Since Street Fighter 2, most games in theStreet Fighterseries have used the three-punch and three-kick system. While Street Fighter 6 retains these controls, Capcom added an all-new control scheme, called Modern Controls, that shakes things up.
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Often times when fighting games have multiple control schemes, one is clearly better than the other,but that isn’t the case with Street Fighter 6, as both schemes have their merits. There are benefits to picking Classic over Modern, and vice versa. While it can be intimidating to choose which control scheme to select, these are the strengths and weaknesses of each.
7Accessibility: Modern
The biggest strength Modern controls has over Classic controls is its ease of use. Fighting games are a notoriously difficult genre, especially if you’re just getting into them, and modern controls were designed to streamline the system for new players. Instead of six buttons for normal attacks, there are now three, cutting down on the number of moves you need to get used to. All your special attacks are also relegated to one button, meaning specific inputs aren’t required to perform special moves.
The rest of the buttons are used for techniques such as drive impact, throw, and drive rush, as well as an assist button, which does pre-made combos upon pressing it. For those who are inexperienced with fighting games, Modern controls are more than capable of giving you the start you need.
6Access to More Moves: Classic
Given how Modern Controls has to cut a few corners in the name of accessibility, it makes sense that some moves would have to be taken away. If you choose Classic controls, you won’t have to make any compromises for your character.
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Taking away moves from some fighters is an absolute deal breaker, as their kits just wouldn’t be nearly as effective without them. While you can go far with any character on modern controls, at some point you may hit a hurdle you won’t be able to cross without more options to use. For players who are looking to maximize their character’s potential, Classic controls are the way to go.
5Instant Special Moves: Modern
While Classic controls feature more moves, Modern controls has an ace up its sleeve that Classic doesn’t, and that’s its lack of need for special inputs. Classic controls require that you do a special movement input followed by a button press to do any special moves, but Modern controls allow you to do special moves at the press of a button.
This change benefits all characters as it lets you do special moves quicker, but it really benefits specific characters who have long special inputs.The best example is Zangief, whose Spinning Pile Driver, which traditionally requires a 360 motion to do, can now be done instantly. While it may seem like a minor difference, the time you cut off by pressing a button instead of having to do a motion could give you the edge over your opponent.
4Better Combo Routes: Classic
When using Modern Controls, you will be working with a noticeably smaller toolkit than if you were using Classic, and one of the biggest drawbacks of this tradeoff is that your options for combos will be much more limited. Modern has preset combos, and you can craft your own combos without the assist button, but if you want to squeeze as much damage out of each hit as possible, you’ll want to play on Classic mode.
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It isn’t always about doing the most damage though, sometimes you want to do certain combo routes to put yourself in certain positions, or maybe you need to adjust your combo depending on how much meter you have. Whatever way you look at it, if you’re the type of player who loves optimizing their character, you’ll have to play on Classic.
3Picking Up New Characters: Modern
Learning how to play anyfighting game characteris already a very big commitment, regardless of whatever control scheme you use. While you’re never going to be able to pick up a character overnight, Modern controls do make the initial learning process a lot easier.
Picking up a new character on Modern Controls can help give you an idea of how the character functions, and what strategies you should learn while using the character. Regardless of if you prefer Modern or Classic, using modern controls to learn the fundamentals of a character is a very viable strategy in this game.
2The Competitive Edge: Classic
Ultimately while Modern Controls has its value, the drawbacks do give you a disadvantage while playing against other humans. Modern Controls were designed with the intention of giving newer players an easier time learning the game, and while it does a great job at that, those looking to compete will want to have every advantage possible.
The game was made to be played with Classic Controls and while you can still become a very strong player with Modern Controls, if you want to become as strong as possible, you’ll want the control scheme that gives you every tool possible.
1The Verdict: Classic Controls… Most of the time
While it is the more difficult control scheme to get used to, Classic Controls are the stronger option, though there are some exceptions. Some characters, most notably Lily and Zangief, don’t really need to use all their moves, and the benefits Modern Controls gives them could be valued higher than the benefits of Classic Controls, most notably the instant special moves.
Additionally, those that aren’t looking to compete may get more enjoyment out of using the easier control scheme. While you will never go wrong with Classic Controls, and it is the competitively stronger option, Modern Controls shouldn’t be written off entirely, and they might be worth experimenting with.
Next:Street Fighter 6: Things To Do After You Beat The Game
