Author: John Scalzo

It looks like Street Fighter V‘s third year is going to be big. And Capcom wants to show fans how big by fully unveiling the fighters included in the Season 3 Character Pass in a new trailer. The season will begin on January 16 with the release of Sakura, who made her first appearance in Street Fighter Alpha 2. Players who purchase the Season 3 Character Pass (for $29.99) will also receive access to Blanka, Cody, Sagat, and newcomers Falke and G throughout 2018.

A new post on the Capcom-Unity blog offers up some details on how her fighting style will change in Street Fighter V:

About Sakura
First appearing in Street Fighter Alpha 2, Ryu’s number one fan returns to the series with a new outlook on life. After graduating high school, Sakura now works part-time at an arcade, but wonders what decisions she needs to make in order to be satisfied with her future.

This time, Sakura has a new move, Tengyo Hadoken, where she fires a fireball diagonally into the air that can act as an anti-air. In addition, her V-System that is detailed below gives her more tools to open up opponents. Overall, Sakura’s fighting style remains similar to her past appearances as she pummels opponents with flurries of quick attacks along with her trademark Hadoken, Shouoken, and Shunpukyaku.

V-Skill: Haru Kaze
Sakura leaps into the air towards the opponent, which can then be followed up by three different options. Hitting punch will result in one of her signature moves, Sakura Otoshi, which can be pressed up to three times to continue the combo. Following up with a kick will trigger Oukakyaku, a forward flip that can act as a divekick. Finally, pressing throw (LP+LK) after Haru Kaze will result in Kashinfu, a command grab that that sees Sakura using her opponent as a spring board to jump back.

V-Trigger I: Haru Arashi
Upon activation, Sakura’s fists are enveloped by blue energy that powers up Hadoken and Tengyo Hadoken, giving them both an additional hit. Landing a hit will also cause your opponent to be put into a juggle state giving you an opportunity to land additional attacks. She can also press HP+HK again to use Hogasho, a powerful palm thrust.

V-Trigger II: Sakura Senpu
This time, Sakura’s fists and feet become enveloped by blue energy that powers up Shouoken and Shunpukyaku. Landing a hit will send your opponent flying into the air where you can cancel into V-Skill to follow up with either Sakura Otoshi or Oukakyaku. Both moves are improvements to their EX version and can be performed up to four times before Sakura Senpu ends.

Critical Art: Sakura Rain
Sakura’s Critical Art draws inspiration from her past Super Combos. If used away from the opponent, it will only be a high-damaging Hadoken. However, if Sakura can land this Critical Art right next to the opponent, it’ll go into a special animation that deals significantly more damage.

Capcom also revealed the Opening Cinematic from Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition, an updated version of the game that’ll include downloadable access to all Season 1 and Season 2 characters. The Arcade Edition will be available for the PC and PS4 on January 16, and you can view the Opening Cinematic (which features appearances from all six Season 3 characters) after the break. (more…)