The Tokyo Game Show was an opportunity to try out the latest version of Street Fighter 6. Although Capcom has just drawn the curtain on the next group of fighters to join the roster, my demo included the first playable sessions for the latest trio. revelations: Guile, Juri and newcomer Kimberly. Since Kimberly was the wildcard in this group, I chose to spend most of my hands-on time finding out what she brings to the table. After only a few laps, I had a hard time wanting to move on to someone else.
If you haven’t been following, Kimberly is Guy’s ninja student who loves the 80s and graffiti. She incorporates the latter interest into her acrobatic attack, such as throwing explosive spray cans as if they were shurikens. It’s silly and fantastic. She should also play a central role in the plot. I spoke to Street Fighter 6 director Takayuki Nakayama and producer Shuhei Matsumoto who told me that Kimberly, Luke, and Jamie act as the main faces in the game to compliment the old guard of Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li. Luke is the star, Jamie brings technical play and Kimberly emphasizes speed.
Considering Kimberly’s apparent importance, it’s good to know that she’s great to use. Kimberly’s speed allows her to fill gaps quickly with attacks that rush opponents. I loved performing her speed kick, where she steps and then kicks an opponent in the face, turning back to immediately recreate distance. Or you can follow this move with an over-the-top powerbomb. Speaking of cool wrestling moves, Kimberly can give faces with a sort of rushing superman punch that she can chain into a grappling hook takedown.
His hidden variable attack is one of my favorite tricks. This essentially acts as a smokescreen teleportation as Kimberly drops an explosive aerosol like a smoke bomb to set up a “surprise” ambush. I liked using it to confuse my opponent and chain it with moves that push Kimberly back, allowing me to regain ground immediately. Plus, the vibrant clouds look cool, though inhaling all that paint should knock Kimberly out faster than any punch.
I also dig into what I can only describe as Kimberly’s take on Ryu/Ken’s famous hurricane kick. The only real difference is that it rises vertically instead of rotating across the screen, making it ideal for punishing opponents who get too close, nullifying aerial attacks, and launching opponents into the air. This move can be performed mid-jump, and nailing it is extremely satisfying. That pretty much sums up Kimberly as a whole. She has an entertaining and playful style that fits well with the existing roster.
A demo isn’t enough time to master all of Kimberly’s intricacies, but she’s another standout recruit in a game that’s doing well in that regard. This is the most fun I’ve had playing a fighter in Street Fighter 6 as far as someone who favors faster, nimble characters. I look forward to getting to know Kimberly better when the game launches next year.
