View source for Ryo Sakazaki

{{Short description|Fictional character}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Ryo Sakazaki
| image = Ryosakazakiogurapromotion.png
| caption = Ryo Sakazaki artwork by Tomohiro Nakata
| firstgame = ''[[Art of Fighting (video game)|Art of Fighting]]'' (1992)
| series = [[Art of Fighting]], [[Fatal Fury]] and [[The King of Fighters]]
| creator = [[Hiroshi Matsumoto (game designer)|Hiroshi Matsumoto]], [[Takashi Nishiyama]]
| designer = [[Shinkiro]]<ref name="shinkiro"/> [[Hiroaki Hashimoto]] ("Mr. Karate")
| voice = {{Collapsible list|title=[[English language|English]] |Alden Crews (''AOF'' anime)|Craig Lee Thomas (''FF:COTW'')}}{{Collapsible list|title=[[Japanese language|Japanese]] |Masaki Usui (''AOF'' – ''Neo Geo Battle Coliseum'', ''KOF XIII'')|[[Tetsuya Bessho]] (''AOF'' anime)| [[Akira Kamiya]] (Dengeki Bunko drama CD) |Masayoshi Kozaki (''KOF XII'')|Daiki Takakura (''KOF XIV'' onwards)|[[Subaru Kimura]] (''KOF for Girls'')}}
| portrayer =
| occupation = Kokurenryu Karate instructor
| origin = Japan
| nationality = Japanese-American
| fighting_style = Kyokugenryu Karate
| family = [[Art of Fighting#Takuma Sakazaki|Takuma Sakazaki]] (father)<br />[[Yuri Sakazaki]] (sister)
}}
{{nihongo|'''Ryo Sakazaki'''|[[Katakana]]: リョウ・サカザキ; [[Kanji]]: {{ruby|坂崎 亮|さかざき りょう}}|Sakazaki Ryō|lead=yes}} is a character introduced in the 1992 [[fighting game]] ''[[Art of Fighting (video game)|Art of Fighting]]'' developed by [[SNK]]. In the ''[[Art of Fighting]]'' series, Ryo is depicted as a skilled martial artist who practices his family's fighting style, {{nihongo|Kyokugenryu Karate|極限流空手|lead=yes}}, taught by his father [[Takuma Sakazaki|Takuma]]. After his younger sister [[Yuri Sakazaki|Yuri]] disappears, Ryo and his best friend [[Robert Garcia (Art of Fighting)|Robert Garcia]] search South Town to find her, facing several opponents along the way. While the series follows Ryo's journey as a protector of those he loves, he also regularly appears in the crossover series ''[[The King of Fighters]]'', in which he participates in fighting tournaments to promote the Kyokugenryu Karate. He also appears in other SNK games as an older fighter named {{nihongo|'''Mr. Karate'''|Mr.カラテ|lead=yes}} influenced by his father Takuma. Additionally, he features in several [[manga]] adaptations and appears in the [[anime]] [[original video animation|OVA]] adaptation of ''Art of Fighting''.

SNK developers [[Hiroshi Matsumoto (game designer)|Hiroshi Matsumoto]] and [[Takashi Nishiyama]] created Ryo as a homage to [[Ryu (Street Fighter)|Ryu]]; the team that produced the [[Street Fighter (video game)|first game in the franchise]] left [[Capcom]] to join SNK to produce other games. Ryo's inclusion in ''The King of Fighters'' series was decided immediately by the staff as the company wanted to employ characters from its other series in crossover games. SNK artist [[Hiroaki Hashimoto]] was responsible for his alter-ego Mr. Karate's design as he wanted to create a new design distinctly different from the original. Multiple voice actors have portrayed Ryo throughout his different appearances.

Video game publications have both praised and criticized Ryo's character. Although Ryo has been criticized for his similarities to the ''Street Fighter'' characters, several reviewers have praised his development in several SNK games such as his introduction in ''[[Fatal Fury Special]]'' and ''The King of Fighters'' as one of the first crossover characters. Ryo served as a model for the development of [[Dan Hibiki]], a joke character in the ''Street Fighter'' series due to similar designs.

==Creation==
[[File:Patrick Swayze - 1990 Grammy Awards (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|left|The designers modeled Ryo after Patrick Swayze's appearance.]]
Ryo Sakazaki was created by [[Hiroshi Matsumoto (game designer)|Hiroshi Matsumoto]] and [[Takashi Nishiyama]] as an homage to the [[Capcom]] character [[Ryu (Street Fighter)|Ryu]] because during the release of the game, some members from the original ''[[Street Fighter (video game)|Street Fighter]]'' video game from Capcom moved to SNK.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WeVVEAAAQBAJ&dq=ryo+sakazaki&pg=PA24|title=The Sega Mega Drive & Genesis Encyclopedia|year=2021|publisher=Pen & Sword Books|author=Scullion, Chris|isbn=9781526746603|access-date=October 1, 2024|archive-date=October 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008212644/https://books.google.com/books?id=WeVVEAAAQBAJ&dq=ryo%20sakazaki&pg=PA24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/the-man-who-created-street-fighter?pager.offset=3|title=The Man Who Created Street Fighter|publisher=[[1Up.com|1UP.com]]|access-date=March 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414031418/http://www.1up.com/features/the-man-who-created-street-fighter?pager.offset=3|archive-date=April 14, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Artist [[Shinkiro]] has said he had no problems with designing Ryo because he related to drawing poor characters in contrast to drawing the other lead Robert Garcia whose depiction as wealthy was more of a problem.<ref name="shinkiro">{{cite web|url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/comment/remember_kof.php?num=1|title=Interview with Shinkiro|publisher=SNK Playmore|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418040335/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/comment/remember_kof.php?num=1|archive-date=April 18, 2008|access-date=September 8, 2015}}</ref> The similarities between Ryo and Ryu are addressed in the ''[[SNK vs. Capcom]]'' crossover games where they often interact.<ref>{{cite book|title=『SNK Vs.Capcom SVC Chaos Extreme Encounter』 206頁。バトル開始メッセージ集|isbn=4-7577-1618-4|year=2003|publisher=SNK|language=ja}}</ref> 

SNK staff member Youichiro Soeda said that Ryo and Robert's debut was unique to other games based on the company because the story did not focus on fighting tournaments but instead on the duo's quest to save [[Yuri Sakazaki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/08/29/how-classic-snk-fighting-game-art-of-fighting-was-born/|title=Art of Fighting Anthology hits PS4 today – find out how the series started|publisher=PlayStation Blog|access-date=January 24, 2018|date=August 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126071123/https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/08/29/how-classic-snk-fighting-game-art-of-fighting-was-born/|archive-date=January 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Matsumoto has stated that Ryo's and Robert's story are appealing to people thanks to its presentation in cutscenes in contrast to other games that were given animated or printed adaptations that explored the narrative more.<ref>{{cite book|publisher=Udon|title=ストリートファイター アートワークス 極|year=2012|pages=436 |language=ja |trans-title=Street Fighter Artworks Extreme |isbn=978-4862333810|quote=松本 当時は、ゲーム中でざっくりとした世界観だけを見せれば、あとは雑誌やコミッ クといったメディアがストーリーを補完してくれるという流れがありました。 でも、どう せならゲームの中でしっかりと物語を見せれば、普段ゲームをあまり遊ばない人たち にも訴求できると考えたんです。 設定資料集を作ったり、 TV コマーシャルをドラマ化 立てで見せたりとか。 SNKに移ってからは、そういったゲーム作りを戦略的にやって いきました。|trans-quote=Matsumoto: At that time, there was a trend that if you only showed a rough view of the world in the game, media such as magazines and comics would complement the story. However, I thought that if I could show the story in the game anyway, I could appeal to people who don't usually play games. For example, making a collection of setting materials and showing TV commercials as dramas. After I moved to SNK, I strategically worked on making games like that.}}</ref>

In the planning stage of ''[[Fatal Fury Special]]'', another SNK fighting game, bringing Ryo to the installment was elaborated by planner planner [[Yasuyuki Oda]]; He believes Ryo fits the cast due to how the franchise borrowed Desperation Moves from ''Art of Fighting'' and how it revolutionized the idea of the crossover concept that would conceptualize ''[[The King of Fighters]]''. However, as Ryo was announced at the [[Tokyo Game Show]], Oda found such an unpredicted reveal awkward; ''Fatal Fury Special'' had several issues at launch in every single console and unlocking Ryo as a hidden boss was too challenging.<ref>{{cite web |author=Nick Thorpe |date=August 12, 2022 |title=Exploring the legacy of Fatal Fury: The legendary fighting game series that's returning after 23 years |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/exploring-the-legacy-of-fatal-fury-the-legendary-fighting-game-series-thats-returning-after-23-years/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=September 13, 2024 |archive-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831024640/https://www.gamesradar.com/exploring-the-legacy-of-fatal-fury-the-legendary-fighting-game-series-thats-returning-after-23-years/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In some games starting from ''[[Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition]]'', Ryo goes by the nickname of "Mr. Karate". Artist [[Falcoon]] says this was a reference to how Ryo managed to defeat his father Takuma Sakazaki and thus became worthy of that title.<ref name="Falcoon">{{cite tweet |author=Falcoon|user=falcoon_master
 |number=868241841409277952|date=26 May 2017|title=極限流空手の創始者にして至高の拳。初代龍虎では不敗の格闘家「Mr.カラテ」という仮初の姿で息子リョウの前に立ちはだかる。初代「無敵の龍」と呼ばれた彼を打ち倒したリョウはやがて「2代目 Mr. Karate」として名を馳せるが、それはまた別のお話。早く孫を見せてあげて欲しい。|access-date=July 28, 2017|language=ja}}</ref> Writer [[Akihiko Ureshino]] originally aimed to give Ryo a bigger role in the ''Fatal Fury'' series where he would fight a revived Geese Howard but was rejected by members from editorial [[Shinseisha]]. The concept would have been villain Geese reviving and an aged Ryo settles things with him.<ref name="scrap">{{cite web|url=https://note.com/ureshino_te/n/nfedfcbc3c9fb|title=【SNK】リョウとのなれそめ【餓狼】|website=Ureshino Te|date=January 12, 2022|access-date=September 13, 2024|language=Japanese|archive-date=October 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008212651/https://note.com/ureshino_te/n/nfedfcbc3c9fb|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Ryo was first voiced by Masaki Usui. Starting in 2016 with ''The King of Fighters XIV'', Usui was replaced by Daiki Takakura who wanted to promote his character's appearances.<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Takakura|first=Daiki|user=kenn811|number=1156569515519545345|date=July 31, 2019 |script-title=ja:ということで！僭越ながらリョウ・サカザキ、やらせて頂いております！！1年、応援とPRせざるを得ない！！|access-date=October 20, 2019|language=ja}}</ref> Takakura believes his role as Ryo is important because the character appeared on multiple generations of consoles and he wanted to keep its traditional style despite having a different voice.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.topics.or.jp/articles/-/170487|title=高倉大輝さん(声優・ナレーター)|publisher=Topics|access-date=October 20, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021010954/https://www.topics.or.jp/articles/-/170487|archive-date=October 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> For the [[otome game]], ''The King of Fighters: For Girls'', [[Subaru Kimura]] voices the character.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/articles/2658/|title=『KOF』の女性向け『KOF乙女』発表。友情あり恋愛ありのイケメン格闘家育成ゲーム|website=dengekionline.com|date=June 12, 2019|access-date=November 10, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910062014/https://dengekionline.com/articles/2658/|archive-date=September 10, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Alden Crews voiced Ryo in the English dub of the anime special.<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Ryo Sakazaki Voices (Art of Fighting) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Art-of-Fighting/Ryo-Sakazaki/ |website=Behind The Voice Actors |access-date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511090151/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Art-of-Fighting/Ryo-Sakazaki/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Portrayal and design===
[[File:MrKaratesecond.png|thumb|500px|Not satisfied with the original Ryo (left), Hiroaki Hashimoto redesigned him as middleaged warrior for ''Buriki One'' (middle) and ''Wild Ambition'' (right).]]
The character was modeled after American actor [[Patrick Swayze]].<ref>{{cite magazine |issue=80 |magazine=Gamest |publisher=Shinsueisha|title=The King of Fighters Characters - KOF '94-97 Complete recording of all 45 character setting materials|date=1997|url=https://archive.org/details/kof-characters-kof-94-97-zen-45-chara-settei-shiryou-kanzen-shuuroku_202207/KOF%20Characters%20KOF%20%2794-%2797%20Zen%2045%20Chara%20Settei%20Shiryou%20Kanzen%20Shuuroku/page/n27/mode/2up|quote=Q: モデルになった人はいますか？ A: パトリック・スウェイジです。 "Q: Is there any particular person that you served as your model?  A: Patrick Swayze."}}</ref> Often dealing with his school in ''Art of Fighting'' and ''The King of Fighters'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/history/kof94_story/index.php|title=KOF 94 Art of Fighting team story|publisher=The King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website|access-date=January 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080715100049/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/history/kof94_story/index.php|archive-date=July 15, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> by the time of ''[[Garou: Mark of the Wolves]]'', Ryo is still in his position as the head of Kyokugen-ryu karate, and he retreats to the mountains to train. Ureshino claims the goal is not to reach the goal of being the strongest, but rather he is the type who wants to keep getting stronger, even if it is just a little at a time. As a result, Ureshino describes Ryo as a man who will find it difficult in modern society and never marries his love interest [[List of Fatal Fury characters#King|King]].<ref name="basicmoves">{{cite web|url=https://note.com/ureshino_te/n/n66de5d8dde5d|title=【SNK】リョウと極限流【龍虎】|website=Ureshino Te|date=June 16, 2023|access-date=September 13, 2024|language=Japanese|archive-date=October 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008212654/https://note.com/ureshino_te/n/n66de5d8dde5d|url-status=live}}</ref> The developers added that ''[[The King of Fighters '94]]'' was created with the idea of having Ryo fighting against [[Terry Bogard]], the lead character of the ''Fatal Fury'' series.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Previews: The King of Fighters XII|magazine=[[Game Informer]] |year=2009 |issn=1067-6392|issue=191}}</ref> Ryo and Yuri do not tend to be unable to get involved in the main story and end up in comical roles in contrast to the more serious style from ''Art of Fighting''.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604124938/http://www.snkplaymore.jp/blog/ureshino/archives/2006/02/art_of_fight.html|url=http://www.snkplaymore.jp/blog/ureshino/archives/2006/02/art_of_fight.html|title=Art of Fight！|website=SNK Playmore|access-date=September 13, 2024|archive-date=June 4, 2011 }}</ref> In regards to the masked Mr. Karate from the spin-off ''Maximum Impact 2'', Ureshino decided to give him the age of 49, making him the oldest character of the title.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604123736/http://www.snkplaymore.jp/blog/ureshino/archives/2006/05/post_45.html|url=http://www.snkplaymore.jp/blog/ureshino/archives/2006/05/post_45.html|title=年齢の話|website=SNK Playmore|access-date=September 13, 2024|archive-date=June 4, 2011|language=Japanese}}</ref> 

Ryo's appearance changes among games. He is normally blonde, and wears a vermilion or orange gi first tailored by her. Beneath the orange gi, he wears a black shirt, which was omitted in ''Art of Fighting 2''. He keeps wearing his original ''Art of Fighting'' design in both ''Fatal Fury Special'' and all ''The King of Fighters'' games.<ref name=buriki/> Ryo's redesign as middle-aged was created by SNK artist [[Hiroaki Hashimoto]] who oversaw the character designs in ''[[Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition]]'' and ''[[Buriki One]]'' as he disliked the original look. The biggest change was Ryo's clothes, which featured more black and give him more facial hair symbolizing his older age.<ref name="karate">{{cite web|url=http://shmuplations.com/snkartists/|title=The Illustrators of SNK – 2001 Developer Interview|publisher=Shmuplations|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104013701/http://shmuplations.com/snkartists/|archive-date=January 4, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Hiroaki believed that black clothing made Ryo's face stand out.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Hiroaki Hashimoto|user=SUPER_HIROAKI|number=1300640142332317696 |date=September 1, 2020 |title=ありがとうございます。虎煌拳が飛ばないのが気になりそうだったので、道着の色は絶対変えようと思ってたのですが、白か黒で迷いました。リョウの顔が映える黒にして正解だったと思います。|language=ja|access-date=February 21, 2025}}</ref> Changing the design of a central and popular SNK character was risky, but Hiroaki's seniors gave him freedom with the stipulation that the design should look cool.<ref name="remake">{{cite tweet |author=Hiroaki Hashimoto|user=SUPER_HIROAKI|number=1290298856140206080 |date=August 3, 2020 |title=SNKを代表する人気キャラのデザインを変える？普通だったら怒られて終わりですよね。ところが当時の上司や先輩から「やってみろ、でも絶対カッコ良くしろよ！」と言ってもらえまして・・・「リョウ・サカザキ」は「坂崎リョウ」になりました。|language=ja|access-date=February 21, 2025}}</ref> He is specifically written to be 32 years old because "he is physically and mentally accomplished as a fighter".<ref name=buriki>旧SNK『武力 〜Buriki One〜』公式ホームページ内 {{cite web|url-status=live |title=質問回答コーナー |url=http://www.neogeo.co.jp/buriki-one/q_a/q_a.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001117030900/http://www.neogeo.co.jp/buriki-one/q_a/q_a.htm |archive-date=2000-11-17}}</ref>

His normal costume for the ''Maximum Impact'' series is the same as the martial arts uniform he has worn in ''Art of Fighting'', ''The King of Fighters'' and ''Fatal Fury Special''. There is a change of mood concerning his "Color F" reminiscent of [[Haohmaru]] from ''[[Samurai Shodown]]''. Regarding his "Color G~H", his refined sense is shown through his braided hat, ruler, and mountain ascetic style.<ref>{{Cite book | date=June 17, 2006  |page=64|  title=The King of Fighters Maximum Impact Artbook| language=ja | publisher=[[SNK Playmore]] | isbn=978-4-7973-3543-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/008-scan-0004}}</ref> For the "Mr. Karate" incarnation of Ryo, his Normal has been given a'' [[tengu]]'' mask, which is reminiscent of his father Takuma. With his "Another" incarnation there is a stylish change of clothing based on his ''Wild Ambition'' look. The color combination of his shirt is standard, but there is also a version just like his "Color E" with a design on his back. "Color G" appears as a style that brings to mind the clothing of Robert.<ref>{{Cite book | date=June 17, 2006  |page=64|  title=The King of Fighters Maximum Impact Artbook| language=ja | publisher=[[SNK Playmore]] | isbn=978-4-7973-3543-9 |quote="In Normal, he wears a gi and a Tengu mask, reminiscent of his father, Takuma, but in Another he appears in a stylish change of clothes. The basic combination is a gi with sandals and a shirt, but there is also a version with a pattern on the back, like Color E. In Color G, he appears in a style inspired by the costume of Robert, the strongest tiger, who also did not participate this year. In Color H, he wears a Kyogen-style costume, just like Tengu.}}</ref> In the 2016 game ''[[The King of Fighters XIV]]'' a costume depicting Ryo's appearance in ''Wild Ambition'' was originally supposed to appear as one of the DLC alternate costumes but was debunked.<ref>{{Cite book | year= 2016 | title=The King of Fighters XIV artbook | publisher=SNK|quote=Alternate costumes 1/3|page=68}}</ref>

===Gameplay===
Ryo's fighting style is known as the Kyokugenryu Karate which he practices with Robert and his family. He earns the nickname, {{nihongo|"The Invincible Dragon"|無敵の龍|Muteki no Ryū}} because of his remarkable use of his fighting style.<ref>{{cite video game|level=Intro sequence|title=Art of Fighting 3|developer=SNK |publisher=[[SNK]] |date=1996-03-12|platform=Neo Geo }}</ref> Ryo's basic move is the projectile {{nihongo|Ko-Ou Ken|虎煌拳|lit. "Tiger Spark/Gleam Fist"}} which frequently appears differently in several games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://neogeomuseum.snk-corp.co.jp/blog/archives/2010/05/post_8.html|website=SNK|title=リョウ・サカザキ|language=Japanese|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-date=March 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327145445/http://neogeomuseum.snk-corp.co.jp/blog/archives/2010/05/post_8.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Game designer [[Nobuyuki Kuroki]] joined SNK and to oversee his animations in the third game of the series as he claims always admired previous works.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Nobuyuki Kuroki|user=NobuyukiKuroki|number=892524836387299329 |date=August 1, 2017 |title=Happy birthday Ryo. If he doesn't exist I will not make probably the video games. リョウがいなかったらゲームの仕事をしていなかっただろうなー#KOF14 #Art of Fighting|language=ja|access-date=November 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |user=TeamPowerGeyser|number=1162259978310172672 |date=August 16, 2019|title=Happy Birthday Nobuyuki Kuroki! @NobuyukiKuroki has worked on AOF, Fatal Fury and KOF series, including KOF XIV and Samurai Shodown (2019)! His debut work at SNK was the "invincible dragon" Ryo Sakazaki. Congratulations on your birthday and your work that we admire so much!|access-date=November 8, 2019}}</ref> 

For ''[[The King of Fighters '94]]'', the developers had difficulty balancing Ryo and Robert against the other characters and aimed to do so without removing any of their special moves. However, Ryo was said to be one of the game's strongest characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=ryo|title=Ryo Sakazaki official profile|publisher=The King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website|access-date=March 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207202146/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=ryo|archive-date=February 7, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> From ''[[The King of Fighters '96]]'' onwards, Tiago Oviedo Frosi noted Ryo imitates Oyama's fighting pose while also borrowing elements from the [[Wadō-ryū]] karate created by Hironori Ōtsuka who was inspired by the Shotokan as well as the [[Jujutsu]].<ref name="analsys">{{cite web|url=https://lume.ufrgs.br/handle/10183/18827|title=Os reis da luta : representações do karate nos jogos digitais|work=Repositorio Digital|language=Portuguese|access-date=October 7, 2024|author=Frosi, Tiago Oviedo|year=2019|hdl=10183/18827 |archive-date=October 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008214446/https://lume.ufrgs.br/handle/10183/18827|url-status=live}}</ref> The developers for ''[[The King of Fighters XIII]]'' wanted to distance Ryo's style from those of Robert Garcia and Takuma Sakazaki since both employ the same techniques. Ryo's moves were designed to show his strength. His moves leave him open which resulted in the designers balancing his character by creating a stronger version of his Tiger Fist for easier combos. His "Neo Max" move, the strongest type of move in the game, has the image of being {{nihongo|One Blow Guaranteed Kill |一撃必殺|Ichigeki Hissatsu}}, so his moves were finalized without difficulty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof-xiii/blog/archives/2010/07/post_18.html|title=チーム紹介 龍虎チーム|publisher=[[SNK Playmore]]|access-date=January 28, 2018|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128190600/http://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof-xiii/blog/archives/2010/07/post_18.html|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ''TheGamer'' noted his appearance in ''[[The King of Fighters XV]]'' abandoned his ''KOF '96'' stance from previous games in favor of his original ''Art of Fighting'' look, resulting in a bigger muscle tone as a result.<ref name="thegamer">{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/king-of-fighters-15-ryo-robert-trailer/|title=The King Of Fighters 15's Ryo And Robert Trailer Sends Its Regards To Street Fighter's Dan|website=The Gamer|date=May 9, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2024|archive-date=May 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531011022/https://www.thegamer.com/king-of-fighters-15-ryo-robert-trailer/|url-status=live}}</ref> 

In ''Buriki One'', Ryo's gameplay was developed to convey a sense of realism alongside the rest of the cast to the point he cannot perform projectile maneuvers.<ref>{{cite web|title=武力 ～BURIKI ONE～|url=https://snkpd.2-d.jp/buriki/buriki.html|website=SNK|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-date=August 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817203709/http://snkpd.2-d.jp/buriki/buriki.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In his other appearances as Mr. Karate, Ryo uses both his original moves as well as Takuma's.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snkpd.2-d.jp/record/507.html|title=2005年7月の更新履歴|publisher=SNKPD|language=Japanese|access-date=October 9, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109092200/https://snkpd.2-d.jp/record/507.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Appearances ==
===In video games===
In the first ''[[Art of Fighting]]'', Ryo and his best friend [[Robert Garcia (Art of Fighting)|Robert Garcia]] go on a mission to save the former's sister, [[Yuri Sakazaki|Yuri]], who was kidnapped by [[Art of Fighting#Mr. Big|Mr. Big]], a local criminal mastermind.<ref>{{cite video game|level=Scene 7 The Factory|title=Art of Fighting|developer=SNK |publisher=SNK |date=1992-09-24 |quote='''Mr. Big:'''Yuri, about that girl. She's almost done climbing the stairway to heaven.|platform=Neo Geo }}</ref> The two martial artists manage to confront Mr. Big, leading him to a karate dojo where a masked man challenges the two to a fight. When Ryo prevails, Yuri appears to stop Ryo and reveals that the masked man is their father, [[List of Art of Fighting characters#Takuma Sakazaki|Takuma]].<ref>{{cite video game|level=Scene 8|title=Art of Fighting|developer=SNK |publisher=[[SNK]] |date=September 24, 1992 |quote='''Yuri:''' Stop it Ryo!/'''Ryo:'''Yuri, are you okay? I've been worried about you./'''Robert:''' Yuri!!/'''Yuri:'''Yeah, I'm allright. Listen to me Ryo, that man is our...|platform=Neo Geo }}</ref> In the second game, ''[[Art of Fighting 2]]'', Takuma reveals that the mafia overlord [[Geese Howard]] turned him into an assassin. With the Sakazaki family reunited, they, along with Robert, are focused on exacting their revenge on Geese and providing justice to those Geese had wronged.<ref>{{cite video game|level=Ryo Sakazaki background|title=Art of Fighting 2|developer=SNK |publisher=[[SNK]] |date=September 2, 1994 |quote="Son of the creator of "Kyoku Gen Karate", Takuma Sakazaki, he has been passing the previous year since the rescue of his cute kid sister Yuri. Hearing of the mysterious "King Of Fighters" competition in Southtown is part of Geeses's plot, he ventures once again to his old hunting grounds."|platform=Neo Geo }}</ref> While entering into Geese's tournament, The King of Fighters, Ryo defeats Geese who manages to escape with help from his assistants.<ref>{{cite video game|level=Ryo Sakazaki ending|title=Art of Fighting 2|developer=SNK |publisher=[[SNK]] |date=September 2, 1994 |quote='''Ryo:''' I will never forgive you!/'''Geese:''' Heh! It's all over./'''Ryo:''' Eat this! Ha oh... waaah. What the heck...!/'''Geese's Bodyguard:''' This way, Mr. Geese./'''Geese:''' I have lost this time, but I'll be back. For now my farewell.../'''Ryo:''' Wait! Where...? Geese!!!|platform=Neo Geo }}</ref> In ''[[Art of Fighting 3: The Path of the Warrior]]'', Ryo acts as a supporting character to Robert, as the game focuses on Robert and Yuri's worldwide search for their missing friend. In his ending, Ryo expressed approval of Robert and Yuri's apparent relationship.<ref>{{cite video game|level=Ryo playthrough, pre 2nd battle|title=Art of Fighting 3|developer=SNK |publisher=[[SNK]] |date=March 12, 1996|platform=Neo Geo }}</ref> 

Ryo also appears as a guest character in ''[[Fatal Fury Special]]'', an updated version of ''[[Fatal Fury 2]]''. He appears as a hidden opponent at the end of the single-player mode and is a playable character in the home versions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.garou15th.com/character/ryo.php|title=リョウ・サカザキ|publisher=Fatal Fury 15th Anniversary Official Website|access-date=January 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222080321/http://www.garou15th.com/character/ryo.php|archive-date=December 22, 2008|url-status=live|language=ja}}</ref> In the [[PlayStation]] version of ''[[Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition]]'', Ryo uses the title of "Mr. Karate", as an aged and more powerful version of the character.<ref name="wild"/> In ''[[Garou: Mark of the Wolves]]'' he is mentioned indirectly by his student, [[Marco Rodrigues (Fatal Fury)|Marco Rodrigues]] and he later makes an appearance in Marco's ending in ''[[Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves]]''.<ref>{{cite video game|level=Khushnood Butt ending|quote='''Khushwood:''' Whoo hoo! I won! Simply deee-licious! I'm one step closer to equalling Master Ryo!|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves|developer=SNK |publisher=[[SNK]] |date=November 1999|platform=Arcade}}</ref> 

Ryo is a member of the Art of Fighting Team in ''[[The King of Fighters]]'' series in his young form from ''Art of Fighting''. Despite multiple changes to the team roster, Ryo remains a core member, seeking to promote his karate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/history/kof96_story/index.php?num=ryuuko|title=KOF 96 Art of Fighting team story|publisher=The King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website|access-date=January 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516212422/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/history/kof96_story/index.php?num=ryuuko|archive-date=May 16, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/history/kof99_story/index.php?num=ryuuko|title=KOF 99 Art of Fighting team story|publisher=The King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website|access-date=January 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528113032/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/history/kof99_story/index.php?num=ryuuko|archive-date=May 28, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Across the series, Ryo develops a close friendship with his former foe, Muay Thai fighter [[List of Art of Fighting characters#King|King]], which his family supports.<ref>{{cite video game|level=Art of Fighting Team ending|title=The King of Fighters XI|developer=SNK |publisher=[[SNK]] |date=November 13, 2007 |quote='''Manager:''' What's wrong? Our policy is to see that all customers are satisfied./ '''Ryo:''' Dad, you jerk... What the hell stupid tricks are you up to now?/ '''Manager:''' I'm afraid I don't understand. On what grounds would you accuse me of such things?/ '''Ryo:''' Pretty much everything you've ever done!/ '''Manager:''' It seems that you're displeased with our establishment's service, sir./ '''Ryo:''' Would you cut the 'establishment' crap already.../ '''Waiter:''' Let us offer this by way of apology./ '''Ryo:''' ...What's this?/ '''Waiter:''' The top floor here is a hotel. We have prepared a suite for you./ '''King:''' .../ '''Ryo:''' A-are you people even listening to me?/ '''Waitress:''' The view is worth a million dollars alone./ '''Ryo:''' That's not what I'm talking about! King, this is all one big misunderstanding. Usually, embarrassing both of them./ '''King:''' You.../'''Manager:''' We?|platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> The spin-off games ''[[King of Fighters R-1]]'' and ''[[King of Fighters R-2]]'' feature Ryo as part of the South Town Team.<ref>{{cite video game|title=King of Fighters R-1|developer=SNK|platform=Neo Geo Pocket|year=1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=King of Fighters R-2|developer=SNK|platform=Neo Geo Pocket Color|year=1999}}</ref> He also appears in the spin-off ''The King of Fighters Kyo'', in which he helps the main character [[Kyo Kusanagi]] find his girlfriend Yuki.<ref>{{cite video game|title=The King of Fighters Kyo |developer=SNK|publisher=[[SNK]]|date=1999 |platform=PlayStation|level=China}}</ref> The spin-off games ''[[KOF: Maximum Impact]]'' and ''[[KOF: Maximum Impact 2|Maximum Impact 2]]'' also feature Ryo as a playable character with the latter also featuring an elder version of his "Mr. Karate" persona as a hidden character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof/character/ryo.html|title=Ryo Sakazaki|publisher=SNK|access-date=September 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201151222/http://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof/character/ryo.html|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof-mi-ra/character/chara_karate.html|title=Mr. Karate|language=Japanese|access-date=February 19, 2025|publisher=SNK|archive-date=February 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227042706/https://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof-mi-ra/character/chara_karate.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He is present in the mobile phone games ''[[The King of Fighters All Star]]'' and ''Kimi wa Hero'' with the latter as his older "Mr. Karate" persona,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://altema.jp/kofallstar/charamatome/8|title=リョウサカザキの全シリーズ評価とスキル一覧|publisher=Altima|access-date=September 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923200642/https://altema.jp/kofallstar/charamatome/8|archive-date=September 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kimihero/news/archives/2319|title=「KOFコラボ アッシュ編」開催のお知らせ|date=August 23, 2018 |publisher=SNK|access-date=September 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923200613/https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kimihero/news/archives/2319|archive-date=September 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and in his regular persona in the [[otome game]] ''King of Fighters for Girls''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-06-13/snk-victor-entertainment-reveal-king-of-fighters-for-girls-smartphone-game/.147812|title=SNK, Victor Entertainment Reveal 'King of Fighters for Girls' Smartphone Game|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613170206/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-06-13/snk-victor-entertainment-reveal-king-of-fighters-for-girls-smartphone-game/.147812|archive-date=June 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''KOF Chronicles'' mobile game features Ryo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ureshino.hatenadiary.jp/entry/2020/03/09/%E3%83%AA%E3%83%A7%E3%82%A6%E3%83%BB%E3%82%B5%E3%82%AB%E3%82%B6%E3%82%AD05|publisher=Ureshino Hatenadiary|access-date=September 15, 2024|language=ja|title=リョウ・サカザキ05|archive-date=September 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915155149/https://ureshino.hatenadiary.jp/entry/2020/03/09/%E3%83%AA%E3%83%A7%E3%82%A6%E3%83%BB%E3%82%B5%E3%82%AB%E3%82%B6%E3%82%AD05|url-status=live}}</ref> He is also playable in ''[[The Rhythm Of Fighters]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-the-rhythm-of-fighters-277252.phtml|title=Review: The Rhythm of Fighters|publisher=Destructoid|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531205039/https://www.destructoid.com/review-the-rhythm-of-fighters-277252.phtml|archive-date=May 31, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''The King of Fighters Online''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kof.gg.in.th/gameguide/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150922155008/http://kof.gg.in.th/gameguide/|archive-date=22 September 2015|title=Guide|publisher=GG|access-date=October 28, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> He again appears in his two personas in the mobile game ''The King of Fighters '98 Unlimited Match Online''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kimuti98.com/index.php?%E4%BA%8C%E4%BB%A3%E7%9B%AEMr.KARATE|title=KOF'98 UMOL攻略|publisher=Kimuit98|access-date=September 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925025927/http://kimuti98.com/index.php?%E4%BA%8C%E4%BB%A3%E7%9B%AEMr.KARATE|archive-date=September 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Ryo is also a central character in the 1999 game ''[[Buriki One]]'' in his older persona and fights in a grappling tournament, employing regular karate as his fighting style in the World Grapple Tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/official/nbc/museum/buriki/|title=武力～Buriki One World Grapple Tournament '99 in Tokyo|publisher=[[SNK Playmore]]|access-date=January 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815201039/http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/official/nbc/museum/buriki/|archive-date=August 15, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''[[NeoGeo Battle Coliseum]]'', Ryo goes by the name {{nihongo|"2nd Mr. Karate"|二代目Mr.カラテ|Nidaime Misutā Karate}}, while his look is the one used for ''Buriki One''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ignitionent.com/ngbc/main.htm|title=Neo Geo Battle Coliseum official website|publisher=[[SNK Playmore]]|access-date=August 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104041918/http://www.ignitionent.com/ngbc/main.htm|archive-date=November 4, 2006}}</ref> He also stars in the crossover video games ''[[SNK vs. Capcom]]'' in his classic look.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/newproducts/consumer/cvss2/|title=Capcom VS. SNK official website|publisher=[[Capcom]]|access-date=August 8, 2008|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808101118/http://www.capcom.co.jp/newproducts/consumer/cvss2/|archive-date=August 8, 2008}}</ref> Despite not being playable in ''[[SNK Gals' Fighters]]'' and ''[[SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy]]'', he appears in Yuri's endings.<ref>{{cite video game|title=SNK Gals' Fighters|year=2000|developer=Yumekobo|stage=Yuri Sakazaki's ending}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy|developer=SNK Playmore |publisher=[[SNK]]|year=2018|platform=PlayStation 4 |stage=Yuri Sakazaki's ending}}</ref> His appearance serves as a ''[[Chibi (style)|chibi]]'' costume for Nintendo's fighting game ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/11/06/iori-nakoruru-ryo-akira-and-jacky-bryant-join-super-smash-bros-ultimates-mii-costumes/|title=Iori, Nakoruru, Ryo, Akira, And Jacky Bryant Join Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's Mii Costumes|date=November 6, 2019|publisher=[[Siliconera]]|access-date=November 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106214321/https://www.siliconera.com/2019/11/06/iori-nakoruru-ryo-akira-and-jacky-bryant-join-super-smash-bros-ultimates-mii-costumes/|archive-date=November 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===In other media===
Ryo appears in the [[anime]] OVA version of ''Art of Fighting'' from 1993. While looking for a cat, Ryo and Robert witness a murder related to a stolen diamond. After fighting the murdering mobsters, they discover that the top mobster, Mr. Big, has kidnapped Ryo's sister to exchange her for the diamond which he believes to be in the possession of the protagonists. He is voiced by Tetsuya Besho in the Japanese version, and by Alden Crews in the English adaptation.<ref>{{cite video|date=2003|title=The Art of Fighting|type=[[DVD]]|publisher=US Manga Corps Video}}</ref> Two [[manga]]s based on the ''Art of Fighting'' games also follow Ryo and Robert's journey.<ref>{{Cite book|year=1994|author=Etsuya, Tengoshi|isbn=978-4881991220|title=Ryuko no Ken|publisher=Gamest Comics}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|year=1995|author=Etsuya, Tengoshi|isbn=978-4881991664|title=Ryuko no Ken 2|publisher=Gamest Comics}}</ref> 

Ryo also appears in the [[manhua]] adaptations from ''The King of Fighters'' series, which tells how Ryo participates in the fighting tournaments.<ref>{{cite book |last=Yen|first=Wig |title=The King of Fighters 2003 volume 1|year=2005 |publisher=Dr. Master Productions|isbn=978-1-58899-030-3}}</ref> Manga and novels based on ''KOF'' also feature Ryo but in a smaller role.<ref>{{cite book |last=Takamisaki |first=Ryo|title=ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズG|year=1997 |publisher=Shinsenga|isbn=978-4881993507|volume=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ2000―STRIKERS STRIKE BACK|year=2001|isbn=978-4757703483|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|author=Ureshino, Akihiko|language=ja}}</ref> In the CGI animated series, ''[[The King of Fighters: Destiny]]'', Ryo reprises his role from ''The King of Fighters '94'' where they meet and befriend the Esaka Team.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=The King of Fighters: Destiny|number=2 |work=iDRAGONS Creative Studio, SNK}}</ref> During the tournament, Ryo and Robert are possessed by the power of the creature Orochi but are saved by the Esaka members.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=The King of Fighters: Destiny|number=22 |work=iDRAGONS Creative Studio, SNK}}</ref> There is also an episode that shows Ryo saving Yuri from the King's forces based on the first ''Art of Fighting'' game.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=The King of Fighters: Destiny|number=20 |work=iDRAGONS Creative Studio, SNK}}</ref> He also appears in the manga ''[[The King of Fighters: A New Beginning]]'' where he faces and defeats newcomer Shun'ei.<ref>{{cite book|title=The King of Fighters: A New Beginning|year=2019|volume=3|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|isbn=978-4-06-515407-6|author=Asuma, Kyōtarō|language=ja}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Promotion and merchandise===
[[File:Ryosakazakimeme.jpg|thumb|This ''Art of Fighting'' scene involving Ryo became an internet meme that influenced marketing and gaming in general.]]
As part of an official partnership between SNK and Akiba, Ryo has appeared on an Akiba beer bottle label for one of their craft beers alongside other characters from ''Art of Fighting 3'' and ''Fatal Fury 3''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000010.000039731.html|title=個性豊かなフレーバーの秋葉原公式クラフトビール合計4種の販売決定！「Akiba Beer」と「Game Beer」が2019年4月29日&30日にベルサール秋葉原で限定先行販売開始！|date=April 26, 2019 |publisher=Pr Times|language=ja|access-date=April 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427150846/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000010.000039731.html|archive-date=April 27, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In a cutscene from the first ''Art of Fighting'' game, Ryo says {{nihongo|"I have no choice but to use the Haoh Shokoken"|覇王翔吼拳を使わざるを得ない|Haōshōkōken o tsukawazaru o enai}} while he is driving a bike in his fighting clothes. According to ''[[PR Times]]'', this became an [[internet meme]] based on how hilarious it is that a man is driving while wearing a karate gi. This became popular in some Internet communities, regardless of the excitement it generated among individuals. It then spread to the Westerns and has become one of the classic internet memes in the fighting game world,<ref name="developersallstar"/> such as marketing for the visual novel ''The King of Fighters For Girls''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000311.000028651.html|title=SNKがTGS2019の物販コーナーに出展決定！TGS2019限定商品や『THE KING OF FIGHTERS for GIRLS』のイベント先行グッズなど注目のラインアップ！|website=PRTimes|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=September 18, 2024|language=Japanese|archive-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918213001/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000311.000028651.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Ryo's birthday was parodied by SNK using marketing that also includes his bike meme.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://x.com/snk_enter/status/1285064865778827264 |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 17, 2024 |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917182127/https://x.com/snk_enter/status/1285064865778827264 |url-status=live }}</ref> Several Japanese writers for multiple websites played the game specifically to enjoy such meme.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/2102/09/news128.html|title=「覇王翔吼拳を使わざるを得ない」「････すごい漢だ。」 SNKの"ドットLINEスタンプ"が神チョイスと言わざるを得ない|website=Itmedia|access-date=September 18, 2024|language=Japanese|archive-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918213002/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/2102/09/news128.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/articles/52046/|title=覇王翔吼拳を使わざるを得ない……今夜21時は初代『龍虎の拳』で対決！|website=DengekiOnline|date=September 29, 2020|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918211816/https://dengekionline.com/articles/52046/|url-status=live}}</ref> Merchandise such as clothing based on it was developed. SNK artist [[Falcoon]] was caught by surprise when a friend showed him wearing a shirt featuring such a meme.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/falcoon_master/status/931480682718642177|title=幼馴染みと飲んでます！「買ったよ！」と着て来てくれました！ありがとうー！！|author=Falcoon|publisher=[[Twitter]]|access-date=November 17, 2017|archive-date=May 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523175158/https://twitter.com/falcoon_master/status/931480682718642177|url-status=live}}</ref> For [[Netmarble]]'s ''[[The King of Fighters All Star]]'' mobile game, the original ''Art of Fighting'' meme involving Ryo was used.<ref name="developersallstar">{{cite web|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/334/G033456/20190723069/|title=【PR】そこら中で派手にやったる――「KOF ALLSTAR」1周年に，最強の虎が吼える|website=4Gamer|access-date=September 18, 2024|language=Japanese|archive-date=October 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008212920/https://www.4gamer.net/games/334/G033456/20190723069/|url-status=live}}</ref> Developers behind ''All Star'' wondered if it was okay to use such a meme but and ended up okay to go along with celebrating the first anniversary of the game. As a result, they decided to go with "a bang".<ref name="developersallstar"/>

===Critical response===
In regards to how the media saw the character, Wesley Yin-Poole of ''Videogamer.com'' commented that Ryo and Robert are "two double-hard bastards":<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps2/art_of_fighting_anthology/review.html|title=Art of Fighting Anthology Review|publisher=Videogamer.com|date=2008-03-06|author=Yin-Poole, Wesley|access-date=2009-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122175634/http://www.videogamer.com/ps2/art_of_fighting_anthology/review.html|archive-date=2008-11-22|url-status=live}}</ref> The two were often compared to the ''[[Street Fighter]]'' protagonists Ryu and Ken Masters due to physical similarities and moves,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/community/2012/03/22/identity-theft-video-game-characters-that-look-alike/|title=Identity theft: Video-game characters that look alike|date=March 22, 2012 |publisher=[[VentureBeat]]|access-date=November 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108222049/https://venturebeat.com/community/2012/03/22/identity-theft-video-game-characters-that-look-alike/|archive-date=November 8, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25805/twenty-years-of-street-fighter-ii-a-new-challenger-appears-part-1|title=Twenty Years of Street Fighter II A New Challenger Appears, Part 1|publisher=Nintendo World Report|date=March 23, 2011|author=Spencer, Spanner|access-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070957/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25805/twenty-years-of-street-fighter-ii-a-new-challenger-appears-part-1|archive-date=January 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> eventually leading Capcom to create their joke character [[Dan Hibiki]] from the ''Street Fighter''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The pathetic history of Dan Hibiki |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-pathetic-history-of-dan-hibiki/ |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |author=Reparaz, Mikel |date=February 21, 2009 |access-date=January 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010200636/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-pathetic-history-of-dan-hibiki/ |archive-date=October 10, 2012|url-status=live }}</ref> Dan was meant to be a joke about both Ryo and Robert as SNK "stole the talent" from their own company when they started making their own ''Street Fighter'' sequels.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/23/21579064/street-fighter-alpha-an-oral-history|website=Polygon|access-date=October 14, 2024|title=Street Fighter Alpha: An oral history|date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626013751/https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/23/21579064/street-fighter-alpha-an-oral-history|url-status=live}}</ref> ''IGN'' also compared Ryo with ''[[Dragon Ball]]'' characters based on the type of fighting techniques as well as designs with the former being noted to inspire ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://es.ign.com/art-of-fighting-anthology-ps2/119252/feature/el-hit-de-ayer-art-of-fighting?p=2|title=El Hit de Ayer: Art of Fighting|publisher=[[IGN]]|language=es|date=June 20, 2017|author=Hernandez, Juan E.|access-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825065237/http://es.ign.com/art-of-fighting-anthology-ps2/119252/feature/el-hit-de-ayer-art-of-fighting?p=2|archive-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|access-date=August 3, 2011|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gamespotting/030802/p1_01.html|title=The 10 Best Ways to Beat a Dead Horse |publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author-link=Greg Kasavin|author=Kasavin, Greg | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040115071349/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gamespotting/030802/p1_01.html | archive-date=2004-01-15}}</ref>''[[TheGamer]]'' said that despite the character's original popularity, if shown to a random viewer they would be confused with who he is and still believe he was a ''Dragon Ball'' character due to his design.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/snk-most-iconic-characters/|title=10 Most Iconic SNK Characters|work=TheGamer|access-date=May 21, 2025|date=May 20, 2025|author=Crudge, Chris}}</ref>  While ''AnimeOnDVD'' enjoyed the contrast between Ryo and Robert in the ''Art of Fighting'' original video animation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/2179.php|title= Art of Fighting Anime Review|publisher=AnimeOnDVD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040208081536/http://animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/2179.php|archive-date=February 8, 2004|access-date=March 21, 2016}}</ref> ''HardCoreGaming'' felt Ryo was unfaithful to the original game and "awful".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/art-of-fighting-anime/|title=Art of Fighting (Anime)|publisher=Hardcore Gaming|access-date=November 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806025435/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/art-of-fighting-anime/|archive-date=August 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Futaman Fubanet'' said that while both protagonists come across as strong characters, in the TV special they are more comical with [[Tetsuya Bessho]] providing a strong voice acting to the character.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://futaman.futabanet.jp/articles/-/125144?page=2|title=10月29日で30周年！ 子どもたちを感動させたスーパーファミコン『龍虎の拳』の凄かったところを振り返る|website=Futaman Futabanet|language=Japanese|access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> In "Os reis da luta: representações do karate nos jogos digitais", Tiago Oviedo Frosi from the [[Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul]] wrote that [[Gichin Funakoshi]]'s "[[Shōtōkan]]" is the most practiced style of Karate in the world, this was the style chosen to characterize most of the ''Street Fighter'' characters. The Kyokugenryu Ryo uses in ''Art of Fighting'' instead comes across as a fantasy version of the "knockout" [[Kyokushinkaikan]] created by [[Mas Oyama]] who serves as an influence for both Ryu's and Takuma's characters. The writer noted that the character Ryo was a creation of SNK to openly oppose the ''Street Fighter'' series and Ryu. Ryo's style is noted to be influenced by [[Gōgen Yamaguchi]] which contrasts Ryu's Mas Oyama when they are put in crossover games.<ref name="analsys"/> Frosi and Felipe Frosi from [[Universidade Federal do Ceará]] noted Ryo was a major contrast to his sister who came across as a replica of the idealized stereotype for women. As a result, Ryo comes across as a sexist who contrast the more modern views of a woman when opposing her growth as a warrior.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://repositorio.ufc.br/bitstream/riufc/26413/1/2017_tcc_cgdescruz.pdf.pdf|title=GÊNERO EM JOGO: A REPRESENTATIVIDADE DA MULHER ATRAVÉS DO|page=65|access-date=January 28, 2025|work=Universidade Federal do Ceará|archive-date=May 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519224217/https://repositorio.ufc.br/bitstream/riufc/26413/1/2017_tcc_cgdescruz.pdf.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Capcom also had complaints about Ryo's and Terry Bogard's projectile technique Ko-Ou Ken and Power Wave, respectively, were executed with the same imput as Ryu and Ken's [[Hadoken]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thrillingtalesofoldvideogames.com/blog/akira-nishitani-capcom-data-east-lawsuit|title=Did Akira Nishitani Lie in the 1994 Capcom vs. Data East Lawsuit?|date=May 15, 2025|access-date=July 23, 2025|website=ThrillingTalesofVideoGames}}</ref> 

The character has also been popular for his crossover appeal in ''Fatal Fury'' and ''The King of Fighters''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2012/06/25/reportajes/1340604600_097272.html|website=Meristation|title=Regreso al Pasado: The King of Fighters, Round 1|language=Spanish|date=June 25, 2012|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=October 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008212912/https://as.com/meristation/2012/06/25/reportajes/1340604600_097272.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' said Ryo's popularity in ''Fatal Fury Special'' was so famous that it inspired the concept of ''The King of Fighters'' whereas the ''Capcom VS. SNK'' was also popular for making the ''Art of Fighting'' duo be able to face their own parody, Dan Hibiki.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming/what-is-fatal-fury-1235324030/|title=How the Spiritual Sequel to 'Street Fighter' Became One of Gaming's Most Influential Series|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=April 27, 2025|date=April 24, 2025|author=Fanelli, Jason}}</ref> ''[[Den of Geek]]'' regarded his debut in ''Fatal Fury Special'' as the "first real fighting game crossover".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/fighting-games/254746/the-25-best-fighting-game-guest-characters|title=The 25 Best Fighting Game Guest Characters|publisher=[[Den of Geek]]|author=Jaspin, Gasper|date=July 13, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918051211/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/fighting-games/254746/the-25-best-fighting-game-guest-characters|archive-date=September 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Gabriel Keene Von Koenig from [[Centro Universitário de Brasília]] Soares notes that Ryo's inclusion in the ''Fatal Fury Special'' was iconic due to the iconic music SNK put in the game when Ryo appeared as a hidden boss.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://repositorio.uniceub.br/jspui/handle/123456789/1851|title=Novas possibilidades em metalinguagem|year=2006|author=Soares, Gabriel Keene Von Koenig|journal=Centro Universitário de Brasília|access-date=October 7, 2024|language=Portuguese|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025143314/https://repositorio.uniceub.br/jspui/handle/123456789/1851|url-status=live}}</ref> Souya Shinsuke from ''Futabanet'' drew parallels between Ryo and [[Akuma (Street Fighter)|Akuma]] from ''[[Super Street Fighter II Turbo]]'' due to their iconic hidden inclusions which were made nearly the same time and both were the first fighting games to include such option. Both Ryo and Akuma stand out for giving the player a notable challenge to unlock but the writer still found them enjoyable to find despite admitting he also did not meet requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://futaman.futabanet.jp/articles/-/127843|title=リョウ・サカザキに豪鬼も「やっと出せたけど…強すぎる！」人気格闘ゲーム「隠しキャラ」初登場時の絶大インパクト|website=Futaman Futabanet|access-date=February 14, 2025|language=Japanese|archive-date=December 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223231728/https://futaman.futabanet.jp/articles/-/127843|url-status=live}}</ref> Ryo becoming a middle-aged fighter in ''[[Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition]]'' was noted to be more fitting to the story by ''Hardcore Gaming'' as it fits with the series' chronology more than ''Fatal Fury Special'' which had his adult persona.<ref name="wild">{{cite web|url=https://www.hardcoregaming101.net/fatal-fury-intro-characters/|title=Fatal Fury Intro Characters|access-date=January 30, 2025}}</ref> 

The site ''[[Hobby Consolas]]'' noted that Ryo debuted in ''The King of Fighters '94'' and surprised fans due to the crossover appeal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/hobbyconsolas/docs/king_of_fighters_94/1?ff&e=11254155/11210731|title=The King of Fighters '94|access-date=September 23, 2018|publisher=[[Hobby Consolas]]|archive-date=May 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523175151/https://issuu.com/hobbyconsolas/docs/king_of_fighters_94/1?ff&e=11254155/11210731|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Atomix'' found Ryo's inclusion in Team Mexico confusing for the game since the character happens to be Japanese-American in contrast to Mexican fighters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://atomix.vg/los-representantes-mexicanos-en-the-king-of-fighters/|title=Los representantes mexicanos en The King of Fighters|website=Atomix|language=Spanish|access-date=February 9, 2025}}</ref> ''Den of Geek'' criticized Ryo's ''KOF'' characterization as one of the worst-developed characters due to how he plays the role of the "straight man".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/king-of-fighters/258397/king-of-fighters-ranking-all-the-characters/page/0/2|title=King of Fighters: Ranking All the Characters|publisher=[[Den of Geek]]|date=November 14, 2016|access-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702205121/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/king-of-fighters/258397/king-of-fighters-ranking-all-the-characters/page/0/2|archive-date=July 2, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> His victory quote from ''[[The King of Fighters '98]]'' "Absolute karate. That's Kyokugen. And don't forget it, dweebenheimer" has become known as one of SNK's weirdest localization as dweebenheimer has no meaning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/strangest-localizations-classic-video-games/|title=7 Strangest Localizations of Classic Video Games|website=Game Rant|access-date=September 19, 2024|date=March 25, 2024|archive-date=October 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008212924/https://gamerant.com/strangest-localizations-classic-video-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> In regards to the character's relationship with King, ''Thrilling Tales of Old Video Games'' lamented the two were portrayed as ambiguous towards each other despite Yuri's attempt to make their dinner in ''The King of Fighters XI'' be romantic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thrillingtalesofoldvideogames.com/blog/king-art-of-fighting-snk-gay|title=Somehow, King from Art of Fighting Is Not a Gay Character|website=Thrilling Tales of Old Video Games|date=July 25, 2025|access-date=July 29, 2025}}</ref> Tiago Oviedo Frosi said the handling of Mr. Karate's ego by Ryo and Takuma is noted to be influenced by the religion [[Shintoism]], which inspired the mask of the [[Tengu]] creature that Takuma and Ryo often wear.<ref name="analsys"/> Outside ''Art of Fighting'' and ''KOF'', Ryo was noted to stand out thanks to his guest appearance in ''Buriki One''.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Neo Geo Freak|date=November 1999|publisher=SNK|page=126|language=ja|title=Buriki One|issue=48|url=https://archive.org/details/neogeofreak0048/page/n41/mode/2up}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Neo Geo Freak|date=November 1999|publisher=SNK|page=58|language=ja|title=Buriki One|issue=51|url=https://archive.org/details/neogeofreak0051/page/n59/mode/2up}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{wikiquote inline}}

{{Art of Fighting|state=expanded}}
{{Fatal Fury}}
{{King of Fighters characters}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sakazaki, Ryo}}
[[Category:Fatal Fury characters]]
[[Category:Fictional Japanese people in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional karateka]]
[[Category:Male characters in video games]]
[[Category:The King of Fighters characters]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1992]]
[[Category:Video game mascots]]
[[Category:Art of Fighting characters]]