Street Fighter 6 is one of the most anticipated fighting games in recent memory. With each entry of Street Fighter, Capcom changes the design of certain characters to align with the fighting game's themes and setting. On Twitter, Street Fighter 6 director Takayuki Nakayama provides insight into the evolving design for one of the most iconic characters from the franchise.
The June 2nd edition of State of Play offered a glimpse into Street Fighter 6's features, an early look into the lineup of fighters, and gameplay. Street Fighter 6 brings returning veterans into the fray such as Ryu and Chun-Li with new abilities in their movesets. Newcomers like Luke and Jamie were introduced and offer new play-styles to clash against those returning fighters. Shortly after the trailer, Street Fighter 6 concept art was leaked across social media, revealing the game's starting roster. Capcom acknowledged the leaks and would proceed to offer insight into some characters shown in the trailer.
Nakayama commented on Ryu's new design for Street Fighter 6, which is a similar design to Ryu's bearded alternate costume in Street Fighter 5. The game director confirms Street Fighter 6 takes place after the events of Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike. Although some time passed since Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike, Ryu feels "he's not there yet." He wears a kasaya, a Buddhist robe, which is reminiscent of his martial arts master Goken. Goken is the older brother of Street Fighter series antagonist and master of the Satsui no Hado, Akuma.
Ryu believes he still has a lot of life lessons to learn and his Buddhist monk-inspired design in Street Fighter 6 conveys that idea. Within the timeline of Street Fighter, Street Fighter 6 is the latest entry with new ground to explore. For over 20 years, Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike was regarded as the endpoint of the current Street Fighter canon. Ryu will rise and meet the challenges a new threat presents in Street Fighter 6.
Ryu's bearded design is already beloved by many fighting game fans across social media. Additionally, many are praising Capcom for finally taking the story forward after the ending of Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike.
His new design leads to confusion about who gave Ryu the robe and where he has been since the end of Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike. However, answers to fan questions about Ryu will likely arrive in Street Fighter 6 next year.
Street Fighter 6 releases in 2023 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
