3D graphics on a 2D plane – why did no-one else do this? Well, other people did, but not as good as Capcom.
The visuals are amazing – the characters are so full of… well… character, I’m glad Capcom waited until the technology was there before they committed the main series to 3D visuals. Remember Street Fighter EX? Blocky and characterless. SFIV is sublime.
The whole thing is so stream-lined and thoughtful. LK and LP together makes your character throw, something that some fighters used to have on MP, HP, MK or HK, and sometimes annoyed the hell out of me as I’d throw instead of hit. MK and MP perform the Focus Attack, something I didn’t like the sound of at first, but have now really got into it. It’s a simple idea, but masterful in execution. I love how everyone has every notable move they have ever had in any Street Fighter game before, for example, Ryu may not have his Super Hurricane Kick as a Super or Ultra move, but it’s near as dammit to his EX Hurricane Kick, it’s perfect.
It feels more like the Alpha series than the original games or SFIII, which I consider a good thing. It’s by no means balanced, some characters are stronger than others, and some are more popular because they are easy to play as, but it’s just so fun. Playing online and getting my ass kicked was never this much fun before.
While I had a great time playing as Dan, 2010 brings Super Street Fighter IV. And Adon.
