Common Sense Media Review
By Chris Morris
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brutal, bloodless fighting game with skimpy outfits.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
What's It About?
Players can choose from one of 35 characters and guide them through a series of fights with other characters. Arcade mode is the most story-intense part of the game, with each character having a different story (but all of them are rather one-dimensional). Training mode lets players hone their skills. But the real appeal is the game's multiplayer options, letting them compete against players around the world and friends across the room. The matchmaking system isn't quite perfected yet, though, so you may end up facing a player whose skills are much better or worse than yours when playing via the Internet. This is quickly noticeable when they attempt special attacks that deliver extra damage, often via fireballs or electrical bolts.
Is It Any Good?
While Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is one of the best (and most elegant) multiplayer games to ever appear on a Nintendo platform, it's worth remembering that this is, at its heart, the second update of a two year old game. That means the graphics aren't as impressive as you might expect from a launch title for a system whose main selling point is its graphical differences. In 3D mode especially, the backgrounds appear incredibly static -- almost cardboard-like.
At its core, though, the game remains a good fighter. The action moves quickly, and there is a tremendous variety of moves among the large collection of characters. Finding a random online opponent is easy (though the matchmaking service isn't fully up to snuff yet), as is connecting with friends. Fighting in the system's 3D mode takes some getting used to, but it's a nice (though unnecessary) addition, letting the characters stand out as they battle. Longtime fans of the series don't need to buy yet another version, but for new 3DS owners looking for a quality game for older teens, this isn't a bad choice.
Online interaction: The game will let you play with strangers over the Internet, but no personal information is exchanged and there is no voice chat. Similarly, you can play against someone close via local wireless. And the system's StreetPass mode lets your system compete with other players on its own. Again, no personal information is exchanged.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether it is right to solve problems through violence and the differences between cartoon violence and real-world fights.
Families can also discuss whether they think the 3D effects add to the game or are just a distraction.
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo 3DS
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Capcom
- Release date : March 27, 2011
- Genre : Fighting
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 29, 2022
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