The Street Fighter EX II journey is a somber one, marred by the misstep of an unworthy sequel to a beloved franchise. While the original EX managed to capture the essence of Capcom’s iconic Street Fighter series in a 3D format, its successor, EX2, takes an unfortunate detour.
Graphics Lost in Transition: Where the first EX title succeeded in replicating Street Fighter’s signature look and feel, EX2 stumbles. The characters, while texture-mapped and anti-aliased to oblivion, lack the sharpness and vibrancy associated with the franchise. Instead, they resemble something out of an N64 version of Tekken. The playfields are equally uninspiring, featuring dull backdrops and lifeless expanses. The attempt to mask these shortcomings with fogging effects only further obscures the game’s identity, making it feel generic and forgettable.
Gameplay Missteps: EX2’s gameplay woes are inexcusable. Character movement feels unreliable, and executing special moves in the heat of battle is needlessly challenging. Super combos become exercises in frustration. This results in a distinct advantage for computer-controlled opponents, and when combined with the game’s punishing difficulty, it guarantees swift and brutal defeats.
Lost in Translation: The only traits shared by Street Fighter EX and its sequel are their flaws. The return of characters like Skullomania, coupled with the introduction of an uglier clone, Shadowgeist, adds little to the experience. The distracting music persists, and Guile’s inexplicable Japanese phrases post-victory remain. The game’s attempt at humor with phrases like “NincomPOOP!” only adds to its overall awkwardness.
A Missed Opportunity: Perhaps Arika felt the need for a complete overhaul of the Street Fighter EX engine to justify a sequel. Unfortunately, this led to a departure from what made Capcom’s flagship series beloved. While the original EX was a commendable attempt at a 3D Street Fighter, EX2 lost its way along the path to innovation.
The Final Verdict: Arika’s attempt at a sequel falls far short of expectations. For those yearning for a true Street Fighter experience, it’s advisable to stick with the first EX or explore alternatives like Rival Schools. While there may be hope for improvement in the home version of Street Fighter EX II, for now, it’s a disappointing departure from the franchise’s legacy.
The Review
Street Fighter EX II
For those yearning for a true Street Fighter experience, it's advisable to stick with the first EX or explore alternatives like Rival Schools. While there may be hope for improvement in the home version of Street Fighter EX II, for now, it's a disappointing departure from the franchise's legacy.
PROS
- Familiar Characters
CONS
- Gameplay Issues
- Difficulty Spike
- Missing Street Fighter Essence