I like the idea of there being different play styles for characters, like a lot of you are thinking as well. Including special moves.
Zoner Sub, and Rush down Sub for example.
Zoner Sub would have things like:
Lower defense/health
Less straight up offensive tools and more defensive and immobilizing tools.
Longer ranged normals and specials.
Rushing Sub would have things like:
Better defense/health
Faster attacks and strings
Less immobilizing specials and more use of ice weapons.
Tools to get in on opponents, like maybe a command, safe, non-attack ice slide/dash to close distance.
More like Ryu and Akuma than Ryu and Ken(or Cyrax and CyBlax).
Would really let people use their favorites without worrying about having to fit a certain play style to be successful.
It would also be really unique for modern 2D fighters, if this game is in fact a 2D fighter(has it been confirmed yet?).