How exactly do you alpha counter?

[KillerKrieg]

I have read the basics of alpha countering but there are things I don't understand. One wiki says you have to hit the same power punch/kick. Is it punch OR kick or both? And do they mean the same power level of punch and kick, or same power level attack as your opponent?

Another wiki says "characters use both buttons, with one corresponding to high and one corresponding to low." What does that mean? What corresponds to high or low?

[fuller556]

It partially depends on WHICH Alpha game you are playing.

Original Street Fighter Alpha: Each fighter has one Alpha Counter. As you block an attack, press Back, Down-Back, Down+Punch or Kick. Some characters use Kick, others use Punch, so either experiment or look up a guide for your fighter's specific Alpha Counter.

Street Fighter Alpha 2: Each fighter has two Alpha Counters, one executed by a Punch, the other with a Kick. Example: Ken's Punch Alpha Counter is a non-flaming Fierce Shouryuu-Ken; the Kick Alpha Counter is a clone of his standing Roundhouse Kick. The command is exactly the same: Back, Down-Back, Down+Punch or Kick for the Alpha Counter you want to use.

Street Fighter Alpha 3: The command is completely changed here, and the Alpha Counter your fighter executes apparently depends upon your -Ism. After blocking an attack, press Forward on your controller along with a Punch and Kick of the same strength. Alpha Counters cannot be used when playing in X-Ism style.

In all games, you need at least Level 1 in the Super Combo Meter to use an Alpha Counter; in the third game, you will also lose a chunk of your Guard Meter for using one. Hopefully, this will help.

[KillerKrieg]

Thank you for going into more depth than the wiki's bothered to.

[fuller556]

You're welcome!!