Guide Written by: Mitch Dyer

Let me put it out there front and center: I am not what one would consider a Street Fighter pro. Calling me an amateur is probably generous. There are some crazy good players out there. Still, I’ve spent a ton of time playing Super Street Fighter IV and I’ve got a basic handle on its new and returning characters. This guide is by no means meant to be the last guide you’ll ever need to play these dudes and ladies expertly, but I’ve got enough understanding of the fighters to lend a helpin’ hand that will get you on your feet.

If you suck at Street Fighter, well, let someone who’s slightly less terrible than you show you the ropes. If you want to walk into Super Street Fighter IV with some extra know-how on your buds, follow these simple outlines, tidbits of advice and general tips.

Hakan

For people who play… Able, Zangief, E. Honda

Strengths: He’s tough as hell and has lots of disabling grabs.

Weaknesses: Speedy characters dance circles around him; enemy projectile attacks restrict his limited range further.

• The Turkish wrestler is stout, so his punch and kick range are limited. Even his specials, with the exception of Oil Slide, restrict him to sub-mid-range attacks. He’s also slow moving, despite his attacks being fast, so try to make your enemies come to you.

• Hakan’s Oil Dive grapple is great for getting out of corners and interrupting jumping attacks, as well as deal a good amount of damage.

• Hakan’s Oil Combination Hold Ultra, too, works well against aerial attacks, and is a lethal defensive trap. Time the required down-down-down input with your opponent’s attack; ifyou nail it, his or her attack should land just as Hakan lies down. As soon as they touch your oily, prone body, you can launch ‘em across the map like a squeezed bar of soap.

• Lube up! Oil Showering at the start of every round, or recovery if you can manage it, to boost your defense.