Yuri Sakazaki  

, ユリ・サカザキ

Yuri Sakazaki is a video game character from SNK Playmores (formerly known as SNK) Art of Fighting series. She first appears in the original Art of Fighting being kidnapped by Mr. Big, a criminal from the fictional city of Southtown. The players, Yuris brother Ryo and his friend Robert Garcia spend the game searching for her. In the second Art of Fighting, Yuri appears for the first time as a playable character, having been trained by her father Takuma in the art of Kyokugenryu Karate. She has also appeared in most games from The King of Fighters series, with the notable exception of The King of Fighters XII, participating in the annual tournaments from each title. Initially, Yuri starts in the Women Fighters Team (composed exclusively by women), but she later moves to the Art of Fighting Team along with her family. She was also featured in the SNK vs. Capcom crossover series as well as in SNK Gals Fighters. Additionally, Yuri has starred in the anime adaptation from Art of Fighting, where she reprises her role from the first game. Her character has been well-received by gamers, ranking high in several popularity polls developed by journals. Video games publications have commented on Yuris character; her addition to Art of Fighting 2 as a playable character has been praised by several reviewers, while some have also complained about her absence in the following title.