Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers

The reviewers generally acknowledge that Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers prioritizes gameplay over narrative, with several noting that its story elements are minimal but not entirely absent. COGconnected and Cubed3 highlight that the game’s plot revolves around characters joining a tournament, though it lacks depth, focusing instead on mechanics and nostalgia. LevelUp mentions the Arcade mode as a story-driven experience featuring Akuma and character-specific endings, while Switch Player points to new characters like Evil Ryu and Violent Ken having brief backstories of revenge or mind-control—though these are framed as reskins rather than substantial narratives. Trusted Reviews emphasizes that the story is intentionally simplistic, with minimal blurbs about honor or world domination serving as excuses for combat. These critiques suggest that while the game’s narrative is not a core focus, it provides enough context to satisfy fans of the series without overshadowing its competitive design. However, several critics strongly criticize the execution of the game’s story modes, calling them underdeveloped or poorly implemented. JeuxActu and Nintendojo condemn La Voie du Hado (or Way of the Hadoken) as a “disaster” and a “bland, fleeting gimmick,” respectively, citing issues like poor movement recognition and unpolished mechanics that detract from immersion. Stevivor describes the first-person mode as “soulless and unengaging,” contrasting it with more narrative-driven fighters like Injustice 2. USgamer also finds the story in Way of the Hado shallow and unremarkable, while Switch Player notes that even the new characters’ backstories feel superficial. These critiques underscore a consensus that the game’s attempts at storytelling fall short, failing to deliver meaningful or cohesive narratives despite their presence. Overall, the critics agree that Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is not a story-driven title, with most viewing its narrative as a secondary aspect. While some praise its intentional simplicity and nostalgic appeal (as noted by COGconnected, Cubed3, and Trusted Reviews), others, like JeuxActu and Stevivor, argue that the game’s story modes are poorly executed and fail to add value. The lack of substantial storytelling aligns with the broader Street Fighter tradition, where combat takes precedence over plot, but the mixed reception of specific modes highlights a disconnect between the game’s ambitions and its execution. Ultimately, the consensus leans toward the idea that the game succeeds as a competitive fighting experience rather than a narrative-driven adventure, leaving story elements as a minor footnote in an otherwise gameplay-focused package.

The gameplay of Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is widely praised for its faithful adherence to the classic Street Fighter II experience, with many reviewers highlighting its timeless mechanics and refined balance. Critics like Gameblog.fr describe the gameplay as "intemporel" (timeless), emphasizing its core combat depth and accessibility for both newcomers and veterans. The inclusion of rebalanced characters such as Evil Ryu and Violent Ken is seen as a positive addition, offering variety without straying from the original formula. The Sydney Morning Herald commends the game’s enduring appeal, noting its portability and two-player versatility, while Game Informer applauds the improved stages and training mode, which enhance replayability. The inclusion of modes like Arcade, Versus, and Buddy Battle is also celebrated for expanding the gameplay experience, with Metro GameCentral acknowledging the online play and co-op features as valuable additions. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks, particularly regarding control schemes on the Nintendo Switch. Wired UK, Polygon, and XGN all criticize the clunky Joy-Con controls, which make precise inputs difficult and detract from the experience, especially in high-stakes matches. The new modes like Way of the Hado and Buddy Battle are frequently dismissed as gimmicky or underdeveloped; Polygon calls Way of the Hado "strange and unenjoyable," while Attack of the Fanboy argues that these additions feel poorly implemented. Additionally, some reviewers note that the game’s simplicity and lack of modern innovations make it feel dated compared to contemporary fighters. Destructoid highlights that certain features, like the split-d-pad and motion controls, are outdated, while JeuxActu criticizes the imprecise Joy-Con handling for two-player battles. These issues collectively undermine the game’s potential as a polished modern experience. Overall, critics agree that Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers succeeds as a nostalgic tribute to the original, with its core mechanics and character roster earning widespread acclaim. However, the Switch-specific control challenges and underwhelming new features create a mixed reception. While Wired UK and The Sydney Morning Herald celebrate its authenticity and portability, others like Polygon and GameCritics argue that the game feels more like an updated port than a meaningful evolution. Despite these criticisms, the consensus leans toward appreciation for its dedication to the classic formula, with many acknowledging it as a must-play for fans of the series, even if it falls short in modernizing its gameplay for broader audiences. The balance between reverence for tradition and the limitations of its technical execution defines the critical reception.

The graphics and visual design of Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers received mixed but generally positive feedback from critics, with many praising its enhanced aesthetics and flexibility. Several reviewers highlighted the improved hand-drawn visuals by Udon Entertainment, noting their "superb" quality (Switch Player) and "gorgeous" presentation (Nintendojo), particularly in the remastered HD mode. The inclusion of a choice between classic 4:3 pixel art and modernized styles was widely appreciated, with critics like Shacknews and The Games Machine emphasizing the nostalgic appeal of retro modes and the value of customizable options such as the Color Edit feature (EGM). Additionally, the game’s vibrant color palettes, detailed stages, and inclusion of an artbook (3DJuegos, Nintendojo) were celebrated for their artistic depth. Many also praised the crisp HD resolution and modernized sprites that retain the original 2D essence while offering a cleaner, more refined look (App Trigger, LevelUp). However, several critics criticized the new Udon art style as inconsistent or unrecognizable from Capcom’s original designs. Metro GameCentral and Polygon called out the "unrecognizable" and "terrible" visuals for characters like Fei Long, while The Games Machine noted awkward character designs and static backgrounds. The lack of real-time graphical switching (We Got This Covered) and limited animation frames in stages (Metro GameCentral) were also points of contention. Some reviewers found the HD remastering to be uneven, with Multiplayer.it criticizing its "dated appearance" despite being based on the 2009 HD Remix. The "manga aesthetic" (Critical Hit) and "clunky color editor" (ZTGD) were polarizing, while others felt the new visuals lacked the charm of the original 16-bit style (Wired UK). Even TheSixthAxis noted that Udon’s designs, though modern, failed to match the consistency of the HD Remix. Overall, critics largely agreed that the game strikes a balance between nostalgia and modernization, but with significant divides over the visual overhaul. While many praised its flexibility and artistic upgrades (e.g., Nintendojo, Shacknews), others felt the Udon style compromised the original’s identity (Metro GameCentral, Polygon). The consensus leaned toward appreciation for the options to toggle between styles, though some questioned the execution of the HD remastering. Despite polarizing opinions on the new art direction, most acknowledged the game’s commitment to preserving its legacy while offering a polished, visually refined experience for both purists and newcomers.

The sound design and music of Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers received generally positive reception, with many critics praising its balanced approach to nostalgia and modernization. Multiple reviewers highlighted the inclusion of both classic and updated audio elements, such as 3DJuegos’ note on HD vibrations for special moves and App Trigger’s admiration for Vega’s standout track and improved sound effects. Atomix and CGMagazine emphasized the ability to mix original and modern audio styles, while Destructoid and Gamer.nl celebrated retro sound effects and announcers for their nostalgic value, alongside remixed themes like metal tracks for new characters. The game’s flexibility in allowing players to toggle between original arcade soundtracks, Street Fighter IV voices, and updated remixes was frequently cited as a strength, with Nintendo Life and SpazioGames noting the "renewed" audio as a strong aspect of the presentation. These elements collectively underscored the game’s effort to cater to both purists and modern audiences. However, several critics pointed out limitations in the sound design and music quality. Critical Hit criticized remixes for lacking soul, while Destructoid and TheSixthAxis noted that the new arrangements felt less impactful compared to previous iterations like OverClocked ReMix. Stevivor and Nintendo World Report highlighted practical drawbacks, such as the inability to switch audio styles mid-game without navigating menus or the absence of hybrid options for mixing old sound effects with new music. Additionally, some reviews, including Worth Playing and Trusted Reviews, mentioned technical shortcomings like lower audio quality in certain modes or missing effects (e.g., Dhalsim’s elephant trumpets). While many praised the remastered tracks, others, such as TrueGaming, found most remixes subpar except for a few standout pieces. These critiques suggest that while the audio upgrades were appreciated, they did not universally meet expectations for innovation or depth. Overall, the consensus among critics leaned toward appreciation for the game’s thoughtful balance between retro and modern audio elements, even if the execution had mixed results. The ability to customize sound settings—whether through classic MIDI chip tunes, updated remixes, or hybrid options—was widely seen as a positive, with 3DJuegos, Atomix, and CGMagazine emphasizing its value for diverse player preferences. However, the lack of mid-game audio switching and the uneven quality of remixes created a split in opinions. While some, like Nintendo Life and SpazioGames, found the upgrades enjoyable, others, such as Critical Hit and TheSixthAxis, felt they fell short of expectations. Ultimately, Ultra Street Fighter II was viewed as a respectful evolution of its audio design, prioritizing accessibility and nostalgia over radical innovation.

The voice acting in Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers receives generally favorable mentions, with several critics highlighting its improvements over previous iterations. 3DJuegos notes the inclusion of iconic lines like Ryu’s “hadouken” cry, preserving a nostalgic element for fans, while Forbes singles out Norio Wakamoto’s portrayal of M. Bison as a standout performance. Game Over Online and Worth Playing emphasize that new voice work enhances immersion compared to earlier versions, with Pocket Gamer UK pointing to the use of Street Fighter IV voices as a positive addition. Shacknews also acknowledges re-recorded lines as an improvement, though it frames this as a subtle upgrade rather than a transformative feature. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is better than past entries, its impact is more about consistency and nostalgia than groundbreaking innovation. However, several critics point to limitations in depth and quality. Nintendo Enthusiast specifically criticizes Sagat’s lines for sounding “strange” compared to original versions, highlighting inconsistencies in character delivery. Atomix and Nintendo Life note that the review text lacks detailed analysis of voice quality, leaving many aspects unexplored. Hobby Consolas mentions “nuevas voces” (new voices) but stops short of elaborating on their execution, while Trusted Reviews similarly notes updated lines without commenting on their technical or emotional depth. Shacknews also frames the voice acting as an improvement but not a standout feature, suggesting that while it meets expectations, it fails to elevate the game’s overall experience. These critiques reveal a recurring theme of missed opportunities to fully capitalize on the potential of voice work. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers represents a step forward but remains a peripheral aspect of the game. While improvements like re-recorded lines and nostalgic callbacks are appreciated—particularly by 3DJuegos, Forbes, and Shacknews—the lack of detailed critique or standout performances limits its impact. Critics like Game Over Online and Worth Playing acknowledge the value of added immersion, yet others, such as Nintendo Enthusiast and Hobby Consolas, suggest that the voice work feels more like a technical upgrade than a creative achievement. This mixed reception underscores a general agreement that while the voice acting is better than before, it does not significantly enhance the game’s core appeal or set a new benchmark for the series.

The technical performance of Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers on the Nintendo Switch received mixed but generally positive remarks regarding its core functionality. Many critics highlighted the game’s smooth operation, with Nintendo Life noting that online mode ran "smoothly with no noticeable lag" during their review, and Cubed3 praising the Pro Controller for providing "smoother gameplay" and describing online multiplayer as "robust." The Switch’s portability was also a frequent positive, with Game Rant acknowledging its stability despite some price concerns. Additionally, IGN Italia and The Games Machine emphasized the game’s reliability on Switch hardware, while Worth Playing noted stable multiplayer and quick matchmaking. These points suggest that the technical foundation of the port is solid, even if not without flaws. However, the technical performance faced significant criticism, particularly around control schemes and online features. The Joy-Con controllers were repeatedly singled out for their shortcomings: Wired UK criticized "unresponsive inputs" and poor motion tracking, while Gaming Age highlighted the D-pad’s incompatibility with fighting game mechanics. Shacknews and Gameblog.fr pointed to framerate issues and motion control problems in Way of the Hado, a mode that many found frustrating due to its "unresponsive" and "inaccurate" controls. Online play also had mixed reception—while Cubed3 and IGN Italia noted smooth matches, others like XGN and Wccftech reported lag or connectivity issues. Additionally, DualShockers and Game Informer mentioned the lack of substantial updates and limitations in features like replay systems, underscoring a sense of technical underdevelopment despite the game’s core stability. The overall consensus among critics is that Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers on Switch delivers a technically functional experience but is hampered by control issues and incomplete online features. While Nintendo Life and Cubed3 praised its reliability, the Joy-Con’s limitations—highlighted by Wired UK, Shacknews, and Gamer.nl—were a recurring pain point. The Way of the Hado mode, in particular, faced universal criticism for its flawed motion controls, with Atomix and Attack of the Fanboy calling it "frustrating" and "boring." Despite these flaws, many acknowledged that using a Pro Controller or accepting minor technical compromises could mitigate issues. Ultimately, critics agreed that while the game’s technical performance is adequate, its control scheme and online infrastructure fell short of expectations, leaving it as a mixed but ultimately playable experience for fans.

The positive aspects of Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers’ replay value are highlighted by several critics who emphasize its core mechanics and nostalgic appeal. Reviewers like Pocket Gamer UK and SpazioGames praise the game’s arcade mode, online multiplayer, and customization options (e.g., character color editors and art galleries) as key contributors to sustained engagement. Critical Hit and XGN note that new characters, co-op modes, and training tools add depth, while Nintendo Life and CGMagazine highlight the competitive nature of the game, with online rankings, stat tracking, and challenge modes keeping players invested. The timeless appeal of the 1v1 combat, as noted by IGN Spain and Gamer.nl, also ensures that fans return for the refined mechanics and balanced roster, even if the content is largely derived from earlier iterations. However, many critics argue that the game’s replayability is hampered by its lack of substantial new content and underdeveloped modes. Shacknews and TheSixthAxis criticize the shallow execution of features like Buddy Battle and Way of the Hado, which feel repetitive or poorly designed. IGN Italia and GamingTrend point to limited modes beyond training, co-op, and online play, suggesting that interest may wane quickly for players seeking innovation. Polygon and Wccftech also note that the high price tag and minimal improvements over previous versions reduce long-term appeal, while Destructoid acknowledges the game’s foundation as a classic but highlights underdeveloped modes as a drawback. These critiques collectively underscore a gap between the game’s nostalgic strengths and its ability to offer fresh experiences. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with praise for the game’s core competitiveness and accessibility offset by frustration over its lack of meaningful additions. While Pocket Gamer UK and XGN view the game as a worthwhile purchase for fans due to its variety of modes and customization, others like Gamer.no and Stevivor argue that it feels more like a nostalgic relic than a compelling long-term investment. The divide reflects differing expectations: hardcore fighters may appreciate the refined mechanics and online play, while casual players or those seeking innovation might find the content insufficient. Ultimately, the game’s replay value hinges on its ability to satisfy purists, with many critics agreeing that it excels as a tribute to the original but falls short of delivering a transformative experience.