The Forgotten Fighters: Exploring the Legacy of Street Fighter EX Characters

07 May 2024

Remember that time Street Fighter went 3D? No, not that time. We're talking about the Street Fighter EX series, a spin-off that took Capcom's iconic fighting game franchise into polygonal territory. While it might not have reached the mainstream popularity of its 2D counterparts, the EX series holds a special place in the hearts of many fighting game fans. This is largely due to its unique roster of characters, some familiar and some completely original to the EX universe.

The late 90s were a time of experimentation for fighting games. Tekken and Virtua Fighter had ushered in the era of 3D brawlers, and Capcom, never one to shy away from a trend, decided to see what their flagship franchise would look like in this new dimension. Enter Street Fighter EX, developed by Arika, a studio founded by former Street Fighter II developers. The first game, Street Fighter EX, hit arcades in 1996, bringing with it a blend of classic World Warriors and a cast of newcomers.

It wasn't just the graphical shift that set Street Fighter EX apart. The game introduced new mechanics like "Guard Breaks" and "Super Cancels," adding depth and complexity to the combat system. But arguably, the most significant contribution of the EX series was its roster of original characters. These fighters, with their distinct designs and backstories, weren't just palette swaps or clones; they brought their own unique flavor to the Street Fighter universe.

From the mysterious Hokuto, a young woman with spiritual powers, to the deadly Doctrine Dark, a masked assassin seeking revenge, the Street Fighter EX characters injected fresh blood into the franchise. They weren't just aesthetically interesting; they also boasted unique fighting styles that expanded the possibilities of the game's mechanics. For instance, the acrobatic Pullum Purna, with her whip-like attacks, offered a different approach to combat than the more traditional Ryu or Ken.

However, the Street Fighter EX characters' journey hasn't been without its bumps. Despite the initial success of the EX series, it eventually faded from the limelight, overshadowed by the resurgence of 2D fighters and the rise of new contenders. As a result, many of the EX characters have remained dormant, absent from recent Street Fighter entries and relegated to the annals of gaming history. This has led to a sense of longing among some fans, a desire to see these characters return and reclaim their place in the fighting game pantheon.

While some argue that the EX characters are merely a relic of a bygone era, their impact on the Street Fighter franchise and the wider fighting game genre shouldn't be understated. They represent a time of innovation and experimentation, a testament to Capcom's willingness to push boundaries and explore new possibilities. The fact that these characters still resonate with fans today, even after years of absence, speaks volumes about their enduring appeal and the unique mark they left on gaming history. Perhaps, one day, they'll get another chance to step into the ring and show the world what they're truly capable of.