Capcom’s Street Fighter II remains a highly regarded fighting game, a sentiment echoed within our editorial team. Recent experience at a local arcade, fueled by nostalgia and a few beverages, reinforced its enduring appeal. The Street Fighter series, debuting in arcades in 1987, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017. While the original title had limited impact and its home computer ports faded into obscurity, Street Fighter II: The World Warriors established a benchmark for the fighting game genre for decades to come. From consuming our allowances during a 1992 summer trip to Bournemouth to its numerous re-releases, including Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2008, Street Fighter II has had an undeniable impact.
The HD-remastered graphics from Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix form the visual basis for the Nintendo Switch version, Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers, marking its seventh major iteration. Beyond the updated HD visuals, which have sparked debate regarding their superiority over the original pixel art, the game features a revised soundtrack and sound effects. However, players can revert to the classic aesthetic via an in-game menu, offering the original graphics and sound, similar to Wonder Boy III. A new addition to the Switch version is Way of the Hado, a motion-controlled mode that unfortunately recalls the shortcomings of earlier Kinect and PS Move titles. Its imprecise controls and repetitive gameplay quickly diminish its appeal. Played from Ryu’s perspective, players execute punches, kicks, and Hadokens against waves of enemies, culminating in frantic controller waving, after which returning to the core game feels like a relief.
Way of the Hado is… not fun.
The core gameplay of Street Fighter II remains a cornerstone of the fighting game genre. This port retains the original’s intricacies, including frame rate nuances. Years of arcade experience allowed us to complete the game on the first attempt at normal difficulty with Blanka. Furthermore, completing the game with any character using only two attack buttons is still possible. Compared to modern titles like Injustice 2, which challenges even seasoned players with complex button combinations, Street Fighter II feels comparatively streamlined. While undeniably a product of its time – 25 years represents a significant span in gaming – its age raises questions about its pricing. Releasing classic games on Virtual Console at a nominal fee differs significantly from asking a premium price for a game already owned in numerous iterations, especially when Street Fighter V is available digitally for a comparable price.
Buddy mode is a fun novelty.
Final Challengers introduces Evil Ryu and Violent Ken, darker and faster variations of the established characters. “Buddy Mode,” a cooperative mode allowing two players (or a player and the AI) to team up against a single opponent, offers a unique experience. While the setup is asymmetrical, the shared energy meter adds a layer of challenge. A small amount of energy regenerates between rounds, and taunting provides a minor boost, but overall, this mode provides an engaging twist. For dedicated fans, the inclusion of approximately 1,000 development sketches and concept images offers a valuable insight into the series’ history.
Blanka is best. Objectively.
The Nintendo Switch’s portability and performance make it suitable for retro arcade and platform games. However, transitioning from an arcade stick to the Switch’s D-pad or analog stick requires adaptation, and the timing nuances can be frustrating. This led to considering revisiting Street Fighter II on Retropie with a Hori Arcade Stick to recapture the authentic feel. Given the game’s age and price, its target audience appears to be nostalgic enthusiasts. A Pro Controller might improve the experience, but ours is still pending delivery.
The two “new” fighters.
Street Fighter II remains an enjoyable game, frequently featured in our office tournaments. However, the price of Ultra Street Fighter II raises concerns about its value proposition, particularly given the Switch’s potential limitations for this title. Owners of the game on retro platforms may find that those versions offer a comparable experience. Ultra Street Fighter II serves as a suitable farewell to a landmark fighting game, but a budget-priced release on Virtual Console might have been a more appropriate strategy. This could have attracted both nostalgic fans and new players, whereas the current release risks becoming a niche product due to its age and perceived cost.
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