There's a fascinating in-depth interview now online with the developers of Street Fighter IV. Originally posted to the official Japanese Street Fighter IV blog, and translated by a devoted fan, it features in-depth discussion on a variety of topics: how play balance must be adapted as fans get used to characters, how the characters from the Alpha series had to be re-designed for the Street Fighter II milieu, and even how the bone in E. Honda's hair was mapped in to the skeleton modeling system.

"I can see forever!"

They also talk about underwear.

Specifically, game director Takahashi Tsukamoto has fond memories of a certain schoolgirl fighter's moves from the 2D era, and did his best to ensure she... flowered in 3D: "Well for me, when Sakura was added to the game, I was thinking, um, there's the Flower Kick, right? Her bloomers have to be visible when she does that move, but at first her skirt didn't flare up like it should. In Alpha, I think the name really fits the move, cause you're kinda fixated on it, thinking, 'Open up more, just a little more!'... Or is that just me?" Blistering gameplay, attention to detail, and scungies -- all part of the Street Fighter success story.

You can read the interview in full here. Super Street Fighter IV goes on sale for 360 and PS3 next year.