Who is the Strongest Character in Street Fighter 2?
Street Fighter 2, released in 1991, is one of the most iconic fighting games of all time. With a massive cast of characters, each with their unique moveset and playstyle, determining the strongest character is a topic of much debate. In this article, we’ll explore the arguments for and against different characters, and provide a comprehensive analysis of who reigns supreme in Street Fighter 2.
Introduction to the Characters
Street Fighter 2 features 12 playable characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. These characters can be broadly categorized into three tiers:
• Top Tier: Characters that are considered to be the most powerful, with a high level of execution, high damage output, and the ability to control the pace of the match.
• Middle Tier: Characters that have some strengths, but are often limited by their weaknesses. They may lack the execution requirements of top-tier characters, but still have a chance to win.
• Bottom Tier: Characters that struggle to compete with top-tier characters, often due to limited execution, poor damage output, or difficulty controlling the pace of the match.
Arguments for the Strongest Character: Guile
Guile, a popular character among players, is often considered to be the strongest in Street Fighter 2. Here are some reasons why:
+ High Damage Output: Guile’s Sonic Boom and Flash Kick are two of the highest damaging moves in the game. Sonic Boom deals an impressive 20 damage, while Flash Kick deals 22.
+ Excellent Range: Guile’s Sonic Boom and Quick Chop have excellent range, allowing him to punish opponents from a distance.
+ Reliable Defense: Guile’s Sonic Slice and Flash Kick provide good defense against zoning opponents.
+ Versatility: Guile has a variety of tools to adjust to different situations, from punishing opponents with Sonic Boom to mixing up with Quick Chop and Flash Kick.
Arguments Against Guile
While Guile is considered a strong character, some argue that:
- Limited Execution: Guile’s moves require precise execution, making him vulnerable to mistakes.
A Strong Counterargument: Akuma
Akuma, also known as Gouki in Japan, is a hidden character that can be unlocked by meeting certain conditions. He is considered to be one of the strongest characters in Street Fighter 2, with the following advantages:
+ Unmatched Damage: Akuma’s Shun Goku Satsu (Instant Hell Murder) deals an astronomical 40 damage, making him capable of one-shotting most characters.
+ Unparalleled Range: Akuma’s Zen Shakutou (Heaven’s Judgment) has incredible range, allowing him to punish opponents from anywhere on the screen.
+ Unstoppable: Akuma’s Rage art is extremely difficult to escape, making him nearly unstoppable when triggered.
Arguments Against Akuma
While Akuma is a powerful character, some argue that:
- Vulnerability to Zoning: Akuma’s lack of projectile defense makes him vulnerable to opponents using zoning strategies.
Table Comparison
Here’s a table comparing Guile and Akuma’s strengths and weaknesses:
| Character | High Damage Output | Excellent Range | Reliable Defense | Limited Execution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guile | + | + | + | – |
| Akuma | + | + | – | – |
Other Contenders
Other characters that can be considered strong in Street Fighter 2 include:
- Dhalsim: His Stretching ability allows him to avoid projectiles and punish opponents with his Flame Headbutt.
- Ryu: His Hadouken (Fireball) is a powerful projectile that can be used to zone opponents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which character is the easiest to learn for a beginner?
A: Guile is often considered the easiest to learn due to his straightforward moveset and strong fundamental attacks.
Q: Which character has the most combos?
A: Dhalsim has the most combos due to his Stretching ability, allowing him to add extra hits to his already complex combos.
Q: Which character has the most difficult execution?
A: Akuma’s Shun Goku Satsu (Instant Hell Murder) has one of the most difficult execution requirements, making it challenging to land.
Q: Can I use Akuma’s Zen Shakutou (Heaven’s Judgment) as a projectile?
A: No, Akuma’s Zen Shakutou is a non-projectile move that requires close-range contact to hit.
Q: Is there a way to counter Akuma’s Shun Goku Satsu?
A: Yes, some characters can tech out of Akuma’s Shun Goku Satsu by performing a quick jump-in attack, although this is not a foolproof strategy.
Q: Can I use Ryu’s Hadouken as a projectile to zone opponents?
A: Yes, Ryu’s Hadouken is an excellent projectile that can be used to zone opponents and control the pace of the match.
Q: Is Guile the strongest character in Street Fighter 2?
A: While Guile is a strong character, some argue that Akuma is the strongest due to his unparalleled damage output and range.
Conclusion
Determining the strongest character in Street Fighter 2 is a matter of opinion, with each character having their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Guile is a powerful character with high damage output, excellent range, and reliable defense, but his execution requirements can be challenging. Akuma, on the other hand, is an incredibly powerful character with unmatched damage and range, but his vulnerability to zoning opponents and limited execution make him more difficult to play. Ultimately, the choice of strongest character depends on the player’s personal playstyle and preferences.