Street Fighter 6

The story mode of Street Fighter 6, particularly the World Tour mode, receives mixed but generally positive feedback for its ambitious attempt to blend RPG elements with fighting game mechanics. Critics like Screen Rant and GameSpot praise it as one of the most in-depth story modes in recent fighting games, highlighting its unique narrative structure and immersive world-building. TheXboxHub and ComicBook commend the mode for feeling like a "full-blown RPG" with wacky side quests, character customization, and animated cutscenes that add depth to Metro City. Additionally, INVEN and Guardian note that it offers a deeper narrative experience than previous entries, allowing players to interact with iconic characters while unlocking cosmetics and exploring a semi-open world. The mode’s focus on self-insert fanfic vibes and character development also resonates with reviewers like TheGamer, who appreciate its lighthearted tone and emphasis on player agency. However, several critics criticize the World Tour mode for its lack of narrative depth and repetitive structure. IGN Brasil and BaziCenter describe the story as "rasa" (shallow) and "weak," with a mute protagonist, predictable plots, and simplistic dialogues that fail to engage veterans. Game Revolution and Jeuxvideo.com highlight issues like poor pacing, tedious side quests, and an unsatisfying conclusion, while Meristation and Checkpoint Gaming note the mode’s repetitive nature and lack of meaningful character involvement. Eurogamer Portugal and SpazioGames also mention performance issues or locked frame rates that detract from the experience. Many reviewers, including ZTGD and Destructoid, argue that the story is secondary to gameplay, with the narrative feeling more like a framework for mechanics than a compelling standalone experience. Overall, the consensus leans toward acknowledging Street Fighter 6’s World Tour mode as a bold step forward for the franchise, even if it falls short of perfection. While critics like Vgames and CGMagazine appreciate its accessibility and fun single-player content, others such as IGN Japan and Jeuxvideo.com feel it lacks the emotional weight or complexity expected from a major fighting game release. The mode’s strengths—its RPG-inspired structure, character interactions, and world-building—are often overshadowed by its narrative shortcomings, making it a polarizing but ultimately notable addition to the series. As TheSixthAxis notes, while the main story is "a little weak," the individual character arcs offer moments of brilliance, suggesting that Street Fighter 6 strikes a balance between innovation and tradition, albeit with room for improvement.

The majority of critics praise Street Fighter 6’s gameplay for its accessibility, depth, and innovative mechanics. Reviewers like Noisy Pixel highlight the “tight, balanced, and enjoyable” combat with a slower, strategic pace reminiscent of classic entries, while GAMES.CH and Eurogamer Germany note the game’s dual control schemes that cater to both newcomers and veterans. The introduction of the Drive System, described as a “fresh dynamic” by Eurogamer and a “compelling addition” by Game Informer, adds strategic layers through mechanics like Drive Impact and Drive Parries. Guardian and IGN Japan commend the game’s robust tutorials, training modes, and simplified controls for beginners, while Multiplayer.it and Cultured Vultures emphasize its appeal to all skill levels. The inclusion of varied modes—such as the World Tour campaign (Dexerto) and local multiplayer (Vgames)—further enhances replayability, making the gameplay feel both modern and rooted in tradition. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few critics point to minor shortcomings. Metro GameCentral criticizes the “shallow and underplayed” strategy elements, suggesting that the game’s focus on accessibility might dilute deeper tactical complexity. However, this perspective is rare compared to the broader acclaim. Other reviewers, like GameStar, note that while the game balances old and new mechanics, some may find the learning curve steep for those unfamiliar with fighting games. Still, these critiques are overshadowed by the consensus that Street Fighter 6 successfully bridges gaps between casual and competitive play without sacrificing core appeal. Overall, the critical reception of Street Fighter 6’s gameplay is overwhelmingly positive, with critics agreeing it strikes a near-perfect balance between accessibility and depth. Eurogamer Portugal and SpazioGames highlight the game’s layered combat system and Drive mechanics as standout features, while IGN Italia and Push Square praise its consistency across characters and modes. The game’s ability to retain the series’ legacy while innovating—through control schemes, tutorials, and strategic elements like the Drive Gauge—has solidified it as a modern classic. Even the lone negative critique from Metro GameCentral is an outlier in a landscape where most reviewers, including Vandal and GameMAG, celebrate its refined mechanics and inclusive design. Street Fighter 6 emerges as a triumph, offering something for everyone while reaffirming the franchise’s enduring relevance.

The majority of critics praised Street Fighter 6's graphics and visual design as a significant leap forward for the series, highlighting its vibrant art style, modern aesthetic, and technical execution. Many lauded the use of Capcom’s RE Engine, which delivers detailed character models, dynamic stage designs, and expressive animations. For instance, IGN Italia noted the "graphical improvements" that elevate the game, while Checkpoint Gaming called it the "best-looking installment in the series," praising its "dynamic backgrounds and detailed character designs." The visual identity of the game was frequently celebrated for its bold colors, flashy effects, and cohesive artistic direction. TheGamer highlighted the "stunningly stylish looks" with neon-drenched menus and vibrant character designs, while GameGrin described fights as "abstract art come to life" thanks to the game’s colorful, energetic presentation. Critics on PS5 and PC also emphasized the polished look of competitive modes, with Twinfinite noting that "sharp graphics mixed with splashes of color bring fights to life," and VGC commending the "fluid, readable action" and "visually striking color palette." However, several critics pointed out technical and platform-specific issues that detracted from the visual experience. The World Tour mode was a common point of criticism, with Eurogamer Germany (Switch 2) calling it "a lost PS4 game" due to its lower frame rates and subpar graphics, while Shacknews noted "lower quality visuals and performance issues." Platform disparities were also highlighted: Eurogamer Portugal (Switch 2) mentioned less detail compared to other consoles, and CGMagazine (Switch 2) pointed to upscaling artifacts and aliasing in handheld mode. Some critics on PC and Switch 2 noted flaws like "hair pixelation" (GameMAG) or "technical issues in solo mode" (Jeuxvideo.com). Additionally, MGG criticized the graphical style and animation quality of hair, while Vandal (Switch 2) observed visual degradation in docked mode. These issues, though not universal, underscored the game’s uneven performance across platforms and modes. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with Street Fighter 6 being celebrated as a visually impressive entry in the series. The majority of reviews emphasized its modernized aesthetic, vibrant character designs, and technical achievements, particularly on PS5 and PC. GameSpot noted "well-constructed visuals" and diverse gameplay modes, while Multiplayer.it praised the "intelligent lighting" and blend of classic and modern aesthetics. While platform-specific limitations and mode-specific issues were acknowledged, they were often framed as minor drawbacks rather than major flaws. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin highlighted the game’s ability to balance style with functionality, making it a visually stunning experience overall. The general sentiment was that Street Fighter 6 successfully modernizes the franchise’s look while retaining its iconic charm, earning praise for its artistic direction and technical execution across most platforms.

The sound design and music of Street Fighter 6 received widespread praise across multiple reviews, with many critics highlighting its vibrant, immersive qualities. Eurogamer Germany lauded the soundtrack’s high-quality production, noting a notable vinyl box set as a standout feature, while Gamers’ Temple praised the varied soundtrack that adapts to different game modes—urban vibes for the main menu and hip-hop during character selection. Jeuxvideo.com and others celebrated the “vibrant” and “innovative” commentary during fights, which enhances the competitive atmosphere, and GameGrin emphasized how sound effects like crunching kicks and impactful special moves elevate combat satisfaction. The inclusion of hip-hop influences, as noted by GRYOnline.pl and Slant Magazine, aligned with the game’s street culture theme, while Atomix and Shacknews highlighted the blend of new tracks and classic themes that “enhance the overall experience.” The soundtrack’s energetic and stylish approach was consistently praised for its ability to immerse players in the game’s world. Despite these positives, some critics pointed to notable drawbacks. XboxEra noted inconsistencies in the visual style that may affect the soundtrack’s cohesion, while Meristation criticized the original score as less appealing compared to classic Street Fighter themes, though it acknowledged nostalgic character melodies. Vandal expressed disappointment with the hip-hop-heavy soundtrack lacking memorable compositions, and Generación Xbox mentioned a preference for nostalgic remixes of older themes. Additionally, several reviews highlighted limitations in localization, such as English-only commentary (Hobby Consolas, SomosXbox) or the absence of certain language options (Daily Star). Merlin’in Kazanı also critiqued the World Tour music for feeling outdated and unexciting compared to other sections of the game. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack is ambitious, it occasionally falls short in balancing innovation with nostalgia or accessibility. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily positive, with most praising Street Fighter 6’s sound design as a strong asset to its gameplay and atmosphere. The mix of hip-hop, jazz, and electronic elements—alongside impactful sound effects—was frequently cited as a highlight, with outlets like Vgames and Twinfinite calling the audio “exceptional” and “impressive.” However, the game’s soundtrack faced some divided reactions, particularly regarding its modernization efforts versus traditional Street Fighter nostalgia. While many embraced the fresh direction (e.g., Atomix, TheGamer), others felt it lacked the timeless appeal of earlier entries (Meristation, Vandal). Despite these nuances, the majority of reviews underscored that the music and sound design significantly enhance the game’s competitive and immersive qualities, making it a standout feature for both longtime fans and newcomers.

The voice acting in Street Fighter 6 receives a generally positive reception from multiple critics, particularly highlighting its role in enhancing character immersion and storytelling. Reviewers like Hobby Consolas praise the "well-executed" voice acting, noting that characters display distinct accents and personalities, which enriches their individuality. Similarly, TrueGaming and Twinfinite commend the high-quality line deliveries for each character, emphasizing how they align with their established traits. The inclusion of both English and Japanese voice options, as noted by TrueGaming and Vandal, adds to the game’s accessibility and authenticity. Additionally, COGconnected and SpazioGames highlight that voice-overs in arcade mode and cutscenes provide contextual depth, while Vgames appreciates the "excellent" voice acting complemented by commentary from fighting game community figures. These critiques underscore a strong effort to make characters feel dynamic and engaging through vocal performances. However, some critics express reservations about the voice acting’s quality and execution. BaziCenter, reviewing on Xbox Series X, calls it "subpar," arguing that it detracts from the overall experience, particularly in story mode, where it fails to meet expectations. Generación Xbox also points out a limitation: the lack of subtitles for non-English speakers, which could hinder accessibility despite the presence of professional commentators. While most reviewers acknowledge voice acting as present or functional, several—such as Jeuxvideo.com (Xbox and PC) and GameOver.gr—note that it is not explicitly highlighted as a standout feature, suggesting it may lack the polish or memorability expected from a major fighting game release. These critiques indicate that while the voice acting is adequate, it does not consistently elevate the experience to exceptional levels. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the effort and functionality of Street Fighter 6’s voice acting. While Hobby Consolas, TrueGaming, and Vgames celebrate its strengths in character expression and immersion, others like BaziCenter and Generación Xbox point to shortcomings in quality and accessibility. The presence of bilingual options and commentator voices is widely recognized as a positive, though some reviewers feel the voice acting itself could have been more refined. Ultimately, the feedback suggests that while Street Fighter 6’s voice acting is serviceable and contributes to the game’s atmosphere, it does not consistently stand out as a defining or exceptional aspect of the experience.

The technical performance of Street Fighter 6 receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths in netcode and online stability. On the PlayStation 5, critics like IGN Italia and GameGrin highlight smooth gameplay, with frame rates mostly stable at 60fps and minimal lag, particularly praising the rollback netcode for its responsiveness in multiplayer modes. The PC version also earns praise for its consistent performance, with ZTGD and IGN Spain noting a seamless online experience, while Gamesurf commends the use of DLSS technology to maintain frame rates. For the Nintendo Switch 2, SpazioGames and Vgames acknowledge stable 60fps in most modes, with GamingBolt praising cross-platform multiplayer without significant issues. The Xbox Series X version is similarly lauded for improved online performance compared to previous entries, as noted by XboxEra and SomosXbox, though some critics like VG247 mention potential concerns about image quality on older hardware. However, technical shortcomings are evident across platforms, particularly in specific modes. The Nintendo Switch 2 faces criticism for its World Tour mode running at a capped 30fps, as highlighted by Eurogamer Portugal, SpazioGames, and DBLTAP, which detracts from the fighting game’s fluidity. On the PlayStation 5, Atomix and GameGrin note frame drops and graphical glitches in World Tour mode, while IGN Japan and Destructoid mention minor visual oddities that don’t significantly impact gameplay. The PC version sees some issues with character animations and UI visibility (INVEN) and occasional texture problems in solo modes (Jeuxvideo.com). Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X faces mixed reports, with BaziCenter noting that the Xbox Series S runs an older version of the game, and Jeuxvideo.com citing minor technical hiccups in solo mode. These issues, while not crippling, highlight inconsistencies in optimization across platforms. Overall, critics agree that Street Fighter 6 delivers a technically solid experience, particularly in online multiplayer, where rollback netcode and stable connections are universally praised (e.g., GameSpew, Player 2, and SpazioGames). While the Switch 2’s World Tour mode remains a sticking point for some, many reviewers acknowledge it as a minor flaw given the game’s broader strengths. The PS5 and PC versions receive the most consistent praise for their performance, with only minor issues reported, while the Xbox Series X benefits from improved online infrastructure but faces occasional hardware-specific challenges. Despite platform variations, the consensus leans toward Street Fighter 6 being a technically strong entry in the series, with room for refinement rather than major setbacks.

The majority of critics praised Street Fighter 6 for its robust replay value, highlighting its diverse array of modes and features. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and Gamer.nl emphasized the game’s polished fighting experience, dynamic character roster, and long-term engagement through revamped online systems. The World Tour mode, described as an RPG-style single-player journey by Gamer.nl and Cultured Vultures, was noted for its depth and extensive content, while Battle Hub and Fighting Ground modes offered social and competitive interactions that kept players engaged. SpazioGames and Vandal highlighted the inclusion of all characters from Seasons 1 and 2, along with customization options, as key contributors to replayability. Additionally, Dexerto and GameSpot praised the game’s endgame depth, including ranked systems, clubs, and a vibrant online community, which catered to both casual and competitive players. The variety of gameplay styles—from arcade modes to extreme battle challenges—was frequently cited as a strength, with Press Start Australia and TheXboxHub noting that the game “bursting-at-the-seams package” provided ample content for repeated play. However, some critics pointed out specific shortcomings that could limit replay value. Digital Chumps and Gamers’ Temple criticized the World Tour mode for feeling repetitive after extended play, with IGN Japan and WellPlayed noting its potentially monotonous nature despite engaging core mechanics. Game Revolution and Gaming Age expressed concerns about the single-player modes lacking depth, particularly in World Tour, which they felt required more variety to sustain interest. Additionally, Gamer.nl and SpazioGames mentioned a relatively limited character roster, though this was offset by the promise of future DLCs. GameStar emphasized that multiplayer is essential for long-term enjoyment, suggesting that solo players might find the experience less compelling over time. While most reviewers acknowledged these issues, they often framed them as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive regarding Street Fighter 6’s replay value, with many highlighting its ability to cater to a wide range of player preferences. IGN Spain and Comicbook.com noted that the game’s blend of single-player storytelling, competitive modes, and online features created a “wealth of options” for sustained engagement. While some critics like Digital Chumps and IGN Japan raised valid concerns about repetition in certain modes, these were frequently balanced by praise for the game’s innovation and accessibility. The inclusion of season passes, battle passes, and DLCs (as noted by Gaming Age and GameSpot) further reinforced the game’s long-term appeal. Ultimately, Street Fighter 6 was seen as a strong entry in the series, offering substantial replay value through its diverse content, online infrastructure, and commitment to both new and veteran players. As TheXboxHub put it, the game is “highly replayable and pleasing to both newcomers and veterans,” reflecting the broader critical sentiment.