Fans finally know when Street Fighter 6 will release, and the wait doesn't feel too long. Some who were dissatisfied with Street Fighter 5 have been waiting to switch generations for years, so another six months is just a drop in the ocean. In the meantime, a second Street Fighter 6 beta will lend another quick fix, and there are plenty of other fighting games to try too.
News of SF6's release date was leaked shortly before The Game Awards, but it was coupled with a trailer just before the main show began. Even though the launch roster for Street Fighter 6 is already known, seeing these characters in action adds meaningful context. The gorgeous animations and vibrant colors permeating every part of the game were on full display when Dee Jay, Manon, Marisa, and JP formally joined SF6's roster. Coupled with another World Tour mode teaser, this may be the most exciting Street Fighter 6 trailer yet, and fans are already keen on learning more about these new fighters.
Dee Jay
The first of Street Fighter 6’s new batch of characters is the only returning fighter of the set. Hailing from Jamaica, Dee Jay's personality and fighting style remain loud and proud. He joined the franchise in Super Street Fighter 2, but modern day fans will probably remember him from his infamously low-tier appearance in Street Fighter 4. It's been a long time since Dee Jay has taken the stage, and with an even more stylish version of his classic moves that seem to trade out maracas for a rhythm minigame, this DJ hero should help his foes unwind.
Manon
Dee Jay was not the only dancing artist revealed in this set, as the French fighter Manon is a newcomer to the Street Fighter franchise. While she works as a fashion model, she's also an expert ballet dancer and judoka, both of which she utilizes in battle. Every movement Manon makes comes out like a dance move, but she is a momentum-based grappler, building up medal levels as she lands certain attacks. Serving similarly to a revised version of Street Fighter 4's Abel, Manon will be one to watch out for once Street Fighter 6 releases.
Marisa
Next up is Marisa, an Italian pankration expert who believes she has the blood of ancient Roman centurions flowing through her veins. Whether that's true is irrelevant, as Marisa is capable of crushing her opponents flat all the same. Marisa bucks the trend of big-body Street Fighter characters being grapplers, instead serving as a Juggernaut or Broly-style fighter who hits hard and relies on super armor. Those who are conditioned to trading with her will be in for a rude surprise when she pulls out her counter move, and it feels like this intimidation factor is a core part of Marisa's identity when she strides onto the battlefield.
JP
Finally, players got to see some gameplay for the mysterious JP. His relation to G and Q is still unclear, but it seems like he might know M. Bison. They appear to share the use of Psycho Power, but JP deploys it in strange reality-bending ways. With the ability to summon Mortal Kombat-style shadow clones to grapple foes, as well as spikes and rifts to teleport through, JP should prove to be an exciting addition to the Street Fighter franchise. For now, players will just need to be patient when it comes to finding out what's truly going on with this mysterious fighter.
Street Fighter 6 will be released on June 2, 2023, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
