Super Skeet Writer IV

Capcom is proving to be successful, as usual, at hyping up their fanbase. The upcoming Street Fighter IV update, Super Street Fighter IV, held a live stream a few days ago to test early gameplay, played by several fighting game heads like gootecks and Justin Wong.

If you missed it don't fret as it was merely gootecks kicking everyone's ass and not letting them get their new Ultras out. If you would like to see most of the new (hilarious) Ultras you can see them yourself on YouTube.

As for actual changed gameplay mechanics, there has yet to be anything significant discovered so far, though the recent stream was not gameplay of the finished product so it is still susceptible to possibly significant changes. Stated in interviews, SSFIV will supposedly be more balanced via buffs as opposed to nerfs to characters. Throws are to be tweaked and some characters are to be given tools to help them around dragon punches.

Outside of game play and inside the internets, the game will feature several new online abilities like actual game lobbies/rooms, tournament modes, real replays, etc. basically everything that should have been included in the first game or as DLC. Still, the game entirely will be sold retail for a considerable $40. Capcom has also promised bonuses for those who purchased the original Street Fighter IV (extra costumes?).

Of course a new Street Fighter means a new fighting stick. Mad Catz is whipping out a new Tournament Edition stick with a SSFIV theme, which will most likely be included in a SSFIV bundle. If you're not intent on purchasing the new stick or don't have all the immediate cash, this is a great opportunity to buy the old TE stick which will most likely drop in price soon. Check out the new one here.

Ultras

The only thing people care about in this game. Most of them have been revealed now so here are my thoughts on them.

Ryu - Metsu Shoryuken (QCF x2 KKK)

Buffed up Shin Shoryuken combined with Hakumen's Astral Heat. Originating back from the Alpha series, Metsu Shoryuken works just like Ken's Shinryuken Ultra meaning the opponent has to be grounded for the full animation to connect (usually). As for use, Metsu Hadouken is probably more viable, but for sheer hype I can expect many picking this now.

Ken - Guren Senpuukyaku (QCF x2 KKK)

FIERY REVOLVING FEET x INFINITY TO END MATCH! Seriously. What the hell. Capcom we miss Jinrai but this is just stupid. Anyway, it's start up like Jinrai is very fast, especially for an Ultra with rumors saying whatever>Hadouken>FADC>Ultra II will connect. If so this Ultra will become much more practical to use as Shinryuken was never good as a juggle ender anyway.

Chun Li - Kikosho ([B]FBF PPP?)

Chun Li's old Super returns as an Ultra. Was able to link off an EX kick mash in the corner so it's field of usage should be similar to her old Ultra, only this one lasts forever and does mad damage.

Akuma - Demon Armageddon (???)

lol sigh

Abel - Breathless (QCFx2 KKK?)

I'm not sure if this is unblockable, but if it isn't then it'll be useless compared to his old Ultra as it doesn't seem to be juggle comboable. Looks cool sort of though.

Sagat - Tiger Cannon (QCFx2 PPP)

TIGER. Can possibly be just as if not more useful than old Ultra. Will probably be used just like Metsu Hadouken.

Blanka - Shout of the Earth (???)

This move has some weird ass looking properties. But all in all it doesn't look very useful. May be useful as an anti-air though.

Rufus - Big Bang Typhoon (QCF x2 PPP?)

Comes out hella fast, great as an anti-air. Is not as useful as Ultra I for combo fodder but is much better as a reversal. Both Ultras are very good.

Gouken - Denjin Hadouken (QCF x2 KKK)

Blockable >B| The more you charge, the more blockstun, the more time Gouken has time to run in and mix up. Will probably be used whenever Shin Shoryuken was but instead charged for wake up.

Balrog - Dirty Bull (???)

Looks stupid and is probably like Dan's old Ultra. Unless it's unblockable, useless.

E. Honda - Orochi Breaker (???)

Command grab. Very useful.

Cammy - CQC (???)

It's a counter Ultra so take that as you may. Not necessarily what Cammy needed (and outright random) but interesting nonetheless. I just enjoy that certain Miyuki Sawashiro tone she uses while performing this move.

C. Viper - Burning Dance (air QCFx2 KKK)

Burning kicks + electricity, same old Viper stuff. I can't see this move being very useful outside of air to air.

Guile - Sonic Hurricane ([B]FBF PPP)

Awww yeah, the return of Sonic Hurricane. Can't suck more than triple flash kick so this will probably be picked more often.

Seth - Typhoon (QCFx2 KKK?)

Ugh... maybe it'll be a good anti-air? Still looks stupid though.

Dan - Haoh Gadouken (QCFx2 KKK?)

Dan musters up all his saikyo power into both his mighty fists and simultaneously releases an erupting burst of saikyo energy unto the unfortunate evil doer, instantly vaporizing him from this existence as Dan is forced tumbling backwards from the recoil of such significant energy!

Sakura - Shin Hadouken (QCFx2 PPP)

Essentially Shinkuu Hadouken but as an Ultra. Like many of the old Sakura incarnations, she can shoot it horizontal or at a 45 degree angle as an anti-air. Looks to be more useful as a juggle Ultra ender nonetheless.

Bison - Psycho Punisher (QCFx2 KKK)

Name says it. If it's a command grab like it looks, then it will be incredibly useful in Bison pressure mix up games.

Vega - Splendid Claw (???)

Doesn't look useful at all unless your opponent doesn't know how to block low. Maybe it'll be an okay punish like Bison's slide though.

Rose - Soul Satellite (QCFx2 KKK?)

Will actually probably be useful considering how crappy Ultra I was. The typical orb/ring protection move, similar to Strider's super in Mahvel or Athena's orbs in King of Fighters.

Dhalsim - Yoga Shangrila (air QCF x2 KKK?)

Yoga noogie. If it's unblockable like it looks, this may be a very useful mix up tool just like Yoga Catastrophe was. One of the better Ultras I'd say, especially for laughs.

Zangief - Siberian Blizzard (air 720?)

Extremely useful as a time out KO. Yep.

El Fuerte - Ultra Spark (???)

Actually very useful for El Fuerte. A command grab will greatly aid him, better than his situational Ultra I punish.

Fei Long - Gekirinken (QCFx2 KKK?)

And thus, the best Ultra in the entire game by far. Dead leg into ATATATATATATA into one-inch punch. Clearly the best thing this game has to offer by far and the only real reason to buy Super Street Fighter IV.

And with that, get hype as SSFIV will be coming out sometime soon in spring. If you didn't already know I've joined the tripple side and will be playing hardcore on PSN, so be sure to let me know if you play off PS3 as well and I'll be glad to send you a friend request.