Street Fighter IV

Overview

Seth gives M.Bison a well deserved beating

Gameplay and Mechanics

Hyper Armor is activated immediately upon pressing medium punch plus medium kick, and lasts until those buttons are released (exception - level 3 Focus) grants a character the ability to absorb one hit without damaging or throwing  him out off the attack.  Dashing or releasing a level 1 or level 2 Focus Attack immediately forfeits Hyper Armor.

Features

• 25 characters: Six all-new characters, 15 returning characters from Street Fighter II and Super Street Fighter II, and four characters from Street Fighter Alpha.
  
• The console versions has anime introductory and endings cinematics for all the characters.
• The Limited Editions of the game include a Street Fighter IV anime movie called The Ties That Bind, which sets up the story for the game.
  
• One of the advantages of the card system for the arcade version is using alternate costumes for the characters. Examples are Guile with Charlie's clothes, battle damaged M. Bison, Zangief as Haggar from Final Fight, and shirtless Ryu.
  
• The characters' signature background themes will play only during rival battles, which is the second to last fight before fighting Seth (For example, Guile's BGM gets played when playing as Abel against Guile).
• This installment features online play and leaderboards much like Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. The Battle Points System that is in Japanese arcades will also be in some capacity while playing online.
•  SFIV will run at a constant and smooth 60 FPS.
• The traditional camera isn't used, but a closer view of the fighters is shown, only changing when an Ultra is used.
• There are Six console exclusive characters so far (Fei Long, Cammy, Dan, Sakura, Gen, and Rose) as well as Seth. Akuma and Gouken being playable. All must be unlocked via single player play through. 
• You can choose between English or Japanese voices or per character, if you prefer one or the other.  For example, you could set it so that Ryu always speaks Japanese and Cammy always speaks English.  To unlock the multi-voice feature, you must beat the game once in Arcade Mode, with any character.
• Installs have been confirmed for the console versions for faster loading times (PS3 version is an optional 2 GB).
• Championship Mode was released on 24 April 2009 on both Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.
• The players who have 5000 CP are alowed to upload Replays via Championship Mode. Players can view these clips at any time.

Characters

Returning Characters

• Ryu
  

  Ryu
  
  "Continuously polishing the art of fighting he learned from his master Gouken, this solitary fighter trains tirelessly for his own betterment. His power and nomadic way of life are a big draw to admiring challengers. He seeks the path of the "true warrior", but his pursuit of this lofty goal has set him squarely in the sights of evil organizations who would seek the same for their own ends."
  
  Ryu is the definition of the lone-wolf street fighter. His stern determination to become a master of his fighting style has inspired many fellow martial artists. His training is his life and he will do whatever it takes to perfect his technique. When Ryu was a boy, a master martial artist named Gouken adopted him. The young boy grew under Gouken’s care, learning his unnamed fighting techniques with his best friend and fellow student, Ken Masters. Once Ryu turned 23, Gouken deemed him ready to leave the dojo and test his skills against the best fighters in the world at the first World Warrior Tournament. Ryu won the contest, but the championship fight with Sagat, the Emperor of Muay Thai, was brutal and released dark power called the Satsui no Hadou from inside the warrior. Though he came out victorious, Ryu was still troubled by the experience and became unsure about his own powers. It is only after the comforting words of his best friend that Ryu began to understand that there is still much he has to learn about himself and his fighting style. The Satsui no Hadou, or Surge of Murderous Intent, is similar to M. Bison’s Psycho Power and Ryu strives to avoid using it at all costs in order to keep true to his sensei’s peaceful teachings. But there are those who wish to use Ryu and harness the power of the Satsui no Hadou for themselves, including the CEO of S.I.N. and head of the new tournament, Seth.
  
  
  
• Ken
  

  Ken
  
  "Scion of the American financial group that bears his name, Ken Masters is also the closest friend and rival of Ryu. With a brand new life on the way to get his and his wife's family started, he hesitates when invited to climb back into the ring with Ryu. Eventually, with some prodding from Eliza, he decides to take the plunge."
  
  The heir apparent to the largest conglomerate in the United States, 12-year old Ken Masters was shipped off to Japan by his father to learn discipline under his good friend, Gouken. Although hesitant at first, Ken eventually warmed up to his new environment, getting along especially well with his fellow student, Ryu. Ken’s warm and passionate nature contrasts his best friend, and the two love to test one another. He just can’t say no to a challenge from Ryu. Now settled into a comfortable life in America with his expecting wife, Ken is reluctant to enter the new fighting tournament. It is only after Ryu issues a personal challenge that he enters the tournament, ready to show his good friend that he still has his fighting spirit.
  
  
  
• E. Honda
  

  E. Honda
  
  "This bad boy of the sumo circuit continues to make a name for himself on the world stage. He has attained the rank of Oseki, though he is generally considered good enough to take on the mantle of Yokozuna. He travels the world in an effort to spread sumo's appeal around the world."
  
  This larger-than-life sumo wrestler has only one thing on his mind: show the world the potential of his sport. Although wildly popular in his native Japan, E. Honda is upset at the rest of the world’s disinterest toward sumo wrestling. When caught up in the passion of his sport, E. Honda is a fierce warrior with aggressive moves. But this belies his honest and sportsman-like nature. He cares deeply about his sport and isn’t afraid to stand up against any evil that may be targeting it or his fellow athletes.
  
  
  
• Guile
  

  Guile
  
  "This American Air Force Major has dedicated his life to taking revenge on Bison, the man who killed his best friend, Charlie so many years ago. His fighting style is a unique blend of military trained martial arts and other moves that he finds useful in combat. When a series of incidents in which Shadaloo's involvement is suspected come to light, he is quick to partner up with his old friend Chun-Li to get to the bottom of it."
  
  Guile of the U.S. Air Force learned his fighting form from his best friend, Charlie Nash. Hot headed and impatient, Guile added his own unique additions, creating a personalized combat style. After Charlie’s demise at the hands of M. Bison, Guile vowed to have his revenge, but when he had his chance he realized killing Bison would make him no better than the deranged warlord. Now, with Bison’s Shadaloo criminal organization returning from the shadows, Guile teams up with Interpol detective Chun-Li to investigate his long time enemy.
  
  
  
• Chun-Li
  

  Chun-Li
  
  "This Interpol detective uses an arsenal of deadly kicks as she scours the world in search of her missing father. She became a detective at the age of 18. She is currently engaged in an investigation with Guile into rumors of Shadaloo's re-emergence."
  
  Interpol investigator Chun-Li joined the force at the age of 18 searching for clues regarding her father’s death. After gaining a lead from her father’s friend about the crime organization called Shadaloo, the young detective found the murderer she was searching for, M. Bison. She challenged the demented tyrant but was quickly defeated. With tears in her eyes, she swore vengeance. Her time would come at the second World Warrior tournament where she played a major part in crushing Bison’s crime syndicate, Shadaloo. The peace was short lived as the organization begins to stir once more. This time Chun-Li is ready to bring Bison and his Shadaloo organization to their knees and break them once and for all. They will not out run justice. Chun-Li’s power lies in her strong and beautiful legs. Her rapid charging attacks take opponents by surprise and strikes such as the Kikoken send them flying even farther than her kicks.
  
  
  
• Blanka
  

  Blanka
  
  "Following a harrowing plane crash in his youth, Blanka found himself alone in the Amazonian jungle, struggling to survive and live on his own, granting him extraordinary survival skills and a unique set of characteristics. He now fights to earn the love and respect of his mother."
  
  When the plane young Jimmy was on crashed into the jungles of Brazil, he suddenly became an orphan. Abandoned to the wild, he survived by fighting predators and using camouflage to blend in with the South American plant life, which took to his skin permanently. The locals came to call the boy Blanka. After traveling to civilization, Blanka quickly found himself fighting against the strongest warriors in the world. Due to his upbringing Blanka attacks with fluid animalistic movements, rolling with the punches. Recently reunited with his mother, Blanka now fights to make her proud of her uncultured son.
  
  
  
• Zangief
  
  

  Zangief
  
  "This Russian wrestler is popularity known as the "Red Cyclone". Inside his massive chest beats the heart of a true patriot. He throws himself into another worldwide fight in order to keep a promise he made to a group of doubtful children."
  
  A man who trains with polar bears in Siberia should not be taken lightly. Zangief is the greatest professional wrestler the Soviet Union has ever produced and his ferociously muscular body is packed with blazing passion and love for his home country. He is a patriot to his very core and is disgusted at acts of selfish evil. Zangief is ready to prove he is the strongest fighter in the world and fights for his land and the little ones who look up to him. Using close range combat, Zangief will gladly take a punch in order to grab his opponent. He is called the Red Cyclone for a reason and his famous Spinning Piledriver is to be feared.
  

• Dhalsim
  

  Dhalsim
  
  "This mystical Indian yogi is reluctant to harm his opponents and is a pacifist at heart. Nevertheless, when his family's village is threatened, he once again ventures into the world, steeled for combat and ready to teach evil a lesson."
  
  Dhalsim is generally a pacifist, an Indian mystic who only fights when he is forced to and will deviate from his nonviolent beliefs if his village is in danger. Although he looks hard and serious, he is very caring. The skulls he wears around his neck is in remembrance of the children in his village that died during a plague. Dhalsim is a longrange fighter and his intense yoga training has granted him mastery of fire techniques and the ability to contort his body in impossible ways. With his village threatened once again, he readies himself for combat.
  

• Balrog
  

  Balrog
  
  "This boxer, whose violent tendencies led to his being expelled from the realm of professional boxing, teamed up with Bison to make money. He has not been heard from since Shadaloo's collapse."
  
  The former boxing champion and prizefighter will work for whoever offers up the most cash. After being tossed from boxing for permanently injuring his opponent with illegal moves, Balrog joined Shadaloo and moved through the ranks to become Bison’s enforcer. After Shadaloo’s collapse, Balrog disappeared into the shadows. But you know this boxer can’t stay out of the spotlight for too long.
  

• Vega
  

  Vega
  
  "This narcissist values and trusts in beauty above all else. He joined Bison's organization purely to improve his own aesthetic senses. His extreme speed and beautifully executed move set makes it difficult for opponents to keep their minds on the battle. He has not been heard from since Shadaloo's collapse."
  
  The privileged Catalonian has an obsession with beauty and one hell of a dark streak. Having studied both bullfighting and ninjutsu, Vega blended the two together, forming a quick, acrobatic combat style. He began his wicked ways after witnessing the death of his mother at the hands of his stepfather. Enraged, he murdered his stepfather. The incident left a huge imprint, changing Vega into a pitiless killer. It is this characteristic, as well as his fighting abilities, that drew M. Bison to entice Vega to join Shadaloo. Vega is the only fighter to keep a weapon with him at all times, using a claw to extend his reach and deliver slashing strikes. His other accessory, a white mask, is used to protect his flawless face.
  

• Sagat
  

  Sagat
  
  "Also known as "the Invincible Tiger", Sagat is exalted as the King of Muay Thai. His legendary kicks are said to be the most powerful in the world. A fateful defeat at the hands of Ryu left a broad scar on his chest and drove him to even more intense training."
  
  Sagat, the Emperor of the Muay Thai boxing world, is the national hero of Thailand. He has defeated many opponents who sought his title, including Dan Hibiki’s father, but no fight has left as strong an impression as his first encounter with Ryu. After a shocking defeat, Sagat was left with a wound that still burns through his chest to this day. The pain and hatred that followed this loss lead Sagat to briefly join M. Bison’s criminal organization. He left after realizing Bison’s devious plans and returned to Thailand to train his body and mind in hopes of a true rematch with Ryu. Sagat’s towering form is a large asset, granting him long-reaching attacks. His punishing kicks and knees are impressive to watch, but they should be avoided at all cost.
  

• M. Bison
  
  

  M. Bison
  
  "Drug trafficking, human experimentation, weapons dealing; no crime was beyond the reach of Bison's foul Shadaloo organization. He uses his Psycho Power to strike fear into the hearts of those who oppose him and further his own twisted and vile machinations. Thought to have perished in the fall of Shadaloo, Bison garnered a new lease on life via a replacement body and now seeks to usher in a new dark age of terror and intimidation the world over."
  
  The former overlord of the secret crime organization Shadaloo is beyond morals and the very ideas of right and wrong. From drug rings to human experiments and weapon sales, M. Bison was once the ruler of the underworld and his Psycho Power could not be stopped. With his supposed demise at the end of the second World Warrior Tournament and the fall of Shadaloo, many believed that was the last they’d see of Bison. How wrong they were. Bison has returned with a new body constructed by Shadaloo scientists, and this time the body is strong enough to withstand the full power of his Psycho Power. The dark warlord emerges once again, ready to reclaim his rightful place at the head of Shadaloo and return it to its former terrifying glory.
  

• Akuma (Hidden, playable in console version, playable in the arcade version as of September 2008)
  

  Akuma
  
  "This demonic warrior discarded his own humanity when he let the dark power of the Satsui no Hado take over and murder his own brother Gouken in cold blood. He seeks the ultimate fight to the death and is especially intrigued by Ryu's inherent Satsui no Hado tendencies, which he frequently tempts the younger man into succumbing to once and for all."
  
  Akuma has used his martial arts to become something more than human, and definitely something more cruel. He treks the globe in search of warriors worthy to be his opponent. Having trained with his brother Gouken under Goutetsu, he learned a nameless assassination style as well as an incredibly powerful technique called Shun Goku Satsu. However, this death technique came with a price, putting the user in great danger. Akuma nonetheless mastered the Shun Goku Satsu by embracing the principle of Satsui no Hadou, or Surge of Murderous Intent, and as a result lost all compassion. With this new power Akuma killed his master and presumably destroyed his brother. He enters the new fighting tournament looking for another challenge.
  
  
  

New Characters

• Abel
  

  Abel
  
  "This young amnesiac desperately chases down the remnants of Shadaloo. His fighting style is based upon mixed martial arts and is well-suited to his mercenary background. Though he may appear to be a bit of a misanthrope at first glance, this is merely a side effect of his earnestness. He has no memories of his past."
  
  After being saved from a burning lab by the commander of a mercenary group, Abel woke severely injured and with a case of amnesia. The commander looked after the young Frenchman and became a father-like figure. Before the commander’s passing, he told Abel that the lab he was found in was actually the former base for Shadaloo and he should be wary of the crime organization. Now out on his own with his amnesia still haunting him, Abel works with Chun-Li to investigate the rumors surrounding the presumably destroyed Shadaloo syndicate, using his mixed martial arts combat to enter the new fighting tournament.
  
  
  

• Crimson Viper
  

  Crimson Viper
  
  "This tough and beautiful agent assumes a business-like demeanor, seemingly ignoring the pettiness of human emotion and obligation to fellow man in favor of her own goals. She wears a high-tech suit equipped with an assortment of deadly gadgetry. Her true goals and identity are unknown."
  
  
  Part of the Battlesuit project currently under development at S.I.N. corporation, Crimson Viper is taking the high tech suit to the tournament in order to properly demonstrate its abilities. Though beautiful on the outside, she has a cold personality. She is all business and prefers to ignore the pettiness of emotions and obligations, instead doing whatever it takes to ensure her goals are reached. Just what those goals are though, is a mystery. Her Battlesuit is loaded with hidden gadgetry that improves her already skilled combat abilities, propelling her kicks and jumps with fiery boosts and adding an electric touch to her punches.
  
  
  
• El Fuerte
  

  El Fuerte
  
  "This fighter divides his time between perfecting his lucha libre skills and his cooking abilities. His indomitable spirit is a match for even the legendary Red Cyclone. He now travels the world in an effort to assemble the greatest recipes on the planet."
  
  One part lucha libre super star and aspiring chef, El Fuerte is full of ambition and ready to do what it takes to collect the world’s greatest recipes. When this passionate wrestler is told of an upcoming fighting tournament, he knows he must enter! Just think of all the amazing warriors he will be able to fight, and all the recipes he’ll be able to gather! His combat style is flashy and energetic, perfectly matching his personality. But don’t be fooled by his glitzy moves, - they still pack quite a punch!
  
  
  
• Rufus
  

  Rufus
  
  "This portly fighter uses his own unique brand of kung fu. He has declared himself to be the America's greatest fighter and he has a deep, though decidedly one-side rivalry with Ken Masters. He fights to prove that he is indeed better than Masters, though he frequently mistakes other fighters for his supposed rival."
  
  Calling Rufus a big boy would be putting it lightly. Mr. Large-and-in-Charge is livid that Ken Masters is being paraded around as America’s greatest fighter when he is obviously better…at least that’s what he thinks. Rufus is determined to challenge Ken and prove just who is the best in America, but his eagerness gets away with him and he often mistakes other fighters for his supposed rival. With his own interesting form of kung fu that makes the most of his portly stature, judging Rufus on his appearance might be the last mistake you make.
  
  
  
• Seth (Final Boss, playable in console version, non-playable in arcade version)
  

  Seth
  
  "Seth is the CEO of a weapons manufacturing and trading company known as S.I.N. He has collected data from the world's top fighters and assimilated it into his own fighting style. Though he was developed to be a replacement body for Bison, he has plans of his own. Plans to rebel and make Shadaloo his own."
  
  CEO of the new weapons corporation, S.I.N., Seth leads the company into new combat technologies, which he isn’t afraid to use on himself. This enhanced being uses the data gathered on the worlds greatest warriors to create a mixed martial arts the likes of which has never been seen. This puppet master now aims to hold a new fighting tournament where he will be able to gather enough data to complete S.I.N.’s BLECE project, their ultimate weapon program. And the fighter that lies at the center of the project is none other than Ryu.
  
  
  
• Gouken (Secret Boss, playable in console version, non-playable in arcade version)
  

  Gouken
  
  "Akuma's brother and mentor to Ryu and Ken, this legendary fighter is responsible for developing and refining Ansatsuken, a fighting style he taught to his pupils Ryu and Ken. He was defeated at the hands of the vile Akuma and now makes his triumphant return after having been presumed dead for decades."
  
  Akuma’s brother, Gouken is the legendary martial arts master of Ryu and Ken. After training with his brother under Goutetsu and learning the unnamed assassination style, the siblings separated. Gouken rejected the Satsui no Hadou side of the fighting style and developed his own additions, removing the killing power of Hadouken and Shoryuken, turning them into tools for self-defense. Gouken was challenged twice by his demonic brother and would eventually be killed by his hands…or so many believed.
  

Console Only Characters

• Dan
  
  

  Dan
  
  "This fighter boasts an impressive set of taunts, but his fighting moves are often half-baked. Though he has trained with Gouken in the past, his moves are based more upon his own unique technique, a style he has dubbed Saikyo."
  
  After the death of his father, Dan sought power from Gouken’s dojo hoping to use his acquired knowledge to one day avenge his father. Once his master discovered his motives for training, he was swiftly booted out. This did not deter Dan, whose self-induced delusions of grandeur know no bound. Left on his own, he somehow developed a personal fighting style, mixing what little he learned from Gouken with whatever he knew of Muay Thai. Dan called it Saikyo, The Strongest Style, despite the weakness of the techniques. Having missed the previous fighting tournament, Dan is ready to enter the ring and show the world just how great he is! Which according to him, is pretty great.
  
  
  

• Fei Long
  
  

  Fei Long
  
  "This young man has made a big name for himself in the world of Hong Kong cinema. Having trained hard since childhood, there is not a single fighter in Hong Kong that has kung fu skills worthy of being compared to his own."
  
  After making a name for himself on the streets of Hong Kong, Fei Long caught the eye of a movie director and before he knew it, he became an international sensation, acting in major motion pictures. However, the world of staged choreographed fights is stifling and Fei Long dreams of fighting freely. The Flying Dragon is a master of Hitenryu Kung Fu and his swift precise attacks are as deadly in real life as they are on the big screen. With his newest film project in jeopardy and the mega corporation S.I.N. rumored to be behind the latest movie crew injuries, Fei Long heads into the corporation’s fighting tournament in search of answers.
  
  
  
• Cammy
  
  

  Cammy
  
  "This swift and deadly fighter is a member of a British paramilitary group known as Delta Red. She had been brainwashed by Shadaloo and put to use by that evil organization as nothing more than a living weapon, but she does not let this past hold her back and now fights alongside her comrades on a new and dangerous mission."
  
  Cammy was created to be a soulless assassin for M. Bison, but after becoming aware of herself she left Shadaloo. The escape was difficult and she made it out of the organization’s base only to fall unconscious. She awoke with amnesia at the doorstep of the British paramilitary government organization, Delta Red. With elite fighting abilities implanted by the Shadaloo flowing through her, Cammy was welcomed into the Delta Red team. Through her work with the government organization, she encountered Bison in the second World Warrior tournament and her memories returned. After the defeat of Bison and Shadaloo, Cammy returned to her Delta Red teammates ready to live her own life. Now rumor is Shadaloo is back and Bison along with them. Cammy is ordered by Delta Red to join the tournament and use her superior close range combat to climb the ranks and investigate the crime syndicate’s activity.
  
  
  
• Sakura
  

  Sakura
  
  "This high school girl followed her idol Ryu into the world of street fighting. Bright and energetic, she finds enjoyment in all she does and never misses the chance to fight a strong opponent."
  
  Don’t be fooled by her schoolgirl charm. Sakura is far from your average teenager. After witnessing her idol, Ryu, win the first World Warrior Tournament, she was instantly inspired to become a fighter he would be proud of. She traveled the world in hopes of persuading Ryu to train her, but is turned away when he confesses that he himself has much to learn and cannot take on a pupil. Now word on the street is that a new fighting tournament is starting up and Sakura enters with head held high, hoping to see Ryu once more. Sakura’s fighting style is similar to Ryu’s, having memorized his movements and trained with Dan, a previous student of Ryu’s sensei, Gouken. She may not have the same power as her idol, but her impressive ability to manipulate ki is hard to ignore.
  
  
  
• Gen
  
  

  Gen
  
  "This assassin enjoys legendary notoriety in the underworld. He continues to scour the world for foes worthy of the fight to the death he seeks. He has a connection with Chun-Li's father and, as such, possesses very complex feelings toward her."
  
  Gen was good friends with Chun-Li’s father, who was murdered by M. Bison. The stern old man trained the beautiful detective for a short time in her youth and still watches over her from afar. Though his body is weak, he is constantly seeking out opponents who can stand up to his assassination abilities and will stop at nothing to ensure his best friend’s daughter remains safe. Gen’s combat styles incorporate a wide variety of stances. He targets his opponent’s vitals, causing great damage with precise movements.
  
  
  
• Rose
  
  

  Rose
  
  "This beautiful and enigmatic fortune teller is well-known in Genoa, where she has set up shop. She relies on her mastery of Soul Power, an energy that draws its source from her very life-force, rather than on physical technique to vanquish foes."
  
  Rose, a fortuneteller from Genoa, was once Bison’s soul mate, literally. After facing Bison for the first time, she discovered the two shared the same soul, his corrupt and her’s pure. The demented warlord briefly possessed the mystic before he moved to another body. Rose cannot remember what happened while Bison controlled her, but knows he is still out there no matter what others may say. She embraces her mysterious Soul Power, the one weapon Bison cannot command, and uses it to wield her golden scarf against the wrongs of the world. Entering the new fighting tournament, Rose is determined to put an end to Bison once and for all.
  

Yun & Yang

Cameo Appearance

Controversy 

Interesting Developments

Official controller and arcade stick

One of the many customizable face plates for the official arcade stick

Collector's Edition

• Ryu Action Figurine
• CD Soundtrack
• "Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind" Blu-Ray Movie Disc
• Collector's Hint Book
• Street Fighter IV Game Disc
• PlayStation Network Voucher for 5 Alternate Costumes (Brawler Pack)

• C.Viper Action Figurine
• CD Sound track
• "Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind" DVD Game Disc (only playable on an Xbox 360)
  
• Collector's Hint Book
• Street Fighter IV Game Disc
• Xbox Live Marketplace Voucher for 5 Alternate Costumes (Brawler Pack)

Download-able Content

Tier List