Master the Evolution of Combat in Ultra Street Fighter IV

Ultra Street Fighter IV represents the definitive evolution of one of the most iconic fighting franchises in gaming history. Developed by Capcom, this multiplatform action title serves as a refined and expanded version of the original Street Fighter IV, specifically engineered to meet the evolving needs of both competitive tournament legends and casual "weekend warriors." By combining substantial cast-wide rebalancing with significant new content, Ultra Street Fighter IV offers a polished experience that breathes fresh life into the legendary combat engine.

A Story of Power and Ambition

Set several months after the intense events of Street Fighter II, the narrative serves as a bridge leading toward the era of Street Fighter III. The world finds itself in turmoil following the return of Bison, a figure presumed dead after the previous tournament. Amidst this chaos, a powerful weapons corporation known as S.I.N. emerges, announcing a new global event. Their goal is to gather the world's mightiest fighters to facilitate the creation of a devastating new weapon of mass destruction, setting the stage for high-stakes confrontations.

Refined Gameplay and Tactical Depth

At its core, Ultra Street Fighter IV is a 2D fighting game featuring striking post-processed cell-shaded graphics that evoke the aesthetic of Japanese comics. While it retains the classic six-button control scheme, the gameplay mechanics have been significantly deepened to provide new layers of tactical consideration:

  • W-Ultra Combos: A standout addition that allows players access to both of their character's Ultra Combos. While these deal less damage than a single concentrated strike, they offer unparalleled utility in various matchups.
  • Advanced Combat Systems: The game inherits the principles of Street Fighter III, including enhanced special attacks and the use of two distinct energy bars. One bar facilitates Super Combos, EX Special Moves, and Focus Cancels, while the second—the Revenge Gauge—is dedicated to executing devastating Ultra Combos.
  • New Defensive Options: The introduction of "delayed wakeup" and "red-focus" mechanics provides players with new tools to combat aggressive knockdown strategies, reducing the feeling of helplessness after being hit by heavy hitters like Akuma or Cammy.
  • Comprehensive Rebalancing: Capcom has implemented a massive overhaul to character tiers, adjusting hitboxes and move speeds (such as Ken's crouching forward) to ensure that even bottom-tier characters can become viable threats in the current meta.

New Fighters and Expanded Content

For long-time fans looking for fresh faces, Ultra Street Fighter IV expands the playable roster to a massive 44 fighters. The update introduces five new characters, each bringing unique archetypes to the arena:

  • Speed Archetypes: Decapre and Elena offer high-mobility, "hit and run" playstyles.
  • Balanced Archetypes: Poison and Rolento provide a middle ground of strength and agility.
  • Strength Archetype: Hugo enters the fray as a massive, brute-force powerhouse.

Beyond the roster, the game features new stages, updated combat systems, and an "edition-select" feature that allows players to navigate different versions of the game's content. The inclusion of offline match recording also makes it an essential tool for players looking to study their own performance or analyze opponents.

Who is this game for?

Ultra Street Fighter IV is designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of players. Whether you are an intermediate player looking to sharpen your skills, an advanced tournament hound seeking the most refined competitive balance, or a casual fan who enjoys exploring story modes and mastering new characters, this edition provides the most complete fighting experience in the series. It is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.