Street Fighter: the Titles That Time Forgot

Sure, you've heard of the main four titles in the Street Fighter series featured in the previous Street Fighter article. But what about the 3D EX offshoots or the highly-acclaimed Alpha series? X-Men or Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter? Street Fighter the Movie Game? Chances are, besides the well-known Alpha series, you lack knowledge of such titles even existing.

But that's why I'm here. I'm digging up the grave to put these titles back into the spotlight, no matter how execrable some of them may be.


First off we have Street Fighter the Movie Game.
Barring a striking resemblance to the then mega-popular Mortal Kombat series, Street Fighter the Movie Game is considered by most the lowest point of the entire Street Fighter legacy. Although it's worth a look-see for curiosities sake, the loathsome visuals and game play really drag this title down. However, it's quite a unique entry in the series. But that's for a reason.





Now let's move on to the superior X-Men/Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter entries...

Although highly preferrable to the previous mentioned title, these two releases don't nearly hold up as well today as back then (pretty much due to the fact that that Capcom would raise the bar once again in the future Marvel vs Capcom series). The arcade versions were very enjoyable diversions, but the U.S. home versions (on the original Playstation) failed to capture the charm and fun of playing it in the arcade (due to technical issues).




Let's bring it into the third dimension with the Street Fighter EX series.

This intriguing part of the legacy failed to build much of a loyal fan base. Although the visuals were 3D, the EX series still (somewhat) retained the trademark 2D game play that the series is known for. However, the ability to take advantage of cheap combos and lackluster, blocky 3D graphics really dragged this series down.

Street Fighter EX3, the last entry (released as a Playstation 2 launch game way back in 2000) fixed many of the issues from the first two titles, but it came out not too long after the far superior Street Fighter III: Third Strike on the Dreamcast. Many purists were much too busy with that title to bother with another EX game, so it was ignored by most (despite being a decent game in it's own right).

Now, on to the good stuff with the Street Fighter Alpha series...

Despite being side releases, the Alpha series is considered by many to be the best part of the Street Fighter legacy. Three titles were released in this top-notch series, and these games were released and re-released across numerous platforms (in the form of single releases or collection compilations, such as 2006's Street Fighter Alpha Anthology on the PS2).

Even in today's modern, HD era, the Alpha series has still managed to hold up wonderfully. Truly great game play will always stand the test of time, y'know...

Last, and certainly least, we have Street Fighter 2010.

Although it bares the Street Fighter name, this can hardly be considered a legitimate entry in the series. More of a blatant cash in, Street Fighter 2010 is an immensely boring futuristic side-scroller that time has forgotten. If you're really intrigued by this ancient NES title, try hunting it down at the local flea market bargain bin... but don't say I didn't warn you.



And so that wraps this up. I'm now in the mood to play some Street Fighter...

Street Fighter Through the Years

Street Fighter is an incredible franchise with game play that is far more compelling than most modern 3D fighters. However, in terms of visuals, Capcom seems to be taking a step-back in it's next-gen debut, Street Fighter IV. Instead of a beautiful, striking 2D art style ala Third Strike, they're going down the generic route with a spiritless 3D look with their fourth entry in the series (Hey, Capcom, you still have time to change the name to Street Fighter EX 4).

Well, I'll still be picking it up once it's released, and regardless... here's how the Street Fighter franchise has evolved (or, in the case of IV, devolved) through the years in terms of visuals:

Street Fighter












Street Fighter II*
















Street Fighter III*














Street Fighter IV
*Taken from the most recent versions

This was a brief look at the main Street Fighter series we all know and love. In the near future I will take a more detailed view at the side stories - such as the excellent Alpha series and the rather mediocre EX series.

Oh, and here's a similar entry focusing on an entirely different game series:

Super Mario Through the Years

Street Fighter IV Official Info Released!

Maybe you've heard of the highly-acclaimed Street Fighter series. Its second entry was perhaps the most successful fighting title of all time, and the third is considered one of the best 2D fighters from genre enthusiasts. Still doesn't ring a bell? Well, then perhaps this site isn't for you, because not only do I often bring this marvelous series up in my articles, but it's a franchise that even your mother probably knows about.

For those of you still here, Capcom has finally spilled the beans on Street Fighter IV in this month's issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM). Although it has been speculated by some that it will feature a 3D engine, Capcom has confirmed that the game will indeed play as a 2D fighter (albeit with 3D graphics, ala King of Fighters 2006). The developer has said that they want to pack in as many familiar faces from the classic Street Fighter II as possible, but will also feature a wide-variety of new warriors to chose from (and will have a better gender balance unlike past alliterations in the series).

Lacking parries, alpha counters, air blocking, and other features found in past games in the series, it seems as if the developers are looking at a more accessible feel for this entry. Not too much else is known as this point (Capcom has confirmed that it's only 2% complete... and they didn't reveal what consoles it's coming for, either), but for the full story, be sure to grab a copy of this month's EGM.

Source: Electronic Gaming Monthly, January 2008

Game Wallpapers - Give Your Desktop Some Flavor!

Inspired by our good friend The Elderly (who is currently on blogging hiatus), I have discovered several delightful gaming wallpapers that will bring some flavor to your desktop.

Enough with the idle chit-chat... take a look at them yourself!

(To see the wallpapers in their glorious full-screen size, click on the images).


Resident Evil 4
















Street Fighter Alpha 3 (Courtesy of RPGRealm.com)
















DarkStalkers (courtesy of RPGRealm.com)














BloodRayne















Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Street Fighter and Capcom Art Books - What Every Die-Hard Fan Needs...

Although art books based on video games are much more popular over in Asia than in most parts of the world (often forcing hardcore fans to pay through the nose for imported copies), that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on two of the most insightful, beautiful ones out there. Yes, that’s right. Two of the best Street Fighter/Capcom art books – Eternal Challenge and Udon’s Art of Capcom – are available right in the United States to purchase.

If you’re a die-hard fan of Street Fighter (or just love the art style used throughout the games), then you can’t afford to miss Street Fighter: Eternal Challenge. Although it is currently out of print (and the cheapest copy currently selling for the obscene amount of $104.97 on Amazon.com), it is the definitive book on all things Street Fighter. Featuring plenty of stunning full-color illustrations, biographies on all of the characters, and tons of info on the series, this is a must have for any Street Fighter fan.

Available on the 15^th of this month, Udon’s Art of Capcom not only features a ton of art from the Street Fighter series but of many Capcom games in general. From Mega Man to Devil May Cry, if Udon made a comic for the series, it’ll be in here. This monstrous 304-page art book will be on my to-buy list once it hits in the middle of the month. Better purchase it before it goes out of print and sellers charge outrageous prices for it…