Hey there! Like me, I bet you‘ve been eagerly following every breadcrumb of info about next year‘s Street Fighter 6. As a competitive gamer and games journalist, I can‘t get enough speculation and theories around new fighting game rosters. So when that leaked art dropped revealing four mystery fighters, I knew I had to dig in!
The Story So Far…
First, let‘s quickly catch you up if you haven‘t been following closely…
Back in June 2022 during Summer Game Fest, fans were shocked when alleged images surfaced of SF6‘s character select screen unveiling 22 fighters. 18 of those names perfectly matched Capcom‘s official roster. But four were completely unknown: Akuma, Ed, Rashid, and newcomer AKI.
So who exactly are these secret fighters? And why weren‘t they featured upfront like the others? I‘ve done some deep investigative work to unmask these mysteries. So strap in as we explore each hidden world warrior and what they might bring to SF6!
A Formidable Return – It‘s Akuma!
Let‘s start with the demon himself – Akuma‘s surprise comeback! As Ryu and Ken‘s most ruthless rival with 30+ years of history, his absence raised many eyebrows. But once you understand his bloody backstory, you realize secrecy suits him well…
The Surge of Murderous Intent
Debuting in 1994‘s Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Akuma immediately cemented his reputation as a force of pure domination through his Ansatsuken fighting style and mastery of the Satsui no Hado – the lethal Surge of Murderous Intent.
This energy grants colossal strength yet threatens to utterly consume one‘s humanity. Ryu constantly struggles keeping it contained. But Akuma fully embraced the chaotic dark power without restraint.
His goal? Seek out and destroy the greatest fighters to prove his fists have no equal, regardless of morality or consequences. M. Bison calls him the "Grim Reaper" for good reason!
By the Numbers: His Stats Don‘t Lie
Glancing at his gameplay stats shows why Akuma strikes fear into opponents everywhere:
- Offense Rating: 5/5
- Damage Output: 5/5
- Combos/Link Potential: 5/5
- Strong Normals: 5/5
He‘s always been top-tier or near it thanks to his oppressive mixup potential combined with some of the most damaging combos in Street Fighter history. Just landing that one opening can spell doom!
And yet despite such formidable power, his low health and stamina provided some balance. He‘s the epitome of a glass cannon – terrifying but fragile. This risk/reward dynamic perfectly matches his personality.
What‘s Old is New Again
The leaked art provided our best look yet at his SF6 incarnation – eschewing his classic black gi for a tattered black loincloth with matching leg wraps and prayer beads. The frayed bandages matching his battle-worn skin hint at countless violent clashes over the years.
By stripping away the last vestiges of his humanity, Capcom‘s artists encapsulate the solitary path Akuma wanders devoid of allies or remorse on his endless quest for fights to the death. Just looking at him sends a chill down your spine.
Plotting His Next Move…
So how will Akuma factor into SF6 with his humanity now fully discarded? As an unlockable surprise boss? A secret post-launch DLC fighter? My early prediction leans towards him playing a major role in the central plot.
Perhaps he takes advantage of chaos from whatever forces plunge the world into WW3 to setup his own ‘gauntlet‘ fighters must survive to reach him. Imagine special Akuma Arcade Ladder mode culminating in an epic rival battle!
Either way, SF wouldn‘t feel complete without its resident boogeyman causing trouble. And Akuma‘s makeover hints at deadlier intentions than ever before…
An Unlikely Hero: Ed Seeks Redemption
Now this handsome challenger contrasts sharply against Akuma‘s sinister energy…
From Lab Rat to Unleashed Powerhouse
First debuting in Street Fighter V, Ed escaped Shadaloo‘s experiments before psycho power infusion drove him insane like M. Bison and others. Instead, direct exposure granted Ed innate control over it via sheer muscular force!
This self-taught brawling style combines spectacular kicks, grabs, and throws befitting his tall muscular physique. And energy channeled through his arms and legs means every strike packs a wallop!
By the Numbers
Let‘s analyze the data:
- Offense Rating: 4/5
- Damage Output: 3.5/5
- Combos/Link Potential: 2/5
- Strong Normals: 4/5
Whereas Akuma relies on complex link timing, Ed prioritizes simple crushing blows from strong single attacks. What he lacks in combo potential he makes up for with domination up close.
A Fight for Redemption
Despite escaping early experiments, Ed‘s residual psycho power and connections to Shadaloo seem destined to drag him back towards SF6‘s central conflict.
Early theories speculate he may fight seeking redemption for unwillingly furthering their schemes. Does he struggle containing the psycho energy building within? Or has he finally learned to embrace it as a force for justice against those who tormented him?
The lean muscular figure and confident stance shown in his leaked art contrasts sharply against his previously bulky frame and baggy clothing. This matured appearance supports the narrative of a young man now firmly coming into his own.
An Integral Perspective
His unique history with Shadaloo leading into SF6 make Ed‘s role almost guaranteed as launch DLC or perhaps even core roster. After seeing fellow lab subject and friend F.A.N.G rise to power, you know they‘ll cross paths soon!
Personally, I‘d love to see an Arcade mode following his perspective across multiple chapters. Picture taking down Shadaloo test subjects one-by-one before confronting F.A.N.G himself!
The Wild Card Returns – It‘s Rashid!
Get ready for tricks and flips galore as this fan-favorite wildcard swings back into action!
When the Wind Calls His Name
Debuting in Street Fighter V, easygoing Rashid quickly won fans over with his courageous personality and definitely his unorthodox self-taught fighting style.
By fusing wind-based techniques with free-running parkour maneuvers, he zips across the stage confusing opponents before suddenly striking. Wall jumps, flips, even gliding on gusts of wind themselves open endless combo possibilities.
And that trusty GPS on his arm keeps leading him on adventures or even tracking down mission objectives in the heat of battle! Everything about Rashid screams free spirit longing for excitement.
Stats Don‘t Lie
Let‘s break down why his wild fighting style overwhelms opponents:
- Offense Rating: 4.5/5
- Damage Output: 3/5
- Combos/Link Potential: 5/5
- Strong Normals: 3/5
What he lacks in raw power, he more than makes up through seemingly unlimited combo potential thanks to aerial maneuvers resetting juggle states. Expect show-stopping highlights!
Unfinished Business with Shadaloo
Sadly during his debut hunt for his missing friend, Rashid learned she was murdered by ruthless F.A.N.G of Shadaloo. Such a personal loss guarantees he‘ll get dragged back into SF6‘s conflict especially with their plans now threatening global stability.
Rashid‘s carefree attitude hides the spirit of a true hero who will travel any distance to protect the innocent. And with Shadaloo pulling sinister strings all over, his GPS will stay busy!
DLC Designs?
Rashid‘s incredible mobility already posed balance challenges during SFV. So rather than risk him overwhelming the base SF6 experience, I anticipate Capcom may tweak his abilities further before integrating as DLC.
The new leaked artwork perfectly captures his personality with a bold red outfit highlighting his flashy moves. Seeing him soar across bright colorful skyscraper neon signs in the new Metro City stage already feels perfect!
Who is the Enigmatic AKI?
And finally…we arrive at SF6‘s greatest mystery woman! Behind those haunting white eyes lies an untold story full of intrigue. Let‘s uncover what we know of the elusive newcomer AKI!
Out of the Shadows…
Beyond her name displayed on the leaked roster, everything about AKI is sheer speculation. Capcom has released zero official media. Even her fighting style remains theoretical based only on her appearance.
The delicate elongated fingers and sharp nails depicted seem ideal for swift precise slashing attacks. And the ornate robes flowingly loosely around her evoke eastern spiritualist influences.
Regardless of her hidden talents, one reality is clear – she represents the future of Street Fighter lore.
Successor to Evil?
Most intriguing is the prevalent rumor of AKI‘s connections to F.A.N.G and Shadaloo. Speculation abounds about her serving as either apprentice or successor to their schemes. This sets up prime conditions for a generational clash against M. Bison‘s former second-in-command!
Her younger appearance and distinct withdrawn body language support theories of someone shaped under an existing power structure before breaking free shrouded in mystery.
Worth the Wait
Considering that massive lingering question mark, expectations for AKI might exceed anything Capcom can deliver. Yet after being leaked so early, anticipation will surely build to a fever pitch regardless!
At best, I anticipate her surprise reveal as central antagonist for Season 2 DLC. More realistically, we probably have an extended wait as Capcom slowly peels back the mask over years of new content.
Either way, she‘s the true wild card here. So let‘s enjoy the speculation and debates while they last!
The Spotlight Awaits…
And there you have it – all the juicy speculation and theories around Street Fighter‘s missing four mystery fighters! Seasoned brawlers recognize returning icons like Akuma and Rashid. Meanwhile, Ed seeks redemption and AKI represents unseen Street Fighter lore yet to be revealed!
Their collective absences from the initial roster merit plenty of anticipation and discussion leading up SF6‘s eventual 2023 launch. We can expect to see them slowly rolled out over time in various capacities complementing all-new faces.
Of course I‘ll be right here every step analyzing footage, tweaking strategies, and digging for details on whoever gets confirmed next! The hype never dies in the fighting game community. And these four absent fighters only further stoke the flames.
So which of these mysterious combatants has you most excited? And what are your theories on how they‘ll factor into next year‘s epic Street Fighter return? Let me know in the comments below!
