Going into the April 20Street Fighter 6showcase, fans weren’t sure what to expect. The game had already revealed its base roster and core features, and some of Capcom’s pastStreet Fightershowcases have been bogged down with filler. One more open beta before the game’s launch was possible, but that didn’t need half an hour to announce. Fortunately, there was still a lot that players hadn’t seen ofStreet Fighter 6, especially in regard to its new World Tour single-player campaign.
Throughout the show, viewers were given a rundown ofStreet Fighter 6. It’s telling of how packed this title is that plenty of previously announced features were skimmed over. From accessibility options to beating up a big rig in arcade mode, it seemed like there wasno end toSF6’s content. Right after the show reached a climax by unveiling the first DLC season and a demo, producer Shuhei Matsumoto stated thatStreet Fighter 6was created to revolutionize the fighting game genre. There’s little doubt of its intentions, but one particular feature may be the source ofStreet Fighter 6’s success in this regard.
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World Tour is the Centerpiece of Street Fighter 6
Street Fighterhas hosted a World Tour mode before, but its current incarnation far outstrips what was inStreet Fighter Alpha 3. Apart from retaining character statistics and customization options,Street Fighter 6’s World Tour is a brand-new experience for not only its own franchise, but arguably fighting games as a whole. Players will create a custom avatar and take them on a globetrotting adventure to become a martial arts master. Though it shares many similarities toMortal Kombat Deception’s Konquest mode, the ambition on display currently has no rival.
Besides being an open challenge to other AAA fighting games, World Tour has several functions that should benefitStreet Fighter 6in the long run. It would already be an excellent marketing tool if it was just a career manager for theBattle Hub lobby’s custom avatar, but it’s also loaded with flashy cutscenes, unique locations, and special activities. Players can even find collectibles in the environment once they gain field actions fromSF6’s playable roster, making the mode a great offline time sink to complement netplay. However, the true benefit of World Tour comes in not just how it looks to potential players, but also how it feels.
Street Fighter 6 Is Tackling A Genre-Defining Problem
Historically, fighting games have suffered from a stigma of being hard to learn and experienced large drops in active players shortly after launch. That’s where World Tour’s true strength shines, as itmotivates casual gamers to playSF6while subtly teaching them fundamentals. Minigames that work on parry timing, motion inputs, and movement were shown previously, but there will also be NPC vulnerability windows referencing attack punishes, optional battle objectives, and varied enemy strategies. As players overcome challenges and adopt techniques fromSF6’s cast, they will gradually learn how to handle themselves in regular gameplay.
What’s more, the mode is a live arena to train in without becoming overwhelmed. World Tour presents a casual atmosphere where players can take their time exploringStreet Fighter’s world, even avoiding fights if they want. Some tough early opponents even permit losses, still praising the player for improving. The gear, items, and even assist characters will ensure anyone can overcome the main story’s trials, and once players have built up confidence, they can use their familiar avatar in online Battle Hub fights.Street Fighter 6has everything an existing fancould ask for, but World Tour could improve the fighting game genre’s health by easing new faces into the community.
Street Fighter 6will be released on June 2 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
