Street Fighter 6
By Marc Saltzman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fun and masterful sequel in popular game series; violence.
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Street Fighter 6
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Based on 2 parent reviews
What’s It About?
Capcom has thrown down the latest chapter in its beloved 36-year-old 2-D fighting game franchise. STREET FIGHTER 6 was designed to build upon the familiar gameplay, which made the 50+ million selling series so popular, but also add new features and characters (like Luke), streamlined controls, extra modes (including a stronger focus on online multiplayer matches), and improved production values. Gamers can choose to play as or against 18 unique international characters, each with different play styles and moves, and with more characters planned post-launch, as optional downloadable content (DLC). Through punches, kicks and throws, as well as special (and magical) attacks using electricity or fire, the core gameplay is to inflict as much damage on an opponent as possible, and deplete their health bar until they've lost -- before they can do the same to you. New game modes include Fighting Ground, World Tour and Battle Hub, which are added to previous Street Fighter iterations, such as Arcade Mode, local versus battles and online matches, Training Mode, and more. Along with enhanced graphics that take advantage of the latest hardware, Street Fighter 6 adds the franchise's first-ever real-time commentary, with subtitles in 13 languages, by adding familiar Street Fighter voices, like Vicious and Aru, to narrate what is happening during the battle. Note: All versions of the game (console and PC) look and play in a similar fashion.
Is It Any Good?
Street Fighter 6 is simply one of the best fighting games ever created. Capcom has seemingly thought of -- and successfully executed -- virtually every facet of the game. Old and new fans alike will no doubt fall for Street Fighter 6's tight controls, multiple modes, and stellar production values -- regardless of the platform they play on. When it comes to variety, Street Fighter 6 offers so much, which makes the game easy and fun to replay. Along with the familiar solo and head-to-head modes (on the same screen or online), like Fighting Ground, new to this title is World Tour, a single-player story-based mode based on your custom avatar, which takes place in the fictional Metro City. In this mode you're free to roam around in an open-world setting, explore areas, start fights, earn skills and gear, and progress however you like. It's like a light role-playing game (RPG) and fighting game together, where you can take on quests or side jobs, talk with breakdancers or street merchants, and then challenge them to a fight. Also new is a comprehensive Battle Hub, which lets you met up and chat with other Street Fighter 6 players around the world, start fighting matches, and also play some classic Capcom arcade games, participate in tournaments, purchase character items, and more.
Both seasoned and novice players will likely feel comfortable playing with the game's accessible ease of play. Finding and fighting other players online is super smooth and fun, and something other fighting game developers could model after. Street Fighter 6 was built on the Drive Gauge system, which can be used for five different offensive and defensive techniques per character, and you can choose which one(s) to focus on. The game rewards gamers for experimentation and creativity by playing with each of the five techniques: Impact, Parry, Rush, Reversal, and Overdrive. Much of the fun in this game is exploring what's possible. Whether you want to play as classic characters, like Ryu and Chun-Li, new fighters, or to create your own, there's much to sink your teeth into. Though microtransactions may irk some players in a full-priced game, they're completely optional and don't take away from the fun and excitement of the gameplay. Capcom has KO'd the competition with Street Fighter 6 and has raised the bar in fighting games, in terms of depth and breadth, multiple control options, and fantastic graphics, animation, sound, and music. Kudos to the developers who successfully delivered on all fronts.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games the appeal of fighting games, like Street Fighter 6. Why do we find these games fun? How do you separate the fighting in the game from how you react in real life? What feeling do you get when you're fighting in the game?
Since there are no weapons (except the option for bombs in some online modes), would parents be more ok with this fighting game opposed to others? And the magic attacks make it more fantastical? Or does it not matter -- and fighting is fighting?
Parents who are concerned with violent media should consult with Common Sense Media before purchasing this kind of content for the family.
This game shows female characters in revealing clothing and often objectifies their features. This has been common on the video game industry and how women are sometimes depicted in games. Is this necessary? What are some steps the video game industry can take to fix this issue?
Game Details
- Platforms: Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , Windows , PlayStation 4
- Pricing structure: Paid (59.99)
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release date: June 2, 2023
- Genre: Fighting
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Sports and Martial Arts , Adventures
- ESRB rating: T for Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Last updated: June 2, 2023
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