Remember that you too can buy your way into the SF HD Remix beta test by sacrificing 800 Microsoft points on a copy of Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 on Xbox Live Arcade.

SFII Beta has Endurance - Extended to September 5th!! [Capcom Unity Blog]

how OC ReMix put its stamp on Street Fighter II HD Remix [ArsTechnica via s-kill's Blog Thanks, Gantz!]

Super Turbo HD Remix Beta hits Wednesday on LIVE [Capcom]

Also coming this Wednesday is Frogger 2, which includes 15 levels of action, boss battles, two new online multiplayer modes, and no free beta version of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, all for 800 Microsoft points.

I am sensing a clear winner here.

This week on Arcade: Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 and Frogger 2 [Xbox Live's Major Nelson]

[via Capcom]

Japan has its own Buckner and Garcia equivalent in game sound remixer Hyadain, whose Street Fighter II jam, crafted from the sounds of Street Fighter II naturally, is high on kitsch value and relatively low on repeat listen appeal. It's adorable, with terribly great English language lyrics in the chorus and sing along profiles for every World Warrior. Please, try to enjoy! It's awesome! Thanks to SamuraiPanda for the link!

I think at this point everyone knows how Street Fighter works, so I'll stick to talking about the HD graphics which were all redrawn by the folks at Udon (artists of the US Street Fighter comic). The new sprites looked amazing and almost even more impressive were the backgrounds. Perfect lines, no jaggies, sharp and colorful. They looked simply spectacular.

The particular stage I saw was the one with the people jumping up and down and cheering on the back of a boat. It not only looked great but a fellow journalist and I got a kick out of the fact that even though the art itself had sharpened up, the animations were still olde school rudimentary with each jumping background character only having three or four positions making up their animations. It was a nice nod to the original game while still improving its look. Very retro modern.

The graphics will support a widescreen mode, but there will also be a 4:3 mode for purists who can also revert characters to the original 2D sprites for the full "original" experience. Players will also be able to choose from the original game music or newly remixed versions.

As far as gameplay goes, online versus play will be available along with in-game voice chat, matchmaking, and worldwide rankings. A "Quarter Match" mode has been added which will allow two competitors and up to four spectators to use virtual quarters to buy into two player matches.

There will also be an optional "Rebalanced" mode which makes changes across the board to many characters. The changes were implemented in response to testing by the world's top ranked Street Fighter players. Most of the differences involve a lot of character fine tuning to some of your favorite (and not so favorite) fighters. Balrog, Cammy, Blanka, Ken, T. Hawk and Ryu will all be receiving "character balancing." There is much minutia in the changes that many of the more hardcore SF fans will certainly be interested in. So if this describes you, you will probably want to check out this series of articles by SF tournament player and the new game's design and gameplay overseer, David Sirlin.

All will be revealed when the game hits XBLA and PSN later this year. But for those of you that can't wait that long, the purchase of Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 will come with an entry into the Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix beta test.

I can officially say that the filesize will not be an issue. With great help from the guys at Microsoft, we will be able to offer the same features on both platforms to the same quality as each other. To use the term I've been reading on the forums, neither console version will be "gimped" due to any kind of limitation.

Whatever! As a Commando and Mercs fan, I was already planning on picking up Commando 3 (aka Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3). Getting the HD treatment on Super Street Fighter II Turbo will be a nice little bonus.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix beta brawling to XBLA [GameSpot]

Thanks Dale North for adding this to YouTube and thanks Santa for the tip!

My experience with Street Fighter 2 CE was born entirely in my time first hanging out at arcades and then running one in the 90s in Maryland. I loved the game so much that my time spent playing it is what likely lead to me being fired from the job. I slathered more attention on our big-screen SF2 box than I did every other machine in the place, combined. I regularly replaced the cherry switches and springs on a weekly basis.

But I couldn't have told you who the game's producer was, what sort of lore was buried in the creating of such an indelible franchise or how they came about with the idea of the characters in the game.

That being said, read on.

The first thing I noticed when I saw the game, was the 2.5D effect of the graphics. Described on paper, it sounds immensely off-putting, but in action it manages to pull Street Fighter into the modern age without sullying the gameplay at all. This is done by essentially making both the background and characters 3D but forcing the characters to move on a 2D plane. What you're left with is the best of both worlds.

More importantly, the game's look seems to have returned to its origins. Sure the graphics pop, really pop, but they're very reminiscent of II and not as SNKey as I felt Street Fighter III had become. I know, blaspheme.

While the controls haven't entirely returned to the grandeur of Street Fighter II, they have mostly returned. The same can be said of the attacks. Sure you have to still use two buttons to throw (so annoying) and taunt (so unnecessary) and there are revenge, super and ultra moves, but at it's heart this is a game that strips away the unessentials and returns to what made the Street Fighter franchise so addictive: Timing.

This isn't just my opinion. When I spoke with producer Yoshinori Ono he said that there was a concerted effort to refocus the franchise with this title. Street Fighter had become too filled with moves and had lost its way, he essentially said. What the game was always about was timing, much like real martial arts, not flashy moves.

Playing the game, after years spent ignoring the increasingly annoying character-driven Street Fighter III spin-offs, was like returning to a childhood home to find that it was, in fact, larger, not smaller than you had remembered it.

The game's timing, which plays at about the speed of Street Fighter II Turbo, has been tweaked, deliberately, and I believe the hit boxes (which invisible surround the characters) shrunk, but that just gives me an excuse to relearn the game. There also seems to be a slightly longer delay after pulling off a move, or whiffing one.

In fact, I can honestly say that the only thing about this early build of Street Fighter IV that disappoints me, so far, is that it probably won't be showing up in arcades across America and that's because there aren't arcades across America anymore.

HALO
Alongside the two already-announced Kotobukiya statues was a mockup of the third, Cortana, due later this year. She'll feature a light-up base, making her the perfect night light for the insomniac, living-with-parents thirty-something. Also announced was a fourth Kotobukiya figure, due much later, that will depict two Spartans on a Mongoose. Presumably in a manly, combative pose, and is not just the one riding hanging on lovingly to the one driving.

GEARS OF WAR
Having already unveiled four Gears of Wars figures, NECA have promised to show off further variants and exclusive new figures at the show. They've teased one of those exclusives on their own web site, which you can see above. If that's not the splatter from a chainsawing diorama, then I'm a hat-eating monkey's uncle.

STREET FIGHTER
SOTA aren't actually attending the Fair, but have timed some announcements for it anyways. They are releasing three 1/6 scale resin statues based on Street Fighter characters, each going for USD$100. You'll be able to get Ibuki, Sagat and Blanka.

BLUE DRAGON
No pics yet, but Bandai announced they'll be releasing two action figure lines, one 4", one 7", with each line featuring the "stars of the show". No prizes for guessing, then, that these ones are aimed at kids, with the 7" figures coming with a free episode of the cartoon series.

ARMORED CORE
Kotobukiya aren't just showing off their bigger, Halo-related stuff. They're also displaying some of their Armore Core line, which let you swap and mix body parts so that you can customise your own mech, just like the game.

FINAL FANTASY XII
And finally, where would we be without ludicrously overpriced Squeenix merch? Not at a damned Toy Fair, that's for sure. This is a 1:1 replica of Judge Master Gabranth's helmet from the game. 1:1 as in, yes, you can take it off the base and wear it. That fashionable headgear comes at a price, however: $1300. Yes. $1300.

USTF Coverage [Action-Figure]

In short, Ken's hurricane kicks, dragon punches and reversal have all been given a bit of a boost. Nothing balance-shattering, but interesting to Street Fighter II fans, nonetheless.

Try to look away as the animated GIF from Street Fighter: The Movie makes its appearance. May cause seizures of regret.

Behind-the-Scenes: Rebalancing Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (part 4, Ken) [Capcom Blogs]

Hundred hand slaps and flaming jump kicks join 360 degree controller spins as examples of special moves that won't be as challenging in the new mode.

There's more than a handful of changes to the controls, as "top tier" characters have been slightly nerfed for tournament play. In turn, some underpowered characters have been given a bit of a boost. While the news is sure to upset finicky high-level players, they should keep in mind that the game's original characteristics will still remain intact.

However, for those looking for a more accessible Super Street Fighter II Turbo, one that might be playable on a DualShock 3 with less frustration, the changes should be welcome. Those intimidated by expert players who have over ten years of practice on the game should find an easier option as one of the remake's pros.

Behind-the-Scenes: Rebalancing Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (part 1) [Capcom]

The Capcom crew have converted a handful of the old art files into illustrative animated GIFs, showing some of the challenges the team at Udon face when upgrading to high definition frames. They also drive home the point with big bold letters that much of the stuff is old, work-in-progress and will be re-drawn. They're even nice enough to provide the leaked art file, saving you the trouble of going elsewhere. Lovely.

Street Fighter Art in Progress: The Good, the Bad, and the Just Plain Ugly [Capcom Blog]

As anyone can see from the above cropped picture and the dozens of unfinished drawings that these sketches are nowhere near final. That won't stop everyone from belching forth "Bad art!!", but it will hopefully give those with tendency for bunched underthings a brief moment of calm. For those rabidly anticipating its release on Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network, the leak is just an extra dose of delicious hype.

Official Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix thread. [NeoGAF via Neo Empire Forums - thanks, James!]

Brian Dunn, also of Capcom, later extended the tease, writing "We have our Gamer's Day event in London next Wednesday (10/17), but there will be announcements and things starting to come up on Monday (10/15) and continuing all week." Dunn also added, somewhat conspicuously, to the comments thread "everyone at Capcom knows all the fans are extremely anxious for a NEW SF game, believe me. That's about all I can say about that..."

Today, the official Capcom blog updated with a very cryptic posting titled "Prepare Yourself" with the following message:

??? ???? ????????????? ???? ??? ????????? ? ????? ? ??????.

??????? ???????? ??? ? ?????!

And, no, that's not a product of shitty international character support on your Windows box, it's just a series of question marks.

Do we really think Street Fighter IV is coming, with an announcement next week? No. Our hearts have been broken by too many rumors, hype threads and machine translated Capcom teaser sites. We can't survive another non-announcement like that.

I wouldn't be surprised if one of those announcements was the revelation that Capcom's Monster Hunter 3 was Wii bound, broken at the Nintendo media conference last night. However, we wait. And we watch. And maybe we'll just pray a little bit that Street Fighter IV is a reality. And maybe I'll buy a lottery ticket this week.

Flying Dictators and their Clones (New Art Inside!!!!) [Capcom Blog]

It's fairly simple. Just head on over the official Capcom USA blogs—Capcom Digital, to be precise—and offer your suggestions in the comments. Come August 1st, the public decides with a democratic vote what Achievements make the cut. Sounds fair and fun.

My suggestions are:
One Breath Title Read - Speak the full name of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix without taking a breath. (Requires headset)
Perfect Panty Shot - Pause the game at precisely the right moment during Chun Li's "spinning bird kick."
Unlock Sheng Long - Ten perfect tie-rounds with M. Bison. You must also jump down, turn around and pick a bail of cotton. (Requires Xbox Vision Cam)

Okay, now it's your turn. And no stealing my ideas! They're totally copyrighted.

You Decide! SSFIITHDR Achievements! [Capcom Digital]

Thanks for the heads up, Elliot! And nice work. Michael McWhertor

Street Fighter II [The Etch A Sketchist]

With the various flavors of Street Fighter II still coming to the Wii Virtual Console, it's a wise investment for those looking for a more level playing field with that arcade feel. No word yet on if it will support Super Smash Bros. Brawl as details are extremely thin, but we'll update with more information as it becomes available. Michael McWhertor

Hori Wii Fighting Stick [Play-Asia via NeoGAF]

I'm sure there was no confusion about this, but in that black and white line drawing, those drips and splotches you see on Chun-Li's face? That's blood. Got it? Blood. Let's move on.

In other Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix news, word of the first playable build was dropped by the game's producer Rey Jimenez who also reveals that the game is "on track." Jimenez also addressed the somewhat mixed reaction of last week's fighter reveal, Guile, writing that the team is listening to community feedback and "considering revising some of his look based on the reactions." Good to know that someone out there is taking your criticisms to heart, but I just hope we don't see the game delayed. Michael McWhertor

A Little Bit of Chun Li For Ya [Capcom Digital]

There are three brand spankin' new shots of the hi-def remake of Guile who looks far far crankier than I remember him. I am having slightly mixed emotions about this one, but still drool uncontrollably every time I see one of these classic characters revamped.

Producer Rey Jimenez promises some updates next week, trying to clear up some confusion about the Xbox Live and PlayStation Network game. I've got my F5 taped down in anticipation. Michael McWhertor

First Guile Art - SF HD Update [Capcom Blogs]

We're only given a glance at Zangief's character select screen look, also used for the game's player icons and post-fight warnings about Sheng Long and how one should not forget that there are plenty of guys like you all over the world, but it's enough to fire up the hype machine for another round.

In addition to the art reveal, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix producer Rey Jimenez provides a few more details on the remake, including some brief details on maintaining artistic consistency for the Xbox Live and PlayStation Network release. Mmmm. Artistic consistency... Michael McWhertor

From Russia With Love [Capcom Blogs]

Capcom USA's official blog has a couple more shots of Akuma's familiar animations, making the wait for Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix a little bit harder. While I'm waiting for the game to hit Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network, I'm working on upping my lung capacity so I can say Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix without becoming lightheaded. Michael McWhertor

Akuma in HD [Capcom Digital]

Street Fighter II sound effects make everything funnier! But this poor, poor child. Hopefully, it came back in the next round and KO'd the dude with a Spinning Bird Kick. Pro tip: don't let your young ones go wandering around break dancers. Hence the term "BREAK DANCERS." Brian Ashcraft

SF 2 Vs. Baby [YouTube via Joystiq]

I remember seeing the Guile "handcuffs" glitch in action for the first time at a Monroeville Mall arcade, back when we did all of our rumormongering and FAQing on Usenet. Now, thanks to the efforts of the internet and some generous YouTuber capturing key bug-filled moments from one of the Tanomi superplay-filled Insanity DVDs, this one titled The Starting Over: Hyper Street Fighter II from 2005, we're all privy to the secrets of Capcom's seminal arcade fighter. Rather awesome nostalgia, no? Michael McWhertor

Over at the Capcom official message boards, resident blogger Brian Dunn has posted a first look at 1080p Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix for Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network. Udon Comics is redrawing the game's background, portraits, portraits and in-game animations — all in hi-res. Above is what Ken would look like if you paused the game, cut out the background and posted him on Kotaku. Well, whaddaya think? Brian Ashcraft

SSFIITHDR Art [Capcom, Thanks Stephen!]

Man, Ryu has never looked so slick! French website Gamekult has posted this "confidential" slide from a Capcom press conference showing a comparison between the original SSFII Ryu sprites scaled up to HD resolution and what the new HD sprites will look like. What a difference, eh? If the other characters and backgrounds look as good as this one (which one naturally assumes they will), this will be one of the must have games on XBLA and well worth the MS points to purchase it. Flynn De Marco

Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD & It's Massive Sprites [Racketboy]

Final Fight actually saw two separate releases on the Super Nintendo (Final Fight and Final Fight Guy), both with their share of issues. The games were limited to single player only with neither version featuring all three playable characters, Cody, Guy and Haggar. Buyer beware. Oddly enough, Final Fight nabbed an E rating, despite its violent themes.

These rating are by no means official confirmation that the game is coming any time soon, so don't start hoarding Wii Points just yet. In fact, maybe you should just skip Final Fight, if it's the hobbled version. Michael McWhertor

ESRB Game Ratings

SHOCKING: Not everything you see on Japanese TV is for reals. Take a February 4th episode of Fuji TV's Sutamen, which profiled female otaku. So, there was a woman who liked erotic figures and another who kicked ass at fighting games.

The fighting games lady destroys all Capcom's Street Fighter II. The clip even apparently says she's a "regular" office worker a company connected with the game industry. Harmless enough, right? Not exactly.

Get this: She's employed by Capcom. Not that being amazing at Street Fighter II is a pre-requisite for working there, but still. She's appeared at Capcom events in the past, dressed as Chun-Li even!! Heck, she even hangs out with uber geek Shoko-tan! Otaku? Yes. "Regular" office lady? Hell no. Brian Ashcraft

Capcom TV Flib [Thread]

Up and coming idol Haruna Anno may only be 18, but she knows that saying she loves Mother 1 + 2 and Final Fantasy aren't enough to how to make her in geekdom. She needs to do more, like testing Street Fighter II cartridges to determine how tough SNES cartridges are. And that's exactly what she did! She wrote "freeze" on one and then stuck it in the freezer for five hours. On another, she wrote "heat" and burned it on a gas stove, recommending children not to try it at home. She wrote "crash" on another and chucked it down a staircase. (Actually, she wrote part of the Japanese word "collision," but w/e). And what did she find out? The freezer S.F. II worked as did the one dropped down the stairs. The burned one wouldn't fit in the SNES, so she had to trim the melted bits to make it fit. When it did, it worked. If you are wondering why she's doing this now, her being two years old when the SNES first went on sale in Japan might have something to do with it. Brian Ashcraft

Testing Street Figher II [Haruna's LiveDoor Blog]

This one goes out to my brothers and sisters across the big drink that have been shafted with crappy Virtual Console titles. YouNewb is reporting that Street Fighter II: The World Warrior and Super Probotector (aka Contra 3: The Alien Wars) are now available to U.K. Wii owners via the Wii Shop Channel. Each title will cost you 800 Wii points for a taste of that good olde schoole gaming action. Enjoy these awesome titles and here's to hoping you get more good ones in the future. Cheers! Flynn De Marco

Rejoice! Street Fighter hits Wii [YouNewb]