Blocking is Good, Way Too Good Even
"The best defense is a good offense."
- A fucking fool
It's quite the opposite actually! Just like in real life, not getting yourself hurt is your top priority, and we've got just the tool for the job: The block button!
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| Magnadramon has a very punchable face. | Unfortunately, she can block just like the rest of the cast. |
This game's block has many facsinating properties, but let's just look at the most important:
- Blocking has no start up lag. You press block button, you blocking next frame.
- Blocking has no end lag. If you let go of the block button, you can attack the frame after next... because reasons.
- Blocking has no "block stun". If you successfully block your opponent's attack, you can let go of block and act instantly.
When you see the blue spark, you're safe (for most moves).
As you can see, blocking isn't just a very non-committal option: it's your best punish tool.
But surely it's not unbeatable? Of course not. There are 3 ways to beat block:
- Throw
- Sweep
- "Unblockables"
Sweeps and unblockables are a story for another time, so let's just focus on throws. Throw inputs work much like Street Fighter 2: Forward + Square.
Doggie found a new chew toy!
It usually does decent damage, about a full jab string's worth, and even a combo follow up in some situations, so getting thrown is actually pretty scary! But it's not without it's own drawbacks. The range to throw within is very, very close. Like, "my character's model is clipping into your's" close (Smash players, there will be an adjustment period), giving your opponent plenty of time to react to your intention to throw and respond accordingly.
If you can't see this from a mile away yet, you will as your mental stack gets more optimized.
Worse yet, whiffing the throw, weither because they jumped away or because you pressed Square early, you will get a jab instead. Best case scenario, the jab doesn't whiff. Worst case senario: your opponent simply blocks and merily punishes you!
This is exactly what we were trying to stop in the first place!
Needless to say, throws are very committal, and they are your best option to beat blocking! (Well, most of the time.) There are other ways to beat blocking, but they all have their own drawbacks. Sweeps leaves a lot to be desired. Unblockables either require meter, or are highly situational. Chip damage takes a lot of time to add up. All of them require spending your resources: your meter, your time, or your saftey. Simply blocking and waiting for your opponent to come to you? Free. No meter, you can block for as little or as long as you see fit, and it's often the safest you ever could be. If in doubt, use the block button.
