Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Street Fighter III: Double Impact brings together two of Capcom’s most revered 2D fighters, offering both Street Fighter III: New Generation and Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact – Giant Attack in one package. The compilation stays faithful to the arcade originals, preserving the lightning-fast parry system that distinguishes this series. Mastering parries, counterattacks, and super arts is critical, rewarding precision and timing over button-mashing.

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The expanded roster across both titles means players can experiment with a wide array of styles—from Yun and Yang’s fluid rush-down offense to Alex’s grappling power and Ryu’s balanced toolkit. The inclusion of boss characters Gill (playable in New Generation) and Shin Akuma (in 2nd Impact) adds a high-level spectacle for veterans looking to push their skills further. Each fighter has distinct animations, normals, and special moves, which the training mode helps newcomers dissect and understand.

Double Impact also introduces modes that were absent from the original arcade boards: a dedicated Training mode for honing combos and parry timing, and a Versus mode for local head-to-head battles. These additions transform what was once strictly a coin-op experience into a more accessible package, ideal for both solo practice and competitive play. Whether you’re labbing setups in Training or duking it out with friends, the compilation makes sure you can dive deep into Street Fighter III’s renowned mechanics.

Graphics

Visually, Street Fighter III: Double Impact stands out as a pinnacle of hand-drawn 2D animation in the late ’90s. Each fighter is rendered with fluid, expressive frames that give weight and personality to every punch, kick, and special move. The animations are buttery-smooth, ensuring the parry system feels responsive and visually clear when a successful parry is executed.

The backgrounds are equally impressive, crafted with rich detail and subtle parallax scrolling. Stages range from the gritty streets of Metro City to the ominous mountaintop arena where Gill awaits. These environments are not just eye candy but also set the tone for each showdown, enhancing the atmosphere without overwhelming the core action.

Capcom’s arcade-perfect ports in this compilation retain crisp sprite work and vibrant color palettes, with minimal drop in frame rate even during super arts and multi-hit combos. On modern displays, the option to play at original resolution preserves the authentic retro feel, while slight filter options smooth the visuals for a more contemporary look. Overall, the graphics remain a high point, showcasing 2D artistry at its zenith.

Story

Street Fighter III’s narrative is more minimalist compared to other entries in the franchise, focusing on individual character arcs rather than a single overarching plot. In New Generation, each challenger seeks to overthrow the enigmatic Gill, the self-proclaimed leader of a rising warrior cult. The story unfolds through brief intros and ending cinematics that hint at each character’s motivations and background.

With 2nd Impact – Giant Attack, the plot deepens slightly as the threat of Shin Akuma emerges, challenging even the most seasoned fighters. While these story beats are concise, they provide enough context to invest players in the clash between hope and tyranny. The compilation doesn’t add new narrative scenes, but experiencing both games in sequence highlights the evolving crisis in the Street Fighter universe.

For those seeking a rich saga, Double Impact may feel light on story compared to RPG-style fighters or story-driven brawlers. However, the strength lies in its character-driven vignettes—the raw emotion of players fighting for personal justice, redemption, or simply the thrill of competition. This streamlined approach keeps the focus squarely on memorable matchups and the thrill of victory.

Overall Experience

As a compilation, Street Fighter III: Double Impact excels in delivering arcade authenticity while providing the extras players expect in a home release. The addition of Training and Versus modes amplifies replayability, making it a superb choice for both solo practitioners and couch competitors. Whether you’re refining your parry timing or staging epic local tournaments, there’s endless depth to uncover.

For longtime fans of the series, Double Impact is a nostalgic trip back to one of Capcom’s most technically demanding fighters. For newcomers, the steep learning curve can be daunting, but the included training tools and generous move lists help bridge the gap. The absence of online play in some versions may be felt today, but local multiplayer remains a standout experience when shared with friends.

In terms of value, the compilation bundles two full games with a robust roster and all the extras needed for modern enjoyment. The impeccable sprite animation, tight controls, and iconic parry mechanics ensure that Street Fighter III: Double Impact remains a landmark in fighting-game history. Prospective buyers seeking a deep, skill-based brawler will find this package a must-have addition to their collection.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10