Gamertell

Yesterday, Capcom followed up on their October surprise with the first screenshot and details of Street Fighter IV.

As you have probably gawked at from the above picture, SFIV will mark the main series’ first entry into three dimensions.  However, Capcom has stated that the gameplay will remain 2D-styled with controls being done through the familiar six-button (weak-medium-fierce punch/kick) layout.  Also, in addition to Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Dhalsim will all be returning.

But that seems to be as much as Capcom is willing to let on about for the time being.  The platform(s) of choice are still a mystery, as well as any other new features or characters. 

Still, the Ryu model looks excellent and the background makes me hopeful that Capcom has finally found out how to break down the last hindrance of 3D fighting games.  Rather than some bitmap or loose geographical layout surrounding a basic square, you see people either doing things or watching the ensuing fight.  It feels more active and just makes the experience more memorable.  I couldn’t have been the only one who liked being able to spot all of the Capcom cameos in Ken’s stage in Street Fighter Alpha 2.

So now the only gray area is how exactly the game will play.  The Street Fighter EX games were also technically 2D gameplay done in three dimensions, but it amounted to little more than Tekken with fireballs.  However, The King of Fighters 2006 has single-handed proven that a fast, 2D-styled fighter can be elegantly done in 3D.  Which path will Capcom follow for SFIV though?

Read [1UP]  Also Read [Destructoid]