Street Fighter. The name alone conjures images of epic battles, iconic special moves, and a cast of characters that have become legends in the gaming world. For many, the journey began with Street Fighter II, a game that didn’t just revolutionize the fighting game genre, it defined it for generations to come. At the heart of its enduring appeal are the World Warriors, a diverse and unforgettable roster of fighters, each with their own unique stories, fighting styles, and unforgettable personalities. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer eager to learn about the origins of this legendary franchise, let’s delve into the world of All Street Fighter Characters from Street Fighter II, the game that started it all.
Street Fighter 2: The Original World Warriors
Ryu
Ryu in his classic white karate gi, performing his iconic Hadoken in Street Fighter 2.
Ryu, the eternal wanderer, is arguably the most recognizable face of the Street Fighter franchise. He is the quintessential karate master, dedicating his entire existence to the pursuit of martial arts perfection. Ryu embodies discipline, honor, and the relentless quest for self-improvement. Traveling the globe, seeking out strong opponents, and constantly honing his skills, Ryu lives a spartan lifestyle, carrying only the bare necessities and his unwavering commitment to the fight. This dedication, bordering on obsession, has made him an icon. Beyond his stoic exterior lies a constant internal battle against the Satsui no Hadou, a dark and corrupting force that threatens to consume him and unleash a destructive power. This internal conflict adds depth to Ryu’s character, making him more than just a simple fighter. His journey is a struggle for balance, constantly striving to control the darkness within while pursuing his martial arts ideals.
Ryu’s signature moves are legendary. The Hadoken, a ball of spiritual energy unleashed from his palms, is one of the most iconic projectiles in video game history. Equally famous is the Shoryuken, a powerful rising uppercut that embodies his fighting spirit. These moves, simple to execute yet difficult to master, perfectly reflect Ryu’s character – grounded in tradition but capable of explosive power.
Ken
Ken Masters, the flamboyant karateka, executing a fiery Shoryuken in Street Fighter 2.
Ken Masters is Ryu’s lifelong friend and training partner, but their personalities are as different as night and day. Where Ryu is serious and disciplined, Ken is brash, confident, and overflowing with charisma. Born into immense wealth, Ken enjoys a life of luxury, a stark contrast to Ryu’s austere existence. However, beneath the flashy exterior is a skilled and dedicated martial artist who is always eager to test his abilities. Ken’s journey throughout the Street Fighter series is one of growth and evolution. He marries, starts a family, and matures, but his passion for fighting remains undiminished. He represents the balance between a fulfilling personal life and the thrill of competition.
Ken’s fighting style mirrors Ryu’s in many ways, but with a distinct flair. He also utilizes the Shoryuken and Hadoken, but Ken’s Shoryuken is often engulfed in flames, reflecting his more fiery personality. He is also known for the Hurricane Kick, a spinning aerial attack that showcases his agility and showmanship. Ken’s moves are powerful and stylish, embodying his approach to both fighting and life itself.
Chun-Li
Chun-Li, the first lady of fighting games, delivering a powerful kick in Street Fighter 2.
Chun-Li is a true icon and a pioneer. As the “First Lady of Fighting Games,” she broke ground as one of the earliest and most prominent female characters in the genre. A skilled Interpol agent and master of Kung Fu, Chun-Li is driven by a strong sense of justice and a personal vendetta against M. Bison, the man responsible for her father’s death. Her speed, agility, and powerful kicks make her a formidable opponent. Chun-Li is not just a powerful fighter; she is also intelligent, determined, and fiercely independent. Her dedication to her duty and her unwavering pursuit of justice have made her a beloved character worldwide.
Chun-Li’s fighting style is centered around her incredible legs. Her lightning-fast kicks are her primary weapons, and she possesses a vast array of kicking techniques. The Spinning Bird Kick, an upside-down spinning kick, is one of her most recognizable moves. She also utilizes energy-based attacks like the Kikoken, a projectile launched from her palms. Chun-Li’s move set is a testament to her speed and precision, making her a dynamic and exciting character to play.
Zangief
Zangief, the Red Cyclone, showcasing his immense strength with a wrestling move in Street Fighter 2.
Zangief, the “Red Cyclone,” is a towering figure of raw power and Russian pride. A professional wrestler renowned throughout the Soviet Union (and later Russia), Zangief fights to showcase the strength and spirit of his homeland. His imposing physique, covered in scars earned from wrestling Siberian bears (or so the legend goes), reflects his incredible strength and resilience. Despite his intimidating appearance, Zangief is often portrayed as a gentle giant, somewhat naive but fiercely loyal and dedicated to his cause. He is a patriotic symbol, embodying the might and determination of his nation.
Zangief’s fighting style is all about grappling and close-range combat. He is a master of wrestling techniques, capable of devastating throws and holds. His signature move, the Spinning Piledriver, is a fearsome command grab that can inflict massive damage. The Lariat, a powerful clothesline, is another of his iconic attacks. Zangief’s gameplay revolves around closing the distance and overpowering opponents with his brute strength and grappling prowess.
Guile
Guile, the stoic American soldier, unleashing his signature Sonic Boom attack in Street Fighter 2.
Guile is the epitome of the stoic and disciplined military man. A Major in the US Air Force, Guile is driven by a personal vendetta against M. Bison, who was responsible for the death of his close friend and comrade, Charlie. His unwavering determination to avenge Charlie fuels his relentless pursuit of Bison and Shadaloo. Guile’s iconic flat-top haircut and dog tags, including Charlie’s, are visual symbols of his military background and his enduring grief. He represents duty, loyalty, and the unwavering pursuit of justice, even in the face of personal loss.
Guile’s fighting style is characterized by its defensive strength and powerful charge-based attacks. His most famous move, the Sonic Boom, is a projectile of compressed air launched from his hands. The Somersault Kick, also known as the “Flash Kick,” is a swift and effective anti-air attack. Guile’s gameplay emphasizes strategic positioning and precise timing, making him a challenging but rewarding character to master.
E. Honda
E. Honda, the enthusiastic sumo wrestler, performing his rapid Hundred Hand Slap in Street Fighter 2.
Edmond Honda, or E. Honda, is a proud and powerful sumo wrestler determined to prove the global viability of his ancient Japanese art. Traveling the world to showcase sumo wrestling, Honda aims to dispel any misconceptions and elevate its status to a globally recognized martial art, even hoping to see it included in the Olympics. His large physique and traditional sumo attire are instantly recognizable. Despite his imposing size, Honda is often portrayed as jovial and enthusiastic, with a strong sense of national pride and a genuine desire to share his love for sumo wrestling with the world.
Honda’s fighting style is based on powerful sumo techniques, emphasizing rapid strikes and forward momentum. His signature move, the Hundred Hand Slap, is a flurry of incredibly fast palm strikes. The Sumo Headbutt, a charging headbutt attack, is another of his iconic moves. Honda’s gameplay focuses on aggressive offense and overwhelming opponents with a barrage of close-range attacks.
Dhalsim
Dhalsim, the enigmatic yoga master, extending his limbs in a fight in Street Fighter 2.
Dhalsim is the enigmatic yoga master from India, a pacifist at heart who is drawn into the world of street fighting by necessity. His mastery of yoga grants him incredible abilities, including the power to stretch his limbs to extraordinary lengths and breathe fire. Dhalsim is a spiritual and introspective character, seeking inner peace and harmony. His appearance, with his skeletal frame, elongated limbs, and strings of skulls, is both striking and slightly unsettling, reflecting his unique and somewhat mysterious nature. Despite his pacifistic beliefs, Dhalsim fights for what he believes in, using his unique powers to defend the innocent.
Dhalsim’s fighting style is unconventional and focused on zoning and keep-away tactics. His stretchy limbs allow him to attack from a distance, maintaining space between himself and his opponent. Yoga Fire and Yoga Flame are his signature fire-breathing attacks. Dhalsim’s gameplay requires patience and strategic positioning, utilizing his reach and projectiles to control the flow of the fight.
Blanka
Blanka, the wild jungle fighter, emitting a surge of Electric Thunder in Street Fighter 2.
Blanka is the wild man of the jungle, raised in the Amazon rainforest after surviving a plane crash as a child. His green skin, animalistic features, and electric powers make him one of the most unique and visually striking Street Fighter characters. Legend says he learned to generate electricity from electric eels. Despite his feral appearance, Blanka is not inherently aggressive. He possesses a primal connection to nature and, in a touching storyline, is eventually reunited with his mother. Blanka represents the untamed forces of nature and the surprising humanity that can be found even in the wildest of beings.
Blanka’s fighting style is erratic and unpredictable, reflecting his wild upbringing. His Electric Thunder, an electric shock emitted from his body, is his most famous move. He also utilizes rolling attacks like the Rolling Attack, turning himself into a ball of green fury. Blanka’s gameplay is often characterized by unconventional movement and surprise attacks, making him a challenging and unpredictable opponent.
Balrog
Balrog, the ruthless boxer, delivering a devastating punch in Street Fighter 2.
Balrog (originally M. Bison in Japan, name changed for international releases) is the ruthless boxer, driven by greed and a thirst for wealth. Disgraced from professional boxing for his violent and unethical tactics, Balrog joined Shadaloo as one of M. Bison’s top enforcers, using his brutal fighting skills for criminal gain. He is amoral, selfish, and utterly focused on money. Balrog represents the dark side of ambition, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the raw power of unchecked aggression.
Balrog’s fighting style is purely boxing-based, relying solely on punches and headbutts. He is a powerhouse, capable of delivering devastating blows. His signature moves include the Dash Punch, a rapid series of lunging punches, and the Turn Punch, a powerful charged punch. Balrog’s gameplay is straightforward and aggressive, focused on overwhelming opponents with relentless punching attacks.
Vega
Vega, the narcissistic ninja matador, striking with his claw in Street Fighter 2.
Vega (originally Balrog in Japan, name-swapped internationally) is the narcissistic Spanish ninja matador, obsessed with beauty and convinced of his own perfection. He sees ugliness as a blight upon the world and seeks to destroy anything he deems aesthetically displeasing. As a Shadaloo assassin, Vega indulges his psychopathic tendencies and his love for bloodshed. His elegant appearance, clawed glove, and mask (to protect his beautiful face) are all part of his narcissistic persona. Vega embodies vanity, obsession, and the twisted pursuit of an unattainable ideal of beauty.
Vega’s fighting style is acrobatic and elegant, blending ninja agility with matador flair. He is the only character in Street Fighter II who fights with a weapon, his triple-bladed claw. The Rolling Crystal Flash, an acrobatic rolling attack, and the Izuna Drop, a powerful throw from the wall, are among his signature moves. Vega’s gameplay emphasizes speed, agility, and utilizing his claw for swift and deadly strikes.
Sagat
Sagat, the imposing Muay Thai emperor, launching a powerful Tiger Shot in Street Fighter 2.
Sagat, the “Emperor of Muay Thai,” is a towering and formidable warrior, scarred both physically and emotionally by his past defeat against Ryu. Once the undisputed champion of street fighting, Sagat was defeated by Ryu in the original Street Fighter, an event that left him with a massive scar across his chest and a burning desire for revenge, which later evolves into a complex rivalry and respect. He is a proud and powerful Muay Thai master, seeking to reclaim his former glory and prove himself the strongest fighter in the world. Sagat represents pride, ambition, and the struggle to overcome past failures.
Sagat’s fighting style is based on powerful Muay Thai techniques, utilizing long-range kicks and projectiles. His signature move, the Tiger Shot, is a powerful energy projectile. The Tiger Uppercut, a rising uppercut with immense power, is another of his iconic attacks. Sagat’s gameplay focuses on controlling space and punishing opponents with his long reach and devastating strikes.
M. Bison
M. Bison, the ultimate villain, unleashing his Psycho Power in Street Fighter 2.
M. Bison (Vega in Japan, name-swapped internationally) is the ultimate villain of Street Fighter II, the ruthless dictator and leader of the criminal organization Shadaloo. Wielding the terrifying Psycho Power, a dark energy that grants him immense abilities, Bison seeks world domination through fear and oppression. He is utterly evil, devoid of compassion, and driven by an insatiable lust for power. Bison is the embodiment of villainy in the Street Fighter universe, the ultimate antagonist that the World Warriors must overcome.
M. Bison’s fighting style is aggressive and overwhelming, reflecting his dominant personality and Psycho Power. His signature move, the Psycho Crusher, is a charging attack fueled by Psycho Power. The Head Stomp, a leaping stomp attack, is another of his recognizable moves. Bison’s gameplay emphasizes relentless offense and utilizing his Psycho Power to control the fight and crush his opponents.
Conclusion
The Street Fighter characters introduced in Street Fighter II are more than just pixels on a screen; they are cultural icons. Each of these twelve World Warriors brought a unique flavor to the game, contributing to its massive success and lasting legacy. From the disciplined Ryu to the villainous M. Bison, this diverse cast offered players a range of fighting styles and personalities to connect with. Their impact on gaming is undeniable, and they continue to be beloved by fans around the world. Whether you are drawn to the stoic strength of Guile, the agile kicks of Chun-Li, or the raw power of Zangief, there’s a character in Street Fighter II for everyone. So why not pick up a controller and experience the thrill of battle with these legendary fighters and discover your own favorite Street Fighter character?
