New Release: Super Street Fighter IV for PS3

Hi PlayStation fans!

I’ve listened to PlayStation users voice their opinions for the past 10 years. They’ve said, “We’re waiting for the next numbered sequel to Street Fighter!”

I have to apologize that it took Capcom almost a decade to make the decision… but, I really appreciate your continuous support, and I’m now armed with weapons and armor to fight as Capcom’s voice in this tough global market. It is as if I’m fighting as King Arthur from Ghosts ‘n Goblins!

The original Street Fighter IV was released in February 2009. Before that, it has been about 15 years since the SFII series, and 10 years since the SFIII series. I strongly feel that SFIV wouldn’t have happened without your support. I’m glad that Street Fighter is now back, and I’d like to say “thank you” to all of you.

And now SFIV is fully renewed and, to reinforce the upgrades, we’ve added the pre-fix “Super.” All of the additions are a reflection of what you, the fans, have voiced, so I hope you will continue to play it as long as possible. Also, please be sure that I truly did try to listen to your requests as much as possible in deciding the new characters.

There are also fans demanding functionality related to PlayStation Network, so we’ve implemented the “Endless Battle” and “Team Battle” modes. “Team Battle” allows users to play as a team, and provides you with a platform for researching which are the best teams. Also, all of the modes have the “battle observation” mode, which allows you to watch the matches as they are played by your friends. All battles can be saved with the replay save request if you want. These features were created to build a stronger community within PSN.

Also, all SSFIV replay data which is saved on your PS3 can be shared with other online-connected PS3’s worldwide. This “Replay Channel Mode” allows you to watch any replays and is available 24/7 on the PS3 through PSN. Now you can’t hide from Street Fighter anymore!

As many of you know, we had a PlayStation-supported SSFIV Fight Club event with the fans in a Los Angeles suburb on Friday, April 23rd. It was a big success, and I was pleasantly surprised that about 1,000 fans attended! It is this amazing support that is exceptionally important, and provides the motivation for us to develop new projects in the future. To be completely honest, I’m absolutely exhausted now since I’ve been running non-stop for several years, so please let me take a break for a little bit. J I’m sure that the break won’t last that long…

I’ll be back in the near future with a great idea for a new project which will hopefully get you excited!

Well, the last topic on this blog is about the Super Tournament Mode that will be available as a free download for SSFIV this June. To showcase how great this new mode is, we’re planning to organize an online tournament in cooperation with SCEA. Tournament Mode allows us to create exclusive “titles” (like a champion belt) that will be awarded to the winner of the tournament. Please look forward to it, and stay tuned!

With the big support from all the PlayStation users, Super Street Fighter IV has been excitingly launched! I consider a fighting game to be a virtual “tool” of real fighting. And, as in real-life fighting, perfection is what we are striving for. So if any unexpected bugs happen, please let us know and we’ll do our best to fix them.

It would be highly appreciated if you keep conveying your requests and voicing your opinions to us moving forward. We will try our best to implement your requests in the future.

Finally, I’m looking forward to seeing all of you somewhere in the future. And, I expect you to “Smile” with “Surprise” then.

Everyone, again, thank you very much!