Street Fighter II has never been better than this... go buy it now!
Graphics
If you compare the original Super Street Fighter II Turbo (let's just call it SSF2T), and this new remake, you can see one hell of a difference. Basically everything in the remake (or remix if you prefer) is remade in a beautiful manga-like art style. Sometimes it almost feels like watching an anime. Also, this game looks even more stunning on a high-definition TV, with no hitch in performance at all. They basically just zoom the camera in a little bit if you are playing on a HD tv, but it pays off, because you get to see more of the stunning detail of each character when they are fighting or standing. I would have to say it's one of the best looking 2D games around (Until KoF XII comes out, of course). The only problem that some people may have with the graphics is that they are too simplistic. For example, the people in the background only have 2 or 3 frame animations, and the fighters don't move as fluidly as in other 2D fighters, like Street Fighter III or Guilty Gear. It's not a big problem for me, since they are trying to replicate the simplicity of the original SF2, but it may be a problem for others.
Graphics: 9/10
Sound
The Street Fighter franchise has always had good music; to the iconic beats of Guile's or Ken's stage, to the majestic sounds of Balrog's or Blanka's stage, SF has music that will always keep you humming the sounds even after your done playing the game. For the remake, Capcom has decided to let the fans do the music, and wow, that was a decision that was truly great. The guys over at OverClocked ReMix have done a fantastic job at remaking the music. When you first start up the game, you will hear a heavily-remixed version of "Ken's Stage" and man, it get's your adrenaline pumped and wanting you to start street fighting. While the music is most excellent, there are some choices in the music where it didn't fit at all. Like, for instance, "Cammy's Stage" doesn't sound as great as the original, but to each it's own I guess. The fighting sounds of the remake are the same as before, but two differences for this remake. Capcom has decided to get Guile's "manly" voice in the game instead of the more teenage-boyish voice in one of the previous SFII games, I really appreciated it since Guile is one of my favorites.. And they also change the announcer, so that it's a less annoying voice this time around. Another thumb up for Capcom.
Sound: 9/10
Gameplay
The most important part of ANY fighting game is the gameplay. The graphics, sound, or anything else don't matter unless the gameplay is good, and the gameplay is the biggest change in this remake of SSF2T. Everything that was considered "cheap" in the previous Street Fighter II iterations have been fixed. By fixed, I mean they were either slowed down, take less damage, taken out, or something else. For example, E.Honda's infamous "Thousand-Hand Slap" that has haunted every Street Fighter's minds has been toned down, so now it's not a quick way to win anymore. The gameplay all around has been balanced, and so it's a lot more funner to play. No character in this game don't feel cheap at all, everyone is balanced. While on the other hand, the A.I. in the game's "Arcade Mode" are still as cheap as ever. They have been toned down compared to the previous games, but they are still cheap, it's a thing that infects mostly every fighting game, I'm afraid. The online part of this remake, one of the game's best features, is absolutely amazing. I've played a decent amount of matches online and I had only one game were it lagged, but even then, the lag wasn't that bad. It's certainly a step-up from the previous "Anniversary Collection" and Xbox Live ports of SFII. Another good job, Capcom.
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Value
I'm pretty sure you, the consumer, have wondered if this game is really worth the 1200 Microsoft Points (or $15 if you prefer real money count)? The answer is quite difficult. Depending on how much a Street Fighter fan you are, 1 being a complete newcomer to Street Fighter, to 5, being an absolute SF maniac, this game is a must buy for anyone that is a 5, 4, or 3 on my little Street Fighter number-line. 1 or 2 will have to think about it. While it is certainly a great Street Fighter game, I don't think you will feel satisfied with spending $15 on this new remake. Most of the game's value appeals to the more hardcore Street Fighter group, with visible hit-boxes and dip switches some of the game's features, you, the casual fan, will most likely not use these features at all. While the game does feature an excellent online component, it may not be worth the $15 to you casual fans, unless you play online fighters a lot. The only solution I can think of for you newcomers to Street Fighter is to try the demo or play the game at a friends house and see if you think it's worth the 15 dollars. While everyone else, this is a must-buy.
Value: 8.5
Conclusion
There, I have given you many good points, and some bad points about buying Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Should you go ahead and buy this game or wait till Street Fighter IV? My answer to you is to go buy this game immediately. Street Fighter II has never been better than this and most likely won't be, unless they plan to remake it again, which I highly doubt (I see a remake of Street Fighter III in the future instead). Overall, it's a must-buy for me, and hopefully for you. Keep on fighting.
Overall: 9.0
- HardcoreKiller2