a.k.a. Street Fighter Alpha
Genre: Action
Company: n/a
Format: 2 OVA
Dates: 1999
Reunited by the death of their master, Ryu and Ken are enjoying a sober reunion at their sensei’s dojo. The tranquility is soon shattered as a young boy, Shun, shows up claiming to be Ryu’s little brother. Wary of the youngster, the two fighters decide to let him stay with them for a while. They find out Shun possesses a gifted fighting sense… but the potential soon turns dark as both Ryu and Shun are faced with the consuming power of the Dark Hadou growing inside them, the same evil force that fuels Goki.
summary by Mugs
Reviewed: 09/04/2002
Grade: 65%
This is the sequel to the Street Fighter II V series. You don’t have to watch the series to understand this OVA. As is usually the case with any fighting anime, the story isn’t a complex one built on any truly twisting foundation; a passing familiarity with any of the video game incarnations will do just fine.
That being said, I must give credit for effort; they at least tried to put forth a plot with some strife and internal conflict. In the end, unfortunately, it comes off as little more than a watered-down version of Luke turning down the dark side of the Force. The plot is amazingly similar to the Street Fighter II movie. And while on the subject of plot, it is probably the best in a fighting anime that I have seen; at least there is something going on besides overpowered warriors beating on each other for the duration. Another nice thing is the cast has been slimmed down a tad, and everyone they work in at least has a semblance of a reason to be there.
If the visuals didn’t really impress me, make no mistake the art and animation doesn’t look bad. The best part about the show would have to be the damn good choreography in the fight scenes. Interesting moves abound, and you shouldn’t be bored. As always don’t expect reality to interfere in a show about martial arts, though jumping four stories into the air and firing off blasts of Chi is no problem in the Street Fighter universe.
Overall, if you like action/fighting anime this one will be right down your alley. If you’ve never really been a fan, well I don’t think this one will change your mind.
Anime Academy 