Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is the newest iteration of the legendary SFII series in nearly a decade, arriving on the Nintendo Switch as a definitive retrospective experience. Released on May 26, 2017, this fighting and action title positions itself as the ultimate version of the iconic 1992 original. The game captures the essence of the genre's golden era while leveraging the versatility of Switch TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes for play anywhere. With a Metacritic score of 66.00, the release offers a polished entry point for veterans and newcomers alike.
Gameplay and Mechanics of Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
At its core, the game delivers a tight battle engine that prioritizes the purity of one-on-one combat. Players can toggle between classic pixel-art graphics for a retro aesthetic or a refined modern look using 3D models. The roster features all original fighters, bosses, and additions from Super Street Fighter II. The game marks a significant milestone by introducing Evil Ryu and Violent Ken as the first new roster additions in nearly 20 years, though these characters serve as reskins of fan favorites. Customization is robust, offering 10 color palettes per character and a color editor. While the gameplay lacks modern mechanics like dashing and mid-air blocking, developers have enhanced the experience with grapple breaks and re-balanced the mechanics to ensure every combatant remains deadly.
Notable Features and Modes on Nintendo Switch
Beyond classic versus play, the Switch edition includes unique single-player and multiplayer features. A standout addition is the Way of the Hado mode, a first-person experience utilizing Joy-Con motion controls. Players battle waves of the Shadaloo army using signature moves like the Hadoken and Shoryuken, earning growth points to distribute across six stats. The game also introduces a co-op mode where friends can team up to defeat CPU opponents, enabling new two-character combos on both sides. Competitive players can engage in local multiplayer or online Ranked and Casual matches. Additionally, the package includes a digital art book with over 1,500 illustrations spanning the franchise's 30-year history, though the text remains in its original Japanese without translation.
Story, Setting, and Audience Appeal
While the game does not feature a deep narrative campaign, the setting is rooted in the rich lore of the Street Fighter universe, culminating in the Shadaloo conflict within the Way of the Hado mode. The game appeals heavily to nostalgic players who remember battling in arcades or on classic consoles, as well as newcomers drawn to the series' ingrained familiarity. Characters like Ryu, Ken, and E. Honda are celebrated for their recognizable movesets, making actions like the Dragon Punch accessible even to those outside the fighting game genre. By combining a stellar lineup of beloved characters with accessible gameplay and the portability of the Nintendo Switch, Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers serves as both a love letter to veterans and an inviting entry point for a new generation of fighters.
