When Street Fighter II hit arcades in 1991, it redefined fighting games forever. With iconic characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Guile, plus unforgettable moves like Hadouken and Sonic Boom, it quickly became a global sensation.
But beyond the combos and tournaments, Street Fighter II is full of fascinating secrets and trivia. Here are 10 fun facts about Street Fighter II that even hardcore fans might not know.
1. The First Fighting Game with Combos
Street Fighter II popularised the concept of combos – originally a programming bug that players turned into a feature.
2. Chun-Li Was the First Female Fighter
Chun-Li made history as the first female playable character in a fighting game, inspiring countless fans worldwide.
3. Guile’s Theme Meme
Decades later, “Guile’s Theme Goes With Everything” became one of the most famous gaming memes online.
4. Ryu and Ken Were Palette Swaps
In the original game, Ryu and Ken shared the same moveset – only their colour palettes were different.
5. Hidden Character Akuma Came Later
Although Akuma wasn’t in the original Street Fighter II, he became a secret boss in later versions, shocking arcade players.
6. E. Honda’s Stage Was Based on Real Bathhouses
The sumo bathhouse stage was inspired by authentic Japanese public bathhouses.
7. Sagat’s Scar Came from Ryu
The giant scar on Sagat’s chest was explained in lore as the result of Ryu’s Shoryuken from the first Street Fighter game.
8. Global Popularity Sparked Tournaments
Street Fighter II was one of the first games to spark competitive gaming tournaments, laying the foundation for esports.
9. The Car-Smashing Bonus Stage
The famous bonus stage where players destroyed a car was inspired by old beat ’em ups like Final Fight.
10. Street Fighter II Sold Millions
The SNES version alone sold over 6 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games of its era.
Why Street Fighter II Still Matters
From arcades to modern esports, Street Fighter II’s influence is undeniable. It wasn’t just a game – it was a cultural phenomenon that introduced millions to competitive gaming.
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