CAN RYU WIN A MAJOR TOURNAMENT?

Summary

The UFA Grand Finals showcased an intense battle between Shia High and Kusanagi, with Kusanagi using Ryu in an unconventional, rush-down style that surprised the crowd. Despite Ryu being considered less viable by many, Kusanagi's aggressive play, smart use of Drive Rush, and Perfect Parry demonstrated the character's untapped potential. His victory not only secured him a spot at the Capcom Cup but also proved that with the right playstyle, even characters deemed 'weak' can dominate. Shia High, despite his best efforts, couldn't hold off Kusanagi's relentless offense. This match was a thrilling testament to creativity and strategy in competitive Street Fighter.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Grand Finals of UFA are underway, featuring Shia High from the Street Fighter community and Kusanagi from France, both vying for a spot in the Capcom Cup.
• 😀 Shia High, a top player known for his mastery of top-tier characters like Ken, Cammy, and Bison, faces off against Kusanagi, who plays Ryu in a very aggressive and rushdown style.
• 😀 Kusanagi's approach to playing Ryu differs from the norm, opting for offensive, smothering tactics instead of traditional zoning with fireballs, surprising many spectators.
• 😀 Despite Ryu often being considered a weaker character, Kusanagi challenges this perception by demonstrating his ability to win high-stakes matches with him.
• 😀 The match is filled with intense moments, such as Shia High's ability to consistently counter and punish with precise moves like the DP (Dragon Punch) and his excellent defense.
• 😀 Kusanagi’s playstyle emphasizes Ryu's offensive potential, utilizing techniques like drive rushes and overheads to break through Shia High's defenses.
• 😀 Shia High shows resilience, coming close to making significant comebacks, but Kusanagi remains consistent and adapts to Shia High's defensive strategies.
• 😀 Kusanagi’s victory at UFA not only earns him qualification for the Capcom Cup but also proves that unconventional playstyles with lesser-used characters can succeed.
• 😀 The commentary highlights how Kusanagi managed to avoid getting caught in typical defensive traps, using his rushdown style to pressure Shia High into difficult situations.
• 😀 In the final moments, Kusanagi secures the win with a calculated level 3 super move, leaving Shia High defeated but still showing respect for Kusanagi's performance.

Q & A

What makes Kusanagi's playstyle with Ryu stand out in this match?

Kusanagi's playstyle with Ryu is unconventional, as he uses Ryu aggressively with offensive rush-down tactics, rather than relying solely on zoning with fireballs. His aggressive use of drive rush and perfect parries keeps his opponent, Shia High, on the defensive and forces constant guesses on defense.

How does Shia High respond to Kusanagi's pressure in the match?

Shia High struggles to adapt to Kusanagi's unique style, making defensive mistakes such as failing to punish certain moves and dropping combos. Despite having a strong offense and showing moments of brilliance, Shia High is unable to maintain momentum against Kusanagi’s relentless pressure.

What was the significance of the 'reset' in the match?

The reset was a crucial turning point, as Shia High managed to recover from a 2-0 deficit and began to gain momentum. However, Kusanagi remained composed, preventing Shia High from fully capitalizing on the reset and ultimately closing out the match with a clutch performance.

How does Kusanagi use Drive Rush in his gameplay?

Kusanagi uses Drive Rush as a tool to close distance quickly, applying constant pressure on Shia High. By utilizing it in unexpected ways, such as mixing it up with parries and attacks, he forces Shia High to constantly guess and react, keeping him on the back foot.

What role does Perfect Perry play in Kusanagi's strategy?

Perfect Perry plays a critical role in Kusanagi’s defensive strategy, allowing him to counter Shia High’s offensive attacks effectively. By reading Shia High's moves and punishing them with perfect parries, Kusanagi maintains control over the pace of the match.

Why was Kusanagi’s win significant for the Ryu community?

Kusanagi's victory was significant because Ryu is often considered a mid-tier character, and many in the community question his competitive viability. Kusanagi’s victory with Ryu, using an aggressive and unconventional approach, demonstrated that Ryu could still compete at the highest level when played creatively and effectively.

How did Kusanagi manage to deal with Shia High’s defensive tactics?

Kusanagi exploited Shia High’s defensive tendencies by consistently applying pressure, conditioning him to expect certain moves, and then catching him off guard with unexpected attacks like overheads and throws. This kept Shia High guessing and unable to comfortably defend.

What mistakes did Shia High make during the match?

Shia High made a few key mistakes, including failing to punish certain attacks, dropping combos, and not properly dealing with Kusanagi’s relentless offensive pressure. These mistakes compounded as the match went on, allowing Kusanagi to capitalize on them and secure a victory.

What role did mental composure play in the match’s outcome?

Mental composure was a crucial factor, particularly for Kusanagi. He remained focused and did not get rattled by Shia High’s occasional comebacks. In contrast, Shia High seemed to lose some composure after key mistakes, which may have contributed to his eventual loss.

How does Kusanagi's victory challenge the perception of Ryu’s strength in competitive play?

Kusanagi's victory challenges the perception that Ryu is a weak character in competitive play by showing that Ryu can be successful at high levels with a creative, offensive-focused playstyle. His win demonstrates that, despite being considered mid-tier, Ryu can excel if played with innovation and precise execution.