SURE YOU CAN!

After a few days with SFIV, I've noticed some subtle things...

• there's no air block
• ultra combos are more common then supers
• it's fucking awesome

The system is as complex or simple as you want it to be. Back in the day of SFII Turbo, we didn't have luxuries like air blocking and stuff. Things that slowly got more and more common place with the introduction of contemporary fighting games like the Alpha series and King of Fighters.

With the return of Street Fighter IV, there are subtle tweaks here and there that make it feel fresh yet familar. Focus strikes allow you to absorb an attack and quickly counter attack, with unblockables even, giving you the tools necessary to throw a pressure gamer off your back. Like wise, a focus strike can be done to cancel most attacks, then either follow through with the attack or cancel it with a dash forward or backward. This continually opens the doors to offense and defense, while at the same time, simple focus strikes being employed as counters is about as much as you need if you can't get into such complex motions.

At the core of it's appeal though is are the return of the faithful veterans and classics without feeling like an easy port to 3D. The new 3D design makes the game somehow more mindful of tactics, and alll the original world warriors from SFII return, as well as old favorites as voted by fans like you such as the bubbly Sakura, Bruce Lee knockoff Fei Long, and classic badass Akuma.

The new comers also due a good job or feeling in place. 3rd Impact had a problem of having really out there character designs. Lots of mutants and freaks in the mix like 12 and Mr. Q. Crimson Viper's relationship against Chun-Li gives her a place of belonging. Abel's move set and design give him reward those curious in playing him. And El Fuerte takes his place as the typical racially insensitive Capcom fighting character.

This game is great for returning fans. This game is also great for new comers who hear about the hype from vets like me. SFIV is definitely a well crafted fight game. Tiers will be developed, but thoughtful fighters may find the sky's the limit towards victory. So onwards young warrior, as someday you may shatter the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of hundreds of opponents, piling them together as a stairway towards victory and immortality.