Street Fighter 6 Review: The Fighting Genre Standard For Accessibility And Competitive Depth

A PS5 review code for "Street Fighter 6" was provided to SVG for this review. The game is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

"Street Fighter 6's" highly anticipated arrival has finally come, and it's a game that strikes the perfect balance between welcoming newcomers and catering to seasoned veterans of the series. With its diverse character roster, innovative control schemes, and an array of game modes, "Street Fighter 6" offers an engaging and immersive experience for players of all skill levels. Capcom has once again raised the bar for the fighting game genre, delivering a title that is not only accessible but also deeply satisfying for those seeking competitive depth.

One of the most impressive aspects of "Street Fighter 6" is its commitment to making the game accessible to newcomers. The developers have implemented a range of features and tutorials to help players understand the mechanics and fundamentals of the game. The Modern control scheme, designed with beginners in mind, provides a simplified control layout that allows newcomers to execute moves and combos with ease.

For veterans who crave a more traditional experience, the Classic control scheme faithfully recreates the familiar button inputs from previous "Street Fighter" titles, and will reignite your muscle memory with ease. This option ensures that longtime fans of the series can jump right in and feel at home, while still enjoying the enhancements and improvements of "Street Fighter 6."

Additionally, the Hybrid control scheme combines the best of both worlds, offering a balance between accessibility and precision. This innovative approach enables players to execute moves using simplified inputs but also provides an avenue for mastery by incorporating more advanced techniques that utilize AI. This versatility empowers players to choose their preferred control style, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the game in a way that suits their playstyle and skill level — whether you're a button-masher or not.

"Street Fighter 6" boasts an impressive roster of characters, each with their unique playstyle and abilities. From classic fighters like Ryu and Chun-Li to exciting newcomers including Luke, JP, Jamie, Kimberly, Lily, Manon, and Marisa, the game offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer a rushdown style, long-range zoning, or a more defensive playstyle, there is a character in "Street Fighter 6" that will suit your preferences — each one coming with their own strategy and difficulty.

The character designs are diverse and imaginative, ranging from traditional martial artists to eccentric fighters with supernatural abilities. Capcom's attention to detail is evident in the animations, move sets, and distinct personalities of each character, ensuring that players can find a favorite that resonates with them.

The game introduces new mechanics and gameplay elements specific to each character, adding depth and strategy to the gameplay. This variety not only makes for exciting matchups but also encourages players to explore different characters and playstyles to see how they stack up against one another, ultimately enhancing the replayability and longevity of the game.

"Street Fighter 6" offers a plethora of game modes to keep players engaged and entertained. The traditional Arcade mode returns, providing a nostalgic experience with unique character endings and challenging opponents. Players can also engage in local multiplayer battles, either against friends or CPU-controlled opponents, fostering a competitive environment and bringing the arcade spirit into their living rooms.

World Tour mode allows players to customize their character, travel around the world, and challenge powerful opponents in a quest to become the strongest fighter. The 15-hour-long mode is engaging and well-executed, allowing you to immerse yourself in a captivating storyline as you forge your own path toward becoming a champion.

For those seeking a more online-focused experience, "Street Fighter 6" offers robust online multiplayer options. The ranked mode allows players to test their skills against fighters from around the world, while the casual mode provides a more relaxed environment for practice and experimentation. Additionally, the inclusion of the Battle Hub's various lobbies, tournaments, and weekly challenges adds depth and variety to the online experience, ensuring there's always something new to explore.

While "Street Fighter 6" is undoubtedly an exceptional game, there are a few areas where improvements could be made. For instance, although the character roster offers plenty of variety, some players may have hoped for additional returning characters from past "Street Fighter" titles. Although the new additions are exciting, a few more familiar faces would have delighted long-time fans even further. Granted, we'll see a handful of DLC characters making their way to the roster over the course of the next year, but it would have been nice to see the initial launch pack a bit more of a punch.

Although the online experience is generally smooth, occasional connectivity issues and lag can disrupt matches. There's little doubt that this will be improved (likely pretty quickly), but during the initial launch period, you may have to contend with a few connection issues.

In a year that will once again (excitingly) reignite the "Street Fighter" versus "Mortal Kombat" debate, "Street Fighter 6" shines as a remarkable fighting game that strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and depth. With its intuitive control schemes catering to newcomers and veterans alike, a diverse roster of characters, and a range of engaging game modes, Capcom has once again delivered a title that captivates players of all skill levels.

"Street Fighter 6" showcases the dedication and craftsmanship of the developers, solidifying its place as a must-play game for fighting game enthusiasts. Whether you're a newcomer seeking an immersive and accessible experience or a seasoned veteran looking for a competitive challenge, "Street Fighter 6" has everything you need to satisfy your fighting game cravings. Get ready to unleash your Hadoukens, Lightening Kicks, and Shoryukens in this exhilarating installment of the legendary series.