Espio
Kokomo
I've had such mixed feelings about this character. Mainly because on one end I'm hearing she's one of the weakest characters in the game due to her severe lack of mid range and long range options. And the lack of any projectiles just puts icing on the s*** cake I suppose. On the other hand I've heard crazy things about her mixup game.
I love rush down and right now I play Cyborg because of all his plus frames. But he's lacking so much that it's almost funny to say you can beat the best of the best with him. All his key strings have very noticeable gaps, his projectiles hit hard but leave him exposed as hell, grapple is dope but who can't see it coming, and what's the point of having a million plus frame strings if you can't easily get in the correct range to pull them off? He's definitely not for someone who loves rush down play.
Is Cheetah a good pick for me? Understanding the style I like to play, if Cheetah isn't the answer then who's a character I can get good with that actually has a chance of winning a tournament?
If you like rushdown characters, you'll like Cheetah. The problem with this character is she is misunderstood by her upplayers and downplayers so it's hard to even analyze her as a casual observer trying to find someone to fit you.
Just give her a try. Most people aren't winning majors or even getting top 8 in general so that's not the approach to go with here. Approach her with the mind of leveling up and then build up.
The game seems reasonably balanced and most characters seem to have worth and utility.
Blood lunge essentially makes up for her lack of range, she's highly mobile and in most match ups she can use her mobility reasonably well.
I think she's a solid character, but form your own opinion through experience.