By on December 3, 2016 at 12:43 pm 
What does this latest version of Akuma bring to the battlefield?
Despite the doubts cast since his initial Red Bull Battle Grounds tease, Akuma has at last been officially confirmed to be joining the Street Fighter V roster, kicking off Season 2’s DLC characters. From Capcom-Unity:
A staple of the Street Fighter series ever since his secret appearance in Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Akuma is a savage, but well-honed Ansatsuken master consumed by the Satsui no Hado. Akuma represents the danger Ryu faces if he is unable to control the Satsui no Hado within him, and while Akuma appears to have some set of morals, he believes the highest form of battle is that in which participants put their lives on the line.
How does Akuma feel about Ryu’s approach to overcoming the Satsui no Hado and what is his relationship to Necalli? Be sure to check out his character story to find out!
As a fighter, Akuma is renowned for devastating combos and oppressive pressure. Akuma is playable now at Capcom’s PlayStation Experience booth; for those unable to attend and try out this Ansatsuken master in person, here’s a peek at what the Raging Demon is capable of in Street Fighter V.
V-Skill: Rakan
Akuma strikes a defensive stance, and–similar to Ryu’s Mind’s Eye–can parry an incoming attack, able to follow-up with an upward kick or a long-reaching palm strike.
V-Trigger: Dohatsu Shoten
Akuma floods his body with ki to enter “Dohatsu Shoten” mode; in this mode, his Gohadokens are powered-up, now traveling full-screen (as they apparently do not normally, anymore) and he can unleash two in the air–even while jumping backwards. Also, connectiing a Goshoryuken attack allows a follow-up that brutally drives his unfortunate opponents into the ground.
Critical Art: Sekia Koretsuha
Akuma channels an incredible amount of ki into his palm and releases it into the ground, causing an eruption of destructive energy.
Critical Art: Shun Goku Satsu
The classic Raging Demon; only can be activated while in Dohatsu Shoten mode. He glides toward and grabs his victim, and unleashes a terrifying flurry of strikes in the blink of an eye.
Akuma is scheduled to be released for Street Fighter V on December 20, 2016, along with the Holiday Content and B-Boy Ryu/B-Girl Chun-Li costumes. Here’s a look at Akuma’s Story costume, premium Battle Costume and “Nostalgia” costume–which will all also be available when he releases on the 20th:
For those that want to be ready, the 2017 Character Pass also releases on December 20th. $29.99 / 29.99€ / £24.99 will get you access to Akuma–and five brand new fighters as they are revealed throughout 2017. As before, the pass includes premium Battle Costumes with colors 3-10 automatically unlocked, and default costume colors 3-10 unlocked for each respective character. 2017 Character Pass holders will also receive an exclusive PlayStation 4 theme, as a nice bonus for signing on for another year of Street Fighter V content.
Source: Capcom-Unity
