EGM to release first hands-on impressions of Street Fighter IV

According to the 1UP.com Network, Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) will be delivering an 11-page spread dedicated to Street Fighter IV (SFIV) in its January 2008 issue (available December 18, 2007).

The feature represents a world-exclusive first look at Capcom’s latest installment in its popular fighting franchise, complete with hands-on impressions of gameplay. The 1UP Network also notes that information regarding characters, graphics and gameplay mechanics will be provided. In addition, 1UP.com and GameVideos will feature exclusive Street Fighter-related content throughout the month of January 2008 to fan the flames of curious gamers’ interests.

There has been a great deal of speculation since the SFIV teaser was released by Capcom several weeks ago. Many gamers even considered it to be a hoax until production was confirmed by developers and the main question on everyone’s mind since then is, “2D or 3D gameplay?”

Street Fighter has always been a fighting game franchise rooted in 2D mechanics and is widely considered to be the series that pioneered concepts and mechanics important to casual and tournament players alike. A 2D SFIV is certainly what most fans that have followed the franchise from its inception have been demanding and expecting, so it comes as a relief to many that the first in-game screenshot of the game seems to indicate that the SFIV will utilize 3D graphics with 2D gameplay. In any case, perhaps the revival of the classic series will be accompanied by the revival of the classic arcade scene—but I’m not holding my breath.

Read [1UP] Also Read [IGN]