Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition

UPC: 013388305025

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Publisher: Capcom USA, Inc.

Developer: Capcom Co., Ltd.

Category: Fighting

Style(s): 3D Fighting

Synopsis: Capcom's signature fighting series bashes its way onto 3DS with 35 playable characters and online multiplayer battles. Guide world warriors Ryu, Ken, Guile, Blanka, Chun Li, and other classic combatants along with newer entries Hakan and Juri. Master the cinematic "ultra" combos while battling rivals in one-on-one matches, and view the action from an over-the-shoulder camera option that utilizes the system's stereoscopic display. Those new to the fighting franchise can opt for a "simple" mode, which streamlines the combo-centric controls to a single touch on the screen. Both local and online wireless connections are supported, as is the system's StreetPass feature for collecting figurines of your favorite fighters. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 64-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

While the 3D effect is obviously the most newsworthy aspect of Nintendo's handheld, the system itself is more than just a DS with an added visual gimmick. No other launch title illustrates this point more than Capcom's Super Street Fighter IV, which offers so many similarities to its console sibling that you'll think, "how is this possible?" Suffice it to say, if you enjoyed the game on Xbox 360 or PS3, you'll do hurricane kicks for this adaptation as well. The most striking aspect of the game is not the 3D, which by default, is more atmospheric, making objects in the background and foreground stick out a bit more to give the game the illusion of depth (at the expense of a faster frame rate). While there is also a behind-the-shoulder 3D viewpoint -- completely optional, of course -- it is more for show than practical use. It's way too difficult to quickly read and react to your opponent from this vantage point, so there's little benefit from using this option other than to see how well the handheld displays certain 3D techniques. So you'll play Super Street Fighter IV for the wonderfully fast-paced, competitive gameplay rather than the 3D. Turning the 3D effect off will double the game's frame rate from a solid 30 to a sparkling 60 frames per second. You have the full lineup of 35 characters to play as or against, with a roster spanning the entire Street Fighter series as well as a handful of newcomers. The complicated controls for performing certain moves can be simplified to a degree, with two options (pro and lite) available that lets you assign combos or special moves to quadrants on the touch screen. Play modes are as deep as the character roster, though some may not be utilized as well as the developer hoped. In addition to battling the computer, Super Street Fighter IV on 3DS lets you face off against players from around the world in the Internet Match option. Also included are local wireless battles, with the option to share one character and one stage to a friend who doesn't have the game; challenge and training options so you can perfect certain moves and techniques; and support for the system's StreetPass feature. The latter has you collecting up to 500 figurines that will automatically engage in battle with other players' figurines. The results are simulated based on each figurine's stats, so you don't actually engage in any fighting yourself. You can then tweak your lineup of figurines, adjust each one's attributes, and assemble a fighting team of sorts like in Pok?mon. Yet in order for this feature to work, you have to be in range of those who already own the game and is carrying the 3DS on their person. Collecting figurines and then battling them is a great idea, but having it tied to random encounters in the open world is hugely disappointing. Unless you visit a mall filled with 3DS owners, the likelihood of engaging in battles is low, at least in the States. Yet those who only care about the quality of the one-on-one brawling or the faithfulness to the port will love what Capcom has been able to do with the game on the 3DS. The look and feel is surprisingly close to the console versions, albeit with some concessions like static background elements instead of fully animated environments. Whether you're looking to perfect your tiger uppercuts and sonic booms on the go, or to test your skill against players from across the globe, Super Street Fighter IV convincingly lives up to its name. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.