Street Fighter has had dozens of combatants in its roster over the years.  With that many fighters, every fan is going to have their own favorites and “mains”.  These are some of The Game Fanatics favorite characters from the series!

Chun Li

Chun Li has always been a fan favorite when it comes to the Street Fighter series. She was that female character that could always give the guys a run for their money. When it comes to the various Street Fighter games and movies, Chun Li was never shown as a secondary character. To some, her story could be a little cookie cutter but it worked within context. She is after M. Bison and Shadowloo and won’t stop until she is able to avenge her father’s death. She is an expert martial artist and Interpol officer. The definition of brains, beauty, and brawn.

-Julian Harris

Dhalsim

Outside of Ken, Ryu, and Chun Li, Dhalsim may be one of the most recognizable characters in Street Fighter. His character design and fighting style were one of the most appealing to me. The ability to fight from halfway across the stage with fireballs and limbs that stretched more than any other human was amazing. All of this is based on the fact that his fighting style is based on yoga. Dhalsim is the epitome of all things peace but he often steps outside of his morals when it comes to the well being of others. He originally fought in order to raise money for his village. He attempts to leave the life of conflict but can’t let those in need go without help.

-Julian Harris

Sakura

In the Street Fighter franchise, backstories vary wildly.  Some fight for glory and honor.  Others fight for vengeance or to make a name for their town or fighting discipline.  Sakura fights for the love of the sport.  I truly enjoy Sakura’s take on fighting and honing her skills.  Sakura took the Shotokan fighting style from her favorite fighter, Ryu and made it her own.  And She did so not out of jealousy or some desire to see others fall but because she appreciated his skills and found a way to make his style work for her.  Win or lose Sakura is always upbeat and prepared to go another round just for the joy of it.  It helps after a match getting “bodied” against friends or online opponents to think of Sakura and try and take my lumps and find the positive in them.   Sakura makes Street Fighter fun and light-hearted in a way no other character can.

-Johnie McIntyre

Ken

Ken Masters is on the other side of things.  He is consistently the bridesmaid and never the bride of the series.  Ryu has and always will be the better fighter.  Ken will never be what Ryu can be.  And that’s okay.  Ken fights to chase his friend and his own desire to improve.  It is a keystone of his character.  But Ken is so much more than that.  Many characters in the series, Ryu included, are consumed by a burning passion or goal.  Ryu desires to perfect himself, Sagat desires revenge above all things and Dan wants to promote his Saiyko arts.  Ken allows fighting to be a part of him in moderation alongside the rest of his goals and life responsibilities.  The American fighter teaches an important lesson when so much of our culture is centered around obsessions.  Games, movies, comics, and sports all vie to dominate our attention.  Ken is a reminder that striving to be the best at something doesn’t mean it needs to consume you.  Ken may always lose to  Ryu in fighting but he wins at living.

-Johnnie McIntyre

Did you wish we mentioned Blanka?  Fan of Fei Long?  Let us know what your favorites are in the comments below!