Sakazaki, Ryo

リョウ・サカザキ

Ryo Sakazaki is a video game character created for SNK Playmore's (formerly SNK) fighting game Art of Fighting. His name is most frequently written in kana, though kanji is used for parts of it in some games. Within the series, Ryo is a martial artist who practices his family's fighting style, Kyokugenryu Karate. He and his best friend Robert Garcia enter Southtown city to rescue Ryo's sister, Yuri Sakazaki. During their fights, Ryo and Robert discover that the Sakazaki family has become the target of the criminal Geese Howard, and they decide to confront him. Ryo also appears as a regular character in the crossover series The King of Fighters, where he participates in fighting tournaments as part of a team composed of his friends and family. He has also made appearances in other SNK games under the name Mr. Karate II (二代目Mr.カラテ). Additionally, he stars in manhua adaptations of several series and appeared in the Art of Fighting anime film.
Ryo has been well-received by gamers; his character has ranked high in several popularity polls from journals. Video game publications have offered both praise and criticism regarding Ryo's character. While Ryo has been criticized for his similarities to characters from the Street Fighter video games, several reviewers have praised his development in various SNK games, such as his introduction in The King of Fighters.