hayato-mvc2fixd.jpg (126182 bytes)
Hayato Kanzaki
hayato-stargladiator-render.png (213779 bytes)

BIO:

Hayato Kanzaki is a rebellious Japanese young man living on his own and caring about others - especially the children living in the orphanage in which he was raised, and his close friends June, Saturn and Gamof. This care for people is the driving force that prompts him to go against Bilstein. Hayato left his home of Japan and Earth to become a bounty hunter but was a miserable failure in his new profession. Broke, he had to join the Star Gladiator project led by Dr. Bilstein and bent on destroying the Fourth Empire.

In their final battle,
Bilstein managed to implant a "genotype" microchip into Hayato. The microchip would take control of Hayato, transforming him into Black Hayato: a cruel and ruthless swordsman with a cold and emotionless demeanor.
  
              hayato-plasma-sword-hq-artwork.png (200061 bytes)              hayato-star-gladiator-render.jpg (577029 bytes)              hayato-star-gladiator-by-daigo-ikeno.jpg (176416 bytes)             
 

ORIGIN:
Star Gladiator

  
               hayato-umvc3card.png (79979 bytes)                             
 
 

               hayato-kanzaki-by-falcoon2017.jpg (75852 bytes)                             
stargladiator-screen30.jpg (36991 bytes)
   

OTHER APPEARANCES:
Plasma Sword, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash, SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash 2, Card Fighters Clash DS

  
          

Page Updated:  Apr. 24th, 2024

It does seem Hayato was inspired by that of a Jedi. He uses a light saber and somehow that's always cool. Capcom's take on Star Wars in the 90's was memorable, and Hayato was a pretty convincing hero for the series. He's definitely got the Capcom hero "look" and straight-forward moveset that fighting game lead protagonists are known for.

Hayato's Star Gladiator debut and return in Plasma Sword were "quiet" since those games never took off. However, Hayato's reappearance in the smash hit Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 redefined his design. He looks so natural in 2D, you'd think he was a 2D character first! Hayato's animations and moveset in MVC2 are incredibly well done. I only wish he was more powerful in the game, because he's literally bottom tier. Even so, he's a fun character to use in MVC2 low-tier battles. Did I mention how great Hayato's animations are? This was truly amazing 2D spritework from Capcom at the time. Don't miss Hayato's animations page (below).

Fighting  Style  /  Moveset
Personality  /  Charisma
Outfit(s)  /  Appearance
Effectiveness  in  series
Overall Score

 
                 hayato-stargladiator-render2.png (115641 bytes)