Love Street Fighter? Who doesn’t! But if you’re jumping into the series now, or just need a refresher, let’s talk about the characters that started it all: the Street Fighter Characters 2 roster. These World Warriors are more than just pixels; they’re gaming icons. From Ryu to M. Bison, get ready for an in-depth look at the fighters who made Street Fighter 2 a phenomenon.
Ryu: The Eternal Wanderer
Ryu, the quintessential Karate master, is arguably the face of the entire Street Fighter franchise. More than just a “Karate Man,” Ryu embodies a lifelong dedication to martial arts, striving for self-improvement and mastery of his skills. His simple karate gi and perpetually bare feet speak volumes about his ascetic lifestyle. This wandering warrior traverses the globe, not for sightseeing, but to challenge strong opponents and refine his fighting style. He’s less interested in worldly possessions and more focused on the next battle, carrying only the bare necessities in his duffel bag – probably filled with sand for impromptu training sessions.
Beyond his dedication to karate, Ryu is known for his unwavering sense of honor and compassion, though these are often overshadowed by his intense focus on fighting. It’s this complex inner life that cemented his status as a Capcom mascot and a beloved Street Fighter character. His well-traveled nature is only matched by his readiness to unleash a Hadoken on anyone who stands in his way.
Ryu’s constant internal struggle against the Satsui no Hado, a dark and corrupting force, adds depth to his character. This battle within threatens to transform him into Evil Ryu, a being consumed by power and destruction, a stark contrast to his disciplined nature. For now, Ryu manages to keep this dark power at bay, a conflict that fuels much of his storyline throughout the Street Fighter series. His signature moves, the Hadoken (fireball) and Shoryuken (dragon punch), are instantly recognizable and fundamental to his fighting style, embodying the perfect blend of offense and defense.
Ken: The Flashy Rival
Ken Masters, Ryu’s lifelong friend and rival, is the second Karate Man on the Street Fighter roster, though he might argue he’s the first in terms of style. While Ryu embodies discipline and stoicism, Ken is all about flash, flair, and living life to the “max.” Born into immense wealth, Ken’s privileged background contrasts sharply with Ryu’s humble existence, influencing his carefree and confident personality. Despite his riches, he still dedicates himself to martial arts, albeit with a more exuberant approach.
Ken’s character development throughout the Street Fighter series is notable. He evolves from a brash young fighter to a more mature family man, marrying Eliza and having a son, Mel. This progression brings a layer of depth to Ken, showing a softer side beneath his flamboyant exterior. While he might be settling down compared to the perpetual wanderer Ryu, he’s still more than ready to throw down with anyone, anywhere.
His move set mirrors Ryu’s, featuring the Hadoken, Shoryuken, and Tatsumaki Senpu-kyaku (Hurricane Kick), but Ken executes them with a fiery, more aggressive style. His Shoryuken, the fiery Dragon Punch, is a testament to his mastery and showmanship, making him a visually exciting and powerful character to play. Ken brings the heat, both literally and figuratively, to the Street Fighter arena.
Chun-Li: The Strongest Woman in the World
Chun-Li is not just a fast and beautiful fighter; she’s a pioneering icon in fighting games. As the first playable female character in a genre dominated by men, Chun-Li shattered stereotypes and became a fan favorite. This Interpol agent and skilled Kung-Fu master from China is driven by a strong sense of justice and a personal vendetta against M. Bison, who murdered her father. Her legendary thighs, capable of delivering devastating kicks, have become as famous as her quest for vengeance.
Joining Interpol to bring her father’s killer to justice, Chun-Li navigates the complexities of international law enforcement with her own brand of forceful determination. While her personal involvement might raise ethical questions, no one in their right mind would dare to question her methods. It’s highly probable that Interpol’s operational efficiency is directly correlated to their respect for Chun-Li’s fighting prowess.
Her fighting style is characterized by rapid kicks and agile movements. Signature moves like the Hyakuretsukyaku (Hundred Rending Legs) and Spinning Bird Kick showcase her incredible leg strength and speed. While originally focused on kicks, Chun-Li later adopted fireball techniques like the Kikoken, proving her adaptability and willingness to evolve her fighting style. Her iconic spiked bracelets remain a fashion mystery, perhaps a subtle nod to a rebellious past, but undeniably part of her unique and powerful persona.
Zangief: The Red Cyclone
Zangief, the “Red Cyclone,” is the embodiment of Russian wrestling pride in Street Fighter. This colossal grappler fights to showcase the glory of his homeland, whether it’s Mother Russia or the USSR, depending on the political climate. His patriotic fervor is matched only by his impressive physique, adorned with scars from wrestling Siberian bears – a testament to his toughness, or perhaps questionable training methods. Despite being used for political propaganda, Zangief’s heart seems genuine, and his interactions, like Cossack dancing with world leaders, are uniquely Street Fighter.
Contrary to stereotypical portrayals of Russian characters from the early 90s, Zangief is not villainous, politically obsessed, or a raging alcoholic. He’s often depicted as naive and surprisingly gentle, a “gentle giant” beneath the imposing muscles. His dedication to his physical form is almost spiritual, treating his body as a temple.
Zangief’s signature move, the Spinning Piledriver, is infamous for its devastating power. Picking up opponents and slamming them headfirst after a close encounter with his chest hair is a move that few can withstand. His Spinning Lariat, while possibly borrowed from Mike Haggar, is another iconic attack, solidifying Zangief’s place as a powerhouse grappler in the Street Fighter universe. He’s a force of nature, both in and out of the ring.
Guile: The American Hero
Guile, the stoic US Air Force operative, embodies American pride and military discipline. His unwavering “no-nonsense” attitude is as sharp as his iconic, gravity-defying flattop haircut. Sporting fatigues, dog tags (including those of his fallen comrade Charlie), and Stars and Stripes tattoos, Guile is the quintessential patriotic fighter. His hairstyle alone likely consumes a significant portion of the US defense budget in hairspray.
Driven by vengeance for Charlie’s death at the hands of M. Bison, Guile is consumed by his mission to dismantle Shadaloo. This quest for justice makes him a relentless pursuer, often cooperating with Chun-Li in their shared goal. His stoic demeanor and unwavering resolve make him a reliable, if somewhat stiff, hero. He’s the kind of guy who waits patiently, ready to strike when the moment is right, embodying the “Real American Hero” archetype.
Guile’s move set is straightforward but effective, featuring the Sonic Boom and Somersault Kick. These simple yet powerful moves reflect his practical, military-style combat approach. The Sonic Boom, created seemingly by sheer arm speed, and the anti-air Somersault Kick are fundamental tools in his arsenal. As Ken’s brother-in-law, family gatherings must be… interesting, especially around the 4th of July.
E. Honda: The Sumo Champion
Edmond Honda, or E. Honda, is the proud Sumo wrestler of Street Fighter, dedicated to showcasing the ancient Japanese tradition to the world. Unlike Zangief’s nationalistic pride, Honda’s is focused on his sport, striving to prove the global relevance of Sumo. He travels the world, slapping opponents into submission to earn Sumo the respect he believes it deserves, even if Street Fighter‘s ring-out-less arenas somewhat undermine his Sumo tactics.
Honda’s ambition extends beyond martial arts; he aims to make Sumo an Olympic sport. This goal, surprisingly earnest for a Street Fighter character, reveals his deep commitment to his craft. The idea of a Sumo wrestler joining the International Olympic Committee is both absurd and perfectly fitting for the Street Fighter universe.
Visually, E. Honda has evolved from a portly figure to a surprisingly ripped physique, maintaining his signature Sumo shape while gaining considerable muscle definition. This physical transformation coincides with a shift towards a more comedic portrayal, embracing the “comic relief” role. His fighting style revolves around rapid slaps, powerful headbutts, and the iconic Sumo Splash, making him a unique and often humorous character to play.
Dhalsim: The Yoga Master
Dhalsim, the enigmatic Yoga master from India, is perhaps the most unconventional Street Fighter character. While not always the most popular choice due to his keep-away fighting style, Dhalsim is undeniably unique. His mastery of Yoga allows him to stretch his limbs to extraordinary lengths, maintaining distance while still delivering blows. This reach advantage makes him a tricky opponent, despite his frail physique and low defense.
Dhalsim’s ability to breathe fire, initially attributed to spicy curries but later retconned to a blessing from the fire god Agni, adds to his mystique. He is portrayed as inherently “good,” a pacifist at heart who fights for his beliefs and the betterment of others. This peaceful nature contrasts sharply with his unsettling appearance – a gaunt figure with blank eyes, adorned with a string of skulls.
Despite his somewhat macabre aesthetic, Dhalsim is a devoted family man with a wife and son. His special moves, beyond limb elongation and fire breathing (illusory but still painful), are all unique and reflect his yogic abilities. He remains a fascinating, if slightly unsettling, figure in the Street Fighter roster, challenging conventional notions of heroism and appearance.
Blanka: The Electric Beast Man
Blanka’s origin story is pure Street Fighter absurdity: a plane crash survivor raised by electric eels in the Amazon rainforest. This feral “beast-man” is more gentle than his wild appearance suggests, possessing a deep love for nature and a surprisingly decent disposition. His green skin and wild hair are matched by his unique ability to generate electricity, a skill learned from his adoptive eel family.
This electric power is Blanka’s most iconic trait, allowing him to shock opponents with devastating force. The idea of a human child adapting to life with electric eels, learning to breathe underwater and harness electricity, is quintessential Street Fighter logic. Despite his feral upbringing, Blanka is not without sentimentality.
His Street Fighter II ending, where he reunites with his mother who recognizes him by a supposedly size-adjusting and indestructible anklet, is a heartwarming, if illogical, moment in gaming history. Blanka’s special moves, including his electric attacks and rolling ball assaults, reflect his wild, animalistic fighting style, making him a truly unique and memorable character.
Balrog: The Corrupt Boxer
Balrog, originally intended to be named Mike Bison but renamed for legal reasons, is the embodiment of greed and brutality in Street Fighter. This former professional boxer was expelled from the sport for his violent conduct and lack of morals. Driven by a lust for wealth and the high life he once knew as heavyweight champion, Balrog turned to crime, becoming a high-ranking member of Shadaloo.
His backstory, eerily similar to real-world boxer controversies, adds a layer of dark realism to the otherwise fantastical Street Fighter world. Balrog’s skills are limited to powerful punches and headbutts; he disdains kicks as “dirty.” Despite his limited move set, his raw power is immense, allegedly capable of killing an elephant with a single blow.
Balrog’s loyalty is nonexistent; he’s purely motivated by personal gain and would betray anyone, including M. Bison, in a heartbeat. His continued employment by Shadaloo despite his treachery and limited skillset remains a testament to Bison’s questionable hiring practices. Balrog’s special moves are straightforward – big punches, reflecting his simple, brutal approach to fighting.
Vega: The Narcissistic Ninja
Vega, the masked matador-ninja, is Street Fighter‘s resident narcissist. Obsessed with beauty and convinced of his own flawless perfection, Vega sees ugliness everywhere else and seeks to eradicate it. This Spanish nobleman and Shadaloo assassin is as deadly as he is vain, driven by a psychopathic love for murder and bloodshed. The “ninja matador” concept is a bizarre yet perfect fit for Street Fighter‘s over-the-top character designs.
Vega’s fighting style blends acrobatic ninja techniques with the flair of a matador. He wields a three-bladed claw, reveling in the sight of blood, and wears a mask to protect his “beautiful” face. His narcissism is so extreme that he seems more concerned with his reflection than his opponents. The snake tattoo adorning his torso further cements his status as a villainous and untrustworthy character.
Vega’s special moves emphasize his agility and speed, featuring aerial attacks and rapid strikes. However, moves like the Rolling Crystal Flash, a lackluster gymnastics maneuver, hint at a possible lack of genuine dedication beneath the narcissistic facade. He’s a complex villain, torn between his vanity and his violent urges.
Sagat: The Emperor of Muay Thai
Sagat, the towering Muay Thai master and Street Fighter II‘s sub-boss, is a formidable and imposing figure. Once the final boss of the original Street Fighter, his demotion in Street Fighter II fuels his rivalry with Ryu, who defeated him and left him with a signature chest scar. As the “Emperor of Muay Thai,” Sagat is a force to be reckoned with, dedicated to becoming the strongest fighter in the world.
His rivalry with Ryu is central to his character arc, evolving from pure animosity to a grudging respect and perhaps even camaraderie. They share a similar dedication to martial arts and a disdain for footwear, and both can inexplicably shoot fireballs. Sagat, however, has the edge in fireball variety, with his Tiger Shots aimed at different heights.
Sagat’s love for tigers is an endearing quirk, contrasting with his fearsome appearance. His home, likely filled with tiger-themed trinkets, reveals a softer side beneath the Emperor persona. His special moves, including the Tiger Shot and devastating Tiger Uppercut, are as powerful as his imposing presence, making him a challenging and iconic Street Fighter antagonist.
M. Bison: The Supreme Dictator
M. Bison, the ultimate villain of Street Fighter II, is the ruthless dictator and head of the criminal organization Shadaloo. With his menacing Psycho Power, Bison is a force of pure evil, devoid of kindness or remorse. He aims for world domination and seeks to harness Ryu’s Satsui no Hado to amplify his power, though his plans are often as convoluted as they are villainous.
While initially portrayed as an unstoppable force, Bison’s repeated defeats and eventual status as a playable character have somewhat diminished his “Main Villain” aura. His Psycho Power grants him flight, telekinesis, and fiery attacks, but it also slowly destroys his body. Bison’s bizarre attempts to overcome this limitation, including cloning himself into a teenage girl (Cammy) and separating his “good side” (Rose), suggest a villain with more than just world domination on his mind.
Despite his claims of mastermind status, Bison’s plans are frequently undermined by his own ineptitude and the incompetence of his underlings like Balrog and Birdie. Even Shadaloo’s creations, like Seth, tend to rebel and usurp him. His repeated deaths throughout the series further question his villainous competence. The mystery of what the “M” in M. Bison stands for remains unsolved, adding to the enigmatic nature of this iconic Street Fighter antagonist. His signature Psycho Crusher and Head Stomp, while visually impressive with Psycho Power, are fundamentally just a flying headbutt and a jump-stomp, perhaps revealing the simplistic nature beneath the Psycho Power theatrics.
These are the legendary World Warriors of Street Fighter II. Next time you’re choosing your fighter, you’ll know a bit more about the origins and motivations behind these iconic characters. Dive into the world of Street Fighter and experience the legacy for yourself!
