Fans have always envisioned some crazy ideas for their favorite fighting game franchises and Street Fighter is certainly no stranger to developing new concepts to keep things fresh and exciting. I have to admit, it’s somewhat surprising to see that Street Fighter IV has maintained such an extensive run since its debut in 2009. Strategies (or “tech” as it’s not commonly referenced) has become harder to keep under the wraps thanks to the benefits of Youtube and social networking circles, which has ultimately help the skill gaps become progressively smaller over time. Aside from that, taking a closer look at the series and breaking down the elements of what keeps players coming back to again and again, Street Fighter IV is definitely lacking in some areas.

Super Street Fighter IV introduced the first online team-based PvP mode which gained some interest and traction, but the appeal gradually lost steam. Before that, Championship Mode gave players a unique take on engaging ranked player players, but that ended up on the chopping block when future iterations were released. The Character Trials was a nice touch, but really – is this all that players should be expected to enjoy after endless hours grinding?

If the  (or what I’ve recently just referred to now as Omega SF4) is truly going to be the final curtain that brings closure to the Street Fighter IV saga; and let’s just pretend that money wasn’t the sole factor here, Capcom could definitely pull all the stops to make this DLC release the definitive version that would get everyone playing.

After all, it’s introducing characteristics that were inspired ripped  straight from previous Street Fighter installments. Not that I have any complaints with Chun returning to her Alpha/Third Strike roots or seeing Ken regain all of his trademark Super Turbo attributes (those kicks doe). I say, why stop there? So here’s a quick wish list of 5 features that would really add some nostalgic trips for longtime fans and could quite possibly create new ones.

Introduce New Stages

Yeah, I am sure you probably expected me to come out and say “Capcom, give us the old-school stages.” That wouldn’t be a bad idea, but I am sure the consensus from most fans would look at that as a lazy effort on Capcom’s part. However, they could approach that with a twist. One thing that Street Fighter actually lacks are signature stages unique to the cast. Now obviously with over 44 character, I realize that would be a tall order to fill. However, it would be great if they at least made an effort to take a poll on featuring some new stages according to a popular vote. I wouldn’t mind seeing Chun getting a stage somewhere near her Interpol offices, or a fresh take on Sakura’s stage from Alpha 2. As cool as the Street Fighter x Tekken stages are – these weren’t constructed from scratch and part of the appeal when players are engaged in battle is being immersed in a stage that boasts something memorable and iconic. Most of the stages in Street Fighter IV just seem really flat and lifeless and we could definitely benefit from some new battle environments.

Better Ranking Mode

This is bound to cause some disagreement, but there should be a tool that allows players to easily rematch competitors encountered in ranking mode. While one could easily state a quick IM achieves the same effect, I’d just appreciate the convenience of having a better set of tools in place for matchmaking (which I find is fairly limited and could take a few cues from Soul Calibur V when it comes to regional/global matchmaking.) In its current format, Ranking doesn’t add too much excitement unless you’re fixated on grinding for points. There should be an option for creating an Arcade-style rank format where a host can create a room similar to Endless, but the competitors can engage each other and their performance can be impacted accordingly. This would create even more excitement instead of the whole “two men enter, one man leaves” approach that currently exists. And while they’re at it – why not include some incentives similar to what first-person shooters offer where players can compete for prizes or a cash equivalent? In my opinion, creating an official online equivalent for Capcom Pro Tour is definitely the way the go – but there should be a definitive ranking mode that features a robust ladder system and other benefits to get more players actively playing.

Dramatic Battle

This was the ultimate homage to the anime version of Street Fighter II virtually reconstructing the 2-on-1 battle between Ken and Ryu facing off against the overlord of Shadowloo; M. Bison. Of course, the icing on the cake when this mode was first introduced in the original Street Fighter Alpha, that continued to make a reprise in future arcade/home editions that eventually lead to the introduction of the Alternate Dramatic Battle Mode; expanding the battle to consist of playing any character of your choice. 

Despite the slight deviations from the original source material, it opened the door for a new co-op style of play that was previously only seen in Yu-Yu Hakusho, Fatal Fury, and old-school coin-op classics. It’s a mystery why this feature hasn’t seen the light of day since that time, but it could very well be a hit with veterans and newcomers alike, especially when you take into all the fun possibilities. And speaking of possibilities. . .

Where is the Survival Mode?

Man, back in the day, home editions of fighting games used to be loaded with tons of special modes that would keep players entertained for hours. Soul Calibur for example was one of the more memorable games that introduced a cool Survival Mode that eventually made its way over to Capcom’s shores when Street Fighter Alpha 3 dropped. While some might not be too keen on playing a more extensive version of what’s readily available in the Arcade Mode, Capcom could easily follow a similar blueprint in which players would be challenged to complete battles under specific conditions/settings that revolve around health, time, or combo efficiency. After all, it seems a bit more appealing than just grinding through trials 24/7, right?

Use GGPO. . .(Indefinitely)

Everyone often complains how terrible the netcode has been in Street Fighter IV and sadly, unless you’re playing on the PC in which you there’s a bit more tools at your disposal to ensure a solid or at least more tolerable on lie experience, Ultra Street Fighter IV has to be quite possibly one of the more upsetting versions when it comes to playing online. I truly wish this edition could be retooled with a disc version and incorporated GGPO because there’s nothing more disheartening than coming across players with red-yellow bar grade connections.

While we’re on the subject – that new project you’re working on with Dimps Capcom? Yes, please make sure GGPO isn’t just considered, but actually implemented. We beg of you.

- Bahn

 

A NEW CHALLENGER APPEARS!

Will here, and everything Bahn laid out was on point I would also like to add a few ideas. You know, in the spirit of thoroughness and such.

Put in an “Old man” mode

with tighter reversal windows because we all remember when “Reversal” popping up consistently was a thing to be proud of. Everyone knew that the dude who was hitting reversal DP was “da god.” In SF4 we see more reversals than a chronic liar trying out speed dating. In the nature of good fun could we please close the french door sized opening called a reversal window in Street Fighter 4. If only in the mode that’s only for funnies.

New universal mobility options

Street Fighter 4 definitely is in need of well, more diversity in this department to aid in offensive/defensive situations. Perhaps a roll, or a KoF-style extra mode evade where you just move out of the way of an attack temporarily. I just feel like in SF4 there needs to be more options in terms of mobility that are not character specific.

Different defensive options

There’s a couple of ways that could add more diversity when it comes to keeping opponents from knocking you out in seconds. A few features that come to mind would be push blocking or instant blocking, SF4 is a very defensive game, in my opinion giving players stronger defensive option could make the game more interesting. Not to say that the game should become a hybrid of Marvel and Blazblue. But imagine how different it would be if you instant blocked a move that’s obvious as hell and you know it’s coming but because it’s plus or neutral on block you have to hold that *cough* Yun *cough* Cammy. That would deepen the meta in my opinion and help shift the turtle style nature of Street Fighter 4.

Moveset swaps

The ultimate element that could be tossed in for casual entertainment purposes. Imagine Sakura’s moveset with Zangief’s model. Something like that would just make me smile. I know you can do it with mods on PC, but you know what let us console folk get in on the fun.

- Will