Street Fighter Characters

Street Fighter Arcade

The legendary Street Fighter series hit the arcades for the first time in the early 80s, providing players with a choice of only two characters. Ken and Ryu came to represent the Capcom series and, indeed, perhaps became icons for the fighting game genre in general.

Ryu

Usually dressed in a traditional white gi, red headband, red fingerless gloves, and a black belt, Ryu is easily the most recognizable character in the series. Contrary to popular belief, his name is not pronounced “Rai-you”, but rather “Loo”. Born in Japan, he is known for creating the famous scar on Sagat’s chest, resulting from an advanced version of Shouryuuken during the first World Warrior tournament. His main motivation is to travel the world and find greater and greater opponents, honing his martial arts abilities. He is quoted as saying, “The fight is all.”

Trained by Gouken, the brother of Akuma (Gouki in Japan), Ryu is best known for three moves:

• Hadouken – “surge fist” or “fireball”
• Shouryuuken – “dragon punch” or “uppercut”
• Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku – “hurricane kick”

Ken Masters

In early versions of the ‘’Street Fighter’’ series, Ken Masters was essentially a clone of Ryu with a slightly different look, though in later games he separated himself with an increased focus on speed and quickness. Like Ryu, Ken also wears a gi, but his is usually red. Ken is 3/4 Japanese, 1/4 Caucasian, and has naturally dark hair (he dyes it blonde). It was Ken who gave Ryu his now famous red headband. Ken eventually married a beautiful girl named Eliza (who happens to be sisters with Guile’s wife), and has a son named Mel.

Ken’s three signature moves are identical to those of Ryu:

• Hadouken – “surge fist” or “fireball”
• Shouryuuken – “dragon punch” or “uppercut”
• Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku – “hurricane kick”

Street Fighter II: The World Warrior

The sequel to Street Fighter Arcade introduced six new selectable characters. Whereas the first game made little impact, Street Fighter II popularized the one-on-one fighting genre.

Edmond Honda

Better known as simply E. Honda, this sumo wrestler is usually seen with red face paint and a blue mawashi. Although never achieving the highest rank in sumo (Yokozuna), he has earned the second highest (Ozeki). According to most reports, one of E. Honda’s main goals in life is to prove that sumo wrestlers are the world’s greatest fighters.

E. Honda is best known for two moves:

• Hundred Hand Slap – a rapid sequence of palm strikes
• Sumo Headbutt – using himself as a projectile

Blanka

Although some sources may say that Blanka’s beastly appearance is a result of Shadoloo genetic experimentation, official reports indicate that his trademark green skin came from years of rubbing against chlorophyll. He is also known for his outrageous orange hair. Blanka was stranded in the Brazilian jungles as a young child, being raised by animals. He learned to harness bioelectricity from eels. Blanka reunited with his mother after the second world warrior tournament, when she recognized the golden anklet he was wearing. Blanka’s real name is Jimmy.

Blanka has two signature moves:

• Electric Thunder – surrounding himself in electricity
• Rolling Attack – using himself as a projectile

Guile

Over the years, Guile has gone through a number of rankings, including first lieutenant, major, and colonel. It is said that Guile learned his signature moves from Charlie, who was killed by M. Bison. Guile’s wife, Jane (known as Julia in Japan) is sisters with Ken’s wife, Julia. Enthusiasts are likely familiar with what seemed to be a glitch in ‘’Street Fighter II’’, wherein Guile could freeze an opponent in place. This “handcuff” move, if not released before the match timer reached zero, would effectively freeze the game, forcing players to physically reset the machine.

Guile is best known for two moves:

• Sonic Boom – a spinning energy projectile
• Somersault Kick – sometimes called “Moon”, “Flash”, or “Blade” Kick

Chun-Li

Considered the first female fighting game character, Chun-Li is by far the fastest selectable character in ‘’Street Fighter II’’. Chun-Li wears a blue qipao--a traditional Chinese dress--and has her hair done up in “Ox horns” adorned with brocades and ribbons. Chun-Li’s lifelong quest, both personally and as an Interpol investigator, is to track down the people responsible for her father’s death. Suspecting Shadoloo, she hunts down the leader of the evil crime syndicate, M. Bison, with the help of Charlie and Guile.

Chun-Li was originally given two special moves:

• Tenshokyaku – “spinning bird kick”, inverting herself and using her legs like helicopter blades
• Hyakuretsukyaku – “lightning kick”, a rapid series of side kicks

Zangief

Born in Russia, the 267-pound Zangief is a professional wrestler. He later adopted the nickname “The Red Cyclone” for his 360-degree techniques, and was invited to represent Russia in the second world warrior tournament. Interestingly, a name for his character that was rejected early in development was Vodka Gobalsky, though he is known for his fondness for the clear hardball. Also, his main rival is the American Haggar from ‘’Final Fight’’, though they have never met in person.

Zangief is best known for two moves:

• Double Lariat – a spinning clothesline
• Screw Piledriver – a jumping, spinning variation of a wrestling maneuver

Dhalsim

A Yoga expert, Dhalsim was born in Kerala, India. He is known for his bald head painted with three red stripes, the string of skulls around his neck, and his shorts held up by rope. Generally a pacifist, the slim Gandhi-like Dhalsim retired from fighting after the second world warrior tournament. He now spends his time at home with wife Sally and son Datta.

In addition to his extending limbs, Dhalsim has three other signature moves:

• Yoga Fire – shoots a projectile of fire from his mouth
• Yoga Flame – creates a short-range ball of flame
• Yoga Teleport - teleporting through the astral plane to a new location

Related Street Fighter Links

• Street Fighter Games
• Street Fighter Characters 2
• Street Fighter Characters 3
• Street Fighter Characters 4