S&S Review: Street Fighter x Tekken

Title: Street Fighter x Tekken

Format: PS3, Xbox 360, PS Vita

Release Date: March 6, 2012 (Japan: TBA 2012)

Publisher: Capcom

Developer:  Capcom / Namco

Price: $59.99, $39.99 Vita

ESRB Rating: T

Street Fighter has always been second, in my opinion, to Tekken for best fighting game franchise.  From Marvel vs Capcom to Street Fighter x Tekken, crossover games are picking up quite a bit of steam.  This new game combines all the best elements from both titles to make a great fighting game.

Presentation/Story:
The game keeps its original style from Street Fighter 4, the over the top character models are back with this new release.  I always loved the heavily stylized models, Ryu and Ken has never looked so glossy and bright.  The environments are gorgeous, and come to life with cool 3D effects.  You'll see a truck stop level with 18-wheelers with people dancing to the bumping music.  When the night comes, the trucks lights also glow with gorgeous colors that light up the sky.  Animations appear seamless as you transition through high and low attacks.  The music is okay, the theme song isn't as unbearable as Street Fighter 4's, but it still is forgettable. The music also takes inspiration from previous Tekken games, hardcore fans will catch right on. The story is a little weird, something weird falls from the heavens, and it attracts fighters from both worlds.  Soon you'll be battling Ken with Kazuya.  The presentation is better than ever, with some of the best viusals I have seen in any fighting game.

Core Gameplay/Multiplayer:
The action in Street Fighter x Tekken is fast paced and fluid.  With the inclusion of Tag elements, you'll have new ways to dismantle your opposition.  Switching between characters in the midst of combos feel natural, and with time, you can turn simple combos to devastating dual attacks.  If just one of your fighters fall, the round is over,  similar to Tekken Tag Tournament.  Me particularly, prefers Marvel vs Capcom's style of your partners being able to jump in when your first fighter gets knocked out.  New additions like Pandora mode and the GEM system add new elements to an overall extensive formula.  Pandora mode is an all or nothing technique that you can pull of to try and win the fight.  GEMs add specific boosts to your fighter during bouts, giving you attack, defensive, and speed boosts.  Online is a mixed bag, if you can fing a good connection, the match will run beautifully.  On occasion though, you will get the connection lost message on your screen.

Final Thoughts:
Street Fighter x Tekken is a great 2D fighting game, and possibly one of the best.  The cool GEM system adds some welcomed additions to the game, while the Pandora mode, I could have done without.  Hopefully Capcom doesn't throw sand in our eyes with releasing a new  Street Fighter x Tekken Super Ultimate Edition at a cheaper price with more characters.  Otherwise, fighting fans should definitely pick this up.

Final Score = 9.25/10

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