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This video game-related article or section describes an aspect of the game in a primarily in-universe style. Please rewrite this article to explain the fiction more clearly and provide non-fictional perspective. |
| Ryu Hayabusa | |
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| Nationality: |  Japanese |
| Gender: | Male |
| Birthdate: | June 15 |
| Age: | 23 |
| Blood type: | A |
| Height: | 177 cm (DOA1-3) 179 cm (5 ft 10.5 in) (DOA4) |
| Weight: | 70 kg (DOA1-3) 78 kg (172 lb) (DOA4) |
| Measurements: | B105 W83 H92cm (B41 W33 H36 in) |
| Fighting Style: | Hayabusa style Ninjutsu |
| Occupation: | Curio shop owner |
| Favorite Food(s): | Sushi |
| Hobbies: | mountain climbing, fishing |
| Voice Actor(s): | Hideyuki Hori Justin Gross (Ninja Gaiden dub) Keiichi Nanba (anime) |
| Debut: | Ninja Gaiden (Arcade) |
Ryu Hayabusa (リュウ・ハヤブサ Ryū Hayabusa?) is a video game character who stars in the Ninja Gaiden series of video games and appears in the Dead or Alive fighting game series, all developed by Team Ninja, a part of publisher Tecmo.
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Personality
Ryu has the demeanor and wisdom of a man far older than himself, due to his prolific lineage and mantle of station as a respected ninja. His exploits have given him an attitude far removed from most others, and he understands things in more abstract and philosophical terms. Much like Gen Fu and Eliot, he adopts a tranquil nature, much akin to water; free flowing most of the time, but unforgiving and crushing when roused. Through the Dead or Alive tournament, he has extricated himself from many of the subplots involving other characters, concentrating instead purely on the larger goals that present themselves. He is Hayate's best friend and an ally of Kasumi and Ayane. He and his ninja brethren have been direct players in the defeat of every major threat in the D.O.A. tournaments, himself defeating the rogue Tengu in single combat during the second tournament. Ryu has befriended several people from the DOA tournaments, notably Jann Lee, who he shares a mutual respect with. In Ninja Gaiden, Ryu is acquainted with female protagonists like Rachel and Irene. On the other hand, Ryu has been betrayed by some of his allies such as Foster (NG III: The Ancient Ship of Doom) and Murai (NG Xbox).
Game history
Ryu first appeared in the Ninja Gaiden beat 'em up arcade game in 1988. In that same year, Ninja Gaiden was released on the NES (Famicom, in Japan) and the Sega Master System, though these versions, being more centered around platformer-style gameplay, bore little resemblance to the original arcade game. Two NES sequels, Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos and Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom, followed in 1990 and 1991 to complete the trilogy. Also in 1991, Ninja Gaiden Shadow was released on the Game Boy. Ryu's next few appearances were as a playable fighter in the Dead or Alive series, which saw releases on the Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Xbox and Xbox 360 platforms, as well as in arcades. There is no story to the original arcade version of Ninja Gaiden, except that Ryu and an unnamed red ninja sidekick who serves as the second player were beating up their foes throughout America. Ryu's story commences in Ninja Gaiden for the NES, when he receives a letter from his father, who has departed to fight a life or death duel. Players are left to guess as the story progresses throughout the game, as the young Hayabusa goes on his quest for revenge and to uncover the truth behind his father's disappearance. This was followed by the next two games of the trilogy, which have mysterious introductions that unfolded in a similar manner. In Ninja Gaiden II, players are introduced to a new villain who wields the Dark Sword of Chaos. In Ninja Gaiden III, Ryu Hayabusa is framed for killing his girlfriend. Eventually, Ryu moved from Ninja Gaiden to Tecmo's Dead or Alive series. Taking place chronologically years after his exploits in the Ninja Gaiden series, he adopts a new, sleeker look. His story is fleshed out more, as a new ninja clan is introduced, several other supporting characters, and a new, serpentine plot that he finds himself intertwined in. He has been a participant in every DOA tournament, canonically winning the second tournament by killing Tengu. His cohorts have claimed the other contests. Finally, after the long wait, Ryu returned to Ninja Gaiden for the Xbox, in a 3D action game with new and original gameplay. The story deviates from the original NES Ninja Gaiden Trilogy by a few small changes, but is still connected to the Dead or Alive series. This game could almost fit as a prequel to the original trilogy. The prologue explains the Mythos of the Dragon Lineage who sided with the Dragons against the Evil Deities and the Tribes, and how they slew the Dark Dragon. The Dragons are described as god-like, benevolent creatures with metallic bones, teeth and claws, created by the Deity of Creation to counter the Evil Deities. The prologue includes a brief history of the two Dragon Swords. The first is the Dark Dragon Blade, carved out of the bone of the legendary Dark Dragon that betrayed his brethren out of jealousy and thirst for power, joining the Evil Deities. This blade consumes evil, charging as more evil is committed in its vicinity. As a result, the weapon turns its wielder into the devil incarnate. The second sword is the Dragon Sword, carved from the fang of the Dragon, and bequeathed the Dragon Lineage from generation to generation, and finally to Ryu Hayabusa. It is the same sword used by Ryu in the NES Ninja Gaiden trilogy.
Ninja Gaiden
Before Ninja Gaiden
Ryu bears the name 'Hayabusa' when he graduated the Hayabusa School. He's the son of Ken Hayabusa (later named Joe Hayabusa on the Xbox version) and he's a member of his father's clan called the Hayabusa Ninja Clan. His mother was neither mentioned nor seen in any NG games. He has mastered everything he learned from his school, much to the delight of his father. He has earned the title 'Super Ninja'.
Ninja Gaiden (NES)
Ryu received a letter from his father, Ken Hayabusa, that he had a duel to the death with another ninja. Ryu prepared a keepsake sword from his father, the Dragon Sword, in search of his father. During his adventure, he met up with Irene Lew and faced the man who dueled his father, Bloody Malth, before being reunited with his father. However, Ken was killed by Bloody Malth's master, the Jaquio. Ryu avenged his father's death by killing Jaquio and also the Demon God.
Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos
Ashtar, Jaquio's master and the Emperor of Darkness, had planned to rule the world with the power of the Demon. With the Demon dead, Ashtar kidnaps Irene to lure Ryu to his home dimension. Ashtar wields the Dark Sword of Chaos, made from the Bone of the Demon at the same time that the Dragon Sword was forged from the Fang of the Dragon. Ryu eventually confronts and defeats Ashtar, but before he can get Irene to safety, she is captured by Jaquio, who now bears the Dark Sword. Ryu confronts and defeats the Jaquio a second time at an altar made from the Demon's bones. However, the Jaquio's blood flows into the Dark Sword, awakening it. The Jaquio is revived by its power, and stabs Irene with the sword. Ryu slays the Jaquio again, but Irene's blood empowers the sword further, and revives the Demon. Ryu fights the Demon again in a battle similar to the one in Ninja Gaiden. After Ryu kills the Demon again, the Dark Sword of Chaos shatters, and he carries Irene back to Earth, where she succumbs to her wounds and dies. Crying over her body, Ryu calls on the spirits of his ancestors, saying his victories are meaningless without her. The Dragon Sword then begins to hum and glow, emitting a blue light which flows into Irene, reviving her. Finally, as is the case in all 3 NES titles, the happy couple watch the morning sunrise.
Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom
A Ryu doppelgänger assassinates Irene and frames the original for murder. During his quest to clear his name, Ryu discovers that Irene is still alive and that his doppelgänger was a BIO-NOID sent by Irene's own boss and former acquaintance of his, Foster. This was followed by an engagement with Ryu's doppelgänger which ended in Ryu's defeat. But in their second encounter, Ryu turns the tables, defeating his doppelgänger instead. But in a shocking turn-of-events, Foster is double-crossed by his accomplice, Clancy, who murders him. Clancy reveals the true nature of their location, the Castle Rock Fortress, as an inter-dimensional warship, which he intends to use for global dominance. With both Irene and himself caught up in Clancy's machinations, Ryu is forced to take action. Subsequently, Ryu foils Clancy's plans and flees the crumbling Castle Rock Fortress with Irene.
Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)
The Hayabusa Ninja Clan was annihilated, and the Dark Dragon Blade was stolen by the evil black samurai Doku, one of the Greater Fiends, and his minions. Ryu went on a journey in search of it and avenge his clan's death. As he proceeded, he met the Fiend Hunter Rachel, who was in search of her sister. He was observed by Gamov and a mysterious associate of his, know as the Dark Disciple. Ryu also came across with Rachel's twin sister Alma, who was morphed into a Fiend. Eventually, Alma saved Rachel from Doku and Doku was defeated by Hayabusa. Ryu defeated the Vigoor Emperor and the Fiends and retrieved the evil blade. Ryu and Rachel came across two "observers" but Gamov was betrayed and killed by his own associate who was wielding the Dark Dragon Blade. The masked one was later revealed to be an ally of Hayabusa, Murai. Murai then betrayed him and challenged him. Despite wielding the evil blade, Murai was defeated and Ryu destroyed the blade. He then left Rachel with no further comment and brought back the Dragon Eye he got from the grave.
Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword
The plot will take place six months after the events of Ninja Gaiden (Xbox). Also, there is a new female ninja named Momiji appearing in the game.
Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360)
While the plot is unknown as of yet, a trailer was shown with Ryu kneeling in a field of swords stabbed into the ground. Many of the Hayabusa Ninja Clan were slain in the previous game, so this field may be their graveyard. However, it may also be a field of Ryu's victims, as suggested by the fresh blood dripping off of his scythe (a new weapon in the game). Ryu then hears approaching footsteps before preparing for battle once again.
Dead or Alive
Before Dead or Alive
Ryu had some adventures with his love interest Irene Lew and is a member of his father's clan, the Hayabusa Ninja Clan. He's also a good friend of the Mugen Tenshin ninja Hayate and became acquainted with his friend's clan. He's also acquainted with Hayate's sister Kasumi and half-sister Ayane. After the events of Ninja Gaiden for NES, as chronicled in the Ninja Gaiden OVA, he moved to America where he married Irene and bought an antique shop he ran with her.
Dead or Alive
One day, Ryu heard that Kasumi's brother Hayate disappeared. He also heard that she joined the DOA Tournament so he joined the tournament as well.
Dead or Alive 2
Ryu joined the 2nd DOA Tournament because he was informed by his own clan that a creature from another dimension named Tengu joined the tournament to create chaos in the world. Eventually, Ryu came across his lost friend Hayate (as Ein and was still suffering from a memory loss) and defeated him, restoring his memory back. Ryu then defeated Tengu to save the world from his evil plot, winning the 2nd DOA Tournament.
Dead or Alive 3
Genra was captured by DOATEC and became a superhuman known as "Omega." In the tournament, Hayabusa defeats Hayate in a friendly match, who became the 18th leader of the Mugen Tenshin Ninja Clan after recovering from a memory loss. In his CG ending, he receives a letter from an unknown ninja while he's fishing near the river. It is not known what is said on this letter but we think it might have something to do with the plans to attack DOATEC in DOA4 from Ayane and Hayate.
Dead or Alive 4
Ryu joins Hayate, Kasumi and Ayane to stop DOATEC. Ryu and Ayane come across with Christie, who is trying to stop the ninjas from destroying the DOATEC Tritower. In his CG ending, He destroys three DOATEC special aircraft, first by making it self destruct, second by a slash of his sword into two & the last with a ninpo attack (ninja magic) he produced from his palms before disappearing into the night. He produces another ninpo attack in Helena's CG ending onto a single chopper to destroy it and it could have Donovan inside of it. Moreover, Ryu appears in Kasumi's and Ayane's DOA4 story mode but not as an opponent. He's an opponent in Jann Lee's and Christie's DOA4 story mode (in Christie's story mode, she faces either Ryu or Ayane randomly).
The Hayabusa Ninja Clan
The Hayabusa Ninja Clan was headed by Ryu's father Ken Hayabusa and Ryu is a member of the clan. They are known as the defenders of the Hayabusa Village and maybe the whole Japan. However in some NG games, the Xbox version in particular, told that the clan had been slain and defeated. The only sole survivor was Ryu and everytime that happened, he avenged his clan. In the XBOX version, they helped the Dragon Lineage and together, they sealed the Black Dragons. Several centuries later, they guarded the Dark Dragon Blade and made sure that is remained untouched. Unfortunately while Ryu and Murai were fighting, the Hayabusa Village was assaulted and the Hayabusa Clan was slain.
Movie appearances
DOA: Dead or Alive
He is portrayed by Kane Kosugi in DOA: Dead or Alive where he performs a role similar to the games. He is shown as faithful friend to Kasumi and Hayate. His fights are against Eliot, and Bayman, both of whom are defeated. He is the only male character who makes it to the semi-finals (the others are Kasumi, Tina Armstrong and Christie).
Ninja Gaiden the anime
Ryu is the main character in Ninja Gaiden the anime. After Irene is kidnapped, Ryu goes to save her. After killing many demons he faces Professor Bucky-Wise, the villain of the movie who becomes a demon himself, and kills him. He does not wear a ninja-mask in either film but wears a bandanna instead.
Gameplay
Ninja Gaiden
Ryu can make several advance combos with almost every weapon. In Ninja Gaiden (Xbox), almost every weapon have some hidden combos that are not listed in the game, mostly on the Dragon Sword. Ryu is also good when it comes to projectile weapons. He can throw shurikens and incendiary shurikens even while in mid-air. He can perform several powerful ninpo techniques as well. In Ninja Gaiden Sigma, he can now shoot arrows while in mid-air, dual-wield weapons and fight while on the top of water and while performing the Water Run Technique.
Dead or Alive
Ryu is generally considered a top-tier character, both due to canon and game play. His reaction, execution time, and throws are all above-average, making him a balanced character, and his mix-up game is excellent. Additionally, Hayabusa's Izuna-Otoshi combo throw is one of the most effective in the game, garnering an average 80 points of damage. His mix-ups and "surprise" (like his Asuka-Gaeshi) attacks keep many players guessing which angle or height he will strike from.
Trivia
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Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines. The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones. |
- Hayabusa's day job is running an Asian themed antique store in America with his wife Irene.
- Hayabusa is Hayate's best friend and Kasumi's ally. In Ninja Gaiden, Ayane helps him in his mission by acting as an informant. He is the only ninja who is not blood-related to them.
- He is one of Jann Lee's friendly rivals.
- Each Japanese word of the name 'Ryu Hayabusa' can be translated to English; 'Ryu' means dragon, and 'Hayabusa' means peregrine falcon.
- Ryu's clothes, along with Kasumi's, can be unlocked in the Wii game Super Swing Golf.
- Most of Ryu's costumes in DOAU and DOA4 originated from Ninja Gaiden and NG Black.
- In the Dead or Alive franchise, Ryu is sometimes considered to be over-powered, although this might be to reflect his strength from Ninja Gaiden.
- In DOA, Ryu's age is 23. The Xbox version of Ninja Gaiden happened two years before the first DOA Tournament, but he's 20 instead of 21.
- In the opening real-time cutscene of DOA4, he and Christie star in the last duel, fighting against each other in the lobby of the DOATEC Triple Tower.
- Ryu is able to use a large variety of weapons, varied from Swords to Nunchucks to a Bo staff and even a Warhammer. In Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360) he's even able to use Claws and a Scythe.
- In the video game Halo 3, collecting all the game's hidden skulls will unlock the Hayabusa armor, a type of armor that makes the player's Spartan supersoldier look somewhat similar to Ryu. Its design is visually different from the other armours. It was included in Halo 3 due to the fact that Dead or Alive 4 had a Spartan character in it, Nicole-458. The Hayabusa Armor
- In October 22, 2007, Hayabusa is named as the 'Ninja of the Week' on IGN.com. Reference: [1]
- Ryu was ranked as the #1 ninja in video games on ScrewAttack.
External links/References
Ninja Gaiden
- Ninja Gaiden series at MobyGames
- The Ninja Gaiden Homepage
- Ninja Gaiden at the Killer List of Videogames
- Defunct Games: Ninja Gaiden Review (Atari Lynx)
Dead or Alive
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| First series | Ninja Gaiden (NES) · Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos · Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom |
| Stand-alone games | Ninja Gaiden (arcade) · Ninja Gaiden (Game Gear) · Ninja Gaiden Shadow · Ninja Gaiden (Master System) |
| Second series | Ninja Gaiden · Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword · Ninja Gaiden II |
| Characters | Ryu Hayabusa · Ayane |
| Related games | Dead or Alive series |
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| Main series | Dead or Alive · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 |
| Spin-offs | Ultimate · Xtreme Beach Volleyball · Xtreme 2 · Code Chronos · ONLINE |
| Related games | Ninja Gaiden |
| Films | DOA: Dead or Alive |
| Related | Characters |
