Game review: Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition

Some 12 years after it first launched on Sega’s ill-fated Dreamcast console, Street Fighter III: Third Strike finally gets a re-mastered release on digital platforms. Considered by purists of the fighting genre to be the greatest beat ’em up ever made, the game has aged wonderfully; delivering one of the most tactical battle mechanics around.

Fans may be surprised to learn that very few of the classic Street Fighter II-era characters make the cut, with only Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Akuma showing up for the fight. The rest are a mish-mash of unique characters including gentleman boxer Dudley, cheeky ninja Ibuki and rush-down master Makoto.

Unique characters do take some time to master, but are effective in battle, such as brutal powerhouse Q, and Guile knock-off Remy. The re-release features a neat challenge mode that rewards you with cool unlocks, but also trains you in how to master each of the characters on offer. Key to this mode is Street Fighter III’s star attraction; the parry mechanic.

By pressing Forward at the last second, you can parry any attack. Miss the timing and you leave yourself open for intense punishment. It remains one of the most gratifying risk-reward systems in any beat ’em up to date. It’s what elevates the game to the tactical masterpiece it is, and that’s why fighting fans simply must check it out.

Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition

£9.99, PlayStation Network/Xbox Live Arcade