Akira strategy - what are the main things?

Hi there, I'm relatively new to VF. I first started playing VF properly when VF 3TB came out on the Dreamcast. Then, though, I mained Shun since I really liked his mixup game. Then I got VF5 a couple years ago and chose to main Akira. Typically, I looked like an idiot when I first started using him against a friend of mine who stuck with the fast fighters (Jacky, Lau and Pai) since I felt quite limited using Akira. So what are the main moves to use with Akira? I know the dashing elbow is good so I try to mix that up in between moves but generally, how do I keep applying pressure as many FAQs seem to state thats how Akira is used.

A few nights ago, I started mixing in standing P and crouching P between moves (e.g.: dashing elbow, P, (b, f+PK), crouch P, f+P, P etc.) which worked well for a while but then my friend started striking at the same time I go for the P and whats really frustrating is that his punches were faster than my standing P or crouching P so I felt completely lost. I reverted to using reversals but its not a reliable tactic since he can mix up his game (e.g.: crouching P against a high reversal / standing P against a low reversal) so how do I beat Pai's or Lau's standing punches? All other moves seem too slow to beat them so I'm at a complete loss.

 

++ deflects low and high punches plus it's a safe attack even if they block (no hits or throws are guaranteed against you). There is a followup to it which is (++,), so if you confirm the deflection by listening for a sound the followup will hit. It's slightly delayable but don't spam the attack as it is hit/throw counterable on block.

Another way to beat high punches and low punches is his ++. There's a followup which is which you can only do if you are successful in deflecting the attack.

 

You're likely not using the System. Look at each exchange as if you're taking turns with your opponent. If you attack and hit, it's your turn to attack again (or throw). If you get blocked, it's your turn to defend against attacks or throws. If you just got blocked, your punch won't beat anyone else's punch because you're at disadvantage.

Read the System for more information.

 

Use the system, Luke!

 

+ is a pretty good move for cats who like to abuse the standing stuff. It will give counter hit and you can follow up with +. Or ++ (in certain stances for some I believe) if you wanna get flashy.

And yes, the advantage, disadvantage system is essential to know also. But remember, these things in the system only work when done immediately after blocking or hitting. There can be no delays for this to fully work if you're trying to beat your opponents next attack. Also, sometimes going against the system can be usefull too.

 

I don't think I can go against the system. The system just is. It allows for re-taking my turn to attack with a reversal or sabaki. It allows for abare. It allows for delayed attacks. It doesn't mean "locked into immediate-response textbook play".

Going on about what moves avoid highs, etc., when there is no understanding of when they're designed to be executed is not a productive use of time.

 

Gotcha Plague, thanks for that. Maybe I misunderstand exactly what the system is (cause I didn't really dive into it tbh lol).

I mean like in situations where you're at a disadvantage like after a SDE gets blocked (or the Single Palm to Elbow move) and one would normally try to eteg or fuzzy after. And knowing any attack you throw out would get beat, but you guess they may go for a throw, so you go for a non clash move that would lose to an attack, but beat a throw. Or go for another elbow assuming they won't react quick enough and with a slower move to maybe earn you a counter hit. Or assuming they may try going for a delayed move. Thus would be shaving off some/the advantage they had by delaying their attack and earning yourself a hit, or counter hit.

 

Thanks for all the advice guys, I had a read through Part I of the system but I have to say, it'll take me a while to learn all of it as it seems quite detailed.

 

Knowing when you should go against the system is advanced stuff.

Knowing when you are in advantage or disadvantage is very advantageous. I know its hard to remember, but its not that bad. Just remember the moves after which you are in advantage if opponent blocks them (theres only 6 for Akira)


++ (second hit)

++ (if opponent blocks, combos)
++ (if opponent blocks, combos)
Thats it. After any other attacks which are blocked, you are in disadvantage so try to attack slightly less (read: block). (edit edit: fullcharge + omitted)

Learn to do -> without delays
If opponent starts attacking predictably, switch to sidestep -> -> combo.

 

I agree with Marlyjay on this one. That was a very well written explanation Myke and, deserves to be somewhere new players will see easily.

The wiki was very daunting when I first approached it. You basically summarized the system in an easily digestible manner.

 

I may not be the most battle hardened veteran here (or at all a veteran), but I have some tips on learning how use anyone against any character.

You mentioned before that your friend uses fast characters such as Jacky and Pai. Go to training mode and pick one of those characters. Go through all the moves of the move list and ask your self these questions.

1. Where is this move best used?

2. What mixups are to be avoided?

3. How can you counter this?

I go through these questions for every move I seem to not be able to understand. Here is a basic example for Pai.

When Pai does ppp there are 3 options iirc. She can do low sweep, the back flip and the full circular kick(?)

and then I apply the questions

1. When opponent is in regular stance and blocking

2. She can do low sweep, the back flip and the full circular kick(?)

3. For backflip, keep blocking as it is a safe move and fairly quick

For Low sweep, learn to be able to react to it and block low. This puts her at huge disadvantage and you can easily

for the circular kick, block it because it has a good amount of disadvantage so you can answer with something quick like and elbow.

That is pretty much how I train. There are also more 3D aspects to doing this such as evading.

Hope this helps!

 

lol is it really? Man im bad at this advice thing lol.

 

I'm still starting out in VF, but I can tell this is extremely valuable information in a more bite-sized form than the Wiki. Thanks.