Super Smash Bros. fans have reason to celebrate, with Nintendo bringing Ryu from Street Fighter to the already stacked roster. The famous Capcom character is the first from the franchise to enter the mascot mash-up, joining Mega Man, Pac-Man and Sonic the Hedgehog. Nintendo designed him based off Street Fighter 2, although he can do the Joudan Sokutogeri (his Side Smash Attack) from Street Fighter 3.
Ryu is available now for the Wii U and 3DS versions of Super Smash Bros. for $5.99 per game, or you can save some cash by spending $6.99 for both. In addition to the character, you also receive the Suzaku Castle stage from Street Fighter 2. The level features stable footing on the right side and small platforms on the left, forcing you to change your fighting style depending where you are. You also have the option of playing the stage in Omega Form to give it a more up close Street Fighter 2 feel.
Ryu plays somewhat differently compared to the rest of the Super Smash Bros. cast. For starters he possesses Light, Medium or Heavy attacks depending on whether you tap, press or hold the buttons. Quickly press the button for chain attacks, or hold it longer for a strong attack. On top of that, you can alter Ryu’s attack speed by holding the button longer or shorter.
Nintendo designed him to appeal to both newcomers and Smash Bros. veterans. Although you’re free to pull off moves like the Hadoken and Shoryuken with a single button press, inputting commands from the Street Fighter series will result in more damage.
To pull off the Hadoken, press Down, Down Forward, Forward + A. To execute the Shakunetsu Hadoken, press Back, Down Back, Down, Down Forward, Forward + A.
Ryu also comes with his classic Hurricane Kick. Nail opponents with this hard-hitting maneuver by pressing Down, Down Back, Back + A.
Then you have Ryu’s Up Special Attack, the Shoryuken. The quickest way to do this is to press Up + B, but you’ll increase the chance of knocking out the other player if you press Forward, Down, Down Forward + A at the start of the animation. Ryu’s effects and voice will change depending on which set of buttons you press.
Ryu’s down special Focus Attack lets you absorb a hit and then stun the other player; keep holding the button to increase its power. Make contact, then press Forward twice to cancel this animation, dash and attack.
Most importantly, Ryu comes with two Final Smashes, a first in Super Smash Bros. history! His Shinku Hadoken will deal damage over a wide area to hit multiple opponents. If you prefer to single someone out, run up to him or her and do a Shinku Hadoken to send this person into orbit.
Let us know if you plan to buy Ryu, along with the other Super Smash Bros. characters revealed today, Roy from Fire Emblem and Lucas from Mother 3. We’ll see you online!
Playing Smash for the first time? Brush on your skills with Prima’s fighting tips, then choose the best characters for beginning players.
Now see Ryu in action in Nintendo’s newest video. He appears at the 10-minute mark.
