Street Fighter 6 Welcomes Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui: Daigo Umehara and the Community Weigh In

Street Fighter, a cornerstone in the world of fighting games, has finally embraced a new era by adding guest characters to its roster after nearly four decades. This monumental shift in the game’s history is marked by the inclusion of two iconic figures from SNK’s Fatal Fury series: Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui. This decision has sent ripples through the gaming community, sparking discussions and debates among fans and professional players alike. Among these voices is Daigo Umehara, a veteran fighting game player whose insights and humor have made him a beloved figure in the community.

In a recent video, Daigo shared his thoughts on this groundbreaking development in a casual setting, surrounded by friends, food, and drinks. The atmosphere was light-hearted, filled with laughter and jokes, which provided a perfect backdrop for Daigo’s candid commentary. Despite the excitement surrounding the addition of Terry and Mai, Daigo revealed that he isn’t particularly interested in playing as these characters. Instead, his curiosity lies in the potential for more guest characters to join the Street Fighter 6 roster in the future.

Daigo’s playful nature shone through as he made jokes about Terry Bogard’s moves, specifically his two forward thrust attacks. This humorous take on Terry’s fighting style highlighted Daigo’s deep knowledge of fighting games and his ability to find humor in the intricacies of character mechanics. As the discussion continued, Daigo began to list other SNK fighters he would like to see in Street Fighter 6, such as Geese Howard and Billy Kane. His enthusiasm for these characters underscored his appreciation for SNK’s rich history and diverse roster.

The conversation took an interesting turn when Daigo mentioned popular SNK characters Iori Yagami and Kyo Kusanagi, pondering whether they might be added to Street Fighter 6. This speculation opened up a broader discussion about the potential for a crossover between Capcom and SNK, reminiscent of the Capcom vs. SNK series. Daigo’s friend pointed out that adding too many SNK characters could essentially turn Street Fighter 6 into a pseudo Capcom vs. SNK 3, a prospect that Daigo seemed perfectly fine with. He believed that many fans would welcome such a crossover, even if it meant diverging from the traditional Street Fighter experience.

However, Daigo’s friend offered a counterpoint, reminding him that newer fans might not be as familiar with or fond of SNK characters. This perspective highlighted the generational divide within the gaming community and the challenge of balancing nostalgia with the need to appeal to a contemporary audience. Despite this, Daigo continued to enthusiastically list more SNK characters he would like to see in Street Fighter 6, demonstrating his deep-seated passion for the genre and its history.

The discussion also touched on the types of characters that might be suitable for Street Fighter 6. Daigo’s friend argued that Capcom would likely avoid adding characters with swords or katanas, as these weapons don’t align with the core mechanics of Street Fighter. Initially, Daigo agreed with this assessment but then pointed out that characters like JP and Cody already use weapons in the game. This observation sparked further debate about the flexibility of Street Fighter’s character design and the potential for incorporating more diverse fighting styles.

The video, filled with humor and light-hearted banter, showcased a more relaxed and humorous side of Daigo Umehara. It was an enjoyable watch for fans, offering a glimpse into the personal dynamics and camaraderie among seasoned players. The presence of English subtitles made the content accessible to a broader audience, allowing more fans to appreciate Daigo’s wit and insights. Ultimately, the video conveyed Daigo’s desire for a new Capcom vs. SNK game, a sentiment echoed by many long-time fans of both franchises.

Interestingly, SNK producer Yasuyuki Oda has also expressed interest in collaborating with Capcom more in the future. This mutual interest from both companies could pave the way for exciting crossovers and collaborations, potentially leading to the much-anticipated Capcom vs. SNK 3. Such a development would not only delight veteran players but also introduce a new generation of gamers to the rich legacy of both Capcom and SNK’s fighting games.

In another corner of the Street Fighter community, popular streamer and player Smug conducted a poll to find out which characters professional players and community members want to see in Season 3 of Street Fighter 6. This initiative provided valuable insights into the preferences and desires of the game’s dedicated fanbase. The poll revealed a diverse range of opinions, reflecting the rich history and wide appeal of the Street Fighter franchise.

Among the characters mentioned were Laura from Street Fighter 5, a favorite of Idom, and Birdie, who Menard hopes to see included in the new game. Smug himself was excited when Menard also mentioned wanting Dudley in the game, a character known for his refined boxing style. Itazan, another prominent player, expressed his preference for big-bodied and grappler characters, suggesting that Abigail would be a good addition to the roster. Other commonly mentioned characters included G, Balrog, Vega, and C. Viper, each bringing their unique fighting styles and legacies to the table.

The Street Fighter franchise boasts a vast array of characters, each with their distinct playstyles and backstories. This rich tapestry of characters provides endless possibilities for future additions to the game. Professional players and community members have strong opinions on which characters should be included, often influenced by their personal connections and preferred playstyles. The poll conducted by Smug highlighted the passion and enthusiasm of the Street Fighter community, showcasing the deep investment fans have in the game’s character choices.

The anticipation for the final roster of Street Fighter 6 is palpable, with fans eagerly speculating and debating which characters will make the cut. The diverse opinions and preferences of players underscore the universal appeal of the Street Fighter universe, which is filled with beloved and iconic characters. As the community awaits official announcements, the excitement and enthusiasm continue to build, promising an engaging and dynamic future for Street Fighter 6.