It's a good thing that Capcom finally got around to announcing Street Fighter IV, because if they hadn't, today's revelation of Street Fighter Online: Mouse Generation may have sent some fighting fans over the edge, never to return. The Capcom-licensed, Daletto-developed game for Windows drops six-button and joystick controls for something simpler—mouse gestures and clicks. Street Fighter Online: Mouse Generation is played entirely with mouse controls, with left-clicks for punches, right-clicks for kicks and special attacks performed by mouse movement.

The 3D characters look revolting for a reason. They're based on Kaiyodo's "Revoltech" action figure system, one that allows for maximum posing flexibility. In SFO:MG, players will be able to swap body parts for custom avatars. Want to see Chun-Li with Ryu's arms and sporting a sensible business suit? Go for it, you freak. The customization won't stop there, as evidenced by the screenshots—various outfits, accessories and deadly flippers can all be applied to your avatar.

Only two other characters beyond Ryu and Chun-Li look to be playable at this point, a pair known as Hico and Taran. While the two would normally clash with the Street Fighter aesthetic, the game is so hideous I can't imagine anyone creating a stink.

And that crazy cat picture above? That's part of the game's "cut-in system" that delivers user-added images and biting smack-talk during ass-kicking moments. Think of the game as less of a serious fighter and more of a casual, social gaming experience and the whole thing will start to make more sense.

Street Fighter Online is planned to go into beta test within the next month or so, if you happen to be in the Japan area. Check out more screens in our gallery... if you dare!

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