Review of Street Fighter 6

Reviving the Legacy: A Closer Look at Street Fighter 6

Introduction

For years, Street Fighter reigned supreme as the leading franchise in the fighting game genre. However, the release of Street Fighter 5 in 2016 marked a turning point for the series. The game was met with controversy due to its lack of content and technical issues, causing it to lose its popularity among casual players. Now, with the upcoming release of Street Fighter 6, Capcom aims to not only redeem themselves but also set a new standard for AAA fighting games.

A New Era for Single-Player Modes

Street Fighter 6 introduces a new game mode called World Tour, which serves as a direct response to the criticisms of Street Fighter 5’s story mode. This mode acts as a comprehensive tutorial for newcomers, gradually introducing them to the game’s mechanics and providing a rich single-player experience. With its integrated tutorial and engaging gameplay, World Tour has the potential to revolutionize the single-player space in fighting games, much like Mortal Kombat 9 did with its cinematic story mode.

Exploring the World of Street Fighter

In World Tour mode, players embark on a journey through the expansive Street Fighter universe. They create their own character, who serves as their avatar in the Battle Hub. The Battle Hub is the game’s main online mode, where players can enter 3D lobbies and challenge human opponents. It offers a variety of features, including rollback netcode, crossplay, tournaments, and player profiles. The Battle Hub provides a welcoming and inclusive online fighting experience, catering to both beginners and experienced players.

Fighting Ground: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Fighting Ground is another major mode in Street Fighter 6, offering genre staples like Arcade, Training, and Versus modes. It serves as a hub for traditional gameplay and provides extensive teaching resources for players. From character guides and combo trials to training presets and tutorials on basic tactics, Fighting Ground ensures that players have access to the best learning tools available. Whether players are new to Street Fighter or seasoned veterans, Fighting Ground has something to offer for everyone.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Street Fighter 6 prioritizes accessibility, aiming to make the game enjoyable for players of all skill levels. The game introduces a new control type called Dynamic mode, which offers context-sensitive actions with every button press. It also provides various assistive features, such as camera and movement automation, audio cues, and real-time commentators. These features cater to players with different needs and ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the game.

A New Level of Gameplay

Street Fighter 6 offers an exhilarating gameplay experience, with each character feeling like a “best of” version of themselves. The game’s new combatants shine in their own unique ways, and the overall gameplay feels smooth and responsive. The introduction of the Drive System adds a new layer of depth, allowing players to unleash dazzling bursts of speed and power. The Drive System is both accessible to inexperienced players and offers endless possibilities for experienced players to explore.

A Long Lifespan and Polished Presentation

Street Fighter 6 is designed to have a long lifespan, with several live service elements incorporated into the game. Players can earn Fighter Coins and Drive Tickets through regular challenges, and the game will feature a rotating free battle pass called the Fighting Pass. Premium Courses and Rental Tickets for DLC characters will also be available. The game’s attention to detail is evident in its polished presentation, from the playable characters and environments to the player’s customization options and dynamic soundtrack.

A Few Flaws

While Street Fighter 6 excels in many areas, it does have a few minor flaws. The lack of free music selection in Versus mode and the inconsistent performance in the Resolution Mode setting are notable issues. Additionally, some visual inconsistencies can be found in the World Tour mode, such as rough player equipment and occasional camera bugs. However, these flaws are overshadowed by the game’s overall strengths and do not significantly impact the gameplay experience.

A Triumphant Return

Street Fighter 6 successfully combines three game-sized modes to create a comprehensive and engaging fighting game experience. World Tour mode revolutionizes the single-player space, the Battle Hub provides an inviting online environment, and Fighting Ground offers traditional gameplay and extensive teaching resources. With its accessible gameplay, polished presentation, and commitment to inclusivity, Street Fighter 6 has reclaimed its spot at the top of the fighting game world.

Conclusion

Street Fighter 6 is set to launch on June 2 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. With its innovative game modes, accessible gameplay, and polished presentation, the game has the potential to redefine the fighting game genre. Capcom’s dedication to delivering a high-quality experience is evident in every aspect of Street Fighter 6, making it a must-play for both fans and newcomers alike.