Shun's strengths and weaknesses?

What are Shun's strengths and weaknesses? Also, is he supposed to be played aggressively or defensively.

 

He's supposed to be played smart, you can't play aggresive at th beginning because your not drunk so you can't play at full potential, you can't play defensive because then you will never get to drink. The thing with Shun is he almost difficult to use when he's sobered up. You need to obviously drink up but your opponent will always try and stop you, so what you should do is do some "hit and run": dash in attack low-mid, dash back and drink as much as you can. Here are somethings i would suggest to do right at the beginning of the match: At the beggining of the match when your sobered...

/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif: It will "butt" stagger your opponent afterwards do a down punch to make them stand again and do a buffered /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d_.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif. It causes a gut collapse and follow with this combo: /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/db.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif OR /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/db.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif. By then you've taken almost half of their life away. They'll have to cowar back and take this moment to drink up. Also do this to your advantage:
/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif. After the second hit connects they already know to expect a kick, so they block... but instead of of the kick you deliver a grab and drink up 4. I personally don't think that Shun has any weaknesses, just depends on your skill and quick thinking of the character, that said... The character is only as good as the player.

 

My basic advise is to use /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/db.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif and /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif to keep your opponent to midrange while increasing drink points. Just tank up as much as you need to get them to come after you and pick them off with /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif combos or his sabaki from skk /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif . If they are standing there doing nothing, run up and throw with /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif or /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif. Use /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif to poke (after 8 drinks use /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif) and /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif if you think they are going to /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif. This should get you started. IMO shuns weakest range is point blank against the opponent since he doesnt have a 14 frame elbow class move.

 

Shun strength's easily outweigh his weaknesses. However, you will have to work for it, and also, the outcome of the match heavily rely on your opponents skill level as well. For example, if your opponent is adept in escaping throws (eg his /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif throw), then a big part of Shun's drinking options are cut off.

He is very strong in that he is deceptively agile in terms of movement (who would expect that from an old drunkard, eh? /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif ), and has a whole arsenal of moves (more unlocked as he drinks more) that can deal with almost any situations:

- Safe and fast launcher in the form of /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif
- Anti sabaki in form of /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/u.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif
- High and low full circulars to beat ETEG /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif and /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif
- High priority dodges /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/ub.gif or /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/db.gif or /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif
- Bait tactics; just drink in front of them!

When he drinks, he not only gains new moves, but his damage output increases (roughly 1% for each drink). The maximum drink limit is 40. If you manage to get a drink count of past 30, then there really isn't any reason why you should lose the match. Although typically (in best out of 5 matches), realistically speaking you can expect to obtain only 15~25 drinks.

In VF5, he gained a new stance (Sou Koku Kyuu), and along with it a very strong 'Rainbow' sabaki. However, I have not experimented enough with it yet to comment on it.

As mentioned by others before, one of his weaknesses is how limited his options are sans-drinks, since he doesn't have access to his more useful moves (eg /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif + /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif sabaki). Therefore, aim to drink at any opportunity. However if your opponent knows this, they will use this opportunity to punish you when you get careless. Shun is also lacking in the throws department; if your opponent can escape Neutral, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif and /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif throw directions on a consistent basis, then you will have to work just that much harder.

If you are new to Virtua Fighter, I recommend taking a glance at some of the past documents and old forum threads that were written for VF4 Shun. Bear in mind that while some moves have been changed or added since then, you may still find it an interesting read:
http://virtuafighter.com/vf4/shun/
http://virtuafighter.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/postlist/Board/28

 

/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d_.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif is no longer safe on block right? Always seem to be getting thrown after performing the move. Dunno if it is just me or it's now throw punishable.

 

-8 on block. you can attack or eteg to beat the throw.

 

On topic of trying to get drinks right away, one good strategy is this:

Start with a back crouch dash and enter /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif. It's highly safe and sometimes you will even get the hit. If your oponent backed away at the start you will now have great distance. Right after your move enter /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif then roll even further away with /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif. At that point start doing /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif. You will be so far away that you can usually take at least a few drinks before your oponent starts advancing toward you. When they finally do get close just enter /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif during one of your offensive drinking.

Two great things come of this sequence. 1) If your oponent gets hit by the initial back crouch dash /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif and if it staggers them you can usually run right up for a /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif throw for more drinks. 2) When you enter the latter part of the sequence, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif, if this hits it's huge damage. Follow it up with some more offensive drinking or a pounce. FYI if you get a major counter /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif followed by a pounce it's close to half damage. Shun's pounce also reaches the furthest of any character. I think they enhanced this is VF5. It's quite funny actually to see it go that far. Try it sometime! No one expects it from super far away.

I guess since I'm talking strategy (and giving away my secrets) I might as well talk about a few more. Albeit Shu is a much better player, but there are some things I've found that I never see him do.

One of them is the upside down kick. This is above and beyond the best rising kick destroyer in the game!! It's practically fool proof since it has multiple hitting frames for simply pushing /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif once. The best thing about it is, even high ranks, will try both high and low rising attacks before giving up. Once you've hit someone a couple times with it let them stand up and do the upside down leg throw for huge damage. If you know they might be expecting the throw either enter /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif or the /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif roll only to be followed up by more attacks.

Back to drinking, if you get the offensive drinking to hit and your oponent quick rolls follow it up with another one. You don't even have to wait for the quick roll which makes it nice. Just do another one right away and the timing is perfect for the first hit.

For anyone trying to learn Shun better, you may or may not know, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/u.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif is a low attack destroyer. Almost always attacks will pass right through you. Of course follow it up with /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif. Be careful though, you often will get hit while taking the automatic drink, but it's still a good sacrifice.

This is getting a little long so I'll end for now with one last thing. Shun's sway moves are highly effective, whether you just want to evade or evade and attack. With the /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/ub.gif or /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/db.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif if you use the one hand slap, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif, it can often be followed up with a throw, or /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif and then a throw. Even better, and this is new for Shun in VF5, if the /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/ub.gif or /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/db.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif is a major counter you can follow it up with /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif. Even if it is not a major counter you should consider this one of Shun's staple moves, but use it wisely. A good time to use the sway is after a quick roll.

Hope this helps!

 

Outside of moves, one of his biggest strengths is his size and evasive moves. He's a pain for certain characters to fight, especially those who lack good mids and lows. He also requires specific juggles that most others don't, making it tougher to get maximum damage against him off of launchers by others.

 

Dont his disadvantages change once he starts to get more DP due to increased blockstun?

 

I have never heard about that. Is it true?

 

I hereby demand that JHow writes an elaborate strategy for the wiki page

 

hi there. How to do the new animation drink right after every victory match. SHU does it so perfectly. Anyone here can teach me how to do it?

 

Man... I told you how and I even showed you at the arcade..

Next time don't ask me anything.

 

I had same problem shaggie.

Have a look at 'drinking in SOU stance' thread in previous pages. Finally got it sussed /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

 

Shun's /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif is the best interrupt move in the game. Shun crouches so low most mids will whiff even when Shun's on frame disadvantage. Its like a super all purpose sabaki move. EVerytime we play VF there's always a few WTF moments when Shun's low kick defy's the laws of VF. He's the only character where you have to dodge against when having frame adv. Don't abuse it too much but its a get out of jail free card.

 

^what he said. I've learned firsthand how annoying that kick is. (Damn you again, FallingEdge!)

 

great thread with some great posts guys. im sure ill be coming back to it lots of times to get all of the info here crammed into my head.

ive been an avid Shun player since 3. he's always my main character. he's just so fun to play. (not that im good in any way)

i just got the 360 version and a crappy Hori stick not too long ago, and im happy to see there are still bunch of people playing online.

samtheseed's avatar reminds me of how great a bunch of Shun's moves are that have been lifted from those old Drunken Master movies. some really creative and funny stuff there.