Since Capcom decided to nerf Ryu’s shoryuken in Super Street Fighter IV, I’ve decided to change my main character to Akuma. Why they would nerf his best move in the game is beyond me, but I guess they felt it was overpowered. I thought the transition to Akuma would be smooth sailing, since they are both shoto characters, but boy have I been wrong.

Tokido Akuma SSFIV Video

Akuma has way less health, and bleeds pretty badly when hit. He requires much more precision and dexterity to play, but on the other hand is way more fun. He’s much more nimble on his feet (Akuma has the fastest walk speed in the game), and seeing the look on your opponent’s face when you land a Raging Demon Ultra is just too good to pass up. If you decide to make the switch like I did, be sure to learn “The Vortex,” it’s vital part of Akuma’s wakeup/mixup game.

Be sure to check out the included video of Tokido, one of the best Akuma players in the world, showing exactly how he should be played!