Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 is simply one of the best fighting games ever created. Capcom has seemingly thought of -- and successfully executed -- virtually every facet of the game. Old and new fans alike will no doubt fall for Street Fighter 6's tight controls, multiple modes, and stellar production values -- regardless of the platform they play on. When it comes to variety, Street Fighter 6 offers so much, which makes the game easy and fun to replay. Along with the familiar solo and head-to-head modes (on the same screen or online), like Fighting Ground, new to this title is World Tour, a single-player story-based mode based on your custom avatar, which takes place in the fictional Metro City. In this mode you're free to roam around in an open-world setting, explore areas, start fights, earn skills and gear, and progress however you like. It's like a light role-playing game (RPG) and fighting game together, where you can take on quests or side jobs, talk with breakdancers or street merchants, and then challenge them to a fight. Also new is a comprehensive Battle Hub, which lets you met up and chat with other Street Fighter 6 players around the world, start fighting matches, and also play some classic Capcom arcade games, participate in tournaments, purchase character items, and more.

Both seasoned and novice players will likely feel comfortable playing with the game's accessible ease of play. Finding and fighting other players online is super smooth and fun, and something other fighting game developers could model after. Street Fighter 6 was built on the Drive Gauge system, which can be used for five different offensive and defensive techniques per character, and you can choose which one(s) to focus on. The game rewards gamers for experimentation and creativity by playing with each of the five techniques: Impact, Parry, Rush, Reversal, and Overdrive. Much of the fun in this game is exploring what's possible. Whether you want to play as classic characters, like Ryu and Chun-Li, new fighters, or to create your own, there's much to sink your teeth into. Though microtransactions may irk some players in a full-priced game, they're completely optional and don't take away from the fun and excitement of the gameplay. Capcom has KO'd the competition with Street Fighter 6 and has raised the bar in fighting games, in terms of depth and breadth, multiple control options, and fantastic graphics, animation, sound, and music. Kudos to the developers who successfully delivered on all fronts.