Cody’s forward walking speed is ranked 28th (right above T. Hawk), and his backward walk is even slower.
I have to wonder why Capcom made it so slow (especially his back walk).
I mean if the rationale is that he has moves that propel him forward like the LK/MK/EX ruffians (all of which are relatively unsafe from most ranges), then why doesn’t Boxer walk slow when he can rush you from all the way across the screen safely? I realize he has to charge, but his rushes are safe from any range whereas Cody’s have to be done at very specific distances.
They made the same walk speed argument for Ken with his stepkick, and I didn’t buy it then either. Adon’s got a ton of air mobility and so does Viper, and they both walk really quick as well. I don’t see why Capcom felt a faster walk speed would be an issue balance-wise.
I mean, I don’t see his rocks being such a strong zoning tool that he doesn’t need to walk like Sagat. They have a lot of start-up, and you can often jump them on reaction or interrupt them before they come out. And his mix-up is great, but it isn’t so godly that you’re screwed once he gets in or anything.
I realize he has a really good dash, but walk speed is way more important for footsies/general manuevering.