Backbone's Producer discusses how the game stacks up so far. 

No, I am not here to announce an official launch date, though I imagine it's gotta be before summer's end with Evo 08 fast approaching. Actually this post exists only to get a few of you over to the latest blog presented by the talented David Sirlin diligently working on Super SF2 Turbo HD Remix. (Jeez, that's quite a mouthful to say in casual conversation.) In his latest update, Sirlin provides a solid summary of the cast's current list of changes and minor modifications (where applicable). Overall, I have to say that I am really impressed with how the game is turning out and the art direction has shown a lot of promise. (Cammy's new look though, eh - not loving that so much).

Now if only this digital gem would be released already. I am getting antsy. Click over here for the whole scoop.

It's got our vote of approval.

With all the frequent updates surrounding Street Fighter IV, you might be wondering if Capcom started to overlook a certain remixed coin-op classic was going to see the light of day. Yes, that would be SSF2T: HD Remix and contrary what some may want to believe, the project has NOT been forgotten. In fact, they've been working very hard to polish every aspect which should delight even the most diehard fan. Art direction appears to be one of the major areas that have been addressed over the past several months, something which the community have been especially vocal about with mixed feelings. Like Ryu's over-the-top 'roids look? Yeah, me either. (Too bad it's coming back HARD in SF4, but that's a discussion for another time).

Moving on, Rey Jimenez just published a spectacular update at Capcom-Unity, which offers some big highlights where the game's current progress is. For those of you've been getting restless as each month goes by, perhaps reading this new info should put your mind at ease. A good chunk of it talks about the art direction, but there's some other tidbits that's definitely going to bring a smile to your face. No, I am not kidding.

Last, but certainly not least, be sure to visit Gamespot and check out Backbone Lead Producer David Sirlin's interview on the game. There's a sweet mention on how fans can get their first taste of the game by purchasing… (no, I am not telling ya, go check out the link!) :p

The scale of interest seems to be tipping toward (more) mixed emotions.

Last month, EGM gave us our first official impressions of SF4 which to be honest, was written in a very mild, political tone. I can't blame Shane though, he's trying to keep an open mind. Whether you've been a longtime fan or someone who got recently caught up with the Street Fighter phenomenon over the years, we all want to wish the best for this highly anticipated release. Recently players from SRK (the biggest online destination for fighting game discussion, news and more) presented some solid impressions based upon the arcade test location release and well, let's just say there wasn't a whole lot of fanfare in their words. (I like just noticed this so cut me some slack if you've already went there k?)

No, I am not going to hop on that soapbox I rode last week. You already know what I think. The collective thoughts are more or less what I feared and thankfully Capcom has more than enough time to actually correct the issues fans are addressing. Seriously, we don't even know about the rest of the undisclosed characters and look at the reception it's getting so far! This is a sign Capcom - FIX the GAME!

Moving on, IGN recently gave their take based upon a visit at this year's AOU event which didn't actually make me any more interested in the game before I read the article. I just didn't think there was enough personal insight in the article. 

Meanwhile, former GN editor Jared Rea offered his two cents via GameTap based upon the arcade location test featured at this year's GDC and it's by far one of the most solid articles I've read on the game so far. This cat has gone head to head with some of the most skilled players throughout the globe and has the writing chops to match. Here's a small clip: 

…after spending hours upon hours with the game, dissecting it with equal players and debating endlessly with Yoshinori Ono, I'm convinced that Street Fighter IV will turn out to be something special. It may not be there just yet, but the hurdles that Capcom faces aren't terribly tall and at this point, its more a question of whether or not they actually care enough to leap them. Seeing as how Ono never kicked me out of this suite with my near endless whining, I'd say they care.

SNK's upcoming KOF installment shows the competition how it's done. 

Is it so wrong of me to feel drawn to the upcoming King of Fighters XII? I don't think so. In my opinion, the video showcased at AOU 2008 represents everything that SF4 should be. True 2D high-res bliss. Don't get me wrong, in the right hands, a 2D engine meshed with 3D elements sounds ideal and innovative. This my friends is a truly BEAUTIFUL game. 

Sorry, but I am just not totally sold on what Ono and his team have been working on. The latest videos showcase a very floaty flow. It doesn't look intense enough in spite of the fact interviews suggest this will be the most offensive fighter in the franchise. I also don't get why the classic characters couldn't sport some new outfits. After all these years, I am supposed to believe that Ryu and company never felt a design to change their wardrobe?!? C'mon. Namco, Sega, and SNK have done it - why does Capcom insist on being so non-creative with what should be the turning point for the series? Where's the bold charge to be try out some new ideas? I can't be the only person who's been pondering this. In fact, I know that I am not. Ever since this trailer of KOFXII has hit the web, I know a lot of people went back and looked at SF4 with great skepticism.

This is a sign to head back to the drawing board and start of with something fresh. Something that's really going to resonate with the fans, appeal to newcomers and ultimately make that fourth moniker represent more than just another number slapped on the title. Of course, we know the reality of Street Fighter 4. It's going to continue as planned; and that actually disappoints me because I want to really love what Capcom is planning to roll out, but somehow I think that over time that I'll lose interest and look elsewhere for entertainment. Somewhere like where many 2D enthusiasts will flock to later this year: to King of Fighters XII!!!! Woo! 

This blog article should be recognized as the sole opinion of the editor and does not necessarily reflect GotNext's official position on the subject.

Enigmatic, amnesia and out to kick some ass.

Call me bitter, but the more info we get about Street Fighter IV, the more my emotions get all mixed up with skepticism and a compulsive desire to be cynical. It's out of place, I know — the game hasn't even hit stateside, no one here (besides Shane at EGM) has actually played it and I am cutting it down to size. Perhaps it's because the art style just REALLY just doesn't sit too well with me. Chun actually looks pretty cool (folks at the Capcom-Unity boards find her to be fugly, go fig) and the other classic SF2 crew look awesome too. Ryu and Ken? Eh - the jury is still out on those two. Those expressions… blech.

Anyways, getting back on track here, AOU just ended recently and Capcom revealed a new character in the SFIV cast. The brawler is Abel, describe as "a man without a past". (Hm, wasn't Q like that?). Reportedly he has a really bad case of amnesia and has been traveling throughout the world attempting to gather clues from the remaining members of Shadoloo. Was he some secret project created by Bison? Is he somehow linked to one of the classic SF2 characters? Most importantly — will his awkwardly sized feet get fixed when you defeat the final boss? Yeah, I said it — those feet are hideous. LOL. Peep these new screens and enjoy. I am off to enjoy a good 'ol game of Bomberman to get over my current jaded state. :p