This is capcom, a huge company! and to think they will try to go for some cheap production with a Streetfighter label is really surprising.
I believe majority of us can detect the flaws of their artwork..Maybe we sound like an ass but perhaps deep inside if we are in their situation, and I was asked to make those sprites, I would turn it down completely because I know my limits. It's Streetfighter man! not some indie/project work and the bar was already set quite high. If you can't make it at least decent, It's gonna backlash at you in the end and make your reputation a joke.
To sum it up, I feel they have this attitude "we don't CARE what you think, we just want to profit". Thats why this was brought up and that's why we probably have this thread. It's give us more a good look on how things work in the business with a big name on the line. Right now, I'm just waiting how this game to come out and be reviewed.
And about helms Sagat, He didn't finish it and he has the ability to make it like dc/marvel comic sagat or something visually appealing ..Takes a lot of guts knowing some people in the internets would joke about it, and he still didn't do it. I wish he did, I was tempted to pm him about it, but from seeing his attitude in this boards, he probably shrug it off.
Anyway, I kinda analyzed why the character looks older is because
1. Facial grin
2. some dark lines by using comic style look
I hope you don't mind helm, I know I can't do justice.. but I did a small change on his mouth area for a serious look to make him a bit younger.
Huzba,
Ugh sorry, I didn't know you mentioned it already.