If you want to beat Aran Ryan, you've got to master the counter punch. All four of his
main attacks can be countered by simply timing a punchany punchas he steps in to throw his
own blows. Tag him with a counter and Aran will be left open to a full punch combo you can
unload, or to a star punch. You won't be able to land star punches (or any other punch,
for that matter) while Aran is dancing around outside your range. Generally, he's beyond
the reach of your punches until he steps in to push the action.
What makes Aran really unique is his counter left hook. Any time you dodge one of his
normal punches and then tag him in the head with a follow-up shot, he'll immediately go
into his counter left hook. If you've got perfect timing, you can earn a star after
dodging this with an immediately counter of your own.
Overhead Right
Aran Ryan takes a step straight back before slowly coming at you with his massive overhead
punch. As he steps in, you can counter him with any punch to daze Aran and leave him open
for a punch combo. You can also dodge the punch either left or right, though since all of
his punches can be dodged by slipping right it's easiest to always use the right dodge.
After dodging the punch, you can follow up with a single right punch that'll send Aran
into his counter left hook.
Right Uppercut
When Aran steps far to your left in a crouched position, be read for his big right
uppercut. You can counter with any punch just as he steps in to wing the punch and you'll
earn a star. You can dodge either left or right to leave Aran Ryan open to a single left
or right jab that'll send him into his counter left hook.
Left Hook
Before throwing this punch, Aran steps to your right, taps on his head, and then steps in.
You can only dodge the punch by ducking or slipping to the right, or you can counter it
with any punch to stun Aran and open him up to a punch combo. If you slip the punch, you
can tag him with a left punch to send him into his counter left hook.
Headbutt
After knocking Aran Ryan down, he'll get up and start mixing his headbutt into his arsenal
of attacks. Aran goes to the back of the ring and pulls on the ropes a bit before charging
at you with the headbutt. As with his other punches, you can counter with any punch to
leave him open to a combination. Alternatively, you can block at the last second to bounce
him off your gloves and leave him vulnerable to a single punch that'll earn you a star.
You can't hold the block until after he throws himself off the ropes, otherwise he'll
break right through your guard. If you dodge the punch, you can follow with a punch of
your own but only if you dodge early and recover from the dodge before he slips back
outside your range.
Counter Left Hook
If you dodge any of Aran Ryan's other attacks and then come back to hit him with one of
your own, you won't be able to land a full combo. Instead, Aran will immediately get
knocked back by your first punch and then counter with this left hook. You can dodge this
counter with a left or right slip and leave Aran vulnerable to one more punch before he
goes back to his usual pattern. If you're really fast with your punch after you dodge
Aran's counter left, you can earn a star. To be properly fast, you'll need to dodge left
or right early so that you recover from the dodge as soon as Aran's punch animation ends
and then instantly tag him with any punch for the star.
Taunt
Occasionally, Aran steps forward and leaves his chin open. Wait for him to flash yellow
and hit him with any punch to earn a star.