Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition

Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition is an update to Super Street Fighter IV, released in 2011 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This version of the game aims at bringing the improvements from the arcade version of Super Street Fighter IV to home systems. Besides numerous balance changes, SSFIV:AE introduces new characters Yun and Yang, and makes previously hidden characters Evil Ryu and Oni playable out of the box. The game has sold 400,000 units worldwide as of December 2011, and 1.1 million by September 2014.^[3]

In April 2012, before the announcement of Ultra Street Fighter IV, Capcom community manager Seth Killian had announced that the Arcade Edition would be the final version of the Street Fighter IV series.^[4]

Development

On April 4, 2010, an arcade version of Super Street Fighter IV was confirmed by producer Yoshinori Ono during the Japanese Street Fighter IV finals.^[5] Various playtests were handled in various arcades as well as appearing during the Street Fighter IV finals at Tougeki - Super Battle Opera.^[6]

Shortly before release, images showing debug Xbox 360 achievements from Microsoft's PartnerNet service featuring characters previously only seen in the arcade version of the game were leaked, hinting at a future game update for home systems.^[7][8]

Release

The console versions of Arcade Edition were first presented during Capcom's 2011 Captivate event.^[9] It was released on June 7, 2011 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as online downloadable content and physical media on June 28, 2011.^[10] Although initially questioned due to the rampant piracy the original Street Fighter IV suffered on the platform,^[11] on April 12, 2011 it was announced that a PC version of Arcade Edition would be released in July 5, 2011.^[12][13]

For the Arcade Edition, every character received various tweaks, ranging from character balancing to new EX moves.^[14] The game also added twin brothers Yun and Yang from the Street Fighter III series as playable characters, and made Evil Ryu and Oni, previously only available as hidden bosses, playable out of the box.

The update is available as downloadable content in the console versions, and as a retail game for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows. When updating regular Super Street Fighter IV in the console versions, players get the ability to switch between regular Super and the Arcade Edition. The "Replay Channel" has been expanded to allow players to follow others' recent games, distribute replays, and watch a special channel featuring proficient players.^[15] The Microsoft Windows version also features a benchmark test for computers and makes use of Games for Windows Live.^[16]

Updates

Version 2012

On August 11, 2011, Capcom announced that a free balance patch called "Version 2012" would be released for all versions of SSFIV:AE. The update was released on December 13, 2011 for the console versions,^[17][18] with the Windows patch becoming available on February 28, 2012.^[19]

Version 2014

On May 30, 2014, Capcom deployed a "Version 2014" patch that switched the PC version of game's online services from Games for Windows – Live to Steam's servers.^[20] The update also introduced some GUI improvements, a reworked achievement system, and an updated replay system.^[21][22] Controversy arose regarding the fact that any DLC purchased through GFWL was lost in the transition.^[23] GFWL will still be able to be used until its shutdown.^[24]

Ultra Street Fighter IV

A new update to Street Fighter IV, called Ultra Street Fighter IV, has been announced for release in early 2014. Alongside the usual balance improvements, the update will introduce six new stages and five new characters: Rolento, Elena, Hugo and Poison (all four of which had been featured in Street Fighter X Tekken),^[25] in addition to Decapre, one of Bison's Dolls.^[26] The update will be distributed in the form of a paid downloadable update to SSFIV:AE, as well as a standalone retail game.^[27]

Reception

The game was well received, with GameSpot giving it around 8/10 (slightly varying across platforms),^[30] and IGN also giving it an 8/10.^[31]

References