We’re plenty thrilled with the awesome Akuma teaser Capcom hit us with on Monday, but amid all the beautiful visuals of both character and potential new fighting arena, we noticed what all but has to be a reference to yet another character at one point.
Yes, Ryu does get a blink and you’ll miss it cameo as the teaser directly references the duel the pair had back in the days of Street Fighter Alpha, but that’s not whom we’re getting at here. We’re instead talking about the only character who can confidently claim he’s more demonic than Akuma.
If you aren’t familiar with Akuma’s lore, he essentially represents the concept of physical ability or force. His chief goal is to become stronger than anyone else on the planet, seeking to refine himself through battle with worthy foes.
In order to truly ascend to the levels he’s aiming for, Akuma must shed his very humanity as any and all compassion, empathy, or the hesitation either might bring are seen as hindrances. This is commonly expressed as “giving oneself over entirely to the Satsui no Hado (the killing intent).
From about 1:07 to the 1:13 mark in the teaser, Akuma leaps up to deliver a powerful Goshoryuken to the massive statue that’s crumbling in front of him. During this move he garners a kind of red aura about him which includes a type of demonic Japanese mask over his face.
Said mask clearly resembles an oni from Japanese folklore, which is a kind of ogre, orc, troll, or (and this is definitely the direction they’re going for our purposes here) demon. Check it out in these snapshots from the teaser:
Click images for larger versions
Those who recall Street Fighter 4 remember one of the evil characters added later in the game’s lifespan was none other than Oni, the fully realized demon version of Akuma. Oni is a (thus far) non-canonical evolution of Akuma that sees him fully shed all humanity.
Oni as he appeared in Street Fighter 4 Arcade Edition 2012
Oni is essentially a more powerful version of Akuma (scared yet?) who is able to pull off many of the same attacks along with some more enhanced versions, such as his ability to perform the iconic Raging Demon in midair.
If Capcom is dropping us some story related hints concerning the aging Akuma, they may be letting on that he’s on the verge of finally achieving his final form.
This might be a good thing for him too, as with Ryu having fully synthesized the Satsui no Hado with the Power of Nothingness back in Street Fighter 5, Akuma is going to need to be more powerful than ever if they engage in the rematch that was promised all the way back in Street Fighter Alpha.
This oni mask may just be a standalone reference to Akuma’s general lore here in our first official viewing of him in Street Fighter 6, but only time will tell. What do you think, will Oni be making his return in some capacity to SF6? Let us know your thoughts on this obvious reference in the comments below.