ArtisticallyChill

Street Fighter IV is easily one of this quarter’s most anticipated titles for 2009. With eye candy fulfilling graphics and a plethora of game types, Street Fighter IV definitely ranks as a big release. But after week of playing I’m just about done with this game. Here’s a rundown of the games huge successes and epic fails:

HUGE SUCCESS!
• Graphics – From the jaw-dropping facial expressions when getting hit, to the beauty of the Hadoken, SFIV definitely has stepped up its overall look for the current generation of consoles. The 3D rendering of the characters and backgrounds but keeping the fighter strictly 2D was definitely a smart choice.
• Game Types – Plenty enough if you want something beyond the Arcade mode. The Challenge modes are a nice addition if you get bored playing against the computer or against your friends on and offline.
• Unlockables – Definitely encourages replay value as you fight for every title, icon, costume, and unlockable character.

Wait, don’t rush out to buy the game just yet:

EPIC FAIL!
• 2D Cutscenes – The anime cutscenes are just really out of place amidst the gorgeous 3D graphics. I would have liked cutscenes done in the way that the opening video of the game was done.
• Controls – Button remapping is a great feature but playing the game with the standard Xbox 360 (or PS3) controller just doesn’t feel comfortable if you are trying to pull off your character’s unique moves. If you’ve got the money, spend it on getting an arcade style joystick like the Mad Catz’ Arcade Fight Stick. BUYER BEWARE! The Arcade Fight Stick have a chance of failing right out of the box or after some time due to Mad Catz’ typical incompetence at making good console accessories. If you want to try something that isn’t Mad Catz, I suggest going for the Hori Fight Sticks.
• Difficulty Brutality – I’ve played Street Fighter games before. But I don’t remember the Medium (normal) difficulty being so … well… difficult. I can barely make it past the third match. After a few continues, I’m just button mashing for a win.
• SETH – The most unoriginal, cheap, piece of S#!T boss ever created. Even on the most EASIEST difficulty, I could barely land a punch or a kick on this douchebag. At least when the boss was M.Bison I knew I had a 50/50 chance at beating him. With Seth, it’s more like I have better chances at winning the lottery than surviving a match against him. Seriously Capcom, WTF?! I shouldn’t have to stoop to being a cheap human player, mashing on the Heavy Kick button, while crouching and sweeping his ass until I get the KO! What’s the point in practicing the combs and the special moves if I can’t even land one on the end boss? EPIC F’N FAIL!

So there you have it. Street Fighter IV, with all its beauty in its presentation, is a good pick up and play game to enjoy with friends both online and offline. And if you’re better than me, you’ll definitely find some enjoyment playing against many Street Fighter fans around the world. Should you blaze through the Arcade Mode only to have your total victory hampered by Seth, it’s time to move onto another game or you’ll wind up breaking the controller or disc as you throw it at the wall in blind rage after your 20th defeat by totally bullshit character.

If you really want a grade or number rating, if it really means that much to you after reading my honest opinions, fine: B+ OR 8.5 out of 10. Take your pick. In terms of which I feel is the better game of the franchise? I’ll take SFII HD Remix.

~ LoneWolf