Article by: Paul Watkins (watkinzez)
Pictured from: Ninja Gaiden Black
Created by: Tecmo
First appearance: 1988
Bio
A long way away from Japan, Ryu Hayabusa's father, Ken, has just been murdered in combat. It is too late when Ryu finds the note that his father left him. Fearing that he may not return home again, Ken instructs Ryu to leave for America in search for one Walter Smith, who may explain more of the journey to be taken. Ryu must take the Hayabusas' secret heirloom, the Dragon Sword, in order to succeed on his quest. It is on this journey that Ryu learns the power of the mystical Demon Statues, which are in high demand with other powers working against him.
Ryu, star of Tecmo's Ninja Gaiden series, is a ninja who gains experience while on his journey. While traveling on his quest for revenge Ryu discovers the truth behind his father's death, and the power contained in the sword he carries. Through the story Ryu shows calm and experienced maneuvers in the decisions he makes. His sense of honour never falters in his fights, nor does it hold him back. A streak of impatience has often gotten him into troublesome situations.
While appearing in the Ninja Gaiden trilogy Ryu is also part of Tecmo's own Dead or Alive series, in which he vies for victory in the DOA World Tournament. Fueled by the disappearance of his best friend's sister Kasumi, Ryu once again enters the world of combat in the first Dead or Alive.
As a DOA character Ryu is considered top-tier, having exceptional reaction and execution time. Having a jack of all trades status, his weakness is in his inability to deal large amounts of damage with each hit. Using the environment to the player's advantage is integral to using Ryu effectively.
Quote
"Who are they... They seem to be following me..."
Selected game appearances
NES
- Ninja Gaiden (1988)
- Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (1990)
- Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom (1991)
Arcade
- Dead or Alive (1996)
Dreamcast
- Dead or Alive 2 (2000)
Xbox
- Dead or Alive 3 (2001)
- Ninja Gaiden (2004)
Xbox 360
- Dead or Alive 4 (2005)
References
- Wikipedia - "Ryu Hayabusa"
- The Ninja Gaiden Homepage
- Ninja Gaiden instruction manual
