Clothes..? For BLANKA?!

Just under two weeks to go until release day, and already Capcom have been kind enough to give us a peek at the new Street Fighter IV downloadable content. Let's answer the two most important questions without any further prevaricating. Number one: are there new costumes? Yes, yes there are. Number two: is there actually something substantive as well? Yes, thankfully, there is.

Along with the five costume packs, Xbox 360 and PS3 owners will be able to get hold of the excitingly named Championship Mode Expansion Pack. Even more excitingly, the pack is planned to be available immediately upon launch, and will be completely free! Wait, doesn't that sound like a day-one patch...? Well, maybe, but it also sounds like it has some nice stuff. Let's see what this little swag-bag includes.

Replay Mode allows you to record and upload your matches for the viewing pleasure of other gamers. Your adoring fans will be able to give their studied opinions of your elite moves, criticise other's opinions, and retort with their own videos. All the fun of the arcade (or Youtube) in the comfort of your own console.

The Points System will be implemented in both Championship and Tournament modes to assist in ascertaining your skill level.

And the Enhanced Tournament Matching System makes it easier for brand newbians and intermediate level warriors to find appropriate opponents; by earning Grade Points, skilled players will be able to move up into more highly ranked tournaments.

Of course, there may be those amongst us who do not care for free packs including modifications to existing games modes and entirely new online modes; oh no, what you're after is clothes, and you're willing to undergo a few microtransactions to get 'em. Well, who are we to criticise? Here's what's available for your favourite fighters. An outlay of 320 Microsoft Points or a Playstation Network purchase nets you one pack containing one alternate costume for each of a small group of characters, along with the ability to palette swap between a small range of colours. The packs, and their scheduled release dates, are as follows:

17th Feb – Brawler Pack:
Zangeif, E.Honda, Rufus, El Furete, and Abel.

24th Feb – Femme Fatale Pack:
Chun-Li, Cammy, Sakura, Rose, and C.Viper.

3rd Mar – Shoruken Pack:
Ryu, Ken, Akuma, Gouken, and Dan.

10th Mar – Shadowloo Pack:
Seth, M.Bison, Sagat, Balrog, and Vega.

17th Mar – Classic Pack:
Guile, Dhalsim, Fei-Long, Blanka, and Gen.

Unsure whether you really need a new set of togs? Why not have a look at the preview screens before you break out the cash? Street Fighter IV is on schedule for release on the 20th of February on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.