1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789 =================================================== ~+~+~+~+~+ DEAD OR ALIVE 3: LS Combo FAQ +~+~+~+~+~ =================================================== by ARdeMesa ("Raigaa") ardemesa@hotmail.com "Limbo Stun" combo faq Dead or Alive 3 (XBoX) Version 1.40: Apr, 2002 By A.R.deMesa, ardemesa@hotmail.com This FAQ has been happily provided to the following, and ONLY the following: http://www.gamefaqs.com ==================================== ~+~+~+~+~+ update history +~+~+~+~+~ ==================================== Apr 2002 - version 1.40 Mar 2002 - version 1.30 Mar 2002 - version 1.20 Mar 2002 - version 1.12 Mar 2002 - version 1.10 Mar 2002 - version 1.00 =========================================== ~+~+~+~+~+ copyright information +~+~+~+~+~ =========================================== All information contained in this document Copyright 2002 A.R.deMesa. This document may be distributed freely (and ONLY freely) and electronically. If reproduced anywhere in whole or in part, this document may not be used for promotional or profitable purposes. If placed on a webpage or website or any other public domain, this document must be reproduced in its entirety without alteration in any form, unless given written permission by this author A.R.deMesa, and this auther only. Any information from this document (whether quoted or not) that is used elsewhere should have this author's name stated clearly in acknowledgment. This document created by A.R.deMesa [ardemesa@hotmail.com] Any print-based, broadcast-based, or electronic-based publishers or publications are expressly forbidden from usage of any information or ideas expressed within this document. Dead Or Alive 3 and characters are (c) Tecmo XBoX are (c) Microsoft Soul Calibur and Tekken are (c) Namco Virtua Fighter and DreamCast are (c) Sega All copyrights and trademarks not mentioned as such are acknowledged and respected. If any violation has occurred please contact the author for the situation to be remedied immediately. ======================================= 1) ~+~+~+~+~+ TABLE OF CONTENTS +~+~+~+~+~ ======================================= 1) Table of Contents 2) Introduction 3) FAQ Conventions 4) "Stance" descriptions 5) LS Combo Primer 6) Ayane 7) Bass 8) Bayman 9) Brad 10) Christie 11) Helena 12) Jann Lee 13) Zack 14) Game Engine overview 15) Revision history, Planned future updates 16) Acknowledgements ================================== 2) ~+~+~+~+~+ INTRODUCTION +~+~+~+~+~ ================================== I'm a big fan of fighting games, from the good 'ol Capcom classics to the current 3D fighters. Why this game? Because I love it. Have been a fan since DOA2 on the DC, although I did own the first DOA on the PlayStation before I got my DC. I enjoy others, such as Soul Calibur, Virtua Fighter, and yes, even Tekken (*gasp*). But those games have enough faqs and fans. This guide only concerns a specific part of the game - combos. AND FOR NOW, more specifically, "limbo stun" (LS) combos. Some discussion on these "special" combos can already be found on the GameFaq DOA3 forums. Instead of having to search for each post whenever someone asked: - "What does 'closed stance' mean?" - "what is a 'limbo stun'?" - "How can you say this is guaranteed after the first hit?" I figured I'd just start a FAQ to collect what we've found so that we can direct these questions to one place. I DO plan to expand this into a "general" combo faq in the future - but I'm using LS combos to start. Why just "limbo stun" combos? Why not just make a faq on combos in general? Well, I just think they're unique enough to merit special attention. For "Limbo Stun" combos, you must have more than a basic knowledge of the game engine collision detection to know how these work, unlike "regular" combos, which just require you to memorize certain sequences of button presses. Finding combos is easy - finding LS Combos is not, unless you have a knowledge of how they work (since I'm sure anyone who's played DOA2/3 has seen the LS happen, but most just didn't really know why). Limbo Stuns are useful because an LS can get you a few extra hits while the victim is on the ground, BEFORE you actually launch them. And a few extra hits/damage "for free" is pretty nice, IMO. How are they special? Well, before DOA2, a "combo" in a fighting game meant that the hits were guaranteed - that's what makes a combo a "true" combo, and not merely a "string" of successive hits. When DOA2 came, that all changed (for those who play DOA) because of the game engine - "holds" allow a victim to "break out" or "recover" from a "stun", and defeat the combo. So the DOA player's definition of combo is a bit looser than it is for other games. In DOA3, the only "true" combos are those hits that occur on a victim that is airborne, or is "back-turned". The first instance is a "juggle" - common to most any fighting game. Since DOA2, the only instance where a fighter on the ground CANNOT perform a hold, is when they're "back-turned." It's easy to see how to get juggles - but how to get the opponent to give his/her back to you? I mean, they could turn their back to you on purpose - some characters are pretty proficient at fighting with their back turned - and simply stun from there. Problem is, you didn't force them into that situation in any way - you simply took advantage of the circumstances, but are still dependent on the victim to place him/herself in that situation. Even better then, are some holds/throws that leave the attacker in a position where he has the "opponent's back." One can try to stun from there. Another way to get your opponent's back is through strikes FROM THE FRONT. Some characters have this ability to some degree. They have the ability to place the victim in a stun that I call a "Limbo Stun", which is registered by the game engine as having the victim "back-turned" - which means they cannot recover out of the stun by performing a hold. So why not make a faq concerning "back turned" stuns in general? That's really what the LS is - just a "back turned" stun. So what if you can get it from the front sometimes? I don't know, I guess I just like them, that's all. And that's good enough for me! Besides, shouldn't GUARANTEED hits be good enough for anybody? I will end off by saying that LS combos are special combos with one or two extra hits "for free", but more importantly, come WITHOUT THE THREAT OF HOLDS! The key is that once the victim is in the LS, the victim cannot recover and perform a hold against you. I don't know about you, but HAVING YOUR LAUNCHER GUARANTEED is good enough reason to learn these combos for me. BTW, you CAN use the info from the JUGGLE FOLLOWUP sections in "regular" combos, so this FAQ CAN be considered useful in making up combos in general. A note about usefulness of LS combos in general: Even if you are in the wrong stance, the combos will STILL WORK as good as ANY OTHER combos out there. The difference being, you'll simply knock down (not a bad thing), or get the "stomach hurts A LOT" stun where they fall forward on their face to the ground (not a bad thing either). That stun, while it can be interrupted by a hold, is a very lengthy stun in which the victim recovers knocked down. So just for argument's sake, let's just say that happens (you get the other stun instead). It's a long stun (you can be patient), in which the opponent MUST attempt a hold, or else end up on the ground. You can wait for a hold, then throw - you have all day to wait for it. Or, you can even do NOTHING, wait till they fall, and get a ground-hit (or in Bayman's case, ground- throw) FOR FREE. Nothing wrong with that, is there? Or, you can simply treat it like you do EVERY OTHER STUN in the game (only most of those stuns are SHORTER in duration, and DON'T knock down, making them INFERIOR), and just attempt to launch, extend the stun, etc. Therefore, the ONLY drawback in *hitting* the LS-move "wrong", is that it ceases to be "special", but it in no way puts the attacker at a disadvantage over other mid-hits. That means, so long as you *hit* with that move, GOOD things will happen - getting the LS is just the best case scenario, but the other scenarios are nothing to scoff at, either. Getting the LS (on purpose) is NOT going to drastically change your winning percentage or anything - you don't need the LS to be good. But everyone should be aware of its properties, and be able to exploit it should it happen. The most useful thing about the LS is to just be able to RECOGNIZE it when it happens, and be aware of the moves that can get it. No, you cannot do them all day - just like how you can't do any other single move/tactic over and over. LS-moves should be compared to OTHER mid-level hitting blows, and in that respect, they CAN be pretty special. Moves that get the LS are NOT "super" moves by any means, and they don't imbalance the game in any way. But they GUARANTEE THE NEXT HIT - which DOES have some significance, since there are FEW moves in the game that allow you to do that (Jann Lee's mid-punch hold, for example). And since the LS is a back-turned stun, (making the next hit a counter blow), it pretty much means that your LAUNCHER is guaranteed (and just for comparision sake, Jann's mid- punch hold DOESN'T do that). So while the LS is not the end-all be-all, they are not to be dismissed, either, IMO. You don't even need "additional hits" (some turn the victim around, or cause short stuns). To keep it safe, maybe just launch right away - you've no need to fear a hold. ===================================== 3) ~+~+~+~+~+ FAQ CONVENTIONS +~+~+~+~+~ ===================================== Legend: u = press up U = hold up d = press down D = hold down f = press forward F = hold forward b = press back D =hold down qcf = "quarter circle forward" = press d,d/f,f in one motion qcb = "quarter circle back" = press d,d/b,b in one motion hcf = "half-circle forward" = press b,d/b,d,d/f,f in one motion hcb = "half-circle back" = press f,d/f,d,d/b,b in one motion P = Punch button K = Kick button Free = Free button H = High-Level M = Mid-Level L = Low-Level G = Ground-Level ==================================== ~+~+~+~+~+ Notation Notes +~+~+~+~+~ ==================================== / = denotes a diagonal direction pad (e.g. d/f means press down & forward) + = press buttons together (e.g. P+K = press Punch and Kick simultaneously) . = button presses are to be performed in succession, but with a delay ~ = button presses are to be pressed in quick, but discrete, sequence - buttons and directions are to be pressed in succession WHETHER OR NOT they are separated by a comma (",") for example: P,PP,P = press Punch button 4 times PPPP = press Punch button 4 times ========================================= 4) ~+~+~+~+~+ STANCE DESCRIPTIONS +~+~+~+~+~ ========================================= First, we have to go over what "stance" means - more specifically, "OPEN" and "CLOSED" stances. While a few characters have specific stances where they change fighting "pose" to deliver different attacks (Brad's lie-down, Helena's Bokuho, or anyone who is "back-turned" for example) open/closed stance only refers to both fighters "feet positions" in relation TO EACH OTHER. The fighters in this game have either one foot in front of the other. If both fighters have the SAME FOOT forward (i.e. both have left foot forward), then they are in a CLOSED STANCE. If the fighters have the OPPOSITE FOOT forward (one fighter has left foot forward, other fighter has right foot forward), then they are in an OPEN STANCE. A way to visualize this without having to look at the feet is to just look at their hips. Imagine if the fighters were to "relax" and stand up straight, without moving their feet: If they would end up facing the SAME DIRECTION, they are in an OPEN STANCE. If they would end up facing the OPPOSITE DIRECTION, they are in a CLOSED STANCE. It's really not that hard, once you get used to it. But even if you don't "get it" at first (you will over time), try to get the LS anyway. Why? Because you still have a 50% chance of guessing correctly! So even if you're not sure of the stance, try out the combos anyway, and see what happens. If you ARE in the "wrong" stance, you'll either knock the character down, or get a "stomach hurts a lot" (as described in my Jann Lee FAQ) stun where they grab their belly and simply keel over falling forward on their face - WHICH IS AS GOOD A STUN AS ANY. Regular strategies would reply in this case (launch, extend stun, or look for the hi counter throw). LS combos are just regular combos with an extra hit or two. Well... now that we got that stuff out of the way, on to the combos! Oops, almost forgot. What the heck is a "Limbo Stun"? Well, here's how I described it (from my Jann Lee FAQ): "Limbo Stun" UNRECOVERABLE (cannot perform a hold during this stun, i.e. totally helpless). Long Stun. Caused by a mid-level blow to the back delivered in a sideways motion. Victim bends backward in great pain, as if to "do the limbo". Falls backward to ground. THE BEST STUN IN THE GAME - since you can get this stun FROM THE FRONT! Other "unrecoverable" stuns require the opponents to be back-turned. ===================================== 5) ~+~+~+~+~+ LS COMBO PRIMER +~+~+~+~+~ ===================================== In each character's section, a description of the combo "STARTER" that gets the LS is given, as well as the conditions required (normal or critical hit, and what stance you need). After that, you can pretty much do ANYTHING YOU WANT. As the opponent is now back-turned, they cannot perform a hold to escape. I have given some examples though - a series of "ADDITIONAL HITS" to perform before the "LAUNCHER", as well as the "JUGGLE FOLLOWUP". So you can pretty much follow it like a tree: STARTER -> ADDITIONAL HITS -> LAUNCHER -> JUGGLE FOLLOWUP. I'll then finish each section with some examples. The number in the square brackets following the combo is the damage rating. Advice on normal hits: These strikes must land when the opponent is in a "neutral" state (i.e. not attacking). These can occur when the opponent is "standing still" (not likely), in the "recovery frames" of a move (more likely), or when hit while performing a hold that misses (which requires some set-up, since LS come from mid-hits). But "accidentally" connecting with the move on a critical hit isn't that bad, since if these moves hit on a critical hit, they simply knock down in most cases. So even if you DON'T GET the LS, you're still pretty safe anyway - since when is getting a hit a bad thing? Also, placing the victim in an LS puts them into "critical hit status". Advice on critical hits: These strikes must land when the opponent is either "attacking" (an "attack" means BOTH a strike or throw), or is already critically stunned. So "critical hit status" is basically using "counter blow" (striking an attacking opponent) or a hitting an already "stunned" opponent. Because of this, critical hits are often more common than normal hits. Normal hits usually require some amount of patience and planning (waiting for long recovery moves), set-up (landing the hit when the opponent performed a hold that was NOT mid), or comatose (since when is an opponent just standing still and NOT guarding?). For this reason, LS combos are easier to get from characters with starters that are required to hit as a critical hit to get the LS. It's simply a matter of playing the "priority game", or even better, hitting the opponent with the combo starter while they are performing a throw. Take note however, that should the move land as a normal hit, the effect on the victim can be very slight. While these moves have good recovery, the defender recovers very quickly as well. Advice on "heavyweights": As the character's weight affects juggle height, some combos do not work on them since these characters (Bass, Leon, and to a lesser extent Bayman), have the advantage of not being juggled as quite as high as the others. So these characters sometimes must be given juggle followups that have less hits, hit low, etc. For these characters, adjust accordingly. Advice on "additional hits": This is due to testing done on "stun damage thresholds." Basically, a "critically stunned" victim can only take a certain amount damage (get it? Like "pain threshold"!), before they get knocked down, even if the final hit doesn't have knockdown properties (like a jab, for example). I'm not any closer to figuring out the "formula", but I did find this: - Counter blows give a certain amount of threshold. - Normal blows give more threshold than counter blows (can add more hits). - Hi counter blows give more threshold than normal blows (even more hits). Doesn't make sense, does it? Shouldn't counter blows and normal blows be switched? What this means is that basically, you can add MUCH more hits on throwing opponent. [runs away from the flood of "new" hi counter blow-only combos that we're all going to make] Advice on "slick surfaces": Also take note of the effects of fighting on water, snow, or ice. Many blows (particularly low hits) have different hit properties on these surfaces, generally causing the victim to stumble more (or even be knocked down). Because of this, some subsequent hits may actually whiff (high hits may pass over the victim), or simply knock down. While this is safe, it IS a waste of juggle potential - so you may just want to launch soon after the LS. Although you didn't get to add as many extra hits, you can be consoled by the fact that having your launcher being punished by a hold is something you need not fear. It seems that for certain blows, being hit while on a slick surface is akin to being in a critical hit status. For the purpose of this faq, it means that strikes that require that the victim be in "critical hit status" to obtain the LS have a much easier time on these surfaces - for even if the blow hit on a normal hit, the victim will still be forced into an LS. =========================== 6) ~+~+~+~+~+ AYANE +~+~+~+~+~ =========================== Ayane's LS combo starter "Sho-Ayane" is nice because it give the LS as long as it hits from a closed stance. Whether the hit lands as a normal or critical hit doesn't matter. Not only that, the move has INSANE range (2.5 dash-steps! Better range than her "u+P+Free"), and has pretty good recovery. Though quick, it doesn't come out instantly. So while it may be difficult in close, it's fairly effective it halting advances. Just out of throw-range or out of universal side-kick range ("d/f+K" for most characters) is probably best, to complement her other distance-moves (like her "u+P+Free", "qcf+K", "b+P", and "u/f~K"). What Ayane lacks is the ability to add much more than a P, d+P (launch) or go straight into a launcher. Everything she tries seems to knock the opponent down, or too far away. And if she lands the "Sho-ayane" as a critical hit, she must launch right away (u+K or b+P), as everything else knocks down. On a hi counter blow however, she can add additional hits. Not to mention THE DAMAGE! The "Sho Ayane" gets [48], ground hits are adjusted by 60%, and juggle hits are adjusted by 75%. Throwers beware! Still, it's nice just to know that the launcher is guaranteed. Overall, Ayane's LS combos are nice...on a normal hit, you can use the "P, Free, d+P (launcher)", which is easy to get 90+ damage with. Or, on a critical hit (forcing the use of "u+K" or "b+P" as the next hit), you can STILL easily get 90+ damage with. Like I said... nice! STARTER: - b+K+Free (closed stance). "Sho-Ayane" ADDITIONAL HITS: - PP Free (hi counter blow only) LAUNCHER: - u+K - b+P (Ayane recovers back turned) - P Free, d+P although the jab recovers quickly enough that Free-cancelling is not necessary, if you do this, just be sure to delay the d+P, to avoid performing a double-jab) - d/f+PP (hi counter blow only, Ayane recovers back-turned) - PPK (hi counter blow only, Ayane recovers back-turned) JUGGLE FOLLOWUP: - D/B+PK - PP KK - PP f+PP - PP f+P, u/b+K - PP f+KK - d/f d/f+PK - PPP, d+P - P+K, PP d+P - P+K, P u/b+K - P+K, P d+K - b+P.K - b+P.d+K Back turned followups: - D/B+PK - K+Free - u/b+K - b+PPP, d+P - PP D+PK - PP f+P, d+K - PP f+P.K - PP b+PPP, d+P - b+PP u/b+K - PP b+PP u/b+K EXAMPLES: These are all ASSUMING the starter connects as a NORMAL hit. Therefore the damage rating given is THE LEAST you can inflict. In real gameplay, you often get critical hits, which increases the damage by about 10-35 or so. In particular, people trying to throw Ayane should beware her "Sho-Ayane" move. - b+K+Free (LS), u+K (launch), PP f+PP [77] - b+K+Free (LS), u+K (launch), PP f+KK [77] - b+K+Free (LS), u+K (launch), PP f+P, u/b+K [85] Back-turned combos: - b+K+Free (LS), b+P (launch), PP D+PK [74] - b+K+Free (LS), b+P (launch), PP f+P.K [78] - b+K+Free (LS), b+P (launch), PP f+P, d+K [78] - b+K+Free (LS), b+P (launch), PP f+P, Free, u/b+K [83] - b+K+Free (LS), b+P (launch), b+PPP, d+P [72+10] - b+K+Free (LS), b+P (launch), b+PP u/b+K [75] - b+K+Free (LS), b+P (launch), PP b+PP u/b+K [80] - b+K+Free (LS), b+P (launch), PP b+PPP, d+P [75+10] Only on normal, or hi counter blow (damage rating assumes only a normal hit): - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+PP [84] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+KK [84] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP KK [87] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), P+K, P d+K [82] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), P+K, P u/b+K [85] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), P+K, PP, d+P [82+10] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+P, Free, u/b+K [92] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+K, Free, u+K, d+K [84+10] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+K, Free, f+K d+K [94] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+K, Free, b+P d+K [95] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+K, f+PP [97] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+K, PPP, d+P [94+10] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+K, PP f+K, d+K [104] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+K, PP f+KK [105] - b+K+Free (LS), P Free, d+P (launch), PP f+K, PP f+PP [105] Hi counter blow only combos. For these, you can substitute the "d/f+PP" launcher for a "PP, Free, b+P" sequence, for the same damage. Throwers beware! - b+K+Free (LS), d/f+PP (launch), u/b+K [103] - b+K+Free (LS), d/f+PP (launch), D/B+PK [104] - b+K+Free (LS), d/f+PP (launch), K+Free [105] - b+K+Free (LS), d/f+PP (launch), PP f+P.K [124] - b+K+Free (LS), d/f+PP (launch), PP b+PP u/b+K [127] - b+K+Free (LS), d/f+PP (launch), PP b+PPP, d+P [120+10] - b+K+Free (LS), d/f+PP (launch), PP f+P, Free, u/b+K [132] More hi counter blow only combos, with no launcher! - b+K+Free (LS), PP, P+K P u/b+K [107] - b+K+Free (LS), PP, P+K PPP, d+P [103+10] Even more hi counter blow only combos: - b+K+Free (LS), PPK (launch), u/b+K [106] - b+K+Free (LS), PPK (launch), K+Free [108] - b+K+Free (LS), PPK (launch), PP D+PK [121] - b+K+Free (LS), PPK (launch), PP b+PPP, d+K [123] - b+K+Free (LS), PP Free, u+K (launch), D/B+PK [106] - b+K+Free (LS), PP Free, u+K (launch), f+K.d+K [108] - b+K+Free (LS), PP Free, u+K (launch), b+PK [113] - b+K+Free (LS), PP Free, u+K (launch), PP f+PP [123] - b+K+Free (LS), PP Free, u+K (launch), PP f+KK [124] - b+K+Free (LS), PP Free, u+K (launch), PP f+P, u/b+K [135] ========================== 7) ~+~+~+~+~+ BASS +~+~+~+~+~ ========================== Yes, Bass :) Usage of these combo is a MUST for any Bass player. Again, Bass's LS starter (I call it his "Side Hook", but it's really just the first hit of his "Wild Swing") is nice because it requires a critical hit situation to work. It has pretty good execution, though it's range is short. Recovery is good too (good enough that you don't *need* to Free-cancel, although doing so is advisable). Just toss it out every so often. If you don't get the LS, but get the "other" stun, regular strategies apply: 1) wait for hold. Then throw 2) wait for hold. If hold doesn't come, they'll fall. Simply "d+K" (or pick-up) 2) complete "wild swing" to knockback with a mid-hit 3) use ff+K instead of "wild swing" to knockback with mid-hit with more delay 4) use d/b+P to knock-down with a low hit 5) use d/f+P to extend stun with a mid hit 6) use d+K to extend stun with a low hit 7) use P+K to launch with a hi hit 8) use u+K to launch with a mid hit ...I'm sure you get the picture. This is IF you DON'T get the LS... "Slick surface" considerations: Even better, if Bass is fighting on a "slick surface". No need to worry about a thing - the "Side Hook" will give you the LS in a normal hit situation as well (so long as the fighters are in an open stance, of course). The downside, is that Bass's combos may have to be shorter, or have less high hits, since the victim won't be juggled as high on a normal hit. Corollary to this is that the damage inflicted will be a little less, due to the loss of a counter blow bonus that you would normally have. Overall, fighting on a slick surface is desirable, for while the resultant combo is less damaging, the LS has a higher chance of occurring. His combos can easily inflict 90+ damage, not including any wall damage bonuses, as well as being guaranteed after the first hit. STARTER: - f+P Free (open stance, critical hit). "Side Hook". (although the f+P recovers quickly enough that Free-cancelling is unnecessary, just be sure to delay the next punch follows, to avoid a "wild swing") ADDITIONAL HITS: - d/f+P LAUNCHER: - d/f d/f+P - u+K JUGGLE FOLLOWUP: - qcf+P - d/f+P - P+K - PP, P+Free, P+Free (what did you expect?) - u/f+PK, P+Free, P+Free (an even better air throw juggle followup) - f+PP - f+KP, d+K - u/f+PP, d+K - PPP, d+K - PP d+P - d/f+P+K, P - b+PPP - u/f+PK d+P - u/f+PKP, d+K - d/f d/f+P, d+K - ff+K - PPK EXAMPLES: These all assume a "counter blow", as the "critical hit". - f+P (LS), d/f+P, d/f d/f+P (launch), PPK [91] - f+P (LS), d/f+P, d/f d/f+P (launch), f+PP [92] - f+P (LS), d/f+P, d/f d/f+P (launch), PP, P+Free, P+Free [96] - f+P (LS), d/f+P, d/f d/f+P (launch), PPP, d+K [91+12] - f+P (LS), d/f+P, d/f d/f+P (launch), P+K, f+KP, d+K [103+12] - f+P (LS), u+K (launch), P+K f+KP, d+K [89+12] - f+P (LS), u+K (launch), u/f+PK, P+Free, P+Free [98] - f+P (LS), u+K (launch), u/f+PKP, d+K [90+12] ============================ 8) ~+~+~+~+~+ BAYMAN +~+~+~+~+~ ============================ One reason why he's my favorite character? His "Sidewinder LS" combos. After an LS hit, his combos can get pretty lengthy. Enough time for the victim to throw his controller down and say "Bayman is SOOOOOOO FREAKIN' CHEAP" before picking it up again. Not that the LS combos are excessively damaging, but the length of time the victim is sitting there helpless while his fighter gets repeatedly hit in the back sure is disheartening. Bayman OWNS! Opponent who misses a move with long recovery = A LOT OF PAIN! While Bayman is already good without his Sidewinder, I'm surprised that very few players appreciate the potential of this move. Execution seems pretty good (it's not THAT slow), and although it isn't good from a distance (like Ayane's), it's range is pretty good. Granted, the recovery isn't one of its strong points. Still, the sidewinder would have made his regular knee "f+K" obsolete, if it weren't for the fact that the knee is an auto-combo (flame stinger "f+KP", the second punch is essentially the "ff+P" flame knuckle). The resemblance to the regular knee helps Bayman get the "Sidewinder" move to hit, which without the "flame stinger", would be a difficult move use. See, the Flame Stinger "f+KP" is a pretty decent move. The punch ALWAYS stuns whether it hits normal state, or critical hit, or if the first knee is blocked, etc. It's one of his best stun moves. If you can condition your opponent to attempt to hold the second punch, you've got them in heaps of trouble. Needless to say, delaying the punch also works well to throw them off. 1) f+KP Get the "flame stinger" to connect a few times. After they see the knee, they'll have a greater tendency to perform a high hold. 2) f+K, K+Free In addition to throwing them when they high hold, you can just use the Sidewinder. Delaying the "f+KP" to match the rhythm of the "f+K, K+Free" sequence, makes the deception more convincing. It's all about conditioning them by being effective with a simple knee. Just don't do something stupid like use 2 knees in a row, BEFORE you've conditioned them to expect that punch (obviously!). Then you'll never land the Sidewinder. Another thing to do is to incorporate the Sidewinder into the "double jab" patterns. The versatility of using the double-jab as *pokes*, help set up the Sidewinder nicely. The double-jab is also a potentially good way to condition the opponent to perform high holds. Like with everyone in the game, the second jab is guaranteed when the first connects on a normal hit. So when the jabs are used as a poke (that's a jab's job, its ONLY job), the double jabs are an effective harassment tool. Its quickness being the other asset, as it's hard to hold the first one without a lot of luck, or superior guess-work (if they can predict your jab patterns, then you're really in trouble!). The key is to just don't make the rhythm predictable - use variety of delays between each *set* of doubles. I don't mean delay BETWEEN each jab, but use variety between every *two*. It should be "Pa- Pow...Pa-Pow...Pa-Pow", and not "Pow.Pow...Pow..Pow". Then, you just condition them to hold high. This is easy with Bayman because he has a few good auto-combos that hit high right after the PP 1) PP P It's too hard to hold the first jab, and the second jab is PP b+P guaranteed, so the earliest an opponent can perform a hold once they've been caught with the double-jab is the third hit. These two sequences both hit high, and their effects make the opponent to want to avoid getting hit by performing a hold. The "knuckle shot" always stuns, so people want to hold that. And the "Storm Blast" can be followed by either another high hit "...Trass" or a low hit "...javelin", and since guessing between these two is dangerous (one launches, the other knocks down), so people want to end this before they get to that point, by performing a hold on the third hit. Not to mention the threat of a throw. Being effective with one, or both of these moves, getting them to hold high, makes them open to mid hits. 2) PP, K+Free This is in addition to the usual "double-jab, throw" patterns, or using "PPK" to avoid those high holds. But by now you get the idea: just get them expecting high hits, conditioning them NOT to hold mid, and connecting the Sidewinder becomes easier. I won't even get into conditioning them to hold low using P f+P d+K, because this is not a Bayman FAQ. Not to mention the obvious applications of using the Sidwinder: a) to punish long recoveries (like a flipkick, or a move like Ayane's qcf+K) b) to punish whiffed moves (like ducking Hayabusas K+Free sequence) c) to punish throw attempts. Toss it out when you think Bayman might get thrown (like if they're slow to punish a blocked b+P d+K, for example). Using the sidewinder on a throwing opponent is ideal. Otherwise, trying to land the Sidewinder "on its own" will prove difficult, as it's not as strong as other LS-moves. Like everything in this game, you just have to set things up. And of course, if the opponent tends to block (instead of hold), then the using the Sidewinder is not recommended (its recovery is such that Bayman can easily get thrown), so Bayman will have to rely on other his other strengths. Critical Hit Vs. Normal Hit His "Sidewinder" can hit as a normal or critical hit. The difference being, if you connect on a critical hit, you cannot add much in terms of additional hits, since more powerful hits tend to exceed the victim's "stun damage threshold" and knock the victim down. So even though the examples given assume a normal hit, you may want to stick to just one or no jabs in potential counter blow situations, to ensure that you will launch the opponent. By this I mean if you're "not sure" if you got the normal hit or not, since you're not sure if the opponent was in a "neutral state" when you hit them with the "sidewinder". I know you can simply look for the "counter blow" message to appear, but I personally don't have the ability to switch my attention back and forth like that. Maybe I'm just too slow :) "Sidewinder" as a Hi counter blow Insane! Big damage, not because of the damage bonus to the Sidewinder (making it a mere [30]), but for the amount of cheap hits Bayman can toss in. Throwers beware! That's all I have to say. STARTER: - K+Free (closed stance) "Sidewinder". ADDITIONAL HITS: - PP Free, P - d/f+P - f+KP (normal hit only) - PP u/f~P (normal hit only) - PP, d/f+P (normal hit only) - PP Free, PP (normal hit only) - PP Free, PP Free, P (hi counter blow only) LAUNCHER: - qcf+P (decent execution, good juggle height, but range is relatively short) - qcb+P (decent execution, a little better range, but Bayman doesn't have many followups with his back turned) - b+P+K (more juggle height, longer reach, but longer execution time makes calling it "guaranteed" somewhat suspect. Also, the least damage) - u/f+K (decent power + good reach + decent execution time = overall best option) - d/f d/f+P (most power, shortest range, poor recovery) - PP b+PK (normal and hi counter blow only) JUGGLE FOLLOWUP: - ff+P - d/f+P - PPK - PKK - P f+PK - P f+P d+K, d+K - PPP, d+K - PPP, d+P+Free - f+PPP - f+PPK, d+K - f+PPK, P+Free - PP b+PK - PP b+P d+K - qcf+K - f+P+K - d/f d/f+P Back turned followups: - PP, d+K - PP, d+P+Free EXAMPLES: These all assume that the "Sidewinder" hits as a normal hit. - K+Free (LS), f+KP, b+P+K (launch), d/f+P, f+PPP [90] - K+Free (LS), f+KP, b+P+K (launch), d/f+P, PPP, d+K [82+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, PPK [97] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, PP b+P d+K [100] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, P f+PK [101] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, P f+P d+K, d+K [96+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, KP, d+K [97+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, f+PPK, d+K [99+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, PKK, d+K [101+15] Since the u/f+K option is more reliable than the "Fire Bullet" (which I don't think is guaranteed after 3 "additional hits" in the combos above), I often depend on it more: - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, u/f+K (launch), f+PPP [87] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, u/f+K (launch), PPP, d+K. [79+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, u/f+K (launch), f+PPK, d+K [86+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, u/f+K (launch), P f+PK [88] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, u/f+K (launch), PP b+PK [93] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, u/f+K (launch), d/f+P, d/f d/f+P, d+K [86+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, u/f+K (launch), PKK, d+K [88+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, qcf+P (launch), PP b+PK [91] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, qcf+P (launch), d/f+P, PP b+P d+K [95] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, qcf+P (launch), d/f+P, PPK [92] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP, qcf+P (launch), d/f+P, P f+PK [96] - K+Free (LS), PP, d/f+P, u/f+K (launch), P f+PK [88] - K+Free (LS), PP, d/f+P, u/f+K (launch), PP b+PK [93] - K+Free (LS), PP, d/f+P, u/f+K (launch), PPP, d+K [79+15] - K+Free (LS), PP, d/f+P, u/f+K (launch) PKK, d+K [88+15] - K+Free (LS), PP b+PK (launch), d/f+P, PPK [93] - K+Free (LS), PP b+PK (launch), d/f+P, f+PPP [96] - K+Free (LS), PP b+PK (launch), d/f+P, PPP, d+K [88+15] - K+Free (LS), PP b+PK (launch), d/f+P, KP, d+K [93+15] - K+Free (LS), PP b+PK (launch), f+KP, PKK, d+K [87+15] - K+Free (LS), PP b+PK (launch), f+KP, P f+PK [104] - K+Free (LS), PP b+PK (launch), f+KP, f+PPK, d+K [102+15] Hi counter blow only combos: - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), PPK [120] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), d/f+P, d/f d/f+P [123] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), f+PPP [124] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), PP b+P d+K [124] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), P f+PK [126] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), PPP, d+K [112+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), P f+P d+K, d+K [118+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), PP b+PK [133] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), KP, d+K [120+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), f+PPK, d+K [122+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), PKK, d+K [126+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, b+P+K (launch), d/f+P, f+PPP [134] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, b+P+K (launch), d/f+P, PPP, d+K [122+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, b+P+K (launch), d/f+P, P f+P d+K,d+K[128+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, d/f d/f+P [129] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, PPK [141] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, PP b+P d+K [145] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, b+P+K (launch), f+KP, f+PPK, d+K [143+15] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, P, b+PK (launch), d/f+P, f+PPP [138] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, P, b+PK (launch), f+KP, PP b+P d+K [149] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, P, b+PK (launch), f+KP, P f+PK [151] - K+Free (LS), PP Free, P, b+PK (launch), f+KP, f+PPK, d+K [147+15] ========================== 9) ~+~+~+~+~+ BRAD +~+~+~+~+~ ========================== Brad's LS combos are unique in that it doesn't really matter what "stance they're in". All Brad has to do is "side-step" towards the opponent's back, and land the hit as a normal hit, and Brad will force the victim into the LS. The problem? Actually landing the starter on a normal hit IN THE FIRST PLACE. Since you usually perform a side-step to well, sidestep an opponent's attack, you usually land this - if you land it at all - as a counter blow, knocking them down. The other problem? Finding good hits to do before a launcher, and some kind of decent followup. So far, I don't think I've found a combo that was worth it (more than 90 damage). The REAL problem? I suck with Brad. I really haven't used him yet, but I included him here because I know that he has the LS ability. I think I've pretty much done with the rest of the characters, and I can concentrate on Brad now, so hopefully there will be some noteworthy stuff in the next edition of this faq. STARTER: - dd+P or uu+P (normal hit). "Sokusen-Getsuga". LAUNCHER: - u/b+K For these, you may have to hit "Free" right after: - d/f+K - d/f+KP - d/f+KPP - d/f d/f+K (Brad recovers back-turned) JUGGLE FOLLOWUP: - d+P - PPP - PP d/b+K - PP d+K - PK, d+P - f+PP - f+P b+P, d+P - D/B+KKK Back turned folloupws: - PK - d+PP - ff+PP - d/b+PK, d+P - D/B+PK - K+Free - PP b+P d+P EXAMPLES: u/b+K (launch) combos: - dd+P (LS), u/b+K (launch) K. 69 damage. d/f+K (launch) combos: - dd+P (LS), d/f+K (launch), d/f D/F+KK. 73 damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f+K (launch), PK, d+P. 77 damage (65+12). - dd+P (LS), d/f+K (launch), D/B+KKK. 78 damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f+K (launch), f+P b+P, d+P. 81 damage (69+12). d/f+KP (launch) combos: - dd+P (LS), d/f+KP (launch), Free, PPP. 79 damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f+KP (launch), Free, PP d/b+K. 82 damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f+KP (launch), Free, f+PP. 82 damage, without wall damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f+KP (launch), D/B+KKK. 87 damage. Easy. d/f+KPP (launch) combos: - dd+P (LS), d/f+KPP (launch), d+P. 78 damage. Lame. - dd+P (LS), d/f+KPP (launch), D+KK. 83 damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f+KPP (launch), u/b+K. 84 damage. Easy. - dd+P (LS), d/f+KPP (launch), D/B+PK. 86 damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f+KPP (launch), d/b+P, K, d+P. 100 damage (88+12). HARD! d/f d/f+K (launch) combos: - dd+P (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), K+Free. 69 damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), PK. 69 damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), d+PP. 76 damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), ff+PP. 79 damage, without wall damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), d/b+P, K, d+P. 83 damage (71+12). - dd+P (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), PP b+P d+P, d+P. 91 damage (79+12). - dd+P (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), P+K, f+PP. 83 damage. - dd+P (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), P+K, D/B+KKK. 88 damage. EASY & reliable. - dd+P (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), P+K, f+P b+P, d+P 91 damage (79+12). HARD - dd+P (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), P+K, d/b+PK, d+P. 92 damage (80+12). HARD ============================== 10) ~+~+~+~+~+ CHRISTIE +~+~+~+~+~ ============================== The key move is her "Yahuko-Sohi" from a closed stance. The move can either be performed by itself, or through a 2-hit or 4-hit combo. This move resembles Ayane's LS-starter, although it is a bit inferior. It has almost as much range (but not quite), and its recovery isn't as good (Christie is vulnerable to a low throw if it's blocked, unlike Ayane), but she shares the fact that the LS can occur on a normal or critical hit as well. What her's does have, that Ayane's doesn't, is the ability to come from an auto- combo (similar to Zack's). This may offset the fact that its execution time is similar to Ayane's (in that it's quick, but not instant). For some reason, the PP d+K K starter works on both normal hit and counter hit situations, increasing its effectiveness. It will knock down if the leading jabs connect when the victim is ALREADY stunned however, so technically, it doesn't always work on a critical hit. The d/f+K+Free (and d+K+Free, K) starter ALSO works for both normal and critical hit situations, making Christie very dangerous from a closed stance. What DOES happen if the starters land on a critical hit? LESS ADDITIONAL HITS are allowed (just like Bayman's "Sidewinder"). Too many hits, and the victim will just fall down, before the launcher, wasting potential. In the case where the "Yahuko-Sohi" lands in an auto-combo, Christie must immediately launch. When using the starter singly, to be safe, don't use the d/b+PK to launch, as the first low-punch knocks down in these situations. On a hi counter blow however, you can add much more in terms of additional hits (just like Bayman!). Something weird about Christie. Some "additional hits" cause the victim to turn around again (?), like doing a f+K or a f+P+K, right after the LS for example (using a jab before these moves prevents this however, which is why my first additional hit is always a jab). Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. I think it has something to do with how Christie rotates off axis when she performs a "Yahuko-Sohi". Needless to say, I've omitted these moves as "additional hits", even though they can be used to extend the back-turned stun, as they are very unreliable. Even more intriguing, is what happens if you were in the wrong stance when you performed the Yahuko-Sohi. You would therefore force the victim into a "stomach hurts a lot" stun (the one where the victim clutches their stomach and then tip over, falling on their face). From there, you can use the f+K to get the opponent's back! What this means is, should you be in the "wrong" stance, and get the "other" stun, then a "f+K" will force them into being back-turned (although that knee can suffer a hold). I'd love to go deeper into this, but it really belongs in a Christie character guide, which unfortunately is low on my list of character guides right now (I'm actually surprised, that with so many Christie fans, that no one else has explored this, let alone her LS abilities). If this faq should develop as planned, and expand to include other "back turned" stuns, then I'll get more into it. But for now, here is the basic idea: (open stance, guaranteed from second hit) - d/f+K+Free, f+K, b+P, Free, d+K (launch), b+K d+KPP. 84 damage. - d/f+K+Free, f+K, P, b+K+Free (launch), P+K, f+PPP. 91 damage. - d/f+K+Free, f+K, P, b+K+Free (launch), P+K, PPPP d+P. 93 damage. ...etc. Anyway, back to the topic of Limbo Stuns... STARTER: - PP d+K K (closed stance) "Ren-Yakuho-Sohi". - d+K+Free, K (closed stance) "Zenso-Yakuho-Sohi". - d/f+K+Free (closed stance) "Yakuho-Sohi". ADDITIONAL HITS: - P, f+P+K (LS) - PP Free, PP Free - PP Free, u/f~P - P Free, b+P Free (Christie recovers back-turned) - PP Free, PP Free, P (hi counter blow only) LAUNCHER: - d/b+PK - u+K - u/f+K - d/f d/f+P - K+Free - b+K+Free, P+K Back-turned launchers: - d+K (Christie recovers front-facing) - K+Free (Christie recovers front-facing) JUGGLE FOLLOWUP: - PPPPP - PPPP d+P - PP D+KK - f+PPP - PKK d+K - KK d+K - f+K+Free - b+KK - b+P d+K - b+K d+KP - u/b+K Back turned followups: - P+K - d+PP EXAMPLES: Normal or hi counter blow only (damage rating assumes normal hit): - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, d/b+PK (launch), b+KK [75] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, d/b+PK (launch), PP D+KK [78] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, d/b+PK (launch), PPPPP [81] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, d/b+PK (launch), KK d+K [82] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, d/b+PK (launch), PKK d+K [87] The following work in all hit states (but damage given assumes normal hit): - d/f+K+Free (LS), P Free, b+P Free, d+K (launch), b+KK [71] - d/f+K+Free (LS), P Free, b+P Free, d+K (launch), PP D+KK [74] - d/f+K+Free (LS), P Free, b+P Free, d+K (launch), PPPPP [77] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, P, b+K+Free (launch), P+K, f+PPP [89] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, P, b+K+Free (launch), P+K, PP D+KK [90] These also work in all hit states. Poor victim is forced into the LS TWICE! - d/f+K+Free (LS), P, f+P+K (LS), b+K+Free (launch), P+K, u/b+K [78] - d/f+K+Free (LS), P, f+P+K (LS), b+K+Free (launch), P+K, f+PPP [89] - d/f+K+Free (LS), P, f+P+K (LS), b+K+Free (launch), P+K, PP D+KK [90] I know the damage rating on these next combos are pretty weak, but they are very stylish because Christie can land the "qcf+KK" and the "ff+K" IN A COMBO! Normal or counter blow (damage rating assumes normal hit): - d/f+K+Free (LS), P Free, b+P Free, d+K (launch), ff+K [58] - d/f+K+Free (LS), P Free, b+P Free, d+K (launch), qcf+KK [69] Hi counter blow variation: - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, b+P Free, d+K (launch), ff+K [87] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, b+P Free, d+K (launch), qcf+KK [102] ...not damaging, but very l33t looking! It also demonstrates how much the game punishes ill-timed throws. The only real difference is a single extra jab-hit, and yet the damage skyrockets if the first hit lands on a hi counter blow. Normal or hi counter blow only (damage rating assumes normal hit): - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, b+P Free, d+K (launch), PPPPP [82] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, b+P, K+Free (launch), f+PPP [81] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, b+P, K+Free (launch), PPPP d+P [83] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP, u/f~P, b+K+Free (launch), P+K, f+PPP [91] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP, u/f~P, b+K+Free (launch), P+K, PP D+KK [92] Hi counter blow only: - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), b+KK [113] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), PPPPP [122] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, u/f+K (launch), PKK d+K [131] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, K+Free (launch), f+PPP [118] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, K+Free (launch), PP D+KK [119] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, K+Free (launch), PPPP d+P [121] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, b+K+Free (launch), P+K, u/b+K [122] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, b+K+Free (launch), P+K, f+PPP [138] - d/f+K+Free (LS), PP Free, PP Free, P, b+K+Free (launch), P+K, PP D+KK [139] ============================ 11) ~+~+~+~+~+ HELENA +~+~+~+~+~ ============================ The move that gets the LS is the first hit of her "Kasetsu-Sho" from a closed stance, which requires critical hit status. Since I call Bass's LS Combo Starter is a "Side Hook", Helena's move is described as a "Side Chop" (reverse knife-edge?). Again, like Bass, it really is just the first hit of a 2-parter, so hitting P again too soon would perform the full move, and knock down. Because of this, I'd get into the habit of hitting Free right after the hit, although it isn't that necessary, since Helena recovers fast enough from the first punch - she recovers from the hit before the victim falls down from the LS - that only a small delay is needed to continue (unlike Jann Lee's LS, where hitting Free right after is a must). But I still Free Cancel, just out of habit. She also has the third hit of her back-turned PPPP auto-combo ("Renkan- Kasetsu-Sho"), which, like Zack, requires Helena to be back turned, in opposite stance, and critical hit status. I'm not going to lie and claim that I get the LS to happen while back-turned *on purpose*, but I sometimes I like to perform the PPP when back-turned and hope for the best. Sometimes I get the LS, sometimes I don't. But remember, having it *hit* even from the wrong stance, is still a good thing. (Of course, the opponent launching me from behind or performing a hold is a bad thing, but that goes without saying). It has very good execution, and quick recovery (provided you Free-cancel, since complete move allows for long delay between the two hits). Together with it's deceptive range (well beyond side-kick range), make this a pretty good poking tool, in itself. Very good move, (relatively) safe to toss out, since it's pretty hard to catch on reaction. "Slick Surface" considerations: Like Bass and Jann Lee, Helena requires the "Side Chop" to hit with critical hit status. Fighting on ice, water, or snow, and hitting with the starter will still result in the LS, even if it lands as a normal hit. It's one of Helena's best moves, and it is even more dangerous on a slick surface. STARTER: - f+P Free (closed hit, critical hit) - PPP Free (back-turned, opposite stance, critical hit) ADDITIONAL HITS: - P - u/f~P - u/b+P - d/f+P LAUNCHER: - u+K (Helena recovers in Bokuho stance) - u/b+K (Helena recovers back-turned) - P+K - d+KK - ff+P - u/f+K - f+K Free ...too many to list FOLLOWUPS: - ff+PKP - PPK - b+KK - b+PPP - f+KPP - f+PP, d+K - f+KP, d+K - f+KK - P+K P, d+K - PPP - ff+PKP Bokuho stance follow-ups: - PPK - b+PKK - b+PKP, d+K Back turned follow-ups: - f+KK - PP b+PPP - f+KP - PPPP, d+K EXAMPLES: Assuming Counter blow: - f+P Free (LS), d/f+P, d+KK (launch), P+K P [85] - f+P Free (LS), d/f+P, d+KK (launch), b+PPP [88] - f+P Free (LS), d/f+P, d+KK (launch), ff+KPP [90] - f+P Free (LS), d/f+P, d+KK (launch), f+PP, d+K [80+12] - f+P Free (LS), d/f+P, d+KK (launch), D/F+PP, d+K [82+12] - f+P Free (LS), d/f+P, d+KK (launch), f+KP, d+K [83+12] Using P+K as the launcher: - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), PPP [80] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), f+KK [80] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), b+KK [80] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), u/f+PK [81] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), PPK [83] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), b+PPP [87] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), ff+KPP [89] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), f+PP, d+K [79+12] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), ff+PKP [91] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), f+KP, d+K [82+12] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, P+K (launch), P+K P, d+K [84+12] "Bokuho Stance LS Combos": - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, u+K (launch), PPK [81] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, u+K (launch), b+PKK [86] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, u+K (launch), b+PKP, d+K [88+12] "Back-turned LS Combos": - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, u/b+K (launch), f+KK [83] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, u/b+K (launch), PP b+PPP [96] - f+P Free (LS), u/f~P, P, u/b+K (launch), f+KP, d+K [85+12] Hi counter blow only: - f+P Free (LS), P, d/f+P, P, P+K (launch}, ff+KPP [114] - f+P Free (LS), P, d/f+P, P, P+K (launch), ff+PKP [116] - f+P Free (LS), P, d/f+P, P, d+KK (launch), b+PPP [118] - f+P Free (LS), P, d/f+P, P, d+KK (launch), ff+KPP [121] - f+P Free (LS), P, d/f+P, P, d+KK (launch), f+PP, d+K [109+12] - f+P Free (LS), P, d/f+P, P, d+KK (launch), D/F+PP, d+K [111+12] - f+P Free (LS), P, d/f+P, P, d+KK (launch), f+KP, d+K 112+12] ============================== 12) ~+~+~+~+~+ JANN LEE +~+~+~+~+~ ============================== To use his LS, you have to get used to the idea of "Free-cancels", otherwise following up is impossible. Fortunately, he's easy to practice getting "into the habit" of hitting Free right after the "Shin Knee Kick" move ("SKK"). Getting 100pts of damage with Jann Lee's LS combos should be easy, because of Jann Lee's wall damage ability. Unfortunately, Jann Lee possesses possibly the weakest LS ability (Brad's doesn't even count, IMO). It's both weak in range (within side-kick range), as well as exectution and recovery time, when compared to the others. "Slick Surface" considerations: Like Bass, Jann Lee requires a critical hit to get the LS. Likewise, fighting on a water or ice is a bonus for Jann Lee, since the SKK will get the LS even on a normal hit. What that does mean though, again, is that on a normal hit, is that less damage will be inflicted (because you didn't get the damage bonuses of getting some sort of counter blow). Overall, the trade-off is still worth it, since it just means that the LS has a greater chance of occurring, which means more guaranteed launchers for Jann Lee, which means more juggles, which means more pain for Jann Lee's opponent, especially if there are walls around. STARTER: - K+Free Free (closed stance, critical hit) ADDITIONAL HITS: - f+K, Free - d/f+P - f+P - u/f+P - d/f+P, u/f+P (hi counter blow only) LAUNCHER: - u/b+K (more power, hits high) - u/f+K (better range, hits mid, more reliable) JUGGLE FOLLOWUP: - PPPP (of course!) - PPP d+K (for heavyweights) - PP b+PP (for lightweights) - PP d+KK - f+PK - P d+PK - PP f+P - u/f+KK - f+K b+K - qcf+P - P+K - ff+P, d+K EXAMPLES: While the damage of these combos are 90+, that's 90+pts NOT INCLUDING wall damage, and we all know how easy it is to get wall damage with Jann Lee :) Assuming counter blow: - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+K (launch), PP d+KK [93] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+K (launch), u+P Free, f+PK [95] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+K (launch), PP b+PP [99] - K+Free Free (LS), u/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP b+PP [98] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+K (launch), PP f+P, u/f+KK [99] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+K (launch), PP f+P, PPP d+K [103] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+K (launch), PP f+P, PP D+KK [104] - K+Free Free (LS), u/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, PP D+KK [103] - K+Free Free (LS), u/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, f+K b+K [104] - K+Free Free (LS), u/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, P d+PK [104] Assuming counter blow (best when used in close): - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, P+K [92] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, u/f+KK [100] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, f+PK [100] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, P D+PK [103] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, f+KK [103] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, PPP d+K [104] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, PP D+KK [105] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, f+K b+K [106] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, P f+PK [106] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, P d+PK [106] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, PP b+PP [119] Hi counter blow only: - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, P+K [121] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, u/f+KK [130] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, PP D+KK [136] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, f+K b+K [137] - K+Free Free (LS), d/f+P, u/f+P, u/b+K (launch), PP f+P, P d+PK [137] ========================== 13) ~+~+~+~+~+ ZACK +~+~+~+~+~ ========================== STARTER: Zack has 6(!) different ways to get the LS: - PPPK (open stance, normal or hi counter blow) "Mobius Rush" - d+KPPK (closed stance, normal or hi counter blow) "Mobius Rush alternate" - PP B+K (open stance, critical hit) "Fake Spinning Heel" - d+KP B+K (closed stance, critical hit) "Fake Spinning Heel Kick alternate" - qcf+PK (open stance, normal hit or hi counter blow) "Spinning Heel Kick" (SHK) - b+K (opposite stance, back-turned, critical hit) Zack has 6 different ways to perform the "spinning heel kick" ("SHK"), which gets you the LS in a variety of different situations - including ALL front-facing situations. He actually has the PPKKKKK move (closed stance, normal or hi counter blow) that also gets the LS, but it really isn't a good combo starter (obviously), and Zack can't really follow-up anyway. So I didn't include it (although if your opponent is poor enough to actually eat all the hits, a tag partner could probably follow up). Now, while Zack may have more ways to get the LS than the other characters (even with his back-turned!), the front-facing starters come from combos - and therefore are NOT guaranteed on the first hit like the others, since the LS doesn't come right away. And, I don't have to tell you that the back-turned one doesn't come that often - while this is a valuable weapon, this in no way makes Zack as dangerous as Ayane when his back is turned. He's not even as good as Helena or any of the ninjas with his back-turned. On the plus side, some of the front-facing starters are fairly quick (the qcf+PK is an extremely quick 2-hitter), so even if they're not "guaranteed after the first hit", they are still very much workable. They also give many options in terms of incorporating delays into Zack's strike patterns. As for what I mean by "opposite stance, back-turned"? Zack must have HIS back to the opponent for one thing. Opposite stance means that Zack's "front foot" (say, his left) is different than that of his opponent's (which would be the right foot). I honestly don't do this on purpose, it just gives a valid option when Zack's back is turned, in addition to d/b+K, P+K, dashing/crouch- dashing away, etc. It's not like Zack has many back-turned options, anyway. "Slick Surface" considerations: Moves affected by ice and water include most the moves that hit low, which means his "Mobius Rush alternate" seems to always knock down. The reason being, is that on a slick surface, low hits to the legs give the victim a lower "stun damage threshold" - meaning the victim needs less stun damage before being knocked down. You notice that IF the first d+K misses but the third and fourth hit connect, that the victim will still get the LS. In fact, you only need the third and fourth hit to connect anyway - that is the part that contains the SHK. What is actually happening is, on a critical hit (which includes "slick surfaces" normal hits, as well as "stunned" victims), having the low hit connect gives a low stun damage threshold, which the next 3 hits exceed, knocking down. In addition, similar to Jann Lee, Helena, and Bass, Zack's moves that normally require a critical hit (the "Fake Spinning Heel" moves) to force the victim into the LS, are easier to use on slick surfaces, for they allow the LS to occur on normal hits as well. Mobius Rush & Fake Spinning Heel "alternates": Because Zack has the ability to substitute a "leading jab" (any combo starting with a simple P) with a "Leading Low Kick" "d+K" instead, Zack has 2 versions of these moves. Other than the fact that one starts with a low-kick, and the other with a high-punch (to mix up your leading hits), the "d+K" works from a closed stance, while the "P" version works from an open stance. Spinning Heel Kick: Other than the real SHK, the "fake" versions are quite nice - the delay in the final kick is often enough to elicit a counter-hit, for both its well-timed delay and its decent priority. The delay is even enough to bypass mid-holds - an opponent performing the mid-hold too early after the "double jab" will STILL get hit - requiring the opponent to delay his hold attempt. Just don't use these moves to "extend" stuns (i.e. the opponent is already in a critical hit stun). That way, you can be sure that the double-jab is guaranteed. Using this move properly will FORCE you opponent to start performing delayed mid-holds (because getting into an LS is NOT nice). So using the universal tactic of "jab jab throw") to get high-counter throws becomes TOO EASY with Zack, once he's been sucessful with the Fake SHK. I know this type of info belongs more in a Zack character guide (forthcoming BTW!), but the usefulness of these moves become more obvious when you consider overall play, instead of just considering these moves in isolation. While Zack CANNOT get the LS from a single hit, the variety of situations that Zack CAN get the LS (pretty much EVERY SITUATION), MORE THAN MAKE UP for this. All it takes is a little CONDITIONING on your part of your opponent. The important thing to remember though, is that Zack can get the LS FROM BOTH STANCES and from BOTH HIT SITUATIONS (normal or critical hit). That's pretty much ALL situations, save for those with Zack's back turned (and he even CAN with his back-turned if the conditions are right!). Considering that some characters DON'T EVEN HAVE "LS ability" AT ALL, Zack can consider himself is blessed! LAUNCHER: - d/f d/f+K (his best all-round launcher, you may want to get used to hitting "Free" right after, if the next hit is a kick, and you want to avoid performing the full bicycle kick move.) - ff+K (much better damage, only a little less height) JUGGLE FOLLOWUP: - d/f d/f+KK - u/b+KK - PPPK - PP D+KKKKK - PP f+KK - PP u+K, d+K - f+P+K - PKK, Free, d+K - d/f d/f+PP - qcf+PK - f+K, f+PP, d+K EXAMPLES: (Closed stance, normal or hi counter blow. Damage rating assumes normal): - d+KPPK (LS), ff+K (launch), b+PP, d+K [82+10] - d+KPPK (LS), ff+K (launch), PPPK [93] - d+KPPK (LS), ff+K (launch), u/b+KK [93] - d+KPPK (LS), ff+K (launch), f+K, f+PP, d+K [92+10] - d+KPPK (LS), ff+K (launch), u/f+K, f+KK, d+K [93+10] (Open stance, normal or hi counter blow. Damage rating assumes normal): - qcf+PK (LS) ff+K (launch), PP D+KKKKK [89] - qcf+PK (LS) ff+K (launch), PP u+K, d+K [84+10] - qcf+PK (LS), d/f d/f+K (launch), PP f+KK [89] (open stance, critical hit. Damage rating assumes counter blow): - PP B+K (LS), ff+K (launch), PKK, Free, d+K [87+10] ========================================== 14) ~+~+~+~+~+ GAME ENGINE OVERVIEW +~+~+~+~+~ ========================================== "STRIKE" GAME ENGINE RULES: - STRIKES BEAT THROWS. Doing so is a "hi counter blow" and rewards you by adjusting damage of blow by 150% (40pts becomes 60pts of damage). Each subsequent ground hit is adjusted by 60%, each juggle hit is adjusted by 75% - Striking a STRIKING opponent in their strike animation is a "counter blow" and rewards you by adjusting damage of blow by 125% (40pts becomes 50pts of damage). Each subsequent ground hit is adjusted by 50%, each juggle hit is adjusted by 62% - Forcing an opponent into a "critical hit" state rewards you by forcing the victim into a stun - a state where they can only perform holds. Each subsequent ground and juggle hits are adjusted by 50%. This adjustment comes from forcing the victim into a critical hit state through a NORMAL hit(refer to the preceding rules regarding counter blow adjustments). These include: striking victim on a "slick" surface, striking a crouching opponent with a mid-level hit, or through a move that gives a critical hit as part of its property. The *initial* hit may be adjusted by 125%, depending on the circumstances. These include: hitting a back-turned opponent, and striking a crouching opponent with a mid-level hit. - Striking a CROUCHING opponent with a mid-level-blow is a "critical hit" and is modified by 125% damage bonus. Additionally, these blows usually have different hit properties on crouching opponents (causing different stuns, launches, knocking down, etc.) - Striking a JUMPING opponent, before they reach the apex of the jump, is a "hi counter blow" (150% damage bonus) and adjusts subsequent juggle hits by 75% (40pts becomes 30pts damage) or ground hits by 60% damage. - "Close hit" bonus is given to certain moves, and are rewarded by a 150% damage bonus. A "close hit" on any type of counter blow (an attacking opponent, a hit from behind, etc.), however, is modified by a whopping 160% bonus! The bonus will not be rewarded if the opponent is already in a "critical hit" state when hit. - Critical Hit Stun "threshold." A "critically stunned" victim can only take a limited amount of "stun damage" before a hit (any hit) will knock down. I don't know exactly what the formula is that calculates this threshold. I will say that "hi counter blow" stun threshold is greater than a "counter blow" stun threshold (i.e., they can take more hits before being knockdown when if they got hit with a hi counter blow). Why won't Tecmo publish any game engine data? The weird thing? A "normal blow" stun threshold is more than a counter blow (!?!). So the "threshold" hierarchy flows like this: - hi counter blow > normal blow > counter blow. (from largest to smallest). - Hi-level blows can be avoided by a standing guard or crouch - Mid-level blows can be avoided by a standing guard - Low-level blows can be avoided by crouching guard or jumped-over - Back-turned characters CANNOT Guard or Hold. - All blows from behind are counter blows. - Blows in "automatic combos" can be delayed to a certain degree. - Wall damage varies (5-20pts?) depending on distance, type of wall, etc. - HOLDS BEAT STRIKES. They must be performed at the correct height (hi,mid, or low) and timing. "THROW" GAME ENGINE RULES: - THROWS BEAT HOLDS. Doing so is a "hi counter throw" and rewards you by adjusting damage of throw by 150% (40pts becomes 60pts of damage) - Throwing a THROWING opponent is a "counter throw" and rewards you by adjusting damage of throw by 125% (40pts becomes 50pts of damage) - An opponent in a "critical hit" stun CANNOT be thrown. - Standing throws can only be performed on standing opponents. - Crouching throws can only be performed on crouching opponents. - Ground throws can only be performed on grounded opponents. - Air throws can only be performed on airborne (juggled) opponents. - Throws cannot be avoided by guarding. - Only basic throws (P+Free) can be escaped, by inputting a well-timed P+Free. - Command throws (direction+P+Free) CANNOT be escaped. - "Combo throws" can be escaped after the initial throw is performed. - Wall damage varies (5-20pts?) depending on distance, type of wall, etc. - STRIKES BEAT THROWS. As always, the best time to attempt to throw is when the opponent is performing a hold. That's when you are SUPPOSED to throw (you're rewarded handsomely if you do), and that's how the game was designed. If you find the adjustment too hard to make, stop bitching and don't play this game. You just don't get it. YOU CAN'T THROW WHEN OPPONENT IS STRIKING! That's the rule, if you don't wanna play by the rules, then you don't wanna play. End Rant. - There are a "special throws" that seem to defy the "Strikes beat Throws" rule to some extent. These throws usually have a markedly different throw animation than the normal throw. - The one caveat about "special throws" is that normal throws have the better priority against them i.e. normal throws are more likely to get the counter- throw should one person perform a normal throw and the other perform a special throw. This is probably due to the lengthier start animation "special throws" have, and are probably determined by such (I sure wish I had the frame data). This is not so bad for the "special throws" however, as they usually have the better reach: if player-one's performs a normal throw and the "reaching hand" of his fighter doesn't actually touch player-two who is performing a "special throw", than player two will win, of course (this is assuming everything was done at the proper throw-height). "HOLD" GAME ENGINE RULES: - HOLDS BEAT STRIKES. And only strikes. - Performing a hold early (so that it catches the blow late) gets normal damage. - Performing a hold "close" to when the strike connects is a "counter hold" and rewards you by adjusting damage of hold by 125% (40pts becomes 50pts damage). - Performing a hold the instant the strike connects is a "hi counter hold" and rewards you by adjusting damage of hold by 150% (40pts becomes 60pts damage). - Most "critical hit" stuns can be interrupted by performing a hold. - In addition to correct timing, holds must be performed at the correct height: - High-level holds reverse high-level blows - Mid-level holds reverse mid-level blows - Low-level holds reverse low-level blows - Back-turned characters cannot Guard or Hold. - Wall damage varies (5-20pts?) depending on distance, type of wall, etc. - THROWS BEAT HOLDS. The game severely punishes ill-timed holds. Throwing an opponent performing a hold is an automatic "hi counter throw" - which are one average THE MOST DAMAGING SINGLE MOVES IN THE GAME. There should no complaints that "holds are cheap" - if you're getting counter-holds against you all the time it means you are not throwing enough, and you are most likely a button-masher and/or just suck. Stop being so predictable and start punishing hold-crazy opponents. Facing opponents who counter-hold too much IS A GOOD THING - just throw man, throw. End rant. ============================================ 15) ~+~+~+~+~+~ REVISION HISTORY AND ~+~+~+~+~+~ ~+~+~+~+~+ PLANNED FUTURE UPDATES +~+~+~+~+~ ============================================ REVISION HISTORY: Version 1.00 - March 2002 First edition. No revisions. Submitted to Gamefaqs, but was never posted on-line. V1.1 was submitted within a day or two. Version 1.10 - March 2002 - Added quite a few more combos. - Added quite a few corrections as well. I even suspect that I uploaded the wrong Zip file for version 1.0. - Added more elaboration of the conditions needed to get these to work. Especially for Zack, added some insight into situations (and obtaining those situations) which makes these moves easier to pull off in "real" play. Version 1.20 - March 2002 - Originally, I had planned to JUST add some "missing" combos for Bayman that should have been in v1.1, and then submit it as v1.12... ...and then I spent a few hours with Brad, and added many more combos for him. ...ditto with Christie. Added TONNES of combos for them. So instead, I'm simply calling this v1.2! - Also added notes on the effects of "slick surfaces" for those characters who are directly affected by them. Version 1.30 - March 2002 - So anyway, I was just getting my daily fix of DOA3, when the Helena CPU put me in the LS. "Damn!" I said. "...I hate it when she does that. Good thing (or bad thing!) that the CPU doesn't know any decent follow-ups. Oh well". - A few rounds later, it finally hit me. "Hey waitaminute... is Helena in my FAQ?" - [boots up laptop] "...DOH!" - Hence, the like, 5th revision of this FAQ in as many days. Version 1.40 - April 2002 - The Faceless Master (old DOAonline vet), who hangs out at fighters.net came to visit the GameFaq DOA3 forums (which I wish he did more often!). He reported that you can perform a hold during *all* back-turned stuns (actually, "all but one", which he didn't specify, but I assume he meant the Limbo Stun). Which was an eye-opener, because a back-turned fighter CANNOT guard or hold. After some debate, the very next time I could test with a human (about a week later), we tried to hold during *each* back- turned stun, and confirmed TFM's claim that you can indeed perform a hold on a particular stun ("falling forward on knees" stun). As it turns out, the "falling forward on knees" stun is not a back-turned stun at all! The victim recovers "front facing" should the animation be allowed to completion. What a revelation! Needless to say, I had to take all the "additional hits" that caused this particular stun out of the FAQ. Kudos for TFM for opening my eyes! - So for the most part, took out a single hit for the combos. The ones that did not cause that stun were untouched. Constructed quite a few new ones combos as well. "Fixed" a few instances where an additional hit had such recovery that allowed a victim to turn around, and THEN hold. But left some in, if I felt that they required strict timing on a specific action to "escape." This makes those combos not guaranteed, but still good enough to include, IMO. Based on difficulty of escape, if the attacker wins out, most of the time, I still left them in, even if they're technically escapable. - Revised some of the game engine rules. Specifically, stun "thresholds", as well as changes to the "counter blow" and "critical" hit damage revisions. - Added more information on "counter" blow damage adjustments, in the strike game engine "rules." - "Hi counter blow" combos added. Throwers beware! PLANNED FUTURE UPDATES: - Just add more combos! - More general strategy on landing the hits (especially on normal hits) in the first place. Not all characters have LS-hits, and not all LS-hits were created equal. Some are more useful than others (Ayane's, Zacks). Some are pretty worthless IMO (Brad's). - Turning this FAQ into a more "general" combo FAQ. First major additions will be "back-turned" combos (concentrating on throws and holds that give you the opponent's back), and then on to the basic combos, and then onto tag. ====================================== 16) ~+~+~+~+~+ Acknowledgements +~+~+~+~+~ ====================================== Thanks: - Microsoft for XBoX. Almost makes up for crappy Windows(tm). Almost. - Tecmo and Team Ninja for the DOA series - GameFAQS and Jeff "CJayC" Veasey for feeding addictions worldwide - Chris Macdonald aka "Kao Megura", for his great move notation conventions - Wind-X for creating DOAOnline. Though I was only there for about a month before it closed down (was it something I said?) it was a great site. I'm hoping he finds the time and the will to do it all again. [crosses fingers] - The "homeless" DOAOnline vets who are still enthusiastic about this game. - Kudos to "The Faceless Master" (fighters.net) for pointing out that you can perform a hold during the "falling forward on knees" stun. As it turns out, that stun ISN'T a "back-turned" stun at all! (gee...sure looks like it). This prompted the removal of all "additional hits" in the combo FAQ that caused this stun, in revision 1.40. Thanks TFM! - Myself for coming up with the term "LS". I didn't invent it or anything, and I know people have been doing this (I'm sure) since DOA2. But while naming that particular hit animation "Limbo Stun" IS pretty lame ("Limbo?" WTF is THAT? Oh that? HAHAHA!") it IS MY lame name. I claim to be the person who first coined the term. In an attempt to make it sound less stupid, I think I'll start calling it "LS" instead. Besides, it's still better than calling it "bend over backwards until falling down stun", isn't it? Just kidding. Call it what you want, it doesn't matter. But doesn't it look like they're doing the limbo for a second? Don't you think it's hella funny? :) No thanks: - The idiots who designed the XBoX controller. The button layout and the direction pad sucks. And no, its not the size. It's the layout. - The people who make the Tecmo DOA forums the stinking cesspool it is. - IGN and its "Insider" crap. I used to like the forums, but it's not like you guys are offering anything that I can't get elsewhere FOR FREE. Yes, I may just be cheap, but if other sites can do the same things you guys do for free, why can't you? Stuff like "Insider" destroys the potential for the internet to allow people to communicate on a level not possible with previous media. Stop the Commercialization of the Internet! 2-way communication that has the potential to transcend space, borders, race, gender, language, and class! End rant. - The people who prevent this game from getting the proper respect it deserves, because of their fascination with CG girls with virtual boobs. - The people who disrespect this game because its simply not game they love. No ones forcing you to play this game. Ignore it and shut up. - The people who are insecure enough to feel "threatened" by a videogame, and so have to show up at forums and flame and troll. If "your" game is so good, why are you wasting all your time in forums of other games just to piss the people who like those games off? Shouldn't you be playing your so- called "awesome" game? Get a life. - The people who steal info from this document and pass it off like their own. That's just lame man, lame. But we both know the truth, don't we? Loser. Contact Info: Email: ardemesa@hotmail.com Forums: Can be found lurking in the gamefaq, and Tecmo forums as "Raigaa" If you found anything in this guide to be helpful, write me. If you disagree with anything in this guide, write me. It's all good. Just be sure to add "DOA" somewhere in the subject heading - with the amount of junkmail hotmail sends, my automatic reaction to seeing an e-mail from someone I don't know is to delete AND block it. Any suggestions, tips, constructive criticisms, and compliments, are welcome. Any e-mails I don't like (hate-mail, junk-mail, etc.) I just block. Any flames found in forums I simply ignore. So go ahead. Waste your time. I'll not waste mine by responding. Loser. Have a nice day! Copyright 2002 A.R.deMesa