PS3 Fanboy interview: Udon Comics and Street Fighter
by Andrew Yoon 
{ Jul 19th 2007 at 10:00AM }
How did Udon and Capcom first team up?
UDON began in 2000 as a team creating illustration/design artwork for comic book or toy manufacturing clients. After a couple years getting established, we decided to publish our own comic books. One of the first ideas that came to mind was creating comics based on licenses that all of us enjoyed growing up. At the top of that list was Capcom's Street Fighter property. After some negotiation and art samples sent back and forth, Capcom allowed UDON to create a new full color comic series that debuted in the summer of 2003. When the comic series began we would just send Capcom the script and artwork for approval each month. Eventually our relationship with Capcom grew stronger and they started communicating with us more frequently about the franchise and the strength of our artists.
In 2004, after the debut of our Darkstalkers comic series and translation of the Eternal Challenge Street Fighter artbook were well received, Capcom approached us about contributing artwork to their Fighting Jam video game. In turn, that strengthened the bond between the two companies even more. At each step we've strived to show Capcom how much we respect their properties and how much we enjoy being a part of their creative process.
With the 20th anniversary of Street Fighter coming in 2008, Capcom wanted us to be a part of the festivities. The high definition re-release of Super Street Fighter II Turbo is something we're very proud to be contributing to.
When were first plans for SSFIIHD discussed? How did Udon join the project?
Capcom first mentioned the possibility to us last summer. As with any video game project, schedules and budgeting can take a while to get hammered out. As far as we know, Capcom wanted UDON to be a part of the
project right from the get-go.
Certainly, there must be a lot of work involved with this remix. How much art is going into the game?
Our art crew was asked to redesign each character sprite based on the artwork of Edayan, one of Capcom's most respected artists. Our job is to create character model design sheets for the sprite animators to follow.
The game is an exact port of SSF2T, so the hit boxes and poses must be identical, even while the detail and resolution are increased to approximately 4.5 times the original. Along with character sprite designs, we're redrawing and painting each stage background to match the enhanced resolution.
In addition to the characters and stages, our art team is creating brand new artwork for the in-game intro, character selection and endings in the style of our popular Street Fighter comic. The project is a massive undertaking, far more extensive than our work on Capcom Fighting Jam.
How does an artist keep true to the original, while improving upon it?
It's important to look at all the different artwork of each character created by Capcom and understand what makes those characters so iconic. Fine details may change, but the main structure and forms that make each
Street Fighter character so recognizable stay the same. By using Edayan's powerful designs as a jumping off point and going from there, we're able to create a new and consistent look for the enhanced sprites.
The fan reaction has been incredible. What other things do you think will surprise the community?
While we will remain true to the original storylines for each character, we've been given flexibility to update and include new illustrations that reflect our work with the comic series. We're confident that we'll be able to impress fans of both our comic and the original game.
Games like Street Fighter II endure because of their rock solid gameplay. It's important that it play like the game people recognize and love, just with a graphic enhancement. If we can please fans of the classic game and have a new generation try out Street Fighter because of the enhanced artwork and internet playability, we'll consider the project a success.
===
We'd like to thank Jim for the interview, and we wish the team at Udon the very best of luck as they continue working on the Street Fighter remake. We can't wait. Super Street Fighter II HD Remix will arrive on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade later this year.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
pr0fecy @ Jul 19th 2007 10:46AM
2008 release????? C'MON
Jeremy Bara @ Jul 19th 2007 10:35AM
I can't wait for this to be released! *drools*
Nick Kosmides @ Jul 19th 2007 11:00AM
This will be the end-all of Street Fighter titles. How will we play anything else after playing such a beatifully remastered 2D Street Fighter. I don't think anything like this has even been attempted.
Capcom rules! Be patient for this game. We don't want a rushed, sloppy piece of doo doo. We want it to look absolutely stunning, play perfectly as the original, and maybe incorporate some online features; multiplayer, leaderboards, etc.
Peter J @ Jul 19th 2007 11:12AM
I wonder if they are going to remix the soundtracks and voices.
Tru-blu @ Jul 19th 2007 11:56AM
Will definitely be purchasing this when it drops in the PS store. It's going to be like playing an interactive comic with Udon's new artwork looking like their comics. Great!
Freeze @ Jul 19th 2007 1:17PM
Would be nice if Midway did the same for Mortal Kombat Trilogy.
Van @ Jul 20th 2007 2:41PM
Now if Udon could only work on an updated version of Cadillacs and Dinosaurs. . .
DeadPlasmaCell @ Jul 20th 2007 2:59PM
Ugh, so I'm guessin the frame rate is going to be sh*t right?
Nate @ Jul 20th 2007 3:03PM
teh WOOT!!!
benjamin @ Jul 20th 2007 5:14PM
CLOONEY
Zabycx @ Jul 20th 2007 4:07PM
Those images are backwards. Both Akuma's back symbol and the flag on Guile's arm are mirrored. Also, why do Akuma's elbows form such a sharp edge?
Mustafa @ Jul 20th 2007 4:53PM
Now if UDON and Capcom make sure to provide enough animation drawings to each character and move, how could any geek growing up with Street Fighter II resist this game? I for sure could not :)
--
Mustafa.
http://codesurgeon.blogspot.com/
Paul Gale @ Jul 20th 2007 5:12PM
Now that was a cool interview; thank you PS3 Fanboy and Udon! The lines in particular that really have excited (even though we already knew about it) are the following:
“Along with character sprite designs, we're redrawing and painting each stage background to match the enhanced resolution.
In addition to the characters and stages, our art team is creating brand new artwork for the in-game intro, character selection and endings in the style of our popular Street Fighter comic.”
1) I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that equal attention is being given to the stage backgrounds, as are to the character sprites. The Street Fighter II series had so many memorable, awesome levels and to think how good they’re going to look like now is very exciting.
2) The new intro, character selection screen, and endings that match the artwork from the SF comic series are all fantastic things to hear as well. Not to long ago in fact, I made an oil painting of Ryu; here’s the link (or click on my website’s link):
http://app.onlinephotofiler.com/images/A_0/0/5/5/5500/Paul_Gale_with_Ryu_oil_painting_1.Large.jpg?v=7d13
And
http://app.onlinephotofiler.com/images/A_0/0/5/5/5500/Paul_Gale_with_Ryu_oil_painting_2.Large.jpg?v=d4e6
I was going for my own take on Ryu’s ending under the waterfall. Like him and Ken, I too practice Shotokan, which is why I’m in my Gi. Well, here’s to more screenshots of the fighters and to some background shots. :) Have a great one and thank you for your time. (In case the links don’t work, my website with the pictures is www.PaulGaleNetwork.com).
Paul Gale @ Jul 20th 2007 5:15PM
Oh, and here's one other picture that I meant to put in earlier, but didn't:
http://app.onlinephotofiler.com/images/A_0/0/5/5/5500/Paul_Gale_with_Ryu_oil_painting_3.Large.jpg?v=b61e
Sorry, I hope it's not considered spamming, but I think the shot is kinda cool (with the sky looking like the waterfall in the painting).
Disco @ Jul 20th 2007 5:53PM
Great interview, Andrew. Personally this is one of my hottest anticipated titles this year, along with SSBB and Virtua Fighter 5 on the 360. I love the UDON comics for SF and can't wait to see what they'll do with some of my favorites (like Cammy and M. Bison).
I am sort-of disappointed to hear that they won't be adding any new frames. I realize from a purist standpoint this would change the way the game plays, and thus the balance, so I know why it is the way it is, and that's fine. It'll still be SSF2T in the end, with a nice coat of paint. But my hope is that if this is successful, perhaps Capcom and UDON could work together on some kind of "Dream Match" Street Fighter with a really nice animation for XBLA/PSN. A whole new game, basically. I guess we'll have to see.
Manji Ninja @ Jul 20th 2007 7:31PM
While it's great the game is having a visual makeover i can't help but think some balancing to the gameplay would be needed also. In particular optional guard damage. It seems silly (especially since Alpha 3 has a guard guage that can be broken) that special moves can be used for cheap finishes. Just add a gaurd damge on/off option in the menu (like Tekken) and everyones happy. And keep SFA's throw escapes in, then the game would be as perfect as i could want!
Deuce @ Jul 21st 2007 1:22AM
Still not seeing the big deal here. It's been prettied up, but it's still just SF2... yet again. A gold-plated turd is still a turd.
Now if it were Third Strike, or even better, Vampire Savior, then you might have something. As is... yippee, another shotofest. :P
sexlion @ Jul 21st 2007 3:21AM
did u just call street fighter 2 shit?
get out. only 12 year old duesches such as you deuce,that only know about halo diss these great classics.
George @ Jul 21st 2007 6:06AM
I think this is cool news but the year is 2007. It's kind of a joke now. I mean, guilty gear was pretty popular right? (at least in Japan) and it came and went, what, 7, 8 years ago? What I want to know is why didn't Street Fighter 3 feature high resolution sprites? What the hell is the problem here with capcom and what took so long? After guilty gear I thought for sure capcom would jump on the high rez bandwagon but cvs2 looked like dog. All I have to say is, it's about f'n time, jeez.
Deuce @ Jul 21st 2007 3:30PM
Actually, yes, I did call SF2 shit. Your reading comprehension skills are apparently better than your writing and spelling. And your estimate of my age is low by about 21 years, kiddo. Get over yourself, and get a dictionary in the process.
Sorry, but not everyone is smitten by the perpetual onslaught of SF rehashes... which is exactly what this is. Yet another rehash of a game that's been ported more times than I care to think about... and one that's been improved on dramatically by later games, both by Capcom and by others.
CPS3 was hindered by a host of technical issues, mostly due to Capcom's paranoia about hacking. Ask anyone who's ever owned a CPS3 board and they can tell you just how prone the carts are to suiciding. They'd erase themselves if you look at them funny. Made it very unpopular with arcade owners, which was a major contributor to the system's failure after only five games released (Warzard/Red Earth, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure and the three Street Fighter III iterations).
Kenji_Salk @ Jul 31st 2007 2:15AM
I think Deuce just pwned you pretty damn hard, sexlion. Infinite lolz.
On a side note, I think this looks very promising, and I hope that Capcom decides to use these guys to make new games, or at least re-release their other, more meaty fighters.
Hiruke @ Jul 22nd 2007 9:10PM
Guilty Gear came and went..? lol The most recent version of Guilty Gear, Guilty Gear XX ΛCore, was released in arcades less than a year ago and is only just now hitting consoles. Yes, it's very popular in Japan. And why not? It has more diversity and gameplay balance than any other fighting game ever made, with genuine improvements to the fighting engine every iteration. Compare any "minor upgrade" to a SF game to any "minor upgrade" to a GG game (the several versions of SF2, SF3, GGXX, etc.) and I guarantee you there is more actual improvement in the GG series.
It's not quite as popular in the USA because arcades are all but dead here, in comparison to the days of old. Most arcades are filled with games that aren't easily replicated at home. You're lucky if you live near one of the possibly one or two dozen arcades in the USA that just happen to have a Guilty Gear machine. If more arcades imported it, and more USA players could get themselves off that 3rd Strike machine, I imagine it would have a much deeper market penetration here.
Capcom is a hero for bringing Street Fighter in the first place. For revitalizing the arcade and console markets. But let's be realistic: This stuff is old. It's not really supported anymore. By that I mean, the most recent "new" Street Fighter is now 8 years old. You'll see ports of older games, better graphics, whatever... but you'll never, ever see a new Street Fighter. Yet USA players still hang on to it and for the most part are unwilling to embrace anything new.
That's the real reason people drool over stuff like this but don't get into Guilty Gear. Guilty Gear is a better game, and why not? It was designed for balance and variety from the start, much more so than any Capcom fighter. And it's still being improved today. Even now there's probably a development team working on the NEXT version in time to release it sometime next year.
Don't get me wrong, I think it will be kind of neat to play SSF HD Remix. I wish they would fix the names of the characters (Akuma is supposed to be Gouki, M. Bison is supposed to be Vega, etc.), because I hate unnecessary changes from the original Japanese versions of games, but whatever. What differentiates me from most USA players is that while I can enjoy older games, I don't stick my head in the sand when something newer and better comes along.
Rikka @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:27AM
Yeah, SF2, again...again, again. Sure, it'll be pretty and...well, it'll be pretty. It's still going to be the same characters that you kicked your brother's ass with when the SNES came out. It's still going to be the same experience. Just, maybe, you'll both know how the hell you did that shoryuken that blindly missed from across the screen. Udon, your art is astonishing, and very accurate. Capcom, try and get a little more creative. Because, from what I can see, you've re-released a new version of this game for every nintendo console, every month. Kudos to the original, I liked some of the remakes. It's a good classic, but it's a bad investment. I'm a HUGE fan of the series and I'm constantly playing the games, but please, for the love of God, make something NEW. Very good interview, thanks for the information on the upcoming game.
ZViolence @ Jul 28th 2007 4:45PM
I love how hes talking about american gamers and guilty gear being a better game ect ect.
obviously you dont know that SSF2X and 3rd strike are the two most played fighters tournament wise in America and Japan aswell
Guilty Gear is well recieved too and i like it but you just cant say its a better game. its a different kind of fighter. for the same reason we dont compare megaman to contra. same genre. different execution.
Street fighter games is best compared to SNK fighters like KOF or Garou
Guilty Gear is best compared to fighters like MVC and hokuto no ken
Nelson Santos @ Jul 23rd 2007 10:29PM
Hey Duesch... I mean Deuce,
You might have some knowledge about SSF2's history, which you were giddy as a school girl to show off, but
you are still an idiot for saying that this game is turd. SFII is the grandfather of the fighter generation and it's game play is regarded by the gaming community even today as revolutionary. Revolotionary game play + spectacular HD graphics = a turd? GTF out of here! You are either clueless or not a SF2 fan, so why did you even bother posting?
Deuce @ Jul 23rd 2007 11:02PM
Yep. The original SF2 was revolutionary, in that it shaped the direction of arcade gaming for ten+ years to come. The multiple iterations that followed it were not; they were simply modifications to the existing engine... and Super was done for the express purpose of moving away from the easily-hacked CPS1 to the then-new CPS2 board. I'm not denying that SF2: The World Warrior was, and is, deserving of a spot of some reverence. But this is still a prettied up version of the exact same (fourth) rehash that's been ported to pretty much every single system under the sun already. SSF2T was essentially a bugfix release, to correct the issues that came out of the original Super being rushed to market (much like SFA2 was to SFA1).
Popularity is no indicator of quality. Titanic's may be the world's top-grossing movie ($1.8 billion, last I bothered to look), but that doesn't make it a good film. I could easily rattle off a lengthy list of fighting games that easily surpass any SF in sheer depth of gameplay, (and only two come from Capcom, for the record). Simple fact is that for most people, if they can't have their Ryu and Ken with the fireball and uppercut, they're not interested.
By the way, the word you're flailing desperately away for is "douche." French word. Means "shower" in English... that may be a concept unfamiliar to you, though. Before you try to insult someone, you might want to learn to spell the insult you want to use. Imbecile.
Genome @ Jul 24th 2007 8:57AM
All im saying is...:
Castlevania SOTN: HD
PWEEEEZ
Nelson @ Jul 25th 2007 2:51PM
Your pathetic! It's slang and who cares where it is derived from you looser. Urbandictionary defines it that way (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=duesch+bag) and that's good enough for me duesch bag!
The point I was trying to make is that you are an idiot and I believe I proved it.
Deuce @ Jul 25th 2007 10:59PM
Yep. My pathetic, all right. I frequently let loose at losers like you, which would probably account for how pathetic my is. You might want to invest in some good, old-fashioned English lessons, since you obviously have no clue what you're talking about.
Urban Dictionary can be added to by anyone... even idiots like you. It's about as reliable as Wikipedia. If you're going to argue with someone, try actually making a point. You have nothing to say, so you resort to making desperate attempts to impugn my intelligence in an effort to make me go away. All you're doing now is entertaining me.
In all likelihood, I'm older and demonstrably wiser than you. And you've made it delightfully obvious that I'm much smarter than you, as well.
If you can reply to this with something useful and on-topic, rather than the rough equivalent of "your a idiot" (sic), then I welcome it. Otherwise, you're just embarrassing yourself.
Michael @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:28AM
Deuce, you're not the only cool-headed, logical person out there, so don't worry. When someone responds to your criticism not by giving a justified opinion but by attacking the critic, it's clear they're never going to see reason. It's best to ignore them and continue posting. It's often possible to avoid these backlashes by changing one word. I wouldn't say that the new remake is a gold plated turd. I'd say it's more like a gold plated bow and arrow. In it's hayday it was an effective weapon, but in modernday warfare it's at best a good collector's item.
I personally think that this remake will be enjoyable simply for the fact that SSF2 is an enjoyable game. However, you are right in saying that even by this, the fourth iteration of SF2, that no new gameplay mechanics had been added. Capcom and others have since added a plethora of mechanics that give the games more balance, variety and learning curve. It'll be difficult to find lasting pleasure in a game whose gameplay feels so dated by comparison. Although in Capcom's defense, SFIIITS and SFA3 both have system direction modes to tweak the gameplay. So it's not beyond them to include something similar in this, enabling the selection of techniques such as parries and air blocking. It'd be nice while they're in the spirit of redrawing everything to throw in a new exclusive character to make this seem like more than just another milk job. Given Capcom's historical preference of the cheap remake over the completely new product, I seriously doubt it'll include anything beyond the standard modes of arcade, time trial, survival, practice and netplay (as an afterthought). Still, I'm sure the finished product will at least look quite nice.