A sign of an exceptional fighting game is the diversity in characters across its entire lineup of fighters. A team fighter likeKing of FightersorDragon Ball FighterZthrives on team composition, capable of providing both deep character variance, or similar archetypes dedicated to a specific gameplan. A strictly one-on-one fighter succeeds both in providing the character archetypes players expect (rushdown, zoners, etc.), alongside new characters that bend the rules to provide a more unique fighting style.Street Fighterhas almost always been a series that’s largely excelled with character diversity, and withStreet Fighter 6on the way, many are cautiously excited for more.
As with any newStreet Fighterentry, the inevitable question becomes which characters are returning? Theoretically, the timeline of the overarchingStreet Fighterstory can hint at who to expect will rejoin the roster, but that’s never stopped Capcom from adding unexpected characters before.Street Fighter 5is a prime example of this, with a half-dead Nash and a prisoner-turned-Metro City mayor version of Cody returning with the fifth entry. There’s a degree of unpredictability withStreet Fighter6that allows for potential choices for returning characters to span the wealth of iconicStreet Fightercharacters throughout the series' history.
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Fei Long
One of the most iconicStreet Fightercharacters since his inclusion inStreet Fighter 2, Fei Long is one of many fighting game tributes to the iconic martial arts film star Bruce Lee. Arguably one of the closest representations to Bruce Lee’s depiction in film, Fei Long looks and plays like the famous Hong Kong martial artist that’s arguably responsible for fighting games today.
Fei Long wassorely missed inStreet Fighter 5(outside of a cameo on the Bustling Side Street stage) and deserves a return to the ring. His fighting style is unique among other fighters for his poke-and-prod neutral game and high-damage punish game. Sure, plenty of other characters are high-damage rushdown fighters, but Fei Long’s reverence for Bruce Lee’s iconic Kung fu is particularly unique. His Lee-esque vocal and fast-paced fighting style is unlike any other rushdown character in the series.
Adon
Serving as Sagat’s apprentice for a short time, one of the few strictly Muay Thai-focused fighters inStreet Fighter’s history is Adon. He’s a boisterous and arrogant fighter who seeks to become the god of Muay Thai martial arts, especially after Sagat’s defeat at the hands of Ryu. Unlike Sagat, who is an often-grounded zoner with excellent fireball and anti-air coverage, Adon prefers aggressive pressure via kicks and airborne strikes. Adon’s a vocal and acrobatic fighter who works as an antithesis to shoto fighters, and deserves a return alongside his forsaken master as well. His high-flying and pressuring styleisn’t like too many other fighters inStreet Fighter.
Gen
While Zeku to some extent served as the “old master stance character” archetype inStreet Fighter 5, Gen used to be the prime example of that same type of fighter. Connected to characters ranging from Chun-Li to Akuma, Gen is a philosophical and calculating former assassin and expert martial artist. Last seen inUltra Street Fighter 4, Gen is a stance character swapping between standard motions and charge motions in mantis and crane stance, respectively. He’s arguably one of the more complex fighters based on his skill ceiling alone, but ifStreet Fighter 6wishes to dive more into the complex character designs, Gen would be the prime choice for a return.
Akira
One character who actually did end up inStreet Fighter 5, but didn’t receive nearly the time or the spotlight, was Akira. Originally from theRival Schoolsfighting games, she is a confident and commanding fighter, but wears her biker outfit to offset her normally friendly and positive personality.Akira was an enticing newcomer who came in way too late inStreet Fighter 5’s lifespan, and deserves another shot withStreet Fighter 6. Her playstyle is almost similar to Karin’s, focused on elbow tackles while adding a flair of air combos that’s unique compared toStreet Fighter’s largely grounded combo game. A unique play style like that should return inStreet Fighter 6as well.
Dudley
One of the more iconic boxers in theStreet Fighter, Dudley’s demeanor almost serves as an antithesis to Balrog, similar to Adon and Sagat. Though the two don’t exactly have an intrinsic relationship, Dudley is more of a gentleman than the bombastic Balrog. He’s all about fair fights, chivalry, and respect; to some extent similar to Ryu in that regard. Dudley’s fighting style focuses on clean punches and techniques, all about displaying a masterful finesse in fighting style as a suave gentleman boxer. All ofthe boxer-type fighters inStreet Fighter 5are all cocky and confident (Balrog, Ed, Luke to some extent), but none match the personality of Dudley.
