What to expect..............
I've played SF on my SNES when I was kid, so I've been anticipating this for quite awhile. However, I rented the game first and I STRONGLY RECOMMEND RENTING IT FIRST. The reasons for this are as follows:
1. Very Challenging:
I first played on the default setting of medium, only to find the last character (Seth) nearly impossible to beat. He does not even give you the chance to get up. That being said, start out on EASIEST. I stuck with EASIEST in order to unlock everything. Also set the matches to best of 2. Let's face it, unlocking things can be tedious and you want to finish as quickly as possible. (Special note) When playing as the old man Gen, the computer be more difficult. Even on easiest, the computer just loves wailing on the old man.
2. Sketchy Multiplayer:
Multiplayer is at best sketchy for this game. For both ranked and player matches, it shows three people to choose for a fight. Connecting to these people can be frustrating. I've tried to join numerous people, but persistence pays off. It's just a nuisance. Then there is the game play. Players with icons, and banners that say "killer" will be the challenging ones. Unlabeled people, who knows. The fights can be a bit choppy at times, detrimental when timing combos, supers, and ultras. Also when playing ranked matches, after beating someone, some people disconnect to avoid losing points. Straight up lame.
3. Story!?
It's the same evil corporation. Find what kind of evil technology they are making , blah, blah, blah. Beating the game with each player shows their story with the tournament. They're silly (el fuerte, Rufus), disappointing (Rose, Abel), or lame (Blanca, Zangief). I wasn't expecting a riveting plot, but come on writers you can do better. The anime looks nice, if you like anime.
4. Joystick, what joystick?
Buying a joystick pad is about $99. It's easier to do do harder moves, and it's easier on the hands. Seriously though, who wants to shell out another $99 bucks? Keep this in mind, when you see the joystick icon with online players. They have an advantage.
Since I've listed some of the drawbacks, let me tell you why this deserves a 9:
1. Graphics and camera angles:
The graphics are stunning. It's hard to blink, when both the characters, their actions, and the background are so visually appealing. Even Rufus's shaking body fat will hypnotize you (his happy trail will break that spell). Their facial expressions are priceless with ever blow they receive. The effects are also amazing. The fire balls and magics will shimmer. Then doing ultras, the change in camera angles are purely sweet. Especially when the camera follows an opponent launched in the air, you get a upfront look of the fear on their face.
2. Training/Challenges:
For newcomers and fans alike, challenges are a good place to start. The challenges go from the basic moves, to specials, to supers, and then ultras. The difficulty varies with the character, but it's helpful none the less. There are also the frame interrupting moves, that are crucial for quick combos, more for the experts. While it gets difficult quickly, it's a good place to sharpen your teach with each character.
3. The sense of achievement:
There are times when you want to throw your controller out of frustration, when an opponent stages a come back. There are times when you feel in control. There are always players out there you can match up with. Always room for improvement. Especially when it comes to beating the countless Ken players out there (yeah, he may be popular, but his moves are predictable). My last fight, Akuma vs Abel, tied up 1-1. I was
ultra ready and could finish him off with it. Unfortunately, i was running out of room to execute it. The pressure was on. With my back to the wall and his mits at my throat, I launched Akuma's ultra. The screen went black and Akuma's rage was unleashed. I can only imagine the obscenities my losing opponent yelled, when he unplugged his network connection.
It's fun as hell, it's hard as hell, RENT IT FIRST.