Free Step Dodge

Define "elite"
@Nereus: Already did. Looks a lot like the first time I watched it.

I don't know why they thought the leader of a Notorious Ninja Clan should be a complete push over.

@Nereus, lol nikkas better watch out. All that shit he's doing is unblockable!

oh nvm the red means he's in the rage mode for low health

@Brute: Elite as in in the right hand he's still a force to mess with. He's still damn good in this game.

In the right hand anyone is, as theoretically all you need to do in this game is combine ducking with the block button and defensive holds. And of course, Master demonstrates that he CAN be badass.
Why a lot of Ryu players are whining is that his playstyle is very different from how it has been traditionally.

While we all liked him being a fast rushdown guy, he's now slow and relies primarily on the ongyoin stance for most plays.
It would be like if they decided Kokoro was now a grappler with slow, weak strikes. You'd be kinda irritated, wouldn't you? That's what we're faced with.
And he's not "high tier," if that's what you were implying (not sure if it was, just throwing that out there).

And keep in mind he's a "grappler" with only 1 shitty OH. His nerfs just aren't compensated for by his "new tools and gimmicks" everyone keeps getting wrapped up about. Basically, he excels in no area.

Other characters have better speed, power, mix up game, stun game, force techs, pressure, poking, etc. All he's really got is his Izunas.

In previous DOAs ANYONE could use Hayabusa. The only difference is now they changed his style so it takes more skill to use him. A lot of characters been changed for this reason. Ayane was changed from previous DOAs in 4. Same with Kasumi, and other characters.

If you're trying to convince me Ryu is as formidable and easy to adjust to as Kasumi or Ayane, you're unlikely to succeed. Also, keep in mind they were adapted but still play along their original principles (speed, mix-up game, etc) so old Kasu/Ayane players still feel at home. Ryu no longer does.

You're both right in a sense. Ryu's style has changed and it does take more skill to use him. He's no where near as good as he was in 4. In 4 though forced techs were a universal thing which was a big part of ANYONE being aggressive. It's half of why Hayate is so bad now.

He can't knock you away then tell you to get the fuck back up like before, so now he's more about his side step and punishment 24/7. It's annoying really. I can't really be aggressive with Ryu either, because he STILL has to worry about wakeup kicks, which is sad... I hate this game.

That and he's less safe than playing russian roulette with 5 bullets.

Kasumi is pretty difficult to use at a HL. Ayane isn't exactly "easy" to use , either. Not saying they're on the same level as Ryu, but if you compare DOA2-3 Ayane to 4, there is a big difference. She was not easier to use. A lot of people picked her up quickly in 5 since she is pretty much the same with BUffs.

Exactly my point...

Well yea if you play him in a certain way. Master works off of those actual safe moves and most of all, guard breaks, things like 3pp, Ony PPP_BT P+KPP, 3H+K and the +9 combo variants, ony 6p4, and WR4K. These are vital... and a lil izuna now and then.

Dem Izunas. xD

More importantly. Kasumi isn't "difficult" to grasp. It's just it all revolves around getting that vortex going. I know all of her upclose game already, what's good, whats not, and what's worth it. If I wanted to, I could Master her today. But I don't like Kasumi.

Let's not even forget how much better it would be for Busa in a danger zone. Which is most levels. Even on slippery surface.