As the fighting game community eagerly anticipates the release of Street Fighter 6, one character has caught the attention of players and fans alike – Akuma. Known for his powerful moves and strategic playstyle, Akuma has become a fan-favorite over the years. Recently, renowned player Tokido had the opportunity to test out Akuma at an early preview event in Japan, and he shared his gameplay impressions in a new video.
One of the first things Tokido noticed was Akuma’s impressive walk speed, which he found to be faster than Chun-Li’s. This places Akuma in the top category when it comes to movement speed, a crucial attribute for players who prefer a more agile playstyle. Additionally, Tokido conducted some throw experiments and discovered that Akuma’s total vitality would be around 9,000, confirming earlier suspicions.
However, despite these initial findings, Tokido expressed uncertainty regarding Akuma’s full potential. He believes that the true power of Akuma’s new moves and abilities can only be fully understood once top competitors like himself learn how to incorporate them into their combos and gameplay style. Nevertheless, Tokido did identify some noteworthy aspects of Akuma’s moveset.
Tokido praised Akuma’s crouch medium kick, noting its similar reach to Ken’s and a possibly 7-frame startup. He also highlighted Akuma’s heavy punch, which acts as a reliable cancel button, and his forward heavy punch, which leads to a damaging target combo with significant corner carry. When it comes to Akuma’s fireballs, Tokido observed that the light Gohadouken has slow startup but short recovery, while the heavy version is faster but more punishable. Interestingly, Tokido believes that Akuma’s fireballs reach across the screen in Street Fighter 6, a departure from their limitations in Street Fighter 5.
Additionally, Akuma’s red fireball stands out due to its multiple charge levels. Tokido found that Akuma might get plus frames on block with a two-hit charged projectile, potentially giving him an advantage even in defensive situations. Tokido also mentioned Akuma’s new Shakunetsu Messhou special, which he believes will be particularly effective near the corner, potentially offering opportunities for big damage and follow-up attacks similar to Ryu’s donkey kick.
However, not all is perfect with Akuma’s moveset. According to Tokido, Super Art 2 has a limited range and might often miss as a punish. There is also uncertainty around whether Akuma can combo his anti-air Shoryuken into Super Art 3. Tokido noted that even though Akuma’s Raging Demon has a startup vulnerable to jumping opponents, its raw damage remains exceptionally high, approaching 4,000 or more. Furthermore, Tokido discovered a potentially concerning combo with raw Drive Rush into Shun Gokusatsu, which players will need to watch out for.
Overall, Tokido concluded that Akuma in Street Fighter 6 might be a technical character, requiring intricate control rather than relying solely on raw power. The emphasis on high speed and multiple options suggests a new direction for the character, with Capcom placing more importance on fluid and quick gameplay. However, it is important to note that this feedback is based on a demo setup and may not fully represent the final version of Akuma in the game.
Looking beyond the immediate gameplay impressions, the introduction of Akuma in Street Fighter 6 raises interesting questions regarding potential future trends in the fighting game industry. The focus on intricate character control and high-speed gameplay aligns with industry-wide efforts to create engaging and dynamic experiences for players. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more complex characters with diverse move sets and unique playstyles.
Furthermore, the inclusion of characters like Akuma highlights the ongoing evolution of esports and competitive gaming. Fighting games have always been at the forefront of the esports scene, combining fast-paced action with strategic depth. With the introduction of new characters like Akuma, the competitive landscape will continue to evolve, requiring players to adapt and innovate to stay at the top of their game.
In terms of recommendations for the industry, it is crucial for game developers to prioritize balance and fairness when introducing new characters. While powerful moves and unique abilities can enhance the player experience, it is essential to ensure that no single character becomes overwhelmingly dominant. Implementing regular balance updates and actively seeking community feedback can help maintain a healthy competitive environment.
Additionally, providing clear and detailed tutorials for each character will be instrumental in helping players understand their movesets and maximize their potential. By offering comprehensive resources, developers can onboard new players more effectively and foster a supportive and diverse player community.
In conclusion, the gameplay impressions of Akuma in Street Fighter 6 presented by Tokido offer a glimpse into the exciting future of the fighting game genre. With its emphasis on intricate control, high-speed gameplay, and diverse move sets, the industry is poised to deliver thrilling experiences for both casual and competitive players. As we eagerly await the release of Street Fighter 6, it’s clear that the future of fighting games is brighter than ever before.
