For fans of the iconic fighting game franchise, Street Fighter, the jump to animation was a natural and exciting progression. Exploring the world of Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and the massive roster of World Warriors beyond the pixelated arcade screens offered a chance to deepen our connection with these characters. When it comes to animated adaptations, Street Fighter 2 Animated content stands out, particularly the movie, as a benchmark for video game adaptations and anime action. Let’s delve into the various Street Fighter cartoons, focusing on how Street Fighter 2 animated properties have shaped the perception of the franchise.
Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie – A High-Kick of Nostalgia
Often considered the pinnacle of Street Fighter 2 animated adaptations, Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie is a must-watch for any fan. Released in multiple versions, including a PG-13 cut and an “unrated” version in America, alongside the original Japanese release, this movie truly brought the game to life. While some might find the sheer number of characters crammed in a bit much, the movie does an admirable job of showcasing the global cast of Street Fighter II.
The animation quality was groundbreaking for its time, delivering fluid fight sequences that mirrored the intensity of the game. The American version is often praised for its superior soundtrack, featuring hard-rocking tunes that amplify the action. In contrast, the original Japanese score leans towards instrumental pieces, which some find less impactful. Regardless of your preferred soundtrack, the Street Fighter II animated movie remains a classic and a high point for Street Fighter 2 animated projects.
Street Fighter II V: A Journey of Training and Intrigue
Serving as a “prequel” to the movie, Street Fighter II V is a TV series that explores the earlier adventures of Ryu and Ken as they hone their fighting skills across the globe. The “V” in the title stands for “Victory,” hinting at the series’ focus on growth and overcoming challenges. While Street Fighter II V is considered “alright” by many, it does offer a deeper dive into the world and characters, albeit with some narrative shortcomings.
The English and Japanese dubs are both well-regarded, with notable voice acting talents like Tessho Genda (Japanese voice of Guile, also Optimus Prime in Japan). However, continuity discrepancies with the movie exist, and the storyline is relatively simple: Ken and Ryu travel, train, encounter Bison, and fight. The series also seems to ignore the events of the Street Fighter Alpha games, with characters like Charlie Nash portrayed differently. Despite these flaws, Street Fighter II V provides more Street Fighter 2 animated content for dedicated fans to enjoy, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of the movie. The sheer number of episodes allows for more character development, even if the overarching plot is thin.
Street Fighter Alpha: A Misstep in Animation
Unfortunately, Street Fighter Alpha stands out as the weakest link in the chain of Street Fighter animated adaptations. This OVA movie, despite being mistakenly labeled as a sequel to Street Fighter II V on some packaging, has little connection to the previous cartoons. While one might expect a focus on the Ryu vs. Akuma storyline from the Alpha games, the movie largely misses the mark.
Akuma’s presence is minimal, and he barely engages in combat. Instead, the plot revolves around a generic mad scientist villain. The inclusion of Sakura, a popular character from the Alpha games, is also seen as a negative by some, with her portrayal deemed annoying. Her interactions with Ken, and her misplaced crush on Ryu, further detract from the potential of a compelling Alpha-based story. Overall, the Street Fighter Alpha OVA is considered a disappointment and not worth seeking out as essential Street Fighter 2 animated viewing.
Street Fighter (American Series): Underrated and Reimagined
In a surprising twist, the American-produced Street Fighter animated series, often simply called Street Fighter: The Animated Series, emerges as an underrated gem within the franchise. While it’s loosely based on the infamous live-action Street Fighter movie, the animated series manages to carve out its own identity and deliver a surprisingly engaging narrative. Animated by Mad House Studios in Japan, the series possesses a distinct anime aesthetic that appeals to fans of Japanese animation.
The series shifts the focus from Ryu and Ken to Guile, who takes center stage in a mission to dismantle Bison’s criminal empire. While Ryu and Ken still make appearances, the Guile-centric plot offers a fresh perspective. Remarkably, the character designs stay true to the game and anime aesthetics, and signature moves are incorporated, pleasing purists. Despite its connection to the poorly received live-action movie, the animated series diverges significantly in plot and quality. Character origins are explored with depth, particularly Guile’s backstory, and the voice acting by the Ocean Group is generally praised, with some minor exceptions like Cammy’s voice. Intriguingly, the series even manages to weave in the controversial Charlie-is-Blanka plot point from the movie in a way that is surprisingly effective. The Street Fighter animated series deserves reconsideration as a more successful Street Fighter animated adaptation than its reputation suggests.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Street Fighter 2 Animated
From the high-octane action of the Street Fighter II animated movie to the various series that followed, the world of Street Fighter 2 animated content offers a diverse range of experiences for fans. While not every adaptation hits the mark, the best of them capture the spirit of the games and provide exciting new ways to engage with these beloved characters. Whether you’re revisiting the classic movie or discovering the underrated animated series, the Street Fighter 2 animated universe provides a rich tapestry for exploration.
