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Super Street Fighter IV

Hands-On With Super Street Fighter IV


We've been spending some time with Super Street Fighter IV over the last couple of days, and all signs point to it being a worthy followup to last year's return to form for the series. Those who were concerned about this edition being a mere cash-in shouldn't have much to worry about, as it features plenty of new fighters, modes, and moves...basically everything you'd want in a new edition of Street Fighter.

Longtime fans know that the series is known for these "updates" in lieu of full-fledged sequels, considering that the SNES Street Fighter II was released twice more as SFII Turbo and Super Street Fighter II Turbo. Both of those titles were big hits, and they didn't feature nearly as many improvements as this update to IV. Each of the SNES updates only provided gamers with four new characters, while SSFIV introduces ten new fighters to the mix. Some are returning characters and others are completely new, but they all fit perfectly into this new era of Street Fighter.

Those who spent time with IV last year will feel right at home once they pick up this edition, as the core gameplay mechanics are virtually identical. Each character has their standard special moves and Super/Ultra combos, but now they can select one of two Ultras at the beginning of the round. Fighters from the first edition of IV will each feature a new and devastating Ultra II combo. Some fighters like Sagat and Gouken unleash massive projectiles, while M. Bison settles for two gigantic flaming fists to the gut.

Five new stages are available, including a Metro City skyscraper, an African plain during a solar eclipse, and a busy street in India. Each of these features plenty of animated onlookers and animals, and rival any seen in IV.

Many fans of the series were thrown off by the insane difficulty of IV's trials, and SSFIV doesn't budge much in this regard. The trials are laid out more specifically, with each section requiring you to perform a single move or combo instead of a gauntlet of them. Later challenges are almost as difficult as the notorious ones from its predecessor, but it's easier to jump directly to a combo that you want to attempt.

Street Fighter II's re-releases on the Super Nintendo were full-priced and didn't offer nearly what Super Street Fighter IV does. With ten new characters, five new stages, dozens of new Ultra combos, and much improved online support, any claims of this being a quick and easy cash-in for Capcom will be hard to take seriously.

Take a look at the video below to check out almost eight minutes of direct-feed gameplay. If you missed yesterday's look at the opening cutscene and bonus rounds, click here.

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Comments
  • FIRST..... HAHA JK

  • Second!!!

  • I never did like T.Hawk. The eclipse was cool. Maybe one day I'll be able to own one of these fancy machines :P

  • it just seems like the last one to me... then again... so does every fighting game.

  • Does anyone know of a 360 controller with a D-pad that's not total garbage for Street Fighter? The only reason I won't buy this is because I can't play it with the 360 d-pad. Last time I tried to throw a fireball I ended up pausing, quitting the match, and changing to Chun Li. Then my controller mysteriously got smashed by the hammer I brought up from the garage.

  • Staff

    Ghostpig, go for the MadCatz SFIV sticks, they're incredible. I have the standard Arcade stick and the Tournament Edition stick and they're the only way to play IV.

  • Normally I'd give a big "Boo! Hiss!" to anything Mad Catz but I've given them a fair chance since their crappy PS1 memory card days. I guess they can improve over a generation. Ok, if Dan-Dan gives me a nod on their stuff then I'll give it look... but I'll have this nasty Billy Idol sneer while I do.

  • Haven't given them a fair chance, I should say.

  • Such an incredible looking game!

  • The 360's analogue stick is better to use in general. That's the set-up I use in SF4 and I'm a beast.

  • Man, the devil taught me Street Fighter on arcade sticks and d-pads almost 20 years ago. This thumbstick nonsense is junk. That dog won't hunt, monsignor.

  • wont get this game got sf4 and wasnt impressed should have gotten takken i dont like the stick system in that i prefer like the d pad in mortal combat vs dc control scheme and i dont see why sf4 was reviewd so high and why this one is expected to be so good

  • After reading this article I am now going to purchase this. I was on the fence since I already have Street fighter IV but now....

  • Sounds pretty good.

    @Dan Ryckert

    I'm just wondering, who's the best at fighting games at the GI office?

  • Staff

    @RH_Kensei

    Not too sure yet, but I know Joe Juba plays his share of fighters. I play a ton of them but the only one I'd say I'm really really good at is Soul Calibur (specifically, the original on DC).

    One thing I do know for sure is that Tim Turi sucks at them.

  • thawk sucks

  • Hopfully I can finish my TE Stick customs before this game comes out. Guys be watching for me when I go to the Game Stop Tourney and beast with Sakura!

  • This game looks better and better each time I see it. Definitely getting it.

  • I want it, I want it. I WANT IT!

  • I can't wait for this.

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