The Street Fighter series, developed and published by Capcom, is one of the most iconic and influential fighting game franchises in video game history. Since its debut in 1987, the series has seen numerous entries, spin-offs, and updates, each contributing to the evolution of the genre. This comprehensive guide will take you through every major Street Fighter game, highlighting their impact and innovations.
The Origins: Street Fighter (1987)
1. Street Fighter (1987)
The original “Street Fighter” was released in arcades in 1987. Players could control either Ryu or Ken and compete in one-on-one matches against a series of opponents. The game introduced special moves like the Hadouken and Shoryuken, which would become staples of the series. Despite its innovative ideas, the game was limited by its controls and hardware, leading to mixed reviews.
The Revolution: Street Fighter II Series (1991-1994)
2. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (1991)
“Street Fighter II” revolutionized the fighting game genre with its introduction of multiple playable characters, each with unique moves and backstories. It became a massive hit in arcades and is credited with popularizing competitive fighting games. The game’s success led to several updated versions:
- Street Fighter II: Champion Edition (1992)
- Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting (1992)
- Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers (1993)
- Super Street Fighter II Turbo (1994)
These updates introduced new characters, moves, and balance changes, keeping the game fresh and competitive.
Exploring New Territories: Street Fighter Alpha Series (1995-1998)
3. Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams (1995)
The “Street Fighter Alpha” series, known as “Street Fighter Zero” in Japan, serves as a prequel to the original “Street Fighter II.” It featured younger versions of familiar characters and introduced new ones, like Rose and Charlie. The game also added new mechanics, such as air blocking and chain combos.
- Street Fighter Alpha 2 (1996): Improved graphics, expanded roster, and refined gameplay mechanics.
- Street Fighter Alpha 3 (1998): Introduced the “ism” fighting styles, offering different play styles for each character.
Advancing the Series: Street Fighter III Series (1997-1999)
4. Street Fighter III: New Generation (1997)
“Street Fighter III” introduced a new generation of fighters, with only Ryu and Ken returning from previous games. The game was praised for its advanced graphics and deep gameplay mechanics, including the parry system.
- Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact (1997): Added new characters and improved the gameplay.
- Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (1999): Known for its refined gameplay and balanced roster, it remains a favorite in competitive play.
Entering the 3D Realm: Street Fighter EX Series (1996-2000)
5. Street Fighter EX (1996)
The “Street Fighter EX” series marked the franchise’s first foray into 3D graphics. Co-developed by Arika, these games combined 3D visuals with traditional 2D gameplay mechanics.
- Street Fighter EX Plus (1997)
- Street Fighter EX Plus Alpha (1997)
- Street Fighter EX2 (1998)
- Street Fighter EX2 Plus (1999)
- Street Fighter EX3 (2000)
Revival and Evolution: Street Fighter IV Series (2008-2014)
6. Street Fighter IV (2008)
After an 11-year hiatus, “Street Fighter IV” revitalized the franchise with a mix of 2D gameplay and 3D graphics. The game introduced new mechanics like Focus Attacks and Ultra Combos, appealing to both new players and series veterans.
- Super Street Fighter IV (2010): Added new characters and gameplay tweaks.
- Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (2011)
- Ultra Street Fighter IV (2014): Included all previous content plus new characters and balance changes.
The Modern Era: Street Fighter V Series (2016-Present)
7. Street Fighter V (2016)
“Street Fighter V” continued the series’ tradition of innovation with new mechanics like the V-Gauge, which allows for powerful V-Skills, V-Reversals, and V-Triggers. Despite a rocky launch, subsequent updates and expansions have greatly improved the game.
- Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition (2018)
- Street Fighter V: Champion Edition (2020)
The Latest and Future of Street Fighter
8. Street Fighter 6 (2023)
Announced during the Capcom Pro Tour 2021 Season Final, “Street Fighter 6” promises to bring new mechanics and characters to the series. The game aims to blend classic elements with modern innovations, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers.
Spin-offs and Crossovers
The Street Fighter franchise has also seen numerous spin-offs and crossover games, including:
- Street Fighter: The Movie (1995): A digitized fighting game based on the live-action movie.
- Street Fighter X Tekken (2012): A crossover with Namco’s Tekken series, featuring tag-team battles.
The Street Fighter series has a rich history filled with innovation and evolution. From its arcade roots to modern console releases, it has continually set the standard for fighting games. Whether you’re a veteran player or a newcomer, there’s always something new to discover in the world of Street Fighter.
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