You thought Street Fighter V was just going to be a re-skinned Street Fighter IV didn’t you? Well, you’re wrong, my friend. Capcom’s premiere fighting franchise is getting all-new features which will distinguish it from its predecessor. Some of these features hearken back to SF titles of old.
The Variable System, or V-System is comprised of three mechanics: V-Skill, V-Trigger and V-Reversal. These techniques can be utilized when the V-Gauge is filled up after taking damage.
V-Skills are different for each character. Depending on which character uses it, their mobility, offense or defense will be affected. This is said to be a good way to help characters in areas where they are weak and to help fill the V-Gauge faster. V-Skills do not drain the V-Gauge and can be used anytime by pressing both medium attack buttons.
V-Triggers are also unique to each character. These are said to be similar to Ultras in Street Figher IV. They let each character utilize their full potential and can help them turn the tide of battle. Using these moves can only be used when the V-Gauge is full and is activated by pressing the strong attack buttons simultaneously.
V-Reversals are similar to Alpha Counters from the Street Fighter Alpha series. However, they do not all have the same effect. Some will push back opponents, knock them down, or switch sides with them. Performing these takes up one stock from the V-Gauge.
There is also the Ex-Gauge which fills up as you deal damage. With the Ex-Gauge, players will be able to use more powerful versions of their special moves, and also utilize Critical Arts, which are cinematic attacks.
Below are the V-Skills and V-Triggers for the announced characters:
Ryu
V-Skill : Mind’s Eye
Ryu uses his senses to “see” the opponent’s next attack and parries it accordingly. All attacks (high, low, mid) and projectiles can be parried if timed correctly. Multi hitting attacks can also be parried with the correct timing. Fans of Street Fighter III will remember that the “parry” was the core battle mechanic of that entire series! The mechanic now returns as a single V-Skill of Ryu, demonstrating how serious we are about making every character unique to one another.
V-Trigger: Denjin Renki
Ryu powers up and enters Denjin Renki mode. In this mode, his normal and EX Hadokens, as well as his Shinkuu Hadoken gain an electric charge, resulting in faster travel speed, higher damage, and higher stun. While in this mode, normal and EX Hadokens can also be charged, which result in even higher damage or a guard break if blocked. Additionally, his Shoryuken attack also deals additional damage when it connects against the opponent.
*Note – Denjin Renki mode only lasts a short amount of time and is tied to a timer.
Chun-Li
V-Skill: Rankyaku
Chun-Li kicks powerfully off the ground and flies toward her opponent at an angle lower than her normal jump. While in the air, Chun-Li can use air attacks and special moves as she descends upon the opponent.
V-Trigger: Renkiko
Chun-Li concentrates her ki into her hands and feet which results in attacks hitting more times than normal. Light attacks have no additional benefits, medium attacks hit one extra time, heavy attacks hit two extra times. This benefit is not extended to special attacks.
*Note – Renkiko only lasts a short amount of time and is tied to a timer.
Nash
V-Skill: Bullet Clear
Nash reaches out and absorbs any normal projectile coming his way. If close enough to the opponent, Nash can absorb their life force, causing damage.
V-Trigger: Sonic Move
Nash travels at supersonic speed and ends in one of three different places near the opponent based on what the player inputs. Players can choose to end up behind the opponent on the ground, behind the opponent in the air, or in front of the opponent in the air, and can act immediately once Nash appears.
M. Bison
V-Skill: Psycho Reflect
M.Bison uses his Psycho Power to absorb any normal projectile or attack coming his way. If the player continues to hold down the Psycho Reflect after absorbing either the projectile or attack, M.Bison will throw a Psycho Shot back at the opponent.
V-Trigger: Psycho Power
M.Bison completely unleashes his Psycho Power, which results in a change to his dash and certain special attacks. He now teleports during his dash, able to pass through projectiles and attacks, and also disappears and reappears during his Somersault Skull Diver and Double Knee Press attacks, making them extremely hard to track.
*Note – Psycho Power only lasts a short amount of time and is tied to a timer.
All of these new mechanics are made to be use but difficult to master. They will definitely make it so that everyone finds a character and style that fits them best. It’s also plain to see that this won’t just be a re-hash of SFIV and will instead bring something new to the table.
Street Fighter V will be released on PC and PlayStation 4.
Source: PlayStation Blog
