Street Fighter 6 Review

Street Fighter 6, the latest instalment in the iconic fighting game series, delivers a masterful return to form. Reinvigorating the franchise with a plethora of features and modes that cater to both new and experienced players.

Put ‘em Up, Put ‘em Uuuuup

Street Fighter 6 has plenty on to show right out of the gate. Fighting Ground, Battle Hub, and World Tour all offer robust and diverse gameplay experiences, driven by exceptional core mechanics and a well-balanced roster. Street Fighter 6 sets itself apart from its predecessors by introducing the Drive system. A universal mechanic that adds a new layer of strategy to battles. From the straight up 2.5D fights in Fighting Ground and Battle Hub to the open-world RPG elements of World Tour, this game truly captures the essence of what makes Street Fighter beloved by millions of fans worldwide.

Them’s Fighting Words

At its core, Street Fighter 6 retains the essence of the classics with its trademark fighting styles. Each of the 18 characters in the roster boasts distinct movesets that are tailored to their unique personalities. This serves as a solid foundation and allows players to find their preferred fighter among a diverse cast (mine’s Cammy in case you’re wondering).

One of the main things that sets SF6 apart is the Drive system. By pressing the two medium attack buttons, players can unleash various Drive manoeuvres. Drive Parry for countering attacks, Drive Rush for swift dashes, and Drive Impact for staggering opponents. These mechanics not only deepen the combat but also give every character a touch of individuality.

The Drive Gauge serves as a crucial resource. Depleting with each use of a Drive manoeuvre it can lead to a temporary “burn out”, restricting certain moves and slowing movement. This encourages players to manage their Drive Gauge carefully and plan their tactics accordingly. The Drive system’s versatility empowers both beginners and seasoned players to experiment with different strategies, adding a refreshing dimension to the franchise.

You And What Army?

Street Fighter 6 showcases remarkable character balance. All 18 characters feel viable and competitive. Previously under-represented characters like Zangief receive welcome adjustments, making them a force to be reckoned with.

The new additions to the roster integrate seamlessly with the existing characters, bringing fresh challenges to veterans. Players can discover new playstyles and master innovative combos as they explore each character, ensuring SF6 remains an engaging experience.

A New Challenger Approaches

Capcom has considered players of all skill levels by introducing the Modern control scheme. Similar to Super Smash Bros, this eases newcomers into the game with more straightforward commands. However, Street Fighter purists can still rely on the Classic control scheme which has been around since day one. This bridges the gap between skill levels, promoting accessibility and inclusivity within the community.

Fighting Ground

Fighting Ground serves as the hub for players seeking the classic Street Fighter experience. This area houses familiar modes like Arcade, which takes players through a series of challenging battles against AI-controlled opponents. It alos has online ranked & casual matches, enabling players to test their skills against opponents from around the world. Additionally, the offline versus mode allows friends to compete in local matches for the real old school feel.

For me though, the standout feature of Fighting Ground is the Practice area. Which boasts a collection of indepth tutorials and character guides. Character guides delve deep into each fighter’s move sets, explaining when and how to use special moves effectively. This comprehensive resource encourages players to make the transition from novice to seasoned fighter.

World Tour

World Tour takes players on a globe-trotting adventure, offering an open-world RPG experience. Set in Metro City, with smaller locales representing different stages, this mode puts players into a story mode as they challenge a plethora of AI opponents scattered across the globe.

The hero of World Tour is a fully customisable avatar. You can choose all the usual physical features, hairstyles, and body sizes. Moreover, clothing and gear options can be purchased or earned, offering stat boosts and customisation without compromising gameplay performance.

The customisation also includes creating a personalised moveset. Players meet the 18 “masters” of the world, each representing a playable character in the game. By completing missions and one-on-one fights, players earn the masters’ respect, granting them access to specific moves from those characters. This allows you to design your ideal fighter, combining different special moves for a unique and versatile style.

World Tour’s seamless transition between exploration and combat is great. Players can challenge anyone in the open world, initiating battles without loading screens or interruptions. Nearby NPCs willl even run over to cheer on the fighters during combat. Sadly this comes at the cost of a noticeable dip in frame rate at times during fights in the open world. While it does not affect overall gameplay, it can be a minor drawback especially in more challenging fights.