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Super Street Fighter IV
Just before the release
of the Nintendo 3DS, I was given a hands on opportunity to play some of
the upcoming games for this console and Super Street Fighter IV was
in that lot. Apart from Nintendogs and Pilot Wings Resort, this was the
game I was looking forward to review because not only did it pay homage
to the original Street Fighter franchise but it contained a nice splash
of 21st century twists. Thankfully after playing this game
religiously for a week, it still mirrors my initial reaction that Super
Street Fighter IV is a must have game for this brand new console.
One of the reasons why
Super Street Fighter IV is so entertaining is because of the classic
gameplay that remains intact on the Nintendo 3DS version. The next point
is the very cool 3D graphics that have these characters almost jumping
out of the screen and third, this is probably the best fighter to be
released on a portable Nintendo console in quite some time.
Apart from
the detailed combo moves, the game contains all the characters from the
game, 35 to be precise including their bonuses and variant costumes.
Another highlight is the interesting "over the shoulder" camera that
looks fantastic in the 3D mode but a little difficult to play as opposed
to the traditional view.
For those who have never played the Street Fighter franchise before, the
game does contain a rather in-depth training mode which is great to
learn the basics of the characters, even just to familiarise yourself
with the 3DS controls. Add in the traditional arcade mode and a versus
mode that allows you to challenge either a friend (wireless link-up),
people via the internet or the AI and this game has it all.
Of course what Street
Fighter game wouldn't be without the car smashing and barrel smashing
levels and yes, they are included on the 3DS. You can even compare your
scores online with other Super Street Fighter IV players. I was also
amazed as I walked the streets of Melbourne that my console actually
picked up a few other owners of this game via the Street Pass mode which
challenged their characters and even won a few virtual figures for my
collection.
With such a good looking game, the 3DS port even boasts some relatively
decent controls. Although I messed up a few of combo's, generally,
everything felt quite right, especially using the much needed circle
pad. Playing Super Street Fighter IV on the 3DS was like coming home
again as the controls were almost identical to the original arcade game
but just smaller. For those that find the combinations a little
difficult, the developers have added shortcuts to the touch screen that
allow you pull off one of the more difficulty manoeuvres. It was very
tricky for me not to use this feature due to the simplicity of its
nature. All in all, this was the game to have on the 3DS, especially if
you love fighters!
Graphically, Super
Street Fighter IV looks quite impressive on the 3DS with its cell-shaded
like characters that are quite cartoony but it still has this real
mature layer to it that is rare on Nintendo consoles. Then you have the great 3D
depth perception that almost looks like the characters hover between the
screen and really assists in getting you captivated, both for newbies
and veteran gamers.
The characters are
also animated well and contain all the manoeuvres of their big screen arcade
counterparts that come off flawless in this version. Honestly, I believe that the graphics are just as good as
the console and arcade versions of this game and really pays homage to
this franchise by keeping its traditional look with a touch of 21st
century finesse.
In the end, Super Street
Fighter IV is a great launch title for the Nintendo 3DS and if you like
your fighters, I would really recommend you check this out at one of
your friendly neighbourhood gaming stores. It's quite amazing to see the
portable version in action as it's almost identical to the other
versions but supports 3D. Even though the 3D can be frustrating at
times, it does add a new element to one of the best fighter franchises
in the world
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