Review – Street Fighter Alpha Anthology

Rounding out the entire package are a couple of undocumented but important features. In the options mode of each game you can access a secret list of extra options for changing the gameplay, a color edit mode, and a set of virtual dipswitches like you would find on an arcade board that can change very specific aspects of the combat, allowing you to make each game as close or as distant to the arcade experience as desired. Did I mention you can load each game onto a PS2 hard drive for instant load times? Not a huge deal, but a nice gesture that no one really expected.

Like many fans, I am absolutely shocked about Street Fighter Alpha Anthology. Personally, I couldn’t care less about 100% arcade accuracy and arrange modes. Yet the fact that Capcom included such things, as well as a wealth of extra options and a full suite of games, is just incredible, and I really appreciate the effort. Just about everything a fan could possibly ask for (and then some) has been included.

Gem Fighter is in here…. no one cares do they?

Of course, there are complaints about certain omissions, such as a lack of online play or the removal of features found in the console ports of Alpha 3. However, no one is ever going to make the perfect compilation, and there will always be someone who isn’t happy. I think most people would agree that it is better for Capcom to put its efforts into providing good ports and good game options, rather than features which encourage anonymous competition and single player modes.

Whatever your fancy, you will find that the Alpha Anthology can provide you countless hours of great fighting that both rabid and casual fans can get into. If you’re looking to sink your teeth into something during the dry summer months and want to relive some old Street Fighter memories, you can’t go wrong with this one. Don’t worry Capcom, I’m still your whore. Now if only you could give this kind of treatment to SF2 and 3. I expect nothing less after you have spoiled me so.