Ryu
A disciplined martial artist seeking stronger opponents and mastery of his training.
Documented for this version
Joystick | Move, crouch, and jump |
|---|---|
A | Light Punch Arcade button labels can vary by cabinet. |
B | Medium Punch Arcade button labels can vary by cabinet. |
C | Heavy Punch Arcade button labels can vary by cabinet. |
X | Light Kick Arcade button labels can vary by cabinet. |
Y | Medium Kick Arcade button labels can vary by cabinet. |
Z | Heavy Kick Arcade button labels can vary by cabinet. |
Joystick Back | Block Hold away from the opponent. |
Joystick ForwardPunch | Throw Requires close range; exact throw input can vary by character. |
The game uses a six-button arcade layout: three punches and three kicks.
Cabinet button lettering and service settings may differ by arcade installation.
How it plays
Street Fighter Alpha uses side-view, one-on-one rounds. Each fighter must reduce the opponent's vitality before time expires, with the winner normally taking two rounds. Players move, jump, crouch, block, use normal attacks, perform special moves, and spend Super Combo gauge levels on enhanced attacks.
The arcade mode presents a sequence of opponent battles followed by a character-specific ending. Versus play supports competitive matches. Alpha Counters consume part of the Super Combo gauge and interrupt an opponent while blocking, while adjustable Turbo and Super Combo settings vary by arcade configuration.
Plan your run
Learn the ranges and recovery of each character's normal attacks before relying on special moves. Keep the Super Combo gauge available for an Alpha Counter when blocking pressure, or spend it on a reliable reversal or confirmed combo.
Do not jump repeatedly: grounded anti-air attacks and throws punish predictable approaches. Watch the opponent's Alpha Counter habits, vary your block timing, and use safe pokes to control the space just outside their preferred attack range.
Meet the cast
A disciplined martial artist seeking stronger opponents and mastery of his training.
Ryu's confident American rival and longtime friend, using an aggressive version of their shared martial arts style.
An Interpol investigator pursuing criminal organizations and fighting with powerful kicks.
The leader of Shadaloo, a ruthless dictator who wields Psycho Power.
A towering Muay Thai master driven to defeat Ryu after their earlier encounter.
A proud Muay Thai fighter who considers himself Sagat's superior.
A brawler and former gang member who fights with chains, tackles, and heavy strikes.
A Bushin-style ninja from Final Fight who relies on speed and close-range attacks.
A heavily armored weapons enthusiast and former Mad Gear member from Final Fight.
A disciplined American soldier and Guile's friend, specializing in precision-based attacks.
A fortune teller who uses Soul Power to oppose M. Bison.
A boastful martial artist seeking revenge on Sagat with his self-taught style.
A hidden, exceptionally powerful fighter who has surrendered himself to the killing intent of Ansatsuken.
Before you begin
Use training and Versus matches to practice charge inputs, command moves, and Alpha Counters.
Save Super Combo gauge for situations where the invincibility or interruption is more valuable than extra damage.
Each arcade board can expose different difficulty, speed, and secret-character settings; consult the specific cabinet configuration.
Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors' Dreams is a 1995 arcade fighting game developed and published by Capcom. Known as Street Fighter Zero in Japan, it serves as a prequel to Street Fighter II and presents younger versions of several established fighters alongside characters from Final Fight and new rivals. Matches use one-on-one combat with six attack buttons, special moves, Super Combos, and the new Alpha Counter system. Its colorful anime-influenced presentation and faster, more aggressive mechanics gave the series a distinct identity. The game was well received for expanding Street Fighter's combat system while adding tactical depth, although some players found its initial roster smaller than Street Fighter II's.
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