Street Fighter 6is one of the most anticipated fighting games in recent memory. With each entry ofStreet Fighter, Capcom changes the design of certain characters to align with the fighting game’s themes and setting. On Twitter,Street Fighter 6director Takayuki Nakayama provides insight into the evolving design for one of the most iconic characters from the franchise.
TheJune 2nd edition of State of Playoffered a glimpse intoStreet Fighter 6’s features, an early look into the lineup of fighters, and gameplay.Street Fighter 6brings returning veterans into the fray such as Ryu and Chun-Li with new abilities in their movesets. Newcomers like Luke and Jamie were introduced and offer new play-styles to clash against those returning fighters. Shortly after the trailer,Street Fighter 6concept art was leaked across social media, revealing the game’s starting roster. Capcom acknowledged the leaks and would proceed to offer insight into some characters shown in the trailer.
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Nakayama commented on Ryu’s new design forStreet Fighter 6, which is a similar design to Ryu’s bearded alternate costume inStreet Fighter 5. The game director confirmsStreet Fighter 6takes place after the events ofStreet Fighter 3: 3rd Strike. Although some time passed sinceStreet Fighter 3: 3rd Strike, Ryu feels “he’s not there yet.” He wears a kasaya, a Buddhist robe, which is reminiscent of his martial arts master Goken. Goken is the older brother ofStreet Fighterseries antagonist and master of the Satsui no Hado,Akuma.
Ryu believes he still has a lot of life lessons to learn and his Buddhist monk-inspired design inStreet Fighter 6conveys that idea. Within the timeline ofStreet Fighter,Street Fighter 6is the latest entrywith new ground to explore. For over 20 years,Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strikewas regarded as the endpoint of the currentStreet Fightercanon. Ryu will rise and meet the challenges a new threat presents inStreet Fighter 6.
Ryu’s bearded design is already beloved by many fighting game fans across social media. Additionally, many are praising Capcom for finally taking the story forward after the ending ofStreet Fighter 3: 3rd Strike.
His new design leads to confusion about who gave Ryu the robe and where he has been sincethe end ofStreet Fighter 3: 3rd Strike. However, answers to fan questions about Ryu will likely arrive inStreet Fighter 6next year.
Street Fighter 6releases in 2023 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
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