****** *King* ****** Author: Kent Dela Pena Email: anus_maximus@hotmail.com Version 1.6 This FAQ is copyrighted (c) Kent Dela Pena 2001-02. All rights reserved. I can't really believe I have to say this, but this work is not to be used for profit and doing so bequeaths you the title of poor sad loser who must find a real job. Really, there's better ways to make money out there. Do not try to reproduce this and write it off as yours. You'll never amount to anything in life if you're out there copying FAQs and saying it's yours. There are better and more important things to plagiarize. Do not go out there claiming to be me either, or an FAQ writer for that matter. Although I know these moves, I am not the greatest player, nor should I recommend living my life. It's something you don't wanna do. If you knew me, you wouldn't wanna be me. This FAQ is in English and the only foreign language I can speak is French. I'm sorry if you can't understand it or get any of the jokes (there's jokes?) Please do not email me in languages other than French or English. Those will be deleted immediately. Also put "King FAQ" as the subject. This FAQ should be posted on www.gamefaqs.com unless you ask me for permission to post it on your site (chances are, I'll say yes, especially if you baked cookies). This FAQ can also be found on the following sites: www.tekkenzaibatsu.com www.gameoverDude.com www.geocities.com/tekkentoronto ******************* *Table of Contents* ******************* 1. Version History 2. Introduction 3. Legend 4. Who is this Masked Man? 5. Move list 6. In depth moves 7. The Game 8. Chain throws 9. Credits 10. Main Contributors 11. Final Words ***************** *Version History* ***************** 1.4 - Oct 10, 2001 - Fixed an error on the Arm Breaker Chain Throw Removed the Jaguar hook due to its futility Fixed the Reverse Arm Drag command Fixed the last of Chain throw errors Added a Mashing sequence for chain throws Always have to add comments. Removed some too 1.5 - Oct 22, 2001 - Added more comments Added the Tornado Clothesline Removed Mashing sequence 1.6 - May 18, 2002 - Added more useful moves and removed some usless ones New email address ************** *Introduction* ************** This FAQ is for all those players who use King or want to learn to use him. We all have our reasons, so just continue reading and see what's up with him in his latest Tekken adventure. I made this FAQ and my previous FAQs mainly for myself. I used it as a guide for which moves to use under various conditions. I've always believed in sharing my wealth so I would like to pass on this knowledge to anybody else who wishes to learn King. If there are errors, holes, or strats, you are more than welcome to kindly send an email. ******** *Legend* ******** I'm assuming that you know the conventions such as 1_2 and so on. Here's just a rundown on all the buttons and directions. I think the illustration below insults your intelligence, but if ya stil need them... Facing Right Facing Left UB U UF UF U UB O O O O O O \|/ (1) (2) \|/ (1) (2) B O-N-O F F O-N-O B /|\ (3) (4) /|\ (3) (4) O O O O O O DB D DF DF D DB I'm guessing that you're aware of the PS2 buttons, so I won't use an illustration here. Plus, everyone has their own button layout. Here are some other terms used in the FAQ: u,d,f,b: Tap direction U,D,F,B: Hold direction CD: Crouch Dash (f,N,d,df N: Neutral(no joystick direction) WS: While Standing from crouch FC: Full Crouch BT: Back Towards opponent >: Move is delayable KND: Face Up Feet Towards CH: Counter Hit (interrupt opp's move) ~: Input the next command immediately SS: Side step (u_d) qcf: Quarter circle forward (d,df,f) qcf: Quarter circle forward (d,df,f) qcf: Quarter circle forward (d,df,f) hcf: Half circle forward (b,db,d,df,f) 1: Left Punch 2: Right punch 3: Left Kick 4: Right Kick ALL: Must I explain? ************************* *Who is this Masked Man?* ************************* King is a Mexican pro wrestler. That's all you need to know. Do you really care about his story? What is this? The King's Story FAQ? Read for it somewhere else. Given his fighting style, you know King won't be depending on fancy kicks and punches, but devastating throws and holds. Actually, he can use both aspects, just like in wrestling, just don't expect fancy strings and juggles with him. You'll be setting up or retaliating with throws and simple powershots, then punishing opponents with his ground game. *********** *Move list* *********** Okay, maybe not. There is no movelist on this FAQ. If you need one that badly, check out www.tekkenzaibatsu.com; www.tekkencentral.com; and many other FAQs that lists King's moves (Specifically Catlord's. You do know Catlord, don't you?). Tekken websites also gives you frame rates, damage properties, and such detailed info as well. Please check there if you need it that badly. I'm just assuming you know all of King's moves and just want to know how to play him (or at least how I do). **************** *In depth moves* **************** The following are moves I use the majority of my matches. If some moves I find are pretty useless, I won't mention it, unless it's so bad I gotta say why. In no particular order, here are King's moves that I use a lot during his fights. Jab Strings (1,2; 1,2,1; 2,1) King's primary poke strings. When you're not throwing or punishing, you'll probably be annoying your opponent using these. With the 1,2; 1,2,1; and f+2,1 strings, you can immediately do into a throw by pressing 2+4. If you think your opponent will duck the throw attempt, crouch throw them with d+2+4. Since Tekken 4 has become a jab fest, you'll be using these as retaliation. Jabs are also a primary source for setting up throws and your offense. Low Jab Uppercut (d+1~N+2) Another great poke string for King. Good vs. jabbers as well since King's 1st hit has him ducking. Since Namco toned down d+1, this golden string doesn't shine as much as it did back in TTT, but it's still useful and serves many purposes. Don't abuse this as much as you may have done in TTT. Elbow Sting (df+1>2) Another useful poke string. Can be used for many more as well. If you catch the elbow on a CH, your opponent will be knocked down, setting him up for okizeme. You may also use this against crouching opponents and some special stances. Low Drop Kick (db+4) Effective vs. newbies and obvious turtlers. Can also be used in okizeme. I find this also useful when running up to an opponent and whipping this out. Hits countless times. he bad part of this move is this oddly enough, can interrupted by a jab. You'll probably stop using this often when your friends are familiar with its windup...if you have friends. Hop kick (ub_uf+4) This is King's primary juggle starter. I mix this up along with King's throws. When people duck in anticipation of a throw, a hopkick will knock them into the air resulting in a juggle. Be warned, this is no longer guaranteed after a low parry. Use the ub version of the hop kick as an escape tactic vs. pitbulls. Though it won't do much damage, it'll keep you nice and safe. Dynamite Uppercut (FC,df+2) If you find yourself FC, use this when people develop a habit of crouching when you do in fear of taking a Side Body Clutch Slam. Nice laucher for juggle/tech roll trap setups. Clothesline (f+1+2) Mid range punisher. Nice and quick. Same as Armor King's back in TTT, but nothing is guaranteed afterwards unfortunately. Also a lightning quick alternative to closing the gap to the knuckle bomb. If your opponent blocks this, they get guard stunned and knocked further back, keeping you safe from retaliation. Be warned, this move can be ducked and even punch parried, so try not to be predictable with it. Konvict kick (f,f+4) I use this move only for punishing and keeping opponents at bay. If you catch this on a CH, this move becomes a DDT. Anything into a throw is cool. Shoulder tackle (f+2+3) If I'm not CDing in, I use this to close the gap between myself and my opponent. You'll find this move hits a lot since Tekken 4 has become more offense oriented and the majority of your opponents will pitbull you. In order to do that, they have to run up to you, thus putting their guard down. This is also effective vs. Steve Fox's sways. Elbow Drop (d+1+2) Use this move only for okizeme. If your opponent likes to lie down, drop this on them as punishment. Catch your opponent on a crumple stun or wall stun, and they fall to the ground, you've got a sweet followup here. Knucklebomb (uf+1+2) A midrange substitute to the Shoulder Tackle. Come flying in at your opponent in a few short frames. This move also serves well in okizeme. Bust this out when you know your opponent will roll backwards. Black Bomb (CD+1+2) A mid hitting non-flying knucklebomb. Slower than the flying knee, but a useful substitute. If you're lucky, you can catch this as a CH and get a free bounce juggle. Suicide Dive (f,f+1+2) A highly underrated move. As long as your opponent doesn't SS this, they will suffer guard stun. From here, you can go for a throw or hop kick. This also can be served as okizeme, but I don't recommend it. Sucker Punch (SS+2) Nothing like a quick punisher after successfully SSing a move. The stun after creates time to CD into your opponent or whatever. European Uppercut (WS+1+2) Part of the FC mix up. This move always has great results. Hard to punish if blocked, causes a crumple stun if this move hits normally, and a juggle launcher if this is a CH which can happen a lot. Blind Kick (BT 3) Just Frame 1+2 for a Neck Breaker Use this to protect yourself if you find yourself BT. Can be used to follow up a Muscle Buster. It's not guaranteed after a Disgraceful kick anymore. On a CH, this move causes a crumple stun, which happens when your opponent thinks they've got a free shot on your back. Set that up by pressing 1+2. If you caught your opponent on a regular hit and your opponent is close enough, press 1+2 and King will do a Neck Breaker throw. This is a Just Frame move and really hard to get. The damage isn't worth the effort, but you can always try. It looks really cool. Moonsault (1+4_f+1+4) Can be done while BT If this move isn't abused, this has a "deer-in-headlights" effect. Many people freeze when King does this flip in the air. I use right after a Muscle Buster or a Side throw. Flying Knee (CD+4) King is known for having 2 devastating chain throws after his crouch dash. Mix up King's CD game by using this flying knee used by Armor King in TTT. Good damage and the opponent flies back, hopefully knocking them into a wall. Inziguri Kick (df+3~4) A cool looking move that is done like Lee. Although it's easier to do than Lee's version, the 2nd kick can be blocked, ducked, and jabbed out of. If you catch this on a CH though, the 2nd kick is guaranteed. The 1st kick is useful during your custom strings. Anyways, this is always useful for showing off, unless the crowd has seen it thousands of times. Spinning knife hand (1+2,1) One of my favourite moves. If the 1st hit connects, the 2nd one is guaranteed. There are so many uses for this move. This can be used as part of juggles, punishers (the best part is, the 1st hit is irreversable which means bad news vs reversal scrubs), and ending custom strings. You also have the option of doing the first part of the move, leaving you BT. From here, you can go for a Blind Kick to catch your opponent by surprise. If your opponent is too close, but expecting a Blind Kick, surprise them with the Tornado Clothesline unblockable by pressing 1+2. That trick will only work once per opponent. Rolling sobat (f+4) A simple jumping spin kick that has its uses. Give yourself breathing room by using this, finish your custom strings, or punish crouchers. Simple yet effective. Frankensteiner (df+3+4) The damage isn't the same anymore. Oh well...if your opponent, who isn't that good, is being too defensive and is visibly walking backwards, whip out the move Scott Steiner invented. You can use this in okizeme as well. Disgraceful Kick (b+4) Strictly a punishing move and not to be thrown out at random. You'll find scrubs doing this move a lot. Long reach and easy to chicken. Leaves you BT so if you're fast enough and your opponent tries rolling backwards, you can land that BT 3. On a clean hit, your opponent will drop straight to the ground. If not, they'll be sent rolling back. Thrust kick (b+3) Another move taken from Armor King. Use this if the Disgraceful kick won't reach and also as a juggle ender. That's all this move is useful for. Sends your opponent fairly far back, which is good around walls. Stagger kicks (d+3+4,4,4,[4,4 on a CH]) A move that was once guaranteed in okizeme. But in Tekken 4, nothing's guaranteed so don't be too eager to throw this out. You can also use this for King's low game, but it looks very scrubby. If the first stagger kick connects on a CH, King can do up to 2 more kicks as well, but they're all not guaranteed. Stagger kick to uppercut (d+3+4,2) If you're fighting a slow opponent that is used to the 3 low stagger kicks, mix it up by throwing out an uppercut. On a CH, you can do up to 3 stagger kicks before the uppercut. This move is also nice in okizeme when your opponent rolls back. If they do, both hits are guaranteed. If your opponent opts to lie still, only the stagger kick will connect. Ankle Swipe (FC,df+1) You should only use this move under two circumstances. fter doing a sweep from KND and you've successfully knocked your opponent on their ass, use this. This connects 88% of the time. I use this after a successful Low Drop Kick as well. Regular throws (2+4_f+2+4_2+4~B) A throw is a throw and it's essential in every Tekken game. If you don't have enough time to use a command throw, go for one of these. Be warned, okizeme isn't guaranteed after these throws. Now that really screwed King over. Side Body Clutch Slam (FC,db,d,DB+1+2) With the abuse of 1,2 in Tekken 4, I personally find this throw great vs. those scrubs. King ducks under those jabs then rises into the Rock's finisher. This throw has amazing tracking ability as well. Though it is good when mastered, nothing is guaranteed after it. Try and get used to doing the motion and you've just developed an invaluable tool in your game. This throw is meant to be set up not thrown at random. Giant Swing (f,hcf+1) Now that the majority of throws in Tekken 4 are broken using 2 or 1+2, the Giant Swing has gotten much more effective this time around because of its different break. What makes this throw even better is if it's been tech rolled, your opponent takes 45 damage, which is more than half the damage of the GS and that's more than most other throws. If you toss an opponent into a wall or structured object, that's even more golden. Tombstone (db,f+2) This is King's most powerful throw excluding a non techrolled Giant Swing (but who can't tech out of that?). The triple ground throw isn't guaranteed anymore. Always looks cool. This is a throw I like buffering before a round starts. Muscle Buster (qcb+1+2) Same old throw from T3 and TTT. The guessing game after it is guaranteed as well. If your opponent lies still, go for a moonsault. If your opponent attempts to roll backwards or to the side, go for the Blind Kick. Kneelift (WR_f,f,f+2+4) A cool looking throw done while running. This is effective vs. wall techs and turtles. Sadly, this can only be setup while running or f,f,f. Jumping powerbomb (d+2+4) King will only land this on 3 of your opponent's positions. Off a crouch, off a tech roll, and after parrying a low kick. This is effective in a tech roll trap. If your opponent has great reaction or reads you like a book, this move is useless since it's breakable. Ground throws (db_df_DB_DF+2+4) Obviously, this is something done in Okizeme. There are no more guaranteed ground throws after throws like the Tombstone and right kick reversal anymore. You'll get this if your opponent stupidly stays on the ground for too long. At least this time, ground throws land more often and you don't whiff even if you're just a single sprite away from your opponent. You can catch side rolling opponents. Kick reversal (b+2+4) On a Right Kick, press 3+4 for a Figure Four Leglock King is blessed with having an irreversable kick reversal. Take advantage of it vs. kick happy players such as Hwoarang scrubs or predictable Christie strings (which shouldn't happen). An elbow drop is guaranteed after a left kick reversal and if you press 3+4 during the right kick reversal animation, King will give his opponent a figure four leg lock. The figure four is a Just Frame input. Change position (1+3+f_b_u_d) Something new added in Tekken 4. Get yourself out of a corner and put your opponent into one by forcing a side switch with this command. You may shove your opponent into a wall by pushing them into one. Your opponent is stunned briefly which can set you up for a quick jab or some throws. Chain throws (See the Chain throws section) Do not neglect this part of the game. There is a reason why King has them. This was why I picked King in the first place. Perhaps others did as well. (Yeah, 'twas scrubby!!) Strike fear into other people's hearts by doing them or threatening to do them. Just don't abuse it. When you find out about the uses of King's other moves, you'll be using this less and less...but I didn't say not at all. ********** *The Game* ********** As you fight, you'll be put into various situations. Here are some moves that I've suggested during each scenario. Pre fight - What you do right off the bat can determine the outcome and flow of the match. Now that can move before throwing out moves, it's good to get some good positioning before duking it out. Before the announcer says fight: - SSing - A good idea to move yourself into open area and not close to a wall. Also a setup to some SS buffered moves. - F dash - Show your aggressiveness before a fight. Also an indication that you'll go for a throw. Watch out for jabs and throws when the fight begins. - B dash - Shows defensiveness and turtling. Try B dashing repeatedly by doing qcb,qcb...this is a way to buffer a Tombstone before fighting. - Hop over opp. - If you can time it right, you'll find yourself behind your opponent just as the announcer starts the fight. - FC - Assume this position and have your opponent guess what you'll be doing. See the FC aspect of the game to find out your options from here. - WD - Repeated CDs can scare your opponent into guessing between a chain throw, Black Bomb, or flying knee. When the announcer says "fight": - Throw - Command throw, regular throw, or CDed throw, if you've caught your opponent turtling at the start of the match, here's some good instant damage. A buffered Tombstone's my fave here. - Jabs/pokes - Use some annoying but quick tick damage to start the match. Your opponent would've probably have done the same. Perhaps you could set up a throw from here too. - Hopkick - Juggles are always nice. - Spinning knifehand - Good vs. reversal scrubs plus if the 1st hit connects, the 2nd is guaranteed. Can't be punished if the move is blocked. Sounds like a good start. - FC mix up - See the FC section about your options. - CD moves - See the CD section about your options. Start a deadly guessing game this way. - Idle - Stand still, block, then retaliate. Starting on defense can be rewarding at times. There's no risk of receiving a CHed attack from your opponent and you have the opportunity to read some tendencies and patterns in one string or series. Watch out for throws. Pokes/custom strings - Now that everybody fights without a partner, ticking and chipping away at your opponent's life is more important than ever. Poking and jabbing is a big part of King's game since he doesn't have any long strings. Here are a few quick strings I use when playing. Put these in combination to make your own custom strings: - Jabs (1,2,[1]) - Standard poke for everybody. The first 2 hits high so you're kinda screwed if your opponent is crouching. You have the option to the a throw after the 2nd or 3rd jab. This string also moves you forward. - Jab uppercut (2,1) - My favourite little string. The 2nd hit strikes mid and King moves forward a bit. My favourite jab setup for the Giant Swing. - Low jab to Uppercut (d+1~N+2) - This move has lost its priority from TTT. Still a good string anyways since you duck on the 1st hit. Nothing is guaranteed after the 2nd hit and a quick jab is what you'll get in return if your opponent blocks it. - Elbow sting (df+1>2) - Both hits mid and if the 1st elbow is a CH, your opponent hits the ground. Bait your opponent into a Spinning knife hand after using this string. - Ankle kick (df+4) - Quick low kick. Something useful in poking. Low kicks keep your opponent from high parrying or reversing by throwing this out once in a while. - Mid kick (df+3) - The 1st kick in King's new Inziguri kick move. You don't always have to use the Inziguri all the time. This move has always been effective in poking. When your opponent is used to seeing other poke/custom strings after this, whip out the 2nd kick and that'll be the last time they try interrupting with their heads up. Also good for tracking SSers to King's left. Whiff punisher - If your opponent does a move from too far and completely misses, you've successfully dodged it, or you blocked a move with lots of recovery, try these: - Command Throws - Usually devastating and spirit breaking - Hopkick to juggle - When opponents always react by ducking, since they think they're gonna get thrown, which is natural against King. - Disgraceful Kick (b+4) - Just a powershot now. I bet you're asking, why didn't you add the BT 3 after it? The reason is, if you get caught with the initial kick, all you have to do is mash 2, recover straight up, and you'll block the Blind kick. So, that combo isn't guaranteed anymore. Doesn't mean you shouldn't try it though. If you get lucky, you could get a Neck breaker after the blind kick. - Super Kick (b+3) - For times when the Disgraceful kick can't reach. Will guarantee to send the opponent rolling back. Useful after blocking deathfists. - Konvict kick (f,f+4) - Knock them back and if your opponent tries to interrupt, you've got a CH DDT. - Rolling Sobat (f+4) - Quick and easy if you're feeling brainless. If you messed on your timing and your opponent blocks, you're safe from retaliation. This kick also has tracking properties against SSers. - Clothesline (f+1+2) - Be like a real pro wrestler and punish with clotheslines. - Knucklebomb (uf+1+2) - Knock an opponent on their ass and follow it up immediately with an Elbow Drop for great damage. - Shoulder Tackle (f+2+3) - With an opponent rolling back from the blow, there's a chance to knock them into a wall. Better if you're at long range. - Spinning knifehand (1+2,1) - Decent damage. If the 1st hit connects, the 2nd hit is guaranteed. The 1st hit is irreversable so that means people who reverse by reaction will get nailed. - CD mixup - Since your opponent will be on the defensive, make them worry about what they'll be eating when King comes CDing in. Good time for Chain Throws. - Throw setups - Using one of your favourite throw setups will increase chances of landing a throw. Sometimes, players duck on reaction after whiffing or recovering. Use setups to keep them standing before throwing. Okizeme - In this version of Tekken, nothing is guaranteed in okizeme anymore. No character gets a free hit. This doesn't mean you can't hit them while they're down. Okizeme is more of a guessing game now rather than guaranteed ground beating. These are the moves that I use in okizeme and their situations: - Elbow Drop (d+1+2) - If your opponent lies still. Guaranteed after a kick reversal if you're quick. - Ground Throws (db_DB_df_DF+2+4) - If your opponent lies still for too long. It can also catch side rolling opponents at times. - Stagger Kick (d+3+4) - Will always nail your opponent. - Knuckle Bomb (uf+1+2) - If your opponent rolls backwards. - Stagger Kick to uppercut (d+3+4,2) - If your opponent rolls backwards. - Flying Knee (CD+4) - If your opponent rolls backwards and you're close enough. - Moonsault (1+4_f+1+4) - If you're in BT and your opponent lies still. Works right after the Argentine Back Breaker, an opponent lying still after eating a Muscle Buster, or standing straight up from a Disgraceful Kick in order to avoid the Blind Kick. - Low Drop Kick (db+4) - Good tracking low hitting move. - Ankle Swipe (FC,df+1) - Use this only after landing a KND 3 or a Low Drop Kick while your opponent is lying still or trying to roll back. - Hop over, Blind kick (BT 3) - If your opponent likes to lie still and use wake ups vs. you. - Shoulder Tackle (f+2+3) - If your opponent rolls back. Can be more reliable than the Knuckle Bomb since it doesn't require a diagonal. Throw setups - This is a big part of King's game. Being a wrestler, he needs to use throws to win fights. The main throws you'd like to land are the Giant Swing, Tombstone, Muscle Buster, and the Side Body Clutch Slam. Here are a few common setups: - f+1,hcf+1 - If you are new to King and the concept of throw setups. I that suggest that you begin learning the concept of throw setups by doing this simple setup. All you are simply doing is a single jab, buffered into a Giant Swing. - Jab strings - Kinda self explanatory. My favourite is the Giant Swing tick (2,1,Giant Swing) - WS+4,Giant Swing - Whiffs at times, but still possible. - df+1>2,Giant Swing - Don't abuse too much 'cause the 2nd hit from the Elbow Sting can be interrupted. - d+1,SBCS - d+1 gets you into a FC. Then from there, it's Side Body Clutch Slam. - KND b_f,f+1+2,SBCS - Another setup into a Side Body Clutch Slam. This one's better to do if your opponent blocked your cross chop from knock down position. - f+1+3, Giant Swing - You can buffer the f-change position into a Giant Swing. Amazing results. Note: If your opponent if familiar with your setups and ducks, mix up the throw with a Hopkick, Rolling Sobat, or Spinning Knife Hand. SSing - Side Stepping has become even more important than ever in Tekken 4. This is an effective way to evade attacks and punish. King also has moves that he can do off a SS. Here they are: - Sucker Punch (SS+2) - King will do the same punch as Armor King did back in TTT. This punch is nice and quick and it also knocks the opponent back, setting you up for a CD. - Gory Guerrero Special (SS+2+4) - A common way King started one of his Chain throws back in the previous Tekkens. This is the scrub's choice for Chain throws, but it can still be deadly. - GGS cancel (SS+2+4~b) - When people see the wind up for the SS+2+4, they will always duck on reaction to avoid the throw. Well, lucky for you, King can cancel this throw and end up in FC. Actually, I prefer using a hopkick to a juggle when my opponents tried ducking in order to avoid the GGS. - Tombstone Piledriver (db,SS~f+2) - Whip out an unexpected buffered Tombstone right off the SS. - Spinning knifehand (1+2,1) - Cancelling a SS into this is just real sweet. It works on so many levels. You can catch a crouching opponent who thought you'll go for a SS+2+4 a little too early. This also serves as a good punisher for a move you've freshly SSed. As long as you don't whiff both hits, you're pretty safe. FC mix ups - A crouching opponent can be a dangerous opponent. Just look at Bryan and Kaz. King can become a serious threat while he's ducking. Some people like to start the FC by simply ducking, while others use d+1 or d+4 before getting into the crouch. Holding D after diving moves will leave King in FC. Here are some useful moves from the crouch position: - Rising Kick (WS+4) - A nice simple yet effective while rising kick. You can use this to set up a Giant Swing or other moves. This leaves you relatively safe from retaliation if blocked. - European Uppercut (WS+1+2) - If this connects, great! Leaves you safe if blocked as well. - Dynamite Uppercut (FC,df+2) - If people expect the throw, launch them with this mid hitter. - SBCS (FC,db,d,DB+1+2) - Good damaging throw and sort of like a low hit alternative. - Stagger kicks (FC,df+4,...) - Kinda scrubby but a quick low hit alternative. CD mix ups - King's CD is even faster than ever. To my observation though, the range of the crouch dash is shorter. The best time to do a CD mix up is when your opponent is about to rise to their feet from CD range. Anyways, here are some good options upon attacking from a CD: - Chain throws (CD+1+4_2+3) - Something King's known for doing. Please see the Chain throws section. - Flying knee (CD+4) - Stronger than ever and knocks your opponent pretty far back and hopefully into a wall. - Hop kick (uf+4) - Nothing like a launcher buffered from a CD. - Konvict kick (CD,f+4) - A buffered Konvict Kick can be useful if your opponent ducks a lot when they see King CDing. - Black bomb (CD+1+2) - An alternative to the Flying Knee. If you're lucky and catch this on a CH, your opponent will bounce, thus resulting in a juggle. Launchers - King only has 1 reliable launcher to start juggles. It's not too powerful which was probably why his juggles have never been that damaging. He has a few other launchers, but they aren't that good. Anyways, here they are: - Hopkick (uf+4) - King's best launcher out there. Hits mid so ducking enemies aren't safe. Comes out quick and has a lot of priority. - CH European uppercut (WS+1+2) - Useful after ducking in a FC game. - Dynamite Uppercut (FC,df+2) - Only useful after blocking a low move with lots of recovery and mixing with the SBCS. - CH Jaguar Uppercut (f,f+2) - Not that reliable. If this move is blocked, lots of punishment will be coming your way. - CH Black Bomb (CD+1+2) - This will result in a cool looking bounce juggle. Once again, don't depend on this since the bounce only occurs on a CH. If you want to be successful with juggles, you have to have the mentality that all your launchers will connect. That way when you see your opponent in the air, you won't be caught off guard. Juggles - King isn't a strong juggler like Kazuya. He does possess the ability though. Juggles have been toned down in T4, but you need to be able to do them with King in order to create an effective mix-up in throw setups. If your opponent ducks a lot, do not hesitate to launch them in the air. Here are a few that I use (these are juggles after the launcher): - f,2,1,1+2,1 - This is a common juggle since T3. You'll have to wait a bit this time in order to connect with the 2,1. You have to move forward first so the 1+2,1 can reach. Classic TTT King juggle. - 2,1,d+3+4,2 - In case you were going for the previous juggle, but the 2,1 knocked your opponent a little far for the 1+2, the stagger kick to uppercut will reach. - 2,1,b+4_b+3_f+4 - A simple juggle that ends with one of King's various power kicks. - f+1+2,df+1,2,d+3+4,2 - Clothesline juggles are probably the best way to juggle now since juggles have been toned down. Tech roll traps - Kind of a juggle, but these work (in their ways) if your opponent techrolls when they fall, they will be caught with the last hit. Here are a few that I know after a launcher: - 1,2,f,f+2+3 - Classic TTT King tech roll trap. Watch out though, you're prone to okizeme because the flying cross body doesn't pin your opponent to the ground. - 1+2,1,dash,d+2+4 - Go for this if you think your opponent will tech roll. If they don't, go for the stagger kick to uppercut. - uf+4,dash,d+2+4 - Again, if you don't think your opponent will tech roll, go for the stagger kick to uppercut. If your opponent does not fall for the trap, a d+3+4,2 is guaranteed. Guaranteed stuff - These aren't juggles exactly, but after doing these moves, their followups are guaranteed. Here's stuff King can do in sequence: - FC,df+1,WS+4,d+3+4,2 - If you can read, if you knocked down an opponent from the Ankle swipe, the followups are guaranteed. - Kick reversal, d+3+4 - If you're fast enough, you can replace d+3+4 with d+1+2. - FC,db,d,DB+1+2, d+3+4 - uf+1+2,d+1+2 - Side throw,f+1+4 - Moonsault is guaranteed after any side throw. - KND 3,FC,df+1 - Not exactly guaranteed if your opponent is on an incline or if you didn't catch the sweep deep enough. - CH BT 3, u+2+4 Walls - With the addition of walls, Tekken has taken an interesting twist. Punishing your cornered opponent seems to be the focus of this Tekken. Catching somebody beside a wall or structured object can be so much fun. Slamming them into one is even more fun. Here are some useful moves given in certain situations: - Stagger Kick (d+3+4) - If your opponent falls to the ground from a wall stun, this kick will float them back up and into the wall again. Try not to use other followups since a wall tech will leave you open. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try it out. - Knee Lift (f,f,f+2+4) - Use this throw if your opponent wall techs - Spinner (1+2) - Mid hitting and irreversable. Leaves you BT which can be a good thing in this case. Doing the Knife Hand is optional, but if your opponent wall teched, you're in for a lot of trouble. - Elbow Sting (df+1>2) - Guaranteed hits. This is always a safe way to go. - Elbow Drop (d+1+2) - If your opponent fell to the ground, just drop this on them. - Moonsault (1+4) - Works if your opponent is down or hopefully, you'll get the "freeze" effect from a standing opponent. - Shoulder Tackle (f+2+3) - If you're too far from a standing stunned opponent. - Flying Knee (CD+4) - Fancier alternative to the Shoulder Tackle. - Command throws - If your opponent wall teched, they'll instinctively go for a standing block This is where command throws come in handy. - Ground throws - Allow your opponent to drop to the ground and use whatever ground throw will be granted to you. After a while, this will scare your opponent into rolling backwards, thus setting them up for more damage with walls. ************** *Chain throws* ************** This is something King is known for doing. Hell, this was a main reason why I picked him in the first place, aside from the fact that he looked different from everybody else because he wore a mask. Chain throws are an easy yet cool way to deliver high amounts of damage to your opponent. They also give you that psychological advantage as well. I really hope you didn't skip all the way down to this section. I demand that you read everything before this section in order to use King effectively. Before I begin, this is how the links to each throw will be charted. Throw Chart (Starter name(A)) A-----C---E | | | | | | F-- B D Throw A initiates the chain. Throw A can be followed by throw B or throw C. Throw C can be followed by throw E or throw D. Throw F is an optional starter. Now for the chains... Throw Chart (Reverse Armdrag Take Down or Gory Guerrero Special) A--C-----F---G--I | | | ---J | B--D---------G--I | | | ---J | E---H--I | ---J Note: Throw D will not link to throw C. A. Reverse Arm Drag Take Down (DF+1+3_2+4) Escape: 1_2 depending on command This may be familiar to all you Tekken 2 vets out there. This path leads you to King's longest and most damaging chain, but it isn't really a good series. If your opponent tried to break the initial start up, chances are, they'll escape the next throw. If you used 1+3 to initiate the throw, the escape was 1 and the same for the next link. I can't really do the throw and it's one I stay away from. It looks a lot like Paul's shoulder throw. If you will be using this, at least use the 1+3 one since most of the other chains are broken with 2. B. Gory Guerrero Special (SS+2+4_df+1+2_df,DF+2+4) Escape: 2_1+2 for df+1+2 Probably the multi-throw starter you'll see most often, especially the side step version. You'll see scrubs do that most often. The side step version is cancellable by tapping b, which ironically, can be more useful than the actual throw. The (df,DF+2+4) will only catch a crouching opponent. C. Backdrop (2,1,1+2) Escape: 1_2 same as A If your opponent couldn't escape the Reverse Arm Drag, all they have to do is tap the other punch button to escape. In other words, it's the same escape as the Reverse Arm Drag. Looks like the suplex counter off a side headlock on tv. D. Cannonball (2,2,1+2) Escape: 2 only after Backdrop This move is guaranteed after you do it from the GGS. Not much to say here. Buffer the move to increase the chances of doing it. Tap 2 twice and hold it then tap 1. You'll get this move if you tried a SS GGS, but caught them on the side or from behind. E. Inverted Atomic Drop (3+4,1+2,1+2+4) Escape: 2 Common move you see in wrestling. Taking this path results in greater damage, but this is one sequence most vets know, actually, they should know them all. F. German Suplex (3+4,1+2) Escape: 1 It looks better on TV and by Chris Benoit. Can't comment much 'cause I've never done it in a match. At least it's follow up is inescapable when you use this. G. Powerbomb (1,2,3+4) Escape: 1 only after Cannonball Nice standard wrestling powerbomb. More damaging than the Inverted Atomic Drop, but only 1 follow up after that. H. Sit-down Powerbomb (1,2,3+4,1+2) No escape Different looking powerbomb, but at least it's inescapable. This and the Inverted Atomic Drop adds up to more damage than the Powerbomb, plus it has one more move to go. I. Giant Swing (2,1,3,4) Escape: 1 A weaker version of the command throw. Not as much damage as the other follow up, plus it can be tech rolled. To make matters worst, this is the most common follow-up and the one scrubs use most often. Do it only when your opponent escapes the Muscle Buster often, expects a Muscle Buster, or just taps 2 when caught in a chain throw. J. Muscle Buster (3,1,2,3+4,ALL) Escape: 2 Most damaging final move of this series. Looks cool and you can follow it up with a Moonsault or a Blind kick. I normally go for this move, but there are times when people will break it. I haven't seen this yet on TV, but then again, I don't get to watch the real Mexican wrestling. Throw Chart (Butterfly Underhook Driver [a weird looking Pedigree-like maneuver]) A--B | ---C A. Jaguar Driver (qcf+1) Escape: 1_3+4 during throw animation What an awful move. Less damage than a standard King throw and a late escape. One to stay away from. I only do this by accident when trying a Giant Swing command. B. Face slam (1+2 during A.) Escape: Same as A. Instead of slamming the opponent on the back of their neck, King changes the throw into a Pedigree variation. So it's 5 more points just to change the throw, but a standard King throw does more. Stay away! C. Boston Crab (1+2,3,4,1+2 after 1 sec. of throw animation) No Escape It adds 25 more, so if you get caught doing A, go for this one. Throw Chart (Standing Heel Hold) A--B--E | |--C | ---D A. Standing Heel Hold (CD+2+3) Escape: 2 My personal favourite of the chain throws. Decent initial damage and the follow ups will guarantee you at least 60 damage in total if you get one them. The only setback is, if the followups are escaped, you will eat 10 points in damage. Do it and you'll see why it's the preferred throw. B. Indian Death Lock (1+2,1,3,1+2) Escape: 1+2 Nice lock, adds up to 60 damage, double button escape, and there's one inescapable move to go. Great move, but don't do this too often or your opponent might get smart about it. If you've first caught a vet with move A, don't try using this link yet. C. STF (1,2,3,1+2) Escape: 1_1+2 to reverse Looks nice, least damaging follow up though. I only use it when I know one more follow up will finish the guy. Good for mix ups too. The reverse window is really small, so you shouldn't worry much about it. D. Scorpion Death Lock (1+2,3,1,1+3) Escape: 2 Of the follow ups from A, this is the most damaging, but it ends here. I use this when I don't feel like doing the STF, but the 2nd lock will finish the opponent. If your opponent keeps tapping the 1+2 buttons during hold A, switch up to this one. E. Romero Special (1,3,4,1+2,3+4) No Escape Looks awfully painful, most damaging, and inescapable. There's no reason why you shouldn't do this move, unless link B kills them. Throw Chart (Arm Breaker) A---B---E | | | ----F | ----C---G | D A. Arm Breaker (CD+1+4) Escape: 1 Name says it all. I only do this move if my opponent escapes the Standing Heel Hold repeatedly. This move has gotten better now that the majority of throws are broken with the 2 button. Having a 1 button escape is now even better. Other than that, I don't try this often, unless I'm gonna show off as well. B. Cross Face Chicken Wing (2,1,1+2+3) Escape: 1+2 Decent move, double button escape, and has most damaging follow up. It's really easy to do if you buffer. Hold 2, hold 1, tap 3. It's that simple. Too bad it's a well known prerequisite for a well known move. C. Side Russian Legsweep (1+2,4,2+4) Escape: 2 Looks cool and it's follow up is inescapable. I'm not sure if people know about this move since the majority of the time, you'll see a Cross Face Chicken Wing. Honestly, of this series, I go for this unless I'm playing a guy who has absolutely no idea about the Rolling Death Cradle. D. Triple Arm Breaker (1+2,1+2) Escape: 1 Stay away. Looks bad, plus it's just as easy to do link B and it does the same damage, but there's no follow up for that move. If you're bored with the other links or just want to show your opponent there's more, by all means go for this. E. Reverse Guillotine Choke (2,1,3,1+2+4,1+2+4) Escape: 1 Nice follow up and guarantees you one more shot at your grounded opponent. Do this when your opponent will try and break a Rolling Death Cradle. Which means they just mash 2 during chains. F. Kiwi Roll (1+3,3+4,2+4,1+2,1+2+3) Escape: 2 Coolest looking move and most damage in the least amount of moves. Unfortunately, this is a well known move. Every expert in the Tekken community knows about this move and can break it. This can really difficult to execute because of it's sequence. I can get it about 3/4 of the time with my own sequence. Here's how I do it: I press 1+3 with my index finger and thumb, 3+4 with my index and middle finger, 2+4 with index and thumb, 1+2 with the index and middle and hold it so I can just press 3 with my thumb. This takes a lot of practice to do it. What's really pissing me off now, is the RDC can be mashed. So now, you don't even have to bother with the above. Damn!!! G. Arm Lock (4,3,4,3+4,1+2) No Escape I can't see why you shouldn't go for it since it's inescapable. Throw Chart (Ultimate Tackle) A---B-----G | | | ---C--E | | | ---D--F | C-------E | D-------F A. Ultimate Tackle (FC,d+1+2_WR) Escape: 2_1+2 upon hitting the ground to reverse A move I'm not too fond of doing since it can be reversed leaving you at your opponent's mercy. B. Punches (1,2,1_2,1,2) Escape: 1 if started with 2_2 if started with 1 Not much to stay, just a standard mount and punch. I prefer to stay away from this move since it's easily blocked. Do it only if you know your opponent will try to escape link C or D. If done from behind, these punches are inescapable. C. Cross Arm Lock (1+2) Escape: 1+2,2,2,2,2[,2 to reverse] Standard arm submission. Easy to do, but can be reversed by those with an arm lock followup which are Jin, Paul, Nina, Craig, and King. D. Cross Leg Lock (3+4) Escape: 1+2,1,1,1,1[,1 to reverse] Same as C, but you're doing this to a leg. I prefer this one since no one really sees it and it has a really cool follow up. E. Arm Lock (1+2,1+2) No Escape Just like all inescapable followups, you should always do this. F. Arm Coil to Cross Face (1+2) No Escape Same as E but a bit harder to do. You must press 1+2 just when King's back hits the ground on move D. Looks cool too. This is a Just Frame move. G. More punches (1,2_2,1) Escape: Same as A It's the same as A. Refer to that. Throw Chart (Irish Whip) A-----B | ---C | ---D | ---E A. Irish Whip (b+1+2) No Escape This throw doesn't do any damage, but is inescapable. Even though the followups are weak, they may serve a purpose. This move is the same throw that wrestlers use to throw people into the ropes. In Tekken 4, there are no ropes, but there are walls. If you're facing a wall, there's not better way to get a stun than by throwing your opponent into a wall. You don't have to use any of the followups and use the Shoulder Tackle. B. Ground smash (3+4) Escape: 3+4 This throw doesn't guarantee ground throws now that Tekken 4 reduced the recovery on the ground. C. Knockdown (2+4) Escape: 2 King skips his opponent off the ground. Would be useful if the opponent skipped into a wall... D. Turnaround fake (1+2) Escape: 1+2 Another useless link. Don't even bother. E. Fake out (1+3) Escape: 1 Nothing really useful can be done here. Basically just fakes the whip and leaves your opponent in the same position before you chucked him. That's all for the chain throws. I really hope you don't depend on these during your matches. People say that you should never do them because they're easy to break. Well, that's all up to the King user and the opponent if he chooses to look at your hands. Anyways, getting caught in them always pisses people off and throws them off their game. That's why you should do them. Remember, the object of a Chain throw isn't to do as much damage as possible, but to complete as many successful links as you can during each series. I know that chain throws can be accomplished by mashing the buttons. Though it is possible, I strongly suggest you do not do this. ********* *Credits* ********* I would like to thank the following: Anybody who's made a King FAQ - Showing me moves, sequences, and most importantly, how to play effectively (at least decently) with King in previous Tekkens. Avex Honda NSX - Giving me those mercy rounds so I could practice on campus. It's a real pity that you've left the Tekken scene. Well, life Pity you've "retired" retired from Tekken. Life goes on. Every opponent - Challenging me. Nobody likes to play the CPU all the time. This is the only way we get better. Game sites - Posting this up. Me - Need I explain? Namco - Making a great game to a great series with a great character Pascal - See Avex Honda NSX and also for getting me into Tekken (Is that good?) Pro wrestling - Without you, there'd be no King Tekkencentral - Having that forum for Canadian players and other useful info. Hilarious posts...you should read some of the stuff I've posted. Tekkenzaibatsu - Information on move lists and such. Tekken_Toronto - Like Tekkencentral but with Canadians only. Funny yet useful stuff. Maybe not useful if you don't live in T.O. www.geocities.com/tekkentoronto T_T Crew - Showing me that there are many people better than me in Toronto. Video Amusements - For having this game and for being 15 minutes away from my house. York University - Having this game on campus so that I could find some time to play when I'm not studying or getting drunk on campus. But no thanks for charging us a loonie to play! You, the reader - Giving a purpose for this FAQ ******************* *Main Contributors* ******************* These guys had some major input when it came to this FAQ. Although I started writing this, these people helped out on some strats regarding King: Xero483 - Reminding me that the Shoulder Tackle okizeme can be used in okizeme. Akiva Sklar - Groundthrows at the wall game, ub hopkick escape tactic Darkmanx - Making a rival King FAQ so that I can steal some of your strats. Hee hee Check out his FAQ at the following site: http://www.geocities.com/king_of_giant_swing/Return_of_the_Jaguar.doc ************* *Final Words* ************* This FAQ wasn't that difficult to write, just long. Unless I get real bored and start using someone else or have reached my maximum potential with King, this FAQ will never be finished. Always feel free to write (email's at the top of the page) and you will receive credit for any worthwhile contributions. Just because I am teaching others out there how to use King doesn't mean that I won't learn anything here. I only listed and suggested moves to use during each aspect of play. Some King players perfer to set up their opponents using throws. Others may like to mix up a CD and FC game. There are many ways to play him. Well, in the end, the best play similarly. Right now, Tekken 4 is fairly new. There's so much to experiment and no fighter fights the same back in TTT. If you want some character specific strats and other types of strats, I suggest that you check out Darkmanx's FAQ. The website is listed on the previous section. Though his style may differ from mine, he has found success with King his own way. If you ever catch a guy in a multi-throw and you see them going mad on the stick, please tell them that doing that is useless and to stop it. Nobody likes to play with damaged joysticks. I am not the greatest King player in the world or even in Toronto for that matter. I can't even do his moves 100% of the time (especially when you've got awful sticks). I'm sure there are some readers out there who can beat me using King. In the Tekken Central, GameFAQs, Toronto_Tekken, Tekkenzaibatsu, and any Tekken related forums my screen name is Mini King. If you're from Toronto and you know Avex, Pascal, or any of the Tekken Crew, then they can tell you who I am. If I ever come across an establishment with this game, I'll be there playing. Currently, my source for Tekken 4 has been on Campus Cove at York University. From time to time, I play Craig Marduk as well. I don't have internet access at home during the summer, so you may not get any replies right away. Remember, reading every FAQ will not substitute for experience. So go out there and play.