I don't think that SF4's popularity has to do with its 3D graphics as much as its iconic characters and gameplay that is similar to the old SF2 games. Also, there are regional differences to take into account; Arc System Works games are obviously much more popular in Japan than in the US/west, for example.KAI wrote:I mean graphically. SF4, TTT2, MK9, DOA5, VF5 are more popular than GGAC, BBCS, P4A or AH3
I think fighting games are actually in a pretty similar situation as shootgames, just on a different order of magnitude. Fighting games are a pretty niche genre when you compare to the mega popular titles like Call of Duty, Madden/FIFA, GTA, Halo/other FPS, etc. They seem like they're really popular compared to shootemups, but there's a very similar issue of them not being approachable and having a steep learning curve. It's actually really hard to get people to play fighting games and stick with it; many people get frustrated and quit before they get very far.
Overall, I'd say both genres are pretty simple to understand at the most basic level, but get more complicated and deeper as you play more and improve. I'm a huge fan of both genres, and I think there is a similarity between the two in terms of how you approach the game, practice, and improve your skillset.
I hope Cave is able to keep truckin' and keep making shootgames, however they are able to release them (unless they were phone only games
). Social/casual/cell phone games are an insanely huge market in Japan, so hopefully they can find a way to balance and bring in money from those games to fund their STGs which I'm sure they don't make nearly as much on.
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