Ibuki was met with a positive critical and fan reception regarding her character design, attractiveness and personality, and with a mixed reception regarding her gameplay issues, especially regarding her initial appearance in "Street Fighter III". Despite her debut in a relatively obscure entry in the series, Ibuki has become a popular "Street Fighter" characters. Prior to the release of "Street Fighter III", "Electronic Gaming Monthly" predicted, "She will certainly be one of the new favorite fighters, since her balance of offense and defense is very well done." Capcom producer Yoshinori Ono said Ibuki is so "popular because she is insanely fun to play." Professional "Street Fighter" commentator and player Femi Adeboye (F-Word) recalled Ibuki in "Third Strike" has changed his life when he was a young teenager: "I saw this ninja girl and I picked her up, that became my destiny." In 2002, she was voted the 12th most popular "Street Fighter" character in Capcom's own poll for the 15th anniversary of "Street Fighter". "Street Fighter IV" director Takashi Tsukamoto described her as "a character that many people were waiting for;" a teaser trailer suggesting her inclusion in the game, revealed by Yoshinori Ono at the Evolution Championship Series 2011 tournament event, excited the crowd. Ibuki was voted the 16th most requested "Street Fighter" side character to be added to the roster of "Tekken X Street Fighter" in an official poll by Namco in 2013. In a 2018 worldwide poll by Capcom, Ibuki was voted 31st most popular "Street Fighter" character (out of 109).