Let’s Take a Look at the Evolution of Street Fighter’s Characters

Street Fighter V is full of familiar fighters that have been around long enough to become gaming icons. Their moves may change, but what about their looks? Here’s how the World Warriors have changed over the years, ending with their appearance in Street Fighter V.

RYU

As the main character of the series, Ryu hasn’t changed much through the years. He’s dyed his red hair brown and swapped out a white headband for a red one. His biggest addition in Street Fighter V is about 10 pounds of muscle mass.

KEN

Aside from changing his hairstyle a few times, Ken has always kept a consistent look with his red karate gi. He changed more than most in V with another new haircut and swapping his karate gear for a compression shirt.

CHUN-LI

Chun-Li is one of the most popular Street Fighter characters, and keeps her classic blue Chinese dress for V. She’s also known for having a wide range of alternate outfits, and Street Fighter V will likely continue that trend.

CAMMY

Cammy’s signature battle leotard and red beret costume have seen few changes since Street Fighter 2. In Street Fighter V, she’s kept her classic look but lost the leg paint. One thing the excellent graphics in SFV makes clear is how heavy and painful her gauntlets look.

DHALSIM

Yoga master Dhalsim has made a few big changes since his appearance in Street Fighter V. He’s added a turban to his minimal outfit and grown a long beard, because beards make everything better. If you were unsettled by his elastic limbs before, V takes that attribute to disturbing new heights.

M. BISON

M. Bison might be a superpowered evil dictator, but even he’s not immune to aging. Street Fighter V shows Bison with grey hair for the first time, but his evil schemes haven’t slowed down a bit. Maybe the events of story mode will show why Bison is finally looking older.

VEGA 

Vega’s visual design in Street Fighter hasn’t changed much through the years. In the latest game, he’s looking like a matador for the first time. His new outfit is based on an older alternate costume, and the fancy shirt works well for a man obsessed with his own beauty.

ZANGIEF

Zangief is a true wrestler, and it shows in his choice of outfit. He’s changed almost nothing since 2, keeping a simple appearance so he can be recognized and so fans can cosplay as him with ease. Zangief will be feared no matter what he wears, and he knows it.

Street Fighter V launches on PlayStation 4 and PC on Feb. 16. There will be more classic characters returning to the game in the future, so let us know which fighter you’d like to see return.