Rufus

Rufus(ルーファス) makes his first appearance in Street Fighter IV

Appearance
Rufus's basic appearance is that of a fat man with blonde hair in a yellow and black jumpsuit.

Rufus seems very similar to Bob from rival fighting game, Tekken 6. Both are obese American martial artists with blonde hair who practice their own unique versions of an existing form of martial arts (kung fu in the case of Rufus, karate in the case of Bob) and are incredibly fast for their size.

Personality
Rufus is a loudmouthed master of Kung-Fu, hailing from the U.S. Believing himself to be the strongest in America, he develops a personal hatred for Ken Masters, who carries that title officially. Often seen riding his motorcycle with his girlfriend, Candy (an attractive, redheaded woman with a notably tacky way of dress who met Rufus while bailing on a diner check; he beat up the waiter), who seems to adore him and agree with his belief. Rufus is prone to loud-mouthed rambling, often spouting off at the mouth continuously until someone cuts him off (usually about trivial things he notices about the characters, doting over Candy, giving random anecdotes, or mistaking several members of the cast for Ken Masters, including Cammy). In fact, his winquotes are so long they're normally impossible to read beginning to end before the results screen is gone. He's also prone to saying whatever random thoughts come to his mind, regardless of how rude they are (i.e. asking Dhalsim if he is an alien because of his Yoga power, and then giving his personal view of aliens before Dhalsim cuts him off). Despite his goofy personality, he is a highly skilled master of Kung-Fu, which even surprises several of the other characters.

Story
He declares himself America's Greatest Fighter and considers Ken Masters to be his rival. He fights to prove he is better than Ken Masters, though he frequently mistakes other fighters for Ken.

Pre-Street Fighter
Not much is known about Rufus' past before the events in Street fighter IV, except that he met his girlfriend candy by saving her from a waiter (Rufus beat him up) who was chasing her. Rufus describes this event on a win quote to Rose; "I’ll never forget when I first met my girl. It was a rainy day in October and I was on my way home from a fight. Suddenly, this chick came outta nowehere an’ was all like 'Help!' I guess she pulled a dine an’ dash, so I beat up the waiter that was chasin’ her!" Rufus first became interested in martial arts after seeing an abundance of kung-fu flicks in his youth; this prompted him to take correspondence courses, and later ride his motorcycle around China studying under various masters. Another thing Rufus has described about his past is that he is a legend in the biker world, a fact he feels indifferent about.

Street Fighter IV
After reading an article praining Ken's status as America's best fighter, Rufus is, naturally, insulted. Candy suggests that he defeat Ken in front of an audience, making it clear who the best is.

Afterwards, Rufus and Candy zoom past Ken and Ryu, stopping briefly for an insult. Not too long after, however, he's seen pushing his motorcycle, as it's run out of gas. Ken rolls up to him in his stylish SUV with Candy's hat, offering a tow. Rufus proudly turns the offer down, stating that the pushing was part of his training. Ken shrugs it off and drives away. Candy offers to help push, but Rufus insists that she stay put, cursing Ken for his misfortune.

Fighting style
Throughout the years, Rufus has managed to create his own style of kung fu. Contrary to what one might think - given his rotound shape - this unique fighting style is surprisingly effective. It is revealed that his technique stems from years of studying various kung fu books and movies. He also spent many years studying in china, reinforcing what he had taught himself. His fighting style takes advantage of his extreme weight, strength, and (surprisingly) his agility.

Gameplay
Rufus's only weakness is the absence of any projectile attack in his arsenal. His moves are damaging, he has high stamina, second only to Zangief, is difficult to stun, his combos are easy to perform, he is very quick, and both the messiah kick and galactic tornado serve as excellent means to overcome his lack of ranged attacks. Not only is he easy to pick up and play, but players aren't forced into a specific role as Rufus is effective whether played offensively or defensively.

Techniques
Galactic Tornado: Rufus spins towards his opponent absorbing any projectile before hitting them and ending with a straight punch knocking his opponent off the ground.

Messiah Kick: Rufus leaps through the air in an arc before kicking his opponent and follows up with either a flip kick, a trip or a over head heel kick.

Snake Strike: Rufus jumps skyward unleashing a rapid series of punches and kicks knocking any airborne foe back to the ground.

Falcon Dive: Whilst in the middle of a jump Rufus dives towards his opponent heel first to land a crushing blow

Super Attacks
Spectacle Romance: Rufus strikes with two powerful punches to his opponent before flipping over them and delivering a two palm thrust attack with such force his adversary is sent hurtling horizontally.

Space Opera Symphony: Rufus unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, followed by hitting them into the air and then smashing them with his hands as they come falling down. Video can be found here: http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14211549/street-fighter-iv/videos/sf4_rufus_12009.html

Video
Rufus vs Crimson Viper in Street Fighter IV