Aside from the Arcade mode and online multiplayer, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Standard fare for modern fighting games, street Fighter IV includes a profusion of time-attack and survival modes of varying difficulty, which should keep gamers occupied for months. A challenge mode presents players with moves and combos they have to complete, each increasing in difficulty until they require superhuman dexterity and hair-trigger reflexes. These challenges also emphasize the game’s depth; only the elite will be able to complete the most arduous of them – casual players need not apply.
Doing the challenges isn’t necessary, and they don’t detract from the game’s “easy to play, hard to master†ethos. Fighting game veterans and newcomers alike will be able to gleam enjoyment from this game.
Street Fighter IV is something to be marveled at; an obvious labour of love on Capcom’s part it manages to invoke an overwhelming sense of nostalgia without the need for rose-tinted glasses. Once the honeymoon is over and the nostalgia has worn off the game that’s left isn’t just a shiny, high definition version of Street Fighter II – This is the Street Fighter that was meant to be.
This has been an especially difficult review to write; as a long time Street Fighter fan, it’s difficult to not have this come off as fawning Capcom fanboyism. The fact though is that ultimately Street Fighter IV is better than anyone could have hoped for. Capcom have attained what many believed would be impossible – they’ve recaptured the magic of Street Fighter II, but have produced a game that isn’t a simple rehash or re-imagining. Fresh and invigorating, this is the definitive Street Fighter – a culmination of 20 years experience and currently the best fighting game available to current-gen console owners.
Scoring
Gameplay: 10.0
Tight controls and sublime gameplay that is both rich and deep enough for enthusiasts, but still fun for newcomers.
Presentation: 9.5
Visceral, resplendent visuals that never drop below 60 fps. You’ll go “oooh†a lot.
The anime sequences are mostly laughable though.
Sound: 8.0
Besides having the worst intro theme song in the history of gaming and some less than stellar English voice acting, the audio is superb.
Value: 9.5
There’s so much to do, both offline and online. You’ll be playing this game for a long, long time. This is as close to the perfect fighter as you’re likely to play.
Overall: 9.3
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