Street Fighteris one of the biggest names in modern fighting games, and a prime example of just what the genre has to offer. It’s risen to become one ofCapcom’s flagship franchises and a worldwide sensation. The series has been going strong since 1987 with its first release, which, limited as it is today, revolutionized the gaming scene.
RELATED:Anime That Deserve Fighting Games
As with any other, the series has had its ups and downs. More often than not, though, Street Fighter has been critically acclaimed and widely beloved, garnering active competitive scenes and memorable matches in professional tournaments. Not to mention endless debate over the buff and nerfs characters have received along the way. Here’s a ranking of some of the best series entries ever.
10Street Fighter EX3
The EX series, in a first for the franchise, blended 2D and 3D, and was co-produced with Arika. It features several characters from Arika like Skullomania, Blair Dame, and Kairi, who would later return in Arika’s own Fighting EX Layer. The game features a Tag Team system that was also a first for Street Fighter. This title is often forgotten when talking about the franchise, but if given a chance, players can find a fun and unique way to play with the World Warriors. Although it boasts some interesting concepts, the gameplay feels a bit clunky.
9Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
This game’s announcement and release was a major surprise, especially the fact that it’s a Nintendo Switch exclusive. The game features brand-new sprites for each character and stage. It also uses the new Japanese voices that were implemented with Street Fighter IV, and features two new characters that weren’t in the original game: Evil Ryu and Violent Ken.
RELATED:Best Street Fighter Characters
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers, then, marks Violent Ken’s first and so far only appearance in a mainline Street Fighter game. Though this particular title arrived rather too late to have much of an impact on the series' legacy, its tweaks to the legendary formula make it an intriguing curio.
8Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact
When Street Fighter III: New Generation first released, its various missteps could have been fatal for the series' future. Fortunately for fans, 2nd Impact made a much better impression. This game improves on many of New Generation’s mistakes and also introducesthe enigmatic and elusive Akuma. In addition, it marks the first appearance of Urien and Hugo, who would later become beloved characters in the series. The gameplay and art design were massive steps from the title’s predecessor, paving the way for the legendary Third Strike. 2nd impact itself couldn’t hold a candle to it, though.
7Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
The initial launch of Street Fighter V was troubled indeed, with issues ranging from technical problems to disappointing gameplay mechanics and a lackluster roster. However, its final form, appropriately subtitled Champion Edition, is a prime example of a glorious comeback. A massive gameplay overhaul and the addition of beloved fan favorites such as Rose, Dan, Oro, and Rival School’s Akira paid dividends. This is the true version of the game, a much more fun and engaging experience and inspiring proof that, sometimes, a title can completely turn itself around in the best way.
6Super Street Fighter II Turbo
As a generation of fighter fans will attest, it was withStreet Fighter IIthat the series, and perhaps the very genre itself, took shape and assumed its identity. This title took the world by storm, becoming one of the best-selling Capcom games of all time and a true milestone in gaming. It was here that players were introduced toChun-Li, Blanka, Cammy, Dhalsim, Guile and the rest of the legendary World Warriors.
Various different versions of the game would see release over the years, of course. Super Street Fighter II Turbo has risen to become a favorite among them, as perhaps the most high-octane version of all. It’s still much more than playable today, which speaks volumes about the strength of the core experience.
5Street Fighter Alpha 3
Alpha 2 was already a massive success, but the next entry, Alpha 3, became an important point in Street Fighter and Capcom history. This installment introduced the ISM system, letting the player choose between three modes for their character. This was a fantastic move, giving the game a sense of individuality and letting players battle in their own way.
RELATED:Best PS1 Fighting Games, Ranked
There would later be numerous versions released across different consoles, offering radical overhauls in gameplay mechanics, extra game modes and a suite of new characters. Other fighting series like Mortal Kombat would introduce character variants in a similar way, and Alpha 3 remains a popular installment with the fanbase.
4Ultra Street Fighter IV
The release ofStreet Fighter IVwas a massive deal back in the late 2000s gaming scene. Fighting games were at their all-time lowest point, and Capcom could be seen to have started the comeback of the genre with this feature-rich game. Suddenly Street Fighter was back with a vengeance.
The fourth mainline installment introduced a number of brand-new characters, with some of them, like Juri Han, becoming immediate Street Fighter icons. It also marked the beginning of the 3D era for the series. This title generated many memorable moments in e-sports history, but more than that, it was a genre landmark. It’s topped only by the very pinnacle of Street Fighter titles.
3Street Fighter Alpha 2
The Alpha series marked a big detour from the established Street Fighter style, delving instead into more of an anime-inspired aesthetic. This change was initially met with mixed feelings by fans, but it would later become an important milestone for the franchise. The influence of this artistic style would be seen in many subsequent games, and the second Alpha outing is revered as one of the greatest Street Fighter games. Its character sprites would be used for the 2D Marvel vs Capcom games, and it marks the introduction of the ever-so-popular Sakura.
2Street Fighter 6
After the lukewarm reception Street Fighter 5 received in its initial guise, the series seemed to take a bit of a back seat. The scene was dominated by the likes ofTekken,Guilty Gear, andMortal Kombat. However, at the finals of the Capcom Pro Tour, that fateful year, Street Fighter 6 was announced.
RELATED:Street Fighter 6: Best Critical Arts, Ranked
Flash forward to 2023 and the game was a massive hit even before release. It introduced brand-new characters and a mature take on the classic World Warriors. Though the title isn’t perfect, with the Drive system introducing some new techniques that have been controversial with some, it’s a feature-rich fighter indeed.The extensive World Tour mode, for instance, is a lot of silly fun, and the game does its very best to cater to those with all degrees of experience with fighting games.
1Street Fighter III: Third Strike
The release of Street Fighter 3 was a failure for the developer, but then Third Strike was released and the perception of the game changed drastically. Third Strike would become, for many fans, the peak of the series. It boasts extraordinary sprite work and art design, complex and engaging gameplay that’s still being explored, and a tremendous reputation earned in part from its legacy within esports. Though it isn’t an experience for casual players, dedicated competitors continue to adore this title. Perhaps the most finely-tuned and technically sophisticated Street Fighter experience ever made.
NEXT:Best Fighting Games Ever Made Ranked
