Street Fighter V

Street Fighter has been a lynchpin franchise in the fighting genre for decades now and has been in a constant battle of one-upmanship with very few others.

With the release of Street Fighter V, it’s taken a back to the drawing board approach that has given the brawler a fresh look, feel and structure that it not only deserves but puts it a step ahead of the game where it counts.

From the instant, the gameplay feels refreshed and lighter, combos and player movement has shed the lag of previous titles and to bring about a much quicker and more exciting style of combat. The rethought mechanics here hark back to the arcade sensation of classic Street Fighter titles and beg for massive multiplayer gaming sessions. Thankfully the visuals have been able to stick with the change in game speed with a strong frame rate and powerful dynamic lighting models. The crisp cell shading styled animated characters pop from the screen throughout but also overwhelm the stale backdrops that feature in each level.

The single player and story mode options are very brief but entertaining for those familiar with characters backstories, the gold in this release however is the mutliplayer.

The controller system has had a minor makeover to a large amount of combo breakers, altering them to level the playing field over the existing fan base and allowing new players to step in without being demolished instantly. Alongside the introduction of the V Trigger being a one of three single button V Skill Moves unique to each character these can break matches wide open when utilised correctly. The tight method of gameplay and easy initial learning curve offers a more rewarding option when players decide to bring their game to the next level. As there is no ‘barrier’ system holding back moves, upgrades or power ups, Street Fighter V is fun from the get go, Capcom are aware of this and have given players all the tools to master the game themselves through practice and improved skill not having to jump through hoops.

Changes to the character base lends itself well to this online and ‘couch fighting’ session focus also, instead of the cut and paste mapping model that other titles present, there is a unique strength weakness system in place to give the player the chance to adapt their own strengths and integrate the aforementioned V Skill into their style of play.

Overall Capcom have thought about the way this franchise has always been played and kept focus on offering up the best multiplayer experience out there, which they’ve achieved. Street Fighter V is an extremely well balanced side-scroller with brilliant depth. Launch content may be a little light on at present, but with many more expansions on offer through out the year, the game will only get better.

Released Feb 16