Zangief

Zangief is a fictional character in Capcom’s Street Fighter series, first appearing in Street Fighter II (1991). He is portrayed as a professional wrestler from Russia, known for his striking physique and signature moves such as the Spinning Piledriver and the Suplex. The character was created by game designer Yoshiki Okamoto and is voiced by Japanese voice actor Yōhei Ishiguro in most releases.

In fighting gameplay, Zangief is a grappler who specializes in close‑quarters combat. His moveset emphasizes high damage with low mobility, relying on precise timing to lock opponents in holds. Technical advantages include a wide range of throwing techniques and the ability to counterattack after successfully snaring an opponent’s limbs. Disadvantages are his limited reach and slower movement speed compared to more agile fighters.

Zangief’s popularity grew across multiple Street Fighter titles. He appears in installations from Street Fighter II up to Street Fighter XII, and is also featured as a playable fighter in crossover games such as Super Gex Mugen, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and the Super Smash Bros. series (where he is a non‑playable trophy). He has recurring cameo roles in the Capcom vs. SNK series and has been included as a promotional figure in the Maxisillian Street Fighter action figures.

The character has received mixed reception. Critics praise his cultural depiction and iconic moveset, while some reviewers point out his limited speed and the difficulty of mastering his crowd‑control tactics. Despite this, Zangief remains one of the franchise’s most recognizable characters, noted for his distinctive design, Russian wrestling heritage, and prominent role in the competitive Street Fighter scene.