The Street Fighter franchise, brought into the world by Capcom, has maintained a constant presence in the realm of 2D fighting games for over three decades. Its ingenious combination of arcade-style combat, an assortment of compelling characters, and intricate mechanics has successfully cemented its legacy as a pillar of the fighting genre. As the reviews roll in for Street Fighter 6, which was released on June 1st, it becomes increasingly clear that the game not only honours this long-standing tradition but also ambitiously paves the way for the future.
You’ll find our review of the game elsewhere on the site, but given the profile of Street Fighter 6, we wanted to give you some further perspective. Expert reviews from IGN, The Guardian, Eurogamer, GamesRadar, and GameSpot collectively illuminate the game’s offerings and potential challenges, painting an encouraging picture of Street Fighter 6 as a worthy successor and a modern beacon of the genre.
The Legacy: Street Fighter II
To appreciate Street Fighter 6‘s triumphs, we have to hark back to Street Fighter II, the game that was nothing short of revolutionary when it was released in 1991. As the game that effectively birthed the fighting game genre, it introduced concepts like extensive character selection, special moves, and combos. Street Fighter II’s success is arguably the franchise’s zenith, but the arrival of Street Fighter 6 indicates the franchise’s aspiration to replicate and surpass that success.
When we consider how to measure the success of Street Fighter 6, it’s important to note that Street Fighter II was a pop culture “moment” and did things that will never be replicated. There won’t be a movie based on Street Fighter 6 like there was with Street Fighter II. You likely won’t see any Street Fighter 6 casino games either, whereas no fewer than three casino games based on Street Fighter II are still doing the rounds at many an online casino. According to Sister Site, which pays attention to such matters, they’re among the most popular video game-themed slots and casino games in history. Whatever Street Fighter 6 achieves or doesn’t achieve, it will never replace Street Fighter II as a cultural icon.
Instead of trying to replicate its legendary predecessor, Street Fighter 6 takes cues from Street Fighter II’s proven formula but innovates with contemporary enhancements. One such innovation is the Drive System, a new mechanic that broadens players’ tactical options and meter-management decisions. It’s a major leap that IGN applauds, equating it to a Swiss Army knife of possibilities right at the start of each round.
Balancing Classics and Newcomers
The character roster has always been at the heart of the Street Fighter experience, and Street Fighter 6 impressively executes this element. The initial lineup is not only varied but also “incredibly fun”, as per GamesRadar’s review. The new entrants in the roster are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the franchise, making them feel like they’ve been part of the series all along while also adding new layers of gameplay.
GamesRadar emphasises how these new characters bring something fresh to the table, referencing the innovative skills of characters such as Manon, JP, Kimberly, and Jamie. For fans of the classic characters, Street Fighter 6 doesn’t disappoint, as Capcom has thoughtfully tweaked these characters to harmonise with the new Drive System, rekindling players’ connection with veterans like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Guile.
A Modern Take on the Genre
While the franchise has historically been perceived as geared towards skilled veterans, Street Fighter 6 strives to lower the barrier to entry. The Guardian underlines this through the game’s ‘modern’ controls that beginners can use to execute masterful moves. The expansive single-player mode, World Tour, serves as a stepping stone for newcomers to grasp the game’s fundamentals. Detailed tutorials, eSports-style commentary, and simplified controls make Street Fighter 6 as accessible as it is enjoyable.
Eurogamer echoes this sentiment, praising Street Fighter 6 as a “modern take on the genre” that is “welcoming, accessible and progressive.” Street Fighter 6 maintains the thrilling rock-paper-scissors rhythm of carefully considered combat that defined Street Fighter II but overlays it with more intuitive control schemes and learning aids.
The Online Experience
It’s impossible to ignore the transformation of player interaction brought about by the advent of the internet. Where Street Fighter II was a local multiplayer game, by which we mean you needed someone in the same room with you if you wanted to play it in anything other than solo mode, Street Fighter 6 thrives on its online experience. IGN extols the game’s net code quality, crucial for a fluid and seamless online experience, while The Guardian rejoices at the new rollback net code that ensures stable matches against fighters from around the world.
The introduction of the ‘Battle Hub’, according to GameSpot, brings a novel and exciting dynamic to player interactions. Players can challenge anyone within the hub to a fight using their avatar, resulting in wacky, spontaneous bouts that provide a refreshing break from intense competitive matches.
Looking to the Future
As is becoming increasingly common in the era of live service games, Street Fighter 6 is not immune to concerns surrounding post-launch monetisation. Eurogamer raises mild concerns about the game’s user interface and the unknown impacts of post-launch monetisation, such as a paid battle pass and a premium currency. It’s a AAA title, but any game that keeps asking for money after you’ve already paid for it runs the risk of turning into a money pit.
Rising to the Challenge
Street Fighter 6 shows how a venerable franchise can evolve with the times while honouring its roots. The game hits hard with its nuanced fighting system and stands out for its accessible mechanics. Even as it boldly reinvents certain aspects, it manages to pay homage to the unforgettable moments of its past, specifically the universally acclaimed Street Fighter II.
Despite the challenges it may face in its post-launch phase, Street Fighter 6 presents an evolution that’s hard to resist. As the latest entrant in the storied franchise, it evokes the charm and engagement of Street Fighter II while championing a sophisticated gameplay system that caters to both newcomers and veterans. Whether you are a casual fan looking for an immersive fighting game experience or a seasoned Street Fighter enthusiast ready to tackle new challenges, Street Fighter 6 awaits you with a ready-to-rumble roster, innovative mechanics, and hours of engaging play. This newest chapter in the Street Fighter saga is a testament to the franchise’s willingness to adapt, evolve, and keep the fight moving.
Our review is coming soon.
