Is this really a handheld port?! No way!

User Rating: 9 | Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition 3DS
Through the years I have been a Street Fighter fan of varying degrees of dedication. From times of yore in Round Table Pizza playing the original arcade release of Street Fighter II to Puzzle Fighter to Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition, I've at least kept up to date on the Street Fighter series. Unfortunately, that does include the less savory entries in the series, namely those who attempted 3D (EX series primarily) and pretty much all handheld console ports.

Now, generally I expect the handheld versions to be clunky at best, often through no fault of the developers in question; running a current or just-passed generation game on a significantly weaker platform usually leads to shortcuts or a complete lower-res and fewer-featured version of the original game. Fortunately the 3DS is nearly as strong as the Wii, and this allows for some truly stunning visuals to be created, without sacrificing the gameplay that makes Street Fighter, well, Street Fighter.

Not only did this game preserve the gameplay (including multiplayer!) of the original, but it added JUST enough in the way of console-specific features. Being a launch title, I did not expect the inclusion of StreetPass, SpotPass, or online multiplayer, but each is present and absolutely shines in this release. While the 3D is barely noticeable during fights, the Ultra-Combo sequences really remind me why I bought a 3DS in the first place. The inclusion of touch screen controls was actually welcome, and helped fill the void left by a lack of LT/RT or L2/R2, allowing for easy execution of ultra combos and EX moves.

Overall, if you are a fan of the series and don't mind a challenge, I'd say that this is at least in the top 3 3DS games out today, so stop reading and go buy it!