Memorable Moments

Playing the standard mode arcade mode, I eventually figured out that I had to beat everyone that was playable since their pictures would be grayed out. I did beat the game on easy, but I wouldn’t face the Devas since you must play on normal or higher to face them. As a little kid, it was hard enough to face the regular fighters on Normal. I beat them, then it was Deva time. First was Balrog. He was pretty damn tough, punching the shit outta me and whooping my ass in seconds. I learned here that patience was virtue, and to wait for his attacks to stop and counter him. Then… Vega. I. Hated. This guy. I can get past his insane attack range with his claw. I can get past his quickness. I can even get past the annoying sounds he makes. But grabbing onto the gate and being out of range to land a hit on him is by far the dirtiest move anyone can do. This guy made me rage pretty hardcore back then (though not as much as Koopa Troopa).

Somehow, in some weird way, my mom came across the manual to Street Fighter II a year after getting the game for me. This was my first SNES manual (and videogame manual in general). The manual showed me all the moves the characters could do. I figured out how to pull off certain moves on my own before getting the manual, but it showed me more moves that I could do, like the Sonic Boom, Yoga Flame, Screw Piledriver, and Hurricane Kick. The manual also explained the story behind each character and why they are in the tournament. I don’t have the manual anymore, but it was cool have one. It was like a mini strategy guide, and it certainly helped me progress through the game easier.