There's nothing like chaining together a big super combo in the heart of San Francisco.

Today, Capcom invited GameDaily to sit down with a dedicated Street Fighter IV dual arcade cabinet for hands-on time with the game. After a few rounds, both won and lost, we found that game to be a welcome return for the series.

The gameplay feels like classic Street Fighter III: Third Strike, with slight EX Alpha modifications thrown in for good measure. Ryu and Ken take a dramatic split-second to initiate their fireball attacks, releasing them shortly thereafter in all their devastation. The hurricane kicks are effective as well, and create an interesting little air storm as they sail across the ground. Guile feels just like Guile should, complete with his traditional air kick. E. Honda and Blanka rock, too, with their charge attacks working remarkably well. You can still hit an enemy in the air and then get an insulting thrust move in on them before they hit the ground.

As far as visuals go, we did get a look at some of the game's new backdrops. Guile's airfield is probably the most impressive of the few shown, with a full-engine jet running in the background and a few people walking about. The dojo also looks awesome, aglow with torches and tall statues standing in the background. Chun Li's traditional village (seen in previous screenshots) comes to life in multiple layers, with even the smallest of details paid attention to. You might even find yourself staring at villagers in pure amazement to the point that you take your eyes off the actual fight. It looks that good. We should also mention that the zoom-in animations during super attacks and "winner" screens are great, too, even though Blanka's isn't the prettiest face to see up-close.

Street Fighter IV remains shrouded in mystery though. There's a new "Revenge" icon on each corner of the screen, but the game's producer remained mum as to how they would affect the game. Our guess, though, is that it somehow boosts your super combo into an Ultra Combo, with more significant damage. "Save Attacks" are also introduced, but Capcom wouldn't say as to what capacity. Also, the company still hasn't confirmed a home platform, simply stating that the game's going to be hitting Japanese arcades this summer. We asked about a domestic U.S. arcade release, but, again, mum's the word.

No matter what, though, Street Fighter IV will be hitting America in one form or another sometime later this year. Soon enough, fans will get their shot at throwing fireballs and pulling off spinning pile drivers.

Stay tuned to GameDaily as we'll soon deliver more hands-on impressions.
Related Links

Street Fighter IV Game Guide

Capcom