The Hadouken began as the signature fireball attack of Ryu and Ken in Capcom's Street Fighter series, first appearing in the original arcade game and becoming widely recognised through Street Fighter II in the early 1990s. The move, performed with a forward palm thrust, spread far beyond fighting games through memes, parodies and online edits that borrowed its instantly recognisable blast. It remains popular because it needs no explanation: one short burst tells viewers a character is unleashing a powerful, exaggerated attack.