Street Fighter 4(IV) - Xbox 360 - Reviewed

The Street Fighter game has been rehashed countless times over the years since its initial release in 1987, and it's designers have garnered a massive fanbase through their stubbornness in refusing to conform to the trend of cutting-edge graphics and complex, multi-faceted gameplay.

This latest installment is the first step away from such traditions. Capcom have pioneered a never-before-seen visual style of 3D polygonal characters fighting in perfectly engineered half-and-half environments and included some interesting new elements to the mix.

The first is the inclusion of "focus attacks" which can be charged and used tactically to knock your opponent to the ground. This move is useful as it can completely reverse the momentum of a fight if you're on the back foot.

Two new gauges have been added to the game- the "super" meter and the "ultra" meter. Both of these, predictably, are filled with a view to perform cinematic and impressively elaborate combos but it's a nice touch and adds yet more depth to a series that has an undeserved reputation for being linear. Street Fighter IV introduces Abel, Crimson Viper, Rufus and El Fuerte for those of you who are bored with your stereotypical "hadouken".

As far as the gameplay is concerned, there are many different modes to master- Survival, Time Attack, Trial Mode and online play all require varying levels of skill (and commitment). The online component is especially important for non-hardcore SF fans who might otherwise tire of single-system play.

The most impressive aspect of this game is it's playability. The game has always been (and remains) incredible fun and there's a real sense of familiarity about the characters that I was concerned may be lost with the changeover to the new style. Overall, another great offering from Capcom.


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