Street Fighter II. The name itself conjures up memories of crowded arcades, intense rivalries, and the dawn of a fighting game revolution. For many, it’s a cornerstone of gaming history, a title that defined a genre. So, when Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers landed on the Nintendo Switch, promising a return to those classic battles, excitement was palpable. However, that excitement quickly collided with a harsh reality: the price tag. Is this nostalgic trip worth the premium asking price, or is it a knockout punch to your wallet?
Classic Gameplay, Premium Price
At its heart, Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is undeniably Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, a game revered for its tight controls, diverse cast, and strategic depth. This isn’t just some watered-down mobile port; it’s the genuine article, offering the same core gameplay that captivated players decades ago. Characters like Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and Guile return with their iconic movesets, ready for digital combat. For purists, the option to switch to the original pixelated graphics is a welcome touch, enhancing the nostalgic feel.
However, the question isn’t about the quality of the base game – Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo remains a fantastic fighter. The real sticking point is what Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers brings to the table to justify its price. And that’s where things become less clear-cut.
What’s New (and Not So New)
Capcom has attempted to sweeten the deal with a few additions, but their impact is debatable. Two “new” characters, Evil Ryu and Violent Ken, join the roster. While technically new to this specific iteration, they are essentially variations of existing characters.
New Characters – A Reskin?
Evil Ryu, drawing inspiration from Akuma, offers a slightly darker, more aggressive take on the classic protagonist. Violent Ken, supposedly brainwashed by M. Bison, is a more frantic, offense-oriented version of Ken. While these additions expand the character select screen, they don’t fundamentally alter the gameplay experience in a significant way. They feel more like palette swaps with slightly tweaked movesets rather than truly distinct fighters.
Gimmick Modes – Way of the Hado & Buddy Battle
Then there are the new modes. “Way of the Hado,” a first-person motion control mode, is widely considered a misstep. Its clunky controls and shallow gameplay offer little more than fleeting curiosity. “Buddy Battle,” a two-player co-op mode where players share a health bar, is a slightly more substantial addition, allowing for cooperative combos against AI opponents. It can provide some lighthearted fun, particularly for casual play with a friend, but lacks long-term appeal.
Minor Additions – Color Editor
A color editor allows for palette customization of characters. While a nice touch for personalization, it’s hardly a feature that justifies a premium price tag. It’s more of a minor diversion than a game-changing addition.
Visuals – A Matter of Taste (and Jerky Animations)
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers offers a choice between the classic pixel art and updated HD visuals. The HD graphics are based on the Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix from years prior, developed by Udon Entertainment. While some may appreciate the visual refresh, these HD sprites are often criticized for their jerky animations and somewhat unappealing aesthetic compared to the smooth pixel art of the original. The updated visuals also introduce black borders on the sides of the screen, which can be distracting for some players.
Screenshot showcasing the updated HD graphics in Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers, complete with black borders.
Stripped Features and Questionable Choices
Curiously, Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers omits features that were present in Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix, such as balance adjustments made by competitive fighting game experts. While some minor tweaks like grapple breaks and adjusted combo timing are included, these are unlikely to be noticed or appreciated by the average player. The absence of speed select and bonus stages from arcade mode further contributes to the feeling that this is a somewhat stripped-down version compared to what it could have been.
The Price Tag – A Heavy Blow
The most significant hurdle for Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is undoubtedly its price. Launched at a premium price point, it’s difficult to justify the cost for what is essentially a repackaged version of a decades-old game with minimal new content. When you can purchase modern, feature-rich fighting games like Injustice 2 or Street Fighter V for a similar or even lower price, the value proposition of Ultra Street Fighter II becomes incredibly questionable. The price feels especially steep when considering that the core game, Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, is readily available on other platforms for a fraction of the cost.
Cover image for YouTube video
YouTube video thumbnail highlighting motion control issues in Street Fighter 2 on Nintendo Switch.
Redeeming Qualities? – Arcade Mode and Nostalgia
To its credit, Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers does include a functional arcade mode, a feature that was notably absent from Street Fighter V at its launch. The game also boasts fast loading times and is well-suited for portable play on the Nintendo Switch. The nostalgia factor is undeniable, and for those who grew up in the arcade era, there’s a certain appeal to revisiting this classic on a modern console. The ease of pick-up-and-play action, especially in handheld mode, makes it potentially appealing for quick matches on the go.
However, even these redeeming qualities are overshadowed by the overbearing price tag. Nostalgia is a powerful force, but it shouldn’t be exploited.
Conclusion
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers delivers the classic Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo gameplay experience on the Nintendo Switch. However, the minimal additions and the premium price make it incredibly difficult to recommend. While the core fighting mechanics remain timeless, the lack of substantial new content and the steep cost position this title as a poor value proposition, even for die-hard Street Fighter fans. Unless you have an insatiable craving for portable Street Fighter II and a generous budget, your money is likely better spent on more modern and feature-rich fighting games available on the Switch or other platforms. Ultimately, Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a truly definitive and reasonably priced retro fighting experience.
