Highlights
Street Fighter 6 is hailed as one of the best fighting games in the series, rectifying the issues of its predecessor, Street Fighter 5.
Ed, a one-of-a-kind character possessing a fusion of boxing skills and psycho-power abilities, is slated to make his debut in Street Fighter 6, specifically tailored to appeal to fans of pugilist characters.
With his distinctive control scheme relying on button inputs rather than motion inputs, Ed proves to be an ideal choice for players transitioning from Modern to Classic controls, effectively bridging the gap between these two gameplay styles.
Street Fighter 6 stands out as one of the strongest and best fighting games in the series over the past twenty years. Unlike its predecessor, Street Fighter 5, which faced criticism for simplifying mechanics, prioritizing defensive play, and lacking the same level of acclaim, Street Fighter 6 has successfully addressed these concerns. While it took time for Street Fighter 5 to resonate with the fighting game community, certain aspects such as the introduction of new characters were consistently impressive.
One notable character introduced in Street Fighter 5 is Ed. Although he made a brief appearance in Street Fighter 4, Ed became playable in SF5. Initially featured in Rose's arcade mode in SF4, he was later captured to possibly become M. Bison's vessel, the main antagonist of the series. Ed, a protege of Balrog, Street Fighter's renowned boxer, possesses psycho-power abilities like Bison. Despite his dominance in punching, his incorporation of psycho-powers and kicks distinguishes him from being a traditional boxer. Ed's move set is a unique amalgamation of multiple archetypes within the franchise.
Ed Is Coming To Street Fighter 6 Next Year
Ed, the upcoming addition to Street Fighter 6, will surely delight fans of boxer characters, as this particular archetype is currently missing from the game. Similar to Street Fighter 5, Ed is expected to excel in short-ranged rush-down combat, using his ability to constantly apply pressure. In SF5, Ed possesses a dive-kick move that serves as an airborne punisher or a combo finisher, along with a powerful projectile super that provides effective space control. Ed is a formidable character for players who prefer a close-quarters combat style, consistently pressuring opponents with well-placed strikes – a characteristic that is unlikely to change.
With the character redesigns in Street Fighter 6, Ed is also expected to undergo a transformation. Based on his concept art, he will be seen in civilian attire, signaling his liberation from Shadaloo. While it is anticipated that Ed will lose his previous dark and edgy aesthetic, his unique input method is likely to be retained. Unlike other characters who require motion inputs, Ed triggers special moves by simultaneously inputting multiple punch or kick buttons along with a directional input. This distinctive input system made Ed one of the easier characters to learn in SF5, but with the introduction of Modern Controls in SF6, the significance of Ed's input method may undergo changes.
Ed Will Bridge Modern and Classic Controls
Ed exclusively utilized motion inputs for his super move in Street Fighter 5. Consequently, Ed's controls served as a precursor to the Modern Controls featured in Street Fighter 6. Although the Modern input style has enhanced accessibility and proven effective at high competitive levels, it comes at the expense of player control. Notably, characters like Dhalsim are significantly weakened by these sacrifices.
On the other hand, Ed's minimal reliance on motion inputs renders him an ideal transition for players acquainted with Modern inputs who wish to explore the Classic control method. While Classic controls still demand greater precision, they do not necessitate the same level of coordination as characters heavily dependent on motion inputs.
Street Fighter 6 is a dynamic fighting game that continues to grow in popularity. The introduction of characters such as Ed, who can seamlessly bridge the gap between Modern and Classic controls, not only attracts new fans but also maintains the interest of existing players. The previous DLC characters, Rashid and AKI, were warmly received and it is expected that Ed and Akuma will be just as enjoyable.
You can now play Street Fighter 6 on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.