Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX

Reviewed by Norman Canseco
March 1, 2006

Developer: Capcom Publisher: Capcom Website: Click Here Consoles Available: PSP Number of Players: 1 - 8 (adhoc) ESRB Rating: T for Teen Review Rating: 8 out of 10

After many years and three attempts, Capcom has finally succeeded in bringing the fun and energy of the street fighter series to the portable market with Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX for the PSP. Everything players are looking for and expecting from the 1998 classic returns with a few new surprises. Along with World Tour, Entry, and Dramatic Battle, Capcom has added Reverse Dramatic Battle (1-on-2), Variable Mode (tag team) and Team Battle (3 man battle in 2 player mode). For competitive players, Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max supports up to 8 players in Ad-hoc mode.

In addition to the extra modes Capcom has also ported over four new fighters from previous games. Joining the roster are Eagle and Maki from the Final Fight series, Yen from Street Fighter 3, and Ingrid from Capcom Fighting Evolution.

There are only a few problems with Alpha3 for PSP. One being that the D-pad on the system doesn't work quite well with special moves in this game. The D-pad is too low and doesn't quite register all the commands. Capcom has prepared for this and developed a special D-pad overlay which allows for better execution of moves. Unfortunately, to get the D-pad converter you have to have ordered the game from Capcom.

Alpha 3 Max is great translation from the original arcade board. Graphics and sounds are spot-on from the original version, and fans will not be disappointed by the execution of this particular version. For those who aren't into the portable version, Capcom will be releasing the alpha collection for the PS2 later this year, which will include the four versions of the Street Fighter Alpha Series (Alpha, Alpha2, Alpha 2 Gold, and Alpha 3) as well as Super Gem Fighter Minimix (Pocket Fighter).

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