Imagine a single move so devastating, so iconic, that it's become synonymous with fighting game dominance for over three decades. That's the Raging Demon, or Shun Goku Satsu, Akuma's signature technique—a flurry of blows so fast, so brutal, that it's said to inflict a thousand deaths in an instant. But here's the thing: not all Raging Demons are created equal. Some are legendary, while others… well, let's just say they're less likely to make your opponent rage quit.
So, who reigns supreme in the pantheon of Raging Demons? Which characters have truly mastered this ultimate technique, and which versions fall flat? A new tier list attempts to answer these questions, meticulously ranking Raging Demons from across the fighting game universe.
YouTuber Keeganners (https://www.youtube.com/@Keeganners) has put together a fascinating video exploring the history and evolution of the Raging Demon. He doesn't just look at power; he also dives into aesthetics, creativity, and even the lore behind each iteration, crafting a definitive tier list that's sure to spark debate. Think of it as a 'Raging Demon Oscars,' judging the best and worst performances of this iconic super move.
It all began, of course, with Akuma in Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo (A Tier). But the terrifying command grab isn't exclusive to the original demon. Keeganners bravely ventures through the annals of fighting game history, examining every character who has wielded a Raging Demon, or a close approximation thereof. This journey spans across multiple franchises, including Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom, Capcom vs. SNK, SNK vs. Capcom, Tekken 7, and more.
That means characters like Evil Ryu, Dark Sakura, Dan Hibiki (yes, even Dan!), Oni, Rogue, God Rugal, and even the obscure Kairi from Street Fighter EX get their moment in the spotlight. And this is the part most people miss... the sheer breadth of characters who've attempted this move speaks volumes about its enduring appeal and influence.
The first S-tier Raging Demon, according to Keeganners, comes from Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter. This version is praised for its over-the-top visual flair and the ability to execute it in mid-air, adding a whole new dimension of offensive potential. Street Fighter 3: Third Strike also gets high marks, and unsurprisingly so, as it's often considered a pinnacle of the series.
For the Street Fighter 4 era, Akuma and Oni both reach the top tier, while Evil Ryu's version lands a bit lower. Despite some criticisms leveled at the game overall, Street Fighter 5 Akuma's Raging Demon was undeniably a highlight, and Kage's rendition is also considered strong. But here's where it gets controversial... some argue that the SF4 and SF5 versions leaned too heavily into spectacle, sacrificing the subtle menace of the earlier renditions.
But what about Street Fighter 6? How does Keeganners feel about the game's approach to the Raging Demon (https://www.eventhubs.com/moves/sf6/)? Does it live up to the legacy, or does it fall short?
To find out, we highly recommend checking out Keeganners' full video. It's a deep dive into the history of making your opponent experience 1,000 virtual deaths, all meticulously ranked and analyzed.
But now it's your turn. Do you agree with Keeganners' rankings? Which Raging Demon is your personal favorite, and why? Are there any versions you think are unfairly overlooked? Let us know in the comments below! We're eager to hear your thoughts and ignite a fiery debate about the ultimate fighting game super.
