The evolution of fighting games owes its very existence to the revolutionary impact of the Street Fighter series.
In this article, we delve deep into the remarkable journey of Capcom, unveiling how this iconic franchise has reshaped the gaming landscape from its inception to the present day. Stay tuned for an insightful exploration of how Street Fighter has left an indelible mark on the genre.
The Birth of Street Fighter
The first version in the series, known as Street Fighter, was designed by Takashi Nishiyama and Hiroshi Matsumoto and released for arcade machines in 1987. Crafted by the visionary minds of Takashi Nishiyama and Hiroshi Matsumoto, the first version, simply titled Street Fighter, graced arcade machines with its innovative gameplay. Drawing inspiration from the captivating essence of Kung-Fu Master, Nishiyama infused the game with a dynamic duo: Ryu, the stalwart protagonist, and Ken Masters, his charismatic counterpart. Their martial arts prowess echoed the electrifying allure of Hong Kong action films. With intuitive controls that allowed players to unleash a flurry of hand strikes and foot attacks, the game also introduced three special moves that could be executed through deft button combinations. As the franchise gained momentum, Street Fighter found new homes on MS-DOS and the TurboGrafx-CD, solidifying its status as a trailblazer in the realm of fighting games.
The Second Version: A Revolution in the Fighting Genre
The turning point for Street Fighter came with its second version, Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, which launched in 1991 for the CP System arcade machines. Developed by Akira Nishitani and Akira Yasuda, this game marked a significant shift in the fighting game genre. It was among the first arcade machines produced by Capcom and introduced the groundbreaking concept of allowing players to select characters with distinct moves and fighting styles. For the first time, players could choose from a wide range of characters, each with their own arsenal of approximately 30 or more moves, including innovative abilities like Grappling & Throws that would become staples in the genre. Street Fighter II also introduced categorized stages and a final boss fight, a format that would become a hallmark of future versions. With numerous editions offering specific features such as team battles and hidden characters, Street Fighter II unexpectedly revolutionized the gaming industry, cementing Capcom’s position as a game-changer.
Spin-offs and Franchise Expansion
The release of Street Fighter II: The World Warrior marked a turning point for the franchise, catapulting it to unprecedented success. After its debut in arcades, the game’s Super NES port became Capcom’s best-selling title until 2008, capturing the attention of gamers worldwide. The game’s popularity continued to soar with subsequent releases on the original PlayStation and Sega Saturn consoles in 1997. Not content with just expanding the existing editions, Capcom introduced a new version named Alpha in 2003, further solidifying the franchise’s foothold. As Street Fighter II flourished on various platforms, Capcom also ventured into spin-offs, including the groundbreaking 3D games Street Fighter EX and its sequel EX2, released between 1996 and 1999. The trend continued with the launch of Street Fighter EX3, a PlayStation 2 launch title in 2000 that featured innovative gameplay mechanics such as tag team battles and the ability to purchase new moves using in-game points, further cementing Street Fighter’s status as a pioneering force in the gaming industry.
The New Millennium: Crossovers and Collaborations with Other Companies
In the vibrant landscape of the 1990s, Capcom’s influence in the gaming world extended far beyond the success of Street Fighter II and the groundbreaking EX trilogy. The company boldly ventured into the realm of other fighting games, even those of competitors, leaving an indelible mark on the arcade scene. Some of these ventures stealthily emerged in Marvel superhero titles, weaving a web of interconnectivity across different franchises. SNK Playmore’s fighting games also felt the reverberations of Capcom’s innovative spirit during this era. In 1997, Street Fighter III: New Generation made its debut exclusively in arcades, sparking controversy with its unconventional release strategy. The game’s journey to home consoles was a tumultuous one, with only a Dreamcast version available two years later. The Street Fighter III series continued with the releases of 2nd Impact and 3rd Strike, with the latter making waves in 2000 on arcades and Dreamcast before gracing PlayStation 2 in 2004. As the new millennium dawned, Capcom’s success in the franchise realm hinged on strategic collaborations with other companies. The fifth generation saw fruitful partnerships with Namco that continued through subsequent console eras, fostering a legacy of innovation and evolution for Street Fighter and its enduring impact on the gaming world.
Fourth and Fifth Versions: Long Awaited
In 2007, after nearly a decade since Street Fighter III 3rd Strike, Capcom surprised fans with the unveiling of Street Fighter IV at the Capcom Gamers Day event. Contrary to expectations, this new game was not a direct sequel to the third version, but rather a continuation of the beloved Street Fighter II series. The game made its debut in arcades in 2008 and later arrived on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC in 2009. Street Fighter IV retained the classic 2D gameplay while introducing cutting-edge 3D cel-shaded graphics. It brought back the iconic 12 characters from Street Fighter II and introduced new features such as the Super Combo system and counter techniques. The game saw several editions released, captivating players until 2014. Following a significant hiatus, Street Fighter V emerged as a PlayStation 4 and PC exclusive in 2016, marking Capcom’s entry into the eighth generation with a main version. Featuring a roster of 16 characters, including fan favorites like Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li, Street Fighter V initially faced mixed reviews. However, the release of the Arcade Edition breathed new life into the game, ultimately tipping the scales in Capcom’s favor.
Street Fighter VI: At the Peak of the Fighting Genre
Street Fighter VI, the latest version in the iconic franchise, burst onto the scene just last year, captivating fans and critics alike. Boasting an impressive Metacritic score of 92 out of 100, it stands as one of the highest-quality games in Street Fighter history. Notably, this marks Capcom’s first foray into developing a Street Fighter game with the cutting-edge RE Engine, signaling a new era for the series. Setting itself apart from its predecessors, Street Fighter VI introduces groundbreaking features such as cross-platform play and a real-time match reporting system, earning praise from critics for its innovative approach. The game’s diverse range of modes, extensive array of Super Combos, and a roster of 18 main characters with customizable options have left many in awe. The introduction of the Drive system has injected an electrifying risk-reward dynamic, elevating the game to new heights. Critics have also lauded the game’s immersive sound design, which allows players to discern their distance from opponents based solely on the sound of hits, providing a tactical advantage. With ongoing updates introducing new characters and significant enhancements, Street Fighter VI is poised to continue its reign well into the ninth generation. Its potential as a staple in global esports tournaments has already garnered attention, promising intense competition and thrilling gameplay for years to come.
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