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