Capcom has announced Zangief as the newest member of Street Fighter 5's roster.
Defeating normals and counter-hits appear to be central to the Russian Red Cyclone's abilities, while his standing heavy kick launches characters, with a follow-up lariat causing extra damage. Zangief can take a hit before dealing much more damage in response.
"When it comes to raw strength, not many of the World Warriors can compete with Zangief. Training day and night, he believes that the only way to victory is to have a body complete with perfect muscles," Capcom comments in the official description of the character.
"Due to his intense training, which includes wrestling bears, Zangief is able to lift even the heaviest opponents with ease! In Street Fighter V, Zangief shows off the results of his training through his newfound V-Skill (Iron Muscle) and V-Trigger (Cyclone Lariat). These are just the tip of the iceberg, as Zangief has many more new tactics in store for any opponent that challenges him and his raw power."
Zangief's unique powers are described as follows:
- V-Skill: Iron Muscle -Zangief shows the true power of his body when he activates Iron Muscle. During Iron Muscle, Zangief can absorb one attack, which leaves him with recoverable health. If players hold down medium punch and medium kick and then press a direction on the joystick, Zangief will begin to slowly close in on the opponent. Upon release from the walk, Zangief flexes his muscles and hits the opponent if close enough.
- V-Trigger: Cyclone Lariat – Zangief lives up to his name “the red cyclone” as he spins with high speed and velocity, pulling the opponent in close. If the player taps the V-Trigger activation buttons, Zangief will quickly spin and pull in the opponent. If the player holds the V-Trigger activation buttons, Zangief will continue to spin and hit the opponent multiple times.
Capcom has not yet announced a release date for the game but it's widely expected during the first quarter of 2016 and will be coming to PC and PS4.
