Competitive Landscape
Ryu, an iconic figure in the Street Fighter franchise, has faced criticism for his performance in Street Fighter 6. Compared to other characters, Ryu lacks versatile tools and struggles to keep up with the fast-paced gameplay. While he retains his signature Hadoken and Shoryuken, these moves have become less effective due to new mechanics like Drive Impact.
Value Proposition
Despite his iconic status, Ryu’s value proposition in Street Fighter 6 is diminished by his limited options. His slow fireballs are easily punishable, and his anti-air capabilities are underwhelming. Furthermore, his reliance on charge inputs can be a disadvantage in a game where instant activation moves are prevalent. In contrast, other characters like Luke and Kimberly offer greater mobility, combo potential, and defensive tools.
Comparison to Previous Versions
Compared to previous Street Fighter games, Ryu has lost some of his potency in Street Fighter 6. In Street Fighter V, he benefited from V-Trigger abilities that enhanced his fireball and combo potential. However, in Street Fighter 6, his limited Drive System options and lack of unique abilities leave him at a disadvantage. Ryu’s decline is evident when compared to characters like Ken, who has gained new tools and abilities that surpass Ryu’s in versatility and effectiveness.
