According to "Computer and Video Games", Ibuki appeared "to be one of the most powerful and most popular character" in "Street Fighter III". VentureBeat's Chris Hoadley opined Ibuki was the strongest character in "Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact" and GameSpot felt her to be, in terms of gameplay, most similar to Cammy and Geki. According to UGO, Ibuki in "Street Fighter III" "has the strength and speed to face off against any top-tier character", as she is "quick, somewhat unpredictable and easy to pick up", and "she's just as likely to attack an opponent from the front as she is to dash into the air and rain down several kunai. It's this type of diversity in fighting that makes her attractive to players." "Retro Gamer" opined "this female ninja is fast, mobile and can stun opponents quickly. While she loses in a toe-to-toe brawl against most characters, she has plenty of trickery to get around a tight defence and dictate the match."