Street Fighter V is starting relatively small. The initial roster is rather cozy, with 16 at launch and 6 more coming throughout the year. It’s humble, compared to Street Fighter IV ’s 25 characters, Super Street Fighter IV ’s 35, and Ultra Street Fighter IV ’s 44. Given Capcom’s willingness to already reveal six more fighters and a massive back catalog filled with characters, it only makes sense for the roster to continue to expand. There are seven other, major players who have a bone to pick with M. Bison and Shadaloo, after all. It only makes sense that these characters get their shot.
E. Honda
E. Honda has been part of Street Fighter since almost the beginning. This sumo wrestler has been around since Street Fighter II . But being around for years isn’t the only reason he needs to make a comeback. Street Fighter has always been an international series with characters that have distinct fighting styles representing their respective regions. E. Honda has that, and it would help round out the game.
Elena
Like E. Honda, Elena would be a great pick due to her unique fighting style. She’s the only Capoeira practitioner in the Street Fighter series. She’s also a bright, colorful character that adds more diversity to the cast. The fun of the game is seeing people from all regions, and she’s been distinctive since Street Fighter III: New Generation. Besides, only 5 of the 16 launch characters in Street Fighter V are female. The game needs more cool chicks!
Sakura
I know there are a lot of women on this list, but we already went over how this entry is a little lacking when it comes to female fighters. Sakura is the original fangirl and a pretty fun character. The story in Street Fighter V seems like it could be a little serious, but I’m sure there’s a place for her. Especially since there was some pretty major character development relating to her and her relationship with Ryu in Street Fighter IV . Seems like we could use a little more insight into that.
Rose
Speaking of cool Street Fighter chicks, Rose definitely qualifies. She’s been around since Street Fighter Alpha 2 , was the first Italian in the game, and only the third woman added after Chun-Li and Cammy. There’s quite a history there! She also adds a little mysticism to the game. Her fortune-telling results in her often helping and guiding people to the proper places. Plus, her Soul Power is pretty… well… powerful!
Dan
Dan is the man! OK, he’s not. But Dan’s a lot of fun. Street Fighter V is a gorgeous game, Dan’s always been more of a living cartoon, and it’d be amazing to see how he would look on the PlayStation 4. Besides, Street Fighter IV suddenly made him more formidable. Wouldn’t it be great if he showed up in this entry with even more of an explanation as to why he’s suddenly stronger?
Sagat
If Dan makes it in, though, Sagat will have to as well. Partially because Dan’s storyline has something to do with the villain. But really, Sagat deserves a spot in Street Fighter V’ s cast eventually because of who he is. Street Fighter started with Sagat! He was the original big bad, acting as the first final boss. He’s been part of the series ever since, and it seems odd that he wouldn’t get to be part of the show this time. We need to see Sagat around.
Poison
Poison deserves a spot in Street Fighter V for a number of reasons. First, she’s a fun character to play as in the series. That’s always a bonus. She also would make a good contender, due to her representing the history of Capcom games. There’s a little bit of Poison everywhere, from Final Fight , to Street Fighter x Tekken , to even a cameo in Marvel vs. Capcom 3 . She’s also a character that a lot of people like to rally behind, due to the history regarding her gender. Plus, she’s eye candy, and you always want characters who look good in your games!