Shin Akuma in Street Fighter 6 Explained
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Published 2024-05-27
Shin Akuma first appeared as a hidden boss in Street Fighter Alpha 2, instantly capturing the attention of players with his enhanced abilities, faster speed, and double fireball attack. Over the years, his design has evolved, most notably in Capcom Vs. SNK 2, where he was given white hair and a unique kanji symbol on his back, marking his transformation into a "divine human" or "god-like being."
In Street Fighter 6, Shin Akuma is presented as a formidable challenge in a limited-time boss event. His super meter constantly replenishes, and he has access a double air fireball and exclusive super moves like Misogi and KKZ (Kongou Kokuretsuzan). These moves pay homage to his storied past, with Misogi first appearing in Capcom Vs. SNK 2 (CVS2) and KKZ being one of his original Super Arts in Street Fighter III: Third Strike.
We also explore the philosophical and symbolic aspects of Shin Akuma's design. The transition from the kanji for "Heaven" to the unique "Shinjin" character in Capcom Vs. SNK 2 underscores his evolution into a being of god-like power. We compare Shin Akuma to Oni, highlighting how the former represents a mastery of the Satsui no Hado without losing his humanity, while Oni embodies the complete surrender to this dark force.
We also delve into the thematic elements that distinguish Akuma and Shin Akuma, such as Akuma's stoicism and adherence to a personal code of honor versus Oni's chaotic and destructive nature. These nuances in character design and storytelling make Shin Akuma a fascinating subject for any Street Fighter fan.
Capcom has included a clever Easter egg in Street Fighter 6, allowing players to unlock Shin Akuma's abilities during regular gameplay. By performing a specific taunt with Akuma and extending it by mashing buttons, players can watch him eat a rice ball, after which he gains access to the devastating powers of Shin Akuma.
Join me as we celebrate the legacy of Shin Akuma, examining his impact on the Street Fighter series and his faithful adaptation in Street Fighter 6. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the franchise, this video offers a comprehensive look at one of the most powerful and enigmatic characters in fighting game history.
#shinakuma #sf6 #streetfighter6
0:00 Intro
0:18 Shin Akuma
1:23 Secret Raging Demon
2:01 Oni
2:38 Theory
3:43 Boss Event
4:06 Secret Supers
5:38 Easter Egg
6:28 Outro
All Comments (21)
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I’m not proud of how long it took to get Shin Akuma to perform that Raging Demon on me. Please leave a like so my sacrifices were not in vain.
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Shin Akuma in older Street Fighter games: Akuma going full power Shin Akuma in Capcom vs SNK 2: Akuma after receiving the Orochi power from Rugal Oni: Akuma after being consumed by the Satsui No Hado and described as "Akuma beyond Shin Akuma" Street Fighter 6 Shin Akuma: Akuma after eating a rice ball
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I like the idea that canonically, Shin Akuma really is just regular Akuma fighting at his actual capacity, but he’s so powerful that even while starving and being too tired to use his full power, he’s still stronger than almost everyone else
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Gouki was never holding back, he just needed a snickers.
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Akuma is just starving himself as a form of training, the same way some characters uses weights; eating the rice ball is basically him removing his "limiter".
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Fighting hungry/malnourished is the same as Akuma holding back. The rice ball gives him some serious power, but it's just a single rice ball. Imagine if he had a Goku meal
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akuma smiles in one of his round wins too also fun akuma lore added in world tour he only eats as much as he needs and survives off foraging and hunting in nature he also just sleeps in the open like in the middle of grassy fields or hills
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I just can't help to say this: this is the most polished Street Fighter character designs. All the subtleties, callbacks, references, evolution for each character. An example of this is, Ryu's current itiration has sandals w is vs. Akuma going without sandals. Just small touches like that that is *chef's kiss*. Modified: replaced "fullbarenaked"meaning full barenaked to without sandals.
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Akuma and Shin Akuma are the same being. Akuma, normally selectable version of himself, is him holding back. Shin Akuma is him giving it everything.
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I literally just noticed the unique kanji on SiRN Akuma's back moments ago, and was wondering if anyone else had noticed it when this video popped into my feed! My personal theory is that we are NOT playing as Shin Akuma, or "True" Akuma, in Street Fighter 6. The evidence I would point to is Akuma's new moves, which empahsize turning the Satsui no Hado into red-hot flames. This idea is seen in his fully-charged firefall, his new Adamant Flame special, and his level 2 super art, "Empyrean's End." Fire is synonymous with the emotions of anger and rage, but it's also synonymous with ideas of cleansing and purification. Between this and Akuma displaying a face of uncertainty in his win animation, I beleive we play as an Akuma who is teetering on the brink BETWEEN Oni and Shin Akuma. He's closer to acheiving his "true" and "pure" self then he's ever been, but if he lets himself fall into rage just a bit too much, he'll be consumed by the demon almost immediately.
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I think we’re playing shin akuma by default in SF6. It’s easy to say his white hair is due to him being old but to me it’s very in character for akuma to master the satsui no hado and that’s his new norm but he’d still strive for more. Plus as cool as oni is I can see akuma not wanting to lose himself and continue to honor his code
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Something I think is interesting about this game’s take on Shin Akuma is that it’s not actually the real Akuma. It’s a duplicate made by SiRN to mimic a full power Akuma, and all the characters have a unique win quote against him. I also had the theory that Akuma is just in permanent shin mode in this game. Nice to see someone also having my theory.
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1:31 It actually says 神鬼(Shin Oni) which means 'Divine/God demon' and not 神人. Goutetsu also said this as he was about to succumb to his raging demon wounds vs Akuma on the street fighter short film.
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Just to add The Kanji on Shin Gouki / Sirn Akumaxs back is no longer Shin Jin (神人) but Shin Obake (神鬼)
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I wouldn't be surprised if hes just getting old. But the signs are clear as day bro. Hes an amalgamation of shin and oni bro.
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Awesome video as always, missed a few more times these shin Akuma moves have been in SF, SFV Akuma have a version of the Kongou Kokuretsuzan the Sekia Kuretsuha....and Kage have Misogi as his VT1 when is active, other than those missed this was great breakdown on Shin Akuma history.
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Honeslty, I just wanna see two akumas in a tournament greet, sit down, look at each other, and immediately hit the taunt. Full power.
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Acquires God like powers "Yes,I eat rice everyday,how can you tell?"
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Omg! I did not know about the taunt. They peaked!!!
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A true warrior comes to a battle with all his powers at the ready... -Akuma
