Giving gifts to curry favor and bond with companions in games, especially RPGs, isn’t anything new, and it’s a mechanic that I never seem to fully understand. I always end up giving the wrong gifts to the wrong people until, at some point, I cave to finding a guide so that I can get everything right at least once. When gift-giving popped up as a thing to garner friendship “points” in Street Fighter 6’s world tour, I shunted it off. The game has a separated bonding-with-your-masters system, which, when I first started, seemed more important to focus on than becoming friends with everyone. It wasn’t until I obtained my first unique gift and subsequently maxed a friendship bond that I saw the appeal, along with the reason to make friends, as it were. Not only do the game’s unique gift offer lots of points, but they each come with their own short but sweet stories, and these are my favorites.
Locket (Blanka)
I should note that going into SF6, I didn’t have much in the way of character knowledge. I knew names, faces, moves, and the broadest strokes of SF’s universe, but individual backstories? In them I was definitely lacking. So, did I know that the fierce-looking, jungle-faring Blanka was a big ol’ softie when it came to his mama? I did not! Giving him a special locket in which he could keep a picture of his most favorite person in the world was so endearing that it made me look at Blanka in a whole new light.
Lion necklace (Marisa)
New to this SF iteration is Marisa, a purveyor of pankration, a fighting form dating back to ancient Greece. She was wholly a joy to be around, very funny and honest in her opinions of people, places, and anything else she felt like discussing, such as the art of jewelry-making. A big, gorgeous necklace with a lion emblem was her unique gift, which made perfect sense. Not only did it put her love of jewelry on display, but when you first meet Marisa in the game, you also meet her formidable companion – a giant lion named Lucius! With the necklace, now Lucius is always close to her heart.
Strawberry Fight 6 (Luke)
Another newcomer to the game is Luke, who guides new players before they are let loose in Metro City to do as they like. This beefy, boisterous proprietor of Buckler Security Services might look like he’s all about the gym, but in fact, he’s a huge fan of video games. Giving him a copy of the legendary “Strawberry Fight 6” makes him go head over heels. Why exactly he’s in love with a fighting game that features fruit isn’t revealed, but some thing are better left unsaid.
Japanese sweets (Ryu)
I can honestly say that of all the characters in the game, the process of getting to know Ryu was the most enjoyable. This fan favorite martial artist who’s been with the series since the beginning has long had a sarcastic streak…which may have been a little difficult for this player to decipher as more about his past was revealed. Looking back, was Ryu as much as a Luddite, for example, as he appeared to be? Well, it turned out that if there was one thing he really liked, it was sweets. Giving him a box of Japanese candy turned his insides to the cutest goo. Uh, though, hopefully not literally.
Neco acrylic key chain (Cammy)
In hindsight, it totally makes sense that of all SF characters, Cammy would be a professed cat person. Cats are ferociously independent, slightly grumpy, but offer the sweetest snuggles to those they deem worthy. That’s Cammy in a nutshell. This genetically-engineered super soldier has had a difficult life, and it turns out that cats are the things to which she turns for comfort and affection. Upon receiving a key chain with a cute acrylic cat on it, Cammy’s heart goes all a’ flutter. If you know Cammy, then the scene is just as awkwardly adorable as you’re picturing.
All images, including lede, were captured by author during PlayStation 5 gameplay of Street Fighter 6 (© Sony, Capcom).
VIRTUAL BASTION 