After a long wait, gaming enthusiasts globally are in for a treat as the fully-fledged version of Street Fighter 6 is here for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Steam. Street Fighter 6 has burst onto the scene with a bang, you can feel the buzz everywhere but has arisen to expectations?
Those who remember the initial release of Street Fighter 5 would recall how it lacked features upon its 2016 release. Fast forward to over seven years, and Capcom has made a 180-degree shift with Street Fighter 6 by incorporating a plethora of engaging features and modes at launch. Upon starting Street Fighter 6, players are met with three key options: World Tour, Battle Hub, and Fighting Grounds. If you would like more in-depth information about the specific modes peep here.
Street Fighter 6’s World Tour mode is an exciting addition to the beloved fighting game franchise, offering a single-player experience RPG-like filled with customization, progression, and a homage to Capcom’s gaming history. Players can create their own protagonist using the Avatar Creator and embark on a quest with memorable encounters and challenges. The mode features immersive gameplay with diverse battles and specific objectives that unlock rewards and items. Character progression and customization are emphasized, allowing players to level up their avatar’s stats and abilities and purchase wearable gear from in-game shops. The mode also introduces eateries for vitality boosts and provides World Tour missions in iconic locations, unlocking powerful abilities. Paying tribute to Capcom’s legacy, the mode incorporates elements from the Final Fight series, providing a nostalgic experience. Each character encountered possesses a unique fighting style, and notable appearances from returning characters add excitement and familiarity. Overall, Street Fighter 6’s World Tour mode is a must-play, combining customization, progression, and a deep appreciation for Capcom’s gaming history.
Fighting Grounds is the place that houses a wide array of familiar game modes from the Street Fighter series, offering a comprehensive collection of gameplay experiences. Within Fighting Grounds, players can engage in intense one-on-one battles through Versus mode, either against human opponents or the CPU, replicating the arcade experience. Online Battle offers Ranked Match for competitive players seeking to earn League Points, and Casual Match for a more relaxed online experience. Extreme Battle mode presents unconventional fights with unique gimmicks and rules for added excitement. The Training Menu is available for players to refine their skills, with features like frame data display and combo trials. Lastly, Arcade Mode offers character-specific stories, paying homage to the franchise’s rich history. With its diverse sub-modes, Fighting Grounds in Street Fighter 6 caters to a wide range of playstyles and preferences.
The Battle Hub in Street Fighter 6 is a virtual world that combines the nostalgic essence of arcades with modern online gameplay. It captures the vibrant atmosphere of arcade gaming, allowing players to engage with Battle Hub cabinets, challenge opponents, and spectate intense matches. The Battle Hub also emphasizes social interaction, enabling players to meet fellow gamers, join friends on their servers, and share the excitement of the virtual arcade environment. With flawless netcode and near-identical online and offline gameplay experiences, the Battle Hub delivers a seamless online fighting game experience. It also features playable classic Capcom games on rotating arcade cabinets and allows players to battle using customized avatars with unique moves. With enjoyable lobby experiences and a range of activities, the Battle Hub serves as a hotspot for online interactions and brings back the nostalgic arcade culture while embracing the power of online play in Street Fighter 6.
The Drive System in Street Fighter 6 introduces the Drive Gauge, a six-bar power meter that determines the number of special moves called Drives each character can perform. When the bars are depleted, the characters enter the Burnout State, a vulnerable phase where their Drive bar regenerates at a slower rate, they take more damage from enemy attacks, and they even experience chip damage while dodging or blocking.
The Drive Gauge automatically replenishes during the match and at the start of each round, ensuring that players have access to their Drives throughout the fight. It also provides protection against chip damage, trading half a bar of the power meter for defense.
Street Fighter 6 offers five unique Drive Types: Impact, Parry, Rush, Reversal, and Overdrive. Each Drive Type requires a specific input and consumes a different amount of Drive Gauge bars. These Drives provide additional skills, counterattacks, and power strikes on top of the Super Moves, adding depth and versatility to each character’s moveset.
For example, the Drive Impact is an armored power-absorbing heavy strike that can wall-splat the enemy in the corners. When blocked, the opponent gets pushed back and loses a Drive Gauge bar. Additionally, wall-splatting an opponent in the Burnout State stuns them temporarily, creating opportunities for devastating follow-up attacks.
The Drive Parry, on the other hand, is a dodge and deflect move that consumes half of the Drive Gauge bar when activated. Successfully timing the Drive Parry freezes the opponent, allowing for a counterattack. Dodging attacks replenishes the Drive Gauge, and it can even be used to deflect enemy projectiles, providing both defensive and offensive options.
Drive Rush allows players to quickly dash toward the enemy, enhancing their next move with +4 frames, giving them a significant combo advantage. This advantage can stack with other enhancing moves, enabling impressive strings of attacks and creating rewarding combo opportunities.
To break free from enemy combos and restore the Drive Gauge that may have been depleted while dodging, players can use the Drive Reversal. While it deflects minor damage, the Drive Reversal can be a costly defense, consuming two Drive Gauge bars. However, it serves as a powerful counterattack and helps players regain control of the fight.
Finally, the Overdrive replaces the EX Special Move from previous Street Fighter games. By performing a Special Move and pressing two buttons of the same type during the Special Move, players can unleash an Overdrive Art. This combo of special moves turns each special strike of the same type into a deadly hit, adding another layer of devastating attacks to their arsenal.
The Drive System in Street Fighter 6 adds depth and strategy to the gameplay. Mastering the different Drive Types and managing the Drive Gauge becomes crucial in both offense and defense. It offers a balance between accessibility for beginners and ample depth for experienced players, making each match a dynamic and engaging experience.
Returning to the review, the gameplay itself is engrossing and has me continually coming back for more. The introduction of the Drive Gauge and its various Drives brings a fresh and exciting dimension to the battles. The strategic use of Drives, combined with the core mechanics of Street Fighter, creates a gameplay experience that is both accessible and rewarding.
A New Era Begins
Street Fighter 6 embodies a well-realized vision and serves as a heartfelt tribute to the fighting game community. With its stunning art style and captivating aesthetic, an impressive and diverse roster, exhilarating gameplay that feels both refreshing and gratifying, and the most exceptional netcode in any Street Fighter installment, it truly excels. The game’s meticulous design, dedicated training tools, and revitalized World Tour mode combine to create an incredibly engaging experience.
While the game does have its flaws, such as Arcade Mode lacking depth and the need for more detailed character stories, these shortcomings are overshadowed by its numerous strengths.
Capcom has managed to create a game that caters to both newcomers and experienced players alike. Whether you seek a lighthearted gaming session with friends or an intense competitive experience at the highest level, Street Fighter 6 delivers.
I highly recommend this game to anyone interested in fighting games or video games in general. The immense care and passion poured into its creation are evident in every aspect, from the art design to the gameplay mechanics. Capcom’s goal of crafting the ultimate Street Fighter experience has undeniably been achieved.
The standard edition of Street Fighter 6 retails for $59.99, while the Deluxe Edition and Ultimate Edition are priced at $84.99 and $104.99, respectively. Considering the amount of content and the significant improvements over its predecessor, Street Fighter 6 is undoubtedly worth its price.
Street Fighter 6 delivers a satisfying and immersive fighting game experience. With its improved features, robust game modes, and engaging gameplay mechanics, it stands out as a worthy addition to the Street Fighter series. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the franchise, Street Fighter 6 offers an exhilarating and enjoyable fighting game experience that is well worth the investment.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
