Here comes a new challenger! After Street Fighter scrapped its way back into our hearts in 2008 with the excellent 4, Capcom aims to continue the franchise's legacy eight years on with PS4 and PC sequel Street Fighter 5 in early 2016.
Beta tests that let you sample the game's multiplayer before release, a roster of new and familiar races, and ways to play new updates without pulling out your credit card make this more than a Super-sized update. Here's everything you need to know.
What is Street Fighter 5 and how do I play it?
Street Fighter 5 is coming in Spring 2016 exclusively to PS4 and PC. Developed in partnership with Sony, don't expect it on Xbox One anytime soon.
Both PS4 and PC editions will have cross-platform multiplayer using 'Kagemusha' netcode - said to offer the most lag-free multiplayer in franchise history - which should result in a healthy unified community.
The game will launch with 16 characters - 4 new, 12 returning - alongside a new approach to downloadable content for additional fighters and features post-release.
Street Fighter 5 beta - when is it, and how do you access?
Capcom will test the game's new servers and code with several invite-only betas between now and the game's Spring 2016 launch.
A total of three phases are planned; one was completed in the summer of 2015, with another two on the way.
The first - which featured six characters and three stages - didn't get off to a great start. The PS4-exclusive July test went offline within a day due to widespread connectivity issues, to then return successfully in August after some additional stress testing.
A second phase is coming to PS4 and PC from October 22 to October 25, and will offer cross-platform multiplayer so computer players can scrap those on consoles, and vice versa.
How do you access the beta? It varies between platform and region. On PS4, North American users gain access through pre-ordering the game, while Europeans can request codes from the official website. On PC, beta access will be provided when pre-ordering through Steam.
Who are the confirmed characters?
14 of Street Fighter 5's day-one 16 fighters have been revealed, with plans for more after release.
The most recognisable faces are from the Street Fighter 2 era; there's Cammy, Chun-Li, Vega, Zangief, M. Bison and of course, Ken and Ryu.
Some lesser known characters returning to Street Fighter 5 are Alpha's Birdie and Charlie Nash, and from Alpha 3, Karin and Rainbow Mika.
Who are the new challengers? There's Brazilian Laura, the dreadlocked Necalli, and Middle Eastern Rashid. Expect the fourth and final fighter to be named in the months leading up to release.
Returning characters will have both new and familiar move sets, as well as some makeovers. As you can see above, Ken looks different to his earlier appearances, while our favourite new look is the pre-order exclusive costume for Ryu, who is now rocking a handsome beard:
How does it play differently?
Street Fighter 5 has a few different fighting systems. V-Triggers are activated with a high punch and high kick once the V-Gauge is full, and it'll perform a special action depending on the character; Ryu will enter a powered-up state to dish out additional damage, while Nash will teleport quickly behind the opposing fighter, for example.
Then there are V-Skills, which can be performed at any time with a mid-punch and mid-kick, which are again character dependant. For example, Chun-Li will leap across the screen to evade an attack, while M Bison can reflect projectiles back to his opponent.
Finally, there's Critical Arts, super powerful moves that require a full EX Gauge and a button combination unique to each character - usually two quarter circles then a punch or kick - to pull off. They can miss, however, so knowing the character's range is key to a successful move.
Pay nothing for DLC - how the game's new updates work
Street Fighter 5's downloadable content will work differently to previous entries, moving away from the Super and Ultra style huge expansions to a constantly updated service with regular bouts of content.
All additions - from bonus characters to new features - can be 'purchased' for free by spending an in-game currency known as Fight Money, earned by playing the game (how, specifically, is undetermined).
If you want to fast track the system, however, then you can spend real money on 'Zenny', allowing you to instantly buy any upgrades.
Meanwhile, all balance and system-wide changes to fighters and the game will be free to everyone.
It means that you won't expect to find any DLC on the disc.
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Street Fighter 5 is available on PS4 and PC in Spring 2016.
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