What is Street Fighter IV?
Street Fighter IV is the much hyped, long awaited for sequel to Street Fighter 2 (hehe). This is Capcoms take on a 3D visual approach to it's classic 2D gameplay. It boasts a strong connection to Street Fighter 2, while adding in elements contained further on in the series, and some original ones. In this way it tries to appeal as broad a demographic as it can. The game is available on both X-Box 360 and Playstation 3, however we choose to use the PS3 version for our events.
Why the Playstation 3 version?
It was a difficult choice to make, choosing either console. While 360's are more common and easier to come by, we ended up going with the Playstation 3 due to controller issues. Firstly, we were able to secure lagless converters so that the numerous PS2 sticks brought to events can be used for IV without hassle. The other reason is that the Dual Shock controllers are still very commonly used for this style of fighter by some of our attendees, and there really is no alternative option on the 360.
What makes Street Fighter IV special, that Couch Warriors places it in the lineup?
Street Fighter IV presents a sort of front for a second coming of fighting games in the mainstream space, bringing with it gaming features of this generation such as online play and game expansion via DLC. While IV isn't the innovator to these features, it is certainly bringing in many gamers and showing them what the fighter genre is all about. That said, this isn't just about a membership run. Street Fighter IV has proved hugely popular in arcades before it's release and has proven popular with many Third Strike players worldwide picking up the game. Basically the game is also very competitive. What's not to love?
What competitions are held for this game?
The standard tournament format used for IV is the double elimination method, which is basically a knockout format where each competitor is eliminated when they have lost two games, effectively giving everyone a second chance. There is a point scoring system associated with each tournament which goes toward deciding the seasonal winner and seeding the big finale at the end of the season. Currently Loki runs this competition with aid from a few veteran players like Akai and Batasan.
What controllers do we use?
For the most part it is either PS2 compatible arcade sticks or the dual shock, through the use of a converter, or of course PS3 compatible controllers or sticks. The cool thing about the PS3 is that most USB game devices work, so if you have some funky boomerang shaped logitech controller that you are in love with feel free to bring it along. Unfortunately 360 devices do not work however, and no converters exist to make them work. If you have no real preference for arcade stick or controllerand you are just starting out, then I fully encourage using the arcade stick as it's likely to be used across all platforms where we choose to play these games, not to mention being able to play on the cab at Bluehouse in the city, or Playtime in Box Hill.
Where can I learn more about this game?
There are a few useful topics on IV on our forums here. Alternatively you can talk to regulars on our IRC channel at irc.mergo.net in #couchwarriors.
Probably the best source for IV related information is on SRK, specifically any guides you can find by members or the character specific forums, however those wanting to really get good at this game should head over to Ozhadou, say hello on the forums, play at Bluehouse and Box Hill and get to know the regulars. If you're starting from scratch however then definitely find a character that you like, give their trial mode and come to our events and play casual matches with us. Our community ranges greatly between beginners and more experienced people, so it will help a lot playing and learning from both.
Street Fighter IV is the much hyped, long awaited for sequel to Street Fighter 2 (hehe). This is Capcoms take on a 3D visual approach to it's classic 2D gameplay. It boasts a strong connection to Street Fighter 2, while adding in elements contained further on in the series, and some original ones. In this way it tries to appeal as broad a demographic as it can. The game is available on both X-Box 360 and Playstation 3, however we choose to use the PS3 version for our events.
Why the Playstation 3 version?
It was a difficult choice to make, choosing either console. While 360's are more common and easier to come by, we ended up going with the Playstation 3 due to controller issues. Firstly, we were able to secure lagless converters so that the numerous PS2 sticks brought to events can be used for IV without hassle. The other reason is that the Dual Shock controllers are still very commonly used for this style of fighter by some of our attendees, and there really is no alternative option on the 360.
What makes Street Fighter IV special, that Couch Warriors places it in the lineup?
Street Fighter IV presents a sort of front for a second coming of fighting games in the mainstream space, bringing with it gaming features of this generation such as online play and game expansion via DLC. While IV isn't the innovator to these features, it is certainly bringing in many gamers and showing them what the fighter genre is all about. That said, this isn't just about a membership run. Street Fighter IV has proved hugely popular in arcades before it's release and has proven popular with many Third Strike players worldwide picking up the game. Basically the game is also very competitive. What's not to love?What competitions are held for this game?
The standard tournament format used for IV is the double elimination method, which is basically a knockout format where each competitor is eliminated when they have lost two games, effectively giving everyone a second chance. There is a point scoring system associated with each tournament which goes toward deciding the seasonal winner and seeding the big finale at the end of the season. Currently Loki runs this competition with aid from a few veteran players like Akai and Batasan.
What controllers do we use?
For the most part it is either PS2 compatible arcade sticks or the dual shock, through the use of a converter, or of course PS3 compatible controllers or sticks. The cool thing about the PS3 is that most USB game devices work, so if you have some funky boomerang shaped logitech controller that you are in love with feel free to bring it along. Unfortunately 360 devices do not work however, and no converters exist to make them work. If you have no real preference for arcade stick or controllerand you are just starting out, then I fully encourage using the arcade stick as it's likely to be used across all platforms where we choose to play these games, not to mention being able to play on the cab at Bluehouse in the city, or Playtime in Box Hill.
Where can I learn more about this game?
There are a few useful topics on IV on our forums here. Alternatively you can talk to regulars on our IRC channel at irc.mergo.net in #couchwarriors.
Probably the best source for IV related information is on SRK, specifically any guides you can find by members or the character specific forums, however those wanting to really get good at this game should head over to Ozhadou, say hello on the forums, play at Bluehouse and Box Hill and get to know the regulars. If you're starting from scratch however then definitely find a character that you like, give their trial mode and come to our events and play casual matches with us. Our community ranges greatly between beginners and more experienced people, so it will help a lot playing and learning from both.
Last updated on the 1st of March, 2009 by Zan.
