Illustration and animation studio Squid&Pig has given the famous Street Fighter characters an adorable kawaii makeover. For those who did not grow up in the 1980s and are probably wondering what Street Fighter is, let’s do a little background. Released precisely in 1987, Street Fighter is a famous 2D video game series in which characters compete in duels in different parts of the world. Back in the day, it had won over just about everyone, including the creative team at Squid&Pig, which today is going back to the roots of arcade culture and reimagining its characters, strictly with the Japanese kawaii aesthetic that has always distinguished them.

Squid&Pig is based in Valencia and its clients include Google, YouTube, and Mattel. But this project specifically has no client other than themselves. Drawing strong inspiration mainly from manga and Japanese culture in general, it was natural for them to conceive this tribute to Street Fighter, revisiting them with their own personal perspective.

The project is titled Street Fighter II: The World Warrior Tribute and sees the game’s iconic characters repurposed with a look that reflects Squid&Pig’s unique style. The heads are enlarged, as are the eyes and arms, playing up the proportions but still maintaining the original reference. Our favorite remains Chun-Li, a character who reflects strength and independence, which one is yours?