Freshly introduced mechanics shake up the familiar dance of previous titles and notably improve the moment-to-moment gameplay.
Capcom continues to demonstrate precisely how a team can triumphantly transform established IP.
Capcom’s output in recent years has been outstanding.
Street Fighter 6 Ken introduction
My journey with the storied fighting franchise began way back on Super Nintendo with Street Fighter 2.
Regarding 2D fighters, nothing could match that masterclass entry’s style, intensity, and undeniable flair.
While I’ve remained a staunch fan for decades, my hopes and misplaced competitive aspirations have waned significantly.
Boy, was I wrong.
Capcom has delivered an experience that graciously onboards new players and celebrates the formidable legacy of Street Fighter.
Despite its single-player design, World Tour in Street Fighter 6 almost plays like an MMO.
This fascinating system empowers you to experiment with different move sets and learn the fundamentals of each fighter.
You’re encouraged to battle gangsters on the streets and smash any barrels or boxes in your path.
Fighting Ground represents the classic offline Street Fighter experience.
This pillar of Street Fighter 6 includes Arcade Mode, Training Mode, and Extreme Battle Mode.
No frills and no gimmicks (well, excluding the gimmicky Extreme Battle Mode, anyway).
Just good old-fashioned Street Fighter exhibitions.
Street Fighter 6 Ken introduction
The training mode was a major standout for me.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t overly impressed with the arcade mode in Street Fighter 6.
Still, it’s massively overshadowed by the World Tour mode.
Street Fighter 6 World Tour Thrasher
This mode tosses players into sprawling online social spaces in an ingenious twist on traditional multiplayer lobbies.
Here random passing players can request a battle or spectate ongoing fights.
The deliberate, chess-like back and forth remains a crucial component of the action.
Street Fighter 6 art direction
Street Fighter professionals can quarter-circle punch and down-up-kick without batting an eye.
Unfortunately, those unmistakable button commands don’t come as easy to first-time players.
Street Fighter 6 offers a “Modern” control scheme that dramatically simplifies the game’s learning curve.
Street Fighter 6 Battle Hub selfie wall
Street Fighter 6 doesn’t only cater to new players.
In fact, the Drive Meter arguably hoists competitive play to another level.
Mechanics like Drive Impact, Drive Parry, Drive Rush, and Drive Reversal deliver game-changing combat versatility.
Street Fighter 6 E. Honda introduction
Annoying tactics like projectile spamming and low-kick combo cheesing can be effectively countered and punished by opposing fighters.
Each subsequential release has pushed those boundaries further, and Street Fighter 6 is no exception.
The principles of design and art direction in Street Fighter 6 are unapologetic.
Street Fighter 6 Marisa stage
Street Fighter 6 makes every moment an enchanting spectacle.
The principles of design and art direction in Street Fighter 6 are unapologetic.
Legacy characters have been radically remodeled, and the modern fighter wears its inspirations on its sleeves.
Street Fighter 6 gameplay
For the World Tour Mode, this was particularly glaring and meant various logos and signs were utterly unreadable.
The day-one offering this time around feels substantially more robust than Street Fighter 5.
Like many ongoing games, Street Fighter 6 will feature battle passes and paid premium content.
Street Fighter 6 Ryu victory pose
At this point in my life, I can’t imagine myself becoming a professional Street Fighter player.
Street Fighter 6 proves that when it comes to legendary fighting games, nobody does it quite like Capcom.
With a staggering amount of day-one content, there’s a lot to love about Street Fighter 6.
Street Fighter 6 World Tour Photo Mode
