Ever since I’ve been tending to my little one — I’ve missed a few recent updates on some of my highly anticipated games. The advent Super SF2 Turbo HD Remix is going to deliver a much needed boost of interest in the fighting game community and is just what the 360 needs: a robust, classic 2D fighter with some high-definition goodness.

All hyperbole nonsense aside, I was very excited to stumble upon a new update on the game’s remixed sprite progress. Last week, a member from Capcom USA who maintains a blog called Capcom Digital revealed shots of Ken. I am still somewhat on the fence on his new look but this week, we got our first peek at Akuma and all I can say is WOW!!!

“WOW” (See? I said it — twice).

Mmmmmmmmm…. SHOSHHHHH!

Here’s an excerpt:

The first image shows a comparison between the old version on the right and the new version on the left. There are two more frames of animation below, showing off Akuma in the middle of classic moves. Yes, these are actual frames of animation from the game, meaning Akuma will look like this in the game, only animated.”

There’s some mixed feelings amongst hardcore types regarding animation frames. Some would prefer that the game get some added frames, while purists would prefer that it remains intact (which the development team has vowed to keep the code intact, only the art design is being changed - no new frames are planned to be added for attack moves and such. What do I think? It doesn’t bother me either way… I am no longer a high-level player anymore and can think of better things to do than sit around analyzing hitboxes and crap. I just want to kick some ass.

Hit the link below to see more screens of Akuma in HD glory. By the way — if you really dig the work and you’re eager to see even MORE characters, Capcom Digital welcomes community input via comments on the blog or directly at the official Street Fighter forums. You should ALL know who I am dying to see next… (Hint: Interpol, ’nuff said).

[Via Capcom Digital]