Official Japanese SF4 Blog (updated 8/28)

[BentoBox]

Another SF4?! YES! YES!

They seriously needed to spend more time on SF4, I think. It just feels incomplete. Not enough levels, no special battle intros, some very strange balancing choices, poor anime intros/ends... I mean, for Gods' sake... Vega didn't have a level... Sagat didn't have a level... M frikkin' Bison has to share his level with Zangief because it's a) Russia (for Zangief) and b) a train yard (Bisons' Alpha level).

I think that another iteration of SF4 would be the best thing to happen to the game. PLEASE more levels. PLEASE original character music and levels from SF2/Alpha. C'mon Capcom! It's not that hard. Fill up the Blu Ray space!

Let it be heard that Rolento is welcome to join in the tournament! However, don't forget Dee Jay and T. Hawk. It just doesn't feel complete without those two guys, as unpopular as they were. There's just an unfilled void where they once were... bring them back! Complete the roster!

There seriously just needs to be alittle more spit and polish... it's one of those games that if you don't get right 100%, 99% ain't gonna cut it.

Every character needs their' own level, and their' own theme. There needs to be a choice of supers. There needs to be variety in the roster. Rose, Ken, Ryu, Gouken, Akuma, Sakura, Dan, Sagat and even Seth play too similairly. That's 9 out of the 25 total. That leaves 16 characters who play somewhat differently, and even there exist some parallels. Eg Vega and Gen play very similairly (Gen is basically just a better Vega) and so on.

There needs to be more... 'zip' to the roster... more 'zazz'. Something fresh! I often find myself completely unable to choose a character at the select screen because... well, none of them interest me, really. I've either played them before, or they play too similairly to another character.

Levels? Battle intros? What Blu Ray says your average PC/360 user? If this was a Super Smash iteration, I could understand where you're coming from, but how would some extra levels change your enjoyment of the game? It's a background.

I do agree about character variety though~

[DHEvil]

Levels? Battle intros? What Blu Ray says your average PC/360 user? If this was a Super Smash iteration, I could understand where you're coming from, but how would some extra levels change your enjoyment of the game? It's a background.

I do agree about character variety though~

There are two parts to Street Fighter, and two reasons why people fell in love with it. The serious, technical, deep side to it, which is the side you're talking about, and the ethos, the mythology, and sheer awesomeness of YOUR favourite character.

When your favourite character doesn't get their' own level, and their' own kickass theme... it kinda hurts, man.

And special battle intros have been an aesthetic part of Street Fighter for a long time. Why take it out now? It doesn't seem right.

As for Blu Ray usage: Capcom has already proven they are willing to give different consoles different versions of the game due to system 'limitations'.

Gouken having a 14 year old daughter? Is there no end to the Japanese being horn dogs? A 50+ year old man having a teenage daughter that will most likely wear something revealing....and dont we have enough shotos?

But I am looking forward to special intros for some matchups such as Ken vs Rufus and Bison vs Guile.

I want the entire SFII Turbo cast to be reunited as well. So that means they should add T. Hawk and Dee Jay to the cast plus I would like to see Hugo in as well. I know Hugo was in SFIII but he was also in Final Fight 1 which takes place around Street Fighter Alpha so I say he has a chance. Plus, I just want a Zangief vs Hugo match for the love of Uncle Jesus.

I get the feeling that Goukens' daughter is probably gonna be a serious character more than anything, if she comes around. I don't think Capcom wants another Sakura to be honest. I reckon she's gonna be something more akin to Makoto, with abit of Gohan from DBZ mixed in (innocence, but sudden bursts of anger and power when friends and family come under threat etc.) It would also seriously harm Goukens' awesomeness if his daughter was some bumbling bimbo. I feel Capcom really wants Gouken to be on par with Akuma in terms of seriousness, and having a young'n like that would be on par with saying that Dan is Akumas' son... eh, just doesn't fit.

I agree with everything else though, especially the Hugo thing. We have like a billion Shotos and Shoto variants. Why can't we have another real grappler, or two, in the form of Hugo and T. Hawk? Bring the big boys back I say.

[Kaijima]

How about this model for a DLC/patch update - do it like LittleBigPlanet on PS3.

Playing online requires the downloading of a new update package, perhaps in the 40-60 meg range, that contains free new features (such as more tournament game types, balance for existing characters, character intro sequences) and the data for say, 3 entirely new characters.

Then, everyone online can see and play against people with the new update, but they can't select those new characters themselves. It creates an incentive to buy the DLC as well, if the new characters are interesting. It's free advertising for Capcom. This model is being used in several other games right now, and developers are evidently happy enough with it, so...

I realize there are potential problems with this like "what if one of the new characters is a Sagat and dominates everyone who didn't buy the patch, since they can't select the new monster?" But no solution is perfect; Capcom would just have to be careful with how they balance any new characters added under such a framework.

[DHEvil]

How about this model for a DLC/patch update - do it like LittleBigPlanet on PS3.

Playing online requires the downloading of a new update package, perhaps in the 40-60 meg range, that contains free new features (such as more tournament game types, balance for existing characters, character intro sequences) and the data for say, 3 entirely new characters.

Then, everyone online can see and play against people with the new update, but they can't select those new characters themselves. It creates an incentive to buy the DLC as well, if the new characters are interesting. It's free advertising for Capcom. This model is being used in several other games right now, and developers are evidently happy enough with it, so...

I realize there are potential problems with this like "what if one of the new characters is a Sagat and dominates everyone who didn't buy the patch, since they can't select the new monster?" But no solution is perfect; Capcom would just have to be careful with how they balance any new characters added under such a framework.

Your suggestion would still be unfair because, fighting against characters you don't have access to, and therefore cannot test, puts you at an inherent disadvanatage as you simply won't have the right kind of experience against them.

The best option, without dividing the player base, would be to continue releasing content that doesn't affect gameplay or splits the playerbase and charging for this. Then release the content patch (SF4-2) for free. With more levels, more characters and all around more content, you can think up lots of other content you can sell to your users in a similair vein to the alternate costumes.

Realistically though, I think that SF4-2 will be released maybe two years from now as a full blown game with a $60 price tag. There will be minimal developement as the base game is already there, so this means fairly big profits for Capcom even if only a fraction of the people who bought SF4 buy SF4-2.

[Super Sonic]

There are two parts to Street Fighter, and two reasons why people fell in love with it. The serious, technical, deep side to it, which is the side you're talking about, and the ethos, the mythology, and sheer awesomeness of YOUR favourite character.

When your favourite character doesn't get their' own level, and their' own kickass theme... it kinda hurts, man.

And special battle intros have been an aesthetic part of Street Fighter for a long time. Why take it out now? It doesn't seem right.

As for Blu Ray usage: Capcom has already proven they are willing to give different consoles different versions of the game due to system 'limitations'.



I get the feeling that Goukens' daughter is probably gonna be a serious character more than anything, if she comes around. I don't think Capcom wants another Sakura to be honest. I reckon she's gonna be something more akin to Makoto, with abit of Gohan from DBZ mixed in (innocence, but sudden bursts of anger and power when friends and family come under threat etc.) It would also seriously harm Goukens' awesomeness if his daughter was some bumbling bimbo. I feel Capcom really wants Gouken to be on par with Akuma in terms of seriousness, and having a young'n like that would be on par with saying that Dan is Akumas' son... eh, just doesn't fit.

I agree with everything else though, especially the Hugo thing. We have like a billion Shotos and Shoto variants. Why can't we have another real grappler, or two, in the form of Hugo and T. Hawk? Bring the big boys back I say.

A female Dark Hadou user... That would be awesome.

[WINBACK]

I rest my case.

Kill all "fans" or whatever it is they pretend to be.

[Beikoku Taichou]

Unfortunately there is no way to please everyone.

The best option would be to release the second version as a downloadable patch, a hard disk you could install (like the Halo 2 map packs) and an arcade update. It would also be wise at this point to stop print of the original and sell the new version as a bundle or as a standalone. (see Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution for PS2, which was sold as the Greatest Hits version of VF4)

Unfortunately that's if money was no problem. It costs money that you have to pay to the console maker to put anything up on DLC. This includes patches. Not to mention the manufacturing cost if they decide to take a physical disk/ arcade update route.

All in all I'd say a new version is good in the long run. Let's not forget that the game has already sold well above expectations. They just have to make sure to update it in such a way that they alienate the smallest amount of people possible.

[DHEvil]

I rest my case.

Kill all "fans" or whatever it is they pretend to be.

Or we could just kill you and all complaints would stop.

[Data Beast]

They can do it on the PC but they won't be able too on the 360.

Valve actually releases all of the TF2 and L4D DLC for free on Xbox Live. Their philosophy is that people will continue to buy their games if they continue to support them. They've stated that sales always increase when they release new content.

Kids are a lot more savvy these days. They aren't going to accept revisions sold at full price every year or two like my generation did for a few years in the early '90s. Get it out there as cheap/free DLC and then pack it with the game like Bethesda does with their 'Game of the Year' editions. Then it's time to get to work on a true sequel with a brand new engine. Keep it fresh or it's going to be the fighting game crash of 1995 all over again.

[SLICK RICK]

yeahhh...soooo....where do i sign that Rolento petition?

[PENETRATOR]

- They mention that they could add Rolento (?!) if there's enough demand

Yes.

- I don't have the game so maybe this gets mentioned in gouken's ending or something, but supposedly, he has a 12 year old daughter, that "probably is as strong as ryu,ken or gouki" and "maybe can do a one handed hadouken like his father can".

No.

[DHEvil]

yeahhh...soooo....where do i sign that Rolento petition?

This. We need to make our voices heard and get that crazy mofo in the roster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5NX0-3o62U

[CraigEgg]

I could care less about all of it except for the "diagram" giving Capcom more game data.

As is, I am on the verge of not taking this game serious and looking elsewhere. In truth, the *more* I play and better I get the *more* I realize balance is a huge issue.

For anyone who says "leave the char balance as is", chances are you play an op char or would buy a piece of steamy poo if it had Capcom's name on it.

[Hazank0]

i would be satisfied if they add t.hawk, dee jay, rolento, and another final fight character. guy, cody, maki would do well. hell even hugo imo. balance out the roster series wise.

just make sure gief ryu and sagat get BEAT with the nerf stick, while vega and guile and a few others get some buff potions

the thing is, they really need to pay attention to balance now.

[Stoopid Eediot]

I could care less about all of it except for the "diagram" giving Capcom more game data.

As is, I am on the verge of not taking this game serious and looking elsewhere. In truth, the *more* I play and better I get the *more* I realize balance is a huge issue.

For anyone who says "leave the char balance as is", chances are you play an op char or would buy a piece of steamy poo if it had Capcom's name on it.

I main Dan.
I like the char balance.
I wouldn't buy a piece of steamy poo if it had Capcom's name on it.
Dan must be OP!

I like this thread.

[fallot]

Rolento: Fuck yes
Japan: Fuck you

[ilitirit]

During development we had a diagram like this and used it to tweak the characters.

Oh really? Then how the fuck did you guys miss the fact that Vega and Guile are utter pants in this game?

[gozulin]

Patching does have its benefits, but I still maintain that the amount of money it will cost them to make new characters, adjust/fix old characters, and put in any necessary new stuff (stages, music, online modes, whatever else you want to put here) will not be made up by releasing it as a paid online patch/DLC. They just aren't as viable business models as disc-based games (yet).

Also, forcing everyone to download a patch containing new characters (at who knows how big), then making them pay to use it? I'm sure that'll go over really well with everyone.

I agree that segmenting the player base is bad. But ... what if you WANT to play vanilla SF4, on your old disc, without the patch? Putting in an option to "turn off the patch" is pretty strange, especially considering there could easily be several different patches if they went with this model, and you're essentially trying to play two different games off one disc. How would online work if you wanted to play someone in vanilla SF4? You're back to segmenting the player base again (only now with additional matchmaking issues for Capcom), unless you wipe vanilla SF4 off the face of the earth with the patch update.

As far as deployment, advertising, and cost-effectiveness for Capcom, a disc-based version is probably more appropriate right now. But the game I'm talking about is more than just a handful of move tweaks for existing characters; a problem for which patches are better suited.

I believe you are correct, sir. Capcom cannot ignore the lucrative arcade market in Japan and its interests are better served by:

1- Releasing a new arcade version within a year, and a new console version, around 6 months later (to avoid cannibalizing arcade sales). I think the same motive was part of the reason why Capcom didn't release the (easily pirated) PC version of SF4 until after the console sales petered out. I see no reason why Capcom should alter its modus operandi.

2- Start working on SF5: Online for next-gen consoles if 2nd dawn is a commercial success. SF5 Online will cost 15 dollars a month and get regular patches. At yearly intervals, Capcom will sell expansion packs and will bathe in our moneymoney.

Maybe...

[JPGR-]

I believe you are correct, sir. Capcom cannot ignore the lucrative arcade market in Japan and its interests are better served by:

1- Releasing a new arcade version within a year, and a new console version, around 6 months later (to avoid cannibalizing arcade sales). I think the same motive was part of the reason why Capcom didn't release the (easily pirated) PC version of SF4 until after the console sales petered out. I see no reason why Capcom should alter its modus operandi.

2- Start working on SF5: Online for next-gen consoles if 2nd dawn is a commercial success. SF5 Online will cost 15 dollars a month and get regular patches. At yearly intervals, Capcom will sell expansion packs and will bathe in our moneymoney.

Maybe...

lolwut, am I missing something?

[divertiti]

Valve actually releases all of the TF2 and L4D DLC for free on Xbox Live. Their philosophy is that people will continue to buy their games if they continue to support them. They've stated that sales always increase when they release new content.

Kids are a lot more savvy these days. They aren't going to accept revisions sold at full price every year or two like my generation did for a few years in the early '90s. Get it out there as cheap/free DLC and then pack it with the game like Bethesda does with their 'Game of the Year' editions. Then it's time to get to work on a true sequel with a brand new engine. Keep it fresh or it's going to be the fighting game crash of 1995 all over again.

Ideally, Capcom should support their games and their customers like Valve by releasing the new content as a patch. But who are we kidding here, Capcom is a company that charges for alt costumes, they're not even in the same class as Valve. Us players will inevitably get screwed over by either a fragmented user base due to paid DLCs, or be forced to buy another game, which will once again result in a fragmented user base.

[FallenAngel]

Replying to my own thread to avoid creating a new one just for this.

In today's blog post. Shiowaza san hints AGAIN and AGAIN at the possibility of a SF4 sequel. I think they already decided and we're gonna see it in less than a year (arcade jap version at least).

She says that today she has nothing to write about, not because she has no more news or material to talk about, but because she can't talk about it AT THIS TIME.

She writes that SF4 producer Ono will be appearing in Tougeki in a video message to the community. Shiowaza says that she has "no idea" what the message is about but seeing him preparing it makes her feel that it's something "out of the ordinary" and that "something's being planned". She then recommends everyone to not miss Tougeki.

Just to be clear: no they didn't confirm anything, but the way it's being suggested again and again, I think it's clear that they will announce a sequel sooner than later. Maybe it's just an update to the arcade version, who knows.

Edit: Shiowaza also mentioned that soon she'll be revealing "new information" about the PC version. I hope it's nothing crappy like more filters.

[kesh!]

i wanna see something new!
Bringing back rolento would be nice though.

[Full Metal Jacket]

Replying to my own thread to avoid creating a new one just for this.

In today's blog post. Shiowaza san hints AGAIN and AGAIN at the possibility of a SF4 sequel. I think they already decided and we're gonna see it in less than a year (arcade jap version at least).

She says that today she has nothing to write about, not because she has no more news or material to talk about, but because she can't talk about it AT THIS TIME.

She writes that SF4 producer Ono will be appearing in Tougeki in a video message to the community. Shiowaza says that she has "no idea" what the message is about but seeing him preparing it makes her feel that it's something "out of the ordinary" and that "something's being planned". She then recommends everyone to not miss Tougeki.

Just to be clear: no they didn't confirm anything, but the way it's being suggested again and again, I think it's clear that they will announce a sequel sooner than later. Maybe it's just an update to the arcade version, who knows.

Edit: Shiowaza also mentioned that soon she'll be revealing "new information" about the PC version. I hope it's nothing crappy like more filters.

I Just hope they don't charge full retail.

[Ghaleon]

Unless it's an expansion pack, I'm 99% sure it would be $60. Hell, Madden does it every year.

[mikros]

- Someone requested being able to rotate the camera while replaying matches. Capcom say's they will think about it.

The current backgrounds wouldn't cover 360º to rotate the camera, but it would still be nice to have the option, anyways.