"With Abel, we wanted to make someone representative of 'the weak can beat the strong,' and so he was originally a small judo character who could be mistaken for a girl."
Compare this to the current Abel. Do you think Capcom should have kept Abel's design like this, or are you happy they made him the current character we know today? Leave a comment with what you think of this concept sketch below.
Story submitted by Knuckles_Y.
Posted by I am Happy on October 13, 2009 at 5:12 p.m. #1
it's all good now, even though I wonder if the original version was probably a little more confident in himself
Posted by Lame-O on October 13, 2009 at 5:12 p.m. #2
So glad they didn't stick with this concept.
Posted by creamjuice on October 13, 2009 at 5:12 p.m. #3
CREAMJUICE!!!
Posted by anon on October 13, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. #4
Im really happy they ditched that design. Im not feeling it at all.
Posted by PaperTiger201 on October 13, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. #5
Would Seth have looked like this as well?
Posted by cool and runny on October 13, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. #6
"who could be mistaken for a girl."
why the obsession for a guy to look like a girl is beyond my comprehension.
Posted by yflow on October 13, 2009 at 5:26 p.m. #7
Original Abel had that Guilty Gear Bridget thing going on. I think the current one is much better.
Also, how would the story have been affected by the design? This one looks nothing like Seth was cloned from him. Finally, how old is he? He looks really young, so would he still have anything to do with knowing Charlie?
Posted by Trauma Radio on October 13, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. #8
I like Using Bridget besides Faust from Guilty Gear Series lol
I use Abel, (steriods look) i don't mine he's unique grapple and other moves (I love them), but if having that look I'm like wow o.O lol although wonder how the Ultra would have been like if he was like that lol
Posted by on October 13, 2009 at 5:37 p.m. #9
If you've got pigtails you're a girl.
Posted by FistfulOAwesome on October 13, 2009 at 5:40 p.m. #10
Isn't what they're describing basically a reverse Makoto?
I'm much happier with the current design. Aside from half El Fuerte (ditch his stupid chef gimmick and it'd be nearer to full), he is the only design that is remotely good. This original concept would have been unoriginal with Makoto already existing and would have further proved these guys weren't the right guys to handle IV.
Posted by yes4me on October 13, 2009 at 5:43 p.m. #11
why not a girl instead of a girly guy? jezz... I would love to see someone with some muscle competing cammy
Posted by Albert Wesker on October 13, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. #12
I am so glad they ditched this idea. The Abel we all know and love is so much better than this reverse Makoto.
CHRIIIIIISSSSSSS!!!!
Posted by Trauma Radio on October 13, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. #13
@FistfulOAwesome
True, the stance of the character portrayed up there reminds me of Makoto minus the Geta (Slippers) lol
Posted by Shwa on October 13, 2009 at 5:56 p.m. #14
I would've loved a reverse-Makoto.
Lil' frenchie boy taken for a girl. :V
The only way I could stick with this design is if he got a Dr. Girlfriend voice to go with it.
Posted by classy on October 13, 2009 at 6 p.m. #15
im going to go against the grain, i would have love this design better then the current one, its looks awesome, abel is just another generic buff guy design..
i hope they bring this guy back as maybe abels apprentice or something.. dont waste the awesome design capcom! would have been cool seeing this little guy doing all those moves..
obviously america is too uptight to accept anything other then american machismo buff arnold look
Posted by Trauma Radio on October 13, 2009 at 6:02 p.m. #16
@classy
I too wanted to see how it would turn out using this character, but i guess they chose that over this and we can't do anything about it.
just wondered if he would have a different Ultra :D lol
Posted by wockee on October 13, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. #17
y would they make a guy have pigtails(is there any guy out there with pigtails...? o_O) and wrappings around his chest...
think they should slap on some boobs and make this a new judo girl character for super sfiv XD
Posted by classy on October 13, 2009 at 6:05 p.m. #18
@trauma radio
well they need to change the ultra, but the old abel is too cute!!! what a waste! theres not enough cuteness in sf4 right now..
Posted by jammasta on October 13, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. #19
I'd rather have a generic buff guy than a stupid guy who is basically designed as a girl (i.e. Bridget, Shion). I have nothing against Ash Crimson, he just looked like a real pretty boy. But Bridget and Shion are essentially girls who are inexplicably called guys.
I like this design, but calling it a guy is flat-out stupid, IMO.
Posted by Shwa on October 13, 2009 at 6:11 p.m. #20
@ wockee:
Oh you'd be surprised. Although, most pigtailed men are fat and have long greasy hair. ('Sup Alt. Rufus)
This old design would be a most pleasant change.
Posted by Aisugo on October 13, 2009 at 6:11 p.m. #21
well pretty artistic for an original concept. Iono bout you all but maybe you should use this concept as a reference to develop one of your new characters in the upcoming SSF4. I agree with #18 besides the slapping big boobs lol you could do that too. Instead of Judo, you could probably make that character use Baji Quan or Vale Tudo. Maybe Escrima.
Posted by RHayabusa on October 13, 2009 at 6:17 p.m. #22
I thought being an androngynous but powerful male would have been real interesting - but the whole hot male who looks like a female would serve to confuse me - kinda like gackt...
Posted by classy on October 13, 2009 at 6:19 p.m. #23
@aisugo
making him a girl would loose its charm! whats wrong with u, keep it exactly how it is, and get cute character in super street fighter 4!
Posted by Aisugo on October 13, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. #24
Ahahaha. It's up to Capcom's developmental hands now to see if they give birth to such a character in the franchise. I won't mind Male or Female.
Posted by Anonymous on October 13, 2009 at 6:33 p.m. #25
The Abel we have right now is a much better design and he even fits in well with the character designs of the rest of the Street Fighter II characters. If Capcom made him look like a girl then that would make people mad for having a trap for be the main protagonist. There are reasons why people don't like SNK's Ash Crimson...
Posted by Bushin22 on October 13, 2009 at 6:36 p.m. #26
Well...
I would like the original concept better...
IF IT WAS A WOMAN,but since it isn't the case,if you're a man, look like one.
The Abel we use today kinda fits his role on the game, and makes a perfect rival for Guile,then... good enough.
Posted by Kalle on October 13, 2009 at 6:51 p.m. #27
So everyone hates androgynous characters because they're afraid of being sexually confused.
That's not new, and those people should either think less with their dicks. You don't play a fighting game to jerk off to characters. >:/
Posted by Firegod on October 13, 2009 at 7 p.m. #28
rofl at this picture, forget that "mistaken" for a girl, just make it a straight up girl haha.
But yea, with the supers and ultras that able has, it would be freaking awsome to have a small character like that do those crazy things.
rofl
Posted by ..... on October 13, 2009 at 7:02 p.m. #29
I'd hit that.
Posted by me on October 13, 2009 at 7:11 p.m. #30
abel is chick
Posted by seanomega on October 13, 2009 at 7:12 p.m. #31
I got a feeling that this would make purphaze happy.
Posted by Heartless on October 13, 2009 at 7:26 p.m. #32
I am glad that Capcom trashed this design. Nuff said...........
Posted by @ Kalle on October 13, 2009 at 7:28 p.m. #33
Yup, pretty much everyone dissing the design is afraid to be sexually confused.
I for one main Ash Crimson in any KOF he's in.
Yes, even MIRA.
And I am proud.
I can't use Bridget for crap, though. More of a Zappa man myself.
Posted by j on October 13, 2009 at 7:32 p.m. #34
i dont like male abel.... he looks lame. i would def prefer this guy. and even probably the old rufus... i dont like the fat tub of lard either. viper and elf are great.
Posted by wow on October 13, 2009 at 8:05 p.m. #35
can't escape the gays, even on the internet.
Posted by jammasta on October 13, 2009 at 8:06 p.m. #36
@Kalle
No, I don't like overly androgynous characters because they're stupid.
I also love using Ash and Duo Lon. But I absolutely hate Shion and Bridget. I'm not afraid of being sexually confused, I just find them pretty stupid concepts.
Posted by SuperV on October 13, 2009 at 8:09 p.m. #37
Abel wouldnt be in my line of characters if he looked like that. Im glad he is an MMA fighter.
Posted by Phynx on October 13, 2009 at 8:09 p.m. #38
I think they should have kept them both; different variations on the same style like Ryu and Ken.
Posted by yes4me on October 13, 2009 at 8:12 p.m. #39
Oh crap... I just remember reading somewhere that Abel was based on Fedor. And Fedor looks like a girl? wuaha...
Posted by nameless on October 13, 2009 at 9:07 p.m. #40
Abel and his combat Sambo!
Posted by ClockUp on October 13, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. #41
I like this design. It's different from the characters on steroids and adds a anime-ish feel. Every anime's gotta have a dude that looks like a chick and still be badass.
Posted by J on October 13, 2009 at 9:32 p.m. #42
I would have liked if they kept the weak can be strong idea. But don't make them look like a chick. Damn what is it with jp people and their ash crimson's?
Posted by neat on October 13, 2009 at 10:23 p.m. #43
I like this design.
I dislike the new abel the one that's in the game, just looks like another over buffed guy, just like ryu.
Posted by i like it on October 13, 2009 at 10:48 p.m. #44
something different than the sf designs. males are big in sf and girls are small in sf. would be cool to see a kid with enough talent to beat a big guy. lol
Posted by Mario on October 13, 2009 at 10:50 p.m. #45
I wish they kept that design. I hate the current Abel look, he looks so generic! Oh well, what's done is done.
Posted by Daigo on October 13, 2009 at 11:13 p.m. #46
I jizzed myself. 15 year olds are HOT
Posted by RPGsFTW on October 13, 2009 at 11:24 p.m. #47
This design looks SOO much cooler. I wish that would've been Abel. Even if he looked like a girl, he'd still be cool.
Posted by King Slappy on October 13, 2009 at 11:44 p.m. #48
Hey guys, for just a measly 25 cents, you can jump on my back and ride a barnicle.
Posted by J on October 13, 2009 at 11:49 p.m. #49
Since Abel is the first MMA type character, I think that's why he looks so American MMA man standard.
Posted by hmong on October 13, 2009 at 11:53 p.m. #50
i thought that design would have been sweet for abel UNTIL i learned that was a dude, not a girl. whats with the whole thing of guys that look like girls. but i guess thats the west talking in me cuz i seem to see alot of gender mixing in asian culture
Posted by n0_Ha'doh' on October 13, 2009 at 11:57 p.m. #51
Judo involves using your opponents strength and weight against them. I like the current Abel we have now but i wouldn't mind seing tjis design used in the future.
Posted by ff on October 14, 2009 at 12:19 a.m. #52
wouldnt really care. nice design for a different character i think though.
Posted by Nope on October 14, 2009 at 12:22 a.m. #53
Leave this "girl but he's a guy" thing to that KOF XII. One more reason why its terrible.
Posted by Shambala on October 14, 2009 at 12:31 a.m. #54
Overly androgynous characters have become cliche now so I'm glad they ditched this concept. The current Abel continues the trend of Capcom making characters based on real people. While it hasn't been confirmed, I'm pretty sure Abel is based on Fedor Emelianenko with some Georges St. Pierre thrown in.
Posted by bob on October 14, 2009 at 12:33 a.m. #55
If the original character is modestly built, don't make it worse by taking a girl haircut. It's such a stupid idea. It's like an overweight person who's putting extra clothes on to make sure he looks even bigger. Since the idea is letting the "weak beat the strong" they actually say he's supposed to be "weak". Then why have pigtails to make him look even weaker? Maybe it's a gay character? Whatever it is, it's a stupid idea. If that character was supposed to be a girl it would not be bad. If it's a guy though, the current Abel is much better. Not even a comparison.
If the designer of the original character was someone else than the one who designed the current Abel, I hope he's fired. Geez.
Posted by HOT on October 14, 2009 at 12:33 a.m. #56
Abel looks so HOT! Wah?... She's a he? Ermmm... Okay.
Posted by classy on October 14, 2009 at 12:56 a.m. #57
@bob typical uptight machismo attitude
hey capcom i know you read our messages! we love the old abel put him in at some point! dont waste this awesome design and hes super cute! please!
stop appealing to the west so much, they have bad taste, racist and uptite
Posted by cuttyb87 on October 14, 2009 at 1:05 a.m. #58
what moves would this abel would of had? would it be the same story or what
Posted by Francys Pai on October 14, 2009 at 1:06 a.m. #59
That is....adorable. But I think I prefer the Abel we have now XD. They still gave Abel an "awwww" worthy smile. so im content XD.
Posted by geodude on October 14, 2009 at 1:08 a.m. #60
this Abel never would have stood a chance against the 'roided up cast of sf4
Posted by Thunderthighs on October 14, 2009 at 1:32 a.m. #61
I'm glad they didn't go with this.
This design reminds of Leo from Tekken 6. Looks like a guy but is a girl. This abel, a girl but is a guy. NO THANK YOU. Leo is fine.
I'm happy with the current abel.
Posted by MMAer on October 14, 2009 at 1:51 a.m. #62
I don't see how you guys don't get it. It's like reading posts about people who don't understand the Daily Show is satire oh Hulu.
Look it is really simple.
Really simple.
Able is a MMA character. For his moves, as far as the SF4 universe is concerned, it is very MMA. He has some variation of moves from other characters. Some version of Sean's Kick, Fei Long's Rekka, Zangief's grab...
And who is the best pound-for-pound MMA in the world (definately 2 years ago when they designed the game). Fedor.
Abel is Fedor. Has the same face and same birthdate as the real life Fedor.
So don't talk this nonsense about how Americas don't like guys that looks like girls and other such crap. Capcom made a boxer that looks like Mike Tyson. A kung-fu movie star that looks like Bruce Lee. And a MMA fighter that looks like Fedor (the number #1 MMA fighter in the world).
It's that simple.
Posted by lol on October 14, 2009 at 2:55 a.m. #63
Capcom was going for both markets (US and JP), so they can't pull any of this freaky TRAP! stuff, we're too intolerant in the West to deal with it lol. Glad they decided to change it, it was an absurd idea.
Posted by angel on October 14, 2009 at 3:34 a.m. #64
please make more charges characters ;there is too much shotos...
Posted by Abel is not mma on October 14, 2009 at 4:13 a.m. #65
LOL@ppl saying abel is based on mma, explain how he is mma at all. What moves does he have that you would classify as being mixed martial arts? Abel does not even look close to Fedor you retards.
This is what fedor looks like...
http://www.mmaroot.com/wp-content/upl...
Posted by WOW on October 14, 2009 at 4:24 a.m. #66
Thats a dude? These guys must be on drugs, good thing someone shoot down that design. They should show all the designs they messed around with to see if it would have worked or not...
Posted by miaou on October 14, 2009 at 4:37 a.m. #67
angel #64 stfu! shotos are good thing for SF. I hope Capcom keep there promise about Gouken's daughter.
Posted by Cranky on October 14, 2009 at 6:29 a.m. #68
I think that design would actually make me play abel. As it is I just don't like the guy, he is all emo and just doesn't feel that powerful when playing him. Not talking about damage here, just about the looks. It would make a lot more sense if he actually looked like he was supposed to be weak but was a hard hitter.
Posted by Dante on October 14, 2009 at 6:52 a.m. #69
Capcom give us another anime movie with SSF IV release
Posted by E.Honda on October 14, 2009 at 7:05 a.m. #70
Well another girl in the game would be pretty cool but with the update i thinkwe are getting enough characters. But i do like the current Abel.
Having seen what most girls fight like in SF4 i would think this version would be much weaker and might have not fought in that style at all.
So i'm happy with Abel having a wang. boys rule girls drool.
Posted by Yakazuchi on October 14, 2009 at 7:27 a.m. #71
Hey why they dont creat enew character. Ables rival. And she can looks like this. It can be great. XD
Posted by kona on October 14, 2009 at 7:31 a.m. #72
I think I probably would've mained Abel if it was the trap version instead of this current one.
Posted by yep on October 14, 2009 at 8:08 a.m. #73
I think that street fighter has a sort of saturday morning cartoon/ old comics vibe too it. As such the dudes are all massive and the chicks are all hot. Having androgynous Abel would wreck that, which is a shame cuz I very much enjoy that 90's comic feel. This design would have decent if he were a she, but even then its a stretch. I guess he just looks out of theme to me in this design. I really dislike it.
Posted by m.K on October 14, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. #74
I actually would have liked to see this design going. Bring some more flavor to the cast. I mean, it probably would mess with some of SFIV's canon, but maybe they can incorporate in the future as a kid that idolizes a grappling character, I guess a parallel to Sakura outside of R. Mika.
Posted by Kikimaru on October 14, 2009 at 8:55 a.m. #75
Oh snap. I'd hit that harder than Abel's Ultra!
Posted by whatev on October 14, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. #76
@Kikimaru
You are aware that that is a guy yes?
Posted by jamheald on October 14, 2009 at 9:19 a.m. #77
if it was a girl cool and better than abel but as a tranny no
Posted by Cage on October 14, 2009 at 9:34 a.m. #78
I like the design and more so the concept. The "weak can beat the strong" is a martial arts rule that every one whose thoroughly studied in a style should know. However it also means the smaller, weaker fighter should have ENORMOUS technique, and better off being the better pound for pound fighter if they want to stand a chance.
hope to see this girly guy in the future :-)
Posted by Chris Vega on October 14, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. #79
IT'S DICKS OR GTFO!!!
Posted by Anon on October 14, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. #80
if this was a girl then yes, she would have been faster.
Posted by lol on October 14, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. #81
that abel female is kooler
Posted by cornholio on October 14, 2009 at 12:02 p.m. #82
i agree with yakazuchi, she should be a new character that rivals abel but maybe a charge character with a 360 throw? maybe a girl who plays like alex?
Posted by bob on October 14, 2009 at 12:11 p.m. #83
This Abel would be sexy as a girl but it's designed as a shemale. Imagine there's a cock in those pants, very gross.
Posted by XScaleSX on October 14, 2009 at 12:50 p.m. #84
yah thay should have he looks cool
Posted by cowboy_soultaker on October 14, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. #85
nah, save the androgyny for the Final Fantasy games, I say :-)
Posted by classy on October 14, 2009 at 1 p.m. #86
@65
you must be some kind of moron to not know hes an mma fighter, if u know anything about mma u retard.
look at his stance, grappling, and half gi, are u that stupid?
Posted by Douchebag on October 14, 2009 at 1:10 p.m. #87
Do we really need another androgynous pole smoker? We already have Remy (SFIII: Third Strike), Ash Crimson (King of Fighter series), Leo (Tekken 6), Testament/ Bridget (Guilty Gear series), and Shizumaru (Samurai Shodown> I'm probably neglecting, but seriously? What is the Japanese obsession for ladyboys?
Posted by PSN Greylynx on October 14, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. #88
I would have taken this abel and still owned with them as long as it was nearly the same move set and how come I can imagine his japanese VA's voice just coming out of that mouth.
I would have played the character I liked the look they were going for and find the new design to be too simple
I would of course change abel's backstory accordingly
Posted by WildTengu on October 14, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. #89
Thank god for the Abel we got... I wouldn't be able to handle Capcom giving us anymore trap characters.
Posted by Aisugo on October 14, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. #90
@ #79 WTF? LOL. Just do this Capcom. Abel was either the guardian of this character or was taking care of him as a bigger brother before he lost his memory. Nuff said...
Posted by Jink on October 14, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. #91
@Shwa#14
LOL XD LOL XD XD. It could have been epic.
I'm glad with Abel as HE is now. The old concept was probably the work of some J-pop fan, in the development crew.
Posted by wtf? on October 14, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. #92
Thank god they didn't go with this garbage. We don't need a Bridget in SF, it makes me take the game less seriously.
I mean come on, what the hell?
Posted by Abel is not mma on October 14, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. #93
@classy, he has the stance of a wrestler/judo fighter....how does that make him an mma fighter. He's wearing a gi...I dont see mma fighters wearing gis. I don't know if think that wwe is mma or something but your argument makes you sound like a friggin moron. Explain to me what moves that you see in an everyday mma match that abel does.
Posted by Garuda on October 14, 2009 at 8:07 p.m. #94
That version of Abel gives me a funny feeling.
In my pants.
Posted by Shambala on October 14, 2009 at 8:27 p.m. #95
The gi Abel wears is highly reminiscent of those worn in Combat Sambo and he shares the same birthday with Fedor. Some of his moves are similar to those implemented by Kazushi Sakuraba in the past. And then there's the fact that he is officially stated to be a mixed martial artists with an emphasis on Judo.
Posted by doja on October 14, 2009 at 10:52 p.m. #96
@93
In Pride, the king of Japanese MMA before Zuffa (UFC) purchased it, wearing half gi is allowed and often used by grapplers against non-grapplers. DO NOT FORGET THERE IS MORE THAN JUST AMERICAN MMA. In Dream, I believe half gi are allowed too.
You wear a half gi because:
1. A full gi means that someone will grab your pants and hold it. Either when you kick or as a leg lock.
2. In a MMA match, as you get sweatier, you get more slippery. The gi absorbs the sweat.
Only Jujitsu fighters wear full gi. They use the pants as a weapon for aid in choking ala Royce Gracie. (Using clothing as a weapon is not allowed in American MMA.)
Many MMA fighters don't wear gis now because they learn to depend on it during training and the fight. Then when come to the USA for a fight, they must fight under Unified Rules -- which don't allow gis but do allow elbows of almost any kind. (It goes the other way too, you'll see American MMA fighters get warned by the ref about elbows all the time when they go to Japan.)
In Combo Sambo, which is Fedor's "main" martial art, they wear a half gi, and usually not a full gi.
But the dead give away that Abel is a MMA character is because Abel is wearing MMA gloves. Not karate gloves. Not boxing gloves. Not even sparring gloves. He has MMA gloves on. MMA gloves look different that used in other martial arts. Look carefully. Capcom did a good job in this area.
And they are even Pride-style MMA gloves, not American-style ones. :) (Pride gloves are blue and have wrist padding.) Rememer, Abel -- I mean Fedor -- was heavyweight champion of Pride and very very popular over in Japan.
PS: Don't forget Capcom has a pattern of this.
M. Bison = Tyson
Deejay = Billy Blanks
Fei Long = Bruce Lee
Posted by Samuel on October 14, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. #97
Who Friggin cares, abel is garbage anyways.
Posted by Chris Vega on October 14, 2009 at 11:35 p.m. #98
LOL deejay is not based on billy blanks, thats probably one of the most retarded things Ive read.
Posted by Reptile on October 14, 2009 at 11:35 p.m. #99
Agreed
Posted by deejay on October 15, 2009 at 12:06 a.m. #100
Article posted about a week ago, wikipedia(and their sources from capcom), and over a decade of it being so should be proof enough that deejay is based on billy blanks. Specifically billy in king of kick boxers. You know what I'll save you the long process of going back 2 pages of news to October 2nd when we got to find out Deejay's origins for the 20th time in the last 10 years http://www.capcom-unity.com/kramez/bl...
2 seconds of work well spent.
Same basic path applies to Abel as well. If you take the time to look up capcom's information you are provided with MMA background. Event hubs should be a place for hype and encyclopedia like coverage not a place for people to shoot off their uninformed ramblings.
Posted by classy on October 15, 2009 at 12:48 a.m. #101
@ Abel is not mma
and to add to doja, he punches, what grappler u know punches? he wears jap style mma gear, he grapples and strikes. and capcom said hes an mma fighter so go argue with them
@doja
deejay as billy blanks is the funniest sh*t ive ever heard, relating to street figther
Posted by doja on October 15, 2009 at 1:08 a.m. #102
Wow, I can't believe people didn't know Deejay was Billy Blanks. I knew it the first day I saw SSF2. I guess the whole "Jamacian" thing throws people off.
So Capcom always picks the best celebrity martial artist in a style.
Billy Blanks, at one time, was best Karate fighter in the world. Thus he was the best kickboxer in the world. (There was no MMA back then, all Karate and TKD fighter fought in one of hundreds of little American kickboxing associations.) He was a kickboxing champion, seven time Karate champion, and inducted into the Karate Hall of Fame.
Then he did movies... and... Tae Bo... :(
Posting that link again in case you don't believe me.
http://www.capcom-unity.com/kramez/bl...
Posted by Chris Vega on October 15, 2009 at 2:28 a.m. #103
So they were inspired by those people, it doesn't mean they are those people.
Posted by core on October 15, 2009 at 2:47 a.m. #104
doja #102, Billy Blanks wasn't the best karate fighter in the world. He was the best karate celebrity on TV in America, which doesn't say anything. In America there are other, 1 million times better, karateka's, not to mention in Japan...in Japan, Billy Blanks is a joke.
Just because there is 1 famous guy in America, it doesn't mean they are better than the rest of the world. It's so stupid to think that way.
Posted by thank god on October 15, 2009 at 5:52 a.m. #105
Abel's current design in awesome. I'm sooooooo glad they didn't go in that direction. This is NOT KoF.
Posted by Fryght on October 15, 2009 at 6:22 a.m. #106
Seriously, i think that AndriaSang just ripped this one sentence out of context. In the text they are talking about how they wanted a female character that conveyed a strong image. The first Abel design would use judo to overcome bigger buffer enemies. But, since she could be mistaken for a weak little girl by her looks, they went with Viper for the strong female image and turned Abel into how he is now.
Posted by juxtapose on October 15, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. #107
Even though the current Abel is a completely uninspired, generic waste of a character, it's a lot better than this. I don't know why Japanese people feel obligated to make men look like chicks. It's like they're all closet transexuals who can't express themselves in their modest culture, so they bring it out in their character design. Thank god they based the new 4 characters on Western-friendly concepts.
If the first three Street Fighter games had never existed, and all the characters were brand new concepts, they would all be Sakura-like school girl/boy characters, or weird robots with eye lasers (here comes Juri). I don't understand the obsession. I liked it better when all the characters were fun stereotypes that everyone could relate to (See Dhalsim the Indian Yoga master, or Dee Jay the black break-dancing musician). Stop with this Japanime garbage! I want to see characters that DON'T make Japanese highschool kids cream their pants over.
Posted by @107 on October 15, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. #108
and this is why games developers get away with uninspired generic stereotypes, people like you actually want that silly shyte!
Posted by doja on October 15, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. #109
@core #104
Billy Blanks was a seven-time World Karate Champion. Those other Karateka apparently were so good, at apparently didn't compete. Billy Blanks was famous in the martial art circles because of that. He also holds a seventh-degree black belt in tae kwon do. By comparison, Chuck Norris is an 8th degree black belt in TKD.
In Japan, absolutely, positively 100% of all American karate fighters are a joke. Japan has zero respect for the way train Karate.
In America, we spar 3-point or kickboxing style. Japan, they typically spar Shikidoan-style(sp?). No gloves, no protection, open palm strikes to the head. Throws and stomps are legal.
And amazingly enough, absolutely 100% of American TKD fighters are considered a joke in Korea. A 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree black belt in America is basically a brown or red belt in Japan.
But I think we all agree Billy Blanks is a joke, now. He was the goddamn World Champion for a while. You know, tournaments where Japanese Karatekas also entered.
Posted by @108 on October 15, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. #110
Stereotypes? yes. Uninspired and generic? Not a chance. Every single one of the original 8 characters from the original Street Fighter II were COMPLETELY unique characters that played TOTALLY differently (with the except of Ryu and Ken, which were head-swaps, but were important to the original).
All the new characters they're coming up with in recent years based on Japanese pop culture (Sakura, Gouken, Dan) seem to play surprisingly similar to the Shotos, because everyone in Japan doesn't care how unique they are, so long as they shoot fireballs and remind them of their favourite Manga.
It's the same weird reason why everyone wants BOTH Yun and Yang to be in Super. Why do we need both? WHY does everyone want to see ANOTHER boxer character? Especially when the most exciting and original characters (like Hugo and Oro) are getting completely overlooked. We shouldn't be picking characters just because they were top tier in 3, we should be picking them because they're fun to play. Ibuki is the only choice I agree with.
Wow, tangent. [/rant]
Posted by zxz on October 15, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. #111
they should take that design, make it a GIRL, and make her actually do classical JUDO, instead of that messy hybrid stuff abel does.
Posted by jobeen on October 15, 2009 at 1:03 p.m. #112
@110
Actually Dudley plays completely differently than Balrog. The only thing they have in common is that they both look like boxers. They have totally different movesets. In SF3, Q is the equilivent of Balrog, not Dudley.
Posted by classy on October 15, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. #113
@juxtapose
same eccentric culture that brought u street fighter to begin with you moron. if it was up to america everything is generic. people like u are so creatively stunted u can't think outside the 80's white buff guy with blonde hair as the lead.
its a different culture that accepts everything. and way more open then this bible thumping country ever will. are you that intolerant that you can't stand a boy who looks like a girl?
other people dont have a problem with it, so its not that big of a deal. typical american thinks everyone is a jock. this is a whole different country idiot. travel a bit, people arent all hicks like u.
Posted by ItsATrap!!! on October 15, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. #114
A trap is fine too...
Posted by Jhay on October 15, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. #115
Man, that would have been my favorite character in the entire game if he was in it... I miss androgynous/gay character like Bridget, Venom (GG), Ash Crimson, um... Yeah, there is definitely not enough of 'em... If not a filipino character, then an androgynous boy would be fine, too.
Posted by Captain Science on October 15, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. #116
I knew there was a reason Abel's throws were so feminine. He's a big strong guy with no power.
Posted by @104 on October 15, 2009 at 10:48 p.m. #117
@104
Look what 2 seconds of Google can find you about Billy Blanks.
From IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0087593/bio
"Martial Arts stats: 7-Time World Karate Champion, Nationally ranked by Karate Illustrated from 1982-1989, Karate Hall of Fame since 1982, 1980 Captain of the US Olympic Karate Team, Member of the US Karate Team, winning 36 gold medals in international competition, 1975 Amateur Athletic Union Champion."
Your ass has been served.
Posted by 34q6at on October 15, 2009 at 11:54 p.m. #118
wait that's a boy?
Posted by Change of direction on October 16, 2009 at 3:14 a.m. #119
Erm, lol at Abel. . . but tbh, If it wernt for the wrap around his chest, and the pigtails it wouldnt be so bad.
But lol all the same, imagine this guy doing falling sky on Zangief
Posted by Chris Vega on October 16, 2009 at 4:58 a.m. #120
LOL I still dont see how Deejay is based on Billy Blanks at all....Deejay is a kickboxer and doesnt do karate or kung fu...
Posted by Hiro on October 16, 2009 at 5:28 a.m. #121
Current Able is awesome but to be honest i want more female characters. Seriusly wheres the love for the females ? Female concept Abel wouldve been cool
Posted by juxtapose on October 16, 2009 at 7:40 a.m. #122
@ classy #113
1. I am not American. I am Canadian, and a very liberal one at that.
2. I am not the slightest bit religious, nor do I have a problem with homosexuality, transexuality or even gay marriage.
3. You took everything I just said and completely rearranged it in your mind before spewing it back out of your mouth like an idiot. You obviously can't read.
4. Go jerk off to tentacle porn.
Posted by stee on October 16, 2009 at 9:55 a.m. #123
i actually liked this character design :) , maybe she'll appear in future fighting game .
she looks better tnan makoto .
and BETTER be a SHE
Posted by @juxtapose on October 16, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. #124
I'll give you the point that classy is using stereotypes (ie American, bible thumping hicks etc) but that doesn't invalidate their point about your hatred of this version of the character being solely based on the fact that they do not conform to Western gender norms, thus you are intolerant. You aren't as liberal as you think you are, and you are using uninformed stereotypes about the Japanese too. News at 11, Japanese companies make games that appeal to Japanese people. SHOCK HORROR! And guess what, if you don't like it, you still have 90% of Western pop culture where you can have as many macho white guys as you like. I don't know why you are complaining anyway, you got what you wanted out of SF anyway else you wouldn't be here now.
As to 3, why is it that fools on the internet always protest that the other person has taken them all wrong, but then fails to clarify what they were actually saying. You could do that all day you know, trying to shift the burden of proof onto the other person about what you actually said. If you didn't convey it properly that's your fault and you should explain. I don't see anything in your message other than hatred for androgynous people and Japanese culture, and a longing for the old days of racist, oh no wait I mean "fun" stereotypes.
Posted by doja on October 16, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. #125
@120 / Chris
Deejay is specifically based off Billy Blanks acting as a kickboxer in the movie name "King of Kickboxers". Click on link by written by Deejay's creator:
http://www.capcom-unity.com/kramez/bl...
Posted by CHARGE-E.HONDA on October 16, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. #126
Another ladyboy character , I think highly of women in general AND LIKE THEM IN EVERY WAY(WELL SOME OF THEM), the fact that all women except chun li(sweet legs chun)are not tourney Worthy makes me sick , you want a character to be small presumed weak but really is a powerhouse well a lot of CHICS fit in that category. Start respecting the WOMEN capcom and give us players some proper female characters(I hope they stay away from making all of the future females always blond ,low health,mediocre special attacks and boyish looking 'cause that sh-- has become boring and insulting as hell) and not just one or two female characters i want many i said many. KISS-off with the boyish girl look ,females don't have to look like guys to be strong THEIR 6" FOOT CHICS WITH BOOBS AND ALL AROUND SHAPE THAT WILL HAVE YOUR HORMONES IN KNOTS , THEIR ARE WOMEN WITH A VERY PHYSICAL WEIGHT LIFTING BODY THAT HAVE THE BIG BOOBS AND ASS WITH ALL THE SHAPE IN THE WORLD THESE THINGS DON'T DISAPPEAR ON A CHIC CAUSE SHE'S PHYSICAL AND FURTHERMORE MAKE SOME CHICS THAT CAN BE PLAYED AGGRESSIVE LIKE RYU AND I MEAN BE AGGRESIVE LIKE DAIGO'S RYU.
Posted by @126 on October 17, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. #127
Sorry to break to you, but the overwhelming majority of the muscular women in the this world have breast implants. Unfortunally, how the body works: there is no such thing as spot fat burning. Unless you believe informercials. So the fat that makes up the female breast will be burnted just like the fat around her stomach would be if she is truly muscular enough to fight men.
So yes, these things do disappear in real life. The female breast consist of muscle, fat, and mammory glands. If there is no fat, it become flat unless the fat is replaced with saline. :) It is just how God made humans. Sorry.
Posted by DAN on October 18, 2009 at 6:04 a.m. #128
SHISSO BURAIKEN@ charge e-honda, doja, juxtapose, chris vega, hiro, jhay, captain sciene, itsatrap, garuda, classy, wild tengu, 34q6at, change of direction, core, Fryght, mmaer, i am happy, lame-o, cream juice, paper tiger, jammasta, papertiger, deejay........YAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Posted by juxtapose on October 21, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. #129
@ #124
It has nothing to do with the fact that the character is a transgender. I'm also not claiming that I want every character to be a stereotypically muscular male martial artist. In fact, Abel is easily the least inspired of the new fighters in SF4.
My problem is that it seems like they're not creating new characters based on what Street Fighter fans from around the world want to see beating the crap out of each other, but what Japanese highschool kids like to see starring in their favourite anime cartoons.
I'll give you an example: There is a famous Chinese novel called "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" (my favourite of all time) about actual historical events that took place in the 3rd century. It's a story about how the Han dynasty fell apart and three kingdoms emerged that fought for control of the country. It is considered one of the 4 Chinese classics and is treasured by much of the eastern world (and many in the western world as well [myself included]).
Someone in Japan, however, decided they were going to turn it into a Manga starring horribly bastardized versions of these real life characters turned highschool students in modern times. What ancient Chinese warlords and generals have to do with highschool, I still can't decide. They took these essentially immortalized gods from Chinese antiquity and turned them into lame Japanese sterotypes who no longer resembled their historical counterparts. They ruined one of the most incredible tales in the history of mankind by taking something glorious and turning it into a cash-cow that Japanese youth would eat up.
I am not being racist. I am not being intolerant. I am not being blindly ignorant. I simply don't agree with Capcom putting characters in their products simply because they appeal to their largest demographic. I have no problem with stereotypes (Japanese or otherwise) because I think they're fun. We can all laugh at them. I'm just tired of the number of Japanese stereotypes they're throwing at us when most of the rest of the world is unrepresented.
I can't WAIT for characters like Hakan because it'll be something different. I think a middle eastern character is a FANTASTIC idea because it's never been done. So what if he's unrelentingly stereotypical? It's hilarious. If there was a Canadian fighter that played hockey and put maple syrup on everything, I'd be all for it. Making fun of our differences is what brings us together. It's the fact that Capcom is only catering to its Japanese fans that I have a problem with.
How was that? Was that a long enough explaination for you?
Posted by NGXL on October 24, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. #130
I love that design. But not for what we now know as Abel, but for something like a rival of Makoto. I hope they include this character in SSFIV, because I love it. Presuming they ditch the stupid idea of it being a feminine boy, mind you.
Posted by Jesus on November 14, 2009 at 5:49 a.m. #131
You god damned fags have ruined street fighter
Posted by Blah on December 1, 2009 at 9:24 p.m. #132
Old Abel design looks decent, though knowing that THAT is a guy makes me feel a bit sick, I wouldn't of been able to use IT.
Posted by Gay kid's oppinion on January 24, 2010 at 1:37 a.m. #133
So I like the Abel they have in the game now, not that I play with him at all. I like his story and what not. It's just a fun story.
That being said, I want the original concept to be implemented, minus the pigtails, make him older, and base him off of Morrigan Aensland (darkstalkers). Also, make him psychotic... psycho gay man with demonic powers, that just makes me giggle.
Also I remember reading someone saying that having an androgynous character in the game would make him take it less seriously. The game is cartoonish for damn's sake. How can you take it seriously? I mean look at the characters Dan, Sakura, E. Honda and El Fuerta (spelling?). The game has some off the wall wtf characters. Having the original abel design would have went with the comedic style characters that capcom has put into the street fighter series.
Posted by ACK! on January 30, 2010 at 2:23 p.m. #134
This Abel would seem so out of place in Street Fighter. It just doesn't feel right. It's a good thing they scrapped it. The Abel being used now fits with the 'Street Fighter' image, having a girly skinny pretty boy is a bit over doing it.
Posted by phew! on February 15, 2010 at 2:14 a.m. #135
Don't need another Tekken 6 Leo style character!
