The debate in my head right now: 
Prior to SoR4, the characters didn't have any of the visual effects that they do in a lot of their more powerful attacks (EG Axel generating fire, Blaze making lightning, etc). Do I take those visuals as literally what's happening and let us have Streetfighter-esque abilities? I'm leaning towards that, but feel like I might need to do some explaining on how that works in universe.