Starting to think that TRSK is almost too good... Feel free to yell at me for this, but at least hear me out before doing so.
Objectively analyzing just the foundation of the move, there are I don't even know how many confirms that can lead into it. The set-ups we're all familiar with include L.utilt (f3), L.dtilt (f2), and focus attack. Then there are the more abstract methods such as jab1 (f2) and nair (f4) which are a little trickier to pull off, but still great options nonetheless. I know dair can also be used situationally...or maybe it just links into L.utilt?
These are among the safest confirms in the game.
But if we look deeper into the move, you realize it's much better than just another kill move; The move itself is invincible f1-f6 and the hitbox is out f6. You aren't going to clank with this move, you aren't going to trade with this move, you aren't going to out prioritize this. You're either going to beat Ryu to the punch (no pun intended), or eat the Shoryuken.
But that's not what I'm getting at with this. The application here is incredible. I've seen and participated in situations where Ryu is being tech-chased- the aggressor reads Ryu's tech option but doesn't get the punish due to a buffered Shoryuken. Whatever option they chose (dash attack, Usmash, grab, etc.) is eaten up by the invincibility and they suffer a KO. Obviously if the pursuer had released the punish sooner Ryu would've received the punishment (when the tech-roll invincibility wears off) but the fact that he can turn such a disadvantageous state into a kill is something that doesn't sit well with me. There is no proper intervention here- be it a shield, spot-dodge or counter. The exchange is instantaneous.
A similar circumstance occurs on the ledge. Wake up Shoryu is such a good option. Any half-decent player won't allow it to happen, but in order to do so you essentially abandon a portion of stage control and permit Ryu back on the stage for free. Sure you can stand there on the edge in your shield, but what is that really going to do? Shielding on the edge is either a bait to be followed by a read, or literally telling your opponent, "I am intimidated and don't know what to do".
What should I talk about next? How it can be utilized as a combo breaker? How the aerial variant also kills at incredible percents? How easy it is to abuse when provided with the combination of platforms and 12 frames* of landing lag? How it fares as an out of shield option? Or the percentages that it can end stocks?
In a way, Shoryuken is much like the brother of Jigglypuff's rest. Except you can combo into it, there's far less endlag, it's invincible on start up, can be used as a bait, alters the players position, rage makes it so much more terrifying, and you'll actually see players try to use it.
"But the inputs!" No. It's muscle memory, and frankly it's not that difficult. But even if it was, it wouldn't be an excuse. Every other fighting game demands more complicated patterns far more frequently, and I sure as hell don't hear them ******** about it.
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So after sitting here for what feels like eternity, I have no idea how to conclude this mess that I've written. I'm not asking for a nerf (though I wouldn't be strictly opposed to one) or calling for a ban. No- that's ludicrous; it's the things we hate the most that force us to grow. However, if there is a sustained notion that TRSK isn't a brilliant tool, I hope to be the one to terminate it. If you disagree, that's fair, I never claimed to be perfect- but don't just tell me that I'm wrong, tell me why. We're all looking to grow here ~
