- Release Date: April 27, 2000
- Genre: Fighting
- Style: 3D Fighting
- Similar Games: Dead or Alive (Sega Saturn), Dead or Alive (PlayStation), Tekken 3 (Arcade), Tekken 3 (PlayStation), Dead or Alive (Arcade), Street Fighter EX (Arcade), Street Fighter Alpha 3 (PlayStation), Street Fighter Alpha 3 (Dreamcast), Dead or Alive (Commodore 64/128), Tekken 3 (PlayStation)
Game Description
Street Fighter EX2+ is Capcom's second attempt to bring the Street Fighter II series into full, polygonal 3D. Returning characters from the original Street Fighter EX (Ken, Ryu, Guile and Chun Li) are joined by new characters to make up a roster of 20 playable fighters, not including hidden, unlockable characters. Like others in the series, gameplay involves fighting opponent after opponent to determine once and for all who is the strongest fighter in the world. Play options include Arcade, Vs. Mode, Director's Mode, Practice and a Bonus mode. Games and options can be saved using one block of space on the PlayStation memory card.~ J.C. Barnes, All Game Guide
Review: Overall
The Street Fighter series is one of the most popular and longstanding videogame franchises in history. The game has continually evolved since its inception in 1991, boasting of over 10 different titles holding the name over the past decade. Street Fighter EX2+ is the latest foray into the world of fireballs and hurricane kicks, featuring improved graphics over the original Street Fighter EX+ Alpha as well as a better character selection and new gameplay mechanics.All in all this is somewhat of an upgrade, and while the transition from 2D to 3D and the absence of some of the original old-school characters has caused many gamers to turn a deaf ear to the new EX+ editions, Capcom has made sure that SFEX2+ still plants its roots firmly in the revolutionary and now classic arcade game that changed fighting games forever in 1991.
SFEX2+'s fighting roster includes classic and sorely missed characters from the original Street Fighter II games, including Ryu, Ken, Chun Li, Zangief, Dhalsim, Blanka, Sagat, M. Bison, Guile and Vega, as well as alpha characters and characters exclusive to the EX games such as Skullomania, Nanase and Darun. The original game mechanics from Street Fighter II are combined with many of the combos and super moves of the Street Fighter Alpha series, with a dash of original, exclusive EX+ mode moves.
The result is a game that veterans of the Street Fighter II series can easily get in to while at the same time capturing the attention of gamers who continued to play Street Fighter II through all of its alpha sequels.
The graphics are more of an upgrade from than the original SFEX than anything new. The characters sport more polygons than their predecessor, making them look more true to their 2D counterparts. The character models are slightly below in quality to those seen in Tekken 3, and the fighting arenas are a never-ending 3D platform plastered against a 2D rendered background. It's also a stretch to claim that this is true 3D fighting. The game arena is basically the same as the 2D Street Fighter II and alpha games.
This becomes painfully obvious when you realize that a double tap up or down will not send you into the foreground or the background, negating any idea of sidestepping a punch and kicking your opponent in the side of their head. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, those expecting a true 3D fighting experience akin to the Battle Arena Toshinden or Tekken series may be sorely disappointed.
The soundtrack in the game consists mainly of remixed techno beats which bear no resemblance to the original Street Fighter II songs that many gamers can still nostalgically hum. You would think that Capcom would at least give players the option of hearing remixed music from the original Street Fighter II games (as they did with Super Puzzle Fighter).
The options put together in this game greatly add to the replay value. In addition to the Vs. mode, there is a Director's mode that allows you and a buddy to face off against each other. You can then save this fight to your memory card, go back and edit the fight sequence by altering camera views. The often underrated team battle option is included, which allows you and an opponent to pick several characters each and have them square off one after the other until the other side's team is wiped out.
This type of play can provide an almost entirely new spin on the game and thankfully more game developers are realizing this and are implementing it into most new fighting games--although the option to choose who goes into battle at what time would be nice, instead of having to fight in the order that you choose the characters. There's a bonus option as well, which is a spin-off of the classic "break the barrel" game in the original Street Fighter II.
The end-result is a game that almost all Street Fighter II fans will find enjoyable. While some mechanics have been changed, the basic core Street Fighter II magic is still there, providing gamers with hours and hours of entertainment.
~ J.C. Barnes, All Game Guide
Review: Enjoyment
It's nice to see the Street Fighter gang in polygonal form and the game is fun to play, especially if you have friends dying to show off their fireball skills. Many gamers, however, will eventually turn back to Street Fighter Alpha 3 or one of the original Street Fighter II titles.~ J.C. Barnes, All Game Guide
Review: Graphics
Not quite Tekken 3, but a definite step up from Street Fighter EX + Alpha.~ J.C. Barnes, All Game Guide
Review: Sound
The music is good, but not quite in the same league as either Street Fighter II or Street Fighter Alpha 3.~ J.C. Barnes, All Game Guide
Review: Replay Value
Kudos to {@Capcom} for all of the extra modes. This game will keep you busy for a while.~ J.C. Barnes, All Game Guide
Review: Documentation
The instruction manual clearly explains the different controls and modes of play.~ J.C. Barnes, All Game Guide
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