Well all I can say is it's about time! I, like many of you, have been waiting for this game since Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike hit the PS2 in the Street Fighter Anniversary Collection. The game is still the pinnacle of fighting games and only Street Fighter IV could possibly top it. I am muy excited!

I couldn't believe what I saw for the trailer. Sure it's not anything so spectacular that we should be so blown away; we've seen things like this before. It's justthe mere fact that Street Fighter IV is on the way makes us all giddy inside, right? Now, CGI and pretty movies have been around for a while and the teaser trailer doesn't reveal anything about the actual game. To me, it looks like team members that might have worked on the art in Okami might have had something to do with the fight between Ken and Ryu. All I know, as stylistic as it may be, this game better be a 2D fighting game or Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike is still going to be the champion.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for progression and taking the next step on the gaming evolutionary ladder. But Capcom had better be smart about this one. The Street Fighter Series has always beenthe 2D masterpiece of its time. There is no reason to screw with the formula now. Castlevania has tried to go 3D and it just doesn't work. Even if you like some of the 3D re-incarnations of other game series' like Mario, you have to admit that there's a reason people would rather go back and play the old 2D originals over the newer 3D counterparts.

Capcom is working on this game themselves. That's a good thing. Arika was called in to bring Street Fighter to 3D and they did a good job of making fun yet forgettable fighters. 3D just doesn't hold up like 2D does. Case in point: If you look at Mario 64 today, it looks ancient. It plays well but there are definately better platformers out there that we'd all rather play. Now, compare that to Super Mario World on the SNES. Even though that game came out in 1991 it still looks gorgeous and is still a blast to play for people of this gaming generation and those of us from that knew it when it was new.

I'm not saying 2D is always the best choice over 3D. What I am saying is that Capcom could really hit a homerun with this one by keeping the series where it needs to be; in 2D. 3D fighting games are a dime a dozen. Capcom isn't going to innovate by adding a new game to that mix. However, in keeping with the roots of the series, Capcom could re-invent the wheel by showing the world, yet again, what 2D fighting is all about. Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike survived in the new world of 3D fighting games as did Street Fighter Alpha 3. Capcom, I hope you stick to your guns and leave Street Fighter IV where it belongs; 2D fighting maddness!!!

What the hell kind of rank is that? Who makes up this crap anyway? The ranks seem to change every so often too...I don't get it people, do you?

...What the hell is a Super Bagman?!?

Recently, I was asked to participate in a debate discussing the future of consoles. I was so proud of what I wrote out, I thought I'd place it here and ask you all what you think about the subject. Please submit your responses to see how you all feel about the future of video game consoles. Please remember to be respectful of each other's opinions. Here are my thoughts:

I would have to say that "traditional" consoles days are numbered and by that I mean we aren't going to be worrying about Sony's PS4 vs the Xbox 720. I think the technology is so similar coupled with the fact that game companies are less and less likely to go with exclusive games per system because of cost, we are about to see a new way of thinking as far as consoles are concerned.

Think of it like this. Let's say you wanted to buy Casino Royale on DVD. But you could only watch it on a Sony DVD player. If you wanted to get something like Toy Story, you'd have to by a whole new DVD player made from say, Panasonic. If this was the case the DVD market would not survive. This is why someone will eventually win the BluRay/HD-DVD race. Too many formats will suffocate the market and it'll dry up.

I think we are at that point with video games as well. When you really look at the PS3 and the Xbox 360, they are really quite similar in capabilities. I think what will happen is games will be released as DVD movies are. If you have a Sony machine or a Microsoft machine, the game will still play. And, as such, the difference in quality of gaming machines will vary just as it does between a top of the line Toshiba DVD player and some cheap $30.00 DVD player you pick up from WalMart.

I also think game machines will be integrated with home devices like BluRay or HD-DVD players. One machine will do it all. DVD players already play CDs and game machines like the Xbox 360 and PS3 can get online, play DVDs, CDs, and also work Ipods and other MP3 players.

We are heading toward an exciting time in videogame development. Traditional thought for game consoles are on the way out. Games are too expensive to make if they are limited to only one machine. Home entertainment has grown and will continue to grow beyond the current methods. Games will still be made and played. Sony and Microsoft will continue to innovate. The internet will continue to grow and will eventually make discs of any kind obsolete. But rest assured, games are not going anywhere. One day we will have one machine that does it all. It may be manufactured by Sony, Microsoft, Hitachi, Toshiba...  and each will offer their own set of uniquie features. But like any other product that we have now, the same will reign true when that time comes; you get what you pay for.

Well, I told all of you I'd do it. No one believed me. But it happened and I did it. Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 came out and I picked up an Xbox 360! I can't help it. There's just something about bouncy Japanese anime girls that makes me go gaga. I also picked up Dead or Alive 4, Oblivion, and Final Fantasy XI. I want to get F.E.A.R. and Gears of War. Bioshock looks pretty kick ass too.

Anyway, just to let anyone that cares know, I am now part of the 360 club. LOL... maybe next year I'll get a PS3. I doubt I'll wait on a Wii though. Hello Nintendo this Christmas? Maybe...

By the way I don't care what the reviews say. Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 is just more of the same with some fun stuff added. But I freaking love it!

Today, a package was waiting for me in the mail. It took about 3 weeks from when I paid and placed the order to delivery, but I finally got my custom made arcade fighting stick in the mail. It was ordered according to my specific instructions. It is awesome. There is a novelty factor here because it is one of a kind. There may be another one that is similar, but none out there is exactly like mine. I couldn't be more pleased with this joystick. Without being too wordy, I'll just show it to you:

http://img146.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0113gz6.jpg

Is it pretty or what? I've already had a round at Street Fighter Alpha 3 with it and I got my ass handed to me. That's probably because I haven't played with an arcade stick in about 10 years. All excuses aside, I vow to get good with it so I can call myself a true fighting game fan. It'll take some practice, but... but nothing. What am I typing for when I could be practicing?! See ya'll later!

Personally, I couldn't care less about the reviews on "X-Play." I think Morgan and Adam do nothing but perpetuate the stereotype that all videogamers out there are nerds. I hate the way the act, the jokes they make, and basically anytime they try to be funny. They aren't funny at all. They're idiots.

Furthermore, I also hate what "Filter" has become since Diane Mizota left. She blended the whole Japanese/American appeal so well for videogame fans. She was cute, she was quirky, and she had charisma. The host now, BethO, is nothing but a blonde bimbo and the show has gone from a videogame focus to nothing but an immature, sex centered, guy show. It's really stupid now. 

G4 as gone downhill this year if you ask me. They seem to want to focus less on games and more on things like the "Man Show." Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the "Man Show" and all. But if I wanted to watch Spike TV, then I would. I liked G4 because it was the one channel that focused on videogames. Now it seems intent on moving to another Spike TV and I don't care for it anymore. Hell, "Icons" used to focus on games too, now it's usually sex or Kevin Smith interviews. I like sex and I  like Kevin Smith but that's not what "Icons" was all about. It was about games.

And will someone please tell me what the hell is up with "Fastlane"? Does anyone actually watch this crap?! I've never seen dumber plots filled with less charcter development or suspense. But at least the acting sucks.

Slowly, game coverage is being pushed out and Girls Gone Wild infomercials are being pushed in. With shows like "Filter," "Late Night Peep Show," "The Man Show," and "Totally Outrageous Behavior," the shows cater more and more to the Maxim crowd and less to gamers. It's just sad that everything eventually crumbles and gives way to degredation and immature crap. I guess it all comes to the almighty buck. And while games sell, sex sells more.

I have been asked a few questions on my thoughts about Virtua Fighter as a series. I posted something about it in a forum, and you know me... it was long and drawn out. So, since I am getting many questions about it, I'll just give you the skinny on it right here. Enjoy!

Woah! Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution is an amazing game on the PS2. Virtua Fighter 4 was great, but the re-release of it as Evolution made the game truly phenomenal. You just have to play it to really know how great it is. First off, the fighting engine is incredibly detailed and realistic. All of the characters have their own strengths and weaknesses. Their move lists are unique to each and every character as well, making it one of those "easy to play, difficult to master" games. Also, the computer pushes you to excel in that it learns what you are doing right and wrong in a fight and it actually plays to your weaknesses. This forces you to get better at the game.

Another problem this game addresses that is common to fighting games is multi-player vs. single player games. When you enter tournaments (in single player) you actually are fighting against many of the top players in Japan. Let me explain. In the beginning, you fight against computer AI so you can learn the basics of the your character (moves, basic game controls, etc.). But when you progress the computer starts throwing fighters at you that is actual recorded AI from the best Japanese Virtua Fighter players. Sega got many of the top players of Japan together to play when they were developing Virtua Fighter 4 and the player's fighting style and moves were recorded into the data of the game. That way, when you play against a 7th Dan ranked opponent, you are actually playing against the recorded data of a fighting personality in Japan. This makes the single player game incredibly rewarding and deep. As for multi-player, well it is a fighting game after all. Need I say more?

The graphics are a sight to behold. You'll be amazed how sharp and detailed everything in the game is when considering it's a PS2 game. It looks every bit as good as any fighter on the XBox.

All of the characters have numerous costume additions throughout the game. This may seem merely cosmetic, but as you progress, your character becomes unique to you as someone you created. You progress through a series of ranks and tournaments throughout the game. This makes the game endless and gives you unlimited replay value. You can play in Arcade mode and get each character's ending, but if you want to play tournaments and really test your skills, the option is open to you.

Another thing about Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution is the 10th anniversary version of the original Virtua Fighter that is included. This is a nice history lesson to see how the game has progressed from the arcade original. It isn't an exact port, but more of a special edition. You have all of the characters from Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution, but played using the old graphic and fighting engine of the original Virtua Fighter arcade game. It's really fun and surprisingly the old game holds up rather well in terms of play.

I dearly love Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution. Virtua Fighter 3 was rather weak, I'll give you that. But the first one was groundbreaking in being the first 3D fighter. The second Virtua Fitgher was incredible both in the arcade and at home on the Saturn. But Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution raised the bar and set a new high standard that many fighting games fail to live up to. It only makes me long for Virtua Fighter 5 that much more.

So what are you waiting for? Go get Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution so you can see for yourself. It's dirt cheap and not hard to find. Get it now so you aren't behind the times anymore!

There you have it folks. My thoughts on my second favorite fighter of all time (so far). More blogs to come on other fighting games soon. Stay tuned!

All this talk about great fighting games has really given me feelings of inspiration. I thought one of my favorite genres was dying out, but now I see that isn't true. You all have given me hope. It's nice to see that people are still out there fighting it out like mad.

I have been playing a lot of Street Fighter lately. I have the Street Fighter Collections on PS1 and I also have Street Fighter Anniversary Collection and Street Fighter Alpha (not to mention many other Street Fighter games). So, I basically have my pick of Street Fighter games to play in perfect arcade glory. I'm going to take this time to tell what is so great about the ground breaking series that started the fighting game revolution, Street Fighter II. And I will break down each game one by one to tell what made them all so special.

Street Fighter II: The World Warrior- This game was groundbreaking for its time.The graphics were outstanding along with the music. I remember how psyched everyone got when super moves were pulled off. People would crowd around arcade machines just to watch brawls go underway. Another thing that was nice was the diversity of characters. You started out with the original eight characters; Blanka, Chun Li, Dhalsim, E. Honda, Guile, Ken, Ryu, and Zangief. All of them had their own stages, music, and fighting style (well Ken and Ryu were the same). Then you had to face the four boss characters which presented plenty of challenge. Beating Street Fighter II in the arcade was quite an accomplishment. Especially when you consider all of the people that wanted to challenge you. It was a phenomenal hit and revitalized the arcade market.

Street Fighter II: Championship Edition- This game was virtually identical to Street Fighter II: The World Warrior. The main difference was the ability to play as the boss characters; Balrog, Vega, Saggat, and M. Bison. This game offered a whole new combination of fights to ensue between players and was wildly popular. It also featured new colors and character profile pictures for the original eight characters in the game.

Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting Edition- This game was Capcom's reaction to many pirated and altered version of the wildly popular Street Fighter II: Champion Edition. The pirated versions offered moves to characters that could be done in mid-air, which added a whole new level of strategy to the game. While Capcom wasn't about to let these versions of their own game be available, they did recognize that something needed to be done to enhance the experience further. So they released Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting Edition. This new game offered the same characters as before but with a few alterations. Chun Li now had a fireball, Blanka could now have an upward rolling attack along with his forward rolling attack, M. Bison was balanced a little so he couldn't wipe the floor with anyone that stood against him, Guile was made a little more balanced but was given a new knee thrust move, Ken and Ryu were separated so one was faster while the other was stronger. Many game play tweaks made this game stand out among all version of the Street Fighter II and is still considered the favorite version of the Street Fighter II formula by many today.

Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers- This game gave Street Fighter fans something that was long overdue; more characters. Street Fighter II: The New Challengers offered four new fighters into the mix; Cammy, Deejay, Fei-Long, and T. Hawk. While the new characters were a welcome edition to the series, they weren't the only changes. Graphical touch ups were done to all the stages and character models. A few new moves were introduced to characters, such as Ken's flaming Sho Ryu Ken (rising dragon punch), Ryu's flaming Hado Ken (Flaming Fireball), and a few other tweaks were made. Also, the music was updated to give better quality sound on the CPS II board. Sadly, this game wasn't perfect. While it offered these new editions and features it was a step back in one major way that became integral to the Street Fighter II formula; fast game play. With Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting Edition, players were introduced to lightning fast game play and Street Fighter II: The New Challengers couldn't measure up. But, that didn't mean Capcom was giving up yet...

Super Street Fighter II: Turbo- This was Capcom's quick fix for a game that needed it if it was going to continue to remain on top. Here, you had all the fighters from all the Street Fighter II series, you had the fast game play from Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting Edition, you had the graphics and the sound. But Capcom didn't stop there. They added a super meter that let you do a super special move to do serious damage to your opponent. On top of all that, Capcom introduced another new character; the super elusive and powerful, Akuma (Gouki in Japan). Akuma was an end boss that was even more powerful than M. Bison and was very hard to even find. Then, there was a rumor that you could play as the new boss character, but you had to know the secret way to obtain him. This game was the last of the Street Fighter II games and was very popular, even among the growing competition in arcades.

Street Fighter II changed the way games were played and designed. It inspired more knock-offs and clones than almost any game before it. Street Fighter II introduced a new formula of game play that led to the inspiration of new titles and ideas for games of all genres, not just fighting games. Street Fighter II is one of the most influential game series of all time. We all, as gamers, owe a great deal of respect to Capcom for giving us this truly great series of games. Even eleven years after its first introduction as Street Fighter II: The World Warrior the game continues to be played in tournaments, arcades, and at home between friends to this day. I dearly love all of these games and what they have given us. Thanks for all the fun Capcom!