Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Brutal, bloodless fighting game with skimpy outfits.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is an updated version of the 2009 game Street Fighter IV. Like last year's Xbox 360 update, the game is a series of nonstop battles in which opponents use their hands, feet, and mystical attacks (like fireballs and electrical strikes) to knock out their opponents. The game does not feature any blood or gore, but enemies yelp with pain when hit. Female fighters often wear skimpy outfits. Players can compete with strangers via the Internet, but the system does not offer any personal identification other than a username chosen by the player. Parents need to remember that Nintendo is warning all parents not to allow kids age six and under to view the graphics in 3D because that viewing "may cause vision damage." The Nintendo 3DS offers parents the ability to lock out the use of 3D graphics in the system's Parental Controls.

  • Stories vary by character, but they are invariably filled with anger, and all problems are resolved through fights.
  • While some characters are heroes, they fight just as nasty as the villains, trash talking their opponents and showing no depth of character.
  • It's easy to figure out the controls and "button mash" your way through the game, but to learn the most powerful moves, you'll have to practice often. And even then, they can be difficult to pull off.
  • Players engage in one-on-one battles filled with fist fights and high flying kicks in a battle to knock the other out. Fighters can also execute special attacks such as tossing fireballs, electrical strikes, and rapid cuts with a bladed weapon (such as a knife or sword). Despite the violence, there is no blood or gore featured. Players do, however, hear players grunt and cry when they're hit.
  • Some female fighters wear skimpy outfits, exposing cleavage. Some also wear tight clothes that highlight their buttocks.
  • Words like "damn," "hell," and "bastard" are used throughout the game.
  • Not applicable.
  • One level takes place in a "Historic Brewery" but no characters drink in the game.

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.


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What families can talk 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.


This review was written by Chris Morris
Teen, 14 years old
April 5, 2011
 
I really dont see a thing wrong with the game. The skimpiness you can see in my town by going outside, and every kid is saying alot worse already.

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Teen, 16 years old
April 1, 2011
 
Sure there is some brutal, but entertaining combat and some women wearing skimpy outfits (Cammy, Juri) but this is an amazing fighting game that those concerns are not a problem. Great graphics that look like the PS3, easy to play, and actually great for any tween who wants a pick-up-and-play game.

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Adult
May 18, 2011
 
LET'S TAKE THIS OUTSIDE!
When I played the mini version of this at Gamestop, I was blown away. The graphics made my current DS look like trash, and the game ran smoothly. This is meant to be a fast paced brawler, not a peep show. Some characters could use some loose fitting clothing, but overall, it fits into the game's feel.

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Teen, 16 years old
July 23, 2011
 
Good game
The Best Buy staff members said this was a good game when the others were awful.

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Kid, 11 years old
January 15, 2012
 
Yawn.

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Kid, 11 years old
April 17, 2012
 
cool
the game is really good i am 10 and i find it ok it can be a bit voilence but a 10 years might handle it and i dont really find girls wearing skimpy outfist

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This review was written by Chris Morris
Platforms:Nintendo 3DS
Available online?Available online
Genre:Fighting
Developer:Capcom
Release date:March 27, 2011
Price:$39.99
ESRB rating:T for Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence

This review was written by Chris Morris

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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