Street Fighter II Ultra Turbo Alpha HD Champions Edition.
There aren't many gamers who haven't played a Street Fighter game, and since the mechanics are basically the same here I won't delve too far into them. Street Fighter is a fighting game on a 2D plane in which players try to knock out their opponents by strategically using a character's moves. Punches will be thrown, fireballs will be summoned, nonsense taunts will be uttered. At it's core Street Fighter IV is the same game you've always known.
This definitely isn't a bad thing. Though Street Fighter II came out almost twenty years ago, the super-tight, balanced, nuanced and fun fighting mechanics still hold up today. It's still satisfying to hit M. Bison with a Dragon Punch or shove your opponent's face in Zangief's crotch, and even more so with the updated graphics. IV is quite the looker. The classic 2D sprites have been swapped for gorgeous cel-shaded 3D models, and once you get over the steroid-induced art style, it looks great. Animation is fast, furious, and very funny. It's hilarious watching Blanka's eyes bulge out cartoon-style when he gets punched. The characters animate without a hitch, and the transitions from move to move are silky smooth. Despite lackluster stage backgrounds, IV is one pretty fighter.
Though the visual overhaul is appreciated, it's superficial and can't mask the fact that we've played this game before. There are a measly two new gameplay additions. The first is called the Revenge Meter, which is filled as you take damage. Once a character is beat-up enough, a super-flashy Ultra Combo can be unleashed for massive damage. It's not a system that requires a lot of skill, really it's just a way for newcomers to stand a fighting chance in battle. The other addition is more technical. It's called the Focus Punch, and it can be charged to do additional damage. While Focusing, the first attack to hit will do no damage and you'll be allowed to counter it.
It's cool, but Street Fighter IV is a definite case of 'one step forward, two steps back.' Gone are all of the little gameplay quirks from Street Fighter III. Parries, taunts, dashes, Super Arts, all the things purists would tweak and practice until mastered, they're nowhere to be seen. Street Fighter III also has a huge advantage in another area - the character roster. Though SFIV has the occasional obscure character you won't recognize, all but four are from past games. With the exception of C. Viper who I really liked, many of the newcomers are annoying to use. It's much more fun to select an old favourite - which begs asking why cough up for SFIV in the first place?
Those wondering whether to buy Street Fighter IV, ask yourselves this: Are you fine with paying sixty dollars for a game you probably already own? There are better options, and cheaper options. Street Fighter II HD Remix on XBLA/PSN is pretty much the same game for a quarter the price, and with smoother online to boot. But all you purists, Street Fighter IV is a gorgeous, balanced fighter that's easy to enjoy - just don't expect to be surprised much.