Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2
-Advanced Mechanics-
PlayStation 2
---------------------------------
- By ZeroAnnihilated
- Copyright 2008 ZeroAnnihilated
- Date Jul/1/2008
- Updated December/6/2014
-------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This guide is very extensive, using additional technical terminology that the
average player may not initially understand. It is advised that one learns how
to use the Ctrl+F function to find the desired key words as this document is
created through progression. Some aspects of technicality may be mentioned in
the beginning, but not dissected in depth until much later. While the Table of
Contents is fairly detailed, using the Ctrl+F function will help the player
navigate at a much faster pace.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
I Intro
II Controls/Buttons
III Basic Mechanics
(A) - Lock On
(B) - Basic Movement
1. Direction
2. Dash
3. Step-In
4. Side Steps/Back Steps
5. Ascension/Descent
6. Ascension/Descent Hops
(C) - Combos
1. The Combo Set
a. Channeling
2. Combo Set Hooks and Transitions
3. Supplementary Combo Sets
(D) - The Charge Meter
(E) - Ki/Ki Blasts
1. Ki Work
2. Dash Melee
(F) - Offensive Teleportation
1. Base Offensive Teleport
2. Banishing Attack
(G) - Sparking Mode
1. Methods
2. Advantages
(H) - Ki Stocks
(I) - Hit Counter
(J) - Super Blasts
1. Blast 1
2. Blast 2
3. Ultimate Blasts
(K) - Throws
(L) - Natural Cancels
(M) - Defense
1. Blocking
a. Focal Adherence
I. Aggression
2. Deflection
3. Dragon Dash Counter
4. Defensive Teleportation
5. Step-In
(N) - Priority
(O) - Blast 1 Incorporation
(P) - Counter Stance
(Q) - Transformations/Fusions
IV Advanced Mechanics
(A) - Recovery Rate
1. Offensive Recovery
2. Defensive Recovery
(B) - Advanced Combos
1. Ground & Pound
2. Telattack
3. Hook Recovery
4. Greening/Redding
5. Blast Enforcement
6. Ki Control
(C) - Advanced Movement
1. Dash Cancellation
2. Shift
a. Fake-Out
b. Switch
3. Sling Shot
4. Lift Strike Switch
(D) - Advanced Defense
1. Combo Breaker
2. Ascension Evasion/Surfing
3. Rise Over Run
4. Auto Teleport
5. Last Chance Defense
(E) - Fixed Animation Exploitation
1. Chaining
(F) - Grid Check
1. Knocking
2. RA Capitalization
3. Throw Check
4. Dragon Dash Check
V Z Mechanics
(A) - Z Movement
1. Grounded Will
a. Enigma Dash
b. GW Fake-Out
c. GW Switch
d. Close Tango
e. Wide Tango
f. Mad Dash
g. MD Tango
2. Free Will
a. Double Taps
b. FW Fake-Out
c. FW Switch
d. FW Tango
3. Sling Shot Switch
(B) - Z Defense
1. Recoil
2. Switch Recoil
3. Swipers
a. Side Swiper
b. Forward Swiper
4. Absent Recoil Switch
5. Sling Shot Recoil
6. Challenging
7. IT Counter
(C) - Z Offense
1. Ki Dash
a. Energy Cloud
2. Beat Down
a. Dust Cloud
3. FW Sweep
4. FW Switch Sweep
5. Taxing
6. Enigma Sweep
7. Enigma Switch Sweep
8. Absent Recoil Sweep
9. Sling Shot Switch Sweep (S4)
VI Accreditation
VII Conclusion
VIII Legal/Contact Information
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Intro
--------
"I did yesterday what they wouldn't, so today I can accomplish what they
can't." - Dwayne Johnson
It is intriguing to me how this expression holds true to so many aspects of
life. If you are anything like me, you possess a desire to challenge the
opposition, break records, hold your fist in the air and declare dominance as
you have finally and effectively seized glory. As this expression proves to
hold true, one does not obtain glory by merely hoping it lands in his or her
lap while they continue to play by the rules and accept limitations. One
obtains glory by breaking these limitations, running when opposition screams
"Stop!", and ignoring those who claim: "Impossible". Champions are not born,
they are made. Only through hard work and dedication can one truly be the
best... but I decided to make things a little easier on you.
Within this document, you will find advanced Tenkaichi 2 technical and
mechanical manipulation. As this guide reaches far beyond the novice level,
you as the competitor will do well to work your way through the game's
tutorials first in order to obtain a better understanding of what is
considered basic knowledge. A great deal of basic knowledge may be repeated in
this guide as a reference for advanced techniques, but I still urge you to
prepare yourself before moving forward.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Controls/Buttons
--------------------
R1 = Ascend/Jump
R2 = Descend
R3 = Transform
L1 = Lock On
L2 = Charge Ki
X = Dash/Step-In
O = Guard
Tr = Ki Blast
Sq = Melee
U = Up/Forward
D = Down/Back
L = Left
R = Right
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
III. Basic Mechanics
--------------------
What are the basics? Why are they so important? It is often very easy to get
caught up in learning advanced techniques and not paying enough attention to
the basics that can lead to one's downfall. The basics are the foundation of
advanced game-play. If one does not take the time to master the basics,
education in the advanced aspect of any game is purely a waste of time.
III (A) -Lock On-
-----------------
First and foremost, in order to engage your opponent, you must be locked on.
This is performed by pressing and holding L1 while near your opponent until
your Lock On takes hold. Understand that different characters have different
Lock On ability.
-Normal Search:
(This search allows the player to Lock On to characters that are
visibly seen within the arena. Opponents that are hiding behind rocks
and building can't be seen and are therefore protected from the
player's Lock On ability.)
-Z Search:
(This search allows the player to Lock On to characters that are
visibly seen within the arena. Opponents that are hiding behind rocks
and building can't be seen and are therefore protected from the
player's Lock On ability. However, with this Z-Type search, the player
can sense the opponent's Ki Signature by means of watching his/her
radar; found at the bottom right of the screen. This Ki Signature will
be displayed as a pulsing light. This will help the player know which
direction to search in terms of where the opponent's position may be.
However, it is also important to know that some characters have the
ability to hide their Ki by means of performing certain Blast 1's and
some androids have the innate ability to remain hidden from such a
search as they do not emit a Ki Signature.)
-Scouter Search:
(This search allows the player to Lock On to characters that are
visibly seen as well as those who are hiding behind rocks and
buildings. Therefore, they are not protected from the player's Lock On
ability. However, the scouter can be destroyed during combat, which
will then change their search ability into the normal type. This type
of Lock On is subject to characters that have the scouter equipped.
Additionally, the scouter will also pick up on the opponent's Ki
signature as well.)
-Android Search:
(This search allows the player to Lock On to characters that are
visibly seen as well as those who are hiding behind rocks and
buildings. Therefore, they are not protected from the player's Lock On
ability. Unlike the scouter, this Lock On ability can't be affected
from combat. This type of Lock On is subject to certain Androids.)
It is important to know that each player will automatically lock onto one
another when in close proximity of each other. In other words, if you are able
to see the other opponent, you can simply walk close to him and both
characters will automatically lock-on to each other.
Once you have achieved the Lock On, the camera will focus on your opponent and
you may begin your battle strategy.
III (B) -Basic Movement-
------------------------
III-B-1. Direction:
-------------------
Without direction, a player is lost. When using the Left Joystick or D-Pad
(Directional Pad) to control the character, pressing
Left/Right/Forward/Backward will direct the character accordingly. If this is
not the case, it may be time to get a new controller. It must also be noted
that the character will only move in the specified direction until the player
releases the button of direction. If the player is not pressing the
directional button, the character will not move in that direction. As most
characters have the ability of flight, the characters are shown to hover in
the suggested direction instead of walking.
III-B-2. Dash:
--------------
As briefly explained in III-B-1, most characters in the game are granted the
ability of flight. While the ability of flight does not completely limit the
character's ability to dash, it is definitely an aspect of the game to
consider when regarding advanced ability. However, these are the basics so
let's not get ahead of ourselves.
To dash, one must become familiar with the "X" button. Understand that when
Locked On to the opponent, pressing "X" without any directional influence will
initiate a neutral Dash that will seek the opponent. Understand now that
directional influence can be incorporated during the Dash. In other words:
Once the Dash has begun, the player can continually manipulate the directional
approach of the Dash until it concludes by pressing any direction. It is in
such a case that Forward and Back become Up and Down respectively. It is
important to take note of the difference between directional influence of a
neutral dash and initiating a directional Dash. For example, pressing a
direction to influence a neutral Dash is not the same as Dashing in that
direction. Pressing Dash at the same time as holding a direction will allow
you to Dash in that direction without seeking the opponent. However, the
opponent will still be the focal point of your dash, which will simultaneously
cause the player to Dash at a circumference to the opponent. When initiating a
directional Dash, Forward and Back are not translated to Up and Down like the
neutral Dash's directional influence.
Regardless of the direction you choose, you must also take note of the
distance of the Dash as it will conclude on its own. It is possible to end the
Dash prematurely by pressing "X" a second time or even holding a different
direction and initiating a new Dash.
III-B-3. Step-In:
-----------------
Understanding the limitations of the Dash is key to maximum maneuvering
capability. The more we know, the more we can manipulate. The distance between
the player and the opponent is the defining factor that separates a Dash from
a Step-In. This factor is the difference between close quarters combat and
distanced combat. This factor; this line of scope-differential definition is
called the Step-In Barrier. Outside of this barrier, the Dash is just as
described above (III-B-2). However, within this barrier, the player enters the
circumference of close quarters combat. Movement changes to befit close combat
ability.
When inside the Step-In Barrier, pressing the neutral "X" will result with the
Step-In. The Step-In is a technique that contains many praiseworthy features:
-The Step-In can be used to link the first two combo sets together (if first
combo set is a full combo set)
-The Step-In ensures the player invulnerable to physical hand-to-player
contact (This includes Rush Attacks).
-The Step-In can be used transitionally to combo Hooks.
-The Step-In can be used transitionally to counter stances or sway ability.
(All of this will be explained in further detail as the document progresses.)
III-B-4. Back Steps/Side Steps:
-------------------------------
As discussed in III-B-3, there are maneuvering limitations within the Step-In
Barrier. Such limitations have already been discussed in regarding the Step-
In. It is also important to note that Dashing to the side or back will not
result with a Dash either. Instead, side stepping and back stepping are
initiated. Depending on the character and whether or not the player is
airborne, such movement may result with side flips and back flips. Such
movement is performed by simply pressing the desired direction at the time of
pressing "X". Pressing Forward while attempting to Dash inside the Step-In
Barrier will result with the player attempting to grab the opponent. This will
be discussed later in the document.
Take note: Like the Step-In, Side Hops and Back Hops can transition into
counter stances, which will also be discussed later.
III-B-5. Ascension/Descent:
---------------------------
In this section, you will learn the difference between grounded and airborne
maneuvering. As most characters have the ability of flight, the Ascension and
Descent ability will be used in the advanced section extensively. However, it
is important to understand the limitations of Ascension and Descent on the
basic level to understand how to manipulate them for advancement.
-Grounded:
(When positioned on the ground (not hovering), trying to Descend (R2)
will get you nowhere. However, trying to Ascend (R1) will allow the
player to Jump about 10 feet into the air. The Jump contains its own
combat potential, but we'll get to that later as well. If left alone,
the Jump will conclude with the player falling back to the ground. The
player can use this Jump to seek the opponent by holding Forward if
he/she so chooses. Jumping to the Left/Right/Back is also allowed.)
-Airborne:
(When positioned high in the air (Distanced), trying to Descend (R2)
will result with the player falling in a controlled manner until the
button is released. In other words, you're not falling so much as
controlling your flight altitude. Therefore, you may be descending but
you are still in flight mode. Respectively, trying to Ascend (R1) will
result with the player increasing altitude through flight. Once the
Ascension/Descent buttons are released, the player's character will
retain concluded position in the air (unless the descent resulted with
grounded position).)
(Also take note: Characters that do not possess flight capability will not
retain airborne positioning very long and descending will result in gravity
taking full control; brining the player back to ground level.)
III-B-6. Ascension/Descent Hops:
--------------------------------
Much like Side Steps and Back Steps discussed in III-B-4, the Step-In Barrier
effects airborne Ascension/Descent. Instead of simply changing altitude, the
Step-In Barrier changes the movement into hops. So when the player attempts to
Ascend in close quarters combat, he will Hop diagonally (Up + Back) a single
time. Respectively, when the player attempts to Descend in close quarters
combat, he will Hop diagonally (Down + Back) a single time. Also like Side
Steps and Back Steps, these Ascension/Descent Hops can transition into counter
stances (discussed later).
III-B-7. Dragon Dash:
---------------------
The player is allowed to use this Dash regardless of the Step-In Barrier.
Scope differential has no bearing on the Dragon Dash but the player must be
willing to sacrifice Ki to use it. Yes, Dragon Dash consumes Ki. Therefore, it
is always important to keep your Ki bars at full capacity as often as
possible. Remember this concept: "It is always important to keep your Ki bars
at full capacity as often as possible." For there are many aspects of game-
play that are viable through Ki consumption. You may not always need it, but
it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
To Dragon Dash, the player must press "L2" and "X" at the same time with any
direction to Dragon Dash in that direction. If the player chooses to allow the
Dragon Dash to persist, it will eventually come to a conclusion when the Ki
meter runs out.
Take note that when two players Dragon Dash into each other at the same time,
they will enter the "clash" simulation where both players will battle it out
in a Joystick struggle for the most hits. Whoever get the most hits in the hit
counter wins the struggle and knocks the opponent away, usually to be followed
up with continued attack. The average player can reach numbers up in the 60's
and 70's. To make sure one wins these struggles, it is important to understand
how to engage the struggle with the best hand position possible. While many
players believe the struggle should be won by moving the joysticks side to
side, the player must learn how to move his/her hands in the circular motion
while moving the forearm side to side. This will take practice. Ensure that
the left joystick is placed at the base of the thumb (flexed) and the right
joystick at the heel. When ready, the player should be able to reach numbers
as high as the upper 80's.
III-B-8. Dragon Ascension/Descent:
----------------------------------
Much like what is explained for the Dragon Dash in III-B-7, the Dragon
Ascension/Descent is performed by using "L2" incorporation with
Ascension/Descent. Therefore, to Dragon Ascend, the player must hold "L2" and
press "R1". If the player is already grounded, the button input skips past the
Jump and goes straight into Dragon Ascension. To Dragon Descend, the player
must hold "L2" and press "R2". Much like when using basic Descent on the
ground, trying to Dragon Descend while already grounded will do nothing.
Finally, like Dragon Dashing, the Step-In Barrier holds no limitation on the
Dragon Ascension/Descent, but also like the Dragon Dash, the Dragon
Ascension/Descent also consumes Ki.
III (C) -Combos-
----------------
One of the most fundamental properties of any fighting game is building a
proper conception of how to link attacks together. One of the most basic ways
of doing this resides in the combo system of Tenkaichi 2. Here, I will be
explaining the most basic aspects of the combo system of Tenkaichi 2 to help
build a foundation for advancement as this document progresses.
III-C-1. The Combo Set:
-----------------------
At its most basic level, a combo can be created by merely tapping the "Square"
button 5 times. This is called the Combo Set. Attain the concept of a Combo
Set well, for it will be one of the more significant building blocks for
combat manipulation; The Combo Set is the root of combo exploration.
There can be more than one Combo Set in a given combo. Such sets can be linked
together by means of various extensions; all of which, I will cover in this
document.
For now, the first combo set is performed by the following:
-Sq, Sq, Sq, Sq, Sq-
While practicing, it is important to take note exactly what happens during
this process. Many aspects are used in the incorporation of advanced game-
play. Such as:
-If the player's character is smaller than the opponent's character, how does
this affect the Combo Set?
(In order for smaller characters to effectively perform melee upon the
opponent, the smaller character must use his/her flight ability to
hover to the height necessary for effective combat.)
-If the player's character is taller than the opponent's character, how does
this affect the Combo Set?
(Depending on how tall the player's character is in relation to the
height of the opponent's character, it can be possible that some
attacks residing in the Combo Set may miss the opponent.)
-Knowing that the player only hit the Square button five times, how many times
did the character land an attack?
(Some characters only expel a single melee attack per press of the
Square button. Other characters expel more. Knowing the character's
physical melee is important for advancement.)
-How much damage does the player's character deal to the opponent as opposed
to other characters?
(Some characters may seem to have great combo capability, but it is
also important to note that some characters deal a greater amount of
damage in their melee than others.)
-What effect does the environment have on the player's ability to work the
Combo Set?
(When grounded, performing Combo Sets can be affected by the variations
of ground elevation. Therefore, there are times that the Combo Set may
fail due to gravitational interference.)
-Once the Combo Set has concluded, what happens to the opponent?
(Once the Combo Set has concluded without interference, the last hit
will push the opponent away a few feet; keeping the opponent at a
standing position.)
III-C-1-a. Channeling:
(Channeling is a mechanical aspect of the game that guides one's Base
Melee to attack one's opponent from the front or the rear. When
positioned at the opponent's side, performing Base Melee will guide the
player to the opponent's front or rear, depending on which initial
position the player holds in respect to the opponent's profile. If one
begins the Combo Set while positioned closer to the opponent's front,
further Base Melee will direct one to the front. If one begins the
Combo Set while positioned closer to the opponent's rear, further Base
Melee will direct one to the rear. Many games, especially in the past,
will force the player's attacks to be redirected to the opponent's
front, as the creators seemed to always give the opponent a chance to
defend. For example, in Mortal Kombat Deception, if Player 1 were to
begin attacking Player 2 from behind, Player 2 would immediately begin
to face Player 1 even while suffering through the assault. Other games,
such as Tenkaichi 2, allow the player's attack to continue to affect
the side of initiation, be it the back or the front.)
III-C-2. Combo Set Hooks and Transitions:
-----------------------------------------
Now that the Combo Set has been established, it is time to move on to the
Extensions and Transitions.
-Hooks:
The Hook is a break in the Combo Set that can be used to transition into
additional combo sets or end the combo set as a terminus. Depending on which
Hook the player chooses to perform, the terminus may include more than one
extended terminus level. The Hook resides in the "Triangle" button that must
interfere in the Combo Set before the Combo Set concludes. As the Combo Set
consists of five "Square" buttons, one of the last four Squares must be
replaced by "Triangle" to perform a Hook. It is also important to note that
the Hook can also be charged for stronger effect.
Hook 1: Heavy Finish
(The player's character will perform a physical attack that stuns the
opponent in such a way that he/she must press the "Circle" button for
faster recovery. Depending on the character, the Heavy Finish may be
extended into the Heavy Crush terminus by hitting the "Triangle" button
two more times and finish with "Square". In such a case, the player's
character will hit the opponent with two more Heavy Finish attacks
followed by one more melee attack that knocks the opponent away.)
Hook 2: Kai Cannon
(The player's character will perform a physical attack that stuns the
opponent temporarily. If the Kai Cannon is charged fully, the attack
will push past the opponent's guard and knock them away, sometimes de-
Locked. Depending on the character, if the Kai Cannon is fully charged
and effective, the Kai Cannon may be extended into another terminus by
hitting the "Triangle" button once. In such a case, the player's
character will teleport forward to the opponent and knock them down to
the ground.)
Hook 3: Sweep
(The player's character will perform a physical attack that sweeps the
legs of the opponent. If the opponent is not able to "Tech" properly,
he/she will fall flat on his/her back. Most characters are granted the
Sweep combo extension by hitting the "Triangle" button two more times
and finish with "Square". In such a case, the player's character will
hit the swept opponent several feet away, teleport forward to hit the
opponent into the air and finally, teleport up to the opponent and
knock him/her down to the ground. This is known as the Dragon Tornado
Terminus.)
Hook 4: Lift Strike
(The player's character will perform a physical attack that lifts the
opponent several feet into the air. Most characters are granted the
Lift Strike combo extension by hitting "X" to ascend to the opponent's
position and finish the combo in one of four terminuses:
1. Triangle, Square, Square, Square, Triangle
...in which case the player's character will initiate with a Heavy
Finish, followed by three base melee attacks and concluded with a Smash
Attack that knocks the opponent to the ground, de-Locked.
2. Triangle, Square, Square, Square, Square
...in which case, the player's character will initiate with a Heavy
Finish, followed by three base melee attacks and concluded with a final
base melee attack that sends the opponent tumbling to the ground.
3. Square, Square, Square, Square, Triangle
...in which case, the player's character will initiate with a base
melee attack, followed by three base melee attacks and concluded with a
Smash Attack that knocks the opponent to the ground, de-Locked.
4. Square, Square, Square, Square, Square
...in which case, the player's character will initiate with a base
melee attack, followed by three base melee attacks and concluded with a
final base melee attack that sends the opponent tumbling to the ground.
Take note that the Lift Strike combo is considered to be the player's
most powerful combo in terms of damage to hit ratio.)
Hook 5: Rolling Hammer
(The player's character will perform a physical attack that turns the
opponent around, allowing the player to gain rear positioning. If the
player already has rear positioning, the attack will turn the opponent
around, allowing the player to gain frontal positioning.)
Transition 1: The Step-In
(As already explained before in III-B-3, the Step-In can be used to
link the first two combo sets together if first combo set is a full
combo set. In other words, if a Hook is used in the first Combo Set,
the player cannot use the Step-In to advance to further Combo Sets. As
explained in III-C-1, once the Combo Set has concluded without
interference, the last hit will push the opponent away a few feet;
keeping the opponent at a standing position. It is at this point where
the Step-in can be utilized to transition into the second Combo Set.
After the last hit of the first complete Combo Set, the Step-In will
close the distance and the player is allowed to continue into the
second Combo Set.)
Transition 2: Flying Kicks
(The Flying Kicks are initiated as a Hook, yet serve as a transition.
Therefore, if the player's character possesses the Flying Kicks
ability, the player can interrupt the first Combo Set with this Hook
and simultaneously transition into the second Combo Set.)
-Hook Limitations: Regardless how long the player is able to stretch the combo
along, any single Hook can only be used once without ending the combo.
Therefore, it is important for Hook users to incorporate a variety of Hooks
into their combos if they wish to continue the combo uninterrupted. While
Hooks can be considered as a combo's terminus, it is also used as a means of
transitioning into the 2nd Combo Set.
-Hook Management: Each character's fighting style may consist of a variety of
Hooks. Some have more than one of the same Hook in his/her combo, some may
have one of each Hook. There may be some characters who's combos lack certain
Hooks. To discover these Hooks, the player must replace one of the last four
"Square" buttons of the Combo Set. However, the formula for each Hook depends
entirely on which character the player decides to use. For example:
Character 1: (Square, Square, Square, Triangle = Heavy Finish)
Character 2: (Square, Square, Square, Triangle = Kai Cannon)
As any of the last four "Square" buttons can be replaced by Triangle to engage
the Hook, it is still possible that Character 2 possesses a Hook that
Character 1 possesses, just in a different position of the Combo Set.
Character 1: (Square, Square, Square, Triangle = Heavy Finish)
Character 2: (Square, Square, Triangle = Heavy Finish)
Ultimately, it is up to the player to learn the combo formula their character
possesses to manage his/her Hooks effectively. Understand that every character
possesses the ability to perform the Sweep by replacing one of the last four
"Squares" of the Combo Set with Down + Triangle. Also understand that every
character possesses the ability to perform the Lift Strike by replacing one of
the last four "Squares" of the Combo Set with Up + Triangle. However, the
Rolling Hammer is a significantly special technique that only a handful of
characters possess and it's special quality also resides in the fact that it
can be performed absent a Combo Set. By pressing Left/Right + Triangle, the
player can spin the opponent around whether the opponent is being subject to a
Combo Set or even if he/she were simply standing still.
III-C-3. Supplementary Combo Sets:
----------------------------------
Supplementary Combo Sets are the Combo Sets that follows the initial Combo
Set. These Combo Sets can be reached through various means, including the
Hooks and Transitions explained in III-C-2. The physical attacks that the
player's character displays in the Supplementary Combo Sets are usually
different than the attacks displayed in the initial Combo Set. Therefore,
understanding when a specific Hook may be available must not always be judged
by the physical display of the character, but the press of the button.
To reach the first Supplementary Combo Set, the player can use a Hook in the
first Combo Set including the Flying Kicks and immediately transition
accordingly. Additionally, and more often seen in experienced players, the
player can use the Step-In to follow the initial complete Combo Set to
transition into the first Supplementary Combo Set. It is at this point that
the player must understand that the aftermath from a natural terminus of
Supplementary Combo Sets is not like that of the initial Combo Set.
The aftermath of a Supplementary Combo Set is decided on many factors, from
how the Supplementary Combo Set was approached to what the opponent is doing
as an attempt to fight back. The approach is derived from transitions and
Hooks but keep in mind that the Flying Kicks Hook is also considered to be a
transition, like the Step-In.
Aftermath types:
-Initial Aftermath:
(Once a player has completed the initial Combo Set with a string of
five "Squares", the opponent is then pushed away from the player by the
last melee attack. The opponent is still standing, yet not fully
recovered. This short distanced push is the Initial Aftermath. It is
this Aftermath distance that allows the Step-In to transition into the
first Supplementary Combo Set.)
-Boost Aftermath:
(Once a player has completed the Supplementary Combo Set with a string
of five "Squares", the opponent is then pushed away from the player by
the last melee attack. The opponent is still standing yet not fully
recovered. The distance is significantly farther than the Initial
Aftermath.)
-Collapsed Aftermath:
(Once a player has completed the Supplementary Combo Set with a string
of five "Squares", the opponent is then pushed away from the player by
the last melee attack. The opponent is no longer standing. Instead the
opponent tumbles to the ground several feet away from the player. The
distance is significantly farther than the Boost Aftermath.)
-Greening Aftermath:
(Explained in III-D.)
-Red Aftermath:
(Explained in III-D.)
-Smash Aftermath:
(Explained in III-D.)
III (D) -The Charge Meter-
--------------------------
At the bottom right corner of the fighting screen, a player can find his/her
radar. To the right of this radar, the player will find his/her Charge Meter.
This meter is the deciding factor of how powerful your charged attacks will
be. There are three levels of the Charge Meter that the player must consider
during combat.
1. Green: Weakest Level
2. Red: Medium Level
3. Full: Strongest Level
In order to charge an attack, the player must hold the attack button down. The
main buttons to consider when dealing with basic attack are "Square" for base
melee and "Triangle" for Hooks and Ki Blasts. The concept of the charge is as
easy as it sounds. The longer the player holds the attack button down, the
higher the Charge Meter will fill; from Green, to Red and finally to Full.
Take note here that when a player decides to charge a melee attack, he/she can
choose which direction the attack will approach the opponent by holding Up,
Left, Right, Down or simply allowing the attack to conclude for a Neutral
direction. This is a great addition to the game as the opponent must decide
which direction to defend an oncoming attack.
It is at this point that the player must understand the remaining Aftermath
Types that were not detailed in III-C-3.
-Greening Aftermath:
(When the player charges the "Square" button and releases during the
Green level, the opponent is guided through the Greening Aftermath; in
which case the opponent is not pushed anywhere. The opponent is still
standing yet not fully recovered.)
-Red Aftermath:
(When the player charges the "Square" button and releases during the
Red level, the opponent is guided through the Red Aftermath; in which
case the opponent is knocked in the desired direction of the attack,
plummeting to the ground much further than the Collapsed Aftermath. The
opponent is no longer standing.)
-Smash Aftermath:
(When the player charges the "Square" button and releases during the
Full level, the opponent is guided through the Smash Aftermath; in
which case the opponent is hit with a very powerful attack that sends
the opponent flying limp in the desired direction of the attack. The
opponent is no longer standing.)
At this time, it is important for the player to understand that different
characters possess different charge speeds. Therefore it is important for the
player to become familiar with the character at hand on all aspects of combat,
even to the details regarding charge speed.
When regarding the speed of the charge, this factor will fluctuate; depending
on how the battle progresses. For as the player lands attacks upon the
opponent, the Charge Meter will begin to flash red. The more attacks landed
during a short period of time, the faster the Charge Meter will flash.
Regardless of any specific character's innate charge speed, the faster the
Charge Meter flashes, the faster it will charge when engaged. Therefore, the
player must always keep in mind that even as his/her offense progresses, the
situation is not always the same. The player must also keep in mind that the
speed of the flash is strictly related to charged melee, NOT charged Ki
Blasts.
Final note: Any Super Blasts such as Blast 2's and Ultimate Blasts that can be
charged will also use the Charge Meter.
III (E) -Ki/Ki Blasts-
----------------------
The player's Ki Meter is the key that allows the execution of Ki based moves
such as Ki Blasts, Blast 2's and Ultimate Blasts. While Blast 2's and Ultimate
Blasts may be initiated in a variety of strategic methods, once they are
initiated, they use the associated Ki according to their design, unless
adjusted through potara incorporation. The Ki Meter is located directly below
the player's headmost health bar. The player is granted five Ki Guages that
measure up to the character's full Ki Meter. This meter can be filled by a
means of Ki Charging via the pressing and holding of the "L2" button and will
deplete as Ki Blasts, Blast 2's and Ultimate Blasts are discharged or as
Dragon Dashing is performed.
III-E-1. Ki Work:
-----------------
Ki Blasts are discharged by pressing the "Triangle" button. Similarly to
melee, Ki Blasts can be released in succession as a means to connect one
attack to the next. Therefore, if one were inclined to do so, one could expel
several Ki Blasts into a Ki Blast combo. However, I would advise that the
player keep a close eye on the Ki Meter as Ki management is very important in
any Dragon Ball Z game. Also, different characters can only expel a certain
amount of successive Ki Blasts at a time. Get to know the characters.
As Ki Blasts are important to incorporate into different methods of combat, it
is also important for the player to understand the different ways Ki Blasts
can be dispersed as well as the differences in Ki usage. This opens up an
understanding of how one manages his/her Ki for full effect. Now that the
concept behind Ki Blasts, Dashes, Jumps and the Charge Meter have been
established, it is safe to move on to the different forms of Ki Blast
incorporation.
-Normal Ki Blasts:
(In this form, the Ki Blast requires a greater deal of Ki in order to
expel a single Ki Blast. Therefore, if a player were to consecutively
press the "Triangle" button for successive Ki Blasts, it would deplete
the Ki Meter fairly quickly.)
-Dashing Ki Blasts:
(Unlike the Normal Ki Blasts, the Dashing Ki Blasts are released by
simply pressing the "Triangle" button once during a dash for a flurry
of successive Ki Blasts; All of which require a mere fraction of the Ki
required for the same number of Normal Ki Blasts. While using the
Dashing Ki Blasts during side Dashes can be effective for establishing
a secure battling distance between the player and the opponent, the
highest damage such successive Ki Blasts will reach will be if all Ki
Blasts manage to hit the opponent. Therefore, for the highest damage,
using a neutral Dashing Ki Blast attack should do the trick.)
-Jumping Ki Blasts:
(Much like the Dashing Ki Blasts, the Jumping Ki Blasts are released by
simply pressing the "Triangle" button once. Except this time, the blast
is being performed during a Jump. Also like the Dashing Ki Blasts, the
Jumping Ki Blasts require a mere fraction of the Ki required for the
same number of Normal Ki Blasts as a flurry of Ki Blasts are released.)
-Charged Ki Blast:
(The Charged Ki Blast is performed much like the Charged Melee Attack,
except with the "Triangle" button. These blasts may have different
effects depending on the character. For example, some character may
have similar Normal Ki Blasts, but when charged might be expelled as
something completely different. Here are a few of the different Charged
Ki Blasts one might expect:
1. Destructo Disk: Cuts through guard, even in Charged Ki Blast Form.
2. Stunner: Not enough to knock the opponent down, but enough to stun
them.
3. Paralyzer: Leaves the opponent temporarily paralyzed.
4. Strong Ki Blast: Like a Normal Ki Blast, but bigger and more
powerful; will knock the opponent down.
5. Multi Ki Blast: The character disperses several Ki Blasts at once.
...Charged Ki Blasts can be incorporated into Normal Ki Blasts, Dashing
Ki Blasts and Jumping Ki Blasts.)
It is also important for the player to understand that Ki Blasts have a nature
of their own that is directly related to the character. Not only the number
and type of Ki Blast as explained above, but the speed and accuracy of the Ki
Blast as well. Some characters may disperse a flurry of Ki Blasts that go all
over the place, while only one or two actually it the opponent. Then there are
some that are extremely accurate and will hit the opponent most of the time.
Some Ki Blasts are expelled in a circular fashion while other characters shoot
their Ki Blasts in a straight line. It is important to get to know the
characters.
Finally, one must understand that the Charge Meter may not apply the same for
each character when regarding Ki Blasts. It is important for the player to
understand how the Charge Meter applies to Ki Blast incorporation for
different characters so one can have a variety of attack options available at
all times. Some characters may only have one type of Charged Ki Blast. The
difference of force in Charge may vary in relation to damage dealt, but the
type of Ki Blasts may not vary. However, some characters may have more than
one type of Ki Blast available that depends on the three levels of Charge
specified in III-D. For example:
Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta possesses 4 levels of Ki Blasts.
1. Base Ki Blast (Consisting of normal Ki Blasts/Green Aftermath)
2. Green Ki Blast (Consisting of a larger Ki Blast/quick paced/Green
Aftermath)
3. Red Ki Blast (Consisting of two large Ki Blasts/slower
paced/Collapsed Aftermath)
4. Full Ki Blast (Consisting of three large Ki Blasts/Slower
paced/Collapsed Aftermath)
Again, one must get to know the characters.
III-E-2. Dash Melee:
--------------------
As the player begins to understand how attacks can be incorporated into the
Dash by means of Ki Blasts, it is also important to understand that melee
attacks (even charged ones) can also be incorporated into the Dash and Jump
maneuvers. However, it is important to note that directional influence can
only be applied to the Dash Melee Attack, not the Jump Melee Attack. However,
if the Jump Melee Attack does make full contact, the player can follow this
attack with a Sweep by following the attack with the "Triangle" button. This
of course can lead into the Sweep Combo Terminus or whichever means the player
decides works best. If the Dash Melee Attack makes full contact, the player
can follow this attack with two more melee attacks, the last one smashing the
opponent into the ground. This terminus is called Sonic Impact and is
performed by Dashing at the opponent, landing a "Square" onto the opponent and
then immediately following with "Triangle" and concluding with "Square". These
Dash/Jump attacks are great circumstances to begin Combo Sets and continue the
assault accordingly, assuming Sonic Impact is not engaged.
Additionally, when regarding Dash Melee Attacks, one must also understand that
charged melee attack can be incorporated into Dragon Dashes as well. It is in
such a case that there are two charge levels: Weak and Strong. If charged less
than full power, the Charged Dragon Dash Melee attack will simply hit the
opponent with the same power as a medium-fully charged Dash Melee Attack,
allowing the player to continue with Combo Set incorporation. If charged at
full power, the Charged Dragon Dash Melee attack will knock the opponent away
in the same fashion as a Standing Smash Attack. However, it is important to
note that a medium-fully charged Dash Melee or a weakly charged Dragon Dash
Melee attack will connect in a strong manner, which will be regarded in the
same fashion as a Supplementary Hook but without recovery incorporation
(discussed later). If this Supplementary Combo finds its natural terminus via
"Square", the combo will end with Collapsed Aftermath.
III (F) -Offensive Teleportation-
---------------------------------
As the Dragon Ball Z games have progressed, the creators have applied further
emphasis on the teleport system. While teleports have been established in
defensive purposes in previous games, the Tenkaichi 2 system of offensive
teleports allow the player to teleport at will, as long as he/she has the
means to do so in terms of Ki. Offensive teleports consume Ki, so one must
learn to manage his/her Ki levels well and recognize when using offensive
teleports are the most optimal choice during combat. It is in such a case that
one must also keep his/her eye on the opponent's Ki Meter as well; to decide
whether or not engaging in a teleport dance with the opponent is a wise
decision. Understand that there are potara's that can be added to the
character that allow the player to teleport without consuming Ki. It would be
wise to keep this in mind.
To fully understand the offensive teleport system, one must understand that
there are different teleport types that can be used offensively.
III-F-1. Base Offensive Teleport:
---------------------------------
The base offensive teleport is performed during the Combo Set. Which Combo Set
an offensive teleport is to be used is solely for the player to decide.
However, one must understand where these teleports reside. Every natural Combo
Set consists of five "Squares". The offensive teleport resides between
"Square" activations, therefore the offensive teleport can only be activated
within the attack span of post-first "Square" and before the last "Square" of
any single Combo Set. In other words, a natural Combo Set that consists of
five "Square" buttons includes the potential of three offensive teleports.
To perform the offensive teleport, one must press "Square" to initiate a Combo
Set. Assuming the next move would be to teleport offensively, the player would
then press "Circle" and any direction such as Forward, Left, Right or Back. If
performed correctly and the Ki Meter has enough Ki to allow the movement, the
player's character will directionally teleport according to the direction
desired. Much like the side Dash, the opponent is the focal point of your
directional teleport. Therefore, if the player is directly in front of the
opponent and inside the Step-In Barrier, teleporting to the left or right will
not simply result with the player teleporting in a straight line to the left
or right, but teleporting around the opponent from the left or the right. As a
well versed opponent may be able to react in time to turn around and defend
him/herself, further offensive teleports may be required to gain rear
positioning.
If the opponent engages in the same strategy to gain rear positioning on the
player at the same time the player is attempting to gain rear positioning on
the opponent, this is a display of the offensive teleport dance. It is also
important to understand that the Combo Set does not reset with every offensive
teleport. Therefore, if the player performs an offensive teleport after the
first hit of the Combo Set, the next melee performed in succession to the
offensive teleport will continue with the second hit of the Combo Set. This
can be confusing as the Hit Counter does not rise when regarding offensive
teleport incorporation, but as explained before, it is important to know
exactly what is going on in combat at all times.
III-F-2. Banishing Attack:
--------------------------
The Banishing Attack is considered to be an offensive form of teleporting, but
only in certain conditions with inclusive limitations. Like the offensive
teleport, the Banishing Attack can only follow a melee attack. However, the
Banishing Attack can only be activated once the player has successfully
connected a Smash Attack. As explained in III-D, the Smash Aftermath of a
Smash Attack sends the opponent flying limp in the desired direction. Once
completed, the player must immediately press "Triangle" to engage the
Banishing Attack. In this instance, the player will teleport offensively to a
position beyond the opponents trajectory and perform another Smash Attack.
This Smash Attack can be directionally influenced, yet a neutral Banishing
Smash Attack will knock the opponent downward to the ground. These attacks are
easy to dodge, so as a player's skill and experience progress, this display of
offensive teleporting will be seen less and less.
III (G) -Sparking Mode-
-----------------------
As explained in III-E, the Ki Meter consists of five Ki Guages. When all five
Ki Guages are full, the player has reached full power. However, there is a
level beyond full power called Sparking. When the player is in Sparking Mode,
there are additional attacks and abilities granted to the player's combat
repertoire. In order to reach Sparking Mode, the player must use one of three
methods, two of which are subject to the character(s) at hand.
III-G-1. Methods:
-----------------
-Charging Beyond:
(When a player has reached full power, there is a level beyond full
power called Sparking Mode. This specific method of getting to this
mode is to keep charging Ki even when the Ki Meter is full. The
eligibility for Sparking Mode resides in the question of how many Ki
Stocks the player has attained during the match. In order to reach
Sparking Mode, the player must have at least one Ki Stock. Each time
Sparking Mode is reached via charging Ki, a single Ki Stock is
consumed. Therefore, it is important for the player to keep an eye on
his/her Ki Stock consumption which is located under the player's
character icon, which is located next to the character's health bar.)
-Ki Stock Operation:
(Most characters possesses a different set of Ki Stock Operations. Of
which, include different effects. Some Ki Stock Operations result with
the player instantly achieving Sparking Mode, usually at the cost of
multiple Ki Stocks. It is very important that the player gets to know
the character as such operations are explained in the practice menu.
This will be explained further as the document progresses.)
-Fusion:
(Some characters can fuse together in tag-team format to create a new
character displayed in the show as a much more powerful being. As a
result of fusion, the fused character may be granted instant Sparking
mode. To learn how to fuse, check later in the document.)
III-G-2. Advantages:
--------------------
When in Sparking Mode, the player is granted a variety of techniques and
freedom of offense. Offense in melee as well as offensive teleportation. In
fact, depending on the character, teleportation may be as free as directional
movement. However, it is important to understand that the Sparking Meter
drains as time passes. This time span can be lengthened with potara
incorporation, but inclusion is for the player to decide. Once a Blast 2 or
Ultimate Blast is used, the player is immediately taken out of Sparking Mode,
as Blast 2's use normal Ki and the Ultimate Blast uses normal Ki as well, but
can only be accessed through Sparking Mode.
-Advantage 1 = Melee Longevity:
(When in Sparking Mode, most characters' melee is extended. Giants are
not afforded this luxury but the average character get the perks.
Sparking Mode allows the player to combine the initial Combo Set with
the first Supplementary Combo Set in a rinse & repeat fashion without
Step-in/Hook/Transition requirement. In other words, the very last
melee attack of the initial Combo Set is immediately succeeded by the
first melee attack of the first Supplementary Combo Set. The last melee
attack of the Supplementary Combo Set is immediately succeeded by the
first melee attack of an additional initial Combo Set. This will
continue as long as the player continues to spam the "Square" button or
until the Sparking Meter runs out. A player can easily force the Hit
Counter to reach 99 hits with very little effort.)
-Advantage 2 = Offensive Teleport Longevity:
(As long as the first Advantage holds true to the character at hand,
then so must the mechanical system of offensive teleports. For each
teleport is placed between two natural melee attacks. According to the
nature of the base offensive teleport, the player cannot perform
offensive teleports before the first melee attack of the initial Combo
Set, and after the last melee attack of the Combo Set. However, as
Advantage 1 explains Melee Longevity, the player is granted a
continuation of offensive teleports as long as melee is continued.
Therefore, a player can punch, teleport, punch, teleport, repeatedly
until Sparking Mode runs out.)
-Advantage 3 = Free Teleportation:
(Certain characters are allowed to teleport on a free basis when in
Sparking Mode. In essence, the character can teleport without the
requirement of melee incorporation by merely holding a direction and
pressing "Circle". This ability will last as long as the player remains
in Sparking Mode.)
-Advantage 4 = Additional Banishing Attacks:
(As explained in III-F-2, the Banishing Attack follows the fully
charged melee. When in Sparking Mode, the player may be awarded several
Banishing Attacks in succession to each other as well as Dragon Homing
Attacks. It is important that the player gets to know the characters.)
-Advantage 5 = Additional Dragon Homing:
(The Dragon Homing is very similar to that of the Banishing Attack as
it follows the fully charged melee. Instead of immediately following
the charged melee with "Triangle", the player will immediately press
"X". This will result with the player engaging Dragon Dash without
using "L2" to change Dash type. This particular Dash only has one type
of attack, fully charged melee. This occurs regardless of whether the
player decides to charge the attack or not. In other words, the player
will immediately follow the fully charged melee with "X" for Dragon
Homing and press or hold "Square" to knock the opponent away, yet
again. The only advantage to charging the melee involved in the Dragon
Homing is to confuse the opponent on defensive timing. Depending on the
character chosen, when in Sparking Mode, the player may be awarded
several Dragon Homing Attacks in succession to each other as well as
Banishing Attacks. It is important that the player get to know the
characters.)
-Advantage 6 = Camera Angled Smash Attack:
(The camera angled smash attack is performed by holding "L2" and
charging a melee attack with "Square" and any direction. If performed
correctly, the camera will zoom in on the player performing the attack.
When the player connects the attack, it will automatically de-lock the
opponent and result with Smash Aftermath.
-Advantage 7 = Ultimate Blast:
(While Blast 2's can be used as long as the Ki is available, the
Ultimate Blast can only be activated when in Sparking mode. This is
usually the character's signature attack and typically the most
powerful attack the character has in his/her arsenal.)
-Advantage 8 = Sparking Combo:
(The Sparking Combo, as suggested in the title is tightly connected to
being in Sparking mode. This is probably the most favorited combo among
the Tenkaichi community. This combo is initiated by using Dragon Dash
and instead of transitioning into the charged "Square", the player will
make contact with the opponent by use of the "Triangle". Once achieved,
the player will then unleash a spamming flurry of "Squares". At this
point, the camera will do one of two things. Either the camera will
zoom around the two combatants in a circular motion with the two
fighters as the focal point or the camera will go absolutely crazy,
displaying several angles in succession until the combo is concluded.
To conclude the combo, one can simply continue pressing "Square" until
the Sparking Mode runs out or one can press "Triangle" again to knock
the opponent away with Smash Aftermath. The completed terminus of the
Sparking Combo is performed by holding "L2" and hitting "Triangle" as
the opponent is sent flying away.)
-Advantage 9 = Auto Deflection:
(When in Sparking Mode, some characters are awarded the additional
attribute of Auto Deflection. This will be discussed further as the
document progresses.)
III (H) -Ki Stocks-
-------------------
Blast Stocks are in many cases, just as important as Ki in the game of
Tenkaichi 2. Blast Stock Operations include allowing the player to fight under
different circumstances than the opponent. Blast Stock Operation is conducted
through the player's Blast 1 ability. The player is able to activate one of
two types of Blast 1. The base Blast 1 and the secondary Blast 1. Such Blasts
can range in terms of effects from allowing the player to automatically
teleport through the opponent's attacks, use Instantaneous Transmission, reach
Sparking Mode immediately and many, initiate an explosive wave to knock people
off their assault, android barriers that can accomplish the same or even
nullify Ki Blasts or even Blast 2/Ultimate Blasts and many more. In order to
activate the base Blast 1, the player would hold "L2" and press "Circle". In
order to activate the secondary Blast 1, the player would hold "L2", "Up" and
press "Circle". Know this, in order to perform the operation, the player must
have attained the necessary amount of Ki Stocks. Different effects require a
different number of Ki Stocks.
How to attain Ki Stocks? Ki Stocks increase in number as the match progresses.
However, there are faster ways to attain Ki Stocks. When the player is able to
deflect Ki Blasts, manually defensive teleport through the opponent's attacks
or use a Combo Breaker, the Ki Stocks will increase much faster. Such methods
will be discussed later as the document progresses.
III (I) -Hit Counter-
---------------------
The Hit Counter is one of the most important aspects of the game. At its most
basic level, the Hit Counter simply counts the hits the player connects to the
opponent, simple enough. However, as the combo system of Tenkaichi 2 is much
deeper on the advanced level than shown by the Hit Counter, one must learn to
understand that Combos are connected together as a means of understanding the
Hit Counter, the player's position in combo activity, the physical attacks of
the given Combo Set and how the Hit Counter is affected by Hooks, Transitions,
Offensive Teleports, Recovery Teleports, Cancels and Charged Melee. It is for
this reason that though the Hit Counter may reset, it does not mean the Combo
itself has reset. Most Tenkaichi 2 players will never realize the depth of the
Combo system simply because they can only count numbers. Understanding the
broken limitations of the game's hidden mechanical system is where the true
combo system lies. Such concepts will be discussed as the document progresses.
III (J) -Super Blasts-
----------------------
When considering a character's main blasts, there are only three categories to
mention. The Blast 1 as mentioned in III-H, the Blast 2 and the Ultimate
Blast.
III-J-1. Blast 1:
-----------------
(See III-H)
III-J-2. Blast 2:
-----------------
Aside from combo ability, Blast 2's are one of the most effective abilities
the character possesses. That being said, the creators made sure to vary these
blasts into different types of Blasts. Some are based on melee animation, some
are based on Beam type Blasts, some are unblockable. This is one more
important reason for the player to get to know the characters. It is also
important for the player to understand that most Blast 2's cannot be initiated
within the Step-In Barrier. In such cases, the character will automatically
perform a back flip/back step in order to reach the appropriate position for
Blast 2 execution. To perform the Blast 2, the player must first know that
he/she has enough Ki to perform the Blast. Some Blasts require more Ki than
others. It is important to know the characters.
Much like the Blast 1, there is a Base Blast 2 and a Secondary Blast 2. In
order to perform the Base Blast 2, the player must hold "L2" and press
"Triangle". In order to perform the Secondary Blast 2, the player must hold
"L2" and "Up" and then press "Triangle".
Types of Blast 2's:
-Type 1 = Kamehameha:
(The Kamehameha type blast is fairly powerful. What makes the
Kamehameha special is the fact that when it connects, it does not only
deal damage once, but a string of damage as long as the blast is still
active. These type of blasts typically have a wide circumference of
blast. These blasts can be charged according to the Charge Meter OR can
be initiated through a close-up animation sequence.)
-Type 2 = Death Beam:
(The Death Beam type blast is fairly powerful as well, but its damage
is instantly dealt upon impact. Depending on the specific blast, this
technique may be unblockable. It is important for the player to know
the character. These blasts can be charged according to the Charge
meter OR can be initiated through a close-up animation sequence.)
-Type 3 = Bladed:
(These types of blasts are based on the bladed attribute. In other
words, these blasts consist of blasts resulting from the swing of a
Sword or construction of Destructo disks. These specific blasts require
no charge and are initiated through the close-up animation sequence. As
a major perk, these blasts are unblockable.)
-Type 4 = Super Explosive Waves:
(The Super Explosive Wave can be performed inside the Step-In Barrier.
As this Blast can be performed without the back step delay, characters
that possess this Blast are automatically held in high regard as
dangerous characters; Not only because of the instant attack available,
but also for the fact that an opponent cannot simply dodge one time in
order to defend this attack. The Super Explosive Wave creates a wide
circumference around the player. Anyone within the circumference will
have to deal with the Blast in their own way, or become victim to it.
This attack deals six instilled attacks. These attacks were once
believed to be waves as suggested by the name of the attack. However,
this is now believed to be false. The first Wave unleashed by the
player is considered to be a wave. The remaining five attacks are
considered to be pulses. These attacks cannot be charged and always
require the close-up animation sequence.)
-Type 5 = Rush Attack:
(The Rush Attack is one of the most effective blasts available in the
game. There are three reasons for this consideration. First, the Rush
Attack is considered to be unblockable by the Base Guard. There is a
stronger form of Guard that can deflect the opposing attacker and this
will be discussed later in the document in Defense. Second, the Rush
Attack is an animation sequence once the attack connects to the
opponent. Once the animation begins, the opponent has no choice but to
let the animation conclude before continuing combat; at which time of
release, the opponent is left limp and in need of recovery. Third, the
player's character is able to become the blast, so to speak. In other
words, there is no projectile. The player's character covers the
distance and deals the damage accordingly. All Rush Attacks require the
close-up animation sequence. There are different types of Rush Attacks
to consider, all of which are based on three categories:
Category 1: Speed/Range
-----------------------
-Speed/Range 1
This Rush Attack is extremely fast but covers short distances; cannot
be directionally influenced.
-Speed/Range 2
This Rush Attack is a bit slower but covers a longer distance; can be
directionally influenced (noted as the average Rush Attack).
-Speed/Range 3
This Rush Attack is much slower than the first two but covers a great
length of distance; can be directionally influenced.
Category 2: Assault Location
----------------------------
-Assault Location 1
This Rush Attack is always performed in a specific part of the arena.
The Wall will never get in the way. A good example of this: SSJ4
Vegeta's Rush Attack.
-Assault Location 2
This Rush Attack is performed wherever the initiation took place.
Therefore, if both combatants were next to the wall when the Rush
Attack connected, the Rush Attack conclusion may result with the
opponent being thrown along the wall, or even into it.
Category 3: Release Trajectory
------------------------------
-Release Trajectory 1
This Rush Attack will send the opponent in the upward trajectory. A
good example of this Rush Attack is performed by Kid Buu.
-Release Trajectory 2
This Rush Attack will send the opponent in a forward trajectory. A good
example of this Rush Attack is performed by Goten.
-Release Trajectory 3
This Rush Attack will send the opponent in a downward trajectory. A
good example of this Rush Attack is performed by SSJ Goku.)
-Type 6 = Volley Blasts:
(Some characters have the Volley Blast ability. This is one of the more
suitable attacks for keeping the opponent on the defense. Like the
Super Explosive Wave, Volley Blasts require the close-up animation
sequence. This type of blast can vary from a considerably small amount
of blasts to a higher range of blasts in succession in a given
direction. However, the accuracy of the blasts may vary depending on
the character.)
-Type 7 = Berzerker:
(This type of blast has breaks in a chain of Blasts. There are only a
small handful of characters that possess this type of blast. Some
characters possess more damage and attacks within this blast. Super
Android 17 holds the most attacks in the Berzerker Blast. Others have a
significantly less amount such as Super Janemba.)
-Type 8 = Explosive:
(This type of blast is created through concentrated explosive energy
near the opponent or directed toward the opponent. These attacks are
extremely difficult to defend against, much like the Super Explosive
Wave. When these blasts connect, they deal several hits of damage.
These attacks require the close-up animation sequence.)
-Type 9 = Energy Ball:
(This type of blast is created as a concentrated ball of energy that
the enemy simply throws in the opponent's direction. These blasts can
be seen in a variation of sizes. While most of these can be used on
command of the attack, the Spirit Bomb must be created first before
execution. These attacks can be charged according to the Charge Meter
OR by means of the close-up animation sequence.)
III-J-3. Ultimate Blast:
------------------------
Ultimate Blasts can only be performed while in Sparking Mode. That being said,
they share a major similarity in Blast 2 networking as their types vary in the
same regard. As a general rule, a character's Ultimate Blast will leave the
opponent de-locked. However, it is important to know that just because an
Ultimate Blast is supposed to be the characters strongest feature, it is
important to get to know the characters. Some characters may have other Blasts
that are far more effective than their Ultimates. Once Sparking Mode has been
achieved, in order to perform the Ultimate Blast, one must hold "L2" and
"Down" and press "Triangle". Ultimate Attacks require the close-up animation
sequence.
III (K) -Throws-
----------------
Throws are one of the hardest obstacles to overcome at beginner level.
Therefore, it is also one of the more important aspects of combat that one
must learn before moving on to advanced combat.
Throws are performed by three methods. The Base Throw, the Giant Throw and the
Counter Throw.
-Base Throw:
(The base throw is a technique that all characters possess. This throw
is executed by the player grabbing the opponent and performing some
form of melee to the opponent knocking them away or throwing them in a
specified direction. This grab is performed by holding "Forward" and
pressing "X" while inside the Step-In Barrier.)
-Giant Throw:
(The Giant Throw cannot be performed by just any character. Some
characters possess this ability, some do not. It is important for the
player to get to know the character. The Giant Throw can only be
performed when the opponent is laying on the ground, face up and with
the player positioned at the opponent's feet. If the character
possesses the ability to perform the Giant Throw, the player must hold
"Forward" and press "Triangle". In such a case, the player will grab
the opponent's ankle and lift the opponent into the air in a swinging
motion. There are different methods to get the opponent into such a
position, such as Sonic Impact or the Sweep, but it is ultimately up
for the player to decide through experiencing the game through combat.)
-Counter Throw:
(When the player chooses to initiate the counter stance, the counter
attack may come in different forms. Sometimes it will be a counter
melee attack, sometimes it will be a mirage and sometimes it will
result with a counter throw. If this be the case, the player will knock
the opponent's hands away and grab him/her for the throw the player's
character possesses. There are several methods to reach the counter
stance which will be explained as the document progresses.)
III (L) -Charge Cancels-
------------------------
One of the most trickiest quality of any decent combat game is the Charge
Cancel system. Many fighting games possess this quality and are therefore
considered to possess a great deal of tactical and technical depth. For what
is more dangerous than an opponent that can fake his/her attack before
launching a different one? One may find this concept in martial arts and
boxing as feints play a very significant part of one's strategy. Convincing
the opponent that a specific attack is worthy of defending, only to be hit
with an attack the he/she never saw coming is one of the most lethal strategic
means a combatant can possess.
The Charge Cancel may seem self explanatory, but simply understanding the
concept of the Charge Cancel does not ensure that professional performance is
guaranteed. There is more to consider than the core concept. Technical
manipulation such as the Charge Cancel requires timing and practice. Not to
mention, the pace of high level Charge Cancelling combos will leave the hand
sore for days during the adaptive levels of advancement.
Unlike a lot of games that possess the Charge Cancel system, Tenkaichi 2's
combat system allows nearly every melee attack to be charged. With a slim few
exceptions, every melee attack that can be charged... can be cancelled.
Comparative example:
-Normal Fighting Game Combo: Punch, Punch, Kick, Kick, KICK (in this
case, only the highlighted "KICK" can be charged and therefore is the
only attack of this string that can be cancelled.)
-Tenkaichi 2 Combo: PUNCH, PUNCH, KICK, KICK, KICK (As one might
notice, all attacks are highlighted, suggesting that all attacks of the
string can be charged and therefore cancelled.)
While the person defending the first combo will only need to worry about the
ONE attack that can be charged and cancelled, the person defending the combo
in Tenkaichi 2 will need to be weary of every attack the opponent is
presenting as they all can be charged and cancelled.
To Charge Cancel: The player must charge a melee attack in accordance to the
Charge Meter. As this attack may be initiated via "Square" or "Triangle", the
player must charge the respective button. Before the Charge Meter reaches
maximum charge, the player must tap one of the remaining face buttons to
cancel the attack. For example: If the player charged a base "Square" attack,
the player would then tap one of these remaining buttons: "Triangle",
"Circle", or "X" in order to cancel the charged melee. If the player were
charging a Hook via "Triangle", the player would tap one of these remaining
buttons: "Square", "Circle", or "X" in order to cancel the charged Hook.
As a means of enlightenment, here are some examples of when a Charged Cancel
can be incorporated during the different aspects of combat.
-Base Melee Cancels:
(As explained already, a base "Square" can be charged. During this
charge, the melee can be cancelled. What makes this technical concept
so dangerous is the fact that nearly every punch or kick thrown by the
player can be cancelled. If one were to recall from III-D, when a
player decides to charge a melee attack, he/she can choose which
direction the attack will approach the opponent by holding Up, Left,
Right, Down or simply allowing the attack to conclude for a Neutral
direction. When the player has the ability to cancel these charged
melee attack, this coincides with the strategic value of constantly
keeping the opponent guessing.
One of the most difficult things to do when regarding Base Melee
Cancels, is to perform them fast enough for the next base melee to
continue the hit counter increment. The opponent's recovery time is
very fast in Tenkaichi 2 when it comes to base melee, so to be able to
continue a combo without breaking the hit counter increment is
extremely difficult, but possible. Once accomplished, the player is
then able to break one of the first mechanics of the game. For every
Combo Set following the Initial Combo Set is the Supplementary Combo
Set. The Supplementary Combo set consists of the physical means
dissimilar to those of the Initial Combo Set. When the player is able
to cancel the Initial Combo Set or even the Supplementary Combo Set via
Base Melee Cancels, the physical attacks of the following Combo Set
will be displayed as the Initial Combo Set while the hit counter
continues to rise. It is in such a case that one must consider which
Combo Set he/she is actually performing, for as the hit counter will
continue to rise, the player will continue to stay inside the realm of
one particular Combo Set. For example:
If the player begins the Initial Combo Set and begins to cancel the
combos via Base Melee Cancels and continues to attack, he/she may work
through several Combo Sets, without ever reaching the first
Supplementary Combo Set. Therefore, the hit counter could reach 99 if
the player is skilled to do so without ever reaching the first
Supplementary Combo Set. However, if the player at some point chose to
transition to the first Supplementary Combo Set via Step-in or Flying
Kicks, the player will then have another opportunity to cancel this
combo via Base Melee Cancels for a continuous first Supplementary Combo
with the physical appearance of Initial Combo Set attacks. Regardless
of how many times the Initial Combo Set is cancelled, the player will
always be able to transition into the first Supplementary Combo Set by
simply allowing the Initial Combo Set to conclude naturally. In this
case, the last non-cancelled combo set will produce the Initial
Aftermath, allowing the Step-In to bridge the gap and transition into
the first Supplementary Combo Set. However, it is also important to
understand that if at any point the non-cancelled Supplementary Combo
Set concludes, this will produce a Collapsed Aftermath.)
-Hook Cancels:
(Much like the Base Melee Cancels, Hooks can be cancelled in the same
fashion. As Hooks are just as much a part of the combo as base melee in
terms of cancel ability, one would only need to make the proper
adjustments to the Hooks specifically assigned to the character at
hand. As explained in III-C-2, the formula for each Hook depends
entirely on which character the player decides to use. As long as the
player is able to remember which Hook goes where in the Combo Set
formula, he/she will always know which attack he/she is cancelling. It
is important to get to know the characters. As one may have already
deduced, the Hook is cancelled by charging the "Triangle" button at the
specific position of the Combo Set formula and then tapping one of the
remaining three face buttons before the charge reaches maximum.)
-Dash Melee Cancels:
(The Dash melee attack is very useful, but it does have its flaw. For
when the opponent is sent into a collapsed aftermath, the Dash Melee is
very effective in remaining offensive. For though the opponent may be
spiraling out of control, the melee from the dash attack has the
ability to stop the collapse and bring the opponent back to standing
position, but the recovery is not complete. In this case, the player
can continue to attack and work into an Initial Combo Set, even if the
"true" combo is Supplementary. Once again, it is important to keep an
eye on the Hit Counter. The problem with the Dash Melee is that when
the opponent blocks the attack, the player's offensive recovery is
longer than that of the opponent's ability to simply let go of guard
and begin his/her own assault. It is in this case that the Dash melee
should only be used when the player feels it would be a safe tactic.
When the opponent recognizes the attack before connection, the
attacking player can be in for quite a consequence.
However, as the Dash Melee can be charged, it can therefore be
cancelled as well. This will allow the attacking player to judge what
the opponent is able to do in response to a Dash Melee before
connection and decide if cancelling is the best option. It is important
to remember that the Dash possesses two attacks: the Dashing Melee
explained in III-E-2 and the Dashing Ki Blast explained in III-E-1. As
the standing position possesses an astounding variety of attack
options, it is sometimes better to cancel the Dash Melee and bring the
player to standing position as the player's Dash approaches the
opponent. As the opponent is likely to be blocking for the anticipated
Dash Melee, one's Dash Melee Cancel can bring an immediate advantage to
the player as one who is blocking is already forced into defense.
Though it might already be clear as to how the Dash Melee Cancel is
performed, it is always a good idea to verify for greater
understanding. When Dashing at the opponent, the player must charge a
melee attack via "Square". Before the melee has reached full charged,
the player must then cancel the attack by simply tapping one of the
remaining three face buttons. The player will cancel the Dash Melee
attack and immediately be brought to fighting stance, ready to execute
the next technique.)
-Jump Melee Cancel:
(The Jump Melee Cancel is strictly related to the Jump Melee, also
known as the Spiral Slash. This technique is performed when the player
is planted on the ground first. For the player's character will not
jump if he/she is not already grounded. Regardless of the direction of
the jump, there are only two directions of melee attack that the player
must take into consideration. When jumping forward, left, right or
neutral and charging the Jumping Melee, the attack will automatically
zone in on the opponent. It is at this point that one must understand
that if the player is too close to the opponent, it is possible that an
uncontrolled Jumping Melee could overstep the opponent and miss the
target; landing on the rear side of the opponent, facing the opposite
direction. When jumping backward and charging the Jumping Melee, the
attack will continue in that trajectory. If the initial charged melee
makes contact to the opponent, the transitional terminus may be
activated by pressing "Triangle" to initiate a Sweep. This sweep can
then transition into the remaining transitional terminus of the Dragon
Tornado.
As suggested by previous cancelling techniques, the initial Melee
attack residing in the Spiral Slash can be cancelled by charging the
"Square" button and tapping any of the remaining face buttons before
the charge reaches maximum. It is important to understand these
concepts of the Jumping Melee Cancel as this will be a reference point
for advanced technical ability explained as the document progresses.)
III (M) -Defense-
-----------------
"Invincibility lies in defense; the possibility of victory in the attack."
-Sun Tzu
Any knowledgeable combatants of any real fighting game knows that defense is
just as important as offense. While one cannot win without a strong offense,
one cannot lose with a strong defense.
In order to ensure that one has a strong defense, one must understand the
different methods of defense. These methods include the Guard, Deflecting,
Dragon Dash Counter, Defensive Teleportation, Offensive Teleportation, Step-In
Evasion, Side-Step Evasion, Priority, Blast 1 Incorporation and Counter
Stance.
III-M-1. Guard:
---------------
At the basic level, blocking with the Guard is the most common form of
Tenkaichi 2 defense. This stems from the concept that most games only have one
button assigned for the Guard and therefore are suggested to use that button
for most if not all defense purposes. As this document progresses, one might
find that the defense system of Tenkaichi 2 is far more advanced than initial
expectations.
In this section of the document, three major concepts must be taken into
consideration: Base Guard, Strong Guard and Focal Adherence.
-Base Guard:
(First, the simplest form of defense must be understood. In order to
fully understand the defense, one must understand the offense. As a
single punch may be initiated through neutrality, as such does a guard
of neutrality exist. As another melee attack may be initiated through
directional influence, as such does the guard possess directional
influence. For example: As discussed in III-D, when a player decides to
charge a melee attack, he/she can choose which direction the attack
will approach the opponent by holding Up, Left, Right, Down or simply
allowing the attack to conclude for a Neutral direction. As this is the
case, one must understand that the defending player can hold Guard and
directionally influence where the Guard will absorb the blow by holding
Up, Left, Right, Down or simply holding a neutral Guard. By
understanding this concept, the player should be quick to judge which
direction the opponent's attack is approaching for a proper and
successful block. While a neutral Guard will defend perfectly fine
against a Green or Red Charged Melee, the Full Charge carries a
different outcome. It is also within this lesson that the player must
also understand the consequences for each resulting successful block
and misjudged block. There are three results one must expect during the
Base Guard in regarding the Full Charged Melee:
-Result 1: 100%
When the player chooses the Guard direction that matches the opponent's
melee attack, the player will completely block the opponent's
advancement; of which a thunderous sound of acknowledgement will
resonate. It is in this case that the opponent's attack will be stopped
in its track and the opponent will bounce off of the player's Guard.
-Result 2: 50%
When the player chooses the Neutral Guard position that does not match
the opponent's Melee attack or when the player chooses a Guard of
directional influence when the opponent's Melee attack is neutral, the
50% result takes place. In such a case, the player is able to stop the
attack from inflicting damage, but the Guard is consequently broken. As
the Guard breaks, 3/2 Ki Guages are consumed. It is in this case that
the opponent may have time to take advantage, for the recovery of the
broken Guard may not be fast enough to block the opponent's following
attack. If the player's Ki Meter possesses less than 3/2 Ki Guages
during the Guard Break, the player must undergo Rest Recovery. In this
state, the player must press the "Circle" button repeatedly to recovery
Ki until the Base Ki level is reached. During which time, the player is
unable to Move, Attack or Guard.
-Result 3: 0%
When the player chooses the opposite direction of Guard than the
opponent's melee attack of directional influence, this will result with
full impact and therefore result with the Smash Aftermath. For example:
If the opponent were releasing a fully charged Upward Melee attack and
the player were holding block while holding Up; expecting to block an
attack from above, the player will be knocked away through Smash
Aftermath in the upward trajectory.
-Strong Guard:
(When regarding the Guard, one might come to find that blocking energy
based attacks such as Ki Blasts or even the Kamehameha doesn't stop
100% of the attack from causing damage. This damage is known as Chip
Damage; the damage still inflicted when blocking the bulk of the
attack. The same effect will take place when Guarding against Giant Ape
Melee as well. While there are other means of defending such attacks to
keep Chip Damage from occurring, the Strong Guard can be used to reduce
Chip Damage by 50%. This advanced block cannot be directionally
influenced, therefore will fall victim to a Result 2 Guard Break
against directionally influenced, fully Charged Melee. However, it is
important for the player to understand the advantages of such a Guard.
As a major example, the Strong Guard holds the ability to keep the Rush
Attack from commencing. As explained in III-J-2, the Rush Attack is
considered to be unblockable. This is not entirely true when regarding
the Strong Guard. However, if successfully blocked, the Rush Attack
will still result with breaking the player's Guard.
In order to perform the Strong Guard, the player must hold "Circle" and
then also hold "Triangle". When performed correctly, the player's
character will change his Base Guard form into the Strong Guard. It is
important for the player to understand that when in Strong Guard, Ki is
slowly consumed. As this is important to consider for Ki Management,
one must also consider the consequences for blocking a Rush Attack. For
the Rush Attack will cause a Guard Break which consumes 3/2 Ki as well
as the Ki consumed during the Strong Guard itself. As there are other
means of defending such attacks, one must understand the pros and cons
for using any suggested techniques.)
III-M-1-a. Focal Adherence:
(Focal Adherence represents the mechanical laws of battle that two
combatants must adhere to in relation to their focal point: the
opponent. In other words, it is how the player moves, defends and
attacks in direct relation to where the opponent is positioned. For a
brief example with Street Fighter II, the game will begin with player 1
on the left and player 2 on the right. The match begins with both
players already facing each other. This means Focal Adherence already
holds control over both characters from the beginning of the match. In
order for player 1 to move forward, he must hold right. In order for
him to move backward, he must hold left. Without Focal Adherence, if the
player held left, he wouldn't move backward. Instead, his character
would turn around and face the left and begin to move forward, while
moving away from the opponent. Additionally, if player 1 were to move
forward and jump over his opponent, landing on the other side... both
characters would immediately turn and face each other. This is Focal
Adhesion forcing both characters to face each other as all existing
combatants must direct their focus toward their focal point, being the
opponent. To conclude the example with Street Fighter II, I will also
include the fact that even special techniques such as the Hadouken are
affected by Focal Adherence, for the quarter circle forward and attack
is directionally executed differently, depending on which side of the
opponent the player is on.
As games have evolved, so has Focal Adherence. While the original
fighting games were based on the 2D environment, there would eventually
come a time when the 3D environment would be tested. As the Side Step
was initially introduced in a game called Dark Edge, the understanding
of Focal Adherence began to evolve. I have never played Dark Edge, so
I'll explain this concept with a different game, one in which I have
extensive experience: Mortal Kombat, Deadly Alliance. Now, the Side-
Step was even present in MK4, but I think Deadly Alliance is a good
place to start for explanation because it also exhibits Side-Walking.
As a general rule, a game that has side-stepping to represent the 3D
environment in a 2D fighting game holds two levels of Focal Adherence.
The first level would relate to the traditional style, explained
earlier with Street Fighter II. The second level would be how the
player moves, defends and attacks in relation to side movement.
If the player were to perform a Side-Step into the background, this
movement is in direct relation to the opponent's position. In other
words, the side-step is not a 90 degree movement to the side, but a
movement that follows a circumference in which the opponent is
positioned at the center. Without Focal Adherence, a side-step would
move the opponent into the background of the stage without the camera
adjusting to keep both opponents on the 2D fighting ground. A
continuation of side-step or side-walking movement would allow the
opponent to move farther and farther away from his opponent and the
camera, into the depths of the background. Fortunately, Focal Adherence
does exist and this does not take place. Instead, any side-step
movement will keep the player within the boundaries of combat.
At this point, I will need to briefly explain a concept known as
Aggression.
III-M-1-a-I. Aggression:
(Aggression represents the forward displacement and measure of
additional reach that is created by a character's attack. Every attack
has a specific measure of Natural Reach, which is the extent of reach
an attack may have without character displacement. In other words, if a
player's character were to perform an attack while positioned at ground
zero, and when the attack is concluded, the player is still at ground
zero, the attack possesses zero aggression. The measure of distance
that the attack covers is its natural reach. This is important when
regarding Zoning and Spacing tactic, for some characters may have
longer arms and legs than their opponents. Aggression, on the other
hand, is the measure of distance that is covered character
displacement. In other words, if the player has an attack that begins
at ground zero, but concludes with the player's character repositioning
several feet from ground zero, the attack holds aggression. Such
attacks can be as simple as a punch/kick that includes a single step
forward, but they can also include attacks such as Ryu's Tatsumaki Kick
from Street Fighter II.
The advanced player should know the difference between Natural Reach
and Aggression, for while a character with longer Natural Reach may be
good for Zoning Tactic, a character with a shorter Nautural Reach may
still be better for Zoning Tactic based on his level of aggression. An
attack with High Aggression may cover more distance than a different
character with a longer Natural Reach.)
Focal Adherence Continued...
Now that you understand aggression, you can understand the following:
For most games, Focal Adherence will release its hold on the character
during their melee attacks. This is what allows the side-step to be
used as a means of counter attack. When a single attack is initiated,
it will go in the direction it was initially expected to when last
referenced to Focal Adherence. However, if the opponent performs a side-
step, the attack will not follow the opponent's position because Focal
Adhesion is not at work. If performed correctly, the opponent can
perform a side-step and then begin attacking you from the side. The
only way to regain Focal Adherence is to stop attacking and begin any
other movement that relates to Focal Adherence, be it a single movement
in any direction, a new approach for an attack or finding a new way to
defend an attack.
Understanding this, one should also consider how much time is required
to regain Focal Adherence. For example, an attack that has no Aggression
may take much less time to regain Focal Adherence and therefore presents
a much smaller window of opportunity for counter attack. An attack with
higher levels of aggression requires more time for the attack to
conclude, presenting a larger window of opportunity for counter attack.
While attacks with high aggression are great for zoning and spacing,
they can also be a curse to the player that underestimates his
opponent's evasive capabilities.
Now, at this level of gaming evolution, it is also important to
understand that unlike the single level of Focal Adherence included in
Street Fighter II, Focal Adherence holds no control over idle characters
when regarding the 3D environment. In other words, Player 1 could use
side-step or side-walking movement to maneuver around the circumference
of the opponent without the opponent automatically facing his opponent.
Therefore, if inclined to do so, Player 1 could walk around his
opponent and to the rear where initial attack is unblockable. To this
degree, one would do well to reference "Channeling" covered earlier in
this document.
Finally, to explain Focal Adherence in Tenkaichi 2...
When each match begins, both players are required to lock-on to their
opponent before effective combat can take place. This is due to the
lack of Focal Adherence presented during a de-locked player. During this
phase, any movement is in no relation to the opponent's position, but
instead related to the player's radar. Up is not forward, but North.
Left and Right are not circumferential, but direct 90 degree angle
movement West and East. Down is not back, it is South. One can dash,
ascend, descend, etc, but will still be in no relation to the
opponent's position.
Once locked on to the opponent, however, Focal Adherence immediately
takes hold. At this point, one should understand the different levels
of Focal Adherence for effective combat.
-Level 1: Distanced Focal Adherence
This is how the player's movement, offense and defense is performed
when positioned outside of the Step-In Barrier. When pressing Forward,
Back, Left and Right, each movement is in direct relation to the
opponent, with Up being Forward, Left and Right following the
circumference of the opponent and Down being Back. However, each
movement allows the player to physically face each direction.
Therefore, if inclined to do so, the player could hold back and face
the opposite direction of the opponent, while Focal Adherence still
holds the opponent as the focal point in the background. At this level
of Focal Adherence, one can Dash, ascend, descend, etc, but all movement
is still in direct relation to the opponent's position. A neutral Dash,
for example, will still be directed toward the opponent's position as
it is directly linked to him through Focal Adherence.
-Level 2: Approximal Focal Adherence
This is how the player's movement, offense and defense is performed
when positioned inside the Step-In barrier. When pressing Forward,
Back, Left and Right, each movement is in direct relation to the
opponent, with Up being Forward, Right and Left following the
circumference of the opponent and Down being Back. However, unlike the
first level of Focal Adherence, one cannot Dash at close proximity.
Instead, any attempts to Dash will result with Side-Steps, Back Steps,
and the Step-In. If Airborne, any attempts to ascend/descend will
result with ascended steps or descent steps. However, Focal Adherence
holds no control on the opponent that is already grounded when relating
to Jumps and descent (a player that is grounded cannot descend anyway).
Also, when in Approximal Focal Adherence, the player's character will
always face his opponent. If the player chose to move back, left, right
or forward, the character's physical focus will remain fixed on the
opponent. This allows the player to attack and defend at the most
effective level.
It is at this point that one must understand the importance of
Approximal Focal Adherence. As explained in III-F-1, offensive
teleportation is commonly used for rear positioning. While two player
may initiate the Teleport Dance in attempts to gain the better
position, it is sometimes very easy to become a defending victim of the
offending teleporter. As the teleporting opponent may mix up the
direction of the offensive teleport, one must be able to incorporate
Approximate Focal Adherence with their Base Guard. Offensive Teleports
are created through the inclusion of Base Melee. Therefore, one must be
able to bring up their Guard in time for the Base Melee and then
initiate active Approximal Focal Adherence during the offensive teleport
to follow the teleport terminus. This will allow the player to bring up
their Guard as the second attack is initiated by the opponent. If
performed correctly, the player will never lose focus on the position
of their opponent and will therefore continuously be able to defend
oneself.)
III-M-2. Deflection:
--------------------
The Deflection has been established as a major aspect of DBZ combat. In order
to present Tenkaichi 2 defense as relative to the show, the combatants are
awarded the ability to hit oncoming Ki Blasts with their bare hands and knock
them into a different direction. In this case, the Ki Blast deflected may go
into a random direction or even back at the attacking opponent. Though this
may be the more well known form of Deflection, physical attacks such as the
grab attempt can also be Deflected. As interesting as this concept may seem,
one must understand the pros and cons of Deflection in order to realize when
it is the optimal choice.
As it currently stands, there does not seem to be any negative aspects to
Deflecting a grab. However, when regarding tactical abuse, one must understand
the drawbacks to the Ki Blast Deflection. It is in such regard that one must
consider "Absolute Block".
-Absolute Block
(This concept is usually based on the idea that if the player begins to
block an attack or string of attacks, that the player has no choice but
to continue Blocking the attack until the full attack is concluded. It
is within this understanding that one must realize that Ki Deflection
is quite similar by nature. Through Deflecting Ki Blasts, one is unable
to defend against any other attack during Deflection. Therefore, it is
also important for the player to understand the speed of one's Ki
Blasts in relation to that of their Blast 2. Many advanced players will
use this tactic as defense manipulation. As a player Deflects a flurry
of Ki Blasts that move half the speed of a Kamehameha, the attacker is
able to seize advantage of the player's Ki Blast Deflection and connect
with the Kamehameha that is able to outrun the Ki Blast flurry
terminus. Similarly, as a player decides to hold Guard and block the
oncoming Ki Blasts, the attacker is able to seize advantage of the
player's locked Guard and connect with a Rush Attack that is able to
outrun the Ki Blast flurry terminus.)
In order to Deflect properly, one must press "Circle" at the very instant of
impact. If performed correctly against the grab attempt, the player will
Deflect the opponent's hands, resulting with the opponent stumbling backward a
couple feet. If performed correctly against the Ki Blast, the player will
Deflect the Ki Blast toward a different direction or as explained earlier,
back at the attacker. Every time the player successfully deflects a Ki Blast,
his/her Ki Stocks will increase, which will speed up the overall process of
attaining Ki Stocks. However, this only works for manual Ki Blast Deflection.
As explained in III-G-2, when specific characters reach Sparking Mode, they
are awarded Auto Deflection. In this case, the player's manual Ki Blast
Deflection is not necessary as the state of Sparking Mode allows Ki Blasts to
automatically be deflected off of the character's physical body.)
III-M-3. Dragon Dash Counter:
-----------------------------
As explained in III-B-7, when two players Dragon Dash into each other at the
same time, they will enter the "clash" simulation where both players will
battle it out in a Joystick struggle for the most hits. This concept holds
true to any aspect of the Dragon Dash. While initiate through different means,
Dragon Pursuit and Rush Attacks are based on the Dragon Dash.
As one may use a Tech from being knocked away via Smash Aftermath into a Clash
simulation with the Dragon Pursuit, one must always be prepared to engage the
Joystick Struggle. However, the Dragon Dash Counter is typically used as a
means of defending against Rush Attacks.
The Rush Attack is considered to be one of the most useful techniques in the
Tenkaichi 2 arsenal. The speed differential as well as its unblockable nature
describes the Rush Attack as one of the most dangerous techniques to defend.
However, as explained earlier, the Rush Attack is built upon the Dragon Dash.
Therefore, in regards to the Dragon Dash, one can counter the Rush Attack by
simply initiating one's own Dragon Dash to initiate the Clash simulation. It
is in this case that the player with the fastest hands will win the Joystick
Struggle and be awarded the next move. However, as these struggles can be
extremely exhausting at times and even more important: a wear on the
controller, one must take note that there are other methods of defending the
Rush Attack. The more skill the player gains, the less energy wasted.
III-M-4. Defensive Teleportation:
---------------------------------
As briefly mentioned in III-M-3, Absolute Block concepts can present a problem
during game-play. While the Absolute Block exists as a safety net to ensure
the majority of the attack is blocked, on the stronger level of Absolute
Blocking, an aggressive opponent may find ways to keep the player trapped in
this Blocking state after the attack has concluded. For example: the
Kamehameha can be blocked with the Base Guard. However, it is not just the
Base Guard that has been initiated. The Absolute Block is also taking place to
ensure that the player does not drop his Guard in the middle of the Blast. If
the opponent is able to offensively recover before the Absolute Block has been
concluded, the opponent can keep the player in the state of Absolute Block by
continuing attack methods and force the player to remain in the Absolute
Block. This can be performed by Ki Blasts and Aggressive style combos.
To ensure that the player does not fall victim to the Absolute Block, one must
become familiar with Defensive Teleportation system. This aspect of the game
requires timing and proper judgment of depth perception and by nature, is much
more difficult than holding Guard for defense. However, once the player is
practiced in the Defensive Teleportation system, he/she will begin to realize
the advantages of using a defensive method to instantly transition into
offensive ability.
When regarding Defensive Teleportation, there are two situational means to
consider: Defending against Melee and Defending against the Blast 2/Ultimate
Blast.
-Melee Defense:
(When regarding the Defensive Teleport for melee, one must understand
that only charged attacks and Hooks can be teleported. When regarding
Hook defense, one should also take note that the Flying Kicks Hook
cannot be Teleported as it is regarded as a transition in this
instance. The player is also not able to Defensively Teleport against a
Kai Cannon Hook as the attack does not intend for direct contact. In
order to Defensive Teleport against a charged melee attack or Hook, one
must develop an alert sense of awareness as well as understanding what
attacks are available to the opponent. It is very important for the
player to get to know the characters. One must recognize what the
character looks like when a specific charge attack is being initiated.
Finally, one must develop an extremely tight sense of responsiveness.
Reactivity is the key factor of any defense system. To perform the
Defensive Teleport against a charged melee attack or Hook, one must
press "Circle" the very instant before the attack makes contact. This
will take a bit of practice for the user to get comfortable with, but
this defense concept is well worth the training. With the defensive
teleport, one may bypass the strain of being caught in Absolute
Blocking and go for the counter attack. It is in such a defense that
the player's character will teleport to the side or sometimes backward.
The player can directionally influence the defensive teleport by
holding the desired direction. This holds the potential to allow the
player to engage in various strategies as there are various tactical
methods to consider from close combat as well as distanced.)
-Blast 2/Ultimate Defense:
(While the Absolute Block can be a problem when considering Blast 2
Defense, this dilemma falls secondary to the consequences that using
Guard against a Blast 2 can possess. Some Blast 2 attacks are
unblockable, which is why it is also important to get to know the
characters. One must consider what Blast 2 is being executed by the
opponent in order to defend properly. It is in this case that one must
understand that the Defensive Teleport is always the optimal option
when compared to Base Guard. However, one must realize the difficulty
of the Defensive Teleport when regarding Blast 2 based on Depth
Perception.
-Depth Perception vs Motion Perception
The average brain is able to pick up on Motion quite easily. This is
based on how the player is able to pick up on the differences in
lighting during the progression of movement. This concept is what
defense in 2d fighters is based on. When the attack of "A" reaches the
target, "B", the player knows to react accordingly. Depth Perception is
much more difficult for the brain to pick up on. This is why the car in
front of the driver is required to have working tail lights. Otherwise
and in the instance that the front driver must break, the human brain
has a hard time picking up on Depth Perception and therefore lies the
danger of causing the wreck. The ability for the brain to pick up light
is much quicker and therefore allows the rear driver to react
accordingly to tail lights as to not rear-end the front driver. This
concept is what defense in Tenkaichi 2 is based on. While other fighter
games include the luxury of judging their defense on a two dimensional
scenario, the player of Tenkaichi 2 must judge their defense based on a
far more difficult basis.
Understanding that the Blast 2 is judge via Depth Perception, the
Defensive Teleport must be conducted with such judgment. Similarly to
Defensive Teleporting charged melee and hooks, one must judge exactly
when the attack is going to make contact. As explained in III-J-2,
there are many types of Blast 2's in Tenkaichi 2, all of which must be
judged and handled in a different manner.
-Defending Types: Kamehameha/Death Beam/Energy Ball
These types of attacks may vary in speed, but all follow the same
guidelines to Defensive Teleportation. As the attack reaches the
instant of impact, it is up for the player to judge exactly when that
impact will take place. When the player is able to time the attack
accordingly, he/she is able to Defensively Teleport the attack by
pressing "Circle" the instance before the Blast 2 makes contact.
-Defending Types: Volley Blasts/Bladed/Berzerker
These types of attacks may also vary in speed, but follow different
guidelines to Defensive Teleportation. For some may consist of more
than one attack and direction. For example: The Volley Blast will
always consist of more than one blast. These blasts are usually
directed in one general direction, but may vary in accuracy. Therefore,
the player must expect to use the Defensive Teleport more than once
before the attack is concluded. This requires a keen eye and quick
reflexes as while the player may be able to influence the direction of
the Defensive Teleport, such blasts of the Volley Blast may cover a
wide range in all directions. Bladed blasts may vary in the quantity of
blasts per execution, therefore it is important for the player to get
to know the characters. As Bladed attacks are unblockable, it is very
important that the player keeps a responsive defense in teleportation.
Many times, these attacks will follow the opponent through directed or
controlled accuracy. In other words, as some Bladed Blasts may be
executed with higher quantity, the attacking opponent is able to
redirect each attack in accordance to his/her focal point: the player.
Therefore, if the player were to move in any direction to dodge a
previous Bladed Blast, the following Bladed Blast will adjust to the
new position the player has chosen to take. Controlled Bladed Blasts
will be executed in their own fashion; be it through directed or
stationary, but will begin to follow the target after execution. This
requires the player to understand exactly where the projected blast is
at all times until conclusion. As explained as Defensive Teleportation,
one must dodge these techniques by pressing "Circle" the instance
before the Blast 2 makes contact. As the quantity of the attack may
count higher than one attack, the player must be able to redirect his
attention at an instant in order to dodge following blasts. The most
difficult type of blast to teleport defensively when regarding this
section is the Berzerker type: Super 17's Hell's Storm. While the blast
releases 32 attacks within execution, the player must understand that a
single defensive teleport may overlap several attacks of the execution.
Ultimately, the player must learn to teleport through the entire blast,
resulting with seven consecutive defensive teleports. As this blast may
be defended at different distances, such depth perception judgment must
be considered for effective teleportation.
-Defending Types: Super Explosive Waves/Explosive
These types of attacks require a more advanced form of defense. For one
must recognize that these types of Blasts are based more on location of
the opponent or the player him/herself. These blasts may cover a great
radius from the point of origin and therefore require a different form
of Defensive Teleportation. Unlike the types of Blast 2's previously
discussed, the Super Explosive Wave and Explosive types of Blast 2's
are not judged through depth perception. Instead, one must understand
the full timing of the Blast 2 from initiation to execution. For some
attacks may be initiated with the close-up animation sequence, but
require a time pause before the attack is executed for impact. Gaining
an understanding of this time pause is but a small part of Defensive
Teleportation when regarding the Super Explosive Wave and Explosive
types. For once the attack commences, the remainder of the attack
requires a much tighter form of Defensive Teleportation timing than the
remaining blasts as it requires consecutive Defensive Teleportation
without motion or depth perception to judge such timing. However, as
depth perception is not an issue to consider in defending this blast,
the player must train in order to defend on the pace of the attack for
proper defensive teleportation. For example: The Super Explosive Wave
is initiated as a giant wave of energy. However, it is not simply the
first wave that must be dodged. For after the wave is executed, there
are 5 remaining attacks that follow the initiating wave. These attacks
were initially considered to be waves as well, but after closer
inspection, it has been established that such attacks are considered to
be "pulses" as the distance from the focal point has no bearing on the
rate of defensive teleportation. Therefore, the player must learn the
timeframes between each attack residing within these types of blasts.
It is in such case that there are seven defensive teleports that are
required to dodge a complete Super Explosive Wave, as well as most
Explosive attacks.
-Defending Type: Rush Attack:
This type of attack requires one to use depth perception as well as a
trained understanding of the different types of Rush Attacks. As
explained in III-J-2, there are different types of Rush Attacks. In
this case, the player only needs to consider the Speed categories, for
these categories explain the different speeds of the Rush Attack as
well as the directional influence conducted by the opponent's approach.
The Rush Attack may share some aspects of the Kamehameha type Blast 2
in that a Rush Attack is a one shot deal. Either the attacker connects
with the attack, or he/she does not. To defend the Rush Attack, the
player must consider the three speeds and directionally controlled Rush
Attack being initiated. When regarding the first Speed/Range, as the
Rush Attack is extremely fast but covers short distances, the player
must recognize when he/she must have a much tighter control over quick
reflexes. As this Rush Attack cannot be directionally influenced, the
player must react to depth perception alone, but quickly. When
regarding the second Speed/Range, as the Rush Attack is a bit slower,
but covers longer distances, the player must be able to judge the
distance accordingly along with the speed of the attack. If the attack
arrives too soon or too late, the Defensive Teleport will not take
place. As this Rush Attack can be directionally influenced to some
degree, one must also understand that the attacker has the option to
cause abstraction in the player's depth perception, making it harder to
judge the correct timing for Defensive Teleportation. When regarding
the third Speed/Range, as the Rush Attack is much slower, but covers
even longer distances, the player must be able to judge the distance
accordingly along with the speed of the attack. If the attack arrives
too soon or too late, the Defensive Teleportation will not take place.
As this Rush Attack can be directionally influenced to a much greater
degree, one must understand that the attacker has the option to cause
abstraction in the player's depth perception, making it even harder to
judge the correct timing for Defensive Teleportation. It is in this
instance that the player must get to know the characters he is facing.
In order to Defensively Teleport the Rush Attack, one must press
"Circle" at the instance before the Rush Attack makes contact.
Additionally, every time the player successfully defensively teleport dodges
an attack, his/her Ki Stocks increase; speeding up the process of attaining Ki
Stocks.
III-M-5. Offensive Teleportation:
---------------------------------
As explained in III-F-1, Offensive Teleportation can be initiated through
Combo Sets. Although one may typically use Offensive Teleportation as an
offensive means to gain position, one can also use such a concept as a means
for Defense. In using the Offensive Teleportation system as a means for
defense, one must consider the fact that the Offensive Teleport is initiated
at the whim of the player. Therefore, a player that lacks the timing required
for the Defensive Teleport might find value in using the Offensive Teleport
system instead. It is within the nature of the Teleport itself that allows the
player to remain unaffected by the suggested attack. Through such concepts,
one must learn to perform this technique in close combat as well as distanced.
-Melee Defense:
(Aside from the Teleport Dance concept that is used for gaining optimal
position, the Offensive Teleport can be used to escape Charged Melee as
well. While the Defensive Teleport is based upon the player's ability
to time the exact release of the Charged Melee, the Offensive Teleport
can be initiated as soon as the player realizes the opponent is
Charging his/her Melee attack. This possibility resides in the fact
that a character that is in Charge Melee Mode is endowed with Armor.
This means that if the player were to hit the Charging opponent with a
Base Melee attack, it would inflict damage, but it would not physically
affect the opponent. Therefore, while the opponent is Charging his/her
Melee, the player is able to connect Base Melee and incorporate
Offensive Teleportation before the release of the Charged Attack.
Though the Base Melee will inflict the damage, its true purpose will be
used as a means to initiate the Offensive Teleport for escape. As this
offensive strategy is used as a means of defense, one must understand
that the line between offense and defense sometimes coincide.)
-Blast 2:
(As one might deduce from the explanation for Melee Defense, one can
use the Offensive Teleport as a means to Defensively Teleport from
Blast 2 Attacks. However, the player must understand that such a tactic
is only optimal against certain Blast 2 types, such as the Kamehameha,
Death Beam, Energy Ball and Rush Attack. Other types that include
multiple attacks within the execution cannot be effectively dodged by
Offensive Teleportation means.
In order to use the Offensive Teleport as a means to dodge the
suggested Blast Types, one must judge when the attack will make
contact. Once this has been established, the player must be sure he/she
can release at least one "whiff" attack to enable Offensive
Teleportation. This must be done before the attack makes contact. As
the timing of the "whiffed" Offensive Teleportation is far more lenient
in regarding the Kamehameha/Death Beam/Energy Ball attacks, one can
initiate the whiff attack long before the attack makes contact. For the
following Offensive Teleport will place the player out of danger long
before the attack reaches the initial targeted position. However, the
Rush Attack requires a fairly tight timing, though not as tight as the
Defensive Teleport. As the nature of the Teleport suggests that the
Rush Attack cannot make contact to the target that is not physically
present, the Teleport allows the player to move to the desired position
completely unharmed. However, as the timeframe of the Teleport is
relatively small, one must time the Offensive Teleport to match the
approach of the incoming Rush Attack. To perform correctly, the player
must judge when the opponent's Rush Attack will make contact. As the
Offensive Teleport can be initiated through three potentials of the
Combo Set, the player can begin his/her whiff attacks as the opponent
approaches and Offensively Teleport accordingly. If performed
correctly, the Rush Attack will arrive at the exact instant of the
Offensive Teleport, unable to deliver the desired damage.)
III-M-6. Sparking Teleportation:
--------------------------------
As explained in III-G-2, certain characters are allowed to teleport on a free
basis when in Sparking Mode. In essence, the character can teleport without
the requirement of melee incorporation by merely holding a direction and
pressing "Circle". Also, in correlation with the explanation in III-M-5: the
nature of the Teleport suggests that the Rush Attack cannot make contact to
the target that is not physically present, the Teleport allows the player to
move to the desired position completely unharmed. This suggests that as the
player is able to Teleport Freely through Sparking Mode, the Free
Teleportation can be used Defensively as well as Offensively. One only needs
to choose a direction and Teleport accordingly. This technique can be used in
a similar fashion as Offensive Teleports, but the Base Melee is not required.
III-M-7. Step-In Evasion:
-------------------------
The Step-In is one of the most useful techniques in Tenkaichi 2. Not only does
it allow the player to transition into Supplementary Combo Sets, but it also
allows the player to incorporate a strong Defense. In order to understand the
importance of the Step-In Evasion, one must understand that during the Step-In
movement, the player is completely invulnerable to Melee Attack. This does not
suggest that Ki based attacks cannot cause damage. Therefore, one must never
Step-In to a Kamehameha unless the player has a concealed subsequent strategy
to deal with the blast. When regarding the Step-In Evasion, one must consider
four means of practice: Base Melee, Charged Melee, Grabs and Rush Attack.
-Base Melee Evasion:
(As explained above, the Step-In movement allows the player to be
completely invulnerable to Melee Attack. This means that during the
timeframe of execution to conclusion, the attacker's melee will have no
effect on the player, physically or otherwise. However, it is important
to understand that the Combo Set of any given character can stretch
well beyond the timeframe of the Step-In. Advantages of this concept
will be explained as the document progresses.)
-Charged Melee Evasion:
(For one to understand the workings of a proper Step-In Evasion for
Charged Melee, one must understand the timeframes of both the Step-In
and the Charged Melee being released. One must understand the speed of
the opponent's attack, which relates to the speed of the character as
well as the speed of the opponent's charge which relates to the speed
of the Charge Meter's flash. While most of this may seem very
complicated, one may come to find that the length of the Step-In
timeframe is long enough to effectively defend against any Charged
Melee. The only factors one must consider are of the following:
-Release Timing:
If the opponent releases their Charged Melee sooner than the player
initiates the Step-In Evasion, the player will fall victim to the
attack. If the player initiates the Step-In Evasion too quickly before
the opponent releases the Charged Melee, the player may recover too
quickly and fall victim to the attack. One must have quick reflexes and
a strong combat mentality for using strategic guidance to reflect what
the player knows of his/her opponent.
-Charge Melee Cancels:
If the player charges a melee attack and the player initiates a Step-In
Evasion to a cancelled melee attack, the player may recover to fall
victim to the opponent's secondary attack. One must understand the
skills the opponent is willing and able to use during combat. The
ability to judge when using certain defensive tactics against an
advanced player is the optimal choice or not is one of the most
important aspects of advanced combat.
When performed correctly and against the predicted execution of the
opponent, one would press "X" to Step-In while inside the Step-In
Barrier at the instant one's opponent releases their Charged Melee. It
is within this concept that one must understand that unlike the
Defensive Teleport, the Step-In can be performed with, or without the
opponent's cooperation. As mentioned in III-M-4, the Kai Cannon Hook
cannot be Defensively Teleported. However, as the Step-In Evasion does
not require direct contact intention, the maneuver can be used to dodge
the Kai Cannon. While the Step-In technique may seem to cover a decent
timeframe, one must also understand that the recovery rate is typically
faster than that of the Charging Attacker's recovery rate. This allows
the player to counter attack with well deserved payoff.
-Grab Evasion:
(As one may begin to learn from the training mode, the Grab can be
defended by means of deflection. Similar to Ki Deflection explained in
III-M-2, in order to Deflect properly, one must press "Circle" at the
very instant of impact: the grab connection. Since this means of
defense has a much tighter timeframe than the Step-In duration, one may
feel much more relaxed in using the comparative times between the grab
execution and the Step-In to evade the oncoming attack effectively.
Since the Step-In can be initiated at the whim of the player, one can
press the command well before the grab makes contact. As the duration
of the Step-In lasts a lot longer than the timeframe of the grab's
contact frames, the defensive timing is much more forgiving. Therefore,
as soon as the opponent begins to lunge for the grab attempt, one may
execute the Step-In, ensuring the grab will not make contact. However,
like the Chargeable Melee Attacks, the grab can be cancelled via
Natural Cancels. Therefore, one must consider that the Grab Deflection
keeps the player in defense by using the Guard. It is important to know
your opponent and adapt to their ability.)
-Rush Attack Evasion:
(The Rush Attack Evasion is built strictly upon the concept of the
Step-In Barrier. Without the understanding of the Step-In Barrier as
well as the circumference of the Step-In Barrier, the foundation of
which the Rush Attack Evasion stands would crumble, leaving the player
to defend through other means. In order to perform the Rush Attack
Evasion effectively, one must fully understand the difference between
using a Dash and using a Step-In; ultimately knowing the Step-In
Barrier Circumference and the maneuvering limitations each realm
governs.
As explained in III-B-3, the distance between the player and the
opponent is the defining factor that separates a Dash from a Step-In.
This factor is the difference between close quarters combat and
distanced combat. This factor; this line of scope-differential
definition is called the Step-In Barrier. In order to instill the
understanding of the Step-In Barrier circumference, one must test the
line through using the Dash and Step-In until one finds the Barrier.
Once this line has been established, one can then understand how to use
the Step-In Evasion against Rush Attacks.
As explained in III-J-2, the Rush Attack is not like other Blast 2's.
The Rush Attack is not a projectile of energy, but an attack in which
the player's character is projected as a means of physical melee
animation activation. As this is the case, one can begin to understand
that as the Step-In Evasion works against Melee Attacks, it will also
work against the Rush Attack. It is within this concept that one must
understand why the Step-In Barrier is so important. For the difference
between judging the opponent's physical placement within the Rush
Attack correctly and incorrectly can consequentially end in taking the
full effect of the Rush Attack.
As many Rush Attacks differ by means of approach: Speed/Length types 1,
2 and 3, one must consider the opponent's initiated position, the speed
of the Rush Attack involved as well as the Directional Influence being
controlled by the opponent. As the Step-In can be used to neutralize
the Rush Attack when used properly, a misjudged distance, speed or
Directional Influence can lead to the player taking the full effect of
the Rush Attack.
When performed correctly, the player must allow the opponent to
initiate the Rush Attack while taking note of the initial position of
execution. Then the player must wait until the opponent's Rush Attack
brings them within the Step-In Barrier. As soon as the opponent
breaches the player's Step-In Barrier, the player must press "X" to
initiate the Step-In for proper evasion. If one presses "X" to Step-In
too soon; before the opponent has breached the Step-In Barrier, one
will execute the Dash maneuver and direct him/herself right into the
opponent's path of destruction. If the player waits too long to press
"X" even after the player has breached the Step-In Barrier, the Rush
Attack will make contact and the player will fall victim to the full
attack. It is for these reasons that one must recognize the character's
Step-In Barrier circumference, understand that Directional Influence
can distort the opponent's actual distance from the target, and know
that some Rush Attacks are faster than others. Judging all Rush Attacks
the same will lead to a player losing a lot of health when all could
have been avoided with a little bit of practice.)
III-M-8. Side-Step Evasion:
---------------------------
The Side Step was first introduced to the fighting engine for "Dark Edge".
This technique allowed the player to maneuver to the side in order to evade
the opponent's oncoming attack. In the instance of Tenkaichi 2, the Side Step
exists as a means of offensive and defensive tactics, but due to the
aggressive nature of the combo system, the value of the Side Step when
compared to the alternatives has significantly gone down. While the player may
find opportunities to use the Side Step as an evasive maneuver, such
opportunities relate to but a small part of the game.
-Charged Melee Evasion:
(Unlike the Step-In, the Side Step does not render the player
invincible during the frames of movement. Therefore, attempting to Side
Step while within the range of the opponent's combos may result in
becoming a victim of the opponent's attacks. However, when the opponent
chooses to use the Charged Melee attack, one may find the time to use
the Side Step effectively during the release of the attack. As one may
deduce from understanding the basic concept of any defensive technique,
one would merely need to consider the time needed to charge and release
the attack in relation to time needed to use the Side Step effectively.
However, one must once again keep in mind that such attacks can be
cancelled via Natural Cancellation. Knowing the opponent's capabilities
is key to any victory.)
It would also be important to note that the Back Flip/Back Step can also be
used in the same scenario as an effective defensive maneuver. However, as some
characters may hold a more aggressive style of attack, using the Back Step may
not be the optimal choice as it may still leave the player in the danger zone.
III (N) -Priority-
------------------
As it is understood, the Priority aspect of any fighting game is the tendency
of an attack of High Priority to strike through an attack of Low Priority. In
essence, if both opponents attack each other at the same time and one player's
attack is able to inflict damage while the other is valued as null and
ineffective, the victorious attack is considered to be High Priority. On the
other hand, if both opponents attack each other at the same time with the same
attacks or level of attacks, it is possible that both attacks will cancel each
other out. However, there are certain circumstances in which two attacks of
equal Priority collide and the opponents must battle/struggle for victory;
usually initiating a Beam Struggle or Joystick Rotation Animation Sequence.
While many aspects of the game's Priority balance must be explored though
one's continued experience, it is important that one learns the basics of
Priority when regarding Base Melee, Charged Melee, Hooks, Ki Blasts and Super
Blasts. Ultimately, one must learn how to manipulate the concept of Priority
to best suit one's tactical stance for the given circumstance. As there are
different types of Charged Ki Blasts, the following will be regarding the
Strong Ki Blast as different forms of Ki Blasts have different results due to
Priority. For example, the paralyzer will carry a different Priority than the
strong blast or Destructo Disk. The Destructo Disk is typically unblockable
and therefore holds higher Priority than the rest.
-Base Melee vs Base Melee:
(In essence, if two players begin their Combo Sets at the same time,
one would be sure to notice that neither opponent will take damage from
the other as each attack will collide with the opponent's attack of the
same Priority. This is an important aspect of the Combo Set chess game
simply because one must understand more aspects of the character's
combo ability such as speed and hit quantity. In other words, as two
opponents share the exact same attack qualities of their combo sets, as
long as each opponent's attack begins at the exact same time, each
attack will value each other as null and ineffective. However, if one
player's character has a Combo Set that consists of more than one hit
per button pressed, then it is possible that the player's Combo Set
will out-last that of his opponent's Combo Set. As the speed of a
player's Combo Set is also an issue to consider, this may also cause a
player's Combo Set to out-last that of his opponent's Combo Set. If
both Combo Sets are allowed to reach their Natural Terminus, the player
who's Combo Set extends beyond the opponent's Combo Set will inflict
damage with the remaining Base Melee of the Combo Set.)
-Charged Melee vs Base Melee:
(As explained in III-M-5, a character that is in Charge Melee Mode is
endowed with Armor. In such a case, one must understand that the
Charged Melee attack holds Higher Priority than Base Melee. In essence,
the Charged Melee will continue to charge while the opponent's Base
Melee will have no physical effect to stop the charge. This will result
with the Charged Melee completely ignoring the Base Melee and crushing
through for the desired impact. However, in relation to what is also
explained in III-M-5, such a concept can also be used as a defensive
opportunity. A player that is performing Base Melee against a Charged
Melee has the opportunity to unleash the first Base Melee and initiate
an Offensive Teleport in a defensive manner to avoid the impact from
the Charged Melee. As Base Melee is released in a shorter time frame
than the Charged Melee, the Offensive Teleport can be initiated in time
to defend accordingly.)
-Hooks vs Base Melee:
(Whether it be normal or Transitional, a Hook will take Priority over
Base Melee.)
-Hooks vs Charged Melee:
(Hooks are to be considered as possessing the same Priority as Charged
Melee as the Hook can also be charged. However, as the Transitional
Hook is released without a means of Charging, the Transitional Hook
will take Priority over a Charged Melee attack unless the Charged Melee
is released at the exact time of Transitional Hook impact.)
-Charged Melee vs Charged Melee:
(Much like Base Melee, when two Charged Melee Attacks collide with the
same force, they will cancel each other out. If both attacks are
released at the same instance, it is the attack with the stronger
charge that will punch through victorious. However, one must consider
the following: While Base Melee has no physical effect on a Charging
opponent, a Charged Melee will puncture the armor of a Charging
opponent. Therefore, while a Green or Red Charged Melee attack may not
possess the same executing Priority as a Fully Charged Melee, it is
enough to cease the Charge and interrupt the attack.)
-Hooks vs Hooks:
(Much like Base melee, when two Hooks collide with the same force, they
will cancel each other out. If both attacks are released at the same
instance, it is the attack with the stronger charge that will punch
through victorious. However, one must consider the following: As the
normal Hook can be charged, one must understand that a Charged Hook
will puncture the armor of a Charging opponent. Therefore, while a
Green or Red Charged Hook may not possess the same executing Priority
as a Fully Charged Hook, it is enough to cease the Charge and interrupt
the Hook.)
-Ki Blasts vs Base Melee:
(Ki Blasts hold a higher Priority over Base Melee. Therefore, when the
opponent is attempting a Combo Set, a simple Ki Blast to the face will
bring his assault to a halt.)
-Ki Blasts vs Charged Melee:
(The Priority of Ki Blasts and Charged Melee is defined by the force
applied by the charge. Therefore, while Ki Blasts may hold a higher
Priority over Base Melee, a Charged Melee will physically ignore the Ki
Blast and power through.)
-Ki Blasts vs Hook:
(A Hook is to be considered the same way a Charged Melee is considered
when regarding Ki Blasts. A Hook will physically ignore the Ki Blast
and power through. However, one must take note that this only applies
to the normal Hook. When regarding the Transitional Hook, one must
understand that it cannot be charged and therefore is not considered
the same as a normal Hook. In essence, a Transitional Hook will always
be interrupted by the Ki Blast.)
-Green Ki Blasts vs Green Charged Melee:
(As there are different levels of charge when regarding Ki Blasts and
Melee, one must consider Priority when these two collide. When a Ki
Blast with a Green charge is unleashed and makes contact with an
opponent that is charging a Green Melee or stronger, the Green Ki Blast
is overpowered due to the Green Charged Melee's higher Priority.)
-Red Ki Blasts vs Charged Melee:
(While the Charged Melee can overcome the Ki Blast and Green Ki Blast,
any Ki Blast that is charged to the Red level or beyond will take
higher Priority against the Charged Melee.)
-Super Blasts vs Super Blasts:
(As specified in III-E-1, there is a wide range of specific attacks in
the game that vary in strength and priority, one must play through the
game to understand which specific Blasts carry Priority over others.
However, it has been shown that Super Explosive Waves can stop any
incoming Blast. As each Super Explosive Wave is initiated nearly
instantaneously, one could deduce that the Super Explosive Wave holds
the highest priority in the game, but this would be mere speculation as
the Super Explosive Wave cannot be aimed at an opponent like a Blast.
It is also understood that the only Super Blast that holds the lowest
Priority and will concede to all other Super Blasts is the Rush Attack.
This proves to be true as the Rush Attack is not so much as a
projectile Blast as it is the character's form moving in place of the
projectile.)
-Base Melee vs Rush Attacks:
(Rush Attacks are noted as being unblockable to the base guard. A
Strong Guard may be able to temporarily put a stop to the Rush Attack,
but at a cost of Ki. Using a Dragon Dash or Rush Attack to counter the
opponent's Rush Attack can be useful for battling the opponent's
approach with a joystick struggle simulation, but that can become
tiresome. The Defensive Teleport and Step In Evasion are great
techniques to use in times of defending a Rush Attack, but there is
another tactic one should keep in mind when defending against the Rush
Attack. As explained in III-J-2, the player's character is able to
become the blast, so to speak. In other words, there is no projectile.
The player's character covers the distance and deals the damage
accordingly. Therefore, until the character's attack makes contact with
the opponent, the character is still in a vulnerable state. This is why
the Super Blast will hold higher Priority to the Rush Attack as
explained above, and much to be held in surprise, so does the Base
Melee. The timing may be tight, but it is possible to unleash a single
Base Melee Attack at the very instant of the Rush Attack's approach
that will inflict damage upon the opponent before the Rush Attack can
make contact. This will automatically interrupt the Rush Attack and
result with the assailant becoming a victim to the player's offensive
Combo Set.)
III (O) -Blast 1 Incorporation-
-------------------------------
During battle, a player can initiate his/her Blast 1 by holding "L2" and then
pressing "Circle" or by holding both "L2" and "Up" and then pressing "Circle".
Through such a command, one can execute a variety of techniques that will
affect the circumstance of battle for a brief period of time. While some
techniques are used as attacks, others are used as a means of defense and in
some cases, used as a means of attribute amplification. Each Blast 1 may
belong to a specific character while others are shared by many characters, yet
stay true to that specific character. In essence, a character possesses two
Blast 1's in his/her arsenal. These Blast 1's cannot change unless the
player's character Transforms; in which case the player's character may be
endowed with a new set of Blast 1's. Through the execution of such techniques
results in a cost of Ki Stock. Some Blast 1's require but a mere single Ki
Stock while others may require two to three. Such requirements must be
discovered through experience and training. The following are the various
Blast 1's that a player can execute during battle.
-Acid:
Causes paralysis to the opponent for a brief period of time.
-After Image:
Allows the player to automatically defensively teleport any Melee Attack as
well as any Super Blast a single time.
-After Image Strike:
Allows the player to automatically defensively teleport any Melee Attack as
well as any Super Blast to a total of three times.
-Android Barrier:
A small barrier of energy that formulates around the player for a brief period
of time. During this time, the player is invincible to Ki Blasts, Super Blasts
and Melee Attacks. When the opponent makes physical contact with this barrier,
he/she is knocked away and to the ground. However, the player's character is
locally fixed until the technique subsides.
-Burning Heart:
Automatically reach Sparking Mode with all attributes increased for a brief
period of time. After Sparking Mode concludes, Ki Charge rate is reduced for a
brief period of time.
-Dark Eyes:
Allows the player to automatically defensively teleport any Melee Attack as
well as any Super Blast a single time.
-Explosive Wave:
A small barrier of energy that formulates around the player for a brief period
of time. During this time, the player is invincible to Ki Blasts and Melee
Attacks. When the opponent makes physical contact with this barrier, he/she is
knocked away and to the ground. However, the player's character is locally
fixed until the technique subsides.
-False Courage:
This technique temporarily endows the player's character with the "Brick Wall"
effect in which the opponent's Base Melee holds no physical effect on the
player. However, like attacking an opponent with armor, damage is still
received.
-Finish Sign:
Ki Based Attacks and Melee power is briefly increased. Once a Blast 2 is used,
the effects dissipates.
-Fruit of the Tree of Might:
Automatically allows the player to reach Sparking Mode with all attributes
increased. Attributes will remain increased until execution of Super Blast.
-Full Power Charge:
Automatically brings a player's Ki Meter to full: Five full guages.
-Full Power:
Automatically brings a player into Sparking Mode with all attributes
increased.
-Give Me Energy:
In order to perform Goku's Spirit Bomb, one must first create the Spirit Bomb
in accordance to the show through gathering energy. When this technique is
performed, Goku will raise his hands in the air and request for the energy.
When performed, a Spirit Bomb will appear in the sky. This technique can not
only create a Spirit Bomb, but also cause it to grow if performed more than
once. This technique can only cause the existing Spirit Bomb to increase two
times. Once the Spirit Bomb is in place, the player can then execute the
Spirit Bomb technique once he/she reaches Sparking Mode for Ultimate Blast
initiation.
-Hero's Flute:
A small barrier of energy that formulates around the player for a brief period
of time. During this time, the player is invincible to Ki Blasts, Super Blasts
and Melee Attacks. When the opponent makes physical contact with this barrier,
he/she is knocked away and to the ground. However, the player's character is
locally fixed until the technique subsides.
-Hidden Energy:
This technique allows the player to hide from the opponent and cause the
opponent's focus to be de-locked. However, this is at the cost of one's full
Ki Meter.
-Hi-Tension:
Automatically recovers two Ki gauges, increases Ki Charge Rate and increases
Melee Power until the execution of a Super Blast.
-Howl:
This allows the player to automatically reach Sparking Mode with Ki Blasts and
Melee power increased. However, this will briefly decrease one's Ki Charge
Rate.
-Instant Transmission:
Signature Goku Technique that allows the player to disappear and reappear
directly behind the opponent. This will temporarily cause the opponent's focus
to de-lock. Must be locked-on to perform this technique.
-Justice Finish Pose:
Allows the player to automatically reach Sparking Mode with attributes
increased.
-Justice Finish Pose 2:
Allows the player to automatically reach Sparking Mode with attributes
increased.
-Justice Pose 1:
Endows the player with the "cloud" modifier, which will remain until the
execution of a Super Blast.
-Kaikosen:
Temporarily paralyzes the opponent.
-Kaio-Ken:
This technique completely restores the Ki Meter and increases all attributes.
During this time, the player's Ki meter will slowly deplete. When the Ki Meter
is fully drained, the player will no longer be in Kaio-Ken state.
-Kakarot:
Allows the player to automatically reach Sparking Mode with specified
attributes increased.
-Long Awaited for 100%:
This technique allows the player to automatically reach Sparking Mode with all
attributes increased. Afterwards, the player's Ki Charge rate is briefly
reduced.
-Mystic Breath:
Temporarily paralyzes the opponent.
-Power Up to the Very Limit:
This technique allows the player to automatically reach Sparking Mode with all
attributes increased. Afterwards, the player's Ki Charge rate is briefly
reduced.
-Psycho Barrier:
A small barrier of energy that formulates around the player for a brief period
of time. During this time, the player is invincible to Ki Blasts, Super Blasts
and Melee Attacks. When the opponent makes physical contact with this barrier,
he/she is knocked away and to the ground. However, the player's character is
locally fixed until the technique subsides.
-Psychokinesis:
Temporarily paralyzes the opponent.
-Pump Up:
Temporarily increases specified attributes until the execution of a Super
Blast.
-Saiyan Soul:
Temporarily increases Ki and Melee power until a Super Blast is executed.
-Self Harm:
The player can choose to sacrifice a bar of life to instantly reach Sparking
Mode. Additionally, the Melee attribute will be briefly increased.
-Sensu:
As related to the show, a Sensu Bean can restore all health.
-Sleep:
This technique requires a bit of time to perform successfully as it renders
the player temporarily unable to defend. However, if the technique is pulled
off successfully, the player restores a great deal of health, restores the
Full Ki Meter and increases attributes.
-Solar Flare:
This technique will temporarily blind and de-lock the opponent. If the player
falls victim to this technique, the screen will go completely white.
-SP Fighting Pose:
Automatically allows the player to reach Sparking Mode. Melee, Ki and Defense
attributes are increased as well. However, Ki Charge Rate is reduced for a
brief time.
-SP Fighting Pose 2:
Automatically allows the player to reach Sparking Mode. Ki and Cloud
attributes are increased as well. However, Ki Charge Rate is reduced for a
brief time.
-SP Fighting Pose 3:
Automatically allows the player to reach Sparking Mode. Ki and Defense
attributes are increased as well. However, Ki Charge Rate is reduced for a
brief time.
-SP Fighting Pose 4:
Automatically allows the player to reach Sparking Mode. Ki and Melee
attributes are increased as well. However, Ki Charge Rate is reduced for a
brief time.
-SP Fighting Pose 5:
Automatically allows the player to reach Sparking Mode. All attributes are
increased as well. However, Ki Charge Rate is reduced for a brief time.
-Super Unyielding Spirit:
Automatically allows the player to reach Sparking Mode. All attributes are
increased as well. However, Ki Charge Rate is reduced for a brief time.
-Telekinesis:
Temporarily paralyzes the opponent.
-Vice Shout:
Temporarily paralyzes the opponent.
-Wild Sense:
Allows the player to automatically defensively teleport any Melee Attack as
well as any Super Blast a single time. Additionally, if the player uses Wild
Sense to dodge a Melee Attack, the player will teleport behind the opponent
and initiate a Smash Attack upon the opponent. If the player uses Wild Sense
to dodge a projectile Super Blast, the player will simply automatically
defensively dodge the attack.
III (P) -Counter Stance-
------------------------
The Counter Stance is a life saver through many aspects of the game. As the
opponent will likely always be looking for a way to land his punches on the
player, it is up for the player to know two things: 1) When he/she is capable
of performing a Counter Stance and 2) When he/she SHOULD perform a Counter
Stance. The first being completely conditional to the player's tactical
performance; what he/she is already attempting, the latter being completely
conditional to the situation at hand when regarding the opponent's intentions.
The Counter Stance is only effective against Base Melee. Therefore, Charged
Melee, Hooks, Ki Blasts or Super Blasts will disregard the Counter Stance and
punch through. When one successfully performs a Counter Stance, the results
may vary depending on the character, for different characters possess
different results to their Counter Stances. Counter results:
1. Counter Grab (Counters the attack with a Grab Attempt)
2. After Image (Automatically Defensively Teleports Base Melee)
3. Dragon Deflection (Counter Deflects the opponent completely away
from the player in an upward trajectory, in a semi-Collapsed
Aftermath.)
In this section, it is important that one understands the different methods of
initiating the Counter Stance.
-Step-In Counter Stance:
(As explained in III-M-7, the Step-In movement allows the player to be
completely invulnerable to Melee Attack. This means that during the
timeframe of execution to conclusion, the attacker's melee will have no
effect on the player, physically or otherwise. However, it is important
to understand that the Combo Set of any given character can stretch
well beyond the timeframe of the Step-In. It is in this situation that
a player can incorporate the Step-In Counter Stance for optimal
performance.
After a player performs a Step-In maneuver, one can then initiate the
Step-In Counter Stance by pressing and holding "Circle". It is
important that the player knows the character, for some characters
transition into a Counter Stance while others transition into a Sway.
The Sway is simply a second evasive maneuver that is linked to the
Step-In that can help evade a prolonged attack.
Once the Counter Stance is initiated, holding "Circle" will keep the
Stance fixed. During this period, Ki is consumed in order to hold the
Stance. This technique is perfect for countering opponents that love to
present an aggressive approach with Base Melee.
Alternatively, one may also initiate the Step-In Hook as a means of
Counter Attack. While one can transition from the Step-In to the
Counter Stance by pressing "Circle" post Step-In, one can alternatively
transition into the character-specified Hook by pressing "Triangle". It
is important to understand that though pressing "Triangle" alone can
initiate the character-specified Hook, one can incorporate a Lift
Strike or Sweeping Hook in its place.)
-Side Step Counter Stance:
(Unlike the Step-In, the Side Step does not render the player
invulnerable to Melee. Therefore, one must be very careful when
executing the Side Step. However, one must also understand that like
the Step-In, one can transition into a Counter Stance by following the
Side Step with "Circle". Also unlike the Step-In Counter Stance
initiation, the Side Step Counter Stance does not transition into a
Sway at any point. Therefore, one can always count on some form of
Counter Stance when transitioning from the Side Step. Again, for one to
continue holding the Counter Stance, one must hold "Circle" and
therefore consume Ki. Unlike the Step-In, one cannot incorporate the
Counter Hooks as suggested in the Step-In. The concept of the Side Step
Counter Stance holds true to Back Steps, Ascension Hops and Descent
Hops.)
-Melee Counter Stance:
(As explained in III-F-1, Offensive Teleportation is performed by
following a Base Melee Attack with pressing a desired direction and
"Circle". In the instance of the Melee Counter Stance, one would do the
same command, but without directionally influencing the "Circle" press.
In essence, it is a sequence of initiating Base Melee Attack with
"Square" and immediately transitioning into a Counter Stance by
pressing "Circle". Like the Counter Stances previously discussed, one
must hold "Circle" to keep the Counter Stance in place. This will
consume Ki as well. This technique is very useful when battling in
close quarters combat as the foundation of close combat lies within a
swarm of Base Melee.)
-Cancellation Counter Stance:
(As explained in III-L, a Chargeable Melee or Hook can be cancelled via
Natural Cancellation. In doing so, one must charge the attack and then
press one of the remaining face buttons for Natural Cancellation.
In order to incorporate the Counter Stance into the Natural
Cancellation system, one only needs to continue holding the button used
for cancellation. Just as holding such a button to initiate and hold
the Counter Stance though other methods of Counter Stance previously
discussed, holding the face button of Natural Cancellation will
initiate the Counter Stance and hold the Stance as Ki is consumed. It
is in this instance that one must recall the different methods of
Natural Cancellation. For not all Natural Cancellation methods can
transition into a Counter Stance. The following are Natural
Cancellations that can transition into Counter Stance:
1. Charged Melee Cancellation
2. Charged Dash Melee Cancellation
Once the Charged Jumping Melee is cancelled via Natural Cancellation,
the player's character cannot transition into the Counter Stance.
Instead, the player will merely continue his path of gravitational
pull.)
-Lift Strike Counter Stance:
(When one has become a victim of the Lift Strike, it is imperative that
one finds a way to defend, for the Lift Strike Combo Terminus is one of
the most powerful and devastating combo the game has to offer. When the
player is lifted into the air via Lift Strike, one is given an
opportunity to transition into Counter Stance with the mashing of the
"Circle" button. If performed correctly, the player will tech in mid
air and engage the Counter Stance. However, as the Lift Strike Combo
Terminus can be initiated by one of two attacks: The Heavy Finish and
the Base Melee, one must make the judgment call. A Heavy Finish will
ignore the Counter Stance and simply performing the aerial Tech will
likely move out of range of the Heavy Finish but will fall victim to
the Base Melee.)
III (Q) -Transformations/Fusions-
---------------------------------
In order to transform one's character, one must take note that this technique
is performed in different ways, all of which relate to pressing the right
Joystick; also known as "R3". If allowed, the player can choose which
Transformation his/her character will perform by holding a specified direction
while pressing "R3". One must also understand that Transformations require and
consume Ki Stocks. Typically, a single Transformation from one level to the
next will consume a single Ki Stock, but this will also relate to the
character at hand. The initiation of a Transformation will result with an
animation sequence close-up on the character in which the player will see the
character Transform without worrying about the opponent inflicting damage. In
essence, when initiated correctly, the character will Transform successfully
without the opponent being able to stop it. When regarding this technique, one
must take note that there are three forms of Transformations: Progressive,
Flexible, Fusion, Absorption.
-Progressive:
(The Progressive Transformation is a Transformation that is permanent
unless another Progressive Transformation is possible. In essence, one
can Transform in one direction progressively. However, once the
player's character has reached his/her final Transformation, no further
Transformations are possible.)
-Flexible:
(The Flexible Transformation is a Transformation that is not permanent.
In essence, one can Transform in a progressive direction as well as
reverting back to Base Form. While one may possess the ability to
Transform progressively to the next level of Transformation or even
skip levels of Transformation with the required Ki Stocks available,
reversion will always result with Base Form.)
-Fusion:
(The Fusion Transformation is a Transformation that requires the
specified teammate suggested for the desired Fusion. Like the
Progressive Transformation, the Fusion Transformation is permanent.
Once a Fusion has taken place, no further Fusion Transformations may be
performed by the character. However, there are cases where the
character may still have Progressive or even Flexible Transformations
available.)
-Absorption:
(Like the Fusion Transformation, the Absorption Transformation is
permanent. However, the Absorption Transformation does not require a
specified teammate to perform and does not allow progressive
Transformations. However, there are times that additional Absorption
Transformations can take place that may act in place of Progressive
Transformations.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. Advanced Mechanics
----------------------
From this point forward, one will become familiar with the synergy
incorporated in many aspects of the game on an advanced level. It is important
that one understands the basics covered up to this section, for the complexity
of techniques and the theories included here will require a solid
understanding of the basic nature of the game. Thus far, this document has
covered the boundaries and limitations of the nature of Tenkaichi 2,
proceeding here will broaden one's understanding of how such boundaries and
limitations can be bent and broken for ultimate exploitation.
IV (A) -Recovery Rate-
----------------------
There are two types of Recovery Rate: Offensive and Defensive. For one who
attacks an opponent must also regain composure and become ready for the next
attack just as the victim must also recovery from the initial attack and
become ready for a following attack. While the Offensive Recovery is fairly
self explanatory, the Defensive Recovery Rate is based on more than one aspect
of the game.
IV-A-1. Offensive Recovery:
---------------------------
Many attacks may seem inherently linked together and must require a certain
timeframe to allow any other offensive attack to be incorporated. As some
buttons may have different results via execution during the given situation,
one must understand the Offensive Recovery Rates in order to perform the
desired attack. For example, the "Triangle" button is used for Hooks and Ki
Blasts. As explained in III-C-2, the Heavy Finish Hook is initiated by the
"Triangle" button and can progress into a Heavy Crush Terminus by pressing
"Triangle" two more times and concluded with a "Square". There is a certain
timeframe after the initiating "Triangle" that the button is still under
consideration for the Heavy Crush terminus. If the player wished to follow the
initiating "Triangle" with a Ki Blast, one must wait for the Offensive
Recovery Rate to conclude before using the Ki Blast instead of proceeding into
the Heavy Crush terminus. The same concept must be regarded to all Hooks that
have transitional terminus potential such as the Sweep or Kai Cannon. More
importantly though, is that the player understands that not all characters are
the same in terms of Offensive Recovery. Some characters recover their offense
fairly quickly while others take a very long time. Fighter Trunks is a very
big fan favorite, for on a basic level, he does hold a lot of potential in the
fight game. However, he holds a very slow Offensive Recovery Rate, which
limits his exploitation factor.
IV-A-2. Defensive Recovery:
---------------------------
As explained above, there are many aspects of the game in which Defensive
Recovery takes hold. Such aspects include: Turning around, standing up, Base
Ki Recovery, Aftermath Recovery, Composure and Tech Recovery.
-Turning Around:
(When the player manages to catch the opponent's rear, the opponent's
first response should be to turn around. This is important because
without the proper Blast 1 barrier, an opponent cannot defend nor
attack when being attacked from behind. However, one must also consider
that the timeframe of Turning Around is considered to be a Recovery
Rate. During this time, the opponent is not able to effectively defend
against attacks. However, the timing of exploitation is fairly small,
so it is possible for the opponent to turn around in time to defend if
the window of opportunity is missed.)
-Standing Up:
(This Recovery Rate is also known as Waking Up. During this timeframe,
the character is trying to get to his/her feet and is physically
vulnerable to attacks that cannot be effectively defended. It is in
this instance that one must learn the value of "teching". An un-teched
impact will result with the player laying on the ground. During which
time, the player may fall victim to further attacks; be it via Ki
Blast, Super Blast, or even further Base Melee abuse.
It is also important to understand that different characters possess
different attacks. While the Recovery Rate of standing up can be
exploited, one may feel it necessary to stay grounded in the ragdoll
position. In some cases, the opponent is unable to deal any real damage
as the player laying on the ground receives less damage than a standing
one. However, some characters possess a Dashing Charge Melee that will
bring the opponent off of the ground and to a standing position for
further damage. It is important that one knows the characters and never
underestimate the capabilities of his/her opponent. The concept of
delivering further damage to a downed or waking opponent is known as
Vortex. In this case, the player can continually deliver damage to a
downed opponent by taking advantage of the ragdoll effect via Dashing
Charged Melee or taking advantage of the Waking Up time frame of
vulnerability.)
-Base Ki Recovery:
(As explained in III-M-1, when a Guard is Crushed, the Ki Meter is
depleted by several Ki Guages. If the Ki Meter becomes completely
drained through such regard, the victim is then rendered in Base Ki
Recovery. In this instance, the character must stand vulnerable until
his/her Ki Meter is raised to the Base line of Ki. This process can be
sped up by mashing the "Circle" button as suggested on the screen. One
must consider that Defensive Teleportation is still an option as well
as Blast 1 Barriers, but beyond this, the Recovery Rate must find
completion.)
-Aftermath Recovery:
(When the player falls victim to a Smash Attack, one transitions into
the Smash Aftermath. In such a case, one has the ability to speed up
this Recovery Rate by mashing the "Circle" button as suggested on the
screen. Otherwise, the player will continue in such aftermath until the
Recovery is completed.)
-Composure:
(When the player falls victim to a Charged Hook such as the Sweep or
Heavy Finish, one must find his/her recovery. For during this time, the
player may fall victim to continued Melee. While a transition of Hook
Terminus can be defended via Defensive Teleportation, an opponent that
chooses to continue via Base Melee must be dealt with by recovery
alone. Such Recovery must be gained through mashing the "Circle" button
as suggested on the screen. During the time of Composure Recovery, the
player is completely vulnerable to attacks that are not able to be
dodged defensively.)
-Teching:
(The ability of Teching is understood as keeping oneself from rag-
dolling. In other words, while a player might get knocked to the ground
like a ragdoll by simply pressing nothing, he/she missed the
opportunity to Tech off of the ground and bounce back to his/her feet.
This is done by pressing "Circle" at the instance of ground impact. The
ability of a player to Tech has been established in many fighting games
over the years. As Tenkaichi 2 is based on a 3d environment, one must
understand that he/she holds the potential to Tech off of the
boundaries as well as the ground.)
One may notice when watching the more advanced players that they always take
advantage of Recovery Rates. When the opponent is attempting to Wake Up, it is
likely that a Super Blast, Rush Attack, Ki Blast flurry or even a Charged
Dashing Melee is on its way to make the adjusted impact. However, there are
also times when the players may take advantage of Techs as well. As important
as a Tech is, it is also important to note that a Rush Attack cannot connect
with a player that is in Ragdoll position. Many players will initiate a Rush
Attack that when timed correctly, will connect with the opponent at the exact
instant of Tech Recovery. Therefore it is always important to know when to
Tech and when to Ragdoll.
IV (B) -Advanced Combos-
------------------------
Thus far, the player should have a solid understanding that each Combo Set
consists of five or less consecutive presses of the "Square" button, of which
one may incorporate the Charged Terminus, the Hook Terminus or a Base "Square"
Terminus. As explained in III-I, Combos are connected together as a means of
understanding the Hit Counter, the player's position in combo activity, the
physical attacks of the given Combo Set and how the Hit Counter is affected by
Hooks, Transitions, Offensive Teleports, Recovery Teleports, Cancels and
Charged Melee. It is for this reason that though the Hit Counter may reset, it
does not mean the Combo itself has reset. As time has passed, there have been
many breakthroughs in Tenkaichi 2's combo system regarding how the combo
system relates to the Hit Counter and the character's physical activity during
combat.
IV-B-1. Ground & Pound:
-----------------------
The Ground & Pound is based on a new type of cancellation that is derived from
the limitations of the 3D environment in relation to the maneuvering
capability of the characters. In essence, it is due to the character's
limitations in movement that allow the player to break other limitations. As
suggested by the name, this technique must be performed on or near the ground.
One's experience will guide him/her to understand the exact height of
technical allowance. One would do well to understand that the G&P is the most
devastating technique in Tenkaichi 2. Once the rear of the opponent is
reached, one may G&P to victory with very little opposition.
-Theory:
(As explained in III-B, one must understand the circumference of the
Step-In Barrier in order to distinguish the realm of Dash ability from
the realm of Step-In ability. Once understood, such a boundary also
constructs the limitations of ascension and descent. For example, when
the player is airborne and distanced from the opponent, pressing "R1"
to ascend will cause the player's character to ascend with flight
capability. Respectively, if the player chose to press "R2" to descend,
the player's character would do so until he/she reached the ground.
However, inside the Step-In Barrier, the ascension and descent are
limited due to the close quarters combat circumference. In such a case,
an airborne player who chooses to press "R1" to ascend while inside the
Step-In Barrier will merely hop upward and back a few feet.
Respectively, if the player chose to press "R2" to descend while inside
the Step-In Barrier, he/she would merely hop downward and back a few
feet. During battle, such a tactic is less useful than the side step as
the player is left in a vulnerable maneuvering attempt. It is for this
reason that most players, even a lot of great players have chosen to
ignore the ascension/descent buttons during close quarters combat.
What these people never figured out resides in the following concept.
When grounded and inside the Step-In Barrier, pressing "R1" to ascend
will cause a Jump. Pressing "R2" in the same situation will result in
no effect as an attempt to descend when already grounded possess
nullified influence. However, it is important to take note that any
character with flight ability will initiate a hovering ability while
performing Melee attacks. As over 90% of the characters on the roster
possess flight ability, it is safe to say that this technique holds
high potential for every fighter. When the player's character begins to
hover during his/her melee, it is important to note that the hover can
be grounded with the "R2" button. As the player's character is well
within the Step-In Barrer, pressing "R2" should cause the player to hop
down and backward a few feet. As the ground is clearly in the path of
doing so, the player's character merely cancels the Hop, instantly
allowing the player to perform the next technique desired. Since the
"R2" can be incorporated into any Combo Set, one is able to begin a
Combo Set and immediately cancel the Combo Set with R2 Cancellation and
begin his/her attack again. Though the Combo Set was indeed cancelled,
it's relation to the Hit Counter is not intertwined and therefore will
not reset the Hit Counter. It is within this concept that the player
can use R2 Cancellation through the same continued Combo Set well
beyond the Hit Count of 99. This concept is called the Ground & Pound.
It is also important to understand that while the Melee of the player
typically initiates the Hover ability, this also relates strictly to
the attacks the player exhibits, and more importantly: the height
difference between the player's character and the opponent. The hover
ability compensates for the height difference when facing a taller
character. Therefore when using a character that is shorter than the
opponent, the hover is enabled during melee combat. However, if one
were to choose a taller character than the opponents, the hover is not
necessary and therefore not enabled. The player's character's feet are
already planting themselves with every attack. Therefore, any attempt
to descend would be as effective as if the player were standing still.
The attacks themselves, on the other hand, may hold potential to enable
the hover as some attacks bring the opponent off the ground as its
nature. Some attacks may simply bring the feet off the ground during
the attack exhibition which will also enable the hover. It is important
to know which characters can enable the hover against which characters
and why.
Finally, the player must understand the fluidity of the G&P for any
given character. For example, some characters may R2 Cancel into the
G&P technique but a continuance of G&P may seem choppy. This fluidity
can usually be smoothed out through training and switching up
cancellation potentials, or which "Square" to replace with R2
Cancellation, but there are some characters in which the G&P is not
very effective. Once performed correctly, the only chance the opponent
has to even stall the player's attack is the possession of a Blast 1
Barrier. Fortunately, a player that can tech well, will be able to
reactivate the G&P before the opponent Offensively Recovers from the
Barrier. Again, it is important to know the characters and which ones
work best with the G&P.)
As briefly explained, the Hit counter is not intertwined with the Combo Set in
order to cancel the Hit Counter, but the Hit Counter does share a connection
with the Combo itself. Therefore, once the player decides to continue the
prolonged Combo Set without the interruption of R2 Cancellation, the player
can then treat the rest of the Combo Set as if it were his/her first Combo
Set. Completing the Combo Set with a Base "Square" Terminus will result with
an Initial Aftermath, allowing the Step-In to transition into the next
Supplementary Combo Set. However, one must be advised that as the G&P Combo
Set can be carried for a very long time, one must also keep an eye on the
Charge Meter as it will still relate directly to the amount of connected
attacks landed. Also, it is important to understand that every time R2
Cancellation is used to initiate the G&P, the physical Combos performed by the
player will always resemble that of the Initial Combo Set. As explained in
III-C-3, the physical attacks that the player's character displays in the
Supplementary Combo Sets are usually different than the attacks displayed in
the initial Combo Set. Therefore, once a player transitions into the
Supplementary Combo Set and then incorporates the G&P, the physical attacks
will not resemble that of the Supplementary Combo Set, but that of the Initial
Combo Set. The nature of the G&P will complicate things sometimes so it is
important that the player knows exactly what Combo Set he/she is performing
and what impacts different actions will have on the combo itself. One can not
merely trust what the Hit Counter shows, but one can UNDERSTAND what the hit
counter shows.
IV-B-2. Telattack:
------------------
As explained in IV-B-1, the relationship between the Combo Set and the Hit
Counter is very flexible. In order to take full advantage and construct a
strong offense, one must understand what impacts different actions will have
on the combo itself. While the G&P will cancel the Combo Set without severing
the link with the Hit Counter, an Offensive Teleport will reset the Hit
Counter without severing the link with the Combo. It is at this point that one
must learn the effects of using these techniques as well as the usefulness of
the Recovery Teleport. Also, it is important that one performs this technique
from the rear.
-Recover Teleport:
(When the player is able to position the opponent into Boost Aftermath,
a simple Step-In will not cover the distance. As the Boost Aftermath is
initiated through the means of a Base "Square" Terminus, a continued
Offensive Teleport is not allowed as they must be incorporated before
the Terminus of a Combo Set. The Recovery Teleport is initiated by
holding Forward and pressing "Circle" after the Base "Square" Terminus
initiates the Boost Aftermath. If performed correctly, the opponent
will teleport forward a distance much longer than any directionally
influenced Offensive Teleport. This Recovery Teleport will allow the
player to continue his assault on the opponent. Typically, the Recover
Teleport allows the player to being his/her Recover Rate, resulting
with a reset in the Hit Counter. However, if the player's character has
a very fast Offensive Recovery Rate, then it is possible that the
player can enter a connected Combo Set through the Recovery Teleport.)
The idea of the Telattack is to incorporate the Offensive Teleport and the
Recovery Teleport with the additional influence of the opponent's Recovery
Rate to allow a continuous attack sequence that works from the Initiating
Combo Set into the Supplementary Combo Set and then back into the Initiating
Combo Set. To perform correctly, one must understand the following commands:
1. Complete natural Combo Set consisting of five "Squares". Offensive
Teleports may be incorporated here, but there will be no serious
bearing on the Combo other than resetting the Hit counter. This is not
necessary at this point as the game's engine still believes one to be
in an Initial Combo Set.
2. As the last Base "Square" Terminus results with an Initial
Aftermath, the player will then transition into the Supplementary Combo
Set via Step-In.
3. It is during the Supplementary Combo Set that the Offensive Teleport
must be engaged. Without the Offensive Teleport, the natural Terminus
of the Supplementary Combo Set will result with Collapsed Aftermath. It
is the Offensive Teleport that initiates the Boost Aftermath.
Understand that if the G&P concept were to be initiated during this
Combo Set, the physical aspect of the Combo change will revert the
combo back into the Initial Combo Set state. Completing such a Combo
Set with the Base "Square" Terminus would only result with yet another
Initial Aftermath.
4. Though the Offensive Teleport will reset the Hit Counter, the Combo
itself will continue. The resulting Boost Aftermath from the Base
"Square" Terminus will allow for the Recovery Teleport to take place.
Once the Recovery Teleport brings the player up to the right position,
one can begin the process over or conduct a different means of attack.
Additionally, it would be an optimal choice to learn how the G&P can be
incorporated into any Combo Set of any strategy to ensure one knows the full
potential of Combo manipulation.
IV-B-3. Hook Recovery:
----------------------
The Hook Recovery follows the same guidelines as the Telattack, but requires
the speedy Recovery Rate of the opponent to work successfully.
-Recovery Influence:
(When the player lands a Hook such as the Sweep or the Heavy Finish,
the opponent is placed into Recovery mode. This Recovery Rate can be
sped up by the pressing of the "Circle" button. If the player
immediately continues into the Supplementary Combo Set through
transitioning from the Hook, the opponent is placed into Boost
Aftermath. However, if the player chose to use the Hook inside the
Supplementary Combo Set instead and then continue into the Base
"Square" Terminus, an opponent that presses nothing will merely fall
into Collapsed Aftermath. However, if the opponent were to try to
recover faster from the Heavy Finish or Sweep of the Supplementary
Combo Set by pressing the "Circle" button, his Recovery Rate is raised.
If the opponent chooses to entertain this method, a base "Square"
Terminus from the player will place the opponent into Boost Aftermath.
As explained in IV-B-2, the Recovery Teleport can cover the distance of
the Boost Aftermath, allowing a continuance of attacks.)
IV-B-3. Greening/Redding:
-------------------------
As explained in III-D, there are three levels of Melee Charged: Green, Red and
Full. As any physical melee that can be charged can be defensively teleported,
one must take note that the combos suggested here are not perfect.
Greening/Redding can be used safely enough against the CPU, but one must take
careful consideration when using such techniques against a human opponent.
-Greening:
(Regarding III-D, when the player charges the "Square" button and
releases during the Green level, the opponent is guided through the
Greening Aftermath; in which case the opponent is not pushed anywhere.
The opponent is still standing yet not fully recovered. It is during
this instant that one must understand that as long as the player's
Offensive Recovery Rate is faster than the opponent's Defensive
Recovery Rate, the player can continue into the Supplementary Combo
Set. As the Greening technique is founded on Base Melee, one could use
the Greening Technique at will and in place of any "Square" of the
Combo Set. This can lead to a combo reaching beyond 99 hits as long as
the opponent finds no way of defending.)
-Redding:
(Regarding III-D, when the player charges the "Square" button and
releases during the Red level, the opponent is guided through the Red
Aftermath; in which case the opponent is knocked in the desired
direction of the attack, plummeting to the ground much further than the
Collapsed Aftermath. The opponent is no longer standing. In such a
case, the opponent's trajectory can also be influenced with the
direction of the attack. In order to follow up this attack with further
Redding technique, one would simply incorporate a follow-up Dashing
Melee to catch the falling victim. As long as the hit counter rises,
one is still stringing the combo along. Continuing with the Redding
Technique can force the Hit Counter to reach 99 hits.)
IV-B-5. Blast Enforcement:
--------------------------
As explained in III-E-1, different characters can only expel a certain amount
of successive Ki Blasts at a time. As there has yet to be a Cancellation
process such as the G&P to cancel the Ki Blast Flurry for further Ki Blast
addition, one can still use the G&P to incorporate Melee to Cancel the Ki
Blast Flurry and continue one's assault. It is during this process that one
would incorporate Ki Blasts within the G&P after every execution of the "R2"
Cancellation. If performed correctly, one could force the Hit Counter to reach
over 99 hits with the inclusion of Melee and Ki Blasts alike.
In order to perform correctly, one would begin with the Initial Combo Set and
Cancel it with "R2" Cancellation. As soon as the combo is interrupted, one
would press "Triangle" a few times to expel a few Ki Blasts and then begin a
new Initial Combo Set again for a rinse and repeat concept. However, it is
very important that one must ensure that the "Triangle" is pressed at the
proper instant. For when one presses "Triangle" at the moment of ground
contact, the Descent Sweep is initiated instead of the Ki Blast. It is
important that one must practice the timing of such techniques to perform
effectively.
IV-B-6. Ki Control:
-------------------
As discussed in III-E-1, the Charged Ki Blast is performed much like the
Charged Melee Attack, except with the "Triangle" button. These blasts may have
different effects depending on the character. For example, some character may
have similar Normal Ki Blasts, but when charged might be expelled as something
completely different. Here are a few of the different Charged Ki Blasts one
might expect:
1. Destructo Disk: Cuts through guard, even in Charged Ki Blast Form.
2. Stunner: Not enough to knock the opponent down, but enough to stun
them.
3. Paralyzer: Leaves the opponent temporarily paralyzed.
4. Strong Ki Blast: Like a Normal Ki Blast, but bigger and more
powerful; will knock the opponent down.
5. Multi Ki Blast: The character disperses several Ki Blasts at once.
In the instance of the Paralyzer, Strong Ki Blast and Multi Ki Blasts, there
are some characters who's Charged Ki Blasts can be released at a Charge level
to place the opponent into Greening Aftermath. While these Ki Blasts can
usually be unleashed more than once per set, it is possible connect several of
the suggested Charged Ki Blasts upon the opponent before the set runs out.
This type of Ki Blast construct is called Ki Control. In such a case, one
could use the Blast Enforcement method to transition into Ki Control in order
to incorporate variety into the G&P, or merely execute a variety of Base Ki
Blasts and Ki Control as a means of connected Ki Blast assault.
IV (C) -Advanced Movement-
--------------------------
As discussed in III-B, there are limitations set on how the player can move in
a 3D environment. Through mechanical exploration, many great players have
found ways to work the system for optimal maneuvering capability. As this
document progresses, such capabilities will be brought to light as the player
must advanced accordingly. Maneuvering skills are regarded as being one of the
most important aspects of any fighting game, as Tenkaichi 2 is built upon a 3D
environment with flight capability, such skills are regarded as even more
important. One would do well to acknowledge this concept and train to perfect
it.
IV-C-1. Dash Cancellation:
--------------------------
As explained in III-B, the Dash is a maneuvering technique that allows the
player to move at a fast pace toward the direction desired by holding the
desired direction and pressing "X", all in regarding Focal Adherence.
Normally, if a player wanted to bring the Dash to a halt prematurely, one
would simply press "X" a second time. However, if one were to pay close enough
attention, one might see that using "X" to bring a Dash to a premature
conclusion will cause the character to slam on the breaks. In essence, the
Dash is being put into the process of being stopped. One can see this more
clearly when using Kid Buu. If one were to Dash with Kid Buu and stop the Dash
with "X", one would see Kid Buu physically bring his legs into the air and
attempt to stop the Dash. During this time, the character is trying to
offensively recover from the Dash stoppage. In this section of the document, a
new concept of Dash Stoppage will be discussed without the inclusion of
Offensive Recovery.
-R1/R2 Cancellation:
(As explained above, when attempting to bring the Dash to a halt,
pressing "X" will result with Offensive Recovery. However, if one were
to press "R1" or "R2" in the middle of an aerial Dash, the player is
immediately able to transition from Dash Mode to Ascend or Descend mode
respectively. As the "R1" or "R2" button is not being held, the
character does not continue into Ascension or Descent, but merely
returns to fighting stance. In this circumstance, the "R1" or "R2"
command simply cancels the Dash and immediately returns the character
to fighting stance. In such an instance, one would do well to
understand the mindset of the combatant, as most players that
acknowledge an approaching Dasher will expect the Charged Dash Attack.
If one can immediately transition into fighting stance, many
alternative attack methods are immediately at the player's disposal. It
is important that the player understands that both "R1" and "R2" are
capable of cancelling the Dash. However, it is also understood that the
advanced player will typically use "R2" as it relates to other forms of
cancellation that one will use later in which "R1" is not the optimal
choice.
As the concept of "R2" Cancellation has now been covered, one must
understand how such a concept works on the ground. While all
directionally influenced aerial Dashes can be cancelled with "R1" and
"R2", such cancellation is far more limited on the ground. When a
player is Dashing on the ground, "R2" cancellation does not always take
form. As a Dash that is on the ground is considered to be a Grounded
Dash, pressing "R2" will usually hold no effect on the Dash at all
while pressing "R1" will initiate a Jump. It is important that one
understands the limitations of the grounded Dash Cancel. When one
Dashes to the side, pressing "R2" will typically have no effect on the
Dash. Therefore, if one were to attempt a Dash Cancel, one would stick
to the Neutral Dash. However, as the "R2" Cancellation does hold true
to the Neutral Dash, it is in relation to the height of the character.
If the character is too tall, pressing "R2" will have no effect on the
Neutral Dash. Such limitations have been explored and exploited as
progression through this document will explain.
Additionally, as the "R2" Cancellation may take form on a grounded
player, one must also realize the potential of initiating a Descending
Sweep by pressing "Triangle" at the very instance the player's
character plants his/her feet.)
-R2C Super Blast:
("R2C" or "R2" Cancellation can be used to bring an opponent directly
from Dash Mode into fighting stance. It is within this concept that a
player must acknowledge the potential to expel a Super Blast. As
discussed above, the opponent typically expects a specifically limited
number of attacks from the Dash. However, as the player can immediately
transition from Dash mode into fighting stance, the player is
immediately awarded Super Blast ability as long as he/she is not inside
the Step-In Barrier and holds the correct amount of Ki. In order to
perform one would merely perform a Dash, then tap "R2" and immediately
press the commands for the desired Super Blast.)
IV-C-2. Shift:
--------------
This technique is unlike the other maneuvering techniques explained in III-B,
for it does not follow the same rules and limitations of such movements. The
Shift is a technique that allows the player to move beyond the understanding
of the typical Tenkaichi 2 player and thus gives the advanced player an upper
hand on several methods of combat.
As explained in IV-C-1, "R2C" can immediately bring the Dashing player into
fighting stance. However, this does not mean the player's character is brought
to an immediate fixed position. While pressing "X" to stop a Dash will bring
the player's character to a fixed position, the Offensive Recovery Rate is a
drawback. However, this is assuming that one would want to reach an immediate
fixed position. Through further exploration, there has been a new discovery in
maneuvering techniques known as the Shift. The Shift is created by the initial
momentum created by the initial Dash. Once the Dash is performed, with it,
comes the momentum of moving forward. As the Offensive Recovery Rate of
pressing "X" is used as a means of slamming the breaks of the Dash, pressing
"R2" to cancel the Dash does not slam on the breaks. Therefore, when one
presses "R2" to cancel the dash, it will bring the opponent to fighting stance
as the momentum of the initial Dash will continue to project the player's
character in the initial direction. Therefore, if a player were to Dash at the
opponent and then press "R2" 3/4 the distance of the Dash, the momentum of the
initial Dash will be stored into the new movement called the Shift. This
technique will continue moving toward the opponent for a few feet. Depending
on the distance of the initial Dash, "R2" Cancellation at 3/4 the distance may
result with the player Sliding the remainder of the distance.
As explained above, the Descending Sweep should always be kept in
consideration when dealing with grounded "R2C". One can Cancel the Dash and
Shift forward to the opponent and initiate the Descending Sweep as an
unexpected attack.
IV-C-2-a. Fake-Out:
(The Fake-Out is a means of directionally manipulating the Shift even
when the Step-In Barrier has been breached. As explained above, the
momentum of the initiating Dash is stored within the Shift. However,
this does not mean that the Shift must continue in the same trajectory
as the Dash would lead one to expect. In fact, as one must understand
that the momentum is stored within the Shift itself, one can then
influence the Shift directionally as soon as the "R2" cancellation
takes place. As this technique is beyond the boundaries of the game's
maneuvering limitations, the Shift is free to roam even while inside
the Step-In Barrier.
As a simpler explanation, one can Dash in a specific direction and then
use "R2C" with a different direction and will the Shift in the newly
desired direction. As the Step-In Barrier holds no bearing on the
Shift, one can Dash at the opponent, breach the Step-In Barrier, and
then Shift Back outside of the Step-In Barrier for Super Blast
positioning. As the typical Tenkaichi 2 player will not expect a Super
Blast from a Dashing opponent that has already breached the Step-In
Barrier, a Shift into Super Blast will in many cases be an optimal
choice. Such a maneuver does not necessarily have to transition into a
Super Blast, as the movement alone is defined as a Fake-Out.
One must also understand now that even though the Shift does not cover
as much distance as the normal Dash, its stored momentum can be
redirected for boosting effect. In other words, if one were to Dash at
the opponent and then "R2C" to initiate the Shift while holding
Forward, it is possible that the forward directionally influenced Shift
will push faster than the initial Shift.)
IV-C-2-b. Switch:
(As explained above, the Shift is beyond the boundaries of the game's
maneuvering limitations. It is free to roam even while inside the Step-
In Barrier. As the Shift can be directionally influenced, it can be
used as a means of maneuvering around the opponent and Switching to the
opponent's rear in a very quick manner.
While one may understand that the Shift can be directionally influenced
from the moment of "R2C", such directional influence can be further
guided as long as the Shift takes place. In essence, the Shift can be
manipulated with more than one direction before the maneuver is
concluded. It is through such manipulation that one can approach the
opponent by Dashing from the front and then move around the opponent
and to the rear via Shift.
In order to perform correctly, one would Dash at the opponent and
breach the Step-In Barrier. Once the Step-In Barrier has been breached,
the player will then cancel the Dash via "R2C" and initiate the Shift.
The Shift will continue to move forward if left unaffected through
directional influence. As the player reaches the opponent's position
while in Shift motion, one will hold Left or Right to continue to Shift
to the side and past the opponent. As Focal Adherence still takes hold,
once the player Shifts past the opponent, one would hold Forward to
bring him/herself into rear position of the opponent. Once perfected,
such a movement should feel and look smooth. Once perfected, one should
also try to incorporate the Descending Sweep as this will be great
practice for an insulting attack. The Descending Sweep is the only
attack that can be initiated directly out of the Shift, save the
Rolling Hammer.)
IV-C-3. Sling Shot:
-------------------
As explained in III-L, the Charged Jumping Melee can be cancelled via Natural
Cancellation. It is based within this concept that the Sling Shot was born. It
is because of this technique that the Charged Jumping Melee stands alone from
its fellow Natural Cancellations.
-Spring:
(When one's character is grounded, it is possible to jump into the air
about 10 feet before gravity takes hold and brings the character back
to the ground. As one should have covered in III-L, this holds the
potential of a Chargeable Melee Attack. As also explained in III-L,
this Charged Jumping Melee can be cancelled by pressing one of the
remaining face buttons. It is within this Charge where the potential of
a new movement is stored: the Spring. If a player were to Charge the
Jumping Melee Attack, then hold a desired direction while cancelling
the Charge with a Natural Cancellation, the Spring will be engaged. For
example, if one were to Charge a Jumping Melee Attack and then hold
Left and initiate a Natural Cancellation, the player's character will
cancel the attack and then Spring off to the Left. Unlike the Shift,
the Spring is not created by the momentum built from the initiating
movement. Instead, the force of the Spring is built within the Charge
Meter. Therefore, if the player were to create a spring while the
Charge Meter were in the Green, the Spring will be relatively short.
However, if the player were to wait until the Charge Meter were in the
Red, the Spring will be relatively long and beyond the Step-In Barrier;
well within the realm of Super Blast capability. Since the move is
created though the Charge Meter and not the Jump, one must also
understand that the Jump itself can be cut short by an early execution
of the Charged Melee. The sooner the Charged is initiated, the shorter
the Jump. The player will remain in Charged Jumping Melee mode until
the Charge is complete or cut short via Natural Cancellation. The
closer to the ground the player can remain, the lesser the chance that
the opponent can recognize the technique.
One must be very tactical with this technique as the Charge may possess
enough armor to allow a successful execution, one may still take damage
from the opponent's attempted assault. It is also important to know
exactly when to initiate a Super Blast, for if the player executes the
"Triangle" button at the incorrect timeframe, the Descending Sweep will
be initiated instead.)
IV-C-4. Lift Strike Switch:
--------------------------
The Lift Strike Combo Terminus is one of if not the most devastating basic
combos the game has to offer. When regarding the ratio of Hit to Damage
percentage, the Lift Strike Combo Terminus is definitely the most powerful
combo the game has to offer. As the opponent will most likely keep this in
mind, one should expect a form of defense attempt from the opponent. In this
case, the opponent will do one of three things: Aerial Tech, Counter Stance
and Ragdoll.
-Switch Inclusion:
(As explained above, when performing the Lift Strike upon the opponent,
he/she will react in one of three ways. Either the opponent will
perform the aerial Tech, perform the Counter Stance, or Ragdoll and
fall to the ground. If the opponent falls to the ground, the Lift
Strike Switch will not work. If the player performs the Aerial Tech, the
Lift Strike Switch will work most of the time, but it is also possible
that the opponent's Defensive Recovery Rate will be quick enough for
them to defend. However, if the opponent performs the Counter Stance,
the Lift Strike will work to perfection. In order to perform the Lift
Strike Switch, one would merely follow-up on the Lift Strike with "X" as
if he/she were to transition into the Lift Strike Combo Terminus.
However, instead of moving into the terminus, one would simply hold
Left or Right. In the event that the opponent recovers into a Counter
Stance, the momentum built from the "X" approach will then be
redirected into moving the player around to the opponent's rear. This
is a quick movement and will avoid the Counter Stance, positioning the
player into the optimal location for rear attack.)
IV (D) -Advanced Defense-
-------------------------
While the basic mechanics will explain several aspects of Tenkaichi 2's
defensive system, one must understand the concepts that aren't in the practice
menu. Of course, one must not forget the basics as they are the foundation of
keeping the opponent's attacks in check, but to leave the advancements of
Tenkaichi 2's defensive system to ignorance is not how one exhibits greatness.
IV-D-1. Combo Breaker:
----------------------
The name "Combo Breaker" was pioneered from the combo based video game "Killer
Instinct". In this game, when a player has fallen victim to an opponent's
combo, one has the ability stop the combo in its tracks. It is only befitting
that this technique should share the same name as it is used in the same
manner. This technique seems to be a part of Tenkaichi 2's defensive aspect of
the fighting engine, but for some reason, it was not included in the practice
menu. This technique was later modified and included in the Tenkaichi 3 game,
known as the Z-Counter #2.
When one has become a victim of the opponent's combo, one must be very
familiar with the speed of the opponent's character as well as the combos
being used. Such is necessary, for one must press the proper commands at the
very impact of the opponent's punch or kick. If the player presses the
commands outside of the few framed window of opportunity, the technique will
not work. It may be possible to button mash in hopes the technique will be
executed, but one will always find that training for the proper timing will
always bring one to a stronger, more solid defensive system.
In order to perform, one must press both the "Square" button and the "Up"
direction at the very impact of the opponent's punch, kick or even grab
attempt. If performed correctly, the player will exhibit a blocking motion
unlike the other blocking exhibitions. A thunderous sound of acknowledgement
will resonate as the opponent's attack will be immediately interrupted and the
player will then have the opportunity to engage his/her offense.
This technique can be performed during the player's Base Guard. For one must
also understand that the Combo Breaker is based on the impact of the
opponent's punch or kick, regardless of whether or not any damage was
inflicted. However, one must also understand that the Combo Breaker can only
be performed from the front. If the opponent is attacking the player from the
rear, the player is unable to perform the Combo Breaker.
IV-D-2. Ascension Evasion/Surfing:
----------------------------------
As explained in III-M-1, the concept of Approximal Focal Adherence is based on
how the opponent faces the focal point while inside the Step-In Barrier; focal
point being the opponent. As a general rule, when two players are inside the
Step-In Barrier, one's Base Melee Attacks can reach the opponent before the
opponent has a chance to move out of the way via directional influence. In
other words, if the opponent were to hold left, he would slowly move to the
left while keeping his focus upon the player. If the player were to begin his
Base Melee, the opponent's slow movement is not fast enough to move out of the
path of destruction. This is why one is awarded the Side Step ability, but
even the Side Step is not full proof. Depending on the Aggression aspect of
the character's attacks, one may be able to maneuver around the attack if
he/she were on the boundary of the Step-In Barrier, but the closer the player
positions oneself to the opponent, the more unlikely this will succeed.
-Ascension Evasion:
(When a player ascends to the sky, one will find that there is a limit
to the 3D environment. Once the player reaches this limit, he/she can
continue to hold "R1" to stay in the Ascending state even if the
ascension itself has ceased. It is in this state that one must
understand that directional influence is far more sensitive in
effective movement, especially within the Step-In Barrier. In fact,
such directional influence while inside the Step-In Barrier is in most
cases fast enough to out-maneuver the opponent's Base Melee. In
essence, one would have access to an amplified movement in regards to
Approximal Focal Adherence as one would not merely face the opponent
with such directional influence, but will hold true to the Focal Point,
being the opponent. As one would be able to move much faster with
directional influence in this state, one can evade the opponent's Base
Melee, even while inside the Step-In Barrier. The closer to the
opponent, the faster a player is able to maneuver around the opponent's
attack due to centripetal force.
To perform correctly, one would ascend to the sky until one reaches the
stage's limit. Once this is performed, one will hold this state of
ascension. Once the opponent approaches and begins to attack via Base
Melee, one would simply hold left or right. Such directional influence
of the ascension state will maneuver the player's character around the
opponent's attacks. Once the opponent realizes that his/her attacks
have not made contact, he/she will regroup and try again. Once the
opponent's Approximal Focal Adherence is re-established, he/she may
begin a new attack. As long as the player continues to hold a direction
to maneuver around the opponent, such attacks will be unlikely to make
contact. This is a very frustrating tactic to deal with for the
opposing side.)
-Surfing:
(As one has already established an understanding of Ascension Evasion,
one will understand Surfing as it follows the same mechanical
construct. However, instead of using the upper limit of the 3D
environment, one would use the stage's lower limit of the 3D
environment. Unfortunately, not all stages have a lower limit without
the stage's ground interfering. Therefore, one must be sure to chose
the correct stage that includes a lower limit such as Ruined Earth or
Kami's Lookout.
In such a case, one would hold "R2" to descend to the lower limits of
the stage and hold "R2" to remain in the state of descent. In this
state, one can maneuver as effectively as the Ascension Evasion. This
technique will be performed by holding "R2" and incorporating
directional influence for optimal movement around the opponent's
attacks inside the Step-In Barrier.)
III-D-3. Rise Over Run:
-----------------------
This concept is in direct relation to outrunning a Rush Attack by simply
holding Ascend or Descend, for the ascension and descent possess a speed
greater than some Rush Attack types, but one must know which type of Rush
Attack one is attempting to evade, for some Rush Attacks are faster than the
Ascension and Descent.
In order to perform, one must take note that there are 3 different categories
of speed when dealing with the Rush Attack. As explained in III-J-2, the first
is extremely fast but covers short distances. This Rush Attack cannot be
directionally influenced. This type of Rush Attack cannot be outran via Dash
nor Ascension nor Descent. This Rush Attack can sometimes be evaded as its
path of destruction is a straight line, but outrunning is not an option. The
second is a bit slower and covers a longer distance. This Rush Attack can be
directionally influenced and is noted as the average Rush Attack. This type of
Rush Attack can be outran by holding the "R1" to ascend or "R2" to descend.
However, one must be sure that he/she has enough room to ascend the entirety
of the Rush Attack's approach. For if the player reaches the upper or lower
limit of the stage before the Rush Attack is concluded, one will fall victim
to the attack. As the third type is even slower than the first two and covers
a greater length of distance, one may conclude that the Ascension or Descent
can outrun the approach, but as explained for the second type, one must be
aware of where the stage's limits are. In the case that a Rush Attack is
approaching the ascending or descending player, one may take notice that the
Rush Attack is unable to make contact until the player's ascension or descent
ceases. However, as the player is then able to evaluate where the opponent's
approach is positioned, one can judge an appropriate Defensive Teleport or
Step-In Evasion as a last resort before the upper or lower limits of the stage
are reached.
IV-D-4. Auto-Teleport:
----------------------
When a player chooses to work with the Defensive Teleport, one must consider
proper timing in relation to depth perception. In many cases, if the player is
close enough to the opponent, one would merely judge his/her Defensive
Teleport on the opponent's movement. However, there are certain Super Blasts
that require the close-up camera animation prior to Super Blast execution. It
is in such a case that the Auto-Teleport can be initiated.
When an opponent performs a Super Blast that requires the close-up camera
animation, one must understand that there is a very small time span between
when the animation is concluded and the Super Blast is unleashed. Fortunately,
this time span coincides with the time needed for an opponent to initiate up
his/her guard in time for a Defensive Teleport. For performing the Defensive
Teleport is based on the concept of pressing "Circle" before the very instant
of the Super Blast impact. As the times of both the execution and the defense
coincide, it is possible to use this concept as a means for an Automatic
Teleport.
In order to perform correctly, one must allow the opponent to initiate his/her
Super Blast. During the close-up camera animation, the player must press and
hold the "Circle" button. As soon as the close-up camera animation concludes,
the opponent's Super Blast will be executed and the player's character will
begin to execute his/her block as initiated during the close-up camera
animation. As these two timeframes coincide for a Defensive Teleport, as long
as the player is close to the opponent or within the boundary of the Super
Explosive Wave, he/she will automatically teleport defensively through the
first pulse or portion of the blast. Therefore, if the Super Blast were based
on a Beam type, the blast will be dodged in its entirety. If the opponent were
using a Super Explosive Wave, the player will automatically dodge the first
pulse, but must defend the remainder of the Blast manually.
IV-D-5. Last Chance Defense:
----------------------------
Some Super Blasts may consist of multiple attacks before the conclusion of the
attack's entirety. While one may be able to Defensively Teleport through each
attack with the right timing, there are some cases when the first portion of
such attacks have already made contact upon a guarding player. In such a case,
one had not correctly executed the Defensive Teleport through judging depth
perception, but simply held block. If the player were to continue to hold
block, the full impact of the attack will be blocked, and only Chip Damage
will be inflicted. However, once the attack has made impact with the player's
guard, that does not mean the remainder of the attack cannot be Defensively
Teleported.
While holding block through a Super Blast's impact, one can still judge the
timing of the remaining attacks held within the Super Blast. As the guard will
be locked due to Absolute Block explained in III-M-2. During this locked
guard, one can cease to hold "Circle" and the guard will continue to hold. It
is with this concept that one can press "Circle" again at the exact impact of
an attack included within the Super Blast that a Defensive Teleport can be
executed. Therefore, while the first portion of such attacks may be blocked,
one can Defensively Teleport the remainder of the blast manually. In many
cases, the advanced player will only teleport the very last portion of the
blast as a means of playing safe, for Chip Damage is not as bad as a poorly
judged Defensive Teleport that results with full impact.
IV (E) -Fixed Animation Exploitation-
-------------------------------------
The concept of the Fixed Animation stems from the Transformation system.
However, it also stems into the "tag" system as well as the fusion techniques.
There are two different "time" concepts one must consider when regarding this
technique: Game Time and Real Time.
-Game Time:
(How the game interprets the time that has gone by during battle. This
usually coincides with Real Time, but is still based on how the game is
keeping up with Real Time.)
-Real Time:
(The actual amount of time that has passed during battle, regardless of
what happens in the game.)
All techniques in the game are based on Game Time. For the most part, Game
Time keeps up with Real Time. However, there are some techniques that cause
Game Time to stop as Real Time continues. Therefore, most techniques will are
bound by Game Time in order to work according to the mechanics and rules the
techniques are based upon. However, the Transformation system is still built
upon Real Time while the rest of the game is stopped at Game Time. It is
through this concept that one can take advantage of techniques that are
limited through Game Time and Real Time.
When a player executes a Super Blast, there is a timeframe beyond the
execution that the player is unable to initiate a sequenced Super Blast, even
if the player possesses enough Ki to execute it. This is where the
Transformation, Fusion, Absorption and Tag system is used to exploit Game
Time. Once the player has executed the Super Blast, he/she can then Transform,
Fuse, Absorb or Tag a teammate. During the Transformation, Game Time stops
while Real Time continues. The time required to wait before a sequenced Super
Blast is based on Real Time. Therefore, once the Transformation has concluded,
an additional Super Blast is immediately awarded as the time required to wait
has passed, yet Game Time has not. It is in this case that one can initiate
"Chaining".
IV-E-1. Chaining:
-----------------
As explained above, Super Blasts can be executed directly after another
through Game Time manipulation through Transformations, Fusions, Absorption
and Tags. When one chooses to use a Super Blast, one can initiate a Rush
Attack that may have the ability to be Chained with a sequenced Rush Attack,
depending on the type of Rush Attack.
As explained in III-J-2, there are different categories to consider when
regarding the Rush Attacks. It is with such categories that one can judge when
a Rush Attack Chaining system can be applied. If the Rush Attack always takes
place in a specific part of the stage, one will not have to worry about Stage
boundaries interrupting the Chaining sequence. If the Rush Attack ends with
sending the opponent in a straight trajectory, one can initiate another Rush
Attack that can land on the opponent fairly successfully. However, one must
understand that the Chaining of Rush Attacks only works if different
Transformations possess Rush Attacks as well, otherwise one must consider
Chaining with a different type of Super Blast such as a Kamehameha. If the
Rush Attack sends the opponent in a downward trajectory, one might want to
begin the Chaining sequence from an elevated height to ensure the ground does
not interfere with the Chaining sequence. Finally, one must always keep an eye
on the Ki Meter to ensure enough Ki is available for further Rush Attack
execution as well as the Ki Stocks. Without Ki Stocks, one cannot Transform.
If one were to incorporate the Tag system for Game Time manipulation, one must
keep his/her eye on the Tag meter.
As some transformations are progressive, one may only be able to Chain a few
times. However, there are some characters that possess Rush Attacks in both
their base form as well as Transformed state and are allowed the Flexible
Transformation system, it is possible to Chain by Progressive and Reversed
Transformations as explained in III-Q.
IV (F) -Grid Checking-
----------------------
As there are upper and lower limitations to the 3d stages of Tenkaichi 2, one
must also understand that there are Grid Barriers that confine the players to
the battle site. The Grid Barrier is not visible until the player or opponent
is next to or near it. Once the player gets too close to the Grid Barrier, one
will see the barrier as it is displayed as a Grid. While it is in many cases a
better idea to stray from the Grid as it limits one's maneuvering
capabilities, one can also use such a barrier to one's own advantage if the
proper techniques were executed. Ultimately, the technique known as Grid
Checking allows the player to use one's surrounding Grid Barrier as a means to
position oneself behind the opponent by manipulating the bounce one endures
when knocked into the Grid Barrier. In such a concept, one must consider the
three options: Knocking, Rush Attack Capitalization, Throw Check and Dragon
Dash Check.
IV-F-1. Knocking:
-----------------
As explained above, when battling in close combat while next to the Grid
Barrier, one must always know that the Grid Barrier can be used as a means of
positioning manipulation. This is exhibited by causing the opponent to hit the
Grid Barrier by Smash Attack and cause the opponent to bounce off as one
position's oneself into rear positioning. As easy as this may sound, there are
other aspects to the technique that one must consider such as distance from
the Grid Barrier, the trajectory of the victimized opponent and the angle of
which the opponent bounces off of the Grid Barrier.
When using the Knocking technique, one would ensure that the opponent is
closer to the Grid Barrier. However, one must also ensure that when regarding
a perpendicular angle to the Grid Barrier, one must be angled between 30 to 45
degrees. If one were to smash the opponent any less than 30 degrees, the
player will cause the opponent to bounce right back into his/her original
location and rear positioning will not be gained. If the player is angled more
than 45 degrees, the opponent will not bounce off of the Grid Barrier.
Instead, he/she will be directed along the wall in Smash Aftermath.
As one must ensure the opponent is closer to the Grid Barrier, one must also
ensure that his/her own character is also closer to the Grid Barrier than the
distance caused by the bounce. This is what allows the player to reach rear
positioning. Regardless of which angle one chooses between 30 and 45 degrees,
when the opponent bounces off the Grid Barrier, his/her physical being is
automatically sharpened to a parallel angle to the wall. Therefore, when the
opponent bounces off the Grid Barrier, he/she will either be facing directly
to the Grid Barrier, or directly away from it. In such a case of proper
Knocking, one will ensure the opponent is facing away from the Grid Barrier as
rear position is gained.
IV-F-2. RA Capitalization:
--------------------------
As explained in III-J-2, there are different types of Rush Attacks. When
regarding the Grid Check, one only needs to consider the second and third
categories of Rush Attacks. When considering Category Two of the Rush Attacks,
one must always ensure that the Assault Location 2 is part of the Rush Attack
construct. For a Rush Attack with Assault Location 1 will bring the opponent
away from the Grid Barrier and therefore eliminate the chance for a proper
Grid Check. As the Assault Location 2 can be directed as a means of sending
the opponent in Smash Aftermath, one can use such trajectory to send the
opponent toward the Grid Barrier. As one must also consider the third Category
of Rush Attack construct, the Release Trajectory is also very important. For
the Release Trajectory 1 will send the opponent up, but will also tend to be
redirected by the Grid Barrier instead of bouncing off. Therefore, one would
do well to stick with the Release Trajectory 2 and 3, for these trajectories
will create a bounce as long as the angle is correct.
Unlike the Knocking technique, one will not be preemptively standing in the
opportune location for position advantage. Instead, one would follow the Rush
Attack's Release Trajectory with a Dash. It is in this case that one must
understand the Rush Attack's trajectory in regards to the angle from the Grid
Barrier. As explained in IV-F-1, the angle of the bounce is very important.
However, it is in the case of RA Capitalization that one can allow angles less
than 30 degrees to perform a proper Grid Check.
When regarding angles from 30 to 45 degrees, the Release Trajectory of a Rush
Attack can be followed by a Charged Dashing Melee. When the opponent bounces
off of the wall, the initial dash created by the player will move slightly
past the opponent's new location, but the Focal Adherence of the Charged Dash
Melee will bring the player into the rear position. Therefore, it is always
important to know where the Grid Barrier is as well as its angle, even when it
can't be seen prior to the Rush Attack initiation. Also, as explained above,
the angle of trajectory can accept a degree less than 30 degrees as it is no
longer imperative that the player approach the opponent from the limited
angles. While a Charged Dashing Melee attack would simply make contact upon
the opponent's face instead of the rear, one can use this opportunity to
substitute the Switch in place of the Charged Dashing Melee. As the player
will bounce off of the Grid Barrier in a parallel angle to the Grid Barrier,
one can take advantage of the expected opponent's position for proper
Switching ability. In essence, one would recognize that the opponent is
directly between oneself and the Grid Barrier, initiate the Rush Attack with
Release Trajectory 2 or 3, follow up with a Dash and as the opponent bounces
off of the Grid Barrier, one would simply use the Switching technique
explained in IV-C-2 to gain rear position.
IV-F-3. Throw Check:
--------------------
The Throw Check is very similar to that of the RA Capitalization in that one
would use the Dash to follow the throw for Charged Dashing Melee or Switching
opportunity. However, one must always keep in mind that the direction of the
throw can be changed depending on the position of the player and the opponent.
While using a Throw to send the player toward the Grid Barrier is a great
tactic from a distance, trying to Grid Check the opponent by Throwing him/her
when near the Grid Barrier will result with a directionally forced throw. For
example, if one were to be facing the Grid Barrier with the opponent standing
in front of him, one could throw the opponent from a distance and the
opponent's trajectory would likely be directed toward the Grid Barrier.
However, if both players were near the Grid Barrier; within Step-In Barrier
distance from the Grid Barrier, the fighting engine would force the player to
turn around during the Throw sequence and release the opponent in the opposite
direction of the Grid Barrier. It is always important to understand the rules
of which each technique is executed, for some rules are used as a basis for
proper execution, others are used as a basis for exploitation.
IV-F-4. Dragon Dash Check:
--------------------------
The Dragon Dash Check is somewhat of a combination of the previous Grid
Checking concepts. In order to Dragon Dash Check, one must use a Smash Melee
as one would to perform the Knocking technique. However, instead of doing so
in close proximity to the Grid Barrier, one would do so at a distanced
position. Like the Knocking technique, the Dragon Dash Check must also be
angled between 30 and 45 degrees to the Grid Barrier. However, instead of
incorporating the normal Dash, Charged Dashing Melee or Switching techniques,
one would merely follow the Smash Attack with "X" to engage the Dragon Homing
technique. However, instead of following up the Dragon Homing with a Charged
Melee, one would merely allow the Dragon Homing maneuver to conclude into
close proximity of the opponent at the exact instant that the opponent bounces
off of the Grid Barrier. If performed correctly, the Dragon Homing movement
should conclude as the player is bouncing off of the Grid Barrier, positioning
the player right behind the opponent. This technique requires a lot more
timing than the other Grid Checking techniques and also requires Ki for Dragon
Homing ability, but one must not discard any techniques at their disposal at
any given time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
V. Z Mechanics
--------------
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." - Kevin Durant
It is not always enough to be talented. While one can surely reach victory by
understanding the concepts discussed in the Basic and Advanced Mechanics, to
reach true greatness, one must reach beyond. One must be willing to work hard,
train as long as it takes, and be willing to endure the mental frustration of
taking the long road as it is the one true path to greatness.
The Z Mechanics include a variety of techniques that may include a synergetic
mold of two or more techniques to reach further advancement. Some techniques
will include a mold of techniques previously discussed in the Basic and
Advanced Mechanics, some techniques will include completely new concepts. It
is important that one keeps an open mind and remain focused as the advancement
of Z Mechanics reach beyond the understanding of the limitations of Tenkaichi
2's mechanical system.
V (A) -Z Movement-
------------------
This section will include different means of elite maneuvering techniques.
While one may have learned many aspects of Tenkaichi 2's maneuvering abilities
in the Basic and Advanced sections of this document, it is important that one
understands that such concepts may be referenced in order to develop a better
understanding of what is being explained. In a 3D environment, it is widely
understood that movement is just as important as one's offense or defense, for
movement can lay the ground work for such aspects of the game. The more one is
able to manipulate Tenkaichi 2's mechanical system to reach maneuvering
abilities that are unmatched by the opponent, one will always be "one step
ahead".
V-A-1. Grounded Will:
---------------------
Much like the Ground & Pound, one must always keep in mind that Grounded Will
is directly linked to how one works when his/her character is planted on the
ground. As the game allows flight capability, many fighters will ascend to the
sky as they may feel the ground may limit their maneuvering abilities.
However, as one continues to learn the newer concepts of advanced fighting,
one may begin to understand that the ground can be used as a means of
furthering one's combat abilities; reference G&P.
In the case of Grounded Will, one must now understand that as the ground can
be used for furthering one's combat abilities, it can further one's
maneuvering abilities as well. This all begins with the Enigma Dash.
V-A-1-a. Enigma Dash:
(The maneuvering concept known as Grounded Will revolves around the
Enigma Dash. This technique gets its name from its mysterious nature as
it exists beyond the limitations of a grounded dash and Step-In
Barrier.
While the normal ground Dash can only be cancelled via "R2"
Cancellation when using the Neutral Dash, this cancellation is also
bound by the height of the characters. The Enigma Dash can be cancelled
via "R2" Cancellation in any direction. However, what really highlights
this technique's potential is based on the fact that unlike the normal
Dash, one can use the Enigma Dash while inside the Step-In Barrier.
As previously expressed, Grounded Will techniques may only be executed
once the player's character is planted on the ground. This concept
stems from the fact that the Enigma Dash is initiated by the Jump.
While Tenkaichi 2's mechanical limitations may hinder the Dash ability
while inside the Step-In Barrier, it does not hinder the ability for a
player to initiate the Jump. It is important that the player understand
that the Jump can then be transitioned into the Dash. It is this Dash
that can be initiated while inside the Step-In Barrier, unphased by the
limitations of close quarters combat. However, an aerial Dash that
stems from a Jump is still not considered an Enigma Dash as the ground
has no bearing on the Dash. As explained above, the ground can be used
as a means of furthering one's combat abilities, including the
potential of the Enigma Dash. The technique's mysterious nature also
stems from the fact that it stands upon the line between an aerial Dash
and a grounded Dash, which will be explained as the document
progresses.
In order to perform the Enigma Dash, one must ensure that his/her
character is planted on the ground. If the player begins in hover mode,
the Jump cannot be initiated. Once grounded, the player must press "R1"
to initiate the Jump. As explained before, the Jump can then transition
into a Dash. However, the key to executing the Enigma Dash is to
shorten the time between the initiated Jump and the Dash. Once
perfected, the player should not be able to see the Jump take place at
all. Instead, the player will simply Dash from standing position. As
this Dash can be initiated inside the Step-In Barrier as well, one can
perform the Enigma Dash anywhere on the stage as long as the ground is
present.
Finally, one must consider how the Enigma Dash relates to addressing
the Focal Point. To do so, one must understand that the nature of the
Directionally Influenced Enigma Dash inside the Step-In Barrier may
result with one of two outcomes. These outcomes relate directly to the
distance from the opponent inside the Step-In Barrier. Therefore, one
must consider that there are actually two Step-In Barrier levels: The
Outer Core and the Inner Core. When one performs a Directionally
Influenced Enigma Dash while inside the Inner Core, the player will
Dash into that direction while the influence of the Focal Point will
slowly take grasp. It is in this instance that one may expect to Dash
in a straight line to the Left or Right, one would find that the Dash
will begin to curve in the direction of the opponent to re-align with
the Focal Point: Being the opponent. However, when one performs a
Directionally Influenced Dash while inside the Outer Core of the Step-
In Barrier, the Focal Point will have full influence on the player's
dash. In this instance, the Enigma Dash will circle around the
circumference of the opponent at the initial distance.)
V-A-1-b. GW Fake-Out:
(As explained in IV-C-2, the Shift is created by the initial momentum
created by the initial Dash. Once the Dash is performed, with it, comes
the momentum of moving forward. When one presses "R2" to cancel the
dash, it will bring the opponent to fighting stance as the momentum of
the initial Dash will continue to project the player's character in the
initial direction. This same concept can be executed through Grounded
Will exhibition. As one can use "R2C" in any direction as long as the
Enigma Dash has been initiated, with it, comes the momentum of moving
in that direction and therefore presents Shift potential. As one can
initiate the Dash within the Step-In Barrier, one may find a variation
of techniques that would otherwise be unavailable.
When one is able to perform the Enigma Dash within the Step-In Barrier,
one can use "R2" Cancellation to initiate a Shift which can be
directionally influenced. This Shift can be used as a means to reach
immediate Super Blast positioning. Alternatively, one can simply use
the Enigma Dash to reach Super Blast positioning and use "R2"
Cancellation in order to immediately initiate Super Blast ability. As
this technique allows immediate Super Blast ability from close quarters
combat, one may realize that such a technique is held in high regard to
becoming a dangerous adversary.
Finally, it is also important that the player understand that such a
technique can be incorporated into other advanced techniques as a means
of linking one attack to the next. As the Enigma Dash is initiated by
means of the Jump, one understands that he/she must be planted on the
ground in order to perform the technique correctly. However, as
explained in IV-B-2, the essence of the G&P resides in incorporating
the "R2" Cancellation. As the "R2" Cancellation of the G&P does not
necessarily require the player's character to plant his/her feet on the
ground to cancel the Combo Set, one can in fact use such a technique to
plant his/her character's feet on the ground. At this instance, one
must then understand that a Jump is immediately awarded to the player
and by nature, so is the Enigma Dash. As this holds true to the
advanced player, one is then able to link the G&P into the Enigma Dash
and therefore into the Dash Cancellation for Super Blast ability. To
perform, one must have great timing and control. The execution of such
a link is as follows: Press "Square" a few times to execute the Combo
Set, cancel the Combo Set with "R2" and ensure that the character
plants his/her feet on the ground, immediately press "R1" to initiate
the Jump, immediately press "X" and the backward direction to ensure
the Enigma Dash is properly initiated, press "R2" for the Dash
Cancellation once outside the Step-In Barrier, initiate the desired
Super Blast by holding "L2" and pressing "Triangle" or holding "L2" and
"Up" or "Down" and pressing "Triangle" for the Base Super Blast,
Secondary Blast 2 or Ultimate Blast 2 respectively. As one can simply
use the Neutral Enigma Dash and use "R2C" while holding Back, one can
alternatively use the Backward Shift in order to position oneself for
Super Blast ability.)
V-A-1-c. GW Switch:
(The GW Switch uses Grounded Will concepts in order to Switch around the
opponent and reach rear positioning. This technique requires a lot of
control and timing as each inclusive command must be executed in the
correct sequence or the technique will fall short of success. As the GW
Fake-Out is performed with the inclusion of the Enigma Dash, one would
perform the GW Switch with such incorporation. It is important that one
continually considers the fact that the Enigma Dash can be performed
while inside the Step-In Barrier, for the entirety of the Grounded Will
Switch will be executed within close quarters combat. While the Side
Step can be used as a means to reach rear positioning, the technique is
slow and therefore exhibits an ineffective means of reaching rear
positioning undamaged. The Offensive Teleport should always be
considered as an effective means to reach rear positioning. However,
such a technique will require Ki consumption without the proper Z-Item
attached. Additionally, the Offensive Teleport can be predicted when
combating a live opponent as his/her tactics may reflect Offensive
Teleportation as well. The GW Switch requires no Ki, it is just as fast
if not faster than the Offensive Teleport and is very difficult to
predict or detect until proper positioning has already been gained.
As one may have considered at this point, the GW Switch is a synergetic
mold of the Enigma Dash created by Grounded Will means and the Switch,
explained in IV-C-2. Such a technique can be performed with Left or
Right directional influence, that is up for the player to decide during
any given grounded situation. In order to perform correctly, one would
execute the following commands in the proper sequence. One would also
do well to remember that control and timing are the keys that allow the
technique to work effectively: While standing inside the Step-In
Barrier; face to face with the opponent, one would initiate the Jump
technique by pressing "R1". One would immediately press "X" to initiate
the Neutral Enigma Dash. While this Dash will not last long for the
player is already face to face with the opponent, one would immediately
press "R2" for Dash Cancellation. In essence, the player will initiate
the Enigma Dash that will lead nowhere, but will still be initiated.
Once "R2C" is incorporated, the Shift is immediately created. As the
momentum of the initiated Enigma Dash is stored in the Shift, one can
use directional influence to maneuver the Shift accordingly. As soon as
the Shift is initiated, one must hold Left or Right to Shift past the
opponent. Once the Shift carries the player past the opponent, one must
hold Forward to conclude the Shift's directional influence for proper
rear positioning. As this technique requires five buttons in such a
short timeframe of control, one may find him/herself a bit intimidated
during live combat, but as expressed before: To reach true greatness,
one must reach beyond. One must be willing to work hard, train as long
as it takes, and be willing to endure the mental frustration of taking
the long road as it is the one true path to greatness. These technique
require training and focus, as one should expect at this point of the
document.
Finally, one must understand that like the GW Fake-Out, the GW Switch
can also be incorporated as a link to G&P tactics. In essence, one can
initiate the G&P and use "R2" Cancellation to transition into Grounded
Will tactics in order to immediately incorporate the GW Switch for rear
positioning. In order to perform correctly, one would execute the
following commands in controlled succession: Press "Square" a few times
to execute the Combo Set, cancel the Combo Set with "R2" and ensure
that the character plants his/her feet on the ground, immediately press
"R1" to initiate the Jump, immediately press "X" to ensure the Neutral
Enigma Dash is properly initiated, immediately press "R2" to cancel the
Dash and initiate the Shift, immediately press Left or Right to
directionally influence the Shift and move past the opponent, conclude
the Shift by pressing Forward for rear positioning. If one were to
train hard enough, it is even possible that one could use such a
transitional maneuver quickly enough that the Hit Counter does not
reset before rear combat is continued.)
V-A-1-d. Close Tango:
(Once the GW Switch has been perfected, one must understand how the
technique relates to Approximal Focal Adherence and how such concepts
can be manipulated during combat. As one GW Switch is concluded with
grounded position, one must understand that an immediate succession of
GW Switches can be executed. Once the ability to connect GW Switches in
succession is perfected, one will realize that the maneuvering ability
is much faster than the recovery time related to Approximal Focal
Adhesion. In essence, one can use the initial GW Switch to maneuver to
rear positioning. As the opponent attempts to turn around, the next GW
Switch can be executed to keep the opponent's Approximal Focal Adherence
from regaining focus. The succession of three or more GW Switches is
known as the Close Tango. This technique allows the player to stay one
step ahead from the opponent's ability to focus and face the player. As
this technique is a synergetic linkage of GW Switches, the Close Tango
requires an extreme level of control and timing to perform correctly.
In fact, for one to perform even the lowest form of the Close Tango
correctly, one would engage a command sequence of fifteen buttons
within a two second time span.)
V-A-1-e. Wide Tango:
(One may inquire why the Tango consisting of GW Switches would be
considered as a Close Tango. This concept resides in the fact that the
circumference of the GW Switch is comparatively small. The player stays
very close to the opponent throughout the entirety of the maneuver. As
there is more than one way to use Grounded Will to reach rear
positioning, a Tango that consists of a similar technique that requires
a larger circumference will have a slower centripetal force and will
result in a Wider circular movement; hence the Wide Tango.
While the GW Switch is performed by initiating the Neutral Enigma Dash,
the Enigma Dash can be directionally influenced by holding the desired
direction. This same concept is considered for GW Fake-Out ability.
However, when regarding Switch potential, one would initiate a Left or
Right Enigma Dash while inside the Step-In Barrier. As one can then use
"R2C" in order to initiate the Shift, one can then directionally
influence the Shift to maneuver around the opponent. This movement
works best when the player uses the forward/diagonal Enigma Dash to
push toward the rear of the opponent, the Shift can continue the
movement into rear positioning. To perform correctly, one would execute
the commands as follows: Press "R1" to initiate the Jump, immediately
hold Left/Forward or Right/Forward and press "X" to initiate the
directionally influenced Enigma Dash, immediately press "R2" and toward
the direction of the rear for Enigma Dash Cancellation and directional
Shift influence, hold forward for conclusive Shift manipulation. As the
sided Enigma Dash presents a small distance that extends further than
the GW Switch, it will ultimately create a wider Tango when used in
succession. Such a technique will be further referenced as the Side
Swiper as the document progresses.)
V-A-1-f. Mad Dash:
(This chaotic machine of technical mastery is based on the concepts
of Grounded Will. However, as most of the Grounded Will techniques
described in this document are concluded with the means of using the
descend button for controlling the final positioning, Mad Dashing skips
that idea altogether. One would do well to remember that when trying to
control a Grounded Will technique by bringing any movement to a stand,
a player will use the descend button for Shifts and basic dash cancels,
and in some cases of the Enigma Dash, one would use "X" to cancel the
dash completely. Though one could also use "R1" to cancel the airborne
Dash as well, a player must understand that using "R1" does not
effectively cancel a Dash as "R2" or "X" would with GW technique.
Instead, the execution of the ascend button will cause your character
to jump directly out of the dash and into the air as the game considers
the player to be airborne during the Enigma Dash, but also considering
the player to be grounded; allowing "R2" Cancellation.
This is where the magic behind the chaos of Mad Dashing begins. As
explained above, trying to ascend out of the Enigma Dash will cause the
player to jump. As the initial Enigma Dash is initiated by a jump, it
is within this concept that one must cancel the first Enigma Dash with
a second Enigma Dash without "R2" Cancellation. In essence, one would
perform the Enigma Dash in one direction and immediately perform an
additional Enigma Dash in a different direction, directly cancelling
the first Enigma Dash for sequencing Enigma Dashes. As this can be
executed as many times as the player desires, a player can dash at high
speed throughout the battlefield, no matter the relation to the
opponent's position. The player can dash as fast as he/she desires in
any direction as the opponent's Step-In Barrier bears no limitation
over the player. At such high speeds, it becomes very difficult for the
opponent to follow the player's movement, making this technique very
useful in mind games and tactical advantages.)
V-A-1-g. MD Tango:
(As explained in V-A-1-d and V-A-1-e, the Tango concept is structured
around the sequential execution of several GW Switches or Side Swipers.
Each one increasing in width with respect to the opponent's position
respectively. As the concept of Mad Dash is structured entirely upon
link Enigma Dash repetition, one must understand that a producing
Supplementary Enigma Dashes requires more skill than simply using "R2"
Cancellation and directional influence like the GW Switch and Side
Swiper. As this proves to be the case, one would venture to guess that
transitioning one Enigma Dash into a second Enigma Dash may take a bit
more time to recalibrate than using "R2" Cancellation for GW Switches
and Side Swipers. Therefore, when using Mad Dash technique to maneuver
around the opponent as one would for Tango exhibition, one may find
that the circumference of the Tango is conducted at a farther distance
than the Wide Tango. It is with such a concept that this technique be
named the "MD Tango".
To perform, one would consider how the Enigma Dash relates to the Inner
and Outer Core of the Step-In Barrier as explained in V-A-1-a. When one
performs a Directionally Influenced Enigma Dash while inside the Inner
Core, the player will Dash into that direction while the influence of
the Focal Point will slowly take grasp. When one performs a
Directionally Influenced Dash while inside the Outer Core of the Step-
In Barrier, the Enigma Dash will circle around the circumference of the
opponent at the initial distance. As this concept holds to be true,
this would allow the player to use an Enigma Dash to reach the Outer
Core or even outside the Step-In Barrier and then immediately
transition into a Supplementary Enigma Dash with directional influence
to circle the circumference of the opponent at the given distance. As
each Enigma Dash can be transitioned into an immediate Supplementary
Enigma Dash, this would allow the player to continuously Dash around
the opponent in the same manner of a Tango. It is also important to
note that as each of the Dashes involved in the MD Tango is an Enigma
Dash, one must understand that "R2" Cancellation is always an option.
Therefore, one can incorporate an instant Cancel to the MD Tango if
one were inclined to do so.)
V-A-2. Free Will:
-----------------
As one may progress through the document for the full understanding of
Grounded Will, one must then build an understanding that the movement
abilities of the advanced player extend beyond the limitations of Tenkaichi 2.
As the player continues progression of skillful maneuvering ability, it is
important that he/she understands that such limitations can be exploited
through more than one method. It is within the concept of Free Will that one
can find similar exploitations explained within the Grounded Will concept, but
through a means of Ki manipulation. Unlike Grounded Will concepts, Free Will
allows such exploitation through aerial exhibition as well, so the Enigma Dash
will not be used for Free Will consideration.
When considering Ki manipulation for maneuvering exploration, one must
understand the impact of the Ki method being applied. As one is sure to
understand the full concept of the Step-In Barrier and its maneuvering
limitations on a basic level, one may progress through this document with the
knowledge that such a barrier can be affected through Ki Blast incorporation.
In fact, for one to truly understand such an impact, one must consider the
fact that each character possesses a Step-In Barrier. While these Step-In
Barriers may share the same effects through close quarters combat, one must
still consider the fact that each character possesses their own Step-In
Barrier. Once this is conceptualized, one must then understand that as Ki
Blast incorporation can affect a Step-in Barrier, it does not ensure that the
same effect will be exhibited on both Step-In Barriers. To understand such an
effect, one must consider the following:
(The Step-In Barrier limits the maneuvering capabilities of the
characters by means of setting a boundary between Dashing and
performing the Step-In and the like. However, as both characters
possess the Step-In Barrier, it has been questioned as to which Step-In
Barrier holds the limitations for which character. While the true
answer may never be fully understood, the inclusive concept explains
Free Will exploitation. If the opponent is inside the player's Step-In
Barrier, then the player's maneuvering ability is being limited to
Step-In based movement. While this alone does not affect the opponent's
maneuvering ability, the fact that the player is concurrently
positioned inside the opponent's Step-In Barrier limits the opponent's
maneuvering ability as well.
When the player initiates a Ki Blast, his/her Step-In Barrier is
temporarily withdrawn. This Ki Blast does not cause the opponent's
Step-in Barrier to recede, therefore only affecting the player's
maneuvering ability. During this window of opportunity, the player is
able to use the Dash ability within the Step-in Barrier circumference.
As the player is still inside the opponent's Step-In Barrier, such free
movement is not awarded to the opponent.)
V-A-2-a. Double Taps:
(In order for one to take full advantage of the Free Will advancement,
one must learn the Double Tap concept. Through the explanation of Free
Will, one may find that the concept of the Double Tap may not be
entirely necessary for the concept to work, but the Double Tap is used
as a means of presenting the right time-based position of the second
command for proper Free Will execution. As the document progresses,
this will be explained further as the concept of Free Will is based on
Double Tap advisement.
The Double Tap is self explanatory as one would tap the same button two
times in an immediately sequenced time frame. Therefore, if one were to
present an execution of a Double Tap, one would tap the suggested
button twice, very quickly. As there is but one button to consider for
Double Taps, but several directions to incorporate for directional
influence, one must understand the following acronyms:
-DTN: Double Tap Neutral
Press "X" twice
-DTL: Double Tap Left
Hold Left and press "X" twice.
-DTR: Double Tap Right
Hold Right and press "X" twice.
-DTB: Double Tap Back
Hold Back and press "X" twice.
-DTA: Double Tap Ascend
Press "R1" twice.
-DTD: Double Tap Descend
Press "R2" twice.
As explained above, when the player initiates a Ki Blast, his/her Step-
In Barrier is temporarily withdrawn. During this window of opportunity,
the player is able to use the Dash ability within the Step-in Barrier
circumference. However, as this window of opportunity is within a very
tight timeframe, one would be wise to incorporate the Double Tap to
initiate the Dash with the right timing. Therefore, if one were to
choose to use Free Will to Dash in any direction in close quarters
combat, one would initiate the Ki Blast and use the Double Tap with the
desired direction. The same effect is available for Ascension and
Descent. The reasoning behind the timing of the Double Tap resides in
the fact that one must consider the Offensive Recovery from the initial
Ki Blast. While the window of opportunity to Dash exists during this
time, the Offensive Recovery of the initial Dash must pass. Therefore,
the first Tap of the Double Taps is executed during this recovery
period. The second Tap of the Double Tap is executed after the recovery
but before the window of opportunity closes. Therefore, the initial Tap
of the Double Tap is not completely necessary if one has the perfect
timing, but it helps one understand where to place the second Tap of
the Double Tap for proper Free Will execution.
It is important that one understands that when disregarding the Free
Will concept, one is not set free through Double Taps, but limited by
them. For attempting a Double Tapped Dash will simply initiate a Dash
and conclude it. Therefore, one must understand that Double Taps are
directly linked to Free Will and nothing else.)
V-A-2-b. FW Fake-Out:
(As explained in IV-C-2, the Shift is created by the initial momentum
created by the initial Dash. Once the Dash is performed, with it, comes
the momentum of moving forward. When one presses "R2" to cancel the
dash, it will bring the opponent to fighting stance as the momentum of
the initial Dash will continue to project the player's character in the
initial direction. This same concept can be executed through Free
Will exhibition. As one can use "R2C" in any direction as long as the
related Dash has been initiated, with it, comes the momentum of moving
in that direction and therefore presents Shift potential. As one can
initiate the Dash within the Step-In Barrier, one may find a variation
of techniques that would otherwise be unavailable.
When one is able to perform the Double Tap Dash within the Step-In
Barrier, one can use "R2" Cancellation to initiate a Shift which can be
directionally influenced. This Shift can be used as a means to reach
immediate Super Blast positioning. Alternatively, one can simply use
the Double Tap Dash to reach Super Blast positioning and use "R2"
Cancellation in order to immediately initiate Super Blast ability. As
this technique allows immediate Super Blast ability from close quarters
combat, one may realize that such a technique is held in high regard to
becoming a dangerous adversary.
However, as this technique is not based on the Enigma Dash like the
closely related Grounded Will concept, one must understand that the
Double Tap Dash involved in Free Will is to be considered as a normal
Dash held within an extraordinary circumstance. This explains that if
one were to initiate Free Will while grounded, one must ensure that
his/her character is short enough for the Dash to create height during
execution. This allows "R2" Cancellation, creating potential for
grounded Free Will Fake-Out ability for immediate Super Blast
initiation. It is important that the player gets to know the characters
and their distinctive strengths and limitations.)
V-A-2-c. FW Switch:
(The FW Switch uses Free Will concepts in order to Switch around the
opponent and reach rear positioning. This technique requires a lot of
control and timing as each inclusive command must be executed in the
correct sequence or the technique will fall short of success. As the FW
Fake-Out is performed with the inclusion of the Double Tap Dash, one
would perform the GW Switch with such incorporation. It is important
that one continually considers the fact that the FW Dash can be
performed while inside the Step-In Barrier, for the entirety of the
Free Will Switch will be executed within close quarters combat. The FW
Switch is just as fast if not faster than the Offensive Teleport and is
very difficult to predict or detect until proper positioning has
already been gained.
As one may have considered at this point, the FW Switch is a synergetic
mold of the Double Tap Dash created by Free Will means and the Switch,
explained in IV-C-2. Such a technique can be performed with Left or
Right directional influence as well as Ascension and Descent, that is
up for the player to decide during any given grounded situation. In
order to perform correctly, one would execute the following commands in
the proper sequence. One would also do well to remember that control
and timing are the keys that allow the technique to work effectively:
While placed inside the Step-In Barrier; face to face with the opponent
and preferably at an aerial position, one would first unleash a single
Ki Blast. It does not matter if the Ki Blast makes contact with the
opponent, so working with a character that has poor accuracy with Ki
Blasts is not a direct problem. It does not matter if the Ki Blast is
blocked or deflected, unless the Ki Blast is deflected back at the
player. What matters is that the player executed the Ki Blast. This
execution withdraws the player's Step-in Barrier, allowing further Free
Will exploitation to continue. One would then initiate the DTN by
Double Tapping "X" for a neutral Dash. While the player's initial
position is already placed directly in front of the opponent, the
animation of the Neutral Dash must take place, even for an instant.
During this small time frame, one must initiate "R2C" to initiate the
Shift. Once the Shift is initiated, one must remember that directional
influence is an option. Such Directional Influence will be used to
maneuver around the opponent with the Shift. Therefore, one would press
Left/Right to maneuver past the opponent. Once the Shift has pushed the
player past the opponent, one would conclude the Shift by pressing
Forward to reach rear positioning. As this technique includes six
buttons in succession and in a timely fashion, it will require training
and focus, as one should expect at this point of the document.)
V-A-2-d. FW Tango:
(When relating to the previous Tango concepts discussed in V-A-1, one
can quickly develop an understanding that the FW Tango will follow
similar measures of technicality. For as the previous Tangos discussed
throughout the document consist of repeated Techniques that the Tango
is based upon, the FW Tango is based upon FW Switches in succession.
However, as Free Will is based upon different mechanics, one must be
willing to make the proper adjustment for efficient Tango execution.
Such adjustments are explained as follows:
When Grounded Will concepts are at play, the Tango is based upon moving
in harmony with the opponent's recovery rate of Focal Adherence.
However, such recovery rate is solely based upon the opponent's ability
to gain Focal Adherence without any other factors at work. When Free
Will concepts are at play, the Tango is based upon moving in harmony
with the opponent's recovery rate of Focal Adherence that has also been
affected by the initial Ki Blast. Therefore, the timing is not the
same. Also, in order to perform the FW Tango in the same manner as the
previous Tangos, one must be able to reach the opponent's level of
hover for proper sequential execution. While holding Forward at the
tail of the FW Switch will bring one to rear positioning, initiating
further melee assault is what brings such a level to balance.
Therefore, performing sequenced FW Switches may not keep the player at
the opponent's level of hover. One must also consider the fact that
some character possess the "Giant's Throw". As explained in III-K, to
perform the Giant's Throw, one must hold Forward and press "Triangle".
If one were to perform the Free Will Tango using immediate successive
FW Switches, one must be sure to release the tail end "Forward" before
initiating the Supplementary FW Switch. For as each FW technique is
initiated with a Ki Blast by pressing "Triangle", it is possible that
one may perform a mistaken Giant's Throw instead. It is for this
problem that it is encouraged that one link FW Switches with
transitional Melee and Offensive Teleportation.
To perform, one must initiate the first Free Will Switch by releasing a
Ki Blast while positioned directly in front of the opponent. Once
released, one would immediately follow the Ki Blast with a Double
Tapped Neutral Dash or DTN by pressing "X" twice in fast succession. As
the Dash is initiated within the Step-In Barrier, one would then cancel
the Dash with "R2" Cancellation. As this cancellation will alter one's
state into the Shift technique, one would then be awarded directional
influence. One would then immediately press Left or Right to Shift past
the opponent. Once past the opponent, one would press Forward to
conclude the Shift for rear positioning. From this point, one would
perform a single Base Melee attack and then initiate a Backward
Offensive Teleport for Outer Core position within the Step-in barrier.
From here, one would allow the opponent's recovery rate to take hold.
During this Recovery time frame, one would release a second Ki Blast
and start the process over again.)
V-A-3. Sling Shot Switch:
---------------------
As explained in IV-C-3, if a player were to Charge the Jumping Melee Attack,
then hold a desired direction while cancelling the Charge with a Natural
Cancellation, the Spring will be engaged. While the Spring is based upon the
Charge Meter as a means of determining the distance of the maneuver, one can
further manipulate the Spring into additional maneuvering exploitation through
further cancellation.
In order to understand such exploitation, one must consider the fact that at
this level of advancement, one must learn to combine exploited techniques to
reach new levels of advancement. It is within such a mindset that one will
find the way to reaching the Sling Shot Switch. As one may notice through
Sling Shot training, the Spring involved in the Sling Shot can be directed,
but not manipulated directionally like the Shift. However, it is with a
similar concept that we will transition into an optimal option for Sling Shot
directional influence. While inside the Spring, one must use "R2C" in order to
cancel the Spring itself. During this time. the momentum stolen from the
Spring will be stored into the Sling Shot Shift. Access to this Shift is far
more difficult to activate than the previous Shift stemming from the Dash
concept.
Like the Shift concepts previously discussed in this document, directional
influence becomes a simple matter of holding the desired direction. Once the
Spring is cancelled via "R2C", a very small window of opportunity will present
itself for directional influence. To perform the Sling Shot Switch, one must
incorporate such directional influence into the Neutrally Cancelled Sling Shot
Cancellation. It is important that one remembers that there are two
cancellations being incorporated into the Sling Shot Switch. The first
includes Natural Cancellation, the second: "R2" Cancellation. One must wait
until the second cancel has been activated before directional influence takes
place. Once the Spring has been cancelled via "R2" Cancellation, one must
consider the fact that such momentum is now stored in the neutral Shift.
Therefore, one must treat such directional influence as one would with the G2
Switch. To perform correctly, one would initiate a Charged Jumping Melee
Attack, Cancel the attack via Natural Cancellation, immediately cancel the
Spring with "R2" Cancellation to transition into the Shift, press Left to
bypass the opponent, immediately press Forward to conclude the Shift into rear
positioning.
V (B) -Z Defense-
-----------------
As one reaches level Z Defense, one has proven to have progressed through the
Basic and Advanced forms of Defense. It is at this point that one must
understand that it is possible to reach beyond the advanced level of Defense
and strive for something greater. No matter what, it is always up for the
player to decide which form of defense is the optimal choice. However, it is
also important that one arms him/herself with as many options as possible as
it allows the player to hold the highest form of control during battle. From
this point forward, the options explained for Defensive purposes will be based
on concepts far more difficult than the Defensive Techniques explained earlier
in the document.
V-B-1. Recoil:
--------------
The Recoil is one of the most difficult Defensive Techniques that Tenkaichi 2
has to offer. While other Defensive techniques such as the Defensive Teleport,
Step-In and Deflection require the timing of a single button command, the
Recoil requires the player to initiate a sequence of five buttons within the
time-framed window of a Charged Melee Attack or Grab attempt.
In order to fully understand the concept of the Recoil, one must first
reference the Fake-Out explained in IV-C-2-a. The Fake-Out is a means of
directionally manipulating the Shift even when the Step-In Barrier has been
breached. While the momentum of the initiating Dash is stored within the
Shift, this does not mean that the Shift must continue in the same trajectory
as the Dash would lead one to expect. In fact, as one must understand that the
momentum is stored within the Shift itself, one can then influence the Shift
directionally as soon as the "R2" cancellation takes place. As this technique
is beyond the boundaries of the game's maneuvering limitations, the Shift is
free to roam even while inside the Step-In Barrier. Typically, the Base Fake-
Out is performed by Dashing at the opponent and then initiating "R2"
Cancellation while holding Back to Shift Backward. While the "R2C" can take
place within the Step-In Barrier, the Shift can still take place and maneuver
the player's character back outside of the barrier for Super Blast
opportunity.
Inverted Fake-out AKA "Recoil":
(While the Base Fake-Out is performed by Dashing at the opponent,
breaching the Step-In Barrier and then incorporating "R2C" to Shift
Backward; outside of the Step-In Barrier, the Recoil is based on a
similar concept, but reversed. It is with this understanding that one
must consider that to reverse such a movement, one would be positioned
inside the Step-In Barrier, Dashing Backward to break free of the Step-
In Barrier and incorporating "R2C" to Shift Forward into one's original
position. As one may have guessed, the Enigma Dash will be required to
initiate this technique. However, the movement alone is not the only
factor to consider. As this technique is used as a Defensive means, one
must also understand that such a sequence of commands must also be
performed within the window of the opponent's Grab attempt or Charged
Melee Attack.
To perform, one must be inside the Step-In Barrier; grounded and on the
Defense. As the opponent begins to Charge his/her Melee Attack or
attempt to Grab the player for a throw, the player must immediately
press "R1" to Jump and consequently present potential for Grounded Will
movement. Directly after the Jump, one must transition into the
Backward Dash, initiating the Enigma Dash to break free from the Step-
In Barrier. As one leaves the Step-In Barrier, the opponent's attack
will swing wildly at thin air or the opponent's attempt to grab will
result with empty hands. It is at this point that one must press and
hold Forward as the player also presses "R2" for "R2C". At this point,
the player will be transitioning into the Forward Shift, bringing
him/her back into his/her original position as the opponent's attack
concludes. While this technique may require more button commands than
the Step-In or Defensive Teleport, one must consider the advantages:
Defensive Teleports cannot be used against Grab attempts; Recoils are
faster and allow quicker recovery for attack; Recoils include the "R2"
Cancellation, allowing the player to incorporate Super Blast ability
instead of Sliding Forward into original position.)
V-B-2. Switch Recoil:
-----------------
As one must understand, the Recoil is a technique used to manually maneuver
out of harm's way during the opponent's Charged Melee Attack or Grab attempt
by means of manipulating the Enigma Dash through "R2" Cancellation and
Directional Influence. It is through such a concept that one may consider the
Switch Recoil, as it is factoring in the GW Switch explained in V-A-1-c as a
defensive means to maneuver around the opponent to avoid the oncoming attack.
While the concept of the Switch Recoil is more difficult to perform than the
Base Recoil, one must also understand that the result of the Switch Recoil
places the player in a much safer position with a higher advantage than the
Base Recoil, for the Switch Recoil ends with rear positioning. While the Base
Recoil requires the full timing of the opponent's attack, the Switch Recoil
allows immediate safety as the opponent begins the Charged Melee Attack or
Grab. When performing the Base Recoil, one must judge and in some cases,
gamble on how much charge is being applied to the Charged Melee Attack. Some
opponent's may release as a Green charged, some as a Red charged some as a
Full Charge. If one cancels forward into the Shift too early, the player may
position him/herself back into the original danger zone. One must also
consider the possibility that the opponent may use Natural Cancellation for
the Charged Melee Attack or Grab attempt. In such a case, one must also
consider Super Blast potential at the point of "R2" Cancellation. However, one
must also understand that the G2 Switch positions the player into rear
position, regardless of whether the player will charge to Green, Red, Full or
Cancellation.
To perform, one must be inside the Step-In Barrier; grounded and on the
Defense. As the opponent begins to Charge his/her Melee Attack or attempt to
Grab the player for a throw, the player must immediately press "R1" to Jump
and consequently present potential for Grounded Will movement. Directly after
the Jump, one must transition into the Neutral Dash, initiating the Enigma
Dash. One would then immediately use "R2" Cancellation to initiate the Shift.
As the Shift takes hold, the player must then use directional influence to
maneuver past the opponent by pressing Left or Right. Once the player moves
past the opponent, he/she must then hold forward to conclude the Shift for
rear positioning. As the Shift is directionally influenced to the side, the
opponent's attack will swing wildly at thin air or the opponent's attempt to
grab will result with empty hands. While this technique may require more
button commands than the Step-In or Defensive Teleport, one must consider the
advantages: Defensive Teleports cannot be used against Grab attempts; Switch
Recoils are faster and allow quicker recovery for attack; Switch Recoils
result with rear positioning which is an automatic combat advantage.
V-B-3. Swipers:
---------------
The Swiper is a Defensive maneuver that relates closely to the Switch Recoil.
However, one must understand that while the Switch Recoil concept gains the
same position without the inclusion of the opponent's attack, the Swiper works
best if the opponent is in fact on the attack. In other words, the Swiper
takes advantage of the opponent's offense as a means to gain rear position.
V-B-3-a. Side Swiper:
(As explained above, the Swiper is closely related to the Switch Recoil
in the fact that the technique is based on using the Enigma Dash as a
means to reach the opponent's rear. However, unlike the Switch Recoil,
the Side Swiper requires the opponent's attack to reach proper rear
positioning. Such a concept is explained as follows:
When the player is planted on the ground, positioned inside the Inner
Core of the Step-In Barrier and standing directly in front of the
opponent, one is given the option to use the Enigma Dash for free Dash
ability within the Step-In Barrier. However, instead of initiating the
Neutral Enigma Dash, the player will be using immediate directional
influence to direct the Enigma Dash to the Left or the Right. In other
words, the player will perform an Enigma Dash in the sided direction.
As the player is positioned inside the Inner Core of the Step-In
Barrier, Approximal Focal Adherence does not immediately take hold and
therefore allows the unaffected straight line Dash. As the player's
character reaches the limit beyond the Step-In Barrier, his/her next
step is to use "R2" Cancellation to initiate the Shift. When the Shift
is initiated, one must be holding Forward to influence the Shift toward
the opponent's position. As this technique alone will bring the
player's character to the opponent's side profile, this will leave a
50/50 chance that further offense would bring one to the opponent's
front or the opponent's rear due to Channeling. As this technique is
not full proof without the opponent's involvement, this concept
explains how the maneuver is used as a Defensive Technique; without the
Defensive purpose, the technique is a fail.
As explained, the opponent must be involved in this Defensive technique
for proper performance. When the Shift of the Side Swiper brings the
player back to the opponent's side profile, the requirement of the
opponent's offensive is what allows rear positioning. The aggressive
projection of the opponent's Charged Melee Attack or Grab attempt will
propel him/her forward as the player Shifts into rear positioning. It
is in such an instance that the two coincide in harmony for the player
to effectively maneuver for the advantage.
To perform, one must be inside the Inner Core of the Step-In Barrier;
grounded and on the Defense. As the opponent begins to Charge his/her
Melee Attack or attempt to Grab the player for a throw, the player must
immediately press "R1" to Jump and consequently present potential for
Grounded Will movement. Directly after the Jump, one must transition
into the sided Dash, initiating the Enigma Dash to the Left or the
Right. One would then immediately use "R2" Cancellation and
simultaneously press Forward to initiate the Forward Shift. As the
Shift takes hold, the player moves past the opponent due to the
opponent's propelled influence from to his/her own attack, reaching
rear positioning. Through such a technique, the opponent's attack will
swing wildly at thin air or the opponent's attempt to grab will result
with empty hands. While this technique may require more button commands
than the Step-In or Defensive Teleport, one must consider the
advantages: Defensive Teleports cannot be used against Grab attempts;
Side Swipers are faster and allow quicker recovery for attack; Side
Swipers result with rear positioning which is an automatic combat
advantage when performed correctly.)
V-B-3-b. Forward Swiper:
(This follows the same guidelines of the Side Swiper, but instead of
using the Sided Enigma Dash, one would angle the Enigma Dash to the
frontal diagonal direction to enhance the chance of reaching the
opponent's rear in case the opponent decides to cancel his/her attack;
Channeling will guide the player to the opponent's rear much easier
when one positions him/herself closer to the rear. However, one must
take note that holding Forward while attempting a Dash when inside the
Step-In Barrier results with an attempt to Grab the opponent. Herein
lies a chance for error, so it is extremely important that one guides
his/her Enigma Dash with the utmost degree of control.)
V-B-4. Absent Recoil Switch:
------------------------
The concept of the Absent Recoil Switch is based similarly on the guidelines
of the Switch Recoil, but without the initial presence of the opponent. While
conducting a game of combat in a 3d environment, one must be able to perform
and defend a variety of attacks as the opponent's abilities range beyond that
of a two dimensional plane. When the opponent is at a distance, one must be
able to comprehend the attacks the opponent has at his/her disposal. When
regarding such attacks, one must also consider the many possible defensive
techniques that one can perform as well as which defensive techniques the
opponent will expect. While many of the defensive techniques explained
previously in this document may be executed by the single to double button
commands, the Recoil concepts require the player to judge the situation
accordingly and perform techniques that require several sequenced buttons
within a specific timeframe related to the judgment.
The Absent Recoil Switch is a Defensive Technique that is directly related to
that of the Dashing Attacker. Like the Rush Attack, one must judge the
potential for defense on depth perception. However, while evading the Rush
Attack is based on judging depth perception as the moving attacker reaches the
fixed target, the Absent Recoil Switch is judged on the moving attacker while
including a moving target, being the player's character. There are two
concepts to consider when regarding the Absent Recoil Switch: Aerial and
Grounded.
-Aerial Absent Recoil Switch:
(When the player and the opponent are both airborne and distanced, one
must consider the possibility that the opponent possesses the potential
to initiate a Dashing Charged Melee Attack. While one may already
understand to have several defensive techniques available to deal with
such a technique, one must consider all possible defensive techniques
to ensure one's complete advancement. When the opponent begins to Dash
toward the player's character, one must initiate a Dash in any
direction excluding a direction that faces the enemy's location. In
other words, the opponent must approach the player, the player must be
moving in a direction that requires the opponent to catch him/her.
Once the chase has been established, the player must always remember
that the Dash can be transitioned into Shift mode via "R2C". As long as
the opponent is in a normal Dash mode, Focal Adherence will lead the
opponent to his Focal Point, being the player's character. When the
opponent begins to Charge his/her Dash Melee, the attack will also base
itself upon Focal Adherence, bringing the opponent's attack toward the
target, being the player's character. However, the unleashing of a
Charged Dashing Melee includes a propelled projection of the opponent's
physical position. While such a propelled attack is based on Focal
Adhesion, the force stored into the player's Shift moves faster than
that of the opponent's unleashed attack. Therefore, while the Charged
Dashing Melee Attack may come close to making contact, an elite player
will be able to use the Shift to maneuver around the attack and place
oneself into rear positioning.
To perform, one must bait the opponent to perform the Charged Dashing
Melee Attack. Once engaged, the player must Dash to the Side or
Backward. As the opponent's attack approaches the player, one must
judge the instant of impact accordingly. Once accurately judged, one
must hold a sided direction and initiate "R2" Cancellation to
transition into the directionally influenced Shift. As the opponent's
attack is unleashed into thin air, the player's character will be
directed around the opponent through the Shift. As the player moves
around the opponent, one must press Forward to conclude the Shift for
rear positioning.)
-Grounded Absent Recoil Switch:
(While the Aerial Absent Recoil Switch is based on maneuvering the Shift
for a defensive means for the Charged Dashing Melee, one must also
consider that such a technique can be performed on the ground. However,
unlike the Aerial Absent Recoil Switch, the Grounded Absent Recoil
Switch must be initiated through Grounded Will. For trying to perform
any "R2" Cancellation may fall short of success when working on the ground.
Therefore, when the player is grounded, one must always be sure to
initiate the Enigma Dash to ensure "R2" Cancellation ability at all
times. While it may feel easier to perform normal Dashes during game-
play, one will learn that the Enigma Dash allows far more potential for
Defense as well as Offense.
Ultimately, one would perform the Absent Recoil Switch expressed in the
Aerial Absent Recoil Switch, but by means of performing the Enigma Dash
while on the ground. It is with the Enigma Dash that such maneuvering
is possible. Therefore, to perform the Grounded Absent Recoil Switch,
one must bait the opponent to perform the Charged Dashing Melee Attack.
Once engaged, the player must initiate the Enigma Dash to the Side or
Backward. As the opponent's attack approaches the player, one must
judge the instant of impact accordingly. Once accurately judged, one
must hold a sided direction and initiate "R2" Cancellation to
transition into the directionally influenced Shift. As the opponent's
attack is unleashed into thin air, the player's character will be
directed around the opponent through the Shift. As the player moves
around the opponent, one must press Forward to conclude the Shift for
rear positioning.)
Finally, one must also consider that not all Dashing Attacks are based on the
opponent's Melee. The opponent may decide to unleash a flurry of Dashing Ki
Blasts. However, one must also consider the fact that he/she always possesses
the ability to cancel the Dash or Enigma Dash and maneuver to a position of
Defense, whether it be a possible Absent Recoil Switch or simply a basis for
Basic Defense.
V-B-5. Sling Shot Recoil:
-------------------------
As it is understood, the Sling Shot is engaged by the initiation of the Jump.
While the Jumping Charged Melee is the deciding factor of how much power is
stored in the Spring, one must also decide how such a technique can be used as
a defensive manner for possible counter attack. This depends entirely on how
the player incorporates his/her Sling Shot during the opponent's offense. When
the opponent charges his/her Melee Attack or attempts a Grab, one must
consider how much time he/she is allowed to perform such a technique.
Typically, there are two reference points of the Sling Shot that can be linked
to the opponent's attack for proper defense. In most cases, this technique
will be used as a means of exhibition. However, there are variables to
consider which can make such a technique very useful, such as Priority during
the Charged Jumping Melee Attack included within the Sling Shot.
Regardless, one must understand the key points of defensive potential when the
opponent presents a Charged Melee Attack or Grab attempt. The two reference
points are the evading Jump and the evading Spring. When the opponent is
unleashing his/her Charged Melee Attack or Grab, the player can Jump to evade
the attack and then incorporate the remaining commands for the Sling Shot.
However, one may also Jump preemptively as the opponent begins to charge
his/her Melee Attack. As the player is Charging his/her Jumping Melee Attack
at the instance the opponent is charging his/her Melee Attack, one would
transition into the Spring at the instance of the opponent's unleashed attack
or Grab. It is wise to consider Super Blast incorporation when dealing with
the Sling Shot, for it is the key to punishing the opponent's poor offense.
As one understands that he/she can use the Sling Shot as a Defensive means for
Recoil execution, one must also understand that the Sling Shot Switch can be
used in the same regard for rear positioning. Therefore, it is always
important to learn all techniques regarding such advancement, for they do find
themselves working together to create synergetic movements, attacks and
defensive means.
V-B-6. Challenging AKA Z-Motion:
--------------------------------
If one were to imagine a technique that baited the opponent's Melee from the
Inner Core of the Step-In Barrier that allowed the player to maneuver
evasively, remaining undamaged to then transition into a reflective approach
that allowed the player to directly challenge the opponent's Charged Melee
face to face, just to perform a Supplementary evasive maneuver by linking
advanced techniques for final Super Blast potential, one would find the
technique known as Challenging.
For one to fully understand how the Challenging Technique works, one must
understand and be comfortable with the tactical offense of the opponent, the
speed at which one may leave the Inner Core of the Step-In Barrier via Enigma
Dash, the timeframe of the opponent's Combo Set, Mad Dash concepts, the Sling
Shot concept, the opponent's Charge Rate for Charged Melee and performing the
Super Blast at the tail of the Sling Shot while understanding the timeframe
measured for Descending Sweeps. While such concepts are a must to perfect the
technique, performing the technique on a technical basis is as follows:
(To perform correctly, one must initially be positioned within the
Inner Core of the Step-In Barrier, placed directly in front of the
opponent and planted on the ground. One must be very reflexive and able
to judge when the opponent is about to begin his/her Combo Set. Just as
the opponent begins his/her Combo Set, one must initiate a Backward
Enigma Dash by pressing "R1" to Jump and immediately hold Back and
press "X". Once the player has evaded the opponent's initial flurry of
Melee Attacks, one must judge when the opponent is going to Charge
his/her Melee Attack while inside the Enigma Dash. As one begins to
accurately estimate the probability of the opponent's Charged Melee,
one must hold Forward and press "R1" a second time to initiate the
Forward Jump to execute the Sling Shot. This is possible as the Enigma
Dash allows the Jump due to the Mad Dash concept. As the Jump is then
transformed into a Charged Jumping Melee Attack by pressing and holding
"Square", one must ensure that his/her Charged Melee Attack is matching
the timing of the opponent's Charged Melee Attack. At this time, if
performed correctly, both players should be face to face, Charging
their Melee Attacks. However, as the player is working within the Sling
Shot technique, one would then initiate the Backward Spring as the
opponent unleashes his/her Charged Melee Attack by holding Backward and
pressing one of the remaining face buttons for Natural Cancellation. As
the Spring brings the player back out of the Step-In Barrier, one must
then judge the exact time needed to initiate a Super Blast instead of a
Descending Sweep while the opponent concludes his/her attack and before
his/her offensive recovery is complete. This is of course performed by
holding "L2" and pressing "Triangle" or holding "L2" and "Up" and
pressing "Triangle". Of course, that is unless one wanted to
incorporate the Ultimate Blast by holding "L2" and "Down" and pressing
"Triangle".)
V-B-7. IT Counter:
------------------
This technique is used as a defensive maneuver against the Instantaneous
Transmission user. Up to this point, the player that chooses the Instantaneous
Transmission has an advantage. Players of this level know the importance of
gaining rear position as melee cannot be defended effectively when received
from the rear. However, a player with a strong understanding of Focal
Adherence should have no problem understanding the following.
Knowing the freedoms and limitations that dwell inside each level of Focal
Adherence will allow the player to maneuver into optimal position against the
Instantaneous Transmission user. This begins with understanding that when
locked-on to the opponent and in close proximity, one cannot dash without
incorporating Free Will or Grounded Will. As the Instantaneous Transmission
automatically puts the opponent inside the Step-In Barrier, Approximal Focal
Adherence limits the player's movement. Now before we move forward, let us
reference a previous concept:
-When a player is de-locked from the opponent, he has no Focal Adherence. All
movement is based on North, South, East and West in relation to his Radar. He
can Dash, he can ascend, he can descend, etc. If on the other hand, both
players reach close proximity to each other, they will automatically lock-on
to each other without the need to search. This auto-lock takes place in any
condition, including when the lift strike combo knocks the opponent to the
ground de-locked. If the player were to approach the opponent again, even if
from behind, the player will automatically lock on again. This also relates to
the Instantaneous Transmission, for the IT will also cause the opponent to be
de-locked for an instant, but close proximity will force the de-locked player
to automatically lock back on to the IT user.
(The IT Counter takes place within a very small window of opportunity.
This window is between when the IT using character (say SSJ3 Goku)
begins to appear behind the player and when the player automatically
locks on. During this small window of time, the player has zero Focal
Adhesion. This means that between the instant SSJ3 Goku appears and the
player automatically locks on to the opponent, he has free movement,
including the dash. The IT Counter is a means of using such free
movement to gain rear positioning to the IT user before movement
recovery is complete. Much like any movement including the dash that is
terminated by a supplementary X, the IT has movement recovery, which
includes the time it takes to get back into fighting stance. Though the
player has Dashing capability during this instant, the auto lock-on
aspect of the game is so fast, it will cause the player to lock on
before the player's dash can carry him a distance.
Once understood, the player can now use this to his advantage. To
perform the IT Counter, one would wait until the player performs the
IT. As soon as the player re-appears behind him, the player will
immediately dash to the side. As lock-on will take place immediately
during this dash, the player will then quickly hold back and tap the R2
button for Dash cancellation and Shift transition. As the Shift can be
directionally manipulated, one would use this knowledge to Shift into
rear position. The technique must be performed quickly and to
perfection, for rear positioning must be gained during the time the
movement recovery is concluded by the IT user, which does not require a
lot of time at all.)
V (C) -Z Offense-
-----------------
As a player of advancement reaches the Z level of Offense, one is expected to
understand all of the previous techniques explained throughout this document,
for one must learn to walk before he/she learns to run. One must consider
movement as the basis of all progression throughout combat, as one must also
understand that one's Offense is based upon such movement. As a Dashing Melee
is attached to the Dash itself, as such are advanced Offensive techniques
attached to advanced maneuvering ability.
V-C-1. Ki Dash:
---------------
As explained in III-E-1, the Normal Ki Blast requires a greater deal of Ki in
order to expel a single Ki Blast. Therefore, if a player were to consecutively
press the "Triangle" button for successive Ki Blasts, it would deplete the Ki
Meter fairly quickly. However, unlike the Normal Ki Blasts, the Dashing Ki
Blasts are released by simply pressing the "Triangle" button once during a
Dash for a flurry of successive Ki Blasts; All of which require a mere
fraction of the Ki required for the same number of Normal Ki Blasts. When all
Ki Blasts from the Dashing Ki Blast attack make contact upon the opponent, the
damage inflicted can be quite significant, depending on the character.
Therefore, unleashing a connection of the multiple Ki Blasts included within
the Dashing Ki Blast attack will inflict far more damage than a single Normal
Ki Blast, while requiring a fraction of the Ki. It is within this concept that
the player will exploit the concepts previously discussed within this document
to connect Dashing Ki Blasts to ensure maximum damage.
To perform for best quality, one would do well to reach the opponent's rear
before engaging this technique. Like the G&P, if one were skilled enough, one
could perform the Ki Dash as a means of an infinite attack, but without
throwing a single attack. Ultimately, the player would unleash an endless
supply of Ki Blasts that extend beyond the limitations of the Ki Blast Combo
explained in III-E in order to perform a seemingly infinite Ki Blast Combo, as
long as the Ki Meter is able to continually supply the Ki required. This is
achieved by implementing the Free Will concept to allow Dashing Ki Blast
ability within the Step-In Barrier.
(To perform, one must first reach rear positioning by means of one's
chosen method. Once rear positioning has been established, one must
ensure that he/she is within the Step-In Barrier. It is at his point
that one must understand that in order to perform the Dashing Ki Blast,
one must use Free Will to engage any Dashing techniques within the
Step-In Barrier. Therefore, one must release the initial Ki Blast to
begin the technique by pressing "Triangle". One must immediately
perform the "DTN" by pressing "X" twice in immediate succession to
engage the FW Dash. As soon as the Dash is engaged, one would then
press "Triangle" to perform the Dashing Ki Blast. To engage a
continuation of the Ki Dash, one would simply repeat the process by
initiating the Supplementary Normal Ki Blast before the opponent can
defensively recover in respect to Approximal Focal Adherence.)
V-C-1-a. Energy Cloud:
(The Energy Cloud is created when the player performs the Ki Dash. When
the Ki Blasts from the Ki Dash make contact, the remnants of the
technique creates a cloud of energy that reflects the same color as the
initial Ki Dash. It is within this cloud that one may continue to
attack the opponent without his/her visual expectancy of the player's
next attack. In essence, the Energy Cloud allows the player's next
technique of immediate succession to be performed in covertness.)
V-C-2. Beat Down:
-----------------
As explained in III-E-2, the Sonic Impact terminus is reached by performing
the Dashing Melee Attack and then following up with "Triangle" and then
concluding with "Square". However, one must understand that the final blow of
the Sonic Impact knocks the opponent directly to the ground at their initial
position. Typically, one would use this advantage to perform the Giant's Throw
to continue one's assault. However, it is within the concepts of Z Offense
that one finds new techniques to continue one's assault such as the Free Will
or Grounded Will. Typically, one would find the Free Will concept most useful
as the Ki Blast required keeps the opponent on his/her defensive recovery,
allowing the player to perform his/her next technique with the highest impact
rate.
In essence, the Beat Down is a sequence of performing the Sonic Impact
explained above, and then using Free Will to perform the technique again as a
means of working through Vortex application or manipulating the opponent's
Defensive Recovery via attacking him/her through his/her "waking up" state.
This allows the player to continuously knock the opponent to the ground over,
and over unless the opponent is skilled enough to defensively teleport through
such attacks.
(To perform the Beat Down, one must engage the opponent with a Dashing
Melee by first pressing the Neutral "X" to approach the opponent and
then pressing "Square" to make physical, damaging contact. Once
applied, the player must immediately follow the "Square" with
"Triangle" and then conclude the Sonic Impact with "Square". As this
technique alone will result with the opponent laying on the ground at
the player's feet, one must then initiate Free Will by pressing
"Triangle" for the initial Ki Blast. As one must perform a Dash that
approaches the locally positioned opponent, one must perform the "DTN"
by pressing "X" two times in immediate succession. After the player
enters Dash mode via Free Will, one must perform the next incorporated
Sonic Impact based solely on which character he has chosen. Some
characters possess a Dashing Melee that picks the opponent straight off
of the ground from lying position while others do not. It is at this
point where one must be able to judge the opponent's recovery rate in
"Waking Up" to seize advantage of the opponent's vulnerable state for
further assault.)
V-C-2-a. Dust Cloud:
(When the player knocks the opponent to the ground, such impact will
cause dust to scatter from the ground. This is completely dependent on
where the player is stationed on the stage, for some sections of the
selected stage or even the entirety of the stage holds no dust to
scatter. It is in the case that one finds him/herself in a dusted area
that the Sonic Impact will cause the Dust Cloud to appear. When dealing
with the Beat Down technique, one may consider such regard in
reflection to that of the Energy Cloud; a chance to conceal one's next
attack via covertness.)
V-C-3. FW Sweep:
----------------
The Sweep involved in any Dash is based upon performing the Descending Sweep
by pressing "Triangle" at the very instance one plants his/her feet. This
technique is very useful as it presents an attack that cannot be easily
predicted from the opponent.
When regarding the FW Sweep, one must understand that the Sweep itself is
build upon the Dash that feeds it. Therefore, one may perform the Sweep
through the normal Dash through means of open combat and mind game application
or one can establish the Descending Sweep through means of Free Will
execution. While there are many advanced players that may choose to perform a
variety of FW techniques, one must also understand that it is important to
have every offensive technique at the ready at all times. Therefore, one may
incorporate a FW Sweep directly from linked Ki Dashes. When the Ki Dash is
performed, the impact of the Ki Blasts presents a cloud of energy, typically
colored the same as the Ki Blast. Through such a cloud of energy, one may find
him/herself in a state of covertness. It is within this state that one must
understand that such techniques that the opponent may predict or even visually
see coming in other circumstances, are now hidden; clouded from the opponent's
sight. This is where the Free Will Sweep strives. It is also very important
that the player understands that though this technique is flashy and is hard
to detect within controlled Energy Clouded areas, the remaining termini of the
technique can easily be defended by an experienced player via Defensive
Teleportation.
(To perform, one must unleash the initial Ki Blast to execute Free
Will. Once established, the player must engage the "DTN" by pressing
"X" in immediate succession. As the "DTN" will initiate the Neutral
Free Will Dash, one must immediately press "R2" to descend to the
ground while immediately pressing "Triangle" at the instance of
player's landing. If performed correctly, the player will Sweep the
opponent, allowing a possible Dragon Tornado Terminus.)
V-C-4. FW Switch Sweep:
------------------
As explained in V-C-3, the Sweep involved in any Dash is based upon performing
the Descending Sweep by pressing "Triangle" at the very instance one plants
his/her feet. When regarding the FW Sweep, one must understand that the Sweep
itself is build upon the Dash that feeds it. Therefore, one may perform the
Sweep through the normal Dash through means of open combat and mind game
application or one can establish the Descending Sweep through means of Free
Will execution. However, unlike the Base FW Sweep, one must incorporate the
Descending Sweep that rides the FW Dash by means of Free Will Switch
incorporation.
While one may find the opportunity to perform FW Sweeping within the Energy
Cloud of Ki Dash performance, one may find tricky ways to pull off the
Descending Sweep by alternative Free Will concepts such as the FW Switch.
While the FW Switch requires a good number of button commands to pull off
effectively, the FW Switch Sweep requires the same command execution, but with
one additional button to incorporate the Descending Sweep.
(To perform, one must be positioned inside the Inner Core of the Step-
In Barrier while hovering just above ground level. In fact, the
distance from the player and the ground should be so short that one
could simply tap "R2" to plant his/her feet. This distance of elevation
is required for the inclusive "R2C" to take hold and the descending
Sweep to properly activate. Once properly positioned, one must execute
the initial Ki Blast that will activate Free Will. Once activated, one
must engage the "DTN" by pressing "X" in immediate succession. Once the
Neutral FW Dash has been activated, one must immediately press "R2" for
"R2" Cancellation to transition into the Shift. As one's Shift is still
considered to be at an elevated level through its journey to ground
level, one must incorporate directional influence by pressing "Right"
or "Left". As the momentum of the Shift pushes the player past the
opponent, one must then press "Forward" to conclude the Shift movement
for rear positioning. As this would be the button command for the FW
Switch, one must also understand that the "R2C" that allowed the Shift
to be activated also brings the player to the ground at the end of the
Shift. Therefore, one must judge the exact instant that the player's
character plants his/her feet. It is at this instance that the player
must press "Triangle" to incorporate the Descending Sweep.)
V-C-5. Taxing:
--------------
In order to understand the concept of Taxing, one must be fully comfortable
with the concept of the Ground & Pound technique. One must understand that
while performing the G&P technique, pressing "R2" to cancel the Combo Set does
not necessarily result with the player's character visually planting his/her
feet. In order for the player to ensure that his/her character plants his/her
feet, one must present further control of the "R2C" to force the character to
plant his/her feet. This concept is very important as one is to incorporate a
transitional Jump for Taxing to succeed.
In essence, the Taxing technique incorporates the G&P while using the "R2"
Cancellation to transition into the Jumping Ki Blast Flurry. In order for the
Jumping Ki Blast Flurry to make proper impact upon the opponent's back, one
must ensure that the timeframe between the initial Jump and Ki Blast execution
must be very short, allowing the player to jump a mere foot off of the ground
before unleashing the Jumping Ki Blast Flurry. As it is important to
understand that when the player performs a Jumping Melee Attack or a Jumping
Ki Blast Attack, one cannot incorporate any other attack until the Jump has
concluded, with the exception of the Descending Sweep. However, one must
understand that the potential of a Dash is presented through the entirety of
the Jump, whether an attack was included or not. It is within such a concept
that one must understand that post Jumping Ki Blast Flurry, one is allowed the
ability to Dash. As this holds true, the next technique involved in Taxing is
to follow the Jumping Ki Blast Flurry with a Neutral Dash, awarding the player
the ability to initiate the Dashing Ki Blast. As the Dashing Ki Blast
concludes, one is in position to continue a repeated Taxing set.
(To perform, one must place oneself in rear positioning of the
opponent. Once established, one must begin a Combo Set by pressing
"Square" anywhere from one to four times. If the player presses the
Square button the fifth time, the opponent will be pushed into Initial
Aftermath, losing the ability to use "R2C". It is important that one
finds the comfort zone for "R2" Cancellation to take place as the
fluidity of the G&P is very important. After one has decided which
"Square" command one would use as a pinpoint for transition, one would
then press "R2" to cancel the Combo Set. In doing so, one must also
control the "R2" in order to ensure the player's character plants
his/her feet. Once established, one must then press "R1" and then
immediately press "Triangle" to initiate a Jumping Ki Blast Flurry of
low elevation. This is to ensure the Ki Blast make impact upon the
opponents back. As soon as the last Ki Blast is unleashed, one must
immediately press "X" to transition into the Neutral Dash. As one
begins his/her Dash, one must then press "Triangle" to incorporate the
Dashing Ki Blast Flurry. As one's last Ki Blast from the Dashing Ki
Blast Flurry concludes, one may begin the process again for continued
assault.)
V-C-6. Enigma Sweep:
----------------
The Sweep involved in any Dash is based upon performing the Descending Sweep
by pressing "Triangle" at the very instance one plants his/her feet. This
technique is very useful as it presents an attack that cannot be easily
predicted from the opponent.
When regarding the Enigma Sweep, one must understand that the Sweep itself is
build upon the Dash that feeds it, being the Enigma Dash. Therefore, one may
perform the Sweep through the normal Dash through means of open combat and
mind game application or one can establish the Descending Sweep through means
of Grounded Will execution. While there are many advanced players that may
choose to perform a variety of GW techniques, one must also understand that it
is important to have every offensive technique at the ready at all times. As
one requires the understanding that the Enigma Dash allows "R2" Cancellation,
this also allows the player to incorporate the Descending Sweep within the
maneuver. Therefore, one must always understand that no matter what direction
the Enigma Dash is engaged, one always has the ability to Cancel Forward into
a Descending Dash.
(To perform, one must first initiate the Enigma Dash. The initial
position of the Dash is of no consequence, but one must understand the
length of the Shift that allows the Descending Sweep to take place.
Therefore, regardless of the initial position of the Enigma Dash, the
player must concentrate on the distance between the point of "R2"
Cancellation and the opponent. Once the player is positioned within the
distance of the average Sliding distance, one may then press "R2" for
"R2" Cancellation to transition into the Shift while pressing "Forward"
to direct the Shift toward the opponent. As the Shift brings itself to
a conclusion at the opponent's position, one must then press "Triangle"
to incorporate the Descending Sweep.)
V-C-7. Enigma Switch Sweep:
------------------
As explained in V-C-3, the Sweep involved in any Dash is based upon performing
the Descending Sweep by pressing "Triangle" at the very instant one plants
his/her feet. When regarding the Enigma Sweep, one must understand that the
Sweep itself is build upon the Dash that feeds it. Therefore, one may perform
the Sweep through the normal Dash through means of open combat and mind game
application or one can establish the Descending Sweep through means of
Grounded Will execution. However, unlike the Base Enigma Sweep, one must
incorporate the Descending Sweep that rides the Enigma Dash by means of
Grounded Will Switch incorporation. While the GW Switch requires a good number
of button commands to pull off effectively, the Enigma Switch Sweep requires
the same command execution, but with one additional button to incorporate the
Descending Sweep.
To perform, one must first place him/herself within the Inner Core of
the Step-In Barrier, standing directly in front of the opponent and
planted on the ground. To initiate the technique, one must first press
"R1" to Jump for Grounded Will initiation. Once initiated, one must
then press "X" for the Neutral Enigma Dash to be incorporated. As the
player's initial position was placed directly in front of the opponent,
such a Dash animation will not last long at all. The window of
opportunity is extremely small, so one must then use the directional
influenced Shift as soon as possible, before the Dash animation
concludes. To do so, one must press "R2" to initiate the Shift and then
"Left" or "Right" to directionally influence the movement. As the
momentum of the initial Dash and Shift moves Forward, the Left/Right
incorporation into directional influence will allow the player's
character to Shift past the opponent. The player must then immediately
press "Forward" to conclude the Shift movement as explained in the GW
Switch for rear positioning. However, as the GW Switch concludes with
complete descent, one must be sure to press "Triangle" as the player's
character makes ground contact to initiate the Descending Sweep at the
opponent's rear.
Once must understand that this Descending Sweep can also be included in the
Switch Recoil as a means of counter attack. Also, as this technique is based
on Grounded Will concepts, one must also understand that one can link this
technique to Ground & Pound exploitation. It is important that the player
understands all of his/her options.
V-C-8. Absent Recoil Sweep:
---------------------------
As explained in V-C-6, as one requires the understanding that the Enigma Dash
allows "R2" Cancellation, this also allows the player to incorporate the
Descending Sweep within the maneuver. Therefore, one must always understand
that no matter what direction the Enigma Dash is engaged, one always has the
ability to Cancel Forward into a Descending Dash. It is within this concept
that one must incorporate the same technical aspect into the Absent Recoil.
However, in order to fully understand how the technique may be incorporated,
one must only consider the Grounded Absent Recoil, for the Descending Sweep
will only work when the Ground can be used as a basis for initiation.
With such consideration, one must be able to manipulate one's opponent into
pressing his/her aggression. One must bait the opponent's approach in order to
catch the opponent into the trap, being the Absent Recoil Sweep. As related to
the Absent Recoil Switch, one must understand that the Dash involved is based
upon the Enigma Dash, allowing "R2" Cancellation at any time. In essence, the
concept of the Absent Recoil Sweep is to bait the opponent into approaching
the player's character while performing the Enigma Dash. As the player reaches
the proper proximity of the player's character, one would use the Forward
Shift to initiate the Descending Sweep.
(To perform the Absent Recoil Sweep, one must bait the opponent to Dash
toward the player's position. Once engaged, the player must initiate
the Enigma Dash to the Side or Backward, preferably the latter. As the
opponent's approach reaches twice the distance of a Shift from the
player, one must judge the distance accordingly for as the Shift is
initiated, it will cover half the distance between the player and the
opponent, while the opponent will cover the rest. in essence, the two
players will meet in the middle of the distance. Once accurately
judged, one must hold Forward and initiate "R2" Cancellation to
transition into the directionally influenced Shift. As the player
reaches the opponent's proximity of movement, one must press "Triangle"
to initiate the Descending Shift at the instance of convergence.)
One must also understand that though the technique is highly unpredictable, it
does not mean the technique cannot be dodged through defensive teleportation.
However, as the Descending Sweep is still a part of the technique, one must
also understand that the follow-up Dragon Tornado terminus is still an option.
V-C-9. Sling Shot Switch Sweep (S4):
---------------------------
While working through the explanation of V-A-3, one is referenced to IV-C-3 to
explain that if a player were to Charge the Jumping Melee Attack, then hold a
desired direction while cancelling the Charge with a Natural Cancellation, the
Spring will be engaged. While the Spring is based upon the Charge Meter as a
means of determining the distance of the maneuver, one can further manipulate
the Spring into additional maneuvering exploitation through further
cancellation. This exploitation is explained as cancelling the Spring through
"R2" Cancelation to initiate the Sling Shot Shift which is described as being
far more difficult to activate than previous Shifts stemming from the Dash
concept. Like the Shift concepts previously discussed in this document,
directional influence becomes a simple matter of holding the desired
direction. Once the Spring is cancelled via "R2C", a very small window of
opportunity will present itself for directional influence. To perform the
Sling Shot Switch, one must incorporate such directional influence into the
Neutrally Cancelled Sling Shot Cancellation. As there are two cancellations
being incorporated into the Sling Shot Switch, the first being Natural
Cancellation, the second: "R2" Cancellation. One must wait until the second
cancel has been activated before directional influence takes place. Once the
Spring has been cancelled via "R2" Cancellation, one must consider the fact
that such momentum is now stored in the neutral Shift. Therefore, one must
treat such directional influence as one would with the G2 Switch.
Once the player performs the Sling Shot Switch correctly, one would simply
incorporate the Descending Sweep at the tail end of the concluding Sling Shot
Shift.
(To perform, one would initiate a Jump by pressing "R1". One would
immediately begin to charge the Jumping Malee Attack by pressing and
holding "Square". Before the Charge Meter runs out, one must
immediately use Natural Cancellation to transition into the Neutral
Spring by pressing any of the remaining face buttons before the Charge
is concluded. As one has transitioned into the Neutral Spring, one must
understand that such animation will not last long as one is descending
through gravitational pull. Once the player's character lands, the
window of transitional opportunity ends. Therefore, one must then press
"R2" to use "R2" Cancellation before the player's character lands on
the ground. As the momentum build through the Spring is now stored in
the Sling Shot Shift, one must then use such momentum to incorporate
directional influence to maneuver around the opponent by pressing
"Left" or "Right". As one moves past the opponent through the
directionally manipulated Shift, one must hold "Forward" to conclude
the Shift momentum into rear positioning. As this would normally
conclude the Sling Shot Switch, in order to incorporate the Descending
Shift, one must press "Triangle" before the Sling Shot Switch meets its
final conclusion for grounded rear positioning.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
VI. Accreditation
-----------------
I have found that as much time and effort that I have put into improving my
abilities of Tenkaichi 2 game-play, my level of skill would not be where it is
today if not for the great minds of other Tenkaichi 2 players. First and
foremost, I would like to give proper accreditation to those who have
contributed to the essence of this document, be it through direct contribution
or mere inspiration.
-Arierure:
(Inspiration through exhibitions of Tenkaichi 3's Flight Cancel)
-Auriele
(Showing Grounded Will Tactics in Tenkaichi 3, inspiring the training
required that would eventually lead to the discovery of many Grounded
Will techniques in Tenkaichi 2 as well as Tenkaichi 3.
-DarqueAnjul:
(Helped in the beginning to distinguish the difference between a Blast
1 and a Blast 2.)
-Golden_Gogeta:
(Wrote the FAQ: "Blast 1, 2 and Ultimate" as a reference point for
Blast 1 description)
-Jey3149:
(Exhibiting Free Will concepts, the Combo Breaker and the Lift Strike
Switch)
-KoolKev92:
(Exhibiting the Blast Enforcement technique)
-Matias:
(Exhibiting the Rise Over Run concept)
-Nickeleye AKA Nick Kowal:
(Pitching the name for the technique: Ground & Pound)
-RenegadeTX2001:
(Originally exhibited the Super Explosive Wave Defense, exhibited Ki
Control and Last Chance Defense)
-ShoryuuReppe:
(Exhibiting Videl's Chaining concept)
-TheDBZShadow:
(Pitching the name for the technique: Tango)
-TheLastGogeta:
(Pitching the name for the technique: Greening)
-UlqiorraSciffar:
(Exhibiting a limited variation of the technique that eventually became
Ascension Evasion)
-Zoso9391:
(Helping with further understanding the mechanics of Ground & Pound
ability. Explained Auto Teleportation. Exhibiting a variation of the
technique that eventually became the Free Will Tango. Helped scout for
other techniques to further the advancement of Tenkaichi 2. Invented
the Tenkaichi 3 version of the GW Switch AKA "Perfect Flanking".
Informed the optimal option of using the Forward Swiper with the right
control. Explained various Mad Dash Switch based attack concepts.)
Zzzolapa:
(Introduced the concepts of the Mad Dash)
The following names belong to those who have helped me advance as a player by
means of continuous player vs player combat:
-Nickeleye
-IronX
-Eos
-BomberMan
-Sorideon
-Genocide
-Magnus
-Splice
-X Button
Those who have not been mentioned do not possess an online name or gamer tag.
Without their permission, I am not at liberty to give their names.
The following sites are named and thanked for presenting at least one version
of my FAQ:
GameFaqs.com
NeoSeeker.com
Gamespot.com
Supercheats.com
VGStrategies.About.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
VII. Conclusion
---------------
Congratulations! You finally made it to the end. Remember, these
techniques may seem very difficult but if you find yourself having a difficult
time, keep in mind that even the best players in the world had to struggle. I
wish you all well on your journey of Tenkaichi 2 technical and mechanical
exploration and I hope to see you soon on YouTube!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
VII. Legal/Contact Information
------------------------------
This document in its entirety was written by me, Lee Cook ("ZeroAnnihilated")
on the website: GameFAQs.com. Everything that has been written here must not
be used on any site without my permission. For possible consent, please
contact me at LJCZero@hotmail.com.
This may not be reproduced under any circumstance except for personal private
use. It may not be placed on any website or otherwise distributed without
advanced written permission. Use of this guide on any other website or as a
part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of
copyright.
Copyright 2008: Lee Cook AKA ZeroAnnihilated
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
End
---