quote Lorx
I've played him a couple times, my very first game ever was Ryze actually. Had gotten an AP item, Warmogs, and two boots, since he has two feet.
Those were the days.
It's weird, Ryze has that Udyr problem of never really being mediocre. He's always really good, or really bad. For a long, long while now he's been really good. Can basically build straight tank and still pretend he's Veigar.
I'm not saying udyr is broken, because I love him with a passion, but lane tiger udyr is an unholy slaughter machine throughout the entire game if not kited, or poked down. Just saying.
But I wouldn't say op, because he's easily kited, and easily harassed.
Plus he's my favorite champion. <3The thing is, his passive is sort of lack luster, but it's always been that way. When they removed dodge, they destroyed it even more. Now it's just a 30% attack speed boost, that you have to set up for by using 3 stances. As an example, Lee sin has a 50% attack speed bonus on command, that only lasts for 2 hits, however it procs after any ability is used. He has 7 abilities (Double activation, ex.After shielding with w, you can use iron will, and gain armor, mr, and lifesteal for a short time.)
In my opinion, it just doesn't stand up to other passives. Many other champions have access to a larger speed boost on command, as well.
On topic:
Ryze is pretty cool, strong dueling power, strong passive, strong kit. He seems very forgiving on account of how cost effective some of his core items are.