Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
Encyclopedia
Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition is a fighting
video game developed and published by Capcom
for the Nintendo 3DS
handheld game console
. It was released as a launch game in all continents, but in Japan first on 26 February 2011. It is a port of the console game Super Street Fighter IV
.
. It plays like a traditional fighting game, utilizing 3D backgrounds and 3D characters on a 2D plane. It has two primary modes: single-player and multi-player, the latter mode which supports both online and local play. Other modes include Team Battle, which supports up to eight players; Replay Channel, which allows players to view and share replays with others online; and rival battles, which features a dialogue sequence between two characters which depends on who they are. The battles take place between two opponents, of whom each have their own health meter that the opponent has to deplete by attacking each other. Players win a match by either depleting the opponent's health or merely having more health after the time runs out. The objective is to win two times in a match. If the opponents are on equal standing when the timer runs out, it is considered a loss for both opponents; if this occurs twice in one match, it results in a draw.
Players use the Nintendo 3DS
' circle pad or d-pad to control their fighters, which allows players to jump, crouch, and move toward and away from opponents. Players use the face buttons in order to performs techniques such as punches, kicks, grabs, and "personal actions." The touchscreen
can also be used to use these personal actions, which displays multiple icons for each action, though its nature depends on whether players have the difficult mode set on "Lite" or "Pro"; on Pro mode, such moves have to be performed manually. Players may filter online play opponents; this depends on whether they are playing in Lite or Pro modes. It features abilities such as "Focus Attacks" and separate meters for both "Super" and "Ultra" combos. When in the single-player mode, if toggled on, there are additional "bonus stages" which allows a chance to receive additional points, similar to the ones found in Street Fighter II
. The first challenge challenges players to break a car while the second has players break as many barrels as they can. Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition features all 35 characters found in the home console version of Super Street Fighter IV. Each character has multiple unique costumes, some of which originally appeared as downloadable content in the console version, that are included on the Nintendo 3DS game card.
3D Edition introduces a number of new features. One of the more prominent features is the use of stereoscopic 3D
, as well as the support of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
, for which it uses the Nintendo 3DS' universal Friend Code to play online. As stated above, it utilizes the touchscreen to allow players to perform special abilities more easily, as well as the difficulty modes Lite and Pro. 3D Edition makes use of the 3DS' StreetPass function, which allows players to swap in-game figurines of characters that are unlocked throughout the game as well as use them in battle whenever the 3DS is in range of another player's 3DS who also has the game. The figurines have statistics, and players can make their own team of figurines for the aforementioned figurine battles. Players are also able to share the game with others, who can play it without a copy of the game; however, players are only allowed to use Ryu
in a single specific stage. Players are also able to switch the view from the traditional 2D plane to an over-the-shoulder view, called Dynamic Mode, which presents the stereoscopic 3D better.
and Dimps
and published by Capcom and Nintendo Australia
for the Nintendo 3DS
handheld game console
. It was first released in Japan on 26 February, 2011, and was slated to be released in March 25, 27, and 31, 2011, in Europe, North America, and Australia, respectively. It is a port of the PlayStation 3
and Xbox 360
video game Super Street Fighter IV
. It was first announced at E3 2010, where features such as stereoscopic 3D and Wi-Fi support were revealed. Developer Yoshinori Ono stated that it would be identical in terms of gameplay to the console version. In an interview conducted with Famitsu
between it and Ono, Famitsu stated that all 35 characters from the console version would be included. It has been featured at other events; this includes the "Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Fight Club" event, the GDC 2011
event, and the PAX 2011
event.
Before 3D Edition began development, a port of Super Street Fighter IV was considered for either the Nintendo DS
or PlayStation Portable
; however, Ono felt that neither handheld would provide satisfaction for him. He was first introduced to the 3DS by Capcom producer Jun Takeuchi
, who showed him a version of Resident Evil 5
playing on the 3DS. Afterward, he "threw together a quick build" of Super Street Fighter IV in a couple weeks for the 3DS. Nintendo
, after being shown the build, was impressed by it, and wanted it to be shown at E3 2010. However, Ono felt that the build was not ready to be shown; instead, he allowed Nintendo to show a couple of screenshots and talk about the game. Ono included the Dynamic Mode early on in development in part to make it appealing to casual gamers. He noted another advantage of this angle was how well it worked with Ken
and Ryu, who he finds to be most commonly used by "lapsed players" who used to play the series. In an interview between Nintendo president Satoru Iwata
and Yoshinori Ono, the two of them discussed the touchscreen control, with the latter comparing it to New Super Mario Bros. Wii
s Super Guide function. Ono added that they were intent on making a game that could make it more approachable. He added that while some may call him a "sell-out", he felt that it was advantageous to the developer as well as the gamers. When Ono learned of the pedometer
function of the 3DS that rewarded coins for the number of steps taken, he decided to implement it to allow coins to be spent on figurines. He also designed the Fighter Request function, which when activated allows anyone playing the game nearby to accept this request, with the hopes of creating another community.
He noted that the only misgiving he had was with the expressions of characters as they perform or get hit by ultra moves which were accomplished by a different method than the console version; however, he felt that no one would notice this on a small screen. This fact allowed them to make more simplified modes to make the game move faster. The developers also had to tweak the backgrounds as they work on the 3D effects due to them sometimes overlapping with itself. When asked why characters exclusive to the arcade game Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition were not featured in the game, Ono explained that it was due to timing and a desire to focus on the already proven console version. He did note however that features from the Arcade Edition could be included if there appears to be interest. He elaborated that even if he could add these features, they may not due to the more hardcore nature of the Arcade Edition, and that if there is no hardcore audience for 3D Edition, they don't want to "force them into some new version." In an attempt to simulate the "Saturn-style
" six button configuration, the Pro mode was designed to have these six buttons on the touch screen; however, the developers found it to not be comfortable.
's Brett Molina described it as a good demonstration of the quality of the 3DS' circle pad. He commented that it was better than the touchscreen and was better than no thumb stick at all. MSNBC
's Winda Benedetti praised its 3D for how it "jumps right off the screen in all its butt-kicking glory." IGN
's Charles Onyett found that the touchscreen implementation was useful for casual fans, and emulated the console version well, both in terms of faithfulness and visuals. Mercury News' Gieson Cacho found the adaptation to be quality, though noted that he was most excited for the StreetPass function. Toronto Sun
s Steve Tilley described its visuals as "superb" and praised its StreetPass and touchscreen support.
Jason Schreier praised the Dynamic Mode for its emphasis on 3D and its presentation of "gorgeous-looking brawls". Video Gamer's Neon Kelly noted that while it is very similar to the console version, it appeals well to casual gamers. He adds that the level of effort put in from Capcom encouraged him that the title would be good. GamePro
s Dave Rudden wrote that he had a "good feeling" about the game, a feeling that he held with Street Fighter II
on the Super NES. The portability and 3D effects are enough for him to overlook the lack of support of a proper arcade stick. GameSpot's Brendan Sinclair in early impressions of the 3DS thought that the circle pad might be difficult to use in 3D Edition. However, Kotaku's Stephen Totilo praised the circle pad; while he writes that he "stink[s] at Street Fighter", the circle pad allows him to "effortlessly" perform "quarter- circle turns". Fellow Kotaku editor Brian Crecente had similar sentiments, where he praised it for how easy it is.
IGN's Richard George ranked it the second best Nintendo 3DS game at the time of the article's posting; he wrote that it might be "Nintendo's best asset in selling its new system." Fellow IGN editor Lucas M. Thomas mentioned 3D Edition in his article on the "port problem" of the 3DS, where he wrote he had already "been there". Wireds Andy Robertson described it as "testament to the visual horsepower" of the 3DS as well as "one of the more surprising titles in the lineup." GamesRadar
's Justin Towell noted that while it looks good, this was due in part to one-on-one fighting games allowing developers to get the most out of a platform. Fellow GamesRadar editor Brett Elston also found it aesthetically pleasing, but felt that it could go without the 3D effects. However, Andriasang's Anoop Gantayat felt that it was one of the best demonstration of 3D effects on the 3DS. Ars Technica
's Casey Johnson also felt that it made good use of the 3D effects along with some of the other 3DS' features.
and GameRankings, respectively. Computer and Video Games Tamoor Hussain called the console version "this generation's greatest fighter" and praised the 3D effects, the amount of content retained from the console version, and its increased appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. Fellow CVG editor Andy Robinson recommended it as one of the better launch games. Famitsu
's editors found it to be well-received, giving praise to the graphics and touchscreen control though noting that the Dynamic Mode can be a "bit hard to see." Eurogamer
's Johnny Minkley noted that while it was not a "serious alternative for high-level players", its gets as close to it as it can. He also gave praise to its figurines and the Dynamic Mode. Kotaku
's Brian Ashcraft named it the one game to buy around the 3DS' launch, and praised it as demonstrative of what the 3DS can do. He was surprised by the quality of the online play; while he expected it to be as bad as Super Smash Bros. Brawl
s, he found it "lag-free, smooth and painless." He also gives praise to the StreetPass function and touchscreen control, though he notes that he has not actually been able to use StreetPass yet. Stuff
s James Burnett found it to be a strong launch title due to its "fun, fast and tight" gameplay, sound design, and the online multiplayer.
GameSpot
's Ricardo Torres and Shaun McInnis featured it in their analysis of the Japanese 3DS launch. They wrote that it is "one of the highest profile titles available" for the 3DS and made a good transition from consoles. They also called the touchscreen controls reliable and not disruptive. NGamer UK
noted that while it was a "staggering port of an exceptional fighting game", it was not the "definitive version of the game". Game Informer
called it a "complete game" and that Super Street Fighter IV is "one of the best fighting games around". Pocket Gamer
's Damien McFerran noted that while the "one-on-one 2D fighter" was not the ideal game to demonstrate stereoscopic visuals, 3D Edition proved to be the most appealing game at the 3DS' launch. He noted that despite some "minor interface issues", it is also "one of the finest portable punch-ups we’ve experienced in years". The Telegraph
s Tom Hoggins wrote that while not the definitive version of Super Street Fighter IV and was "yet another update of a two year old game", it was "built with such skill and pride it's hard not to fall for it all over again." In a comparison of its video game Dead or Alive: Dimensions
to 3D Edition, Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi stated that Dimensions, due to its 3D gameplay, conveyed the 3D effects better than 3D Editions 2D visuals do. In spite of the positive reception, games(TM) found that even though it was "arguably the best portable version" of a Street Fighter game, this was due to the poor quality of previous games of its kind rather than the high quality of it. GamePros Julian Rignall meanwhile found it to be "everything you could want from a mobile Super Street Fighter IV".
's top 20 "Hot Future Releases" list. It also ranked 58th on Amazon Japan's best-selling games list in one instance. 3D Edition and Pilotwings Resort
were the two best-selling titles in the United States and United Kingdom. Metro, in collaboration with Nintendo, gave away 10 copies of the game. Nintendo also hired two actors to play the roles of Ryu and Ken
to fight each other to promote 3D Edition. 3D Edition became the first Nintendo 3DS title to ship 1 million copies worldwide.
Fighting game
Fighting game is a video game genre where the player controls an on-screen character and engages in close combat with an opponent. These characters tend to be of equal power and fight matches consisting of several rounds, which take place in an arena. Players must master techniques such as...
video game developed and published by Capcom
Capcom
is a Japanese developer and publisher of video games, known for creating multi-million-selling franchises such as Devil May Cry, Chaos Legion, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Resident Evil. Capcom developed and published Bionic Commando, Lost Planet and Dark Void too, but they are less known. Its...
for the Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or any additional accessories. The Nintendo 3DS features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software...
handheld game console
Handheld game console
A handheld game console is a lightweight, portable electronic device with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are run on machines of small size allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place...
. It was released as a launch game in all continents, but in Japan first on 26 February 2011. It is a port of the console game Super Street Fighter IV
Super Street Fighter IV
is a 2010 fighting game produced by Capcom. It is an updated version of Street Fighter IV and has been said to mark the definitive end of the Street Fighter IV series. Having been deemed as too large an update to be deployed as DLC, the game was made into a standalone title, but given a lower price...
.
Gameplay
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition plays much like the console version, Super Street Fighter IVSuper Street Fighter IV
is a 2010 fighting game produced by Capcom. It is an updated version of Street Fighter IV and has been said to mark the definitive end of the Street Fighter IV series. Having been deemed as too large an update to be deployed as DLC, the game was made into a standalone title, but given a lower price...
. It plays like a traditional fighting game, utilizing 3D backgrounds and 3D characters on a 2D plane. It has two primary modes: single-player and multi-player, the latter mode which supports both online and local play. Other modes include Team Battle, which supports up to eight players; Replay Channel, which allows players to view and share replays with others online; and rival battles, which features a dialogue sequence between two characters which depends on who they are. The battles take place between two opponents, of whom each have their own health meter that the opponent has to deplete by attacking each other. Players win a match by either depleting the opponent's health or merely having more health after the time runs out. The objective is to win two times in a match. If the opponents are on equal standing when the timer runs out, it is considered a loss for both opponents; if this occurs twice in one match, it results in a draw.
Players use the Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or any additional accessories. The Nintendo 3DS features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software...
' circle pad or d-pad to control their fighters, which allows players to jump, crouch, and move toward and away from opponents. Players use the face buttons in order to performs techniques such as punches, kicks, grabs, and "personal actions." The touchscreen
Touchscreen
A touchscreen is an electronic visual display that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. The term generally refers to touching the display of the device with a finger or hand. Touchscreens can also sense other passive objects, such as a stylus...
can also be used to use these personal actions, which displays multiple icons for each action, though its nature depends on whether players have the difficult mode set on "Lite" or "Pro"; on Pro mode, such moves have to be performed manually. Players may filter online play opponents; this depends on whether they are playing in Lite or Pro modes. It features abilities such as "Focus Attacks" and separate meters for both "Super" and "Ultra" combos. When in the single-player mode, if toggled on, there are additional "bonus stages" which allows a chance to receive additional points, similar to the ones found in Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II
is a competitive fighting game originally released for the arcades in . It is the arcade sequel to the original Street Fighter released in and was Capcom's fourteenth title that ran on the CP System arcade hardware...
. The first challenge challenges players to break a car while the second has players break as many barrels as they can. Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition features all 35 characters found in the home console version of Super Street Fighter IV. Each character has multiple unique costumes, some of which originally appeared as downloadable content in the console version, that are included on the Nintendo 3DS game card.
3D Edition introduces a number of new features. One of the more prominent features is the use of stereoscopic 3D
Stereoscopy
Stereoscopy refers to a technique for creating or enhancing the illusion of depth in an image by presenting two offset images separately to the left and right eye of the viewer. Both of these 2-D offset images are then combined in the brain to give the perception of 3-D depth...
, as well as the support of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
The is an online multiplayer gaming service run by Nintendo to provide free online play in compatible Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS and Wii games. The service includes the company's Wii Shop Channel, DSi Shop, and Nintendo eShop game download services...
, for which it uses the Nintendo 3DS' universal Friend Code to play online. As stated above, it utilizes the touchscreen to allow players to perform special abilities more easily, as well as the difficulty modes Lite and Pro. 3D Edition makes use of the 3DS' StreetPass function, which allows players to swap in-game figurines of characters that are unlocked throughout the game as well as use them in battle whenever the 3DS is in range of another player's 3DS who also has the game. The figurines have statistics, and players can make their own team of figurines for the aforementioned figurine battles. Players are also able to share the game with others, who can play it without a copy of the game; however, players are only allowed to use Ryu
Ryu (Street Fighter)
is a video game player character created by Capcom, the main protagonist of the Street Fighter series. Having premiered in the first Street Fighter in 1987, Ryu appears as the lead character from the game along with his best friend Ken Masters participating in the Street Fighter tournament...
in a single specific stage. Players are also able to switch the view from the traditional 2D plane to an over-the-shoulder view, called Dynamic Mode, which presents the stereoscopic 3D better.
Development
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition was developed by CapcomCapcom
is a Japanese developer and publisher of video games, known for creating multi-million-selling franchises such as Devil May Cry, Chaos Legion, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Resident Evil. Capcom developed and published Bionic Commando, Lost Planet and Dark Void too, but they are less known. Its...
and Dimps
Dimps
is an Osaka, Japan-based video game development studio with an additional office in Tokyo, Japan. Employing a staff of 218 people, it is known for developing such games as the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai trilogy for the PlayStation 2, and the Sonic the Hedgehog games specific to the Game Boy Advance and...
and published by Capcom and Nintendo Australia
Nintendo Australia
Nintendo Australia Pty. Ltd. established in 1994, located in Victoria is Australia's local head office, sales, licensing and distribution centre for products and other Intellectual Properties created by Nintendo Co., Ltd of Kyoto, Japan and is owned by Nintendo Co., Ltd in Japan. Prior distribution...
for the Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or any additional accessories. The Nintendo 3DS features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software...
handheld game console
Handheld game console
A handheld game console is a lightweight, portable electronic device with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are run on machines of small size allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place...
. It was first released in Japan on 26 February, 2011, and was slated to be released in March 25, 27, and 31, 2011, in Europe, North America, and Australia, respectively. It is a port of the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
video game Super Street Fighter IV
Super Street Fighter IV
is a 2010 fighting game produced by Capcom. It is an updated version of Street Fighter IV and has been said to mark the definitive end of the Street Fighter IV series. Having been deemed as too large an update to be deployed as DLC, the game was made into a standalone title, but given a lower price...
. It was first announced at E3 2010, where features such as stereoscopic 3D and Wi-Fi support were revealed. Developer Yoshinori Ono stated that it would be identical in terms of gameplay to the console version. In an interview conducted with Famitsu
Famitsu
is a line of Japanese video game magazines published by Enterbrain, Inc. and Tokuma. Currently, there are five Famitsū magazines: Shūkan Famitsū, Famitsū PS3 + PSP, Famitsū Xbox 360, Famitsū Wii+DS, and Famitsū Wave DVD...
between it and Ono, Famitsu stated that all 35 characters from the console version would be included. It has been featured at other events; this includes the "Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
is a crossover fighting game developed by Capcom. It features Capcom's own characters and characters from American comic book company Marvel Comics. It is the fifth installment of the Marvel vs...
Fight Club" event, the GDC 2011
Game Developers Conference
The Game Developers Conference is the largest annual gathering of professional video game developers, focusing on learning, inspiration, and networking...
event, and the PAX 2011
Penny Arcade Expo
The Penny Arcade Expo is a semi-annual gamer festival held in Seattle and Boston. PAX was created by Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, the authors of the Penny Arcade webcomic, because they wanted to attend a show that gave equal attention to console gamers, computer gamers, and tabletop...
event.
Before 3D Edition began development, a port of Super Street Fighter IV was considered for either the Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
or PlayStation Portable
PlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
; however, Ono felt that neither handheld would provide satisfaction for him. He was first introduced to the 3DS by Capcom producer Jun Takeuchi
Jun Takeuchi
is a Japanese video game director and producer. He graduated from the Division of Graphics at the Sozosha College of Design and joined the game development company Capcom in 1991. He served as the producer for Onimusha 3 and Lost Planet and chief producer for Resident Evil 5...
, who showed him a version of Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5, known in Japan as , is a survival horror third-person shooter video game developed and published by Capcom. The game is the seventh installment in the Resident Evil survival horror series, and was released on March 5, 2009 in Japan and on March 13, 2009 in North America and Europe...
playing on the 3DS. Afterward, he "threw together a quick build" of Super Street Fighter IV in a couple weeks for the 3DS. Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
, after being shown the build, was impressed by it, and wanted it to be shown at E3 2010. However, Ono felt that the build was not ready to be shown; instead, he allowed Nintendo to show a couple of screenshots and talk about the game. Ono included the Dynamic Mode early on in development in part to make it appealing to casual gamers. He noted another advantage of this angle was how well it worked with Ken
Ken Masters
, originally spelled in Japanese as , is a video game character created by Capcom. As a main character, he has appeared in all of the Street Fighter games along with his best friend and rival, Ryu...
and Ryu, who he finds to be most commonly used by "lapsed players" who used to play the series. In an interview between Nintendo president Satoru Iwata
Satoru Iwata
is the fourth president of Nintendo, succeeding the long-standing previous president of the company, Hiroshi Yamauchi in 2002. He was responsible in great part for defining Nintendo's strategy both before and during the release of its Nintendo GameCube video game console in 2001, a vision which...
and Yoshinori Ono, the two of them discussed the touchscreen control, with the latter comparing it to New Super Mario Bros. Wii
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
is a 2009 side-scrolling platform video game published and developed by Nintendo for the Wii video game console. The game was released on November 12, 2009 in Australia, November 15, 2009 in North America, November 20, 2009 in Europe and December 3, 2009 in Japan...
s Super Guide function. Ono added that they were intent on making a game that could make it more approachable. He added that while some may call him a "sell-out", he felt that it was advantageous to the developer as well as the gamers. When Ono learned of the pedometer
Pedometer
A pedometer is a device, usually portable and electronic or electromechanical, that counts each step a person takes by detecting the motion of the person's hips...
function of the 3DS that rewarded coins for the number of steps taken, he decided to implement it to allow coins to be spent on figurines. He also designed the Fighter Request function, which when activated allows anyone playing the game nearby to accept this request, with the hopes of creating another community.
He noted that the only misgiving he had was with the expressions of characters as they perform or get hit by ultra moves which were accomplished by a different method than the console version; however, he felt that no one would notice this on a small screen. This fact allowed them to make more simplified modes to make the game move faster. The developers also had to tweak the backgrounds as they work on the 3D effects due to them sometimes overlapping with itself. When asked why characters exclusive to the arcade game Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition were not featured in the game, Ono explained that it was due to timing and a desire to focus on the already proven console version. He did note however that features from the Arcade Edition could be included if there appears to be interest. He elaborated that even if he could add these features, they may not due to the more hardcore nature of the Arcade Edition, and that if there is no hardcore audience for 3D Edition, they don't want to "force them into some new version." In an attempt to simulate the "Saturn-style
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
" six button configuration, the Pro mode was designed to have these six buttons on the touch screen; however, the developers found it to not be comfortable.
Pre-release
G4TV's Harold Goldberg praised the Dynamic Mode for its "illusion of depth", the usefulness of the touchscreen features, and the StreetPass support. However, he did note that some may consider 3D unnecessary for a fighting game due to the fast-pace of the gameplay. Fellow G4TV editor Kevin Kelly called it fun and looks great; however, he elaborated that the latter is only true in 2D and that the 3D was distracting. He adds that when the 3D is turned off, the game moves at a higher rate of frames per second. USA TodayUSA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
's Brett Molina described it as a good demonstration of the quality of the 3DS' circle pad. He commented that it was better than the touchscreen and was better than no thumb stick at all. MSNBC
MSNBC
MSNBC is a cable news channel based in the United States available in the US, Germany , South Africa, the Middle East and Canada...
's Winda Benedetti praised its 3D for how it "jumps right off the screen in all its butt-kicking glory." IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
's Charles Onyett found that the touchscreen implementation was useful for casual fans, and emulated the console version well, both in terms of faithfulness and visuals. Mercury News' Gieson Cacho found the adaptation to be quality, though noted that he was most excited for the StreetPass function. Toronto Sun
Toronto Sun
The Toronto Sun is an English-language daily tabloid newspaper published in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is known for its daily Sunshine Girl feature and for what it sees as a populist conservative editorial stance.-History:...
s Steve Tilley described its visuals as "superb" and praised its StreetPass and touchscreen support.
Jason Schreier praised the Dynamic Mode for its emphasis on 3D and its presentation of "gorgeous-looking brawls". Video Gamer's Neon Kelly noted that while it is very similar to the console version, it appeals well to casual gamers. He adds that the level of effort put in from Capcom encouraged him that the title would be good. GamePro
GamePro
GamePro Media was a United States gaming media company publishing online and print content on the video game industry, video game hardware, and video game software developed for a video game console , a computer, and/or a mobile device . GamePro Media properties include GamePro magazine and...
s Dave Rudden wrote that he had a "good feeling" about the game, a feeling that he held with Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II
is a competitive fighting game originally released for the arcades in . It is the arcade sequel to the original Street Fighter released in and was Capcom's fourteenth title that ran on the CP System arcade hardware...
on the Super NES. The portability and 3D effects are enough for him to overlook the lack of support of a proper arcade stick. GameSpot's Brendan Sinclair in early impressions of the 3DS thought that the circle pad might be difficult to use in 3D Edition. However, Kotaku's Stephen Totilo praised the circle pad; while he writes that he "stink[s] at Street Fighter", the circle pad allows him to "effortlessly" perform "quarter- circle turns". Fellow Kotaku editor Brian Crecente had similar sentiments, where he praised it for how easy it is.
IGN's Richard George ranked it the second best Nintendo 3DS game at the time of the article's posting; he wrote that it might be "Nintendo's best asset in selling its new system." Fellow IGN editor Lucas M. Thomas mentioned 3D Edition in his article on the "port problem" of the 3DS, where he wrote he had already "been there". Wireds Andy Robertson described it as "testament to the visual horsepower" of the 3DS as well as "one of the more surprising titles in the lineup." GamesRadar
GamesRadar
GamesRadar is a multi-format video game website featuring regular news, previews, reviews, videos, and guides. It is owned and operated simultaneously in the UK and US by worldwide publisher Future Publishing...
's Justin Towell noted that while it looks good, this was due in part to one-on-one fighting games allowing developers to get the most out of a platform. Fellow GamesRadar editor Brett Elston also found it aesthetically pleasing, but felt that it could go without the 3D effects. However, Andriasang's Anoop Gantayat felt that it was one of the best demonstration of 3D effects on the 3DS. Ars Technica
Ars Technica
Ars Technica is a technology news and information website created by Ken Fisher and Jon Stokes in 1998. It publishes news, reviews and guides on issues such as computer hardware and software, science, technology policy, and video games. Ars Technica is known for its features, long articles that go...
's Casey Johnson also felt that it made good use of the 3D effects along with some of the other 3DS' features.
Post-release
It received positive reception upon release; it holds an aggregate score of 85 and 86.74% at MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
and GameRankings, respectively. Computer and Video Games Tamoor Hussain called the console version "this generation's greatest fighter" and praised the 3D effects, the amount of content retained from the console version, and its increased appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. Fellow CVG editor Andy Robinson recommended it as one of the better launch games. Famitsu
Famitsu
is a line of Japanese video game magazines published by Enterbrain, Inc. and Tokuma. Currently, there are five Famitsū magazines: Shūkan Famitsū, Famitsū PS3 + PSP, Famitsū Xbox 360, Famitsū Wii+DS, and Famitsū Wave DVD...
's editors found it to be well-received, giving praise to the graphics and touchscreen control though noting that the Dynamic Mode can be a "bit hard to see." Eurogamer
Eurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
's Johnny Minkley noted that while it was not a "serious alternative for high-level players", its gets as close to it as it can. He also gave praise to its figurines and the Dynamic Mode. Kotaku
Kotaku
Kotaku is a video games-focused blog. It is part of Gawker Media's "Gawker" network of sites, which also includes Gizmodo, Deadspin, Lifehacker, io9 and Jezebel. Named to CNET News' Blog 100, Kotaku is consistently listed in the top 40 of Technorati's Top 100...
's Brian Ashcraft named it the one game to buy around the 3DS' launch, and praised it as demonstrative of what the 3DS can do. He was surprised by the quality of the online play; while he expected it to be as bad as Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. Brawl, known in Japan as , often abbreviated as SSBB or simply as Brawl, is the third installment in the Super Smash Bros. series of crossover fighting games, developed by an ad hoc development team consisting of Sora, Game Arts and staff from other developers, and published by...
s, he found it "lag-free, smooth and painless." He also gives praise to the StreetPass function and touchscreen control, though he notes that he has not actually been able to use StreetPass yet. Stuff
Stuff (magazine)
Stuff is a men's magazine featuring reviews of consumer electronics, and other articles of interest to a predominantly male audience.- UK edition :...
s James Burnett found it to be a strong launch title due to its "fun, fast and tight" gameplay, sound design, and the online multiplayer.
GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
's Ricardo Torres and Shaun McInnis featured it in their analysis of the Japanese 3DS launch. They wrote that it is "one of the highest profile titles available" for the 3DS and made a good transition from consoles. They also called the touchscreen controls reliable and not disruptive. NGamer UK
NGamer
NGamer is a British magazine which mainly covers Nintendo video game consoles and software, and also to a much lesser extent, Sony and Microsoft consoles. The first issue was released on 13 July 2006...
noted that while it was a "staggering port of an exceptional fighting game", it was not the "definitive version of the game". Game Informer
Game Informer
Game Informer is an American-based monthly magazine featuring articles, news, strategy, and reviews of popular video games and associated consoles. It was formed in August 1991, when FuncoLand started publishing a six-page magazine, free in all its retail locations...
called it a "complete game" and that Super Street Fighter IV is "one of the best fighting games around". Pocket Gamer
Pocket Gamer
Pocket Gamer is a website and video game magazine that focuses on handheld video games. It was launched in 2005 and is published by Steel Media. The publication covers all major portable and mobile gaming formats, including iPhone, Android, PSP and the various versions of the Nintendo DS and was...
's Damien McFerran noted that while the "one-on-one 2D fighter" was not the ideal game to demonstrate stereoscopic visuals, 3D Edition proved to be the most appealing game at the 3DS' launch. He noted that despite some "minor interface issues", it is also "one of the finest portable punch-ups we’ve experienced in years". The Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is a daily morning broadsheet newspaper distributed throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. The newspaper was founded by Arthur B...
s Tom Hoggins wrote that while not the definitive version of Super Street Fighter IV and was "yet another update of a two year old game", it was "built with such skill and pride it's hard not to fall for it all over again." In a comparison of its video game Dead or Alive: Dimensions
Dead Or Alive: Dimensions
Dead or Alive: Dimensions is a fighting game for the Nintendo 3DS. It was announced as an official title on 15 June 2010 at E3 under the working title Dead or Alive 3D. It is the 15th game in the Dead or Alive series. It will also be the first Dead or Alive game to be released on a Nintendo system...
to 3D Edition, Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi stated that Dimensions, due to its 3D gameplay, conveyed the 3D effects better than 3D Editions 2D visuals do. In spite of the positive reception, games(TM) found that even though it was "arguably the best portable version" of a Street Fighter game, this was due to the poor quality of previous games of its kind rather than the high quality of it. GamePros Julian Rignall meanwhile found it to be "everything you could want from a mobile Super Street Fighter IV".
Sales and promotion
In its first week of release, 3D Edition was the seventh best-selling video game and sold 44,649 copies in Japan. It fell to be the 11th best-selling game of the following week, selling 16,974 with a total of 61,624 copies sold. It ranked 18 in the following week. Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition ranked among other 3DS games in Amazon UKAmazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational electronic commerce company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the world's largest online retailer. Amazon has separate websites for the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and...
's top 20 "Hot Future Releases" list. It also ranked 58th on Amazon Japan's best-selling games list in one instance. 3D Edition and Pilotwings Resort
Pilotwings Resort
is a flight simulation video game for the Nintendo 3DS handheld game console, developed by Monster Games and published by Nintendo. It is a sequel to the 1990 Super Nintendo Entertainment System game Pilotwings and the 1996 Nintendo 64 game Pilotwings 64. Similarly to its predecessors, it was...
were the two best-selling titles in the United States and United Kingdom. Metro, in collaboration with Nintendo, gave away 10 copies of the game. Nintendo also hired two actors to play the roles of Ryu and Ken
Ken Masters
, originally spelled in Japanese as , is a video game character created by Capcom. As a main character, he has appeared in all of the Street Fighter games along with his best friend and rival, Ryu...
to fight each other to promote 3D Edition. 3D Edition became the first Nintendo 3DS title to ship 1 million copies worldwide.