PGC NEWS

Tired of the horror in Amnesia: The Bunker? Feeling the grind in Diablo IV? Looking for a vibrant, engaging, and community-driven experience? Look no further than Street Fighter 6, the latest installment in Capcom’s legendary fighting game franchise. Launched in early June alongside the behemoth that is Diablo IV, Street Fighter 6 marks a significant evolution for the series, transitioning from Unreal Engine to Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine (the successor to MT Framework, initially designed for Resident Evil 7 and later used in titles like Devil May Cry 5 and Monster Hunter Rise). This new engine breathes fresh life into the series, complemented by innovative gameplay mechanics. Let’s step into the ring and explore what makes Street Fighter 6 a champion.

Street Fighter 6 Character Select Screen

A Roster of Familiar Faces and Fresh Contenders

A fighting game lives and dies by its roster. Street Fighter 6 delivers a diverse cast of 18 characters, blending returning favorites with exciting newcomers. While this number falls within the average range for the series (Capcom has released titles with even larger rosters), the quality of the new characters shines through. Six fresh faces join the fray, injecting new life into this 35-year-old franchise.

Street Fighter 6 Gameplay Screenshot

Alongside veterans like Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li, whose familiar playstyles provide a comfortable entry point for new and returning players, characters like Jamie, Kimberley, Lily, JP, Marisa, and Manon offer unique and engaging combat experiences. Kimberley, for instance, brings a rushdown style reminiscent of Ibuki from previous titles but with added layers of complexity and mix-ups, especially when cornering opponents. Manon blends Judo with self-taught martial arts, creating a grappler with surprising range. Even returning characters have been refined with new moves and mechanics to fit the updated combat system.

Street Fighter 6 character portrait of Kimberly

The Dynamic Drive System

The core of Street Fighter 6‘s evolution lies in the Drive System. While sharing similarities with previous systems, the Drive Gauge adds a new layer of strategic depth. This gauge powers Drive Impact, Drive Parry, Drive Rush, Drive Reverse, and Overdrive moves. Each move consumes a portion of the gauge, and depleting it entirely puts the character in a Burnout state, making them vulnerable to block strings, slower movement, and weakened attacks. Managing the Drive Gauge alongside the traditional Super meter adds a crucial element of resource management to the already intense combat.

Street Fighter 6 gameplay featuring Drive Impact

Drive Impact is akin to Street Fighter 4‘s Focus Attack, allowing for armored attacks that can lead to significant advantages. However, Street Fighter 6 maintains its rock-paper-scissors approach to combat, offering counterplay options like Drive Parry, Super Arts, jumps, or even a counter Drive Impact. Drive Parry allows for stylish and effective defense, consuming minimal Drive Gauge. While seemingly overpowered, it leaves characters vulnerable to throws, creating another layer of strategic decision-making.

Manon, a new character in Street Fighter 6

A World of Modes: Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub

Street Fighter 6 offers a wealth of content through three main modes: Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub. Fighting Ground provides classic Street Fighter experiences, including training and arcade mode. World Tour introduces a unique RPG-like experience where players create custom characters, explore the world, learn from masters like Ryu and Chun-Li, and engage in street fights. This mode allows players to travel to locations like Metro City and beyond, earning points and currency to customize their avatar.

Street Fighter 6 gameplay screenshot showing a parry

Battle Hub is the online heart of Street Fighter 6, recreating the atmosphere of a classic arcade. Players can gather, challenge each other, and spectate matches. This social hub adds a unique dimension to the online experience, fostering a sense of community and rivalry.

A Modern Classic

Street Fighter 6 achieves a near-perfect balance of accessibility and depth. With minimal bugs, stunning visuals, and robust netcode, the game offers a smooth and engaging experience. Three control schemes cater to different skill levels: Classic for veterans, Modern for simplified inputs, and Dynamic for button-mashing newcomers. This inclusive approach ensures that anyone can jump into the action. Street Fighter 6 isn’t just a fighting game; it’s a celebration of the genre, delivering a knockout experience for players of all skill levels.

Ryu performing a Hadoken in Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 Character Customization