Street Fighter 5 Adds Zangief to Character Roster, Gameplay Trailer Released

Capcom has announced Zangief as the latest character to join the Street Fighter V roster.

Based on the gameplay trailer for the character, crushing normals and counter-hits will be a core part of the Russian Red Cyclone's arsenal. His standing heavy kick seems to launch characters and can be followed up with a lariat for extra damage.

Zangief also looks like his offense will involve taking a hit to deal a much more punishing one back. He's also picked up Alex's shoulder check from Street Fighter 3--except with more elbow, which will be handy for anti-airs.

To deal with fireball characters, Zangief can headbutt single-hit projectiles, but not multi-hit. During his V-Reversal he thrusts he chest out to nullify attacks.

When V-Trigger is activated, Zangief also has a lariat vortex which drags his opponent in. Naturally, his Critical Art is a devastating backbreaker.

"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 says in its 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)."

It continues: "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."

Here's Capcom's official descriptions of Zangief's unique abilities:

• 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.

A release date for the game has not yet been officially confirmed but an early 2016 window has been suggested. In an earnings report issued in May, Capcom said the title would be available its current fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2016.

This date matches up with the game's previously rumored spring 2016 release window. Street Fighter V is in development for PlayStation 4 and PC, and will feature cross-platform play between both systems.

Capcom has said post-launch content for Street Fighter 5 will be earnable by playing the game. It intends to only ever offer a single disc for the game.

Take a look at some screenshots for Zangief in the gallery below.

Gallery