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Why Is Akuma Such A Big Deal In Fighting Games & Street Fighter?

Gaming

By Timothy Teoh September 26, 2024

Back in 1992, video game publication Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) made an elaborate April’s Fool joke involving Street Fighter 2. Basically, the publication made up a secret boss players can fight named Sheng Long who can only appear if you meet insane conditions in your arcade playthrough of the fighting game. Sheng Long is basically Ryu and Ken’s master and fights using a powered-up version of their fireball, hurricane kick, and Shoryukens. It was so widespread and believable at the time that even developers Capcom had to playtest its own game to find out if it was even true.

Fast forward to 1995, and Capcom decided to turn that grandstanding prank a reality through Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo (SSF2T). Through the artistry and designs of Noritaka Funamizu and Akira “Akiman” Yasuda, they made a secret character similar in tone to Sheng Long, but evil and more power-hungry. His name: Gouki, or Akuma to the rest of the world. From then until even right now, he is the boss character everyone wanted to play as and is no stranger to being included in the roster for all of Street Fighter. And he is a big deal in not just Capcom’s stable, but in fighting games as a whole. After all, he is the bookend for the Street Fighter 6 Season 1 DLC Pass, which was released on 22nd May.

Demonic Beginnings

Let’s start with how most players come across this demon of a warrior. Unlocking this secret fight is a lot less complex: all you have to do is not lose a round in your entire SSF2T, with your playtime not exceeding 1,500 seconds total and a score of over 1,200,000. At the final fight with dictator M.Bison, Akuma shadow teleports in and kills him with the trademark Super move Shun Goku Satsu, or Raging Demon to the rest of the world.

Fighting Akuma for the first time was just tough: he had air fireballs, air Hurricane Kick, a super-fast demon teleport that makes him get around the screen lickety-split, and his version of the Shoryuken has multiple hits and stuns opponents easily. And when he has his Super bar ready, he can just activate his trademark Shun Goku Satsu to take out a majority of his opponent’s health when he lands it. His debut appearance and the fight that came with it was a breath of fresh air in fighting games, as many have voted this moment as one of the best entrances in a fighting game.

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The Best Video Games Made In Thailand

Gaming

By Timothy Teoh September 25, 2024

Thailand has a strong presence in the video game industry, being the second-largest gaming market in Southeast Asia with revenues of $1.8 billion in 2022, following Indonesia. The passion and creativity of Thai developers are evident in the games they create, whether it’s providing players with the experience of piloting rad mechas, escaping from otherworldly robots, or facing malevolent spirits. Their dedication brings unforgettable gaming experiences to players worldwide.

In this article that’s part of a weekly series, we will showcase some of the most outstanding video games produced in the country that players should definitely consider playing or adding to their wish list:

Home Sweet Home

Country: Thailand
Developer: YGGDRAZIL GROUP CO., LTD
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 27 September 2017

Thailand has truly mastered the art of horror, be it in cinema or gaming. Enter Home Sweet Home, an indie horror adventure that skillfully integrates Thai culture and mythology to deliver an unsettling and immersive experience. Its 2017 release was met with widespread acclaim, sparking discussions about a potential film adaptation, although updates on this front have been scarce.

In the game, you play as Tim, plunged into despair by his wife’s inexplicable disappearance. As he awakens in an otherworldly realm, he becomes trapped in a harrowing pursuit by a malevolent spirit and confronts enigmatic entities across different dimensions while meticulously piecing together the mystery shrouding his wife, Jane.

With an awesome storyline, engaging gameplay, and ghosts that will seriously give you chills, whether you’re playing on consoles or in VR, Home Sweet Home is guaranteed to get your heart racing. And don’t let the simple visuals fool you – this game will definitely make you jump out of your seat!

Project Nimbus: Complete Edition

Country: Thailand
Developer: GameCrafterTeam, GameTomo Co., Ltd.
Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 27 September 2017

Project Nimbus is hailed as one of the top indie mecha action games, maintaining its popularity even 7 years after its release. This aerial action game puts you in control of a giant mech, engaging in thrilling battles against other mechs. Set in a world where two super nations are fighting over the remaining landmasses of a flooded Earth, the game’s narrative draws inspiration from popular titles like Ace Combat, featuring cities adapted to float above the earth to survive.

Although the storyline may not break new ground, the standout feature of Project Nimbus lies in its impressive mecha designs, drawing inspiration from iconic series such as Gundam, Evangelion, and Zone of the Enders. Each Battle Frame comes with unique strengths and weaknesses, adding depth to the gameplay.

The combat experience is fast-paced and exhilarating, offering a wide array of weapons to take down enemies. With engaging modes like Campaign, Survival, and Warfront, the game’s core remains focused on piloting a mech, defeating enemy mechs, and achieving victory. While missions may vary, the game consistently delivers an action-packed experience where you dash, slash, and blast through armies of enemies with your rad mech. Plus, with the current price tag, you’re getting more of what you’d expect.