Street Fighter V
Review

Street Fighter V (2016) (Street Fighter 5) is a competitive fighting game. First introduced in 1987, this classic game from Japan has inspired a whole genre. You choose a champion fighter from around the world, each with unique abilities, then fight one-on-one with either a computer controlled player or a friend. This version retains the play style of a classic arcade game but with updated visuals, tweaked fighting mechanics and a lite story.

Gameplay involves pressing multiple buttons in combination with stick movement. Each combination performs a move, such as a jump, punch, kick or block. There are also special moves that require quickly pressing series of buttons, or holding to charge attacks. The triggered move also depends on whether you are standing, moving, jumping or crouching. Like any sports game, practice with the different moves and experience with fighting bouts will improve your chances of winning.

The base game contains 16 characters which include male, female and fantasy humanoids. In 2020 the Champion Edition downloadable content increased the roster to 40 characters. Visually, these characters and the world in which they fight, is in the style of Japanese anime. The characters are varied as are the arena backgrounds, making it colourful and interesting to look at. It's Not as violent as competitor Mortal Kombat but still involves martial arts both unarmed and armed.

The result is a highly skilled challenge that relies not only on memorising moves, but how and when to use them in relation to opponents. Players can enjoy persevering to improve their performance over many years.

Our examiner, Andrea Walney, first checked Street Fighter V 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 8 months ago.