What Does Ryu Say When He Uppercuts?
The answer, unequivocally, is “Shoryuken!” This iconic shout, a cornerstone of the Street Fighter franchise, accompanies Ryu’s devastating uppercut maneuver. It’s more than just a battle cry; it’s a cultural touchstone for gamers worldwide, instantly recognizable and deeply ingrained in fighting game history. The sound of “Shoryuken!” is synonymous with the power and precision of Ryu’s signature move, a rising dragon fist that can turn the tide of any match.
The Legend of the Shoryuken
Ryu’s uppercut is far more than a simple in-game move; it’s a legend in its own right. The Shoryuken (昇龍拳), which translates literally to “Rising Dragon Fist,” embodies the essence of Ryu’s martial arts prowess. It’s a move that has been celebrated, imitated, and analyzed by fans for decades. The sheer force and visual impact of the Shoryuken, coupled with Ryu’s resounding call, create a powerful and memorable experience for players and spectators alike. Over time, the term has transcended the game, becoming a verb and noun in gamer lexicon, synonymous with a powerful, rising attack in fighting games. The impact of the move is so significant that even by 1992, gamers were readily using “Shoryuken” as a common term in online discussions.
The Shoryuken Sound
The sound of “Shoryuken!” isn’t just any generic shout. It’s distinct, full of energy, and instantly recognizable. In the earlier iterations of the game, the “shoryuken” shout could have sounded a bit muffled or less clear; however, in later installments, developers made sure that the “S” sound was loud and clear, making the pronunciation more distinct. The way the word is uttered, coupled with the powerful animation, adds to the move’s intimidation factor. The voice acting, combined with the visual impact of the fiery uppercut, makes the Shoryuken a signature move not just for Ryu but for the entire Street Fighter series.
Shoryuken as a Cultural Icon
The Shoryuken has had a lasting impact, extending far beyond the boundaries of the video game world. Its iconic status is evident in its presence in popular culture. Cosplayers, artists, and gamers everywhere have been inspired by this move, often showcasing it in various art forms. From fan art to animated shorts to memes, the Shoryuken continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by a global audience. It’s not just a fighting game move; it’s a symbol of power, skill, and the thrill of competition.
15 FAQs about Ryu, Shoryuken, and More
To further enrich your understanding of Ryu and his iconic move, here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the origin of the word “Shoryuken”?
The word “Shoryuken” is of Japanese origin. The characters “昇龍拳” translate to “Rising Dragon Fist,” directly reflecting the upward movement and the powerful imagery associated with the move. It borrows from the Chinese term “Sheng Long,” hence why there was a common misinterpretation.
2. Does Ryu only use “Shoryuken” for uppercuts?
Yes, Ryu consistently shouts “Shoryuken” when executing his dragon uppercut move. While other moves have their own shouts, this call is exclusive to his famed uppercut.
3. What does Ryu shout when he throws a fireball?
When Ryu throws a fireball, also known as a Hadouken, he shouts “Hadouken!”. This shout accompanies the powerful energy blast he fires from his hands.
4. What is Ryu’s spinning kick move called, and what does he say?
Ryu’s spinning kick is called Tatsumaki Senpukyaku (竜巻旋風脚), or simply Tatsumaki, sometimes translated as the Hurricane Kick. During the execution of this move he will often shout “Tatsumaki Senpukyaku!“
5. What is the name of Ryu’s fire-based blast?
Ryu uses a fire-based variant of the Hadouken called the Shakunetsu Hadouken (灼熱波動拳), which is often translated as the Blazing Surge Fist. This move engulfs its target in flames upon impact.
6. What is considered Ryu’s signature move?
While Shoryuken is iconic, Hadouken is considered Ryu’s signature move. It’s the first move many players associate with him and is a staple of his fighting style.
7. What is Ryu’s famous line of dialogue?
Ryu is known for his line “You must love competition before you can achieve victory.” This phrase emphasizes his dedication to martial arts and his pursuit of self-improvement.
8. Who gave Ryu his iconic red headband?
Ryu’s red headband was originally Ken’s. Ken gave it to Ryu as a constant reminder to stay focused on his martial arts journey and not be tempted by the destructive Satsui no Hado.
9. Who is said to have the strongest Shoryuken between Ryu and Ken?
While both are masters of Ansatsuken, it is often stated that Ken has the stronger Shoryuken. Ken’s punches are often depicted with such force that it can burst into flames upon impact.
10. What does “Hadouken” translate to?
The name Hadouken (波動拳) translates to “Surging Fist” or “Wave Motion Fist.” This reflects the move’s ability to channel energy through the fist.
11. Is Ryu left-handed?
In the context of the real world, Ryu is a 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 255 lb left-handed pitcher. But as it relates to the game, he is generally considered ambidextrous since his moves are performed by both hands.
12. Is Ken considered a clone of Ryu in the Street Fighter games?
While they share some moves and fighting style, Ken is NOT a clone of Ryu. He is considered a semi-clone, sometimes referred to as a “Echo Fighter”, as he has multiple completely different moves and animations. He is seen as one of the most unique characters in the game.
13. Why is the term “DP” used as a synonym for Shoryuken?
The term “DP” is a shortening of “Dragon Punch,” often referring to all moves in fighting games that have the same properties as the Shoryuken, regardless of whether the attack is a punch or not.
14. Is Ryu’s fighting style based on a real martial art?
Ryu’s fighting style is inspired by Kyokushin karate, particularly the body blows and punches. However, his kicks do have elements reminiscent of Shotokan. The founder of Kyokushin karate, Mas Oyama, was a real-world inspiration for Ryu.
15. What happened to the Shoryuken website?
The long-standing fighting game discussion website, Shoryuken, closed its forums at the end of January due to decreased usage. This marked the end of an era for the site that was a prominent source of information for the fighting game community.
Conclusion
The shout “Shoryuken!” is more than just a sound; it is an emblem of the Street Fighter universe. It embodies the ferocity and skill of Ryu, and represents one of the most iconic and beloved moves in fighting game history. From its powerful sound to the devastating impact of the uppercut, the Shoryuken has made an indelible mark on both gaming and popular culture. The legacy of “Shoryuken!” continues to echo throughout the gaming world, serving as a reminder of the power and passion inherent in the spirit of competition.