Street Fighter V DLC Review and Potential Impact on Esports Competition

Falke has arrived in Street Fighter V, with the new DLC offering from Capcom set to change up ladder and esports play in a big way once players dive into her moveset and learn the combos. 

This latest release in Season 3 gives players another interesting zoning option because the bulk of Falke's movements center around her staff. Her release follows in the footsteps of other successful DLC characters like Guile, Ed and Abigail, among others.  

How does Falke hold up in an aggressive meta with a now expansive roster after 12 additions over two seasons? Let's dive into the who, what and how of Falke. 

Background

Little was known about Falke before her release, though her character story within the DLC divulges the main talking points. 

Like others before her in the series, such as Cammy and Abel, Falke was crafted as an alternative clone for M. Bison and locked in Shadaloo. She spends the better part of the story trapped until Ed comes to save her—Ed being another potential clone and a Season Two DLC release. 

Falke dresses quite similarly to Ed and fights with a staff she's dubbed Harmony. Years in captivity and forced training have created a calm and cool demeanor, yet a lethal fighting style. 

Harmony helps Falke carve out a unique space on the roster. She channels Psycho Power into it before unleashing it on enemies, making for some interesting zoning potential and some eye-popping visuals sure to keep those watching the action interested. 

The handcrafted background, style and how it plays on the screen make for an interesting weave of elements, securing Falke's standing as one of the better-designed characters offered as DLC to date. 

Techs, Analysis and Esports Impact 

Falke isn't going to change up the aggressive meta as a whole by any means, but there was certainly room for an effective zoning character. 

The basics of Falke create some versatility right out of the gates. Players can charge her staff with the hold of a button, then let go of the button on the ground, in the air or crouching—the last of which sees her drop flat while firing, enabling her to dodge an opponent's attack at the same time. 

Fittingly, like Ed before her, there aren't special inputs here when it comes to special moves. While she doesn't have a standard overhead attack, there is a fun, invincible reversal in the form of an upper. When threatened in close, she has the usual throw and an aerial throw for versatility. 

Falke's V-Skill is Psycho Trombe, where she spins Harmony in front of her with one arm. It's quietly a big deal because it can be comboed into or out of and has the ability to deflect fireballs. If a V-Trigger is active, this ability can even deflect an EX fireball. 

Speaking of V-Trigger, the first provides a boost to shot specials that can combo into each other, meaning more versions of special moves without stopping for the half-second charge time. The second V-Trigger can be deployed up close for juggling potential in the air, as it can be canceled into her other special moves. Falke's aerial game is also boosted by her Critical Art, which whips opponents into the air for combo juggling potential. 

Put it all together, and there is some interesting potential here with Falke. She's bound to see some top-tier play in the online ladder because she can zone out opponents with good range on her attacks and go on the defensive when necessary. 

The esports scene is a different beast. Street Fighter remains a game rewarding rush downs and offense, not defense. Falke is a slow walker for a zoner and her normals are a tad on the slow side, requiring precise timing.

Timing won't be a problem for pros, obviously, but pros proficient with offensive characters shouldn't have a hard time rushing her down and exploiting her shortcomings. Precise pokes will help Falke, but getting pushed by characters who simply walk the stage faster creates an interesting risk. 

It doesn't seem like Falke will have an esports-changing impact upon arrival, though she does feel like one of those characters that require patience as players figure her out. Another zoning option with poke ability is something the roster needed, and Falke delivers in a big way. 

Conclusion

Falke's initial impact might not create a tidal wave of change in a game with so many characters specializing in the mid-range with aggressive play. 

But she's a well-designed offering with flashy visuals and plenty of versatility when it comes to approaching a fight. The poking with a projectile and simple button commands actually make her a rather strong character for players trying to learn the depths of the fighting scene as a whole. 

The professional scene will sort Falke out over time, likely finding value in the juggle potential once they find ways to work around the slow movements. The fluidity of combos and the depth present in them mean Falke has strong upside for those willing to take the time to master her style and abilities.