Hadouken (波動拳, hadōken, “Surge Fist” “Wave Motion Fist”) is a special attack from the fighting series Street Fighter. The character accumulates spirit energy (“ki”) in his palms and then thrusts them forward to send out a shock wave of energy to their opponent. This technique is utilized by many characters including Ryu, Ken, Gouki (known as “Akuma” in the United States), and most recently by Gouken from Street Fighter IV.

Hadouken first appeared in Street Fighter I back in 1987. As the series continued to grow, so did Hadoken in its appearance and variations.

Variations in HADOUKEN:

Shakunetsu Hadouken (灼熱波動拳, shakunetsu hadōken, “Scorching Surge Fist”): Originally known as the Fire Hadouken in Super Street Fighter II and first used by Ryu and then Akuma. A Hadouken which is imbued with the power of fire. Executed by Akuma, anyone touching this Hadouken risks immolation and will be knocked down. When performed by Ryu however, the flames will stun the victims, but not knock them down. In the original Street Fighter II (as well as in Street Fighter II Champion Edition and Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting), Ryu and Ken could perform a red-colored Hadouken once in every 255th occurance, although this variation had no difference between it and the regular Hadouken.

 

 

Shinkuu Hadouken (真空波動拳, shinkū hadōken, “Vacuum Surge Fist”): A Super Combo version of the Hadouken; when executed, the Shinkuu Hadouken can hit the opponent multiple times and destroy other projectiles launched by the opponent. In the Vs. series, the Shinkuu Hadouken takes the form of a huge energy beam launched from the character’s hands. This type of Hadouken inflicts much more damage than the normal versions of the Hadouken.

Gou Hadouken (豪波動拳, gō hadōken, “Great Surge Fist”): A slightly more powerful Hadouken used by Akuma. Some versions can hit multiple times.

 

Zankuu Hadouken (斬空波動拳, zankū hadōken, “Air Slashing Surge Fist”): This is an air fireball used by Akuma, which travels diagonally down and towards the opponent. Some versions of the Akuma character can launch two Zankuu Hadouken at the same time, with both traveling at different angles towards the arena floor.

 

Messatsu Gou Hadou (滅殺豪波動, messatsu gō hadō, “Magnificent Surge Destructor”): This is a version of Gou Hadouken was used as a Super Combo by Akuma, and is somewhat similar to the Shinkuu Hadouken.

Tenma Gou Zankuu (天魔豪斬空, tenma gō zankū, “Heavenly Demonic Great Air Slash”): This is a more powerful version of the Zankuu Hadouken used by Akuma as a Super Combo. In the Vs. series, it is a barrage of fireballs.

Denjin Hadouken (電刃波動拳, denjin hadōken, “Thunder Blade Surge Fist”): A Hadouken backed by the power of a Japanese thunder god. In practice, the move begins in a similar way to the Shinkuu Hadouken. The player can then hold down the punch button and rotate the joystick to charge the move to its full strength (leaving them vulnerable). The move cannot be blocked and at full strength, will instantly dizzy the opponent while dealing heavy damage.

Metsu Hadouken (滅波動拳, metsu hadōken, “Destructive Surge Fist”): The evil version of the Denjin Hadouken used by Evil Ryu in Capcom vs. SNK 2. This Hadouken electrocutes the victim. It behaves as a more powerful Shinkuu Hadouken but has an execution delay and is rose-red in color with energy trails whipping around it. This technique is used as Ryu’s Ultra Combo in Street Fighter IV. (picture not shown)

unrelated story:

Ryu and Ken may have trained under the same teacher, and their skills may look identical, however, the two characters’ paths started to diverge starting from Street Fighter II: Champion Edition. Ryu was given a faster and stronger Hadoken while Ken was given a wider arcing Shoryuken and multiple hit Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku.

Wait… Was that Hadoken? That’s right! Check out this video clip of Megaman X showing of his Street Fighter skills.

SOURCE: SVC CHAOS, Strategy Wiki, Mugen Replay, Answers.com, Wikipedia