Something went wrong. Try again later
    Follow

    Akuma

    Character » appears in 71 games

    Akuma (known as Gouki in Japan) is a major character in the Street Fighter series. His purpose is to defeat the strongest of foes, even if his victory can be murderous.

    Short summary describing this character.

    Akuma last edited by Hyju1950 on 06/21/23 10:27AM View full history

    Overview

    Akuma is a powerful martial arts fighter and a very popular character in the Street Fighter franchise. He is the student to martial arts teacher Goutetsu and younger brother to fellow practitioner Gouken. With the help of the dangerous force known as the Satsui no Hadou, Akuma hopes to improve his ever growing skills in the Ansatsuken fighting style and to be challenged by the strongest of foes. He goes as far as to become one with Satsui no Hadou and awakens a power unique to him, Dark Hadou.

    Akuma wears a dark gi with piece of twine as a replacement to a belt, prayer beads around his neck, slippers, and has red hair. His gi can show the kanji symbol for heaven (天) during certain animations. Akuma can also exhibit a a red aura around him due to the Satsui no Hadou.

    First appearing as a secret character and boss in Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Akuma would later serve as a regular character in future Street Fighter releases. Akuma plays very similar to both Ryu and Ken including performing the " Hadouken" (fireball), " Shoryuken" (dragon punch), and the "Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku" ( hurricane kick). What differentiates Akuma from Ryu and Ken is his own set of unique moves including the deadly "Shun Goku Satsu."

    During the marketing for Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Japan referred to Akuma as Gouki. While not evil, Capcom's North America department chose to rename Gouki as Akuma (translated as devil) to have the public perceive the character as a villain instead of an anti-villain.

    History

    A screenshot of Akuma's boss introduction cinematic in Street Fighter IV.
    A screenshot of Akuma's boss introduction cinematic in Street Fighter IV.

    Both Akuma and Gouken served as students of Goutetsu, master of Anasatsuken, a martial art based on assassination styles. Moves Goutetsu taught included the Shun Goku Satsu. As both students grew in age and training, a division of how the fighting style should be used unfolded. Gouken departed and began building a less lethal style while Akuma continues his training from Goutetsu.

    Akuma would later leave Goutetsu to understand the power of the Satsui no Hadou but only to return to kill his master with the power and the Shun Goku Satsu. With Goutetsu dead but satisfied of his student's mastery, Akuma pursues Gouken for a fight only to be defeated in the end. Requesting death, Akuma was spared by Gouken but vowing his brother that he will return.

    Appearances

    Alpha

    Akuma performing a
    Akuma performing a "Zanku Hadouken" on Sakura in Street Fighter Alpha 2.

    Promised, Akuma fights Gouken once again and was victorious. Gouken's student Ken who was returning from the United States Martial Arts tournament witnessed the ordeal and sees his dead master. As revenge, Ken fights Akuma only to be easily defeated. Gouken's other student Ryu finds out about the murder and Akuma awaits him in the island of Goukentou. As Ryu arrives in the island, both he and Akuma fought against each other only to discover that it was a way to analyze Ryu's underlying Satsui no Hadou power that occurred during his fight with Sagat.

    During his challenges, Akuma encounters a formidable opponent named Gen. During the match, Akuma performs the Shun Goku Satsu on Gen but was able to withstand the intense pain by withdrawing his soul. Akuma notices that his opponent is ill and consider the fight unfair causing him to flee and infuriate Gen. The departure causes Akuma to contemplate about his fights and wonders if he will be satisfyingly killed by a foe one day.

    Super Street Fighter II Turbo

    Akuma's involvement in the second World Warriors tournament was at a minimum. Towards the final match, Akuma performed the Shun Goku Satsu on M. Bison.

    Street Fighter IV

    Akuma continue his training to become stronger but senses the Satsui no Hadou in Ryu once again. Once he eventually finds Ryu, Akuma finds out that Ryu reunited with his master Gouken (who survived the last battle against Akuma). Gouken discovers the Satsui no Hadou in Ryu in removes it once and for all with the "Power of Nothingness." Akuma then appears to fight Gouken to the death for the possession of Ryu. Both survived the fight and Gouken was able to save Ryu.

    Akuma seeing no purpose to pursue Ryu any longer, he continues his training once more.

    Street Fighter III

    Hugo Andore fights Akuma in Street Fighter III: Second Impact.
    Hugo Andore fights Akuma in Street Fighter III: Second Impact.

    Akuma engages himself in the third World Warriors tournament led by Illuminati president Gill. Akuma would fight Gill and perform the Shun Goku Satsu on the president. Unbeknown to Akuma is that Gill was able to survive the deadly attack thanks to the power of resurrection. Akuma would also combat Oro who both express contempt for each other.

    Akuma's training would grow extraordinary with very powerful techniques. One notable move is that Akuma can create a vortex of energy by using a massive amount of his power onto the ground with one hand and can cut through a naval submarine while submerged in water for a prolonged period of time.

    Tekken 7: Fated Retribution

    Akuma makes a surprise appearance in the Tekken 7 upgrade, Fated Retribution. He is revealed to be the mysterious figure in previous Tekken 7 trailers that Kazumi Mishima had asked to kill Heihachi. She also asks him, regretfully, to kill Kazuya as well.

    Other Appearances

    Akuma in Pocket Fighter.
    Akuma in Pocket Fighter.

    Akuma appears in many non-Street Fighter products by Capcom including their developed Marvel games starting off with X-Men: Children of the Atom and recently with Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. One of Ryu's super moves in Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes allows the ability to mimic the powers of Akuma. Akuma appeared as a selectable hidden character in the humorous mash-up Pocket Fighter. Akuma is a hidden playable character in Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo. To use him in arcade mode, highlight Morrigan, hold down select and press down three times, then left three times.

    No Caption Provided

    In the video game adaptation of Street Fighter: The Movie, it features Akuma played by Ernie Reyes Sr. In its ending, it is said that Akuma is the brother of Sheng Long, the character created by a translation error and which became a hoax by Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine.

    Akuma appears as a blink-and-you'll-miss-it unspoken cameo in Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie and the anime series Street Fighter II V.

    In the American animated series, he appears in two episodes: Strange Bedfellows and The World's Greatest Warrior, the series is a sequel to the live-action film, but Akuma's brother is called Gouken.

    Gameplay

    Akuma bears some similarity to Ryu and Ken but what differentiates the deadly fighter from the newer generation is the unique moves and his power when attacking. In return to his strong attack is his low health and stun meter which still is a major drawback to Akuma today.

    Special moves

    Akuma can perform an hadoken but also has different variations of the move including one in mid-air called the "Zanku Hadouken" and a flammable one similar to Ryu's known as the "Shankunetsu Hadouken." Akuma's Shoryuken has properties of juggling as it inflicts multiple hits at an instant.

    One notable move that Ryu and Ken do not posses is a teleporting technique called the "Ashura Senkuu." Depending on motions and punch/kick combinations, the teleport can be forward or backward and long or short. In later games, Akuma has a special move called the "Hyakki Shuu" that allows him to flip towards his enemy and perform a sweep kick by default. The flip gives Akuma multiple ways to engage the enemy including a punch, a throw, or a downward kick called the "Tenma Kuujinkyaku"

    Super moves/Ultra moves

    The Shun Goku Satsu in effect.
    The Shun Goku Satsu in effect.

    Much like Ryu, Akuma has a Hadouken super move which can be used in mid air as well (depending on game). Akuma can also utilize a multiple Shoryuken attack similar to Ken's "Shoryu-Reppa." Mainly in Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact and Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, Akuma can perform a spiral hurricane kick called the "Messatsu Gourasen."

    There are a plethora of more powerful moves from Akuma throughout the series. The most common of the whole series is the Shun Goku Satsu. Akuma attempts to grab his opponent and challenges the soul to endure it but ultimately fails. If used to finish a round, the screen displays the heaven kanji. It causes major damage if successful but can be easily avoidable. Another move called the "Demon Armageddon" has Akuma kicking his opponent to the air where he kicks with full force through his enemy and the heaven kanji. The "Kongo Kokuretsu Zan" has Akuma using all his power in one hand to the ground causing a large amount of energy to release. The "Misogi" introduced in Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium has Akuma teleport and immediately perform a deadly single strike.

    Transformations/Enhancements

    Shin Akuma

    An illustration of Shin Akuma (Capcom grooves) in Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millenium.
    An illustration of Shin Akuma (Capcom grooves) in Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millenium.

    An advanced version of Akuma exists in many Street Fighter games and some outside properties as well. Shin Akuma (Shin translated as true; god in some games) is usually considered the more powerful boss version of Akuma. He is a more violent form of his normal self who doesn't hold back. He has full control of the Satsui no Hadou. Akuma only uses this form when he is to enter a battle with someone he believes is capable of ending his life.

    In Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium, Shin Akuma forms unnaturally after Rugal Bernstein infects Akuma with Orochi power causing it to mix with the Satsui no Hadou. Usually he is shown wearing a purple gi and a more defined hair color.

    His appearances generally refer to Shin Akuma as his regular name. In Capcom vs. SNK 2 and SVC Chaos: SNK vs. Capcom, Shin Akuma is fully named. Depending on the game, Shin Akuma can be fought when certain requirements are met who serve worthiness to fight him.

    Cyber Akuma

    Cyber-Akuma costume in Ultimate vs. Capcom 3
    Cyber-Akuma costume in Ultimate vs. Capcom 3

    In Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Akuma appears as a mechanical version called Cyber Akuma (Mech Gouki) courtesy of Apocalypse. The player must fight the newest Horseman of Apocalypse in the final boss fight. The cyber enhancements allows Cyber Akuma to to fly and fire rockets from his cyber arm. During gameplay his move list features many superior versions of regular moves including the best shoryuken in the game.

    Cyber Akuma was a pre-order alternate costume for Akuma in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

    Oni

    Character art of Oni and his Ultra Combos in Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition
    Character art of Oni and his Ultra Combos in Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition

    Appearing in Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition, "Kuruoshiki Oni" (originally labelled as Oni Akuma by fans) the power of the Satsui no Hadou completely possesses Akuma, resulting in a new being with white hair, horns, and a surrounding blue aura. His appearance bears similarities to Shin Akuma concept art for SVC Chaos: SNK vs. Capcom.

    Oni's moveset is similar to Akuma's but with additional moves and modifications. Oni can perform a fireball that disappears unless charged. To replace the Shankunetsu Hadouken, Oni has an electrical variant. His standing fierce punch cancels out fireballs. Added to Oni is a dashing spinning punch which can vary depending on what kick button is pressed. While jumping, Oni can do an evasive dash backward or forward or even perform a downward attack.

    Oni's Ultra Combos are very different from Akuma's own. The "Meido Gohado" has Oni perform a powerful Hadouken while the "Tenchi Sokaigen" makes Oni perform Kongo Kokuretsu Zan sending the opponent to the air where Oni changes form and charges with all his power. Oni maintains Akuma's Shun Goku Satsu Super Combo which now can be used in the air.

    Oni vs. Akuma
    Oni vs. Akuma

    Prior to the release of Arcade Edition, Xbox 360 debug achievements featuring Oni was leaked. The final trailer for Arcade Edition confirmed that Oni was one of the newest characters but only released in a later date through a special promotional code. Gameplay of Oni was leaked to the public after information on how to unlock him and Evil Ryu was revealed. Footage of Oni from various arcades around the world were featured in many video sharing website until Capcom removed them with copyright claims and requested account terminations.

    In Akuma's Street Fighter X Tekken ending, Akuma stands before the Pandora Box with no equal to battle (which the Box needs for unknown activation purposes) so the box creates a mirror image of Akuma in Oni to do battle with.

    Quotes

    • " Become a part of Oni. "
    • " Fade into nothingness. "
    • " Oni controls all it surveys. "
    • " Oni has no equal. "
    • " Oni shall usher in unimaginable calamity. "
    • " Oni's voice shall be as thunder. "
    • " Pray for divine intervention. "
    • " Oni has finished your battle. "
    • " Return to dust. "
    • " Oni's power is true. '
    • " You shall perish before Oni. "
    • " I shall grind beneath my heel, all that exists. "

    Cosmic Akuma

    The most powerful version of Akuma appears in Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. By becoming one of Galactus's herelds Akuma has access to the Power Cosmic. This allows him inter-galactic space flight in order to search out planets for consumption by Galactus. He does not need to breathe, eat or rest and has the very super powers that put the Silver Surfer on the same level with some of Marvel's Universe's most powerful beings.

    In actual gameplay terms, Cosmic Akuma plays no differently than his normal Marvel vs Capcom 3 form, Cosmic Akuma being little more than a palette swap. To make the boss battle more difficult, the player must fight two of Galactus's heralds at the same time.

    Quotes

    • " My name is Akuma! The master of the fist. "
    • " Runt...you don't deserve to fight with me. "
    • " Where is the person that can satisfy me...does such a challenge exist? "
    • " Your power fails to even graze my fist. "
    • " It's a pity! You don't even know your own strength. "
    • " I can tell how much power you possess. "
    • " Is that it? You must be joking... "
    • " The power of my fist holds no weaknesses. Grovel in your despair! "
    • " Boring...now leave! "
    • " The true fighter can stare death in the face and lash out in rage against it. "
    sizepositionchange
    sizepositionchange
    positionchange
    positionchange
    positionchange
    bordersheaderpositiontable
    positionchange

    This edit will also create new pages on Giant Bomb for:

    Beware, you are proposing to add brand new pages to the wiki along with your edits. Make sure this is what you intended. This will likely increase the time it takes for your changes to go live.

    Comment and Save

    Until you earn 1000 points all your submissions need to be vetted by other Giant Bomb users. This process takes no more than a few hours and we'll send you an email once approved.