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| Reviews: Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper (GBA version review) Developer: Crawfish Interactive Publisher: Capcom Year released: 1998 (Arcade, SFA3), 1999 (PlayStation), 2000 (Dreamcast), 2002 (GBA, released as SFA3 Upper) Number of Players: 1-2 w/ link Street Fighter Alpha 3 is arguable the best portable fighter to date! The GBA version of SFA 3 has all the characters of the console versions, plus has three exclusive characters: Yun from Street Fighter III, Maki from Final Fight 2, and Eagle from the original Street Fighter. The total number of characters in SFA3U, including hidden ones, is thirty-seven! Graphics: (90%) The graphics in SFA3U are pretty good. The backgrounds are detailed and look great. The character sprites are pretty good as well, but some of the sprites don�t look as well as their console counterparts. Control: (85%) The standard SF controls are three punches and three kicks, but there are only four main buttons on the GBA. So, pressing light and heavy punch or kick at the same time will result in a mid punch or kick. It seems confusing, but it works out all right. The control pad is awfully small, so you may need to get used to it. Sounds: (75%) The background music has been reduced to MIDI-quality and there are only a few different tracks. Voices sound okay, but not that great. Some characters share the same voice. Gameplay: (90%) SFA3U plays surprisingly well, once you get used to the controls. Gameplay is fast (you can set the speed) and the AI can be challenging. In SFA3, there are three �ISMs� that you can choose from: A, X, and V. Each one is different and affects the way your character operates. In A-ISM, you can have three levels on your Super Meter. In X-ISM, you have a long Super Meter, but it goes up faster and you can only use a specific Super Move. Your character deals out but takes in more damage than A-ISM. In V-ISM, you only have access to original combos. Replayability: (85%) There are several fighters and modes you can unlock in the game. There are also different game modes to choose from if you get bored with the Single Mode. Bottom Line: Those who are looking for a good portable fighter should pick up Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper. Some music, animations, and a bunch of the stages were taken out to memory restrictions, but SFA3U on the GBA is still a solid fighter. If you�d like to pick up a console version, the DC version is the best one. Final Score: (85%) B Reviewed by: Shadowdragon XX |
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