"Super Street Fighter IV" sizzles in 3-D

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition

Published by: Capcom Entertainment
Developed by: Capcom
Available: NOW
Number of Players: 1-2
Rated: T for Teen
Price: $39.99

Here was Capcom's challenge - make a 3-D version of their hit Super Street Fighter IV for the new Nintendo 3DS. Not only did they accomplish their mission, but added a few extras that really enhanced the game, easily competing with console versions of the game.

Developed and published by Capcom, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is the 3DS version of the console title (it is still listed as a project on the Wii). It offers everything the console versions of the game (online challenges, bonus stages) as well as a 3-D mode, which is most definitely worth the price of admission.

The game looks beautiful on the 3DS. The graphics are as solid as they are on the consoles, and look even better on the 3DS's smaller screen. The sounds are ok, but nothing to write home about.

The only real gripe I have is in the 3-D mode. The backgrounds are like Joan River's face - they don't move a lot. On the consoles, you can see the scantily dressed babes jiggling, the men pumping their fists like they are at an Obama rally, but I guess the 3DS can't handle the extra oomph necessary for the busy backgrounds.

More on the 3-D aspect later ...

As far as gameplay, the 3DS lets gamers use the touchscreen to launch repeated combos - and even super combos without having to do quick, up-up-down-down motions on the D-pad. Plus, pulling off moves with the shoulder buttons feels a wii bit awkward at times. You can enable the StreetPass feature and battle other gamers, even when your 3DS is closed or in sleep mode. You can also receive challenges via online, which is very similar to the console version of the game. The game, for the most part, is very similar to the console versions with easier controls for n00bs.

The 3-D mode, however, is an over-the-shoulder mode that really sets this apart from the console versions. The game plays beautifully in 3-D, but the enhanced 3-D mode really puts you in the action. You can watch Ryu or Ken reach back, toward you and unleash a Hadouken or check chins with their Shoryuken and nearly feel the wind off their fists.

Capcom should really bring the over-the-shoulder mode, not necessarily 3-D either, into the next Street Fighter games.

The 3-D aspect: Capcom really did it right with 3-D in SSFIV 3D Edition. Even in the regular modes, the 3-D really enhances the game. From the training mode, to the car bonus stages and especially in the 3-D mode, the use is impressive. You won't be disappointed as you hit fools with a Tiger Uppercut or Sonic Booms.

The verdict? 9 (out of 10) I've dissed this game in the past. I said the franchise should have faded instead of being revived, but I'll gladly dine on crow - Capcom did an awesome job on SSFIV 3D. They didn't just re-release the game - they built the 3-D mode and took care with it and produced a winner. According to various sites, this game sold over 1M copies. Most impressive victory, Capcom.

LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars

Published by: Lucasarts Entertainment
Developed by: TT Games
Available: NOW
Number of Players: 1
Rated: E10 for Everyone 10+
Price: $39.99

Pop quiz - what do you get when you have 3-D tech on a handheld, a LEGO game and a Star Wars license? A killer game.

Developed by TT Games and published by Lucasarts, LEGO Star Wars III combines blocky protagonists and 3-D to immerse gamers in a galaxy far, far away.

Gameplay is what you'd expect from a LEGO game. You can swap between characters, collect parts and play out a fantastic Star Wars storyline. The game has more than 10 missions but offers a grip of minigames. It does differ from the console versions - there's no cooperative play though the game is Streetpass enabled.

The graphics look great on the 3DS's screen. The music is ok - but listening to R2D2 units howls is awesome.

The game isn't very complicated. You play through stages and find yourself repeating task and doing some elementary problem solving. It's not rocket science, but may require some thought to complete. This game is aimed squarely at younger gamers, but can be fairly entertaining to older ones as well

Controls are good - it will take some time to remember what keys and buttons do what, especially when clones are descending on you like a hot babe in a club.

The 3-D aspect: The treatment was impressive. The backgrounds - and foregrounds have depth, and you'll find yourself immersed in the game. It looks awesome and doesn't look gimmicky.

The verdict? 7.5 (out of 10) While there are some cool aspects of the game, without having co-op play or multiplayer, the title, while fun, lacks replay value. The 3-D use is awesome and implemented smartly. If you are a fan of LEGOs or Star Wars, you'll have fun with this title. And trust me - the kids will enjoy this game for hours.