Street Fighter 6 Teases New Look for Classic Fighter Akuma

Key Highlights:

• Capcom revealed new art of Akuma for Street Fighter 6 in celebration of 2024
• Shows Akuma with stark white hair instead of his usual red locks
• More feral look highlights his willingness to abandon humanity for power
• Slated as 4th DLC character in SF6’s first season pass, releasing Spring 2024
• Follows previous SF6 DLC fighters Rashid, A.K.I., and Ed (releasing before Akuma)
• Paved way for crossover titles like X-Men vs. SF and Marvel vs. Capcom

Legendary Street Fighter villain Akuma is set to rage into 2024, based on menacing new artwork Capcom revealed of the iconic fighter. The piece highlights Akuma’s more feral design in Street Fighter 6, where he’ll appear as a DLC character.

Shared on social media to celebrate 2024’s arrival, the artwork spotlights Akuma with wild white hair rather than his familiar red locks. His burly physique is adorned with lion-like fur pelts, matching the beastly snarl on his face.

Happy New Year! 🎆

Thank you for all the support you've shown Street Fighter 6 this year.

Here's to more fights, gatherings, and content coming in 2024! pic.twitter.com/knMjAcuOXA

— Street Fighter (@StreetFighter) December 31, 2023

This fearsome new look doubles down on Akuma’s willingness to fully abandon his humanity in pursuit of ultimate power. It depicts a more demonic, undead form fitting of the sinister history behind the Beat ‘Em Up’s most notorious rogue warrior.

While other World Warriors have aged gracefully into their later years, Akuma’s tireless training and meditation has warped him into a more monstrous shape. This signals he will be as dangerously unhinged as ever when added to Street Fighter 6’s roster.

Joining as Fourth DLC Fighter

Akuma is slated as the fourth DLC character for the latest instalment’s first Season Pass, releasing in Spring 2024. He’ll follow previous 2023 Season Pass additions Rashid, Ed and A.K.I. who launches before Akuma in Winter 2024.

Considering Akuma’s popularity since his debut in Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, Capcom is cleverly building hype by teasing his extreme makeover early.

Storied History as Powerful Boss and Anti-Hero

Veteran fans remember Akuma’s legacy beginning as a secret boss in SF2 Turbo, where he could replace final opponent M. Bison. His overwhelming offence made him infamous, even being banned in competitive play.

Akuma soon transitioned into an anti-hero role in the Alpha series and beyond, brutalising foes while also battling his inner demons. His conflict provides nuance to a character whose power seems perpetually unrestrained.

He also made unlikely history as the first Capcom fighter to battle Marvel’s X-Men in X-Men: Children of the Atom. This surprise clash paved the way for beloved crossover titles uniting the two universes.

Built for High Risk, High Reward Combos

When Akuma finally arrives in Street Fighter 6, players can expect his high-intensity, high-execution fighting style to remain intact. Quick reflexes will be required to input his iconic Hurricane Kick and Shoryuken techniques.

Damage output potential will be immense for those able to nail his challenging combos. But his lack of defence also means any mistakes will come at a heavy cost. It will be interesting to see what alternate outfits await the brawler this year too.

This risk-reward dichotomy has long defined Akuma’s gameplay, separating beginners from true masters who can overcome his limitations.

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• Adds Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cosmetics
• Insane Mewtwo Mod Emerges Online

With this striking new art setting the stage, the road ahead promises to unleash Akuma’s full fury upon the World Warriors of the latest entry. While the wait continues, fans can take solace knowing this devilish icon will soon prove why he remains one of fighting games’ most revered and feared characters.