I agree with Vans about the fact that SS5SP will not become a classic as SS4 and SS2 have, but its potiential to bring over elements and the new chars to the next SS game is exciting.
Now for me SS4 vs SS5sp: In diferent ways I like these 2 games over each other.
For me here are the pros a cons of each game.
SS4 Cons:
Very unbalanced. (Hoah Maru's ungodly priority)
Over powered special moves (Hanzo's fire ball when POWed)
Abusibleness(Hanzos fire ball, the push, Sogetsu and tam tam slash)
Under powered chars who seem awkward(Jubei, Basara)
Slash&Bust(I prefer my character to have all his moves at once, thats just me)
ISSEN(75% life damage??? come on...)
Infinates(alot of games have em, I still hate em)
Now ofcourse all of these can be overcome, most somewhat easily once you learn how. But thats beside the point. THey still on the CONs list.
SS4 Pros:
Combos!! Not just the CD combos, all those neat little push combos and stuff(now if only some of them didnt do so much damage)
Powered up specials(thats just too cool, minus the Hanzo abusing, even though HE IS my fav char)
Rage explosions ABC combo into super/desperation move.
THE DODGE/SHADOW STEP!!!
The better graphics.
SS5sp Cons:
No CD combos...
No AB Dodge/shadow step
Graphics arnt as nice
no powered up specials
Makeing some old characters slower/weaker(Hoah Maru, Hanzo[!], Genjuro)
Some chars not have all their bust slash moves(UKYO, Galford)
Abusible pushes(though not too much damage as in 4)
Lack of deep game play
The hard slash damage on first hit is way too powerful...
SS5sp Pros:
New chars!
The Roll which can go through projectiles AND cancle into other moves.
The "lay down" move for anti pushing, buffering.
Balanced gameplay!
Issen damge is less.
Slow motion! (not to mention its not as overpowering as in SS5, this time, its more balanced!)
FATALITIES!!
The combination of slash and bust moves!(Basara now kicks ass, much like in SS3)
Faster crisper gameplay with more responsive controls.
Anti turtle with BC knockdowns!
In the end I would say I like SS5sp better than SS4 mostly becuase of the balance thats involved, BUT, I cant say its better than 4 or the other way around. The fact that the combos are missing gives it quite a lack luster feeling. Not to mention my fav char really sucks in 5.
But what makes 4, with all its deepness and and cool combos not win for me is just the abusibleness and the unbalanced characters. So really I guess I am perhaps undecided who is better, but I will say that I probly have alot more fun with SS5sp. Thats probly becuase in 4 I find no middle ground. Either I am rapping or getting raped. So that means that most of the time I am bored or frustrated so there ya have it.