to Japanese. The English dub sucks as usual.

Anyways SFIV brings the series to its roots and brings pros and casual players to play together.

All I gotta say is: It's Street Fighter who wouldn't like one game (Except the SFEX series and the game based on the *beep* 1994 movie).

9.5/10