Akuma will join the roster of playable characters in Street Fighter V on December 20, Capcom announced during the PlayStation Experience 2017 keynote.
The 2017 Character Pass also releases on December 20th for $29.99 / €29.99 / £24.99 and will grant pass holders with Akuma, in addition to five brand new fighters as they’re released throughout 2017. The pass also comes with Premium Battle Costumes with colors 3-10 unlocked and default costume colors 3-10 for each character. 2017 Character Pass holders will also receive an exclusive PlayStation 4 theme.
Here’s the full overview of Akuma, via Capcom Unity:
Akuma
A staple of the Street Fighter series ever since his secret appearance in Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Akuma is a savage, but well-honed Ansatsuken master consumed by the Satsui no Hado. Akuma represents the danger Ryu faces if he is unable to control the Satsui no Hado within him, and while Akuma appears to have some set of morals, he believes the highest form of battle is that in which participants put their lives on the line.
Akuma returns to Street Fighter V, displaying his mastery of Ansatsuken and while he has become burlier than previous games, he possesses quick footwork and devastating combos. He has a wide array of destructive tools and is able to completely out-class opponents with his oppressive pressure. His moves and stances often strike poses reminiscent of Buddhist statues and Ukiyo-e paintings.
How does Akuma feel about Ryu’s approach to overcoming the Satsui no Hado and what is his relationship to Necalli? Be sure to check out his character story to find out!
V-Skill: Rakan
Akuma strikes a defensive stance and similar to Ryu’s Mind’s Eye, can parry an incoming attack. He can follow-up the move with an upward kick or a long reaching palm strike.
V-Trigger: Dohatsu Shoten
Akuma powers up and envelops his body with ki to enter Dohatsu Shoten mode. In this mode, his Gohadokens are more powerful, now able to travel full-screen and he can unleash two in the air even while jumping backwards. Additionally, when he lands his Goshoryuken attack, he follows-up and violently drives his opponents into the ground.
Critical Art: Sekia Koretsuha
Akuma channels an incredible amount of ki into his palm and drives it into the ground, striking the opponent with an exploding pillar of fierce energy.
Critical Art: Shun Goku Satsu
Only accessible while in Dohatsu Shoten mode, Akuma’s most powerful attack returns. He glides towards the opponent and grabs them, resulting in a series of devastating strikes in the blink of an eye.
As announced at PlayStation Experience, Akuma is coming to Street Fighter V on December 20th alongside our Holiday Content, B-Boy Ryu and B-Girl Chun-Li. Akuma’s Story, Premium Battle and Nostalgia costumes will also be available when he releases on the 20th.
2017 Character Pass
If you want to be in the best shape for 2017, the 2017 Character Pass also releases on December 20th for $29.99 / €29.99 / £24.99 and will grant pass holders with Akuma, in addition to 5 brand new fighters as they join the fray throughout 2017. The pass also comes with Premium Battle Costumes with colors 3-10 unlocked and default costume colors 3-10 for each character. Additionally, 2017 Character Pass holders will receive an exclusive PS4 theme!
Watch the Akuma trailer below. View a set of screenshots at the gallery.
