Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Arcade, Fighting
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine, Wii, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Capcom
- Publishers: GO!, Hudson Soft
Street Fighter (1987): The Genesis of a Fighting Game Legend
In the annals of video gaming history, few titles hold the same level of reverence and nostalgia as Street Fighter (1987). This groundbreaking arcade game, developed by Capcom and released in 1987, laid the foundation for the fighting game genre and introduced iconic characters that would become synonymous with the industry.
Gameplay: Simplicity and Depth Intertwined
Street Fighter’s gameplay is deceptively simple yet endlessly rewarding. Players take control of one of two martial artists, Ryu or Ken, and engage in one-on-one combat against a series of opponents. The controls consist of an eight-directional joystick and six buttons: three punch buttons and three kick buttons, each varying in speed and strength.
Despite the seemingly limited control scheme, Street Fighter offers a surprising amount of depth. Players can chain together basic attacks into devastating combos, and each character possesses a unique set of special moves that can be executed by performing specific button combinations. These special moves, such as Ryu’s Hadouken and Ken’s Shoryuken, add an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the gameplay.
Characters: A Diverse Roster of Martial Arts Masters
One of the most enduring aspects of Street Fighter is its diverse roster of characters. Each character represents a different fighting style and nationality, giving players a wide range of options to choose from. The original game featured eight playable characters:
- Ryu: A Japanese karate master seeking to prove his worth as a fighter.
- Ken: Ryu’s American rival and training partner, known for his fiery personality.
- Chun-Li: A Chinese Interpol officer seeking revenge for her father’s death.
- Guile: An American soldier utilizing military tactics in combat.
- Zangief: A massive Russian wrestler known for his devastating grappling moves.
- E. Honda: A Japanese sumo wrestler with immense strength and resilience.
- Blanka: A feral Brazilian man with electrical powers.
- Sagat: A Thai Muay Thai champion seeking to reclaim his lost honor.
Legacy: A Genre-Defining Classic
Street Fighter (1987) was an instant critical and commercial success. Its innovative gameplay, iconic characters, and addictive multiplayer mode revolutionized the fighting game genre and set the standard for future titles. The game’s popularity spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations, including the highly successful Street Fighter II series.
Cultural Impact: From Arcades to Pop Culture
Beyond its impact on the video game industry, Street Fighter (1987) also had a significant cultural impact. The game’s characters and special moves became instantly recognizable symbols of the fighting game genre, and its music and sound effects have been referenced in countless other works of popular culture. The game’s iconic “Hadouken” attack has become a ubiquitous symbol of video game combat.
Evolution: From Arcade to Home Consoles
After its initial arcade release, Street Fighter (1987) was ported to numerous home consoles, including the PC Engine/TurboGrafx CD and the Wii’s Virtual Console. These ports allowed players to experience the classic gameplay at home, further solidifying the game’s legacy.
Conclusion
Street Fighter (1987) is a true pioneer in the video game industry. Its simple yet deep gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and lasting cultural impact have made it one of the most influential and beloved fighting games of all time. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the genre, Street Fighter (1987) is a timeless classic that deserves to be experienced by every gamer.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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