Likewise, the game’s audio – barring the intro theme song- is superb. Stages feature an eclectic mix of instrumental tracks, many of them re-imaginings of classic Street Fighter II themes. Voice-acting is a bit hit-and-miss; many of the English voices seem mismatched. Thankfully there’s the option to select Japanese or English voice acting on a per-character basis, so you’ll not have to endure hearing Ryu shouting an overly Americanised “Hadouken!â€
With any fighting game though, the audio and the visuals – impressive as they are – are secondary to the gameplay and it’s in this arena where Street Fighter IV excels. The game goes back to basics, retaining the series’ legendary 2D perspective and classic six button controls, despite its shiny new 3D visuals. The game is made from the mould that Super Street Fighter II Turbo set, albeit with a few additions that keep this game from being just a 3D upgrade.
If you’ve been a little apprehensive about how the game controls, particularly with regards to the Xbox 360’s subpar d-pad, you needn’t worry. Controls have been greatly refined since HD remix – after a little time with the analogue stick you’ll find the game’s legendary quarter circle and charge moves fairly easy to execute.
Capcom have dispensed with Street Fighter III’s ludicrously difficult parry system, thus reducing the defensive portion to a combination of blocking and focus attacks. Focus attacks are one of the aforementioned additions; holding both middle punch and kick puts your fighter in to a charged defensive state that will absorb one hit from your opponent without taking damage. Releasing them will trigger an attack that if charged sufficiently will knock your opponent down, allowing you to chain attacks.
Special moves and their particular executions remain unchanged, combinations of joystick movements and button presses are required to unleash fireballs, sonic booms and their ilk upon your adversaries.
Also new to the series is the ultra combo, a startlingly powerful move that is often the difference between being victorious and eating a mouthful of dirt. Like super combos, ultra combos require a charged meter – but unlike the super combo meter which gets filled when you unleash offensive fury, the ultra combo meter fills when you’re the recipient of attacks, making the ultra combo a revengeful route to a comeback – and something to be mindful of, even when it appears you have the upper-hand.
While it all seems quite basic at first, the more you play the game the more you’ll see its depth; there’s a fine balance between the easy to grasp mechanics that newcomers can come to terms with and the rich and elegantly deep system that’ll appease the fighting elite. Cross-ups, buffers, cancels and chains are available, but need only be mastered and applied by the hard-core fighting enthusiast.
Capcom have ingeniously included an “Arcade Request†feature. This allows other players to join your single player arcade games, mimicking the arcade experience perfectly. Players from all over the world can interrupt your game to challenge you, and when you’re done you can continue from where you left off. My online experience with the game has been favourable; using an unshaped account I’ve experienced very little lag, even against international players. Local matches have been entirely lag-free.
Playing online also nets you medals, awarded for achieving certain conditions such as winning with an ultra combo, or beating your opponent without attaining any damage. These collectibles have no worth other than as keepsakes of past victories, but are welcome as reminders of the time spent playing.
Unfortunately the standard multiplayer lobby is rather limited; it’s a 1 on 1 lobby that lacks the elegance and usefulness of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix’s polished group lobbies. A post release update to include group lobbies and tournament features was promised, but details of its release are still scarce.
Local couch multiplayer though is where the game is most fun. A group of friends jostling for controllers, laughing and baiting each highlight the game’s incredible balance. This is the social gaming that recaptures every bit of the alchemic allure and enchanting sway that Street Fighter II held over us back in 1991. As pleasant as the online experience is, this is the way the game is meant to be played.
Last Updated: March 9, 2009
TheBeasht
March 9, 2009 at 12:30
Nice review Geoff. I personally cannot frakkin’ wait for that group lobby update. 1 vs 1 player games can get a bit lonely. 🙁
the dude
March 9, 2009 at 12:59
Why are the lazygamer reviews always so long winded. It just goes on and on and on. I trust your opinion, but you could def have said it in less words.
LazySAGamer
March 9, 2009 at 13:19
It’s a hard call between review depth and ease of reading… your comments are noted though 🙂
spl0it
March 9, 2009 at 13:28
Total Fanboy nonsense.
Just kidding, This whole weekend was
“Ok, just one more round”
RogueOne
March 9, 2009 at 13:29
No no dont note this comment, it is mearly an oppinion.
I think they give enough information, that I FOR ONE need to spend my hard-earned money on a game.
I looked into PoP till I was blue in the face, I hopped on and off the fence so often untill I just dropped the title off my list.
Then I found Lazygamers review and found out enough for me to finally make my mind up.
Hey this is SA, we do not have the buying power of Dollar of Euro…..so allot of info is great.
Karl
March 9, 2009 at 13:34
The only thing missing in SFIV is the parry system. Im not that fond of the new focus attacks.
Geoff
March 9, 2009 at 13:40
I think the lack of parry levels the playing field a little. SF III’s parry system, while brilliant, prevented a lot of players from playing the game,
RogueOne
March 9, 2009 at 13:40
oh and where’s my manners – Nice review Geoff.
**must resist the game, must buy food
PaasHaas
March 9, 2009 at 13:49
I liked the intro song :wassat: (Not the default english version tho)
Nick
March 9, 2009 at 13:50
This game has destroyed my life. And I think my fingers may fall off after this weekend.
Geoff
March 9, 2009 at 14:10
Yeah, that English one is the culprit.
INNNNNNNNDESTRUCTIBLE!
LazySAGamer
March 9, 2009 at 14:15
Foods over rated 😉
WitWolfyZA
March 9, 2009 at 14:25
I dont know im not a fighting game guy. Give me a decent RPG and im happy
ewie
March 9, 2009 at 14:30
my wife will kill me if i buy this now, because it means geting the arcade stick as well.
ewie
March 9, 2009 at 14:31
It did nothing to your gears sniping skills. It just increased your reflexes.
Fox1
March 9, 2009 at 15:04
Cool review :biggrin:
Nick
March 9, 2009 at 15:24
😛
Nick
March 9, 2009 at 15:24
Theres an option for another one?
bmalcombb
March 9, 2009 at 15:30
who else panicks when they fight seth
i find all hand eye co-ords go pair shaped when i fight him.
got it on friday and am not disappointed
if you a street fighter fan and you dont own this
shame on you
spl0it
March 9, 2009 at 15:33
I also like the Intro Song
Very Boy-Band!
Nick
March 9, 2009 at 15:35
I would have loved to organise a Lazygamer Street Fighter Session so that we can hook up with readers and play a good session, but alas, it will be impossible until they fix the retarded 1v1 lobby.
gummigoth
March 9, 2009 at 15:41
great review Geoff
RA1THE
March 9, 2009 at 16:23
The load time at the VS screen irritated me at first…THEN…the option to install to HD…DUH…now she’s so quick to load…nice consideration by capcom.
This game definately re-awakend my love for SF.
theturk
March 9, 2009 at 16:38
I need to get this so bad! Alas, the budget dictates that it must wait until month end. Nice review, I don’t mind it being long at all. A review by an SA website / magazine will always be the final say for me on whether or not to get a game. So far, I value the opinions of Eurogamer and Lazygamer the most when it comes to reviews.
Geoff
March 9, 2009 at 19:21
If you’re a gamer, and you don’t own this – shame on you.
2Bop
March 10, 2009 at 14:06
brilliant review. well done, i would have written a thesis if i’d tried to review this.
fish
March 14, 2009 at 23:23
Hey invite me my gamers tag is
mfishmza
We can have a go, i think the game is awesome !!! 🙂 cant get enough