One of the big games of 2009 is coming out in just a few short days. Capcom's Street Fighter 4 is set to hit American shelves on February 17. For those select few who aren't familiar with the game or the series: Street Fighter is a fighting game with roots in the arcades. The Street Fighter franchise has been filled with numerous memorable characters. Sadly not every character is going to make it to the newest installment, SF4. Let's get reacquainted with some who are.
Ryu: One of the most recognizable Street Fighter characters, Ryu made his debut in the original Street Fighter game. He is the poster boy for the series. Throughout the series Ryu has gone through many changes, often with hair color, going from red to brown hair. In the Street Fighter Alpha series we learn that Ryu possesses the evil intent, the same corrupted power his Master's enemy, Akuma, uses. Thus providing a hidden character in the game, Evil Ryu.
Chun-Li: If Ryu is the poster boy for the series, then Chun-Li is the poster girl. Introduced in Street Fighter 2: The World Warrior, Chun-Li has appeared in every Street Fighter game since. We learn that she is actually an undercover Interpol agent using the tournament as a way to get close to the tournament's founder, M. Bison. Chun-Li is set on getting revenge for her father, who was murdered while trying to pursue M. Bison. Her trademark move is the Lightning Kick. She is also the first playable female character in a fighting game.
Blanka: Blanka may be one of the most unique looking characters in the franchise. He is known for his bright green skin, Hulk like physique and his orange locks. He was first playable in Street Fighter 2. At the end of Street Fighter 2 it is revealed that Blanka used to be known as Jimmy. He was born in Brazil and while traveling with his mother, got in a plane crash and was separated from her. He was raised in the jungle, apparently gaining his green sheen from constant consumption of chlorophyl.
E. Honda: Also known as Edmond Honda, E. Honda was first seen in Street Fighter 2. He is a professional sumo wrestler. His signature move is the Hundred Hand Slap. E. Honda was a highly respected Sumo wrester who grew tired with the rest of the world not respecting Sumo wresting like the Japanese did and decided to enter the World Warrior tournament to prove the power of Sumo.
Dhalsim: Dhalsim comes from Kerala in south west India and was part of the original 8 characters in Street Fighter 2. Raised a pacifist, he goes against everything he believes in to raise money for his village by entering the World Warrior tournament. He has made several appearneces throughout the series including Super Street Fighter Alpha 2 and 3, where he attempts to rid the world of an evil spirit, a.k.a. M. Bison.
M. Bison: M. Bison is known as Vega in the Japanese version of the game. In Street Fighter 2: The World Warrior he served as the main boss, and has been the primary antagonist in the series ever since. M. Bison is bent on taking over the world through his "gang", Shadaloo. He hosts the tournaments to further his power. Psycho Power is his evil energy, glowing blue and purple, he serves as the final boss in the tournament.
There are also a few new characters being thrown into the mix. One such character is Crimson Viper. Not everything is known about this character but some of her moves have been revleaed. Look forward to fighting with Thunder Knuckle, Burning Kick, and Seismic Hammer.
