Mind Uncharted Explore. Discover. Learn.
Do you love something that you struggle with?
Do you find yourself passionately drawn to something that you just can’t seem to master, no matter how hard you try? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us can relate to the frustration of being terrible at something we love. In my case, that something is video games, particularly the genre of fighting games. But this year, Street Fighter 6 has offered a glimmer of hope, telling me that it’s okay to be bad at fighting games.
A Great Year for Fighting Games
2023 has proven to be an exciting year for fighting games. Street Fighter 6 has managed to attract a larger community than its predecessors, while Mortal Kombat 1 and Tekken 8 have also promised to deliver satisfying new iterations. Tournament fanatics are undoubtedly thrilled, but what about us eternal noobs?
I’ve always struggled with games like Street Fighter and King of Fighters. I’ve never been able to consistently execute even the simplest button combinations. While I can manage myself in other fighters like Mortal Kombat and Tekken, my overall suckage at Street Fighter and King of Fighters is more than a little painful.
Image via Capcom
Street Fighter 6 – A Ray of Hope
Has Street Fighter 6 transformed me into a high-ranking pro? No, not quite. However, it has encouraged me to learn the ropes in a more effective way than its predecessors. From the beta version, I was pleasantly surprised by the accessibility of the new Modern control model. It feels intuitive and natural, which I can’t say about the complex inputs required for certain moves. Does this make the experience any less enjoyable? Not at all, because honestly, I wasn’t able to fully experience the game before. The Modern controls don’t feel like cheating or a dumbed-down version of the game. They allow players like me to join the big leagues without feeling embarrassed.
Image via Capcom
A Beginner-Friendly Approach
Switching to Modern controls doesn’t diminish the importance of raw skill and timing. Seasoned players will still be able to showcase their abilities. However, Street Fighter 6 goes beyond simply instructing newcomers to practice in the tutorial mode. Instead, it offers a comprehensive and enjoyable mode called World Tour. This mode bridges the gap between experienced Street Fighter players and those who are seeking to “git gud” enough to participate online without feeling completely overwhelmed. World Tour is more than just a tutorial; it encourages experimentation, self-improvement, and the use of various moves and fighting styles.
Image via Capcom
An Immersive Journey
World Tour also operates on a meta-level, with the player’s custom character representing a newcomer to Street Fighter. Major characters act as mentors, guiding the player along their journey. As the player progresses, it feels like graduating from high school before entering the big leagues where the seasoned players reside. While World Tour can become a grind at times, it also offers a relaxed and quirky environment filled with eccentric NPCs and outrageous fashion choices. It exudes an offbeat personality reminiscent of the Yakuza series.
Image via Capcom
An Inclusive Experience
As a beginner in Street Fighter 6, I haven’t yet delved into the online Battle Hub lobbies, but I’m already loving my time with this game because it caters to players of all skill levels. The overall vibe of the game is surprisingly peaceful and uplifting, despite being centered around combat. Even the Arcade story endings, which are told through simple panels, don’t feel high-stakes or aggressive. It’s refreshing to see a fighting game embrace a more friendly and social experience, appealing to those who enjoy the sport rather than fostering real animosity. SF6’s easygoing and inclusive nature reminds me of the appeal that games like Splatoon have for players who dislike traditional shooter gameplay. It serves as a reminder that games built around violence can still exude positive energy.
Image via Capcom
Overall, I’m still in the process of learning and improving in Street Fighter 6, but the game has already won me over with its inclusive approach and attention to players of all skill levels. It’s clear that this entry cares about creating an enjoyable experience for everyone. I hope that other games, regardless of genre, can learn from these unique and practical experiments in incorporating broader accessibility and a more positive atmosphere.
