Ryo Sakazaki - The Unsung Father of Smash Bros.

You ever wonder what the story is behind that Goku Mii Costume? Here you go.
Sources: KirbyGCN17 - NY Store Terry Smash Trailer Reaction
ULTIMATE PLAYER【TAS】- AOF King KO Footage
NintendoComplete - Fighter's History Footage
SourceGaming - Translation of Sakurai's Famitsu Column sourcegaming.in...
Master0fHyrule - Mario final smash and taunt footage
Notes:
-Despite the fact that I show footage of it on screen, I completely failed to mention Ryo's inclusion as one of only three SNK characters to recieve a mii fighter costume in Ultimate. Considering Sakurai blatantly stated that he really likes Iori, it stands to reason he wanted to highlight Ryo in a special way above just being a bg character as well.
-Yeah, I know Ryo isn't the only character that can use Zanretsuken. But when you think Kyokugenryu, you think Ryo.
-Disregard the part where I say Ryo is the "poster child for Fighting Games" because that's obviously Ryu. I was just ad-libbing and that fit in with the rest of my rant.

[@RyoSakazakiFans]

If SNK forgets Ryo Sakazaki completely, it will undoubtedly repeat Konami's mistakes.

[@anonymousnate678]

Found it hilarious when Terry was revealed and a bunch of people in the Smash community said he just looked like Ken with hat lol. So many of these kids don't realize that without Fatal Fury and KoF, Smash probably wouldn't even exist.

[@ZARATUSTRA1780]

Art of Fighting, Fatal Fury and King of Fighters defined the path of the following crossover fighting games, including Smash Bros., of course.

[@fightingmedialounge519]

I don't know if I would go that far.

[@Chadfill8348]

​@@fightingmedialounge519 honestly, I would, many ppl dismisses the importance and inovations that FF, AoF and KOF brought to table, but I don't

[@fightingmedialounge519]

@@Chadfill8348 not denying there important, but still leans on the side of presumptuous to say entire game wouldn't exist without them.

[@Chadfill8348]

@@fightingmedialounge519 in a literal sense it wouldn't cuz time paradox shenanigans but it would certainly make the fighting games that would supposedly come after it be stuck on past concepts

[@hyogaiceheart]

Incredible video! It really irks me how not just Smash fans, but fighting game fans in general down-play the importance of not just Art of Fighting, but SNK fighting games overall. They can say the game sucks, or that they don't like the games, but at least give them credit for the concepts they introduced. Apart from AoF introducing the staple concepts you mentioned into fighting games, other games took specific mechanics and general mechanics from SNK games, as well as other concepts that became fighting game staples. Here are a couple of examples: 1.) Running. Introduced in Samurai Shodown and is a staple now in games such as Smash and Guilty Gear. 2.) Short Jumps/hops. Also a staple now in Smash. 3.) Back dashing. I don't remember if this was introduced in Fatal Fury or Art of Fighting, but SNK was the first to implement this into fighting games. Bonus: Street Fighter IV's FADC system is just Fatal Fury (Garou) Mark of the Wolve's Break system. This makes so much sense since a lot of former SNK developers joined Dimps and worked on SFIV. For Smash bros, Sakurai got the invitation letter idea from KOF. It made me laugh when KOF XV released a trailer, a certain fighting game streamer's chat got filled with "Smash???" comments when the letter appeared. As if KOF got the idea from Smash 😂. For some odd reason a lot of FG people call Vanessa "the KOF Dudley", but in reality, she' was based off of Rick Strowd who predates Dudley. Yuri is called a Sakura ripoff, but she predates Sakura by a couple years. Samurai Shodown inspired Watsuki to create Rurouni Kenshin. So much so that he later designed Yoshitora for Samurai Shodown V. This is just off the top of my head, if I did more research I'm sure I'd find more. Not to say SNK didn't get any ideas from other games, but they just never get any credit by the general audience for things they innovated.

[@o_oro-q1k]

Most people have no idea how important both AoF and Ryo to fighting games it's crazy. Quality video btw, hope your channel blows up someday cause you definitely deserve it.

[@JohnSexDD]

Thanks a lot bro, just gonna grind content and see what happens

[@sakazakivolnutt]

I already saw some kof players thinking that super moves has born on SF 2 turbo like wtf

[@Sin606]

I knew AoF and Ryo was important to FGC history but I didn't realize he was the first playable cross over character. I love your energy and research and you're gonna make it, just please scream a little less. Take my sub!

[@JohnSexDD]

LMFAO i will try not to scream as much. cheers bro

[@Mjwara]

An incredible feat for someone many consider as a "Ryu clone". SNK has really innovated in their own way. They even helped pioneer the idea of teams in fighting games. P.S: My favourite game of the Art Of Fighting series is Art Of Fighting 2.

[@iamodie5271]

Which sounds ignorant for anyone who consider Ryo a "Ryu clone" since Ryu, Ken, and Ryo are literally created by the same person, Takashi Nishiyama. And While Ryu developed characteristically, Ryo developed his movesets.

[@doom3926]

Good to see videos really appreciating how big of a deal SNK getting a character in Smash is beyond just the stuff Sakurai publicly talked about. There’s one other thing that was in Smash Ultimate that further linked a connection between Smash and SNK and it was well before Terry was ever revealed, it was at launch even and that’s the Squad Strike game mode that’s literally just KOF mode.

[@JohnSexDD]

Good point, I completely forgot about Squad Strike.

[@maroonkennedy6213]

Yes! I love Squad Strike! I even put all of thr characters 3 person teams. You get a nice 84 fighters if you add the Sans Mii as an semi-official character.

[@Saikyokugen]

He's called "The First King" for a reason. Ryo is probably the definition of an "underrated" character. Technically, he is supposed to be one of the strongest characters of the whole SNK company, and one of the most respected (and feared) veterans of the AOF series. He defeated Geese, probably one of the grearest villains in FGs history, way before SNK's mascot boy thought to do that! Ryo is that guy that dedicates his body and soul to become the best fighter ever, and the fact that SNK keeps holding him back is kinda sad man... I still hope someday we see him in his most badass form ever... THE KARATE MAN HIMSELF! 👺 Ryo Deserves Better! OSU! 🐉

[@JohnSexDD]

It's sad that Ryo has been demoted to KOF joke character now. He used to be a total badass. We need to see more of the Mr Karate 2 version of him.

[@JamalService2000]

@@JohnSexDD His depiction in KOF Destiny was a war crime, treating him like such a jobber. TBH, most of the classic SNK cast such as the FF guys and the AOF guys have been extremely demoted in the KOF universe. And I'm kinda getting worn out with the whole Kusanagi plot armor.

[@JamalService2000]

TBF, his victory against Geese was pretty sketchy, though. He beat him, but at least according to the lore, it was a close fight and Geese still managed to escape and set the wheels for the FF storyline into motion. But yeah Ryo is an underrated fighter.

[@JohnSexDD]

@@JamalService2000 This is why AOF and FF need to be merged into one series and continued or something. Their glorified cameos in KOF just aren't enough.

[@JamalService2000]

@@JohnSexDD funnily enough I was always toying around with an idea a Southtown based Netflix series. Something that covers the events that happened such as Mr Big and his rule as a mob boss, the rise and eventual fall of Jeff Bogard, the events of AOF, FF, and MotW respectively and everything else before after and in between

[@Half-Mi]

That snk rage about Fgc overlooking AoF has earned you a sub for life. Osu!

[@IrishKyokushin]

It's disgraceful how much SNK shits on Ryo now.

[@zanretsukenXII]

Ryo has always been my favorite FG character so this video made me really happy, almost as happy as when I saw Ryo in the background during Terry's reveal. Also loved the outro, the AOF text font, the iconic AOF soundeffect and Ryo's unforgettable AOF1 jumpkick ZanretsuKen!!!!!

[@JohnSexDD]

Glad you enjoyed it bro! Ryo is so underrated

[@ferreiragamingamiright1642]

I would love more fighting game characters to get into smash just because I love smash players' salt, also smash was the first fighting game to get me into other fighting games. Thank u Sakurai

[@norwingmartinez4683]

Ryo is one the best fighters of all time he always in my team he should be in smash bro

[@tumamitacesentainue]

It's like hype and chill, at the same time, I'm subscribing

[@JohnSexDD]

That's the kinda vibe i'm going for, glad it's working

[@deezee2965]

Hope to see a playable "Mr. Karate II" in "City of the Wolves"

[@easobento2735]

Man I really love your video. Ryo Sakazaki is such a cool and underrated character. He's also one of my mains in KOF now. I am so looking forward to playing him in KOF 15.

[@aquaspecter]

The fact that Sakurai dished out an asswhooping so brutal it permanently changed his philosophy on video games is very interesting to me

[@rixcrudolopez3339]

ryo is my main charachter on KOF , the invincible dragon !! hell yeah !

[@3duConstantino]

SNK needs more respect.

[@kahjunn9427]

In Latin America, it's not a fan base, it's part of their culture

[@paloddinkhanhueso3432]

In Mexico love SNK more than crapcom

[@sladejosephwilson2300]

You earned a sub man. Everything you say here is factual. Ryo is one of my favorites. I use in every game he appears in. I am happy that Sakurai cared

[@cemberkay3046]

I am a huge fan of Ryo as well, and i truly appreciate the effort and enthusiasm you've put into this video. Well done!

[@jonathanwebster9586]

Love Ryo. But was never as popular as Terry. Also AOF was an after thought, released 10 months after Fatal Fury to help build the world of Southtown and eventually the introduction of a younger geese in AOF2 to give the game more meaning to fans. Eventually moving to KOF which stuffed up the timelines completely.

[@uncl3sensei440]

It’s ironic that Street Fighter (SF) fans bash on SNK. Fatal Fury, AOF, and SF were made by the same people (Takashi Nishiyama, in particular) jumping across SNK and Capcom. Source: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6K1d6KabNOoftE

[@zik187]

this video needs way more views, this video is amazing

[@s07195]

If we count Ryo and Iori as two of Sakurai's KOF mains, I wonder who was the third.

[@JohnSexDD]

I get Takuma main vibes from Sakurai

[@silvereyex-4479]

Amzaing video, needs to be shared with everyone

[@silvereyex-4479]

also subscribed

[@16pg40]

true :)

[@Unfunniest_Asian]

This was so funny, and hopefully informative to Smash players. Your videos are great and you deserve way more subs. I hope your channel blows up someday.

[@JohnSexDD]

I'd like nothing more than to have a wider audience to make content for. Glad you enjoyed it, man!

[@orlanzo2621]

As a HUGE SNK fan i'm glad i stumbled upon your channel man, great stuff, definitely had to subscribe.

[@realchezboi]

I think Ryo needs the Farmboy Himbo rebranding he deserves, he’s not just Ryu/Ken in an orange gi

[@ralphpaez3513]

Hi John. Great video as always! It could be just me, but I kinda noticed that the characters from AOF are loosely based on the Karate Kid series. Example: Ryo is based on Cobra Kai leader John Kreese, Robert based on Kreese's war buddy, Terry Silver from part 3, Takuma is based off of Mr. Miyagi's rival in part 2 and Yuri is based off of Daniel san because of the weird, awkward training that was going on between Daniel san and Terry Silver in part 3??? I know, fucking weird. I would love to know your thoughts on this theory. Also, I think that's where SNK might have come up with Terry and Geese's names. "Terry Silver" and "John Kreese."

[@JohnSexDD]

I've got plans to do a video exploring the origins and inspirations for SNK characters at some point, so this is definitely something I could include!

[@neodeli8127]

I didnt knew any of this and am a fan of snk games, thank you Bro!

[@bfFAN221]

As a more recent fan of SNK's properties; I salute you on this magnificent video! BTW, what's that exact slappin' AoF remix playing in the end?

[@JohnSexDD]

It's AOF teams ending music from KOF XIV!

[@sakazakivolnutt]

Love Ryo, he's such a great character

[@eduardobrigas4177]

You are good at editing videos, keep going Man, not surprise if you soon will have thousands of views

[@Zerox99]

Such a great video. Every SNK fan needs to see this.

[@Saikyokugen]

Correction: EVERY FIGHTING GAME FAN NEEDS TO SEE THIS!

[@KevinSkye1]

AYO WHEN YOU STARTED BUMPING THAT AOF MUSIC, I WAS IN THE BACK ROOM FOLDING CLOTHES. I RAN TO THE LIVING ROOM(where my laptop is) and yelled "HELL YEAH BUMP THAT SHIT"

[@tunuper773]

Really hoping Ryo gets into City of the Wolves as Mr. Karate 2

[@Godslayer-]

Most don’t realize the physical damage build up is displayed during the match which is rare where other game have post fight showing how beat up the opponents is like street fighter

[@largehitbox0914]

Banger video. Subscribed

Short hops were also an innovation from the AoF games that was later added to KOF and then Smash, so there's another AoF legacy on Smash Bros.

[@MidnightBikerHostility]

Which of the AOF games had short hops again?

[@ViolentVista]

Honestly the only reason why I think Terry was a better pick was cause Ryo would've been the third karate guy with ripped sleeves

[@Algenis_Santana]

Everyone is pumped up making Capcom and Street Fighter content, but finding an actual GOOD SNK content creator is a blessing! Amazing video mate! ❤ greetings from D.R.🇩🇴

[@prrithwirajbarman8389]

The invincible dragon

[@printul22]

Just like u love Terry ...i love my man Ryo..except I dont do cosplay or have poster and figurines of him😅😅🤘

[@matthewlewis7532]

This video was God like. Liked and subscribed.

[@stevenharrison7123]

Thank you for this video

[@IrishKyokushin]

I would have loved it if Ryo made it into Smash Bros. Its shameful that an Executive at Nintendo has more respect for him than the clowns at SNK do.

[@jalamela2607]

3:24 - 3:44 😄 Yep! pretty much captured my exact sentiments when i would argue back then about why snk isnt inferior to capcom, plus, who really ripped off whom. Great work bro. 👍

[@JohnSexDD]

thanks brother!

[@MysticaRealms]

It literally did rip off street fighter

[@jalamela2607]

​Troll harder 😄@@MysticaRealms

[@violentkim]

I cant believe this! I was talking to my brother about the fact games like smash bros need to give a present to Ryo because he was the first guy who have super moves and a taunt and your video just appear! Ryo is very underrated sadly and snk today dont care much about him or AOF in general.. btw good video man! I love the soundtracks you use, especially the ending theme of kof 14

[@krazyKenHo]

The reazon why Ryo is a fucking BADASS and my favorite character it is coz he is based on Kenshiro ANOTHER BADASS MUHFAKA!

[@partybarge]

I tweeted about this as soon as I saw him the bg too lol. nice video

[@xtoadsannom6704]

2:22 OK, seriously, why is Hotaru Futaba there ?

[@TheoZaHero]

I haven’t been on your streams in a while, but this video is fantastic! Continue being awesome and making great content! 😎

[@bravo6709]

Very Swag, Dan. I will sub

[@raymondbd21]

Cool video! I believe I've peaked in my skill with fighting games, but it's nice to see there are still some people that respect the history. Kudos!

[@BudderBallFist]

actually fucking great, subbed

[@cybershroom9240]

Honestly Ryo Sakazaki could be an easy addition if SNK didn't have any mandate picks or wanted a DLC slot, his body build and most of his rig could be built off Ryu and Ken. Similar to how Terry shares in game files with Ryu, though arguably I would want Geese for another villain character

[@roverplush2.0]

Love the channel name

[@Minusoh]

Pretty informative and entertaining video! I just have a recommendation to watch the volume balancing; getting louder for emphasis/humor is fine, it's just that sometimes you got so loud I had to turn down my volume only to turn it back up afterwards. Good stuff overall 👍

[@hazboy123]

Really good video! Editing was great

[@BellowDGaming]

The innovator is AOF, it was ahead of it's time and wasn't polish back then. Also Ryo is Akuma before Akuma was the secret boss. He's underrated tbh, but yeah I'd love to see an older Ryo again be in a Fatal Fury/Garou 2 game as a secret boss.

[@Mallyumansky]

Terry should have been in sfv tbh lol

[@Mallyumansky]

He's in sf6 now, thank God

[@rogermisla358]

Make me laugh 😂, great video brother. This video make me press the subscribe button.

[@AuraNova26]

Great to learn this bout of information. :O

[@AlexLoeding]

Imagine a fighting game character in a fighting game!!! Comon smash double your roster but with actual fighting game characters. I always fight random and when it picks an animal crossing character I get so infuriated!! Haha. We need a platform fighter with all fighting game characters. Oh yes.

[@uf_calibur75]

That was a great ass video You got yourself a new subscriber 😁

[@silverlining3432]

To me,Ryo is the best character made by snk. But SNK downplays him a lot.

[@KenMasters.]

Even in the films, shows, and commercials Ryo is in: He is either depicted poorly or absent.

[@fernandoleopizzipanise4179]

Ryo The best!!!

[@power279]

Ryo Is my Favorite Character. Just like Ken.

[@stevencisneros9306]

#RyoSakazaki4SmashBros I would love it instantly!!!

[@CarlosMartinez-lm6mz]

Yes Ryoooooooooo!!!

[@4ArchieLee]

YO RESPECT Dude btw AOF 2 if great.

[@pfunk6945]

You're hilarious 🤣

[@h.m.5724]

No true gamer downplays the importance of SNK only people who do that are mainly American and a small number of Europeans

[@davidvfx]

They aport the Zoom too

[@caldeandrade69]

Ryu may be the golden boy of 2D fighting. But Ryo still has cooler moves (Actually, the whole KOF roster has cooler moves than those in SF. SF moves in general are pretty limited.)

[@hachemsqualli360]

THAT WHY KIRBY THE SON OF SAKURAI HAS NEUTRAL MOVE IN SMASH IS COPY OF THE GREAT RYU SPECIAL LEFT RIGHT LEFT

[@mat7083]

You’re angry

[@SWATSrocks]

Sup. Subscribed.

[@TB-to8uy]

The true story

[@einwasill]

wait why'd you blur laurence at 2:32

[@JohnSexDD]

That's just how he appears in that artwork, lol

[@einwasill]

snk employee after taking a one-hour photoshop course:

[@deathelloquendero3009]

I'm totally agree with this video, SNK the best, Ryo Sakazaki the best, Smash is KoF for BABIES, Ryu-ko Arranged is best theme of Art of Fighting team unpopular opinion: Terry Garou Mark of the Wolves design was cool

[@JohnSexDD]

Actually, I think most people prefer his MOTW look. Although yes Ryu-ko is the best AOF team theme

[@lilywong9672]

Ryo and Yuri are actually half white. Their mom was white.

[@KenMasters.]

So am I, except my mom is Japanese.

[@Oguyaka.]

Lol w theory

[@KenMasters.]

Why is Ryo not in Smash? · Because Ryu and I are the ones who put the "show" in Shotokan. Not him, not Robert, and most *certainly* not Dan (whoever he is...) · Ryo has left only one mark in history which is Art of Fighting 1, a cult classic that didn't win a Game of the Year like Samurai Shodown did. · Speaking of Samurai Shodown, either Haohmaru or Nakoruru would fit better on the Smash roster.

[@elshinweon4485]

I hate you Nintendo

[@alfonsosalazar962]

Biggest reach I've ever seen

[@JohnSexDD]

You probably haven't seen my latest video then lul

[@sladejosephwilson2300]

Your comment is the biggest load.

[@leoalcaraz6153]

The man is the first KOF champ the guy who first defeated geese 🪿 SNK is built on the bodies be buried for them

[@leoalcaraz6153]

The man is the first KOF champ the guy who first defeated geese 🪿 SNK is built on the bodies be buried for them