Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Street Fighter EX Plus α brings the classic 2D fighting formula into a 3D-rendered arena, retaining the tight controls and combo-driven combat that series veterans love. Matches feel responsive, with each button press translating into crisp punches, kicks, throws and special attacks. The transition from sprite-based characters to polygonal models doesn’t hinder the core fighting experience—it actually adds a fresh sense of depth without compromising the precision that makes Street Fighter so satisfying.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

At the heart of the game is the three-level Super Combo Gauge, which opens up strategic choices: do you expend a full bar on a high-damage Super Art, or build momentum over several smaller Level 1 or 2 attacks? The guard break system encourages aggressive play, punishing overly defensive tactics, while the cancel and super-cancel mechanics allow skilled players to chain light, medium and heavy normals into flashy, devastating combos. Newcomers can dip their toes in training mode to master basic links, while veterans will appreciate the advanced “expert” sub-mode that breaks down tight juggle timings and unlocks hidden taunts and intros.

With a roster of 23 fighters—including series staples like Ryu, Chun-Li and Guile alongside EX debuts Sakura Kasugano and Dhalsim—you’ll find a character to suit any playstyle. The varied fight modes keep the action fresh: classic Arcade and Versus give you quick bouts, Team Battle lets you mix and match lineups, Survival tests your endurance, and Time Attack challenges you to optimize your offense. Even Watch mode offers a fun break, letting you observe CPU duels and pick up new strategies. Overall, the gameplay loop is compelling, balancing accessibility for casual matches and depth for competitive play.

Graphics

Street Fighter EX Plus α’s use of 3D models on a 2D plane was groundbreaking in the late ’90s, and the PlayStation port holds up remarkably well. Character models sport clean edges and distinctive color palettes—Ryu’s gi looks crisp, and Chun-Li’s skirt flows convincingly in motion. Though textures may appear blocky by today’s standards, the game maintains solid frame rates even during multi-hit super combos, ensuring that visual clarity never disrupts the rhythm of battle.

Stage design combines vibrant backgrounds with dynamic lighting effects that highlight each fighter’s silhouette. The urban Tokyo arena glows with neon signs, the Mexican plaza crackles with fireworks, and the temple ruins emit an atmospheric haze that underscores the cinematic quality of each contest. These environments help each fight feel like a highlight reel, and periodic camera zooms and shake effects during big hits lend a satisfying punch to every power move.

Character animations strike a balance between fluidity and arcade precision: there are no unnecessary frames, so every kick or punch lands with impact. Super Arts trigger elaborately choreographed stances, energy flares and slow-motion zooms that punctuate the action. While you might notice some polygon pop-in at the edges of the screen, the strengths—smooth animation, vibrant palettes and inventive stage gimmicks—far outweigh the minor technical quirks of a mid-’90s console.

Story

Like many entries in the Street Fighter franchise, EX Plus α places gameplay above narrative, but it still weaves a light storyline through its Arcade mode. Each character embarks on a personal journey—Ryu in search of inner strength, Sakura chasing her hero, and new recruit Dhalsim on a quest to balance body and spirit. These short intros and endings provide context to the fights, offering bite-sized lore and motivation that make your victories feel earned.

Although the game lacks a unified campaign, the variety of character-specific endings unlocks a surprising amount of replay value. You’ll want to revisit Arcade mode as Sakura to see her cheerful schoolgirl exuberance change after a hard-fought win, or as M. Bison to glimpse the dark satisfaction of ruling the tournament. Each ending is accompanied by a brief cutscene and text epilogue, giving plenty of incentive to master every roster member.

For fans who appreciate Easter eggs, EX Plus α hides special dialogues when certain fighters meet—Zangief vs. Hugo becomes an epic strongman showdown, while Guile’s rivalry with Charlie adds a bittersweet note. These flavorful touches lack the depth of a fully-fledged story mode, but they enrich the world just enough to keep you invested in who you pick and why you fight.

Overall Experience

Street Fighter EX Plus α offers a robust package for both casual players and hardcore fight fans. The wide array of game modes—Arcade, Versus, Team Battle, Survival, Time Attack and Training (with expert sub-mode)—means you’ll always have a new challenge to tackle. Quick local matches with friends are just as rewarding as honing advanced combos against the CPU, and the watch mode provides a unique way to glean strategies by observing AI duels.

The port’s fidelity to the arcade original is commendable: it runs smoothly on PlayStation hardware, preserves all 23 characters (including fan-favorite newcomers Sakura and Dhalsim) and retains every gameplay mechanic from guard breaks to super cancels. While the story offerings are light, the eclectic roster and varied endings ensure that you’ll keep coming back—especially if you’re a collector of Street Fighter lore or a completionist seeking every cinematic finale.

Ultimately, EX Plus α stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of arcade-style fighters on home consoles. Its blend of accessibility, depth and visual flair makes it a worthy purchase for anyone craving a classic Street Fighter experience with a 3D twist. Whether you’re reliving nostalgic battles or discovering the series for the first time, this port delivers fast-paced, combo-heavy combat that remains as engaging today as it did on its original arcade debut.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10