by Maju Marfori, Reviewer

Ryu and the gang is back with this new installment of Street Fighter V!

Today, Capcom provided new details on the story elements that will be included in Street Fighter V. When the game releases on February 16, players will have the opportunity to play through individual character stories that provide important background information on each of the characters, their roles in the game, and their relationships with other fighters. The character stories have a recognizable throwback art style created by Bengus, a famous Japanese illustrator who has worked on a variety of past Street Fighter projects.

The character stories serve as a compelling prologue for the Street Fighter V cinematic story expansion, which will be released in June 2016 as a free update to all players. The story takes place between Street Fighter IV and Street Fighter III and bridges the events that happen in between the two stories. This is the first time in franchise history that fans will be able to play through this type of cinematic story experience in a Street Fighter game.

For a first look at the Street Fighter V story elements, check out the story expansion teaser trailer and new screens here:  www.press.capcom.com

Upon completing the character stories and other single-player content at launch, Street Fighter V players can earn enough Fight Money to purchase a new character, and possibly more depending on skill level. Capcom is timing the release of the in-game store to coincide with the first post launch content drop in March, giving players plenty of time to accumulate Fight Money through the various single-player modes prior to the store opening. When the game first releases, there will be no downloadable content to purchase using earnable Fight Money or real currency (known as Zenny). The first post launch content for Street Fighter V will be released in March.

Additionally, Capcom confirmed today that a fourth and final Street Fighter V beta will run from January 30-31 as a bonus to all fans and supporters. For more details on this last online play session before the game releases on February 16, stay tuned to Capcom-Unity.

About Street Fighter V
The legendary fighting franchise returns with Street Fighter V on February 16, 2016! Stunning visuals depict the next generation of World Warriors in unprecedented detail, while exciting and accessible battle mechanics deliver endless fighting fun that both beginners and veterans can enjoy. Challenge friends online, or compete for fame and glory on the Capcom Pro Tour. Through a strategic partnership between Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Capcom, the next generation Street Fighter experience will offer cross-platform play that will unite PlayStation 4 and PC fans into a centralized player base for the first time ever. The path to greatness begins here: RISE UP!

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