Stepping into a video game arcade in the early ’90s, one title pulsed through the neon haze: Street Fighter. This competitive fighting game from Capcom drew throngs with its jet-setting playable characters: brooding Japan warrior Ryu; his tousled friend Ken; volatile sumo wrestler E Honda; peppy martial artist Chun-Li; and fire-breathing yogi Dhalsim.

E. Honda

Honda is a powerful sumo wrestler who uses his height to counterattack more efficiently than one might expect. His main tools in the game are his clap attack which can destroy projectiles and his oicho nage throw which is a true command grab that can’t be blocked. Honda also has a bread and butter multi-palm strike that can do heavy damage.

His crouching jab is an excellent anti-air attack and his neutral jump heavy punch can catch opponents off guard with quick damage and combo follow-ups. He’s a good pick for beginners and advanced players alike.

His full name is Edomon Honda, which translates to “Edmond from the Edo period.” This ties in with his constant mission to travel and prove the fighting skills of sumo wrestling to the world. He also owns several businesses, including a bathhouse and the Chanko House Edomon restaurant.

Guile

Guile is one of the most iconic characters in Capcom’s long-running Street Fighter video game franchise. Originally introduced in 1991’s Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, Guile is an American fighter who entered the world martial arts tournament with a deep grudge and a signature special attack known as the Sonic Boom.

Guile carries a burning sense of justice, and his fighting style is a blend of military combat techniques and chi manipulation skills taught to him by Charlie, a fellow member of his US Army Ranger unit who was killed by Bison. The two share a strong bond, and Charlie’s death drove Guile to seek revenge against the warlord.

Guile is also a member of the Mad Gear Gang, and after he leaves the gang, he starts up a legitimate scrap metal business in Metro City, while still keeping his hand in mercenary work. He is a big guy, towering over other heavyweights such as Zangief and Birdie, and his kicking moves are formidable. One of his best is the Ontario Drop, where he launches himself into the air and mimics car sounds to produce a powerful combo.

Ken

Like his rival Ryu, Ken is a martial artist who believes in honor, perseverance and self-discipline. He can be flamboyant and unorthodox, but his heart is pure. Despite his ego, he is always concerned about his family’s safety.

In Street Fighter V, Ken has a solid advantage state, combo potential and strong mix-ups. He can trap opponents in hitstun or shield pressure, and his dependable ground game is enhanced by good traction and high frame data. His polarized movement and mediocre vertical recovery, however, make him difficult to play optimally.

He also shares some of Ryu’s moveset, with his tapped forward tilt and held jab granting him a variety of combo starters. He has a strong mid-range and a reliable down aerial that deals significant damage and cancels into his special moves. His up smash gains a faster hitbox, has more horizontal damage and lowers his hurtbox while charging. Ken is a great character to learn for beginners, as well as veterans of the series. He has seen widespread representation from professional players, including Takera, Riddles and Jahzz0.

Kimberly

Kimberly is a spunky teen who loves ’80s music and ’80s fashion, but she also has a genuine prodigy’s knack for martial arts. In her arcade story, she pursues her dream of becoming a ninja while working to overcome her ordinary upbringing.

She returns in the home versions of Street Fighter IV as a playable character, reuniting with Ryu and Chun-Li for her first tournament match since their last encounter in SF II. She possesses an extremely high fighting potential, which is further boosted by her new Bushin Ninjastar Cypher ability, which allows her to spraypaint opponents in a variety of patterns.

The eldest son of an old Middle Eastern family, Rashid was the first playable character in the Street Fighter Alpha sub-series. He uses a code given to him by a late female friend whom F.A.N.G. murdered to regain his original mind.

Jamie

A playable character in the arcade version of Super Street Fighter II, Jamie is a hot-tempered street-raised boxer who is one of Shadaloo’s “Four Devas”. He wears a green sleeveless leather leotard, red socks and combat boots, and uses his telekinesis to grab and throw opponents. He was portrayed as the head student at Ibuki’s ninja village in the rejected concept of Street Fighter IV Flashback by Backbone Entertainment.

He first appears as a CPU-controlled opponent in the home versions of Street Fighter Alpha 3, then later returns in the game’s second edition and third edition. A member of the fictional Thunderfoot indigenous American clan, he enters the tournament to reclaim his homeland from M. Bison, who murdered his father.

Gill’s younger brother, Urien, makes a playable appearance in 2nd Impact. He is similar in build and attire to Gill, but has short hair and a beard. He also has a small cameo in Dudley’s character story in 3rd Strike. A blond woman named Kolin, who assists Gill before battle, also appears in this story.