When I was a kid my friend had a Super Nintendo and we used to play each other in SSF2, Mortal Kombat 2 and Killer Instinct. We then got into Mame and other CPS2 and KI specific emulators to play the arcade versions at home. This was way before I knew anything about actually playing the game, frame data and all.
I then took a break and really actually got into Fighting games as a typical '09er with Street Fighter IV. I played Bison and was semi-competent (A rank in Ultra, but never went to tournaments or anything).
Then came SF5 and I really didn’t like it. Stopped playing again, but always kept watching EVO and other big tournaments.
So I’d say SF4 series is my favorite. I never really touched 3d or anime fighters. I tried getting into MVC3 when it released but that was just sensory overload for me lol How about you? :)
You’re doing it right playing all kinds of fighting games! Also, I’m right there with you not putting the time in like I used to. With IV, I had every version on PC and PS3 and I don’t even want to know how many hours I sunk into that game. Nowadays I barely play video games anymore, period. I bought Street Fighter 6 and started with Deejay. It’s very fun, but I didn’t stick with it :) part of becoming a grown-up, I suppose.