TheStreet Fighter 6closed beta has come to an end, and fans feel mostly positive about it. While there is some debate over certain Drive mechanics, it’s not a dealbreaker in the grand scheme ofStreet Fighter’s legacy. From gameplay to the lobbies, and from the character creator to a promised single-player World Tour,Street Fighter 6looks like it will be firing on all cylinders. The amount of hype forStreet Fighterseems to be at an all-time high, and fans can’t wait for the full game.
Unfortunately,Street Fighter 6only has a vague release window of 2023. While the content shown in the beta and trailers suggest that the game could be ready by mid-2023, that’s still months away. Excitement forStreet Fighter 6and long-standingdisappointment inStreet Fighter 5have created a post-beta lull in which fighting game enthusiasts everywhere will need to find other games to keep themselves occupied. Fortunately, the fighting game genre has more than enough variety to keep everyone entertained, and recallStreet Fighter 6’s numerous highlights.
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Past Street Fighter Titles for Gameplay
Those looking to prepare forStreet Fighter 6may want to revisit pastStreet Fightertitles. Many of these are available on modern platforms thanks to re-releases, and theDrive System fromStreet Fighter 6means something from each entry has carried into the upcoming title. Those looking for the closest-feelingStreet Fightergames may want to tryStreet Fighter 4and5, while others might seek outStreet Fighter 3: Third StrikeorStreet Fighter Alpha 3. Even the different versions ofStreet Fighter 2are worth checking out to catch some fun Easter eggs in6.
Soul Calibur 6 for the Character Creator
Many were impressed by the custom character diversity found inStreet Fighter 6’s closed beta. With options all-but guaranteed to grow over time, making cosplay characters or original fighters will likely become a pastime for certain players. Those looking for something similar will want to check out theSoul Caliburseries, as starting inSoul Calibur 3, each game has included Create-a-Soul for players to add their own personal avatars onto the roster.Soul Calibur 6offers a secondary campaignsolely for custom characters, meanwhile browsing and downloading other people’s creations can become as enjoyable as normal gameplay.
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Them’s Fightin’ Herds for Lobbies
Modern fighting games have experimented with interactive lobbies for several years, with Arc System Works doing most of the heavy lifting. Some offer a decent social experience, but nothing holds a candle toStreet Fighter 6’s multifaceted Battle Hub. The closest thing to it can be found in a recentindie game calledThem’s Fightin' Herds. This animal-based airdasher comes with an online mode called Pixel Lobby, in which players can walk avatars of the characters across a large map. Not only can the usual meet-and-fight interactions take place, but a side mode allows players to compete for salt in dungeons. When one player pulls ahead, they transform into a predator boss. There’s nothing else like it, making the game worth checking out.
Guilty Gear Strive for Online Functionality
Rollback netcode and crossplay are gradually becoming standard features in fighting games, and crossplay is starting to catch up in terms of ubiquity. There are a lot of recent games with great online experiences, but one of thebest might beGuilty Gear Strive. While its pixelated lobbies leave a lot to be desired compared toThem’s Fightin' Herds,Strive’s netcode is some of the best in the industry.Guilty Gear Strivewill be running a free crossplay beta featuring all base and DLC characters from October 13 to October 17, so anyone with a PS4, PS5, or gaming PC should check it out.
Mortal Kombat: Deception for Story
Fighting games have struggled to get story modes right since their inception. The arcade port format has clung to the genre, and single-player content has suffered for it.Street Fighter 6is going to make big strides, but it isn’t the first to try.Them’s Fightin' Herds,Slap City, and older games likeSuper Smash Bros. Brawlor theTouhoufighting games have inventive single-player offerings. However, the enormous scope ofStreet Fighter 6’s World Tour is only paralleled by the near-identicalKonquest Mode inMortal Kombat: Deception. Anyone who can track that game down will quickly be prepared for the customization-driven world-hopping adventure coming toStreet Fighter 6.
Capcom Fighting Collection for Variety
There are so many fighting games to try, and it’s good for potential FGC members to develop their interests. A great place to start isthe recentCapcom Fighting Collection, offering 10 titles from Capcom’s past that have fallen into varying levels of obscurity. Those looking to try out retro games with great netcode may instead want to try the free Fightcade, an online application that also has training and community features. Either way,Street Fighter 6is going to have its own rotating roster of classic Capcom titles, and familiarizing oneself with how these old games play could lead to high scores onSF6’s official leaderboards.
Street Fighter 6will be released in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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