Street Fighter Alpha The Animated Movie

Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie - Underrated Masterpiece? Hear Me Out!

Okay, okay, put down your virtual pitchforks. I know what you're thinking. Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie? Really? But just hear me out for a second!

We all love Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie. It's iconic. Ryu vs. Ken? Legendary. But let's be honest, Alpha has its own charm.

Forgotten Glory

Maybe it's because it came out later. Maybe it's because the Alpha games were a bit...different. But I think it deserves way more love than it gets.

The animation style is actually pretty great. It's got that 90s anime vibe in spades. Plus, the story is surprisingly engaging, even if it’s a little convoluted.

We get to see a young Ryu grappling with the Satsui no Hado. It's basically evil energy trying to take over him. Sounds intense, right?

The Story: Messy, But Interesting

Ryu's got his inner demons. Ken's trying to help his bro. Akuma's being, well, Akuma. It's a classic Street Fighter plot with some extra angst thrown in.

There's also a whole subplot with Shun, a mysterious kid who might be related to Ryu. Okay, the clone stuff is a little weird. I admit that.

But it adds to the drama! Don't you think? It's all about finding your path and resisting the dark side. Very Star Wars, if you ask me.

Action That Holds Up

Let's talk fights. Some of them are genuinely awesome. Ryu vs. Akuma? Epic. Ken showing off his skills? Stylish as ever.

The choreography is solid. They capture the feel of the games well. The Hadokens fly! The Shoryukens soar!

Okay, maybe it's not as groundbreaking as Street Fighter II. But it's still a fun ride. It packs a punch… literally.

The Unsung Hero

It's not perfect, sure. Some of the characters are a bit underdeveloped. The plot can get confusing.

But it's got heart! It explores Ryu's inner struggle in a way that's pretty compelling. It adds layers to his character.

Besides, the music is fantastic! It perfectly complements the action and the drama. It deserves a spot on your anime playlist.

So, What’s The Verdict?

Maybe it's nostalgia goggles. Maybe I just have a soft spot for underdogs. But I think Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie is worth another look.

It's a fun, action-packed anime that deserves more appreciation. It’s not just about the fights. It’s about the characters and their journeys.

Give it a try! You might be surprised. You might even agree with me. Or, you know, you can just stick with Street Fighter II. No judgment (mostly).

Ultimately, anime movies and series are like video games. We all have our favorites and it is okay to have an unpopular opinion about them.

But if you're looking for a Street Fighter movie that's a little different, a little darker, and a little underrated, give Alpha a shot. You may just find a new favorite!