Fanning the Flames – Mai Shiranui Joins Street Fighter 6 on February 5th

Releasing to critical and commercial success in 2023, Capcom’s Street Fighter 6 continues its strong post-launch support with new fighters continually added to the ring. One such fighter is the legendary SNK Heroine from Fatal Fury and King of Fighters Mai Shiranui, joining the ever-growing roster on February 5th.

Mai Shiranui Gameplay Reveal – Street Fighter 6

The trailer showcases Mai’s moveset in Street Fighter 6, honoring her origin games while playing nicely with the systems featured in Capcom’s premiere fighting game. Shown in the gameplay reveal, is that she will be donning two outfits in Street Fighter 6.

One is her iconic look featured in the Fatal Fury and King of Fighters games she’s been appearing in for generations. The other, sporting a leather biker-girl styled look that’s her default costume in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, is also included though you have to unlock it through the World Tour mode or via Fighter Coins (currency for Street Fighter 6).

Moveset Breakdown

Capcom put out a press release, breaking down in-depth some of her special attacks, abilities, and more.

• Kachousen: Mai throws her fan like a fireball. When used normally, the fan loses to other projectiles and your opponent’s strikes can knock them down. But when you hold down the input, they can no longer be neutralized by strikes. In addition, if the fan hits an opponent, it will pop up and fall down on them for another hit.
• Ryuuenbu: Spin forward in a fiery blaze for combos or to control space.
• Hissatsu Shinobi Bachi: Perform a cartwheel and fly towards opponents to elbow them. The OD version sends Mai into the air to follow up on the attack or to surprise opponents below.
• Hishou Ryuuenjin: Mai’s dragon punch, which works as an effective anti-air as she delivers a flying upwards kick bathed in flame.
• Kagerou no Mai: Mai’s Level 1 Super Art, she sets the immediate vicinity on fire, which can be useful as an anti-air move or combo ender. The move also gives Mai five Flame Stocks which give all of Mai’s special moves and Level 1 and 2 Super Arts special properties.
• Chou Hissatsu Shinobi Bachi: Mai’s Level 2 Super Art where she rushes forward in a blaze of glory that can get around projectiles.
• Shiranui Ryuu: Enbu Ada Zakura: Mai’s Level 3 Super Art, she flies like a butterfly and stings like a bee in a series of elegant fan strikes.

Pricing Details for Mai DLC/Fighter Pass 2

Players can purchase Mai via Fighter Coins or access her for free if they have the Year 2 Character Pass and/or the Year 2 Ultimate Pass. Also worth noting is that Fighter Pass 2 includes Fatal Fury character Terry Bogard, the legendary Street Fighter villain M. Bison, and Street Fighter III: New Generation character Elena. However, Elena will join the fight in Spring 2025.

Closing Thoughts

I’m a casual fighting fan, with Super Smash Brothers being the fighting game I have the most experience with. But I’ve gotten my feet wet with games like Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and most recently Tekken 8.

The few times I’ve played games like Street Fighter or Fatal Fury, I never really clicked with them. But seeing the insane special moves, fantastic character design and bright personality that Mai is bringing to Street Fighter 6 is exciting. It reminds me of when Clive from Final Fantasy XVI joined Tekken 8 recently.

He was the reason I gave it a shot and I do not regret it. Crossover characters bring excitement to fighting games drawing people on the fence about a game, like myself, into the battle. Will the alluring Mai get you into the battlefield? Let us know in the comments below!