Can't get more than 2-3 hits

[xylent]

I'm new to fighting games, Ive tried playing with keyboard and 360 gamepad but I can't seem to link/string combos together and get more than 2-3 hits.

Usually after pulling one off the next attack I do seems to reset the hit count.

What am I not doing to keep the hit counter going up?

[MsMiharo]

Look up "[character name] combo tutorial" on youtube.

[xylent]

I did. It's just I can't really figure out how to combine normal attacks with combos with special attacks etc.

Am I supposed to hit the the first key of the 2nd move as if it was part of the previous one? ie. Like Batman's grapple combo in the tutorial where the two moves are (Light,Light,Medium) and (Down, Towards+Light) when combined is [ (Light, Light, Medium, Down) (Towards+Light) ].

On a side note what is the difference between moves shown with a comma, space, and plus?

[MsMiharo]

Plus is at the same time. Comma is after each other. Timing is hard, some tutorials show when to do things but generally you have to do them pre-emptivly. Like GL:s 2,2,3,1 to lift is done by doing the lift during the combo, usually at 3.

[MsMiharo]

And basicly do a lot of practice mode.

[xylent]

So really I have to hit the first key in the second combo as if it was part of the previous one?

[Gongfuren]

Combo notation:
1 = light attack (X button)
2 = medium attack (Y button)
3 = heavy attack (A button)
4 = character power (B button)
MB = meter burn (Right trigger)
u/d/b/f = up/down/back/forward
ji = jump in (aka, jump forward)
nj = neutral jump (aka, jump straight upward)
xx = cancel or buffer (input the command during the previous action)

Also, in the controls preset, remember to turn off "Release Check" as it can mess with your inputs.

You can cancel into a special move or character power from most combo strings and basic attacks. For example, if you are playing Batman, you can do 223 xx db1 or 223 xx 4 by pressing the db1 or 4 during the animation of the 3 from the 223. So, you would press 223 quickly, then when you see the animation of the last hit, quickly press db1 before the animation ends.

You cannot buffer a combo string from another combo string. For example, you cannot do 123 xx 112. You need to time the second combo string to hit the enemy when they are in range. This 123 Batman string launches the enemy into the air, so you would need to wait until they fall low enough for your 112 string to connect before pressing the buttons. Note that you may need to walk a little forward to land the 112, since 123 sometimes moves the enemy forward a bit.

You'll get the hang of it after some time in the training mode. Just keep practicing.

[xylent]

I see. These cancel/buffer commands would be listed under the bounce cancel area right?

[Gongfuren]

Originally posted by xylent:

I see. These cancel/buffer commands would be listed under the bounce cancel area right?

If you look in the move list, you will usually see four categories: basic attacks, combo attacks, special moves, and character power. Most of the things listed under basic attacks and combo attacks are able to be cancelled into things in the other two categories (special moves and character power).

Of course, there are exceptions. The bounce cancel is listed under combo attacks, but it cannot be cancelled into special moves (you can't cancel ff mb to do Batman's bf2). In this way, it behaves more as a special move than as a combo attack, since you can cancel other attack strings or basic attacks into it (try 223 xx ff MB to see it in action). Similarly, you cannot cancel into anything (aside from dashing) from f3 or b3 in the basic attack category (you can't do Batman's 112 xx f3, it must be bounce cancelled instead by 112 xx ff MB).

Some people (myself included) refer to the sequences of attacks listed in the combo attack category as attack strings, so as to not confuse them with actual combos. Anyway, there are also some attack strings that cannot be cancelled into a special attack or a bounce cancel. Batman's 123 is an example (you can't do Batman's 123 xx ff MB).

You'll have to spend time in training mode to discover what can and what cannot be cancelled. Then, you can work on putting the moves together to form a combo. For example, with Batman, you can do 223 xx db1 MB, ji3, b23 for a quick 35% damage combo.

[notPanda]

www.TestYourMight.com

[xylent]

Okay I think I get it now. I would have to be able to put in the commands before the last animation happens. Thanks for the tips. First things first is probably try all the characters and pick the one I like.

[Katerona]

I found Nighthawk was easiest for larger combos.