It is probably the most important and commendable trait going for Street Fighter 4, that not only with it is the series entering the realm of 3D graphics and effects, but at the same time doing so in a way that doesn’t butcher the core gameplay expected from the series. After sitting down with it recently, not only was it clear that the engine itself is a stark upgrade from any game in the series, but also that it simply felt like a Street Fighter game should. Fans take heart, the beloved series has entered the three dimensional realm without losing itself in the process.

The art direction of Street Fighter 4 is a unique mix of elements, taking visual cues from cel-shaded and hand-drawn games, while at the same time not borrowing too heavily from one or the other. The fighters are incredibly detailed, complete with fluttering headbands and facial animations and move with the same precision as their 2D counterparts.

Fights themselves are a flashy affair, with yoga flames and sonic booms casting lighting effects on both the level itself and the fighters as they hit home. When a fighter is knocked out, the camera zooms in on the winning blow as the game slows to a near stop, slowly speeding back up to normal as the impact sends them flying. Certain special moves get the same treatment, zooming in on a particularly brutal combo just to see the last jaw-breaking uppercut slam into the poor sap’s skull.

While the vastly improved graphics are indeed eye catching, what is important is that in our experience the game played just as solid as ever. Though the graphics are fully 3D the gameplay itself remain completely 2D. While some moves like a spin fist may rotate the fighters positioning to each other somewhat in comparison to the level, the players have no direct control over that movement and you are not able to double-tap up or down to start sidestepping. In this way the classic Street Fighter style is retained, making fights heavily boil down to using effective timing, moves, and strategies.

Street Fighter 4 has a host of gameplay changes as well. Gameplay mechanics such as the removal of combo breaks and some moves away from parries will undoubtedly change up some of the defensive tactics of longtime players. Your offensive game will learn a few new tricks as well, such as certain attacks that can be tapped for a basic hit or held for a more powerful hit that at its apex, cannot be blocked. Another new inclusion is the revenge meter, which fills as you take hits until finally letting you unleash your rage in the form of special attacks.