Street Fighter needs no introduction, and still, the latest installment of this, the most iconic and long-running fighting game, is so much more than its predecessors. ln all mainline titles and their branches, you pick your fighter, duke it out, rinse, repeat. Street Fighter 6 though, is the first to feature character-creation! This is tied to the ‘World Tour’ mode, a cinematic story-driven campaign featuring your created fighter! But more than just brawling (like in SF Alpha 3), there’s lots to this mode that elevates SF6 to new heights. Let me elaborate.

After creating your fighter, you’ll be introduced to Luke, one of the brand-new characters (and cover boy) introduced in the game. This certified blonde bitch will coach you through the basics, alongside Bosch, your sparring partner. Not much later, you’re free to explore Metro City. There are clothing shops, food stands, mini-game NPCs, collectibles, and most importantly, fighting in the street! Literally! From construction workers to break dancers, gang members to cops, potential challengers are all around you. Rounds are fast, snappy, and transition seamlessly. As you continue, you’ll soon meet your next coach; the queen of thunder-thighs herself, Chun-li.

During the campaign, you’ll enroll under every fighter in the arcade roster and learn their martial style, as you raise affinity with them. With time, you’ll have a deck full of different flavored moves to mix and match, creating a unique fighting style that suits your taste.

I could expand on the story, but I’d much rather have you experience it. ‘World Tour’ guides you step-by-step and has plenty of QoL features to ease even the most inexperienced players into the Fighting genre. The world is vibrant, the characters are fun, and the story emanates this campy, nostalgic vibe. It’s sure to tickle millennials who grew up with these characters and have a taste for late-90s action movies. Think 1995’s Power Rangers movie and 2000’s Charlie’s Angels.

Sun gets interviewed by the FABULOUS Eternity! (Obviously inspired by 1997's The 5th Element.)

So how GAY is it?

Considering I first reviewed Dragon’s Dogma II, and have Monster Hunter World on my list, I cannot overstate my praise to CAPCOM for keeping their gays fed. SF6 has no shortage of handsome (and pretty) men, clashing their gorgeous sweaty bodies against each other (which is pretty gay). Furthermore, an argument could be made that Fighting Games in general are charged with queer energy, their colorful casts often feature several LGBTQIA+ people (Coded or Canon), but I digress, let’s talk stats!

There’s no sex (Capcom’s missing out on some real money here), but there is a subtle level of romance. You can raise affinity with your mentors, and shower them with frivolous gifts, much akin to dating sims. Doing so unlocks special artwork, more amicable voice lines, and cute phone message exchanges.

The story-mode announcer, Eternity, is exuberantly queer. From his pronoun-having blue hair to the ribbon in his mic, this character is so gay, he’s a whole parade. You could guess that his presence got phobes in a twist, complaining online and making a fool of themselves, and you’d be right. Bonus gay points for that!

Dress-up is not gender-locked, you can wear skirts, dresses, heels, makeup, and have whatever hairstyle your heart desires. Let your true colors shine! Did I mention you can beat up cops?

Lastly, we HAVE to talk about MUSCLE and JIGGLE. Street Fighter 6 models are a technological marvel. Muscles change shape reactively as the character flexes, going from soft and bouncy, to rigid and veiny, and -as far as I’m aware-, this is the first game to feature the renowned “jiggle-physics” on their males. Thank you CAPCOM! ♥