Street Fighter Alpha 2 on SNES is one of those rare ports that somehow doesn’t feel like a compromise—it’s fast, fluid, and still looks fantastic despite the hardware limits. Chun-Li’s lightning legs actually feel lightning-fast here, and Akuma’s Raging Demon is as terrifying as ever.

The Alpha mechanics add just enough depth without slowing things down. Chain combos, custom counters, and that satisfying super meter build-up make every match feel like you’re one good read away from a comeback. I spent way too long in training mode figuring out how to land Ken’s Shippu Jinraikyaku without whiffing.

And yeah, the pixel art holds up. Sagat’s stage with the neon tiger mural? Still a vibe. Just don’t expect the announcer to sound as crisp as the arcade version—some sacrifices had to be made. If you’ve got a buddy and two controllers, this is still one of the best ways to settle who’s buying snacks.