In addition to the basic features -- such as Versus and Training modes -- that we've come to expect from arcade-to-home fighting-game ports, SF4 carries plenty of other console-exclusive modes and features that, while not new to the genre, make their first appearance in the world of Street Fighter.
Challenge mode
SF4 essentially breaks down the challenge mode into three main categories -- Time Attack, Survival, and Trial. It then separates each of these categories into two difficulty levels, normal and hard -- each setting has its own number of challenges. When you complete the individual challenges on either difficulty setting, you unlock rewards that range from extra colors and actions for each character to titles and icons that you can display with your player profile in online matches.
Of course, the Time Attack and Survival modes are pretty self-explanatory (you earn extra time based on your performance in the Time Attack mode -- or, in the case of Survival mode, health). But the Trial mode's pretty interesting -- it actually teaches you to play SF4 by making you complete specific combos for each character. A challenge with Blanka asks you to jump in with a heavy kick, follow it up with a crouching medium kick and a light punch, and then finish it up with a heavy rolling attack. This mode's a great way for newcomers to learn how to play effectively.
Online play
While we'll reserve judgment on how well online gameplay functions until the game's been out for a while, it's clear that SF4 offers a surprising number of network options. You set the desired round length or the search priority to find stable matches or fights that match your skill level -- or higher. You can even set language priority to search for games in one of several languages, including Italian, Japanese, and Korean.
Training Mode
While the challenge mode's Trial option seems like a better way to really learn how to use a character, SF4 still offers a basic training mode to help you test out what you've learned. Similar to other modes of its type, you can change what the opposing character's doing -- make 'em crouch to test low-hit moves or jump when you're curious about your aerial skills. You can also customize things like blocking, stuns, attack data, and the difficulty level of a computer-controlled sparring partner.
Gallery
Obviously, the idea of a gallery isn't new, but since SF4's the only Street Fighter game to date that offers both an animated intro and ending sequences for every character, it's an easy way to jump in and check 'em all out right away after you've unlocked them. The gallery mode also offers plenty of artwork to unlock and check out as well.
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