Much like Evil Ryu, Kage is sadistic, wrathful, usually threatening those he faces. Within the themes of destiny Street Fighter V presents, Kage fully represents the corporeal and tangible source of Ryu's potential for evil that Ryu must finally face. As Ryu's embodiment of his darker half, this draws parallels to the demons known as amanojaku, being 'inner demons' that instigates individuals into committing evil and wicked deeds, not unlike the concept of shoulder devils that represent the darker half of one's subconscious mind. Similar to Oni from Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition, Kage resembles and is inspired by the Japanese folklore of an Oni. He wears gloves identical to Ryu's though a darker shade of red.Īn early concept art reveals Kage’s true form might or was supposed to be nothing but all covered in shadow, a shadow demon himself, with few essence from those of Ryu’s, such as his iconic red headband.

Some parts of Kage's body bear open holes (similar to Oni's second alternate costume when hit by Focus Attacks, only smaller) revealing purple Satsui no Hado energy within his body. Kage has a prominent under-bite and his lower canines are greatly elongated to form sharp tusks. Kage's hair retains the colour of Ryu's but is longer and spikier, and he has a pair of small horns that glow purple protruding from within (when struck by electric attacks, it is shown that the horns are part of the skull itself). In addition to this, Kage's irises are red and luminescent whilst his sclerae are jet black and the eyes are permanently encircled by a dark ring.įor clothing, Kage wears a dark blue gi with the top ripped off and left hanging around the legs, leaving his upper half completely bare aside from his red headband which now hangs loosely around his neck.

Kage's physical appearance is very similar to Ryu's, both seeming to stand at the same height, although Kage appears to have a somewhat higher degree of musculature as well as a considerably darker skin-tone.

Street fighter v kage