Classic Games

Street Fighter II

The fighting game revolution

Street Fighter II created the competitive fighting game genre, revitalised arcades, and sparked console wars as Sega and Nintendo fought for the best port.

Amiga fighting-gamesarcadecompetitive 1991–1991

Overview

Street Fighter II didn’t just define a genre—it created one. Before SF2, fighting games were simple. After it, complex special moves, diverse characters, and competitive depth became requirements. The game revitalised dying arcades, sold consoles, and established esports before the term existed.

Fast facts

  • Developer: Capcom.
  • Director: Akira Nishitani.
  • Arcade release: February 1991.
  • Home versions: SNES (1992), Mega Drive (1993), many others.
  • Characters: 8 playable world warriors.
  • Versions: Champion Edition, Turbo, Super, countless updates.

Arcade phenomenon

SF2 brought players back to arcades:

  • Competition: Players lined up to challenge winners.
  • Spectating: Crowds gathered to watch skilled players.
  • Revenue: Machines earned more than any game since Pac-Man.
  • Tournaments: Organised competition emerged organically.

Gameplay revolution

The game established fighting game fundamentals:

  • Special moves: Quarter-circle, charge, 360 motions.
  • Combos: Discovered accidentally, became essential.
  • Character diversity: Eight fighters with distinct styles.
  • Footsies: Ground-based spacing game.
  • Mind games: Reading opponents, conditioning, punishing.

Console wars battleground

The home conversion became crucial:

  • SNES version (1992): Capcom exclusive, system seller.
  • Mega Drive/Genesis version (1993): Special Champion Edition to compete.
  • Quality comparison: Magazine features analysed every difference.

The “definitive” home version mattered intensely to players.

Character roster

Eight world warriors, each iconic:

  • Ryu/Ken: Shoto template.
  • Chun-Li: First prominent female fighting game character.
  • Guile: Charge character archetype.
  • Zangief: Grappler prototype.
  • Dhalsim: Zoning specialist.
  • E. Honda: Defensive powerhouse.
  • Blanka: Wild card.

Competitive legacy

SF2 created competitive fighting games:

  • Arcade tournaments worldwide.
  • Player communities developed strategies.
  • Tier lists, matchup knowledge, frame data.
  • Direct line to modern FGC and esports.

Legacy

Every fighting game since 1991 responds to Street Fighter II. The genre conventions, the competitive scene, the home console importance—all trace back to this game. Capcom continues releasing updated versions because the core design remains compelling.

See also