Also mentions how the removal of most throw loops could better encourage neutral play

Street Fighter 5: Arcade Edition is now just only over a week old. Despite the fact that Street Fighter 5 has been out for nearly two years at this point, this new meta is still quite young and underdeveloped.

Player impressions that come about today are likely to be very different from what is learned in a few months from now. Despite this, I decided to reach out to Miky "XSK Samurai" Chea on some of his thoughts on how the meta might evolve.

XSK Samurai tends to be known as a high level Street Fighter player that tends to favor Shoto characters. In Season 1, he played as Ryu as his main character. Meanwhile, Season 2 saw him switch to Akuma.

During our interview, Chea revealed his theories on Ryu's potential for this latest update. He believe that Ryu has the potential to peak at the bottom of high tier.

Regardless, he appears to still believe Akuma to be the better combatant for the third season. As a result, he plans on playing Akuma as his main.

This is a player that's worth following. From time to time, he provides good tips over Twitter. If asked for advice, he often responds.



Click images for tweets

AdaptiveTrigger: So it’s very, very early into the meta of Season 3. How does the game “feel” to you so far? XSK Samurai: So far it feels good. Throw loops being removed really encourages more neutral play and I’m liking the changes for Akuma thus far. AdaptiveTrigger: What do you think about Ryu’s balance adjustments for Season 3? XSK Samurai: They are good thus far. EX Donkey kick adds another layer to his damage and stun potential. Overall, Ryu is looking more solid along with the overall system changes. AdaptiveTrigger: Do you think Ryu will be viable in the tournament scene this time around? Exactly how much of an improvement does he see compared to his Season 2 incarnation? XSK Samurai: I feel Ryu is viable in a tournament setting. However, against the best characters in the game, I’m not so sure just yet. He's improved, but will still struggle against characters that can oppress him. AdaptiveTrigger: Any predictions on Ryu’s tier placement? What about his match ups? XSK Samurai: With hard work, Ryu can peak to be at the bottom of top 10. A Ryu player who can masterfully utilize fireballs can make an unfavorable match-up relatively even or favorable for Ryu. Otherwise, he will be somewhere around mid-tier. AdaptiveTrigger: Any preference on Ryu’s two V-Trigger options? XSK Samurai: It all depends. I haven’t had much time to explore his V-Trigger II all too much as I have been focusing on Akuma, but we will see Ryu players use both for sure. They utilize different strengths and weaknesses when used in his respective match-ups. AdaptiveTrigger: What do you think about Akuma’s balance adjustments for Season 3? XSK Samurai: Aside from the throw loop being removed, I think Akuma hasn’t changed all too much this season. As far as I know, everything feels relatively the same even if some changes force him to be played a little bit different this time around. AdaptiveTrigger: How do you think Akuma will compare to his Season 2 incarnation? XSK Samurai: In Season 2, Akuma was a monster with the throw loop coupled with his oppressive offense and damage. Although he still has his strong pressure, he will have to earn his offense more when compared to Season 2. Overall, no huge/major changes. AdaptiveTrigger: Any predictions on Akuma’s tier placement? What about his match ups -- are there any significant changes going into Season 3? XSK Samurai: Over time, I still think Akuma will be top three or top five at the least. He has the right amount of tools to fight the whole cast. As for match-ups, I have still yet to explore both V-Triggers. AdaptiveTrigger: Any preference on Akuma’s two V-Trigger options? XSK Samurai: It’s still to early to tell, but it seems that we will see Akuma players use V-Trigger I and II in certain match-ups. I still need more time to figure out when and why to use either as of now. AdaptiveTrigger: Which character do you plan on maining as far as tournaments are concerned? XSK Samurai: Akuma. He's too fun and too strong to give up. AdaptiveTrigger: What are your goals this year? XSK Samurai: I want to be sponsored once more, but I also want to make Capcom Cup 2018. I fell short last year, but only have myself to blame for not being able to adapt in Season 2. I have been working on my new play style and mentality going into Season 3 which has instilled more confidence in my chances of doing well this year. AdaptiveTrigger: Where can our readers follow you at? Any shout outs you’d like to make? XSK Samurai: You can follow me on twitter at @SamuraiFGC. I’ll also be looking to create more content on Twitch as well as on YouTube this year. I’ll also be at CenCal Standoff 2018 on February 24th - 25th. You can follow the event on twitter at @CenCalStandoff as well as on Smash.gg. Finally, I do want to give a shout out to anyone and everyone who has supported me thus far. To my family, friends, and fans: Thank you and please continue to cheer for me!

Photo source: Chris Bahn.