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Back in the early 1990s, arcades were loud, smoky, and full of excited players. People stood around cabinets, shouting move names and sharing tips. But there was one rumor that stood above all others.
Players whispered about a hidden master in Street Fighter II. Someone stronger than M. Bison. Faster than Vega. Tougher than Zangief. This secret fighter was said to appear only for the best of the best.
His name was Sheng Long.
For years, kids and teens spent their coins trying to unlock him. Arguments broke out in schools and arcades. Some swore they had seen him. Others said he was fake. The truth is, Sheng Long never existed in the original game. But the story around him became one of the most famous legends in gaming history.
Let’s look at how a simple mistake turned into a myth that changed Street Fighter forever.
How a Simple Line Started Everything
Image Via TTOVG
In 1991, Street Fighter II was released in arcades. At that time, game translation was not very careful. When players won a match using Ryu, a message sometimes appeared on the screen:
“You must defeat Sheng Long to stand a chance.”
This line shocked players. Who was Sheng Long?
- He was not on the character select screen.
- He was not one of the boss fighters.
- So people assumed he must be Ryu’s secret teacher.
What the Line Really Meant
In the original Japanese version, Ryu was not talking about a person at all. He was talking about his special move called “Shoryuken,” which means “Rising Dragon Punch.”
The translators misunderstood the word. They thought it was a name. So “Shoryuken” became “Sheng Long.” This small mistake planted the idea of a hidden master in players’ minds.
Even the game manual made things worse by talking about “Master Sheng Long” as if he were real. From that moment, the legend grew.
The Magazine Prank That Fooled Everyone
Image Via EGM magazine
The rumor became huge when a famous gaming magazine decided to have some fun. In April 1992, Electronic Gaming Monthly published a story saying they had found Sheng Long.
They showed fake pictures of a bearded fighter in a gray outfit. The article explained a crazy method to unlock him.
According to the magazine, players had to:
- Play as Ryu.
- Finish the whole game without getting hit.
- Fight M. Bison to ten draws in a row by letting the timer run out.
If you did all this, Sheng Long would jump in, throw M. Bison away, and fight you.
Of course, this was impossible. But most players believed it. Arcades made a lot of money from people trying.
Hidden Joke Most People Missed
The magazine left a small clue. They said the secret was found by “W.A. Stokins” from “Fuldigen, HA.”
If you read it slowly, it means “Waste Tokens” and “Fooled Again.” But in those days, very few people noticed.
Why Players Wanted to Believe
There was no internet to check facts. Information spread by word of mouth. If someone said their cousin unlocked Sheng Long, you believed them.
Also, games back then really did have secret characters. Mortal Kombat had hidden fighters. So the idea felt possible.
Players also wanted more story. Street Fighter did not explain much about Ryu and Ken’s past. A master figure made their journey feel deeper and more exciting.
How Capcom Turned the Joke Into Reality
The huge reaction caught the attention of the game makers. Instead of ignoring it, they used the idea.
The Arrival of Akuma
In 1994, Super Street Fighter II Turbo introduced Akuma. He appeared by jumping in, defeating M. Bison, and challenging the player. This was exactly like the magazine prank.
Akuma became one of the most famous characters in the series. In a way, Sheng Long helped create him.
The Real Master Finally Appears
Years later, Capcom introduced Gouken. He was shown as the true teacher of Ryu and Ken. He looked very similar to the fake Sheng Long pictures from the magazine. An old man with a beard and a calm, powerful style.
Sheng Long Becomes Real in Street Fighter 6
For over 30 years, Sheng Long stayed a joke and a legend. He appeared in small references and background details in games and movies.
Then in Street Fighter 6, Capcom finally made him real.
How to Find Sheng Long in the Game
- You need to play World Tour mode.
- Finish most of the story and level up your character.
- Go to Metro City at night.
- Climb to the top of the SiRN building.
There, you will find a tall, bearded fighter. His name is Sheng Long. He is one of the hardest opponents in the game and uses moves similar to Ryu and Ken.
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