Street Fighter 6: The Ultimate Fighting Game Experience in 2023
Garnering acclaim for its exceptional support for new players and a groundbreaking story mode, Street Fighter 6 has emerged as the best fighting game of the year. Its innovative approach to welcoming newcomers and providing an engaging narrative experience has set a new standard in the genre, ensuring that both seasoned veterans and fresh contenders can enjoy the thrill of battle in this iconic series.
Executive Editor’s Perspective
Tyler Wilde, the Executive Editor, shares a transformative experience with Street Fighter 6, highlighting the game’s in-depth tutorials and practice modes as pivotal in demystifying long-elusive fighting game concepts. For the first time, terms like “cross-up” became clear, enhancing his enjoyment and skill in the game. The story mode, described as goofy yet endearing, allowed him to create a personalized character, fostering a unique connection with the game’s universe. This personal touch made interactions with iconic characters like Chun-Li feel as significant as meeting a real-life celebrity, only better, as it included learning to fight from the legend herself.
Senior Editor’s Take
Wes Fenlon, the Senior Editor, offers a fresh perspective on the story mode of Street Fighter 6, likening it to a “Yakuza Lite” experience that brilliantly expands the fighting game genre. He appreciates the departure from the traditional Mortal Kombat narrative structure of alternating cutscenes and fights, instead embracing the comedic potential and celebrity status of Street Fighter’s characters within their world. The game’s vitality was also on full display during this year’s Street Fighter EVO finals, which showcased a healthy mix of new and veteran players, a diverse character roster, and nail-biting matches that captivated audiences. Fenlon’s commitment to the game even led him to build a hitbox controller, a testament to his deep affection for the game.
Features Producer’s Insights
Mollie Taylor, the Features Producer, expresses enthusiasm for Street Fighter 6 as the first 2D fighter to capture her interest in a significant way. She commends the game for its accessibility to newcomers, offering a perfect blend of casual and veteran modes to cater to all player preferences. The introduction of the new Drive Rush mechanic has sparked debate within the community, but it has undeniably added excitement to the competitive scene. Taylor hopes that future fighting games will emulate Street Fighter 6’s robust training and online modes, as well as its delightfully goofy story mode.
- Casual Modes: For players looking to enjoy the game without intense competition.
- Veteran Modes: Designed for experienced players seeking a challenge.
- Training Modes: To help players learn and master the game’s mechanics.
- Online Modes: For those who want to test their skills against others around the world.
- Story Mode: An engaging narrative experience for players who appreciate a good story.
Senior Editor’s Favorite Aspects
Rich Stanton, Senior Editor and fight stick enthusiast, shares his favorite aspects of Street Fighter 6. He particularly praises the modern controls, which, although he doesn’t use them himself, have significantly broadened the game’s appeal. This inclusivity has led to a diverse multiplayer environment where every character in the roster makes an appearance, and newcomers can engage with the game more easily. Stanton notes the joy in encountering a variety of play styles, including those who may overuse special attacks, providing him with opportunities to execute satisfying counters.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Opens the game to a wider audience | May oversimplify gameplay for veterans |
| Encourages character diversity in multiplayer | Potential reliance on special attack spamming |
Street Fighter 6: A Resounding Success
Concluding with personal reflections, Rich Stanton, Senior Editor, shares his enjoyment of Ken’s character development in Street Fighter 6. After a less favorable portrayal in SFV, Ken returns to a more traditional style in SF6, with an emphasis on his distinctive kicks, making him an irresistible choice for Stanton’s main. This nuanced character evolution is just one aspect of what might make SF6 the best Street Fighter game Capcom has ever produced. Stanton believes that while SF4 holds a special place for the era he played it in, SF6 could very well take the crown. It’s a game that’s vital, brutal, and gorgeous, offering an abundance of activities and the purest fun one can have in a virtual fight.
