Ryo Sakazaki/Move List

Overview


Ryo is a Rushdown character with some Shotoclone traits, but compared to other examples (such as Rock or especially Robert) he's somewhat unorthodox.



In most games, Ryo's Ko'ou Ken isn't always a projectile, but rather a ki-enhanced palm strike that he can use to continue pressure with, especially with the version, since it's the fastest and safest option. Naturally, it can also be used to absorb incoming projectiles due to the move's nature.

Additionally, his Jyoudan Uke (+) and Gedan Uke (+ in KOF XV) allow him to parry all incoming attacks and continue pressure, especially if done after a blockstring. On top of that, the move can also absorb incoming projectiles at most angles, allowing Ryo to advance ever closer towards a projectile-happy opponent (like King) and then punish them with a well-placed Kohou once he's close enough.



While Hien Shippu Kyaku is a useful punish and combo tool in most cases, compared to other characters' Hurricane Kick-style moves, this one's not much more useful beyond that. Especially since the first hit on the version has a tendency to whiff on crouching opponents. Nevermind that it has no projectile invulnerability to start with (though that's what his parries are for, however).



Where Ryo shines best, however, his is simplicity. Especially in his combos, as (especially in KOF XV) he has some of the highest combo damage in the game whilst also requiring next to no execution for the reward you get from them. His parries are also extremely lenient in their timing, allowing even a novice player to parry incoming projectiles on reaction.

And paired with his simple, yet effective gameplan, Ryo is thus a suitable candidate for beginners, though not necessarily if you're looking for a Shoto-style character, but rather a Rushdown character who can also deal with zoning and counter-pokes very well. Robert suits that purpose much better in most of his appearances (especially KOF XIV and XV).



In Fatal Fury Special, Ryo's moves were modified due to the Fatal Fury series not having Special Moves tied to a meter.


 * See Mr. Karate II's Move List for his moves in Buriki One, Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition, and Neo Geo Battle Coliseum.