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Street Fighter III
File:Street Fighter III flyer.png
Developer(s) Capcom
Publisher(s) Capcom
Designer Tomoshi Sadamoto (producer)
Yasuhiro Seto, Tomonori Ohmura, Obata Shinichiro, Halachie du Harais, Hidetoshi Ishizawa (planner)
Engine Engine Missing
status Status Missing
Release date Release Date Missing
Genre Fighting
Mode(s) Up to 2 players simultaneously
Age rating(s) Ratings Missing
Platform(s) Arcade, Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Arcade system CP System III
Media Media Missing
Input 8-way Joystick, 6 Buttons
Requirements Requirements Missing
Credits | Soundtrack | Codes | Walkthrough

Street Fighter III (ストリートファイターⅢ?) is a game in Capcom's Street Fighter series of head-to-head fighting games, originally released as coin-operated arcade games. The game was originally released in 1997 with Street Fighter III - New Generation, followed by an updated version released less than a year later titled Street Fighter III 2nd Impact - Giant Attack (ストリートファイターⅢ セカンドインパクト?)—which introduced new features and characters—and a third installment, titled Street Fighter III 3rd Strike - Fight for the Future (ストリートファイターⅢ サードストライク?), released for the arcades in 1999. The Street Fighter III games were produced for the CD-ROM-based CPS III hardware, which allowed for more elaborate 2D graphics than the CPS II-based Street Fighter Alpha games (the previous incarnation of the Street Fighter series), while revamping many of the recurring gameplay features. The game, which was designed as a direct sequel to Street Fighter II, initially discarded every previous character except for Ryu and Ken (hence the "New Generation" subtitle), introducing an all new character roster led by Alex. Likewise, a new antagonist named Gill took over M. Bison's role from the previous games as the new boss character.

Gameplay

Street Fighter III

Released in February 1997, the original Street Fighter III features ten unique selectable characters (not counting Yun and Yang separately) and a non-selectable computer-controlled character as the game's final opponent. In the single-player mode, the player will face seven computer-controlled opponents, including Gill.

The gameplay of the original Street Fighter III is based on Super Street Fighter II Turbo, but with several new abilities and features introduced. Players can now dash or retreat like in the Darkstalkers series, as well as perform high jumps and do a quick standing after falling from an attack. The game also introduced "leap attacks", which are small jumping attacks used against crouching opponents. As well, the player cannot block in the air like in the Street Fighter Alpha series.

The main new feature introduced in Street Fighter III is the inclusion of Super Arts. A Super Art in Street Fighter III is a powerful special move similar to a Super Combo in Super Turbo and the Alpha games. After selecting a character, the player will be prompted to select from one of three character-specific Super Arts to use in battle. Like the Super Combo gauge in the previous game, the player has a Super Art gauge which will fill up as the player performs regular and special moves against an opponent. The player can only perform a Super Art once the gauge is filled. Depending on the Super Art chosen by the player, the length of the Super Art gauge will vary, as well as the amount of filled Super Art gauges the player can stock up.

The other new feature is the ability to "parry" an opponent's attack. Parrying (or "blocking" which is the term used in the Japanese version) is the ability to deflect an incoming attack without receiving damage. At the exact moment an opponent's attack is about to hit his or her character, the player can move the controller toward or down to Parry the attack without receiving damage, leaving the opponent vulnerable for a counterattack. Additionally, this also allows the player to defend against Special Moves and even Super Arts without sustaining the normal minor damage. However, parrying an attack requires precise timing.

Also, as this and the next two Street Fighter III games run on the CPS III engine, more elaborate 2D sprites were created. Among the elaborated sprites include multiple hit stun sprites, including a new "turned-around state," in which a character is turned around (his or her back faces the opponent) after being hit. Only certain attacks can put characters in a turned-around state, and grabs and throws can now be comboed, as it typically takes longer for an attacked character to recover from this new type of hit stun.

Street Fighter III 2nd Impact

File:Street Fighter III 2nd Impact - Screeny.jpg

Ryu vs. Ken in 2nd Impact.

Released on October 1997, the second installment of Street Fighter III brought back all the characters from the first game and introduced two new ones: Hugo and Urien. Yun and Yang from the first game also became separate characters, with Yang receiving his unique set of Special Moves and Super Arts to distinguish him from Yun. Series' recurring hidden character Akuma also returned as a secret computer-controlled challenger and selectable character. Thus the playable character roster increased to 14. In addition to the regular Akuma, a non-playable computer-controlled version named "Shin Akuma" also appears in the single-player mode.

In addition to Super Arts, the player can also perform slightly more powerful versions of their Special Moves called EX Specials. By using a certain portion of Super Art gauge (particularly after it begins to flash), the player can perform an EX Special version of a regular Special Move by inputting the command and pressing two attack buttons instead one. Other new abilities added to the game are "grapple defense", the ability to escape from a throwing attack, and "personal action", a character-specific taunt. Each character's personal action is also accompanied by an additional benefit if completed successfully; for example, Ryu's lowers his stun gauge. If a second-player interrupts the gameplay to challenge the other player, then the first player will be allowed to change the Super Art of his or her selected character.

The single player mode was changed slightly from the first game. The player faces against series of eight opponents, including a character-specific final opponent, who will exchange dialogue with the player's character before the match. If certain requirements are met, then the player will also face a rival character during the course of the single player mode and exchange dialogue before a match. If certain other requirements are met, the player will also face against the CPU-controlled Akuma instead of the character's usual final opponent in the single-player mode and depending on the player's performance in his or her fight against Akuma, then a match against a more powerful version of Akuma known as Shin Akuma will also take place. 2nd Impact brings back the concept bonus rounds, which was last seen in Super Street Fighter II. At the end of the third CPU match, then the player will participate in a minigame dubbed "Parry the Ball", in which the player can practice his or her parrying skills against a series of basketballs thrown towards the player by Sean.

Street Fighter III 3rd Strike

Released on May 1999, the third and final installment of Street Fighter III brought back the classic Street Fighter II character Chun-Li, along with four new characters (Makoto, Remy, Q and Twelve), extending the selectable roster to 20 characters with Akuma now a regular character. All of the returning characters from the previous Street Fighter III games were given new stages, endings and even voice actors, continuing the overall storyline from where the first two games left off.

The commands for Air Parries, Throws/Holds and Leap Attacks were changed from 2nd Impact. Additionally, the player can perform a "Guard Parry" or a Parry during a Guard Stun if the timing is right. A "Guard Parry" is also known as a "Red Parry" due to the fact that the character turns red when performing it. The game also introduces a grade-based "Judgement System", in which the winning player in a single or two-player match is graded after the match based on Offense, Defense, Techniques and Extra Points. Special Points are also awarded after fulfilling special requirements.

The single player mode consists of ten regular opponents, which includes a character-specific rival as the penultimate opponent and Gill as the final boss for all the characters except for Gill himself, whose final boss is Alex. Despite his status as a regularly selectable character, the CPU version of Q can only be fought in the single-player mode as a secret challenger. The "Parry the Ball" minigame from 2nd Impact returns as well as a new version of the "Crush the Car" minigame from Street Fighter II.

Characters

Introduced in the original

  • Alex - The lead character of the Street Fighter III games. He fights with close-range grappling techniques and powerful punches. His initial goal is to avenge the defeat of his friend Tom at the hands of Gill. Voiced by Michael Sommers in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and Patrick Gallagan in 3rd Strike.
  • Dudley - A gentleman British boxer who seeks to recover his late father's antique Jaguar convertible from Gill. Voiced by Bruce Robertson in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and by Francis Diakowsky in 3rd Strike.
  • Elena - An African princess from Nairobi who uses the fighting style of capoeira. She seeks to make new friends. All of her attacks are kicks, even the punch button attacks. Voiced by Hotaru Fujino in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and Mie Midori in 3rd Strike.
  • Ibuki - An aspiring ninja who is sent to retrieve the "G file" from Gill's organization. Voiced by Yuri Amano.
  • Ken - Seeks to test his strength against his old friend and rival Ryu, once again. Voiced by Koji Tobe in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and Yuji Kishi in 3rd Strike.
  • Necro - A Russian man who was kidnapped and experimented on by Gill's organization. Voiced by Michael X. Sommers in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and by Lawrence Bayne in 3rd Strike.
  • Oro - Is a hermit who seeks a fighter worthy to inherit his fighting style. He binds one arm while fighting, to keep from accidentally killing his opponent (except when performing specific special techniques). Voiced by Kan Tokumaru in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and by Takashi Matsuyama in 3rd Strike.
  • Ryu - As usual, Ryu seeks to better his skills and find worthy opponents. Voiced by Wataru Takagi in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and by Toru Okawa in 3rd Strike.
  • Sean - A young Brazilian-Japanese fighter who becomes Ken's self-appointed apprentice. Voice by Isshin Chiba in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and Mitsuo Iwata in 3rd Strike.
  • Yang - Yang is a Kung Fu expert from Hong Kong, and the twin brother of Yun. Initially in New Generation, Yang has the same special techniques and Super Arts as his brother Yun. In 2nd Impact and 3rd Strike, Yang was given his own unique set of Special Moves and Super Arts. Voiced by Wataru Takagi in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and by Kentaro Ito in 3rd Strike.
  • Yun - A cocky fighter who, along with Yang, protects his hometown in Hong Kong. Voiced by Koji Tobe in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and by Masakazu Suzuki in 3rd Strike.
  • Gill - The leader of a secret organization which seeks to turn the Earth into a utopia. He can manipulate fire and ice. He is the final opponent for all the characters in New Generation and 3rd Strike, and for most of the characters in 2nd Impact. Gill is only playable in the console versions of the series. Voiced by Bruce Robertson in New Generation and 2nd Impact, and Lawrence Bayne in 3rd Strike.

Introduced in 2nd Impact

  • Akuma (Gouki in Japan) - Appears in 2nd Impact as a secret character and has a non-playable "Shin Akuma" version which can be selected in the Dreamcast version of the game in Double Impact. He is a regular character in 3rd Strike while his "Shin" version was removed, though in the arcade game this version is present as a near-complete character, including a recolored stage. Voiced by Tomomichi Nishimura.
  • Hugo - A professional wrestler from Germany who seeks strong tag team partner for a tag team tournament. He is often accompanied by his manager, Poison. Based on the Andore enemy character from Final Fight, also a direct nod to professional wrestler André the Giant. Hugo was planned to be in the first game, as evidenced by his mobile character with unfinished sprites, and the presence of his stage in New Generation. Voiced by Wataru Takagi in 2nd Impact and Len Carlson in 3rd Strike.
  • Urien - Gill's younger brother, who seeks to usurp his brother's leadership as "President" of their organization. He can manipulate electricity and metal. Voiced by Yuji Ueda in 2nd Impact and Lawrence Bayne in 3rd Strike.

Introduced in 3rd Strike

  • Chun-Li - She is looking for a young orphan under her care who was kidnapped under mysterious circumstances. Voiced by Atsuko Tanaka.
  • Makoto - A young Japanese girl, trained in karate. Since her father's death, Makoto's dojo, Rindoukan, has been floundering, so she seeks to challenge other fighters around the world to restore her school to a flourishing state. Voiced by Makoto Tsumura.
  • Q - A mysterious figure, with a featureless facemask and a concealing overcoat who is being pursued by the CIA. While he can be chosen as a playable character, he is a hidden computer-controlled opponent in the single-player mode. Voiced by Len Carlson.
  • Remy - A long-haired fighter from France wearing a leather jacket emblazoned with an omega. He bears a grudge against all fighters after he and his late sister were abandoned by their father. His move set is similar to Guile's and Charlie's. Voiced by Eiji Sekiguchi.
  • Twelve - A shapeshifting soldier developed by Gill's organization. Twelve is ordered to hunt down his prototype, Necro, as his first mission. Voiced by Lawrence Bayne.

Home versions

  • In 1999, Capcom released Street Fighter III: Double Impact (Street Fighter III: W Impact in Japan) for the Dreamcast, a compilation containing the original game and 2nd Impact. The compilation features an Arcade, Versus, Training and Option Mode for both games, as well as a "Parry Attack Mode" in 2nd Impact, where the player gets to test his or her parrying skills in the game's bonus round. This compilation also allows players to use Gill (in both games) and Shin Akuma (in 2nd Impact only), who were exclusively computer-controlled characters in the arcade version.
  • In 2000, a Dreamcast version of Street Fighter III 3rd Strike was also released. Like Double Impact, this port features an Arcade, Versus, Training (with normal and parry training) and Options modes, as well as a "System Direction" mode which allows the player to adjust several of the game's features. Like in Double Impact, Gill can be selected by the player, but only after fulfilling certain requirements.
  • A PlayStation 2 version of 3rd Strike was released in 2004, with all the features from the Dreamcast, including a choice between arcade and Dreamcast version's respective soundtracks. It was released in Japan as a stand-alone game, with a limited edition package containing an All About Street Fighter history book, a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle and a strategy DVD. The PS2 version was released in North America as part of the Street Fighter Anniversary Collection, a two-in-one bundle that also includes Hyper Street Fighter II. The PS2 version was not released in the PAL region. The PS2 version was re-released in Japan on September 18, 2008 in a two in one bundle with Capcom vs. SNK 2.
  • An Xbox version of the Street Fighter Anniversary Collection was also released during the year in all three regions. The Xbox version of 3rd Strike includes all the features from the PS2 version, as well as an online Versus Mode. All original Xbox games lost online capabilities in April 2010.
  • At the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con, Capcom announced that an online revision of 3rd Strike is in development.

Sources

  • Studio Bent Stuff (Sept. 2000) (in Japanese). All About Capcom Head-to-Head Fighting Games 1987-2000. A.A. Game History Series (Vol. 1). Dempa Publications, Inc.. ISBN 4885546761. 

External links

Official sites
General resources

da:Street Fighter III fa:مبارزان خیابانی ۳ fr:Street Fighter III: New Generation pt:Street Fighter III

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