Street Fighter V Review: Priceless, Unfinished Fight

Game Reviewed: Street Fighter V

Release Date: February 16th, 2016

Developer: Capcom, Dimps

Publisher: Capcom

Platform: [Reviewed: PlayStation 4], PC

Genre: Fighting

Rated: T for Teen

Ken, Ryu, Chun-Li and Bison just to name a few are simply household name to any gamer. There have been movies, cosplay and games out and about dating back to arcade machines. Next to Namco classics who would’ve thought after so many years Street Fighter would still be highly anticipated, as well as Capcom’s gem.

Before proceeding to the main hub, you’re introduced to a short tutorial explaining how to perform essential moves. In addition, there’s a short interaction between friends Ken and Ryu.

Street Fighter V offers character story mode, versus, survival, training and online battles. Main menu also highlights a Challenge Mode and a shop that’s soon to open in March.

The fifth installment delivers in so many ways as players can enjoy the starting lineup of 16 fighters, 4 of which are new to Street Fighter. Mechanics are extremely smooth in each fight, promising a phenomenal performance from beginning to end in each match.

Ultra in SFV have been replaced with V-Skill, a new meter that is triggered in different way by each fighter granting a special ability and/or charge.

Unfortunately online is the only way to have a true experience as playing solo proves to be quite the disappointment. The character individual stories were underwhelming, a feature that should have been left out of picture in terms to content. Of the 16 players to choose from, some stories consisted of only two to four matches, all of which were extremely easy.

There’s no traditional 2 out of matches, nor is there an option versus CPU (besides practice). This becomes an issue to the casual players that prefer to stick only playing offline. The epic story that’s been teased will not be available until this June.

Six additional characters can be earned and purchased as they release throughout the year. Completing the stories and playing online will allow you to earn fight money, again that is simply monopoly money until Capcom unlock the shop in March.

However if you are a major PvP competitor, Street Fighter V is a dream come true. Network Battles allow ranked (earning league points), casual and a battle lounge you can join or create while you await your next fight. Connectivity is essential and Capcom provides the most fluid online servers out there.

Street Fighter V is without question visually stunning and overall a fantastic addition to the franchise. But it’s impossible to overlook the lack of offline modes, including unselectable features. Once it’s all there, SFV will truly shine as the must have fighting game of 2016.

The Scores

Gameplay: 4.5/5

Visuals: 4.75/5

Audio: 4/5

Controls: 4.5/5

Replay Value: 4/5

OVERALL RATING 4.25/5