Game Details

Size 73 MB
Region Europe
Genre Fighting
Format 7z / ISO
Year March 10, 2006
Console PSP

 

Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX (2006), known in Japan as Street Fighter Zero 3 Double Upper, is widely regarded as the “Ultimate” version of Alpha 3. It took the massive roster of the arcade and console versions and added even more characters, making it the most feature-complete entry in the sub-series.

The “MAX” Roster

The PSP version features a staggering 39 playable characters, including everyone from the arcade and console ports (AC1, AC2, AC3 Upper), plus several exclusives:

  • Ingrid: Originally from the canceled Capcom Fighting Evolution, she made her series debut here.

  • Yun, Maki, and Eagle: These three were ported over from the GBA version (Alpha 3 Upper) but given significantly improved animations and voice work.

  • Hidden Bosses: You can play as Shin Akuma (hold Start over Akuma) and Final M. Bison (hold Start over Bison) once unlocked.

Secret Unlocks & Cheats

While most characters are available from the start, many modes and “stronger” versions of characters require effort to unlock.

Unlockable Modes

Mode How to Unlock
Survival Mode Beat Arcade Mode once with any character.
Dramatic Battle Beat Arcade Mode once with any character.
Final Battle Beat Arcade Mode with any character on Level 8 difficulty.
Variable Battle (Tag Team vs CPU) Clear Arcade Mode with any character.

Character Secrets

  • Shin Akuma: Beat Arcade Mode once with Akuma, then hold Start while selecting him.

  • Final M. Bison: Beat Arcade Mode once with M. Bison, then hold Start while selecting him.

  • Classic Chun-Li: Select X-ISM for Chun-Li to play in her Street Fighter II outfit.

  • EX / Special ISMs: Many “ISM-Plus” upgrades are earned by progressing through the World Tour mode.

Key Gameplay Features

  • The Three ISMs:

    • A-ISM (Z-ISM in Japan): The standard style with a 3-level Super Gauge.

    • X-ISM: Classic Super SFII Turbo style; high damage, no air blocking, and only one Level 3 Super

    • V-ISM: The “Variable” style for technical players; allows for Custom Combos instead of standard Supers.

  • World Tour Mode: Create a character and travel the globe to fight under unique conditions (e.g., “Only Supers deal damage”). You earn XP to level up your fighter and unlock new abilities.

  • Variable Battle: A PSP-exclusive mode where you can pick a partner and tag-team against a single CPU opponent, similar to the “Dramatic Battle” but with tag-out mechanics.

Short Review: The Definitive Alpha

The Good

  • Visual Fidelity: It is a pixel-perfect port of the arcade sprites, looking incredibly sharp on the PSP’s widescreen.

  • Loading Speeds: Despite the complexity, loading times are surprisingly snappy.

  • Huge Content: Between World Tour, the 39-character roster, and the various Survival modes, there is an enormous amount of single-player content.

The Bad

  • PSP Controls: Like many fighters on the system, the D-pad can be tough for precise quarter-circle or “Z” motions. (Many players used a “D-pad attachment” back in the day to help).

  • Aspect Ratio: While the game looks great, the sprites are slightly stretched to fit the 16:9 screen (though a 4:3 option is available in settings)

Screenshots

Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX PSP ISO
Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX PSP ISO