Real-World Experience
As a long-time Street Fighter fan, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the latest installment in the series. However, I’ve been left disappointed with the state of Ryu, one of the franchise’s most iconic characters. In SF6, he feels significantly weaker than in previous games.
Everyday Use
Ryu’s Hadoken projectile, a staple in his arsenal, now deals less damage and has slower recovery time. This makes it much harder to use effectively in combos or for zoning. Additionally, his signature Shoryuken uppercut has been nerfed, reducing its damage output and increasing its vulnerability on whiff.
Practical Applications
These changes have made Ryu significantly less versatile and effective. He struggles to compete against zoning characters with stronger projectiles and characters with fast and powerful combo options. As a result, he’s fallen from being a top-tier pick to a mid-tier character at best.