Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist began as a passion project that defied the odds of video game adaptations. In 2010, creators Joey Ansah and Christian Howard released a short film called Street Fighter: Legacy on YouTube, serving as a proof-of-concept for their vision. This initial effort caught the attention of Capcom, the Japanese video game company behind the franchise, which granted them rights to develop a full series during San Diego Comic-Con in 2012. The project then moved forward with a Kickstarter campaign, though it was cancelled on the 17th of April 2013 when private backers stepped in to fund the production, removing the need for crowdsource money. Filming took place in Simeonovo, Sofia, Bulgaria, starting on the 14th of July 2013 and wrapping on the 24th of August 2013, with music composed by Patrick Gill and contributions from Ryan Ansah and Daniel Braine. The series was released on Machinima's YouTube channel on the 23rd of May 2014, marking a significant moment for fans who had long awaited a faithful adaptation of the game.
Ryu And Ken's Hidden Origins
The narrative of Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist delves into the untold backstory of Ryu and Ken, two iconic characters from the video game series. The story focuses on their journey to uncover the past of their master, Gouken, and learn the secrets of their dark art, Ansatsuken. Mike Moh portrays Ryu, while Christian Howard plays Ken Masters, bringing depth to their characters through a story that explores their internal conflicts. Joey Ansah, who directed the series, explained that Ryu is not competing with anyone else but himself, whereas Ken is driven fiercely by competition. A lot of Ken's conflict comes from his relationship with his father, and the series reveals how Ken came to be in Japan, in Gouken's dojo. This exploration of their origins adds a layer of emotional complexity that was missing from previous adaptations, making the characters more relatable and human.The Dark Art Of Ansatsuken
At the heart of the series lies the mysterious and dangerous martial art known as Ansatsuken, which is central to the plot. The story follows Ryu and Ken as they uncover the secrets of this dark art, which is tied to the legacy of their master, Gouken. Akira Koieyama plays Gouken, with Shogen portraying Young Gouken, while Gaku Space and Joey Ansah take on the roles of Gouki and Older Gouki, respectively. The series also features Togo Igawa as Goutetsu / Goma, adding depth to the narrative with his portrayal of a key figure in the story. The music, composed by Patrick Gill with contributions from Ryan Ansah and Daniel Braine, enhances the atmosphere of the series, creating a sense of tension and mystery that complements the unfolding story of Ansatsuken.