Street Fighter Alpha 3 puts eight fighters back into the mix, and Capcom chose some of the series’ earliest characters to do it. Chun-Li, Guile, Ryu and Ken all return alongside four new faces, and the roster feels like a bridge between the older games and the newer ones. This is a console version of a fighting game built around the Super Street Fighter II Turbo code, and it shows in the way matches play out.
The New Fighters
The four new characters each bring something fresh to the roster:
- Dudley, a fighter who hits hard and plays unlike anyone else in the game
- Hugo, a heavy hitter who trades pace for power
- Q, a small fighter who relies on quick moves
- Rolento, a soldier who favors brute force over finesse
What Works
The core fighting system holds up well. Combo strings reward timing and punish carelessness alike. The stage settings add a layer of depth that sets Alpha 3 apart from other fighting games of its time, giving players reasons to choose certain stages over others depending on what they want from a fight.
What Doesn’t Work
Some of the returning fighters feel weaker than their newer counterparts, which can frustrate players used to their strengths. The controls are tight, but the learning curve is steep for newcomers.
Sound and Presentation
The music carries a strong electronic feel, and the character portraits are expressive enough to tell the difference between fighters even when they look similar. The game runs at a solid frame rate on the PlayStation hardware.
The Final Word
Street Fighter Alpha 3 succeeds as a solid fighting game with a deep roster and a strong presentation. Its flaws — weaker returning fighters and a steep learning curve — keep it from greatness, but they don’t sink it.
Where It Fits
As part of the larger Street Fighter series, Alpha 3 sits as a link between earlier installments and later entries. Players looking for a strong fighting game with a large cast and a distinct identity will find plenty to enjoy here.
The Numbers
- Characters: 12 total, 8 returning, 4 new
- Platform: PlayStation
- Fighting system: Based on Super Street Fighter II Turbo code
- Music: Electronic style
Final Score
Street Fighter Alpha 3 earns a score of 8 of 10.
