20 Most Anticipated Video Games Of 2023
2. Street Fighter 6
Platforms: PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, PC
If we had to describe Street Fighter 6 in a word, it would be "exuberant".
Seriously, look at the explosion-in-a-paint-factory effects in the screenshot adorning this page. Capcom appear to be making up for the relative sterility of Street Fighter V by turning its sequel into a riot of high-energy colour and extravagant flamboyance.
Thankfully, there's a substantial steak beneath the sizzle. After Street Fighter V pulled a Street Fighter III (scaring away casual fans by focusing on fighting-game die-hards), the sixth iteration of Capcom's iconic fighting series is making a concerted effort to allow everyone under its umbrella.
SF6's Modern control scheme - which lets gamers perform special moves by simply tapping a direction and an attack button - means the sausage-fingered among us finally have a chance at pulling off the right move at the right time. This doesn't mean the game is dumbed down, however - the Classic control scheme is still available, and there are still a host of metres to juggle to attain true mastery.
Fighting games are at their best when they let anyone jump in and have a go, and Street Fighter 6 - with its eye-grabbing visuals and welcoming controls - has already made fans of us.