Today at the Tokyo Game Show in Japan, Capcom announced the long-awaited comeback of one of the most popular Street Fighter characters ever made. Karin Kanzuki, who last appeared in 1998s Street Fighter Alpha 3, is confirmed for Street Fighter V, the legendary fighting franchise that will return in Spring 2016.
Karin, originally featured in the 1996 manga Sakura Ganbaru, is a rival of Sakura Kasugano in the Street Fighter canon, who is still unconfirmed for Street Fighter V. Karin is trained in the unique ‘Kanzuki style’ of fighting. Her new dash move helps her to close the space between herself and opponents rapidly, allowing her to go in for quick high-low attacks or throws. Her well-rounded abilities enable her to wield a complete set of tools and execute a wide range of strikes and manoeuvres that keep opponents on the defensive.
Despite only being playable in one game, Capcom’s character popularity poll from 2013 ranked Karin as the seventh most popular worldwide, and most popular character in Japan. You can check her out in the trailer below, which features her in the new ‘Kanzuki Estate’ stage:
Karin always finishes a match with her hearty laugh, and it’s safe to say that it’ll be making a comeback here. She joins a cast of previously announced new and returning fighters that include Ryu, Chun-Li, Cammy, Vega, Ken, M. Bison, Nash, Necalli, Rashid, Rainbow Mika, and Birdie. For fans who’ve longed for her return, or for those just looking for a quick fighter with lots of versatility, Karin is definitely a welcome addition to Street Fighter V!
The Capcom Fighters Network (CFN), which will be integrated into Street Fighter V’s online infrastructure, was also announced today. Fans and players will be able to examine player profiles, match statistics, replay videos, register friends, and send battle invitations at any time by visiting CFN. A global ‘heat map’ allows players to see where the action is taking place and keep up with the latest game news and competition information.
Street Fighter V will release on February 16, 2016, on PC and PlayStation 4 in North America and Europe.
