Let’s keep this simple lest I get over excited. Many moons ago Capcom announced that they were developing an HD version of the classic Super Street Fighter II Turbo. Fifteen years later we were treated to Beta of the fabled HD Remix, then again at The Battle of Destiny fans got their hands on a playable preview of the game. At each teasing step I have devoured every chance to enjoy this game. Occasionally bothering Capcom’s PR department for an update. I even downloaded the Pinball FX table, it’s bloody tricky.

I’m not surprised it took a bloody long time to remake, hand drawing each frame of animation was a daunting task, let alone the ‘Remix’ of the gameplay. So have they done a good job? Yes, yes they have. HD Remix feels like the original, plays like the original and looks beautiful. The original sound effects are crisp and clear. The title screen and stage music has been given the remix treatment by our good friends over at OCRemix and sound great.

Those of you that downloaded the XBLA version of Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting might have noticed it was really bastard hard. HD Remix is by no means a push over, but difficulty level is easily changed and there is a practice mode for getting your QCFs and Negative Edge techniques perfected. The Remix mode takes into account that the majority of players will be using a controller with a D-pad and only 4 face buttons. Some tricky D-pad inputs have been changed and moves requiring all three punch or kick buttons to be pressed simultaneously will now trigger with just two buttons pressed to avoid any horrific face button/trigger timing nightmares.

There is not much to say about the online play apart from that it works. I had some problem finding open games, but generally end up playing in tournament mode. I’ve played many games over the last week and saw no lag and very few disconnections, it seems the beta paid off.

Consider this, we’ve got three or four months until Street Fighter IV hits our home consoles. When you learn to drive it’s best to do so in a decent small car, lets say a nice Ford Focus, you don’t jump right in to a Mitsubishi Evo.

If you are new to Street Fighter then consider HD Remix your Ford Focus. Buy it, play it and get ready for Street Fighter IV. If you are not new to Street Fighter then odds are you’ve already downloaded HD Remix and given me a beating online.

A classic reborn, this is how to remake a classic. HD Remix has all the charm of the original without hurting your eyes. I'd recommend getting yourself an arcade stick to really get the most out of it. Street Fighter games never get old and this proves it. Now Capcom, get Street Fighter IV finished and into our hands and then get the team to make a start on Street Fighter III 3rd Strike HD remix.