Street Fighter IV Message Board older than one year ago

Capcom laid out the feature set 'n changes that would be integrated into the long-time-coming PC port a Super Street Fighter IV (complete with the Arcade Edition patch) last week. Along with those features--including more comprehensive video options for crew with low-end hardware t' hit 60 frames per second online-- Capcom also revealed the game's security 'n anti-piracy features.

Like the release a Street Fighter IV on the PC in 2009, SSFIV: AE features Games For Windows Live support for the online functionality 'n requires players t' be logged into a GFWL account t' access the game's full functionality. Those who played SSFIV without being connected t' the Internet would find the game's offline functionality t' be severely limited. Capcom senior VP Christian Svensson wrote in his blog post announcement:

As ye would imagine, the realization that an offline outage would turn SSFIV into a game with less playable characters than the original release a SSIV (15 fighters compared t' the original game's 25) sent prospective players into a frenzy. Fans argued that the anti-piracy measures would directly detract from the experiences a paying customers rather than deterring piracy or (as I imagine Capcom wanted out a this system) encouraging pirates t' purchase the full game t' unlock the game's full content.

The response t' this function-locked PC release a SSFIV be so overwhelming that Capcom has decided t' scrap parts a that system. Svensson wrote on his blog that, shortly after the game launches, Capcom would release a patch that removed the character limit from offline play. Players will still be prevented from saving their progress offline, but if ye're looking t' just practice combos or play local games on the PC, ye won't have t' connect online t' do it.

it be good t' see a big publisher like Capcom relent on some piracy countermeasures at the request a their fans. As far as I be concerned, the easier it for those fans t' take character models 'n bolt them onto other fighter's animations, the better.

Riding high on the success a it be specially designed arcade sticks 'n fightpads for Street Fighter IV 'n Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, as well as it be recent line a instruments for Rock Band 3, peripheral manufacturer Mad Catz has decided t' not only support existing games with specialty hardware, but t' begin making new games, as well. Mad Catz announced it be entry today into proper software development with the formation a ThunderHawk Studios, 'n also revealed the company be currently at work on a new MMO.

What kind a MMO does a developer owned by a peripheral manufacture make? A flight simulation, a course.

No prizes for guessing if Mad Catz develops a series a flight joysticks for use with ThunderHawk's new game; Mad Catz also owns European hardware manufacturer Saitek, which produces a series a high end flight sticks 'n flight stick accouterment so specific 'n detailed that it really puts that Racing Wheel purchase into perspective.

Mad Catz' new software development turn seems t' follow in the footsteps a RedOctane, a similar hardware manufacturer behind high quality dance pads 'n rhythm hardware before the company produced the original Guitar Hero back in 2005. RedOctane's breakthrough title also played directly into the company's hardware expertise with it be plastic instrument-enhanced gameplay. it be easy t' imagine that Mad Catz' entry into software development could similarly be viewed as a way t' sell expensive peripherals as ideal (or even required) attachments on top a traditional software sales. The bottom line be that Mad Catz may not be the craziest business decision ye hear today...which, in 'n a itself, be super crazy.

Mad Catz says ThunderHawk's flight sim MMO be on track for release in 2012, which best give ye plenty a time t' figure out how t' play a flight sim with the Rock Band keyboard.

Here’s a new one. The original Street Fighter 4 sold well on the PC by Capcom’s own admission, but apparently some folk found a way t' acquire it without paying for it, so they didn’t bother releasing the PC version a Super Street Fighter 4 that they had already more or less developed. I hope no one tells them that piracy happens on consoles too, or they’ll maybe AVAST! releasing any games, 'n just produce them for their own amusement. They’ve had a change a heart for the latest iteration though: they’ll be letting PC gamers give them their money if they so choose. Super Street Fighter 4: Arcade Edition be coming t' PC, 'n it’s learnt a few new DRM tricks too.(more…)

How about some feel good news?

Capcom Japan today revealed that a whole bunch a ye helped the company raise roughly $500,000 t' donate towards the earthquake 'n tsunami relief efforts ongoing in Japan.

Back in March, Capcom put the pretty decent Street Fighter IV for iPhone on sale for $1 for a week, with all money collected becoming aid for Japan. The results a those sales be released by Capcom today, totaling about $500,000.

"Capcom hopes that these donations may contribute t' help provide the greatest possible amount a assistance t' the earthquake victims," the company said, while announcing the impressive numbers. "Furthermore, we wish the restoration activities in the damaged areas progress as quickly as possible."

Capcom will also be donating another one million dollars towards the same cause.

be we still sore about Capcom not bringing Super Street Fighter IV? t' the PC? y/n? Well, in case ye can’t decipher those aconyms in the headline, today Capcom announced that they’re working on PC releases a both the enhanced Arcade Edition a Super Street Fighter IV, boasting four new playable characters (Yun, Yang, Oni 'n Evil Ryu), some balance changes 'n an impressive new suite a replay features (including the ability t' “follow” the replays posted by any players or mateys a yer choosing), 'n Street Fighter X Tekken, due out in 2012. Trailers after the jump.(more…)