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Here’s Blanka in Street Fighter 5

The Amazon warrior will be available on Feb. 20

Michael McWhertor is a journalist with more than 17 years of experience covering video games, technology, movies, TV, and entertainment.

Blanka is coming to Street Fighter 5: Arcade Edition next week, Capcom confirmed today. The character, who first appeared in Street Fighter 2: The World Warrior, will be the second fighter added to the game as part of Street Fighter 5’s Season 3 DLC.

Street Fighter 5’s Season 3 Character Pass costs $29.99, and Blanka will be available individually for $5.99 or 100,000 Fight Money.

In a new gameplay trailer, Capcom shows off Blanka’s new moves. Here are the official descriptions of his V-Skill, V-Triggers and Critical Art skills, via the Capcom Unity blog:

V-Skill: Coward Crouch

Blanka immediately ducks for cover for a short time before rising back up. His V-Skill can avoid many attacks, including fireballs. After performing Coward Crouch, Blanka can follow up with either Wild Lift (Punch Button) or Raid Jump (Kick Button). Wild Lift sees Blanka move forward while swinging his arms up to launch the opponent in the air and can be followed up by a normal, special move, or even a Critical Art. Using Raid Jump, Blanka swiftly jumps in the air where he can use any mid-air attack to advance.

V-Trigger I: Jungle Dynamo

Blanka’s V-Trigger I gives his special roll attacks more damage and can then be followed up by certain attacks, including his Critical Art. It also powers up his Electric Thunder and changes the animation so Blanka steps forward while unleashing the electric current. On hit, the opponent is launched slightly in the air and can be followed up with a rolling attack.

Finally, Jungle Dynamo unlocks Ground Shave Rolling (HP+HK), which can be used as a combo extender or a way to charge in. This move was a super move in previous games, but is now a special move in SFV: AE.

V-Trigger II: Lightning Beast

Lightning Beast unlocks a special move, Rolling Cannon (Direction + HP+HK), which can be performed after using Rolling Attack, Back Step Rolling, and Vertical Rolling. Rolling Cannon can be used in multiple ways, such as extending a combo for more damage or changing positions to surprise the opponent.

Critical Art: Dynamic Rolling

In this Critical Art, Blanka slams his opponent into the ground in a series of electrifying rolls that ends in a move reminiscent of Lightning Cannonball from Street Fighter IV.

Blanka will have a variety of looks in Street Fighter 5, with an ornate battle costume and a throwback classic costume. But it’s his story costume — Blanka dressed like a plush toy version of himself — that’s most interesting.

That costume is tied to his story mode. Capcom explains:

In SFV: AE, Blanka is living peacefully with his mother, and has adapted well to being introduced back into society. One day, a suspicious salesman approaches him and offers a way to make Blanka famous by mass producing a doll made in Blanka’s likeness. Will it work? Find out in his character story mode!

Incidentally, today is Blanka’s birthday. He turns 52 today. Happy birthday, Jimmy!