In what was possibly the most important gaming announcement of 2015, GameStop revealed today the exclusive bonus you’ll receive for pre-ordering Street Fighter V with them: an alternate skin for Ryu that the internet immediately dubbed Hot Ryu.
Men and women all across the internet found themselves suddenly flushed and stuttering at the iconic fighter’s rugged new look, and swiftly went to Twitter to get “Hot Ryu” trending in mere hours.
Some simply sat and fanned themselves as they took in his glory.
They weren't kidding about Hot Ryu…… Someone grab me a glass of water. The thirst is real…. *swoons* https://t.co/fDix3nTE9a
— David (@TrandaPanda25) September 1, 2015
https://twitter.com/BenKuchera/status/638485654922489856
Alright this "Battle Costume/Hot Ryu" alt is like something straight out of my fantasies. Dreamy as hell. pic.twitter.com/xejCVF6oAx
— Naomi (@Naellynna) September 1, 2015
https://twitter.com/IsaacCalfy/status/638505837393129472
Then there were those who already recognized Ryu’s looks pre-beard.
"Hot Ryu" is alright, only because he can pull off the beard look. It doesn't work for everyone. And c'mon: He was already hot.
— Nymo (@Nymo) August 31, 2015
I see that Hot Ryu is trending.
You saying he wasn't hot already? #HeCanFightInMyStreets— FSMK (@FSMKGaznor) August 31, 2015
https://twitter.com/GRINDVORE/status/638480958631624706
Others demanded the new skin be brought over to Super Smash Bros…
HOT RYU FOR SMASH THO
— christa lee (@OhPoorPup) August 31, 2015
https://twitter.com/plsburydoughboy/status/638499423337639936
https://twitter.com/MegaRobotMan/status/638514467186151424
…while some insisted he was already there.
Hot Ryu comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. pic.twitter.com/1lBCe93VH2
— Yuriofwind (@Yuriofwind) September 1, 2015
More still simply saw Hot Ryu as the all-around perfect man.
https://twitter.com/RainElliot/status/638434078337830912
Hot Ryu sends you pictures of dogs he sees during his daily walks
— Bring on the Age of Dark 🍎 (@appleciderwitch) August 31, 2015
Hot Ryu sternly gets you out of bed to make sure to get to your appointment on time but woke up early to get you a seasonal latte and scone
— Smokage of the Burning Leaf 🌽 (@pattheflip) August 31, 2015
And then there’s this poor soul, who’s having the crisis of a lifetime.
https://twitter.com/Doo_liss/status/638519672837505024
https://twitter.com/Doo_liss/status/638521150310498304
How does Hot Ryu make you feel? Does he float your boat or grind your gears? Does he live up to the hype or underwhelm? Take another look at the pictures – really take them in – then let us know what you think in the comments.