Two of Street Fighter 6’s best players are exploring a character that isn’t the mains we’ve known them to play so far. Apparently, both Kakeru and Kazunoko — the best JP player in the world and one of the strongest Cammy players out there, respectively — are now trying their hands at the new and improved Ryu.
Not only are Kakeru and Kazunoko playing Ryu right now, but both competitors have committed enough to the classic Shoto that they both have him in Legend rank. This awesome Street Fighter 6 set uploaded by YogaFlame24 provides us with a look at both Kazunoko and Kakeru’s Ryus in action in a mirror match.
What makes this bout even more exciting is that both contenders are overall great when it comes to the neutral game and footsies. And with a traditional Shoto character like Ryu, we get a lot of patient, calculated play from both warriors.
From classic fireball wars to just good, old fashioned Dragon Punches to stop jumps, both Kakeru and Kazunoko bide their time before getting an opening and tacking on a massive combo with great damage to really punish their foes.
Ryu has been receiving quite a bit of attention since the Ed update, which introduced several buffs to the various versions of Ryu’s Hashogeki. With the ability to pressure more effectively and get some new combos out, it seems that several of the top Japanese players are currently looking into what he might offer now at high levels.
From the looks of Kakeru and Kazunoko’s play here, it seems that Ryu now offers solid zoning abilities, strong pressure and footsies, and even big damage from confirms to boot. It is still unclear if what Ryu has now will be enough to make him a consideration when Ken and Luke still exist (and Akuma on the way), but right now the Street Fighter poster boy is looking the best he has yet in Street Fighter 6.
Check out the mirror match Ryu set between Kazunoko and Kakeru below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0wha04K_Ys
