Developer: Iron Galaxy Studios
Publisher: Capcom
Rating Guide: How I Review Games

Review:

There are plenty of Street Fighter fans who will tell you that Street Fighter III has been the red-headed stepchild in the series to most.  For whatever reason, it just hasn’t had the appeal that Street Fighter II has had with fans.  Perhaps that was due to the sophistication of its fighting?  Who can imagine a Street Fighter game being difficult?  But for the first time players and not-so hardcore fans, the game was a stretch.

Does Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition put it back on the map?

Gameplay, Graphics and Sound

I won’t bore you with a long winded recap of everything that makes up 3rd Strike.  The game has been out for years and quite honestly, you should be familiar with it.  For those who have always been afraid to try it because of the difficulty then relax, it comes with pretty cool Trials and Training modes.  It’s a new feature to help players get used to the gameplay.  Some of it is still tough but it is much more forgiving than the original release was.

Visually the game has been given quite the overhaul while still keeping the faithful arcade feel.  Characters, effects, menus and the like have been given the HD flare.  You’ll probably love it on your widescreen TV.  It isn’t all glamorous but you can tell that they really put a lot into updating the game’s graphics for next-generation fighting.  If you don’t like the updated look, you can try out the other viewing modes.  Each mode displays real-time information on the things you complete during a match.  Nice touch!  There are various degrees of these challenges and it adds to the replay value.

I really think the game is one of the more faithful ”HD remixes” out there.  It didn’t just reskin the old game.  Instead it actually enhanced it.  But that’s not what most people will be interested in when they download this game.  It’s called Online Edition for a reason eh? 

Xbox LIVE Extras

The entire point of this game it to game online.  That’s the best part about Third Strike.  Capcom and Iron Galaxy Studios made it the best in online performance.  The lag is minimal due to the GGPO net code used.  In fact, it’s nearly lag-free.  You can save replays and hit them up right on YouTube!  There’s nothing like owning someone and then almost immediately sharing it with the world.

There’s a full matchmaking system in the game as well.  It’s the complete deal coupled with gaining experience points after matches and skill level.  The Tournament Mode is probably where most hardcore fans will spend their online time.  You can adjust the rules, boot players, restrict players from choosing characters … you own the system so to speak.

Capcom and Iron Galaxy really give you all the control to make your online experience the way you want it to be. 

9.0