A Unique Online Experience
Fighting games thrive on their online communities. While essential features like rollback netcode and cross-play are crucial, Street Fighter 6 takes it a step further with its innovative online hub. This hub not only celebrates the series but also provides a space for players to connect and socialize between matches. It’s more than just a metaverse; the Battle Hub is a vital component of Street Fighter 6, fostering communities and tournaments that will keep players engaged for years to come.
The Hub that Stands Out
The Battle Hub is one of the primary options available to players from Street Fighter 6’s main menu. Upon selecting it, players are prompted to create a character avatar that represents them in the hub. The character creator offers an in-depth experience, allowing players to personalize their avatars to their heart’s content. Once I created my fighter with blue hair and face tattoos, I found myself immersed in the Battle Hub’s futuristic arcade.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
A Hub Full of Personality
While multiplayer hubs in fighting games are not entirely new, Capcom’s Battle Hub stands out with its exceptional personality and engaging activities. The hub’s vibrant blue hues, multitude of screens, and numerous gameplay cabinets create a high-tech arcade ambiance that truly captures Capcom’s vision.
As I explored the hub, I quickly realized the interactive possibilities. I could walk around, perform classic Street Fighter moves like the Hadoken with simple button presses, and even express myself through emotes. The hub also featured two kiosks: one for registering and viewing tournaments and events, and the other for purchasing clothing and accessories to further customize my character using the in-game currency earned while playing.
A Place for Community
The Battle Hub also offers opportunities for players to connect and form communities. I could approach other players, send messages, view profiles, and check their performance in previous matches. Capcom has made it easy to forge connections within Street Fighter 6. Additionally, the hub features an open area where players can gather and interact with one another.
Off to the side, I discovered special arcade cabinets that allowed me to experience Extreme Battle, a side mode in Street Fighter 6. Extreme Battle adds unique gimmicks to fights, making each bout a thrilling race to perform specific actions before the opponent. This mode provided a refreshing change of pace from the standard matches in the Battle Hub.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Exploring the Second Floor
After spending a considerable amount of time on the ground floor, I decided to venture upstairs. To my delight, I stumbled upon a photo spot adorned with charming 3D 8-bit artwork featuring Street Fighter and Mega Man characters. It was a clever way to encourage players to share their experiences and create a sense of community. Adjacent to the photo spot, I found a spot where players could DJ music to attract others.
With all these additional features, the Battle Hub extends beyond a mere flashy menu for Street Fighter 6. Players can pause the game in the hub to view other players, clubs, and replays from their server, change servers, redeem rewards, read news and tips, and more. The Battle Hub serves as a comprehensive online space that impressed me during the beta and left me excited about its potential integration into other modes like World Tour. I anticipate being able to use the same avatar across different game modes and unlock cosmetics to showcase in the Battle Hub.
A Glimpse into the Future
I mentioned earlier that players can perform classic Street Fighter moves in the Battle Hub. While these moves are primarily emotes, I suspect they will play a similar role in the open-ended World Tour mode. Although I can’t predict how they will affect real-time combat, they seem akin to special abilities or spells in an action-RPG. To activate them, players must hold a trigger and select the desired move using a face button.
The Battle Hub’s smooth 3D movement also feels satisfying, and I hope this quality carries over to the World Tour mode. Even if players choose not to partake in the single-player adventure, the Battle Hub offers ample opportunities to keep busy. From its inviting aesthetics to its various match options and mini-games, the Battle Hub is a compelling destination for Street Fighter 6 enthusiasts. Unless World Tour or any other aspect of the game disappoints, Street Fighter 6 is poised to become one of the standout titles of 2023.
Street Fighter 6 will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in 2023.
Editors’ Recommendations:
- The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is a Delightful Surprise
- Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration – A Must-Try for Game History Enthusiasts
- Street Fighter 6’s New Feature Takes Inspiration from Mortal Kombat
- Knockout City Season 7: Mutant Mutiny Stars Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Mordhau, the Multiplayer Hit, Coming to Consoles Later This Year
