The Metsu Shoryuken (滅・昇龍拳, Metsu Shouryuuken, "Destroying Rising Dragon Fist") is one of Ryu's special attacks, introduced as a Super Combo in Street Fighter Alpha 3. It later reappears as his second Ultra Combo in Super Street Fighter IV.
| Appearance | Function | Input |
|---|---|---|
| Street Fighter Alpha 3 | Super Combo |    +  (close range)
|
| Super Street Fighter IV | Ultra Combo II | + 
|
Origin
The move is an extremely powerful Shoryuken that was first used as a result of Ryu being pinned by Sagat during the events of the First World Warrior Tournament. Consumed with desire for victory, Ryu gave in to his rage fully, lost control, and rose up, scarring Sagat with the Metsu Shoryuken.
Description
Street Fighter Alpha 3
Executed by performing two quarter-circle forward motions and pressing kick with a full Super Combo gauge, Ryu slides, hitting his opponent with an elbow and following with a 2-hit Shoryuken, similar to his Shin Shoryuken; the main difference is that Ryu must be close to the opponent.
Super Street Fighter IV
Ryu's Metsu Shoryuken defeats Cody in Super Street Fighter IV. Click to view the animation.
Executed by performing two quarter-circle forward motions and pressing all three kick buttons, Ryu crouches, and delivers a powerful punch to the opponent's midsection, which lifts them off their feet and then follows up by delivering the actual Metsu Shoryuken to their chin. The game slows down this part of the sequence to illustrate the force of the move, which is enough to crush the opponent's jaw. Ryu then follows through, blasting the opponent into the air from the force of the uppercut. Though this attack is powered by the Satsui no Hado, Ryu only uses the power to such a minor degree that it does not take him over.
In all appearances, if the initial hit is missed it becomes a Shoryuken that lands multiple hits and has some use as an anti-air, much like Gouken's Forbidden Shoryuken.
Tactics
Unfortunately for Ryu, the opportunity to use Metsu Shoryuken in Super Street Fighter IV is often limited without Focus Attacks, as Ryu's normal moves do not have the ability to set up a situation that would allow the Metsu Shoryuken to connect fully, and would only be used as the Forbidden Shoryuken in many combos.
Just like the Shin Shoryuken, it has a lengthy recovery and leaves Ryu open to attack for a significant amount of time. Its lack of flexibility restricts its primary use to counterattacks or finishing off crumpled opponents, though the alternate form, Forbidden Shoryuken, can be used to counter Ultras and, punish mistakes made by the opponent.
Experienced players can utilize the full power of the move by performing a counter hit Shakunetsu Hadoken, dash canceling the recovery and performing the Metsu Shoryuken before the opponent hits the floor.
Screenshots
Sprites
Video
thumb|left|300px|Metsu Shoryuken in SSFIV (Japanese voices).