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Parents' Guide to

Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition

By Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Update to popular fighter has violence, mild sexuality.

Game PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360 2011
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition Game: Screenshot #1
  • Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition Game: Screenshot #2
  • Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Mohawkskull
Mohawkskull Adult
May 19, 2013
age 9+

good its a great game for kids 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 all ages

its for kids
Whitney's Miltank
Whitney's Miltank Adult
October 16, 2011
age 15+

Good for teenagers and above, tough to learn

The main reason why most children would not like this is the learning curve, rather than violence or language. Street Fighter has always had a steep learning curve, and this game is no exception. It will take a while to learn how to play the game effectively. Once you do learn how to play well, the game will be very fun. Due to this, I recommend starting with Ryu or Ken to learn the game mechanics. -- The violence is fantastical and the body portrayals are not too bad (although they are still very unrealistic). Arcade Edition managed to unbalance the game, unfortunately. A patch will be released in December 2011 to try to fix the damage Capcom did, though. -- Those wishing to pursue serious and/or tournament play should use an arcade stick.
See all 4 parent reviews

What’s It About?

The third iteration of Capcom's best-selling game for consoles and the PC (including the recent Nintendo 3DS version), SUPER STREET FIGHTER IV: ARCADE EDITION is considered the "definitive" version of this now classic fighting title. Along with the 2D fighting action –- which pits two unique characters against one another in a handful of arenas -– this new disc features 39 characters, including four new ones: Hong King twins Yun and Yang (first introduced in Street Fighter III), the tough-as-nails Oni, and Evil Ryu. It also offers tweaked balancing for all the characters, as well as a few enhancements to the online modes pertaining to viewing and sharing replays. If you already own Super Street Fighter IV, this "Arcade Edition" can be downloaded as a free update. A beefier $15 update offers online matchmaking options to connect with other Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition players.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (6 ):

This is a great buy -- assuming you like fighting games and don't own a previous version of Super Street Fighter IV. If you do, just download one of the updates rather than buying it again on a disc for $40. The new characters will be a treat for long-time Street Fighter fans. Plus, the balancing issues discussed (and debated) in online forums should be addressed in this version. Those who like to play online will find a new Replay Follower (follow up to five separate player replays) and you can now distribute your recorded replays to up to 50 players. On a related note, the new Elite Channel lets you watch replays from elite players who have a rating of 3000PP or higher. Be sure to also read our Super Street Fighter IV review, which discusses the more fundamental elements of this classic fighter.

The game plays the same on all three platforms, but the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 version might be more comfortable than a PC because of their controllers (unless you have a gamepad for your computer). Alternatively, you can pick up a licensed Street Fighter controller to make it feel like you're in the arcades.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about violence in fighting games. This genre typically features knock-outs rather than kills, and often lack blood or gore. However, the one-on-one battles can also be longer than in other games, and take place close to the camera. In terms of violence, how does a fighting game stack up against a first-person shooter?

  • Families can also discuss value in game purchases. Is there enough new content in this "arcade" edition to justify its price? Would you have gotten more from a completely new game? Do you consider these factors when making game purchased?

Game Details

  • Platforms: PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release date: June 28, 2011
  • Genre: Fighting
  • ESRB rating: T for Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
  • Last updated: December 18, 2021

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