Streets of Rage’s Shiva should be in Virtua Fighter
A New Fighting Game Golden Age
Fighting games are in a warm and cozy golden age at the moment. From Street Fighter 6 to Under Night In-Birth 2, a variety of fighters have been pretty successful. This includes the legendary Virtua Fighter series with its current iteration of VF5: REVO for steam. This entry finally includes that scrumptious roll back netcode, as well as enhanced visuals, and new character cosmetics.
Recent History with Guest Characters
Don’t kill me just yet. Crossover characters have created kind gestures for the fighting game genre; one that is known for being hyper competitive and desperate for healthy player bases. VF characters Akira, Sarah, Pai, and Jacky were all featured in Dead or Alive 5: Ultimate. And Tekken inspired outfits are featured in Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown and Revo. But Virtua Fighter still hasn’t featured guest characters in their stand alone games. Yes Akuma, Negan, Geese, and Noctis to an extent, were mechanically problematic in Tekken 7. Clive followed this trend in 8, and Yoda annoyed the crap out of people as well in Soul Calibur 4, poor guy. But The King of Fighter’s Terry and Mai in Street Fighter 6 are great examples of guest characters done right.
There is a one that would be perfect for Virtua Fighter, and he’s someone that Sega could access quite easily. And that is Shiva from the Streets of Rage beatemup series.
Who is Shiva?
Shiva is a calm but fierce Kempo martial arts master who utilizes aerial combos, hyper speed dashes, juggle set ups, and spirit clones when fighting. He first appears in Streets of Rage 2 as the main antagonist’s right hand man. So you basically fight him before you fight the final boss, and he’s quite difficult. When you do defeat him, his standing within the evil syndicate is lowered in Streets of Rage 3. He ends up making a new life for himself after 3, leaving the syndicate, embracing Buddhism, and starting a dojo. You even learn that he has an affinity for animal rights. Look out hopeful singles! Originally a boss fight in Streets of Rage 4, he teams up with the roster in the Mr. X Nightmare DLC. Students leave his dojo for the crime syndicate which has a history of animal cruelty. So of course he joins the crew to put a stop to the organization. His strikes include quick and powerful hand and elbow strikes, and broad leaping kicks. He and his kangaroo friend are the only Streets of rage characters that don’t use weapons or projectiles (*cough* Negan, Akuma, Noctis, Clive, Geese). Shiva sees using weapons as a sign of weakness. One of his character selection quotes is Streets of Rage 4 is “I don’t need a weapon. I AM the weapon.” He won’t pick a weapon up in any of the games he’s playable in. In Streets of Rage 4 he’ll kick weapons back, and can repeatedly bounce them off of enemies, and reflect them. No projectiles or weapons.
Why Shiva?
Streets of Rage is a Sega franchise, so it would be easy for Shiva to make his way into a Virtua Fighter title. It’s safe to say that Shiva would be better off in a NEW upcoming Virtua Fighter, and not 5: Revo. Revo is amazing as it is after almost 2 decades. Let’s not overcomplicate or mess that up.
Virtua Fighter has a traditional martial arts aesthetic with a modern twice, similar to Shiva. He’d fit right in. Of course he looks cool as hell with his most current Streets of Rage 4 design. The martial arts master dons his muscular physique, dark blue shoulder length hair, and a dark blue Gi; along with red arm bands and a shimenawa worn like a belt. The shimenawa is a praying rope, signifying Shiva’s devotion to Buddhism. He wears a red headband similar to Streets of Rage main character Axel’s blue headband. During the main crew’s first fight with Shiva in 2, Shiva developed a rivalry with Axel. This shows the competitive ego that Shiva has, that we also see after his fight against the cast in Streets of Rage 4. He pretty much just wanted a fun battle against Axel’s posse. VERY fighting game of Shiva. Unlike Shiva’s earlier designs, his Gi is worn with the right half of it hanging off, exposing his lower torso. This gives him a modern monk-like motif that displays his unique fighting stance. Overall, Shiva is a character who dedicates multiple aspects of his existence to Kempo. An embodiment of it if you will, as Kempo itself can be described as utilizing the “physical, spiritual, and, mental” capabilities (thanks martialartswa.com). Virtua Fighter has always been about raw martial arts, and other characters fit the latter criteria of their chosen fighting style. But Shiva’s elaborate fighting style is where he’d bring a fresh approach to the game. Mechanics like aerial combos and of course spirit clones aren’t known of being in VF, but they can be implemented in an ethical way.
Shiva In Virtua Fighter
We’ve established how Shiva’s SOR4 design fits perfectly in a new Virtua Fighter. It’s a traditional martial arts inspiration with a modern twist.
In terms of mechanics, VF is considered a “complex” game even though Punch-P, Kick-K, and Guard-G are the only attack buttons you combine with each other and directions. PK is used for unique and powerful punches, PG is used for grabs, KG is for powerful kicks, and PKG is used for mobility techniques. While some of Shiva’s attacks remained the same in SOR3 and 4, quite a bit of his kit changes in 4. Attacks inspired by both games and other techniques within Kempo will give him that robust Virtua Fighter command list.
Shiva’s General Attacks
Shiva’s default beatemup punch combo is 3 claw strikes ending with a right handed palm, followed by a kick that launches opponents into the air in SOR4. To keep things balanced, the launch kick ender could be a K or KG+directional command add-on to the 3 hit P combo; something with a slower start-up but launches, and causes stagger on block. The launch kick could also be done separately.
Shiva’s basic jumping attacks include a ferocious lunging jump kick and a downward claw strike. The kick generates a launch with knockback on the opponent. A version of the punch attack could work in VF, causing a knockdown stun on the opponent. But VF’s manual jump physics are a bit more technical and grounded. Shiva’s aerial neutral kick would have more recovery frames after execution. It would still have its range, launch and knockback, perfect for wall combos and some juggling.
Shiva’s SOR4 attack with his back turned is an elaborate lunging flat hand strike that stuns the opponent. This is fine. Not much needs to be changed in VF. Make this a directional PK attack that staggers. 
Shiva’s basic grab is a downward elbow strike that slams the opponent down. His grab from the opponent’s back tosses them further for spacing or wall combos. For Shiva’s side-switching grab, he lifts his opponent using his leg and slams them onto the ground. This move could combo further with another attack. A Streets of Rage perk is the ability to grab an opponent and flip over them, leaving their back open. In VF, this would be a special command grab that leaves Shiva out of the grab state when the opponent’s back is turned. 
In SOR3, Shiva has a dash punch ability called Dark Dash that launches opponents, and can be chained 3 times. To make this balanced, only the final dash will knock the opponent down in the leg-up position, to continue a combo. To compensate for the dash P inputs and brief pause before the first dash, fast attacks can be comboed after the dashes. 
Quite a few of Shiva’s SOR3 attacks are powerful kicks. For Moon Kick, Shiva whips a kick in the shape of a horizontal moon. This could be his default KG attack. Dashing moon kick is similar, but he spins his entire body for forward momentum and power. For Diving Moon Kick, Shiva leaps in an arc with a moon kick, creating a nice KG kick to start juggles, aerial combos, anti-air, or gap closers. A variation of moon kick could also be used as a 3D side-stepping KG strike. 
Shiva’s Ki Strike is a hopping downward claw attack that creates a ground shockwave, launching opponents. This is a perfect PK attack for an assortment of combos and low mix ups. Shiva can move in the air while doing this move, but it leaves him open. 
For Shiva’s Final Crash, he dashes while low to the ground, followed by a flip kick. This would actually make a cool grapple attack when an opponent is on the ground, to start different combos. 
Aspects of his Ultimate Final Crash could be utilized as flipping aerial kicks he does in the air to ground aerial opponents.
His flashy ultimate Asura Ranbu is a grapple attack. He grabs his opponent, disappears, than appears behind them, as if he just finished a dash forward, filling them with multiple attacks. This could be a command grab or side-step grab. But instead of knocking the opponent flat on the ground; heavily stagger the opponent in VF to create a combo opportunity. 
Shiva’s Flying Kick is a fierce leaping dragon kick that hits multiple times. Make this a K attack with a dash input. Not to deal so much damage, but to create more combo opportunities. 
With Hashinshou, Shiva stretches his arms out on both sides for palm strikes that blow his opponent back. This could be a powerful directional PK attack that knocks opponents away, or start a wall combo.
Senretsu Ken is a fabulous special attack where Shiva disappears while dashing at the opponent, ending with a palm strike to the chest from a distance, knocking the opponent away; or dashing through the opponent, dealing multiple hits and launching the opponent. These variations would make wonderful dash PK attacks with a bit of start up before moving at break neck speed. There is also an air version of Senretsu Ken that only dashes through the opponent for multiple hits. This could be a great aerial gap closer that catches opponents in the air to initiate a ground combo, or to end an early aerial combo for a ground combo. 
The biggest balance challenge for Shiva in Virtua fighter is how the game would deal his spirit clones. In Streets of Rage 4, Shiva has the ability to project spirit clones of himself that attack with him. The spirit clones will either copy Shiva’s attack with more force, or perform attacks of their own. Both Shiva’s grounded Spirit Palm; a palm strike, and aerial Spirit Kick; a moon kick, release spirit clones that replicate the attack with more force and power. His ultimate ability Spirit Dance releases multiple spirit clones that leap and attack on their own. In a new VF entry, Shiva could have multiple attacks where clones mimic him, do different attacks while he’s attacking, and perform grabs that do a bit of both for large damage, or set ups. To keep the Spirit Clone attacks from being to obnoxious, attacks could have slow start up. Quite a few attacks would use PK, and KG. A spirit clone attack that just uses the P attack would require more complex inputs. Some could require command inputs that are pressed as soon as an attack lands, or “Just Inputs.” Shiva would be more vulnerable while performing these attacks, but the pay off would be worth it with higher damage, stagger, stun, and other combo set ups. Grabs would require more complex inputs as well, like a half circle input for example. Overall, Shiva’s Spirit Clones create the perfect opportunity to utilize VF’s 3D mechanics and interactivity with stage walls and opponent positions. 
Shiva’s ultimate attack Shin Hashinshou summons spirit wings for a powerful launch attack, continuing juggle combos or starting aerial combos. In VF this attack could be a just input after a P attack while the opponent is in the air, feet toward Shiva, similar to Goh’s Haritsuke’s attack. It would be quite situational, but very powerful as a guaranteed combo extender.
Like the rest of the cast in the Virtua Fighter series, Shiva is martial artist at an advanced level with an impeccable character design. His more imaginative abilities, spirit clones, aerial combos, and high speed dashes, can still portray the essence of Kempo and raw martial arts. And of course other new interpretations of Shiva’s Kempo would fill up his command list as well. His fighting style allows Virtua Fighter to flaunt its expertise 3D fighting game mechanics. No meters needed.
Sources: StreetsofRage4 screenshots: Taken by Philip Adrian. StreetsofRage:© SEGA, © 2020 Dotemu, all rights reserved. Developed by Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games and Dotemu
Virtua Fighter 5: Revo Screenshots: Taken by Philip Adrian. ©Sega, Developed By Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Under Night In Birth 2 Screenshots: Taken By Philip Adrian. ©Arc System Works, Developed By FRENCH-BREAD, Arc System Works.
Street Fighter6: Screenshots from Capcom https://www.streetfighter.com/6/character/mai , https://www.streetfighter.com/6/character/terry Street Fighter6: Developed and published by CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Dead or Alive 5 Screenshot: https://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/us/screenshots02.html Dead or Alive 5: Developed by
Team NINJA, KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
New Virtua Fighter Project: https://www.sega.com/virtua-fighter/new-virtua-fighter-project ©Sega, Developed By Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
https://martialartswa.com/blog/what-is-the-meaning-of-kempo
Shiva is a calm but fierce Kempo martial arts master who utilizes aerial combos, hyper speed dashes, juggle set ups, and spirit clones when fighting. He first appears in Streets of Rage 2 as the main antagonist’s right hand man. So you basically fight him before you fight the final boss, and he’s quite difficult. When you do defeat him, his standing within the evil syndicate is lowered in Streets of Rage 3. He ends up making a new life for himself after 3, leaving the syndicate, embracing Buddhism, and starting a dojo. You even learn that he has an affinity for animal rights. Look out hopeful singles! Originally a boss fight in Streets of Rage 4, he teams up with the roster in the Mr. X Nightmare DLC. Students leave his dojo for the crime syndicate which has a history of animal cruelty. So of course he joins the crew to put a stop to the organization. His strikes include quick and powerful hand and elbow strikes, and broad leaping kicks. He and his kangaroo friend are the only Streets of rage characters that don’t use weapons or projectiles (*cough* Negan, Akuma, Noctis, Clive, Geese). Shiva sees using weapons as a sign of weakness. One of his character selection quotes is Streets of Rage 4 is “I don’t need a weapon. I AM the weapon.” He won’t pick a weapon up in any of the games he’s playable in. In Streets of Rage 4 he’ll kick weapons back, and can repeatedly bounce them off of enemies, and reflect them. No projectiles or weapons.
Why Shiva?
Streets of Rage is a Sega franchise, so it would be easy for Shiva to make his way into a Virtua Fighter title. It’s safe to say that Shiva would be better off in a NEW upcoming Virtua Fighter, and not 5: Revo. Revo is amazing as it is after almost 2 decades. Let’s not overcomplicate or mess that up.
Virtua Fighter has a traditional martial arts aesthetic with a modern twice, similar to Shiva. He’d fit right in. Of course he looks cool as hell with his most current Streets of Rage 4 design. The martial arts master dons his muscular physique, dark blue shoulder length hair, and a dark blue Gi; along with red arm bands and a shimenawa worn like a belt. The shimenawa is a praying rope, signifying Shiva’s devotion to Buddhism. He wears a red headband similar to Streets of Rage main character Axel’s blue headband. During the main crew’s first fight with Shiva in 2, Shiva developed a rivalry with Axel. This shows the competitive ego that Shiva has, that we also see after his fight against the cast in Streets of Rage 4. He pretty much just wanted a fun battle against Axel’s posse. VERY fighting game of Shiva. Unlike Shiva’s earlier designs, his Gi is worn with the right half of it hanging off, exposing his lower torso. This gives him a modern monk-like motif that displays his unique fighting stance. Overall, Shiva is a character who dedicates multiple aspects of his existence to Kempo. An embodiment of it if you will, as Kempo itself can be described as utilizing the “physical, spiritual, and, mental” capabilities (thanks martialartswa.com). Virtua Fighter has always been about raw martial arts, and other characters fit the latter criteria of their chosen fighting style. But Shiva’s elaborate fighting style is where he’d bring a fresh approach to the game. Mechanics like aerial combos and of course spirit clones aren’t known of being in VF, but they can be implemented in an ethical way.
Shiva In Virtua Fighter
We’ve established how Shiva’s SOR4 design fits perfectly in a new Virtua Fighter. It’s a traditional martial arts inspiration with a modern twist.
In terms of mechanics, VF is considered a “complex” game even though Punch-P, Kick-K, and Guard-G are the only attack buttons you combine with each other and directions. PK is used for unique and powerful punches, PG is used for grabs, KG is for powerful kicks, and PKG is used for mobility techniques. While some of Shiva’s attacks remained the same in SOR3 and 4, quite a bit of his kit changes in 4. Attacks inspired by both games and other techniques within Kempo will give him that robust Virtua Fighter command list.
Shiva’s General Attacks
Shiva’s default beatemup punch combo is 3 claw strikes ending with a right handed palm, followed by a kick that launches opponents into the air in SOR4. To keep things balanced, the launch kick ender could be a K or KG+directional command add-on to the 3 hit P combo; something with a slower start-up but launches, and causes stagger on block. The launch kick could also be done separately.
Shiva’s ultimate attack Shin Hashinshou summons spirit wings for a powerful launch attack, continuing juggle combos or starting aerial combos. In VF this attack could be a just input after a P attack while the opponent is in the air, feet toward Shiva, similar to Goh’s Haritsuke’s attack. It would be quite situational, but very powerful as a guaranteed combo extender.
Like the rest of the cast in the Virtua Fighter series, Shiva is martial artist at an advanced level with an impeccable character design. His more imaginative abilities, spirit clones, aerial combos, and high speed dashes, can still portray the essence of Kempo and raw martial arts. And of course other new interpretations of Shiva’s Kempo would fill up his command list as well. His fighting style allows Virtua Fighter to flaunt its expertise 3D fighting game mechanics. No meters needed.
Sources: StreetsofRage4 screenshots: Taken by Philip Adrian. StreetsofRage:© SEGA, © 2020 Dotemu, all rights reserved. Developed by Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games and Dotemu
Virtua Fighter 5: Revo Screenshots: Taken by Philip Adrian. ©Sega, Developed By Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Under Night In Birth 2 Screenshots: Taken By Philip Adrian. ©Arc System Works, Developed By FRENCH-BREAD, Arc System Works.
Street Fighter6: Screenshots from Capcom https://www.streetfighter.com/6/character/mai , https://www.streetfighter.com/6/character/terry Street Fighter6: Developed and published by CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Dead or Alive 5 Screenshot: https://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/us/screenshots02.html Dead or Alive 5: Developed by
Team NINJA, KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
New Virtua Fighter Project: https://www.sega.com/virtua-fighter/new-virtua-fighter-project ©Sega, Developed By Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
https://martialartswa.com/blog/what-is-the-meaning-of-kempo
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