Ono: Street Fighter I and II have "the ideal" UI

Street Fighter producer and spokesman Yoshinori Ono has said he prefers the simple, stripped-back look of older Capcom fighter games.

"To me, the ideal is still the original Street Fighter I or II," Ono said in an interview with Gamasutra said of user interfaces.

"The truth is, the number of gauges present on screen in [Street Fighter] IV do divert focus from the core fighting game within, but they are necessary as a way to further evolve the series and to cater to higher-tier players."

Ono said Capcom uses a trial-and-error approach to balancing the need for on-screen information without infringing on screen real estate to much, using prototypes and testers. The producer doesn't feel concerned about the flashier stylings of fighters like those of Arc System Works, preferring a traditional minimalist approach.

"I didn’t really research the works of other companies in making this, so it’s hard to really say anything. If there was any particular plan at work here, I suppose you could say we were trying to cultivate a look that bore the 'Capcom DNA,'" he explained.

"Ultimately I think the fundamental concepts established in SFII were wonderful. What we see in the visual design of SFIV is the result of our trying to logically dissect what those fundamental concepts were and how they were significant."

Ono added that he continues to gather player feedback and incorporate it into upgrade versions of his fighters.

The producer's next release is Street Fighter x Tekken, due on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in March, with a Vita version planned.