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It’s been 3 weeks since my last “weekly” mailbag, and the holiday season has treated me a little too well, but I’ve not forgotten about some of you fellow readers! For this mailbag, we've gone a little bit international with a read from the Cayman Islands, and another one from London! Thank you guys from all over the world who are reading and participating in the mailbag!
Games overshadowed or out-of-date?
Hey Crackfiend,
In light of SF4's success, as well as the pure, dripping hype that is SSF4's impending arrival, are there any games, new or old, that you think may be/are being overlooked in everyone's rush to get into the latest and greatest?
Sofa King, Cayman Islands
I do think that certain games are being overlooked, such as Capcom vs SNK 2 and Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike. They all have their own fundamentals, sophistication, mechanics, and intricacies. However, I think because of Street Fighter 4, these games will regain a chance to shine in the future. Street Fighter 4 has brought back the more casual fans and has also re-educated the fans about the basics of how to play the game. Although Street Fighter 4 has brought back the simplicity that’s made it so popular, I think it doesn’t provide the different avenues to personalize the fighting styles to a person as much as the games mentioned earlier. I’m hoping that in the near future, some of these oldies, but goodies, could be showcased again. Capcom vs SNK 2 was one of the most hype matches of NCR, so I have hope for the future.
What kind of culture are we?
Hello,
Can you tell me whether Street Fighter IV is a national culture or sub culture? Also, could you please tell all the different cultural influences that Street Fighter IV has? I really need and look forward to your reply.
JJ, London
I believe that the Street Fighter scene is a sub-culture of the video game culture. I wouldn’t say Street Fighter IV is a culture, because it merely is only a product without its consumers. With that said, I don’t know ALL the cultural influences that Street Fighter has, but I do know that it’s been impactful to the hip hop culture (choreography dancing, MC’s, hip hop music). You still see dance crews perform the Shoto’s signature move, hadoken (Check out Jabbawockeez perform this at 2:12). Or there are anonymous players within our community who are inspired to produce beats and be lyrical with Street Fighter analogies, such as Lil Shoto. There are probably many other influences that Street Fighter has had, but I wouldn’t be able to tell you all of them, only the ones I am familiar with.