This is an amazi\ng collection, I forgot how much I loved the SF Alpha series
The Ba\d : It's not 1996 anymore
I should : probably stop ripping off EGM
I know Street Fighter II enthusiasts will disagree, but I always thought the Alpha series was amazi\ng. It emcompasses the great fighting engine of ealier SF games, and adds in nice looking super combos, updated anime style graphics, and interesting characters from earlier Capcom games.
The SF Anthology game allows you to chose any of the 5 following titles : SF Alpha, SF Alpha 2, SF Alpha 2 Gold, SF Alpha 3, and Super Gem Fighter Mini MIx. All titles are perfect ports ( as they should be, considering how gaming has advanced since these games were released). The orginal Street Fighter alpha will feel a bit dat\ed, but great memories remain intact. My favorite game to play in the Series is Alpha 2 Gold. It plays as well as Alpha 3, but doesn't add so many characters or quirks to the gameplay. i also like the sound in Alpha 2 Gold alot more than Alpha 3. I cannot stand the commentator in Alpha 3, " Get ready fighters ! Triumph or Die !!" or "Cmon man, y ou cant give it up !". I'll take my japanese sounding Alpha 2 commenator anyday. Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix is also an entertaining game to play. I typically would not take the time to play this stand alone title, but it's fun to check out as it is animated really well and is funny at times. It's also pretty difficult which still confuses me, as it looks like a game for kids or stereotypical girls. I don't think I need to get too deep into the gameplay system for the Alpha titles, as I'm sure you are familar with it. Alpha keeps the super combos from Super Street Fighter II Turbo ( the super combo idea is actually something SNK started). Alpha counters are also a nice touch. When a match is coming down to the final hit and someone is trying to get a cheap win (your blocking and they attack you to drain your remaining health), you can alpha counter after the block and strike them with possibly the winning blow. It's really exciting to beat a friend with this move, when he/she thought they had the upper edge. More important than gameplay is control. I think the PS2 is excellent for SF. I did not enjoy SF on XBOX for example , as the d-pad felt too stiff. Whereas the little spaces between the d-pads allow for precise and smooth motions while performing moves such as the Hadoken fireball. You will probably want to adjust the control scheme though, as I altered the functions for my shoulder buttons and can't play without them altered. I was also reminded of how great the Street Fighter Alpha soundtrack is. It's actually gotten to the point where I play the MIDI themes on my cell phone while walking down Market street in San Francisco, imagining Ken and Sagat performing super combos and alpha counters. Lame. I find myself shouting " YaTatei" after winning a match with Ken, or screaming "Shinkuu Tatsempkyakuu" (or whatever he says) while performing one of Ryu's super combos. The voice acting is only for maneuvers, not b-movie storylines ala Dead or Alive.
My only complaints are that there is no bonus features. A history of Street Fighter Alpha documenting the game would of been nice. Some commercials from the original release of the game, something, anything !
I had no expectations when buying this game. It was only 30 dollars and I figured it would be brought out once in a while to play against some friends. But it has surpassed my expectations and every game on my shelf for that matter. My mind is so set on playing when I get out of work in 6 hours, that I'm actually writing a review on it. There's no doubt, this is a nostalgic and addicitng game.