Street Fighter 2: The World Warrior/Ryu

Introduction

Ryu is the main character of Street Fighter II, returning from the first game alongside Ken and Sagat. As such, he was designed with a well-rounded moveset, average walk and jump speed, and three unique special moves that synchronize well with each other.

Unfortunately in this first installment of the classic arcade fighting game series, Ryu is extremely flawed. Firstly, he has some weird hurtboxes that extend farther than you'd expect on some moves. Secondly, he has a weak spot during the leaning forward frames of his dizzy animation that, if hit, makes him take 2X damage. Finally, the worst part is that Ken is exactly the same as Ryu in this game, but without those issues I just described and with a better kick button throw (Ken's version tosses the opponent farther back which can help him corner an enemy). The only reason I would ever recommend picking Ryu instead of Ken in WW is if the other player already chose Ken and you still want to play a shoto (mirror matches are not possible in World Warrior).

Both Ryu and Ken suffer from problems regarding their special moves, most notably the Shoryuken does not knock down grounded opponents and their Tatsumakis both don't knock down, and the multiple hits from the tatsu don't even combo into eachother, allowing the opponent to simply block or crouch after the first hit and then counter before you land. The Hadouken is at least still a useful projectile, but its damage is not very good, and Ryu has Ken's Hadouken in this game, it was buffed in all later games to be faster.

Ryu is the worst character in WW, and picking the WW version of Ryu in HSF2 is effectively just sandbagging your opponent due to every other version of Ryu being far better than WW Ryu. Ryu has no advantage, not even a very minor one, over Ken both in WW, or WW Ken in HSF2. For this reason, if you want to play Ryu in WW (or as WW Ryu in HSF2), just stick with Ken and only use Ryu if the other player selects Ken first. Both characters still stand a chance against the entire cast, but there are two matchups in particular that you'll have a very hard time winning consistently (see Match-Ups for more information).

DCG

Color Options

Default

Moves List

Throws

Ground Throws

Arm Throw (Seoi Nage): Close, b or f + mp or hp

Back Roll (Tomoe Nage): Close, b or f + mk or hk

Special Moves

Fireball (Hadouken): d, df, f + Punch

Dragon Punch (Shoryuken): f, d, df + Punch

Hurricane Kick (Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku): d, db, b + Kick

Basic Moves

Anti-Airs: Shoryuken (preferably the jab version), cr hp, close hp, far lk/mk, close/far hk, sweep (for long ranged jumps).

Combos

• cr.MK xx Hadoken or Shoryuken
• cr.LP CPS1 Chain s.HP xx Hadoken
• dj.HP xx cl.HP (dizzies instantly usually)

Hitboxes

Standing Normals

• Standing LP:

Damage	6
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+6
Frame Count		2	4	4	1
Simplified		1+2	4	5

This is a pretty standard jab with good priority, but weak damage. Rapid-firing this jab is a very safe and effective way to beat attacks like Honda's headbutt and Blanka's rolling ball.

• Standing MP:

Damage	16
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	60
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+10
Frame Count		1	2	4	3	3	1
Simplified		1+3		4	7

• Standing HP:

Damage	26
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	80
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	-6
Frame Count		3	2	6	10	12	1
Simplified		1+5		6	23

• Standing LK:

Damage	8
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	+3
Frame Count		3	3	8	4	1
Simplified		1+6		8	5

• Standing MK:

Damage	16
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	60
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+1
Frame Count		5	6	12	6	1
Simplified		1+11		12	7

• Standing HK:

Damage	22
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	80
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	-2
Frame Count		2	4	8	10	7
Simplified		2+1	12		17

Close Standing Normals

• Close Standing LP:

Damage	6
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+6
Frame Count		1+2	4	5

Decent as an anti-air if this is all you can get out in time. This move can be used to set up tick throws, but it can easily be crouched under so it's not very useful for this.

• Close Standing MP:

Damage	16
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	60
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+2
Frame Count		1	2	2	6	4	3	4
Simplified		1+3		2	17

• Close Standing HP:

Damage	22
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	80
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	-8
Frame Count		3	2	6	10	13
Simplified		1+3	8		23

• Close Standing LK:

Damage	8
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+5
Frame Count		2	3	6	3	1
Simplified		1+5		6	4

• Close Standing MK:

Damage	16
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	60
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	+6
Frame Count		2	1	6	4	4	1
Simplified		1+3		6	9

• Close Standing HK:

Damage	24,6
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	80
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	+8
Frame Count		3	4	8	4	10	1
Simplified		1+7		12		11

Crouching Normals

• Crouching LP:

Damage	6
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+6
Frame Count		2	4	4	1
Simplified		1+2	4	5

• Crouching MP:

Damage	14
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	60
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+10
Frame Count		1	2	4	3	3	1
Simplified		1+3		4	7

• Crouching HP:

Damage	22
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	80
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	-11
Frame Count		3	3	8	10	12	1
Simplified		1+3	11		23

• Crouching LK:

Damage	6
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+6
Frame Count		2	4	4	1
Simplified		1+2	4	5

This short kick can be rapid-fired and linked into combos. It deals very minimal damage, but has good priority. You can often dizzy an opponent with a 4 or 5 hit combo by using strictly cr lk.

• Crouching MK:

Damage	14
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	60
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+6
Frame Count		1	2	6	4	4	1
Simplified		1+3		6	9

• Crouching HK:

Damage	22
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	80
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+2
Frame Count		3	6	6	8	11
Simplified		1+3	6	25

Aerial Normals

• Neutral Jumping LP:

Damage	10
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Frame Count		2	∞

• Diagonal Jumping LP:

Damage	8
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Frame Count		2	∞

• Neutral/Diagonal Jumping MP:

Damage	16
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	50
Frame Count		2	2	20	4	4	4	∞
Simplified		4		20	∞

• Neutral Jumping HP:

Damage	24
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	60
Frame Count		2	2	20	4	4	4	∞
Simplified		4		20	∞

• Diagonal Jumping HP:

Damage	22
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	60
Frame Count		2	2	8	4	4	4	∞
Simplified		4		8	∞

• Neutral Jumping LK:

Damage	10
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Frame Count		3	40	∞

• Diagonal Jumping LK:

Damage	8
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Frame Count		2	3	∞
Simplified		5		∞

• Neutral Jumping MK:

Damage	16
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	50
Frame Count		5	13	6	6	∞
Simplified		5	13	∞

• Diagonal Jumping MK:

Damage	16
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	50
Frame Count		2	3	13	3	3	3	∞
Simplified		5		13	∞

• Neutral Jumping HK:

Damage	24
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	60
Frame Count		2	4	4	3	3	3	∞
Simplified		2	8		∞

• Diagonal Jumping HK:

Damage	22
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	60
Frame Count		2	3	7	3	3	3	∞
Simplified		5		7	∞

Throws

• Seoi Nage: (←/→ + HP) and Tomoe Nage: (←/→ + HK)

Damage	32
Duration	130
Stun	7~13
Stun Timer	100
Range (from axis)	48
Range advantage	19

Special Moves

• Hadoken: (↓↘→ + P)

Startup:

Frame Count	2	6	1	1

Active:

LP version:

Damage	12
Stun	13~19
Stun Timer	120
Frame Advantage	-
Frame Count		1	1	2	2..
Simplified		40

MP version:

Damage	14
Stun	13~19
Stun Timer	120
Frame Advantage	-
Frame Count		1	1	2	2..
Simplified		40

HP version:

Damage	16
Stun	13~19
Stun Timer	120
Frame Advantage	-
Frame Count		1	1	2	2..
Simplified		40

The Fireball of all time. Unfortunately (which is a trend), it's got problems. First off, the damage isn't that good compared to later games. Secondly, Ryu's Hadouken has what would later be CE Ken's fireball startup and recovery, making it slower to throw out. Lastly, Ryu's lower hurtboxes are projected in a way that makes it a very dangerous poke in neutral compared to later versions. Poking with fireballs is very strong for Ryu in other games, but here it's way too dangerous because it is too easy to sweep his recovery or startup due to the slower startup and extended hurtbox.

• Shoryuken: →↓↘ + Punch

Startup:

Damage	32
Stun	13~19
Stun Timer	120
Frame Advantage	-18/-26/-40
Jab		4	4	14	6	11	5
Strong		4	4	22	6	14	5
Fierce		4	4	26	6	21	5

Ryu's iconic anti-air special move. The jab version is the safest and does the most damage when hitting an airborne opponent (which of course is the main purpose of this move). The strong and fierce versions launch Ryu higher into the air, but aren't as safe if whiffed since you'll be in the air longer. It is easier to use these versions as you'll likely hit a jumping opponent more easily, but I strongly recommend relying more on jab shoryukens, Unfortunately in WW, this move doesn't knock a grounded opponent down so using it for any other purpose than as an anti-air could leave you wide open to getting punished by a sweep, fireball, or normal. The Shoryuken can be used in combos, but is risky due to not knocking down. Only use it in combos if you're certain your opponent will be dizzy after it or their health is nearly empty and you know for sure this will finish them off.

DCG

• Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku: ↓↙← + Kick

Startup:

Damage	22
Stun	13~19
Stun Timer	120
Frame Advantage	-1
Frame Count		4	4	3

Active:

Frame Count	3	3	3	3

Short: 1 Time
Foward: 2 Times
Rounhouse: 3 Times

Recovery:

Frame Count	4	4	4	0

Unfortunately the Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku (AKA hurricane kick) is broken in WW. It doesn't knockdown on hit, and the multiple hits don't combo into each other. This means that your opponent can just stand block after the first kick or crouch under the next kick(s). Before you land, they can easily counterattack. Use this move with extreme caution, like in dizzy combos, or don't use it at all.

DCG

Misc Animations

Walk back	Neutral	Walk Fwd	Crouch

• Standing reel:

• Standing gut reel:

• Crouching reel:

• Dizzy:

Basic Strategy

(Note: This section also applies to Ken.)

Ryu's main goal is to pressure his opponents by throwing hadokens, punish jump-ins with his shoryuken, and control space with pokes such as crouching forward (cr mk). Ryu can fight both offensively and defensively. If given the right opportunity, Ryu can end the round in seconds (usually if the opponent is dizzy) with fairly simple combos. However, you shouldn't be focusing on this as it's too easy to mess up and get punished for attacking foolishly. Be patient, stand your ground, and strike when you find an opening. Never try to rush a match. Stay strong and you can succeed.

DCG

Advanced Strategy

You need to maintain a solid balance between offense and defense. In some matches, you might want to play more offensively while in others you'll need to be more patient and stay more defensive to win. Don't become too predictable. Use hadokens wisely and try mixing up the speed you're throwing them at. For example: if your opponent tries jumping over a fast fireball from far away, you can try timing another fireball to hit them before they land. Be careful throwing fireballs when they're closer to you as they could jump over and attack you before you can counter or block. You can try baiting opponents to jump at you by whiffing attacks like lp or mp and then counter the jump-in with a shoryuken. Try poking your opponents with normals like cr mk. This can be used to control space whether they block it or not. Poking with your normals can help you apply pressure and you can cancel many of them into specials, preferably if they didn't block the previous attack of course. Cancelling into a hadoken when playing footsies is usually pretty safe if done right. You can also try to tick throw your opponent by forcing them to block a light attack up close and then throwing them before they recover from block stun.

(This strategy section is currently WIP)

DCG

Match-Ups

Note: The matchup info I'm writing here also applies to Ken. The only real difference between the two in World Warrior is their kick button throws. Ken's kick throw tosses the opponent back farther than Ryu's, but otherwise they are identical fighters in this game. Therefore WW Ken's page will mostly contain identical matchup info. The good news is that, if your opponent picks Ryu first, you can just select Ken instead and play exactly as you would with Ryu. (Remember, mirror matches are not possible in Street Fighter II: The World Warrior. However, the SNES version does allow mirror matches by inputting a special code. Since this matchup section is for the arcade version only, I won't be covering mirror matches.)

This matchup section is quite incomplete currently. I will be continuing to update this page frequently until it's complete. I guessed the matchup odds for now, but I think they're at least somewhat accurate. Again, work here is not yet finished so consider what little I have typed so far as a basic guideline.

DCG

Vs. Ken

• 5.0 - 5.0 (more like 4.95-5.05?)

This is as close as it gets to a mirror match in WW. Ryu has some slight differences with some of his hurtboxes (worse than Ken's), but I don't think this gives Ken any real advantage in this matchup. The only other difference Ken has that you'll want to watch out for is Ken's kick button throw which tosses you farther back than your own version of the throw. This means that Ken can throw you into the corner more easily, although this matchup is still even regardless.

Round start: Throw a Hadoken, walk forward slightly and poke Ken with a normal attack like cr mk, or do nothing and wait for him to try something. You'll probably see most Ryu/Ken players start a round by immediately throwing a fireball, but doing this too often gets very predictable. If you expect your opponent to start the round like this, you can try jumping immediately and hit him with j hp or j hk. You can link into st hp, cr hp, st hp, cr mk, etc. if you jumped at him early enough before he could recover from throwing his fireball. If you think you hit him too early, you can try jumping back to avoid a sac throw. You can also just throw a fireball at the start to trade with Ken's. If you suspect that Ken will jump at you at the start of the round, wait and see what happens. If he does jump at you, hit him with a jab shoryuken.

Basic strategy: Ken has the same tools as you to win this fight. Your main goal is to defend yourself better and use your offense more effectively than him.

(This matchup info is currently WIP)

DCG

Vs. E.Honda

• 7.5 - 2.5

Honda has very limited options in WW, especially when it comes to dealing with fireball characters. However, don't assume you'll beat a Honda player easily. You still need to know your best options against him and fight carefully. A good Honda player will do whatever it takes to get in and destroy you. I highly recommend focusing heavily on defense in this matchup. Honda can't win if you keep him away from you and you have all the tool to prevent him for closing in on you. Unless he managed to get a health lead and time is running out, there is no need to fight Honda up close. Have patience and don't let your guard down.

(This matchup info is currently WIP)

DCG

Vs. Chun Li

• 3.5 - 6.5

Chun Li has stronger normals than you, and is pretty fast. It's a tough matchup.

Vs. Blanka

• 4.5 - 5.5

Blanka can't really use his ball against you since if you DP it or Fierce Punch it, it'll take a ton of life off, and it's reactable if done too far away in WW. If for whatever reason this is WW Ryu vs WW Blanka in HSF2 though, you won't be able to see it coming making it more annoying. Blanka's normals are still pretty okay, and don't even bother trying to fireball him in neutral, his sweep will catch you.

Vs. Zangief

• 4 - 6

Zangief has worse normals and lariat in this game, but his SPD... Once he lands one, you automatically lose since you cannot reversal DP his ticks. Keep him out, don't be afraid to run the timer.

Vs. Guile

• 2 - 8

The classic Ryu VS Guile matchup is a favorite for spectators and the players. Both characters are clearly different, but they both have answers to pretty much everything one of them can attempt to do to the other. Ryu and Guile throw a fireball up close at the same time? Guile will recover faster and punish Ryu with a backfist. Ryu waits for Guile to throw a Sonic Boom? Ryu can tatsu right over it and hit Guile in the face before he can recover, knocking Guile to the ground. And of course, Ryu can safejump Guile and then DP his Flash Kick if he reversals.

Unfortunately for Ryu, everything that was just mentioned is basically useless in this version of Street Fighter II. Ryu's tatsu doesn't knockdown so this is a pretty bad idea for this matchup in WW. In fact, a lot of what made this matchup pretty even for Ryu in updated versions of SF2 is simply not as effective. This is due to WW Ryu's inferiority compared to every other Ryu, as well as WW Guile being an overpowered beast. It's going to be one hell of an uphill battle for Ryu (possibly his worst matchup in the game), but I do believe Ryu stands a chance (as long as Guile doesn't start abusing the magic throw glitch on you of course).

Vs. Dhalsim

• 3 - 7

Good luck, all of Dhalsims normals basically counter yours and you can't just easily UmeShoryu his limbs like in later games, his limbs have awesome priority. The newer Dhalsim version that's used if this is in HSF2, the worse it's going to get for you.