How many versions of SF4 do you think there will be?

[Bastion]

I just bring this up, cause everyone is debating about this and that, characters, gameplay, balance, music, graphics; all that. When, really it doesn't matter. Cause if Street Fighter 4 is anything like all the other Street Fighters there will be multiple versions. And they probally won't get it right till the last one. Remember Capcom vs SNK, Capcom vs SNK pro? It wasn't till CvS2 that they got it right. Street Fighter 3 got 3 versions. I'm going to wait for Street Fighter 4: 4th attempt.
:rofl:

[DevilJin 01]

March 2001.

[VariantX]

Probably at least 3 versions.

[P.o.t.S.]

SF2, SSF2, SFA, SF3 and SFEX (even if Arika's) all had three versions each (if you exclude revisions of revisions, like Upper and such) so that seems to be the magic number.

[The_Shakunetsu]

3 is the traditional way but i expect remakes in the future

[Rioting Soul]

There is going to be one version with patches later.

[Nokato]

There is going to be one version with patches later.

Probably the most logical post in this thread so far. The era of multiple iterations is over I think, although its been done before I don't think with Street Fighter IV they're going to go that route. One version with downloadable patches will most likely be how SFIV might improve.

I have a feeling SFIV will be played online moreso than offline competitively. Ono hints at wanting to really broaden the online experience with the game.

[Hellion]

let's ask Bodler.

[Bastion]

Probably the most logical post in this thread so far. The era of multiple iterations is over I think, although its been done before I don't think with Street Fighter IV they're going to go that route. One version with downloadable patches will most likely be how SFIV might improve.

I have a feeling SFIV will be played online moreso than offline competitively. Ono hints at wanting to really broaden the online experience with the game.

Too right. It's much more profitable to go this route. I can imagine Capcom expanding this to charge money for every little change big and small. But it's still better then redoing everything. So, if you have to dowload the patch could they use this to limit piracy?

[Judgement]

3 versions or possibly 2

of course right now i guess the boring and best answer is its too early to say and this all depends on how well the first sf4 does and its following update does.

even if it does have online i have a feeling patches wont add characters or moves it will be more game balance related, and new characters and moves+ game mechanics will still come through in the forum of a new iteration.

thats why i think it could possibly be 2 with online cutting down the need of revision due to some glaring balance problems.

it would make good business sense to add the new characters and new gameplay systems to a new iteration than just through online patching.
more revenue that way.

what ono hints sounds more like comprehensive online matchmaking,not entire revisions since online is pretty much the new arcades i guess.

but yea he was vague about details and im suprised people expect that much through online content.

[Jimmy Bones]

I cant answer that question when the game isnt done yet. Changes will be made in the upcoming months. Ono said in the interview that he'll make some change so he can make the best game possible, so i think there will be one version. With downloaded patches.

[COUM]

Capcom is well aware of the way the endless updates to their games affected their reputation with the casual gaming masses. They're a different company now, and they won't make the same mistakes again. Hell, they probably wouldn't have done it with SF3 were it not for the fact that they probably had to do a bunch of versions to make any return on their investment, thanks to the cost of producing all those sprites.

[MaybeMemories]

Probably the most logical post in this thread so far. The era of multiple iterations is over I think, although its been done before I don't think with Street Fighter IV they're going to go that route. One version with downloadable patches will most likely be how SFIV might improve.

I have a feeling SFIV will be played online moreso than offline competitively. Ono hints at wanting to really broaden the online experience with the game.

Why is it over? When was it over? Theres multiple iteration in pretty much every major hit game [EVEN ICO !!], specially in this era, tekken/vf/guilty gear to name a few [EA franchise/racing/sports games etc] and there will be in this, patches dont make money. Iterations do.
More characters, Different system etc etc = patches wont be enough as it would require hardrives/massive saves and releasing an iteration will not only bring new fans, previous loving fans will buy it - garunteed.

[Nokato]

Why is it over? When was it over? Theres multiple iteration in pretty much every major hit game [EVEN ICO !!], specially in this era, tekken/vf/guilty gear to name a few [EA franchise/racing/sports games etc] and there will be in this, patches dont make money. Iterations do.
More characters, Different system etc etc = patches wont be enough as it would require hardrives/massive saves and releasing an iteration will not only bring new fans, previous loving fans will buy it - garunteed.

I think Capcom is a totally different company now, and would more than likely look to other methods of making upgrades to their titles. Alot of casual gamers frowned upon the countless renditions of SF, leaving only the competitive players to enjoy them and since we're definitely not #1 on their list in terms of priorities I would think they wouldn't make actual full iterations.

I didn't mean to say it as if other companies don't do it because well Sammy is pretty notorious for it now.

I don't mind iterations, I just didn't think Capcom would do it anymore.

[MaybeMemories]

while it would be good for competitive stake,im not sure they will make money at all via competitions, ofcourse the if these compeition holders buy cabinets but in that case how will they release patches for cabinets.
Aswell they have iterations for their other titles such as resident evil [but obviously a new patch will not suffice at all] and they've re-released pretty much their whole catlogue for this generations consoles, dont forget the remake of SF2.

[OmegaDL50]

SFIV is using the Taito X2 Arcade Hardware, which effectively a Windows running PC in a Arcade Cabinet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taito_Type_X

And that usually always means patchable updates just like any PC game

I want Street Fighter IV to SIT in Arcades a good 6 full months to a year before Capcom starts working on a console port. That'll give it plenty enough time for revisions and balancing changes

And the Japanese Arcade scene would have already had their way with it...and next year's EVO would usually swing around in which American pros would have already had play testing knowledge of it already (possibly, but not guaranteed)

However this is an ideal dream, and may not pose reality.

[dn3000]

SF IV 3s..... i can see into the future.

concerning consoles will versions matter? an update here and there should make versions redundant.... hopefully.

[MaybeMemories]

OmegaDL50 well besides the hardware how exactly will capcom reach all the vendors and they wouldnt void the cabinet warranty by pubishing tutorials on how to 'patch' either

[OmegaDL50]

OmegaDL50 well besides the hardware how exactly will capcom reach all the vendors and they wouldnt void the cabinet warranty by pubishing tutorials on how to 'patch' either

Not unless Capcom releases official update CDs / DVDs or some other plug in card that allows updating of the software.

And there is a DIFFERENCE between hacking a game with a unofficial patch, and using a official release disk that opens a dialog prompt if the Game detects said update and asks "Would you like to patch SFIV revision 0.0.1 to 0.0.2" or something to that effect.

Also Capcom may not even need to use physical disk copies for updates if the Taito type X2 has actual online connectivity and can stream updates automatically by the game calling home to HQ, just like modern consoles such as the Xbox 360 or PS3 does.

If consoles use modern technology conventions, I'd say a Windows based Arcade hardware can easily do the same.

[MaybeMemories]

i dont think this is a robust solution, i dont see the inter route working for it all. And from a business prespective, with free patches, they need to spend money on what new with them, specially if they were going to be given to arcades, new cabinet art work maybe but definatley posters etc etc and all that for just the sale of SF4?
Bit extreme but it would be like hori giving out free buttons and balltops and convertors*, hrap 2 is now hrap 3

[hellhound]

So far we know already that there will be 2 versions of sf4. The arcade version and the home version with extra characters. That is if ono keeps to his plan.

[KnightWarrior]

Will you beable to play as the Bosses in SF4..

[*Onslaught*]

Patches and downloadable content. I'm guessing based on what Capcom does with its other games.

[Jubei Kibagami]

SFIV is using the Taito X2 Arcade Hardware, which effectively a Windows running PC in a Arcade Cabinet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taito_Type_X

And that usually always means patchable updates just like any PC game

I want Street Fighter IV to SIT in Arcades a good 6 full months to a year before Capcom starts working on a console port. That'll give it plenty enough time for revisions and balancing changes

And the Japanese Arcade scene would have already had their way with it...and next year's EVO would usually swing around in which American pros would have already had play testing knowledge of it already (possibly, but not guaranteed)

However this is an ideal dream, and may not pose reality.

Spot on!:woot:

[A_Rival]

Iterations were the way to make money in the past, but is no longer the norm.

A downloadable pay-for-patch requires no costs for packaging or distribution, not to mention advertising since once a few people download the patch, anyone who wants to continue playing with a large base will HAVE TO purchase the patch. Data is 100% profit.

[Sasmasta]

Four versions.

[Hatred Edge]

Funny.. no matter how many versions they have something is going to be wrong with all of them. No company can make a perfect version of anything.

[Jubei Kibagami]

Yea I think Ono is being a tad bit naive thinking he can do it in one go. Kinda like a guy who's never had a girlfriend going to a club thinking he's gonna get a Monaj with one nights practice.

[SSJGouKi]

Super Street Fighter 4 Turbo Hyper Extended 64bit Mega Super Duper Edition!

[recon_zero]

The beta at least has 3 versions already :rofl:

[MaybeMemories]

Yea I think Ono is being a tad bit naive thinking he can do it in one go. Kinda like a guy who's never had a girlfriend going to a club thinking he's gonna get a Monaj with one nights practice.

thats the best analogy ever :rofl::rofl:

[Sakura.Densetsu]

People complain about Capcom updating existing games only because they did it in a way which is far more noticeable. No new Tekken or Soul Calibur game has come out since Tekken Tag or Soul Blade/Edge. All are just updates to the existing with a few new tweaks, characters, and moves added in. Nothing that a patch could not have done, people are buying the same game every year.

MK did its updates silently, most arcade goers never even noticed them. Heck, the First MK2 was busted bad (Sub Zero could use his fatality in game) and MK3 went through tonnes of revisions even before Ultimate came out.

KOF games are basically the same game every year with no real big change happening that often. Only maybe every 5th game is actually a new game.

The Fatal Fury games have Upgrades labelled like the SF games, but are lesser known over here anyways. FF2 had FF2Special. FF3 had the Real Bout games.

To be Honest. Alpha, A2, and A3 are Drastically different games. Aside from using the same sprites, they can really be seen as sequels to each other. They differe from each other massively. A2 Removed most of the Chain Comboes, added Vcomboes, and added new Characters. It updated with A2 Gold. A3 Was again a completely different game and not an Upgrade. Vcomboes were changed completely. Three playmodes (Isms). Thows changed. A Juggle and Air Recovery System. Completely different and more cartoony feel to the game overall. the Alpha series is more a series of Different games than Tekken 4-6 Or the Whole Soul Calibur series has been.

[Serpent]

KOF games are basically the same game every year with no real big change happening that often. Only maybe every 5th game is actually a new game.

To be Honest. Alpha, A2, and A3 are Drastically different games. Aside from using the same sprites, they can really be seen as sequels to each other. They differe from each other massively. A2 Removed most of the Chain Comboes, added Vcomboes, and added new Characters. It updated with A2 Gold. A3 Was again a completely different game and not an Upgrade. Vcomboes were changed completely. Three playmodes (Isms). Thows changed. A Juggle and Air Recovery System. Completely different and more cartoony feel to the game overall. the Alpha series is more a series of Different games than Tekken 4-6 Or the Whole Soul Calibur series has been.

KOF changed dramatically every year up to 2003, after which I haven't played them so I can't really comment. The change was very noticeable at high level, but if you are a scrub then I guess it is the same game.

SF3 games have huge changes between them as well.

Actually, even SSF2 and ST are huge changes. I don't know how you can only point to A2 and A3 as games that have differences. Most of the games have actually had pretty big changes after at least SSF2, I was too young before then most likely to notice differences.

MvC and MvC2...haha, yeah, no change there right?

I don't play Tekken and SC, maybe you are right on that, but so far I don't think much of everything else you're basically saying.

As for the question at hand. There will be at least 2, probably 3 revisions. The last few fighting game series we got that are popular, CvS and MvC, were essentially 2 games for each iteration. MvC is part of the versus series so maybe you can say there were more games though, MvC I sort of considered the third of a series, whereas MvC2 seems like an entirely different game to me.

There will be patches, so there won't be something like an A2 Gold or a CvS Pro, games which really didn't do too much. Those are things that can be patched.

But if you're adding new chars, new systems, and making huge wholesale changes, you're going to need to release a new game. Think of it like an expansion pack. Blizzard pretty much always releases at least one, but now they've sold out and seem to just do WoW xpacs.

Capcom is run by mostly women now from some of the press releases I've seen. In that case, SF IV will probably have bigger problems anyway. We will see.

[JackTenrac!]

KOF changed dramatically every year up to 2003, after which I haven't played them so I can't really comment. The change was very noticeable at high level, but if you are a scrub then I guess it is the same game.

Wire attacks especially. Why wires? sooooo annnnnoooooyyyyyiiiinnnnggg ggguuuuuuyyy!

[Sakura.Densetsu]

Oh I never said I didn't notice alot of difference. But from the persepctive of the change between the various SFII games, most KOF games really are just updates as well. Move tweaking, few roster changes, new game mechanic tossed in. I would rather an already good game be made better than a Completely new game be released which requires a fresh start to balance and refine it. definately, most KOF games are new games on the same level that the Alpha Games are each new games, but at the Root they are also just upgrades.

For this reason, I am much happier to see SFIIHD than to see SFIV.

[SSJGouKi]

KOF games are basically the same game every year with no real big change happening that often. Only maybe every 5th game is actually a new game.



:shake:

[Edi. E]

I can't wait until Ultra Ultimate Super Street Fighter 4 Alpha Turbo Supreme Grande Vanilla Cherry EX HD Remix Gold is released.