After months of anticipation, Capcom has provided a first look at the final season of DLC for the popular fighting game Street Fighter V. Slated to launch this winter, the season will include five new playable characters, new stages for the Capcom Pro Tour as a nod to the game's thriving competitive scene, new costumes, rebalanced gameplay mechanics and other enhancements to continue to refine and deepen the fan-favorite title as it nears the end of its life cycle.
Among the biggest announcements in Capcom's presentation was the official unveiling of four of the five new additions to game's expansive roster, along with their intended release windows. Each of the characters are returning from previous titles, with one making their full-fledged Street Fighter debut after being a mainstay in a separate Capcom franchise. Here is a quick overview of each of the new characters confirmed for Street Fighter V's final season.
Dan Hibiki
Dan was the first character confirmed for the final season and the only character with test gameplay footage from Street Fighter V actually shown off. Dan began as a student under Gouken, alongside Ryu and Ken, but the venerable martial arts master expelled Dan when he learned that his pupil intended to use his teachings to avenge his father by killing the Thai champion Sagat. As such, Dan's moves are similar to Ryu and Ken's but not quite complete. He's a joke character and a visible parody of rival game developer SNK's Art of Fighting franchise right down to his ponytail and audaciously synthesized theme music.
After making his debut in 1995's Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors' Dreams, Dan would remain a playable character for the entire trilogy and resurface in 2008's Street Fighter IV. Dan initially played a supporting role in Street Fighter V, running the in-game store and appearing in a limited capacity in the game's story mode. He's also present in various characters individual arcade endings, retaining his friendship with Blanka and Sakura. Dan will be added to the game's playable roster this winter.
Rose
Rose was a major character introduced in the Street Fighter Alpha trilogy as an Italian fortune teller whose soul was linked to M. Bison. Though Bison was seemingly destroyed by the trilogy's end, the villain had secretly taken possession of Rose's body until a new host body was prepared, departing Rose in a weakened state and explaining her absence from Street Fighter II. Rose would return in Street Fighter IV after learning Bison had survived his defeat by Akuma and determined to destroy him once and for all.
While not initially playable in Street Fighter V, Rose's presence was felt. She runs a fortune telling parlor where players can purchase add-ons for their personalized dojo. Rose's protege Menat would play a role in Street Fighter V's story, investigating Bison's return and being present when Ryu destroys the villain for good. Rose is expected to be added to Street Fighter V in spring 2021 with a new stage inspired by her.
Oro
The only Street Fighter III character confirmed for the final season was Oro, the martial arts guru who debuted in 1997's Street Fighter III: New Generation and was last playable in 1999's Street Fighter III: Third Strike. A reclusive martial artist with powerful, telekinetic abilities whose deep mastery of his chi let him survive for centuries, Oro is often seen literally fighting with one hand behind his back, using both hands only for certain special techniques. Oro would later go on to secretly mentor Ryu as his latest martial arts student.
With Street Fighter V's story mode taking place before the events of Street Fighter III, Oro emerges from his deep meditation to investigate a growing evil. This is later revealed to be a resurgent M. Bison and Street Fighter III's principal antagonist Gill, seen in a non-playable capacity in other character's stories. Oro is expected to join the cast of Street Fighter V in summer 2021.
Akira Kazama
The biggest surprise of Capcom's entire presentation was the announcement that Akira Kazama would be added to the game's roster. Introduced in 1997's Rival Schools: United by Fate, Akira was an orphaned, teenage schoolgirl who transferred to Gedo High School as the younger sister of gang leader Daigo Kazama. Appearing in the original game and its 2000 sequel, Project Justice: Rival Schools 2, Akira battled rival gangs in her Japanese city, often while wearing her signature biker gear.
Similar to Capcom's Final Fight franchise, Rival Schools takes place in the same shared universe as Street Fighter, with Street Fighter mainstay Sakura Kasugano making an appearance in the original Rival Schools as a playable character. Akira's inclusion in Street Fighter V makes her the first Rival Schools character to make a full-fledged playable appearance in the main Street Fighter series. Akira is slated to be released summer 2021 with a new stage inspired by her and Rival Schools also coming to the game.
Developed by Capcom, Street Fighter V is available on PlayStation 4 and PC.