It’s been some time since Ed made his debut as a playable character in Street Fighter V, and he’s undergone some changes since then. Still wielding Psycho power akin to Bison, he’s undergone some aesthetic slimming down, but his gameplay in Street Fighter 6 feels both more robust and focused compared to his previous iteration.
The result is a character that is immensely enjoyable to play, with smooth, powerful moves that are easy to grasp yet offer depth for those who seek to master him.
During Capcom Cup X, I had the opportunity to spend some time playing as Ed and later discussed his return with SF6 Director Takayuki Nakayama and SF6 Producer Shuhei Matsumoto to gain insights into their inspirations and goals with the character.
“For me personally, Ed holds significant importance,” Nakayama-san shared. “He’s somewhat the catalyst for introducing modern controls and the World Tour… His story is intriguing, and one of our primary objectives with SF6 is to introduce the new generation of Street Fighter characters: Luke, Jamie, Kimberly, and Ed.”
While Ed may have influenced the direction of SF6, he’s also a part of its future. “Ed, who first appeared in Street Fighter V, embodies elements of Boxer (Balrog) and Dictator (Bison),” Nakayama-san elaborated. “Thus, he’s another new character whose narrative will increasingly intertwine with the overarching story of Street Fighter 6.”
So, what defines Ed in SF6? Psycho power and punches. Lots of punches. Unlike SFV, where he utilized both punches and kicks, Ed is now exclusively a boxer, with no kicks in his arsenal.
“But what about the three Kick buttons?” you might wonder. Each Kick button now triggers a different Thomas Hearns-style ‘Flicker’ punch, adding versatility and dynamism to his gameplay.
Nakayama-san expressed his excitement at realizing Ed’s vision as originally intended, praising Ed’s anti-hero personality. He particularly commended the animations and movements, which were achieved through collaboration with a professional boxer during motion capture.
This attention to detail translates into Ed’s feel in SF6, which can be described as nothing short of fantastic. He seamlessly integrates into the game’s systems, with his Drive Rush providing extended range for his Flicker punches. Despite some simplification, Ed’s moves now utilize standard quarter-circle inputs, enhancing accessibility.
While Ed is labeled as a ‘Tricky’ type in the character select screen, his tools are relatively straightforward to utilize initially. However, delving deeper reveals layers of complexity, offering a high skill ceiling for dedicated players.
Nakayama-san and Matsumoto-san emphasized the importance of maintaining respect for returning characters’ playstyles and identities. They highlighted the significance of embodying the character’s history and growth within the evolving narrative of SF6.
Ed’s Psycho Flicker stands out as one of his most potent abilities, serving as a versatile tool for offense and defense. Charging this move allows Ed to pull opponents toward him, setting up various offensive opportunities.
His arsenal includes other powerful tools like charged Psycho Knuckle, offering long-range options and advantage on block, and his level 2 super providing significant advantages regardless of whether it connects or is blocked.
With his diverse range of abilities, Ed fills a unique niche among boxer-type characters, boasting both mid and long-range presence. Coupled with his distinctive animation work, stylish costumes, and charismatic flair, Ed proves to be a compelling addition to the SF6 roster.
Capcom’s deliberate approach to redesigning Ed ensures that while he may feel familiar, his gameplay distinguishes him from other characters in SF6. Nakayama’s commitment to positioning Ed as the future of the franchise is evident, marking his inclusion in Street Fighter 6 as a significant step forward in the series’ evolution.
