Akuma’s been scary ever since his first step into the World Warrior scene back in Super Street Fighter II Turbo. However, in Street Fighter 6, the Master of the Supreme Fist has something a bit more frightening than his signature Level 3 that everyone knows about. Next to his deadly but powerful moveset, comes something that will appear without too much warning.
When Akuma does his taunt an opponent that is holding back will end up in a guarding position. The distance doesn’t seem to affect the move, either. The opponent can dash away from it or even forward, but if the back direction is being held while the demon is approaching him with this taunt slowly, they’ll either have to wait til it’s done, dash away, or possibly attack.
When Akuma gets into range, he says something to the opponent before going back to his ready stance. As to what is said, this isn’t mentioned yet. Luckily, it doesn’t possess any certain properties to either buff or debuff either character as of yet.
Twitter user MrQuarate was able to get this footage of this taunt. While we’re not sure of what he’s saying, the move itself is here.
L'important c'était de tester les taunts de Akuma ! SF6 pic.twitter.com/i2OYpYEc9A
— 👺 mr qu'a raté 💚💗 (@mrquarate) May 10, 2024
Unlike other moves, such as Cammy’s Level 2 Super being a reference to Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie’s “meeting the justice minister” neck break, there is no clear indication of where or what this taunt is inspired by. The evil aura could be possibly from the way he glows in the Street Fighter Alpha 2 ending for Ryu. Perhaps his story mode will give us some insight when it comes on May 22. Akuma’s legacy skin is from his first appearance.
Gamespot has also released footage of someone going up against a CPU 7 Akuma. Dee Jay, Manon, and himself seem to be the notable bouts here. With the way the Street Fighter 6 CPU scraps (even against certain seasoned 30-year Street Fighter pros), it’s good to take notes here for use in battle.
Street Fighter VI is available on PlayStation 4 & 5 Xbox Series X | S, and Steam.
