News – Japan Horse Racing Street Fighter Sumo Cup

Yep you read that right.  What do you get when you cross Horse Racing, Sumo Wrestling, and one of the most legendary fighting series in Street Fighter?  That’s right, it’s the Japan Sumo Cup, and it’s quite possibly one of the weirdest experiences you’ll ever have in your life.

This brand new mini has been set up in order to celebrate the upcoming Horse Racing Japan Cup.  As such, the Japan Racing Association has brought together both Capcom and the Sumo federation, for a unique and off the wall collaboration.  Even better, it’s completely free to play online, and features a kick ass soundtrack utilising themes from Street Fighter IV.

Japan Sumo Cup 2
Bet you never thought you’d see this scene eh?

Prepare yourself, as Japan’s leading Sumo wrestlers alongside Ryu, Chun-Li and a selection of other Street Fighter characters race against each other on horseback, utilising their special moves as they go.  This time it isn’t about fighting, with the game playing out as a rhythm game, utilising the up and down keys on your keyboard.  Additionally, the Sumo Wrestlers you see here are real professionals who have had their likenesses placed into the game.

It should be said that the game itself does play out all in Japanese, but don’t let that put you off having a go, as not only is it easy to understand, but it really is an experience worth trying, just to see how off the wall it is.  There’s even commentators ready on hand to give you the lowdown on how the race is going, and to what effect Ryu is having on his horse by using his Shoryukens and Hadoukens.  Trust me and give it a go, you won’t regret it.

Sumo Cup 1
Who needs Horse Riding skill when you have Hadouken

Anyone wanting to jump into this rhythm based mini game can find the Japan Sumo Cup over here.

Plus for more Street Fighter coverage, check out our look into the differences between the naming conventions in Street Fighter 2’s characters over here.

Sophia Aubrey Drake

A lifelong gamer with a fanatical love of all things Nintendo and Japan. So much so that she's written a thesis on one and lived in the other. Currently on a quest to catch every last Pokémon. Follow me on twitter via @DivaXChill or @RingsandCoins.

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