Are we experiencing a new ‘Golden Age’ for fighting games? With Evo 2023 wrapping up, and major releases coming from some of fighting games’ most beloved franchises, I start to wonder how this brave new world compares to the decades prior. Don’t worry, I’m not just yelling at clouds…

After the spectacular success of Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (1991) and its various revisions and follow ups (culminating in Super Street Fighter II: Turbo (1994)), the gaming world was eagerly awaiting a Street Fighter III. Somewhat surprisingly, this wouldn’t come to pass for several more years, instead Capcom decided to go back to the past with a prequel series!