From: Dion Adrian Madrilejo Newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade Subject: [TK3] Xiaoyu Strat. FAQ ver. 4.0 Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 12:39:08 -0400 Ling Xiaoyu Strategy FAQ ver. 4.0 Copyright 1997 Dion A. Madrilejo Any unauthorized use of this FAQ in a print or electronic publication without express written consent will be prosecuted (Or at least flamed liberally.) --------------------- History --------------------- v0.5 First publication of this FAQ v1.0 Lots of text redone First vs. guides added Table of contents added v2.0 Pulled stuff about hopping out of the AoP out of the FAQ Follow-ups to AoP->breakdance sweeps/scissor kicks Added Questions section Little tidbit about facing Eddys added Credits added FAQ locations added v2.5 More anti-Eddy stuff added Dodging section added v4.0 More stuff added to the Dodging section Costume descriptions added Rewrote the vs. section to be less wordy Added a lot more characters to the vs. section ------------------ Key ------------------ The move notation in most (if not all) TK FAQs is like this u/b u u/f 1 2 b N f d/b d d/f 3 4 1=left punch 2=right punch 3=left kick 4=right kick lowercase letter = tap (i.e. f for tap forward) UPPERCASE letter = hold (i.e. F for hold forward) x+y = press x and y simultaneously x,y = do x then y x~y = do x then quickly do y (usually refers to button taps. The buttons should be pressed about as quickly as if you were drumming your fingers on them.) ------------------ Table of Contents ------------------ *Why? -Reasons why to play Ling *Where? -Where you can find this FAQ *General Tips -Core Xiao moves -Storming Flower -Art of Phoenix -Turned-away Vert. Hook Kick -Dodging *Vs. Guides -Eddy -Paul -Jin -Lei *Miscellany *Things to do --------------------- Why? --------------------- This FAQ exists because no one at the time had yet to create a suitable playing guide for our gal Ling ;) In case you get into any arguments over who to play in TK3 here's some ammo as to why Ling's the way to go: -She's cute (Well; during the actual match anyway): I personally don't like her portrait but at least she looks good during the fight. -Best win pose: How can you beat a girl doing a handstand splits? -She can taunt: 1+3+4, 2+3+4 or counterhitting with the Storming Flower. -She's a University of Michigan fan: Her 2P outfit shows that she, like Shun Di in VF2 and 3, is a Univ. of Mich. fan. --------------------- Where? --------------------- Here are the places that legally carry this FAQ: (If you find a place that carries this FAQ ...WITHOUT... proper credit being given; please let me know and if you're carrying this FAQ without notifying me, read the copyright notice at the beginning.) Tekken 3 Professional Players http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~mxavier/TEKKEN3/TK3.HTM Tekken Information Center http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/7811/ Dion's World http://www-personal.umich.edu/~dmad -------------------- General tips -------------------- When playing Ling there are three things you really need to have down to dominate with her: -The Storming Flower -The Art of Phoenix -Her Turned-Away Vert. Hook Kick == The Storming Flower (d/b+1) == The power and usefulness of this move is nearly as amazing as Paul's Death Fist. It's fast, counterhits virtually anything and when it counterhits it smacks 'em so far away you can usually get a running shoulder charge in much like Paul. Also since it's only a tap really you can react a lot better with it as opposed to a Death Fist. USE- Former Paul players are pretty much ready to go so they can jump to the CAVEATS part. For the rest of you...you've probably seen Paul players death fisting like madmen. The good ones will counterhit death fist -> shoulder charge with perfection and sometimes finish a round in under 10 ticks. The trick is to, well, understand your enemy. You need to have a feel for which moves take long to execute and/or retract. When they throw a slow move; smack 'em with the SF. As for which moves you should SF, that's something you can only get down with practice. Of course the fact that the SF has some pretty insane priority doesn't hurt either (I hit people out of charges and Hwoarang out of many of his kicks all the time.) I'm not sure about this bit but I think she ducks a bit when she dashes in to SF and thus some high attacks will wiff and thus allow you to counterhit more effectively. CAVEATS- Do NOT go nuts with this move like many a Paul. You cannot use this move with wild abandon because 1) it has a short reach and 2) it has horrible recovery time. You MUST know the range of this move to make it deadly for them. If you wiff (which will happen, especially when ppl will charge in and stop just outside of the SF range) you will eat it...HARD. If you want to SF with maximum safety go for the Hydrangea->SF canned combo (u+1+2,2,1) Although it's fairly hard to hit with all the hits and the actual SF rarely hits at all. == The Art of Phoenix (d+1+2) == The sheer usefulness of this stance is just that side of amazing. It's nigh invulnerable since just about everything wiffs above her head (Except for sweeps) and you can retaliate in ANY situation with relative safety. There's also the mentality that people have that funky stance = vulnerable so they tend to do stupid things which you can capitalize on. USE- There are many things you can do from the AoP but you'll probably go for the following: 1+2 Double forearm bash: Decent damage and it juggles. Go for this when they wiff a heavy attack over your head like Paul's death fist. 3 ankle kick: Good for poking and stuffing fast rushers like Law and you don't come out of the AoP after execution. u/f+4,4 scissor kicks: Comes out fairly quick and good against people who try to smack you out of the AoP with a low attack. d/f+4,4 breakdance sweeps: If they wiff high but it's not a heavy attack do the sweeps since they come out fast. 4~3 ground scissor sweep: Good reactionary move since it executes even quicker than the breakdance sweeps although you really can't follow it up except with the prone ankle kick. u/f+3 and u+3,3 pop-up kick and pop-up side kicks: Great surprise value and you land on your feet after execution. I have yet to get the second side kick to connect although it does keep people from rushing in if you wiff the first kick. The straight pop-kick has a lot of lag if you wiff it so make sure of your range before execution. 1+3 or 2+4 throw: It's the fact that you can dodge safely and throw that makes the AoP so sickening to your opponents. Basically you knock them away, AoP, and when they come in, wait for them to do just about ANY move and you roll out of the way and throw them. However good players and those who you've played a lot against will realize that you are going to throw and will go for the break (and sometimes get it.) When they start doing this, mix it up by holding down right after the button press to just simply roll out of the way without the throw. Also remember that any attack coming from a low position (Including the AoP) can go straight into the TA uppercut->VHK (2,4) A fairly impressive string of hits since it looks like you're just dismantling your opponent. You can also tack on the 2,1 turned away punches before the VHK. HOWEVER, there is some pretty ugly lag between the TA uppercut and anything following it, therefore...an aware opponent will see the oppourtunity and kick you in the back or something more hideous. CAVEATS- Do not hang out in the AoP for long periods of time at close range since people will only stupidly try to hit you high for a short period of time. Pauls will sweep or tile splitter, Leis will rave spin, Nina's will double-palm, etc, etc. == The Vertical Hook Kick (Turned Away 4) == Right behind the SF; her VHK is almost like Jun's f+2 uppercut in TK2. When not working on slapping people silly with the SF, work on getting to the VHK and following it up. USE- Basically you need to get your back to your opponent to use this. You can do this via Butter the bread (d/f+1),the turning slap (u+1), or just by turning around (b+3+4) but the usual way to turn is via the Raccoon Swing (f,f+3) although abusing the Raccoon Swing->VHK can get you swept so mix it up with the other ways to turn around. When you do land this move (which will hopefully and happily happen often) you can follow up with an SF (Hard to time but capable of 45%+ damage with the raccoon swing start) or use these followups: 1,2,SF 1,u+1,f,F+3+4 1,u+1,2,1,4 Some people also swear by using the four-hit flurry for juggle hits but I have yet to connect well with it. *shrug* MISC- Remeber that when you're turned around you can insert two rev. punches (2,1) before the VHK but you have to be pretty close to do it but it looks really cool when you land all the hits. == Dodging == This is where things get silly. While Xiao already has an impressive arsenal of attacks, you're bound to get in a rut and your opponents will know what you're going to do so how do you make things interesting for your opponent? Dodges. The three dodges you will probably be using are: The dive roll (f+3+4) The cartwheel (f+1+2) The skyflip (f,F+3+4) If you're familiar with the way dodges work in VF3 then you should understand most of the basic mechanics but for those of you who aren't familiar let me explain. Dodging is basically what turns a 3-D fighter from just being a 2-D fighter with a nifty graphics engine into a full 3-D game. A term which you'll need to know is "tracking". Tracking is basically the ability of a character to continue to face you as they execute a string of attacks. Generally a character's ability to track depends on how far away you start your dodge, what kind of move your opponent is doing, and if you opponent is attempting a string of moves. In TK3 characters have a great tendency to move in a linear direction when attempting any sequence of moves, be it a "canned combo" (e.g. like the hydrangea->SF combo) or a 10-string. However there are certain cases where their sequence will not necessarily travel in a straight line, usually this occurs when you attempt to dodge at too far of a distance and you only end up being slightly off-axis from your opponent as opposed to directly to the side or behind you opponent which is where you want to be and thus you end up recovering from your dodge attempt just to eat the rest of their combo. The essence of working the fast-get-you-into-VHK-position dodges (the cartwheel and dive roll) is getting a feel of what you opponent is going to come at you with and then dodge right before execution; it sounds a lot easier than it looks since if you dodge too early, you're only off axis and not in a position to do much of anything. If you dodge too late then you get smoked by their attack as you execute. However a correctly timed dodge is a thing of beauty since you just schmoovely slide around your wildly swingly opponent and launch them into the air with a high damage VHK. You have probably noticed that not all attacks execute in a straight line. These attacks are the bane of a dodging character since these attacks occur in a horizontal circular arc, they have the possibility of smacking you clean out of your dodge no matter which way or when you dodge. Many characters have fairly quick circular attacks which will stuff your dodge. Characters which are "fairly" easy to dodge are Hwoarangs and Laws (Especially buttonmashing types.) Lastly; never underestimate a good 'ol sidestep. While not as damaging as a VHK juggle. Xiao's side and back throws are still heavy hitting and just as satisfying to land on your opponent. The timing's just about the same as the dodges so throw them in to mix up your offense even more. The Dodges: The cartwheel (f+1+2) Fast and it looks good. Dodges into the screen when facing right. This is the one I use the most because it seems to execute a little quicker than the roll. The dive roll (f+3+4) Good for variation and it can move under high circular attacks however she jumps into it high. I usually get tagged out of this dodge. The sky flip (f+F+3+4) Frankly, this is an insanely useful move. It gets you the hell out of the way, can put you facing away and behind your opponent for a VHK, AND it can hit for some serious damage, _AND_ it can be a really cool looking throw. To clarify; the flip is a completely different beast depending on if you're facing towards or away from your opponent. When facing towards your opponent, she does a single flip in the layout position and is only dangerous coming down where she will do decent damage as if you're connecting at this point they're 1) flat on their back 2) trying to get up or 3) in the middle of executing a move. It's when you're facing away that the flip becomes an evil, evil move. She does the same full layout flip motion...but...at the top of the arc she executes a rather nice looking full twist. The upshot of this extra bit of motion is that she is dangerous coming down AND going up. The other great thing about the turned away flip is that it also works as a throw if you have the range down. You need to land it basically right on their head but if you do, it's a great looking throw where she kneels on their shoulders and smacks 'em in the head. The damage works pretty much like King's frankensteiner; it can land cleanly for minimum damage but usually the initial landing occurs while they are executing a move so you get some really good damage for the counterhit. CAVEAT: The only significant problem with the flip is that it's slow on the execution and should not be done at close range. (Ed. notes: #1 For extra style points try finishing off your opponent with the sky flip throw. #2 Shoulder charges have insane amount of tracking so if you're going to try to dodge; turn around and go for the flip throw instead.) ------------------ Vs. Guides ------------------ == EDDY == Problems: -Hard to predict attack levels -Lots more range than you -Storming Flower doesn't hit him when he doing a handstand or when he's on his butt -Lots of circular attacks make it hard to dodge around -Does way too much damage Solutions: +A lot of his strings have a fast high or mid hit and then a whole bunch of sweeps for juggle damage. Block high and then low as they flail about on the floor then sweep. Sometimes you can use the VHK to scrape them off the ground, not great damage but take it anyway. +Since you really can't dodge down the sides, skyflip to either get behind him or if he's spinning towards you, you can skyflip onto his head for good damage. +Well timed flapping wings (d+1) can stop many a rush or hit a prone opponent. If you're brave and you can get close enough try for the phoenix wings (f,f+(1+2)) for better damage. +If they're handstanding and just waiting for you to come in at them then try the (f,f+4) thrust kick. Great damage, kicks him literally right in the ass but telegraphs horribly. == PAUL == Problems: -1 or 2 hit kills possible and likely depending on relative skill levels. -Does _WAY_ too much damage (Of course that's his appeal isn't it?) -Sweep->elbow cheese or tile splitter cheese when you try to get up. -The (d+4) sweep Solutions: +Learn the range of the sweep and stay out of it. However do not necessarily rush in after they wiff it since they can easily stick a nasty elbow in there. +Same advice and caveat for the tile splitter execept that the falling leaf combo (tile splitter->sweep->elbow) does more damage. +DO NOT WIFF ANYTHING. If you do you WILL take a death fist to the face. +Stay away from the Hydrangea->SF since good Pauls will easily reverse the last hit. Either vary your timing of the SF (There is a small window of delay possible) or just do the first 2 parts and don't do the SF. +Dodge around the double jump-kick. However I've noticed that the Paul in question can kick themselves right out of range of the VHK. +Learning how to block the 10-strings are vital. Figuring out which way to block the 9th hit depending on the string is very important since if they tag you with the 9th hit then they pretty much get a free death fist. +If they start to sweep->elbow as you try and get up; don't get up right away. Yes I know this sounds really simple but it took me awhile to get the idea. == JIN == Problems: -Fast and decent damage -Good poking ability -10-string with an unblockable 10th hit that comes out of nowhere. -Appears to have some invulnerability on his DP recovery. Can also kick mid or low after the DP. -Hell sweeps come out of nowhere. Solutions: +Learn to recognize the beginning of the 10-string and dodge around it. +The Hell sweeps are quite blockable; high(?), low, low, low, high. +Learn to recognize what Jin will do if he's ending the 10-string with just the normal DP (Quite blockable) versus the electric DP (Not blockable.) If they go for the unblockable either sweep or get the hell out of the way. +Like with Paul, avoid the Hydrangea->SF combo since they can and will reverse the SF. == LEI == Problems: -The punch rush is damn fast and can end with a kick either low or mid. -Can go into a high-damage stance from just about any move. -FAST sweeps. -Prone Leis cannot be hit hard in a normal way. Solutions: +Many a Lei will go prone at a distance and wait for you to try to sweep them. Remember that the skyflip does some great damage so if they're prone and you have the range, go for it. +Watch for the low sweeps. If you can stick and move outside of their sweep range, great. Otherwise learn to anticipate and recognize the starting animation of the sweep. == HWOARANG == Problems: -High damage attacks -good attack speed -Insane juggle damage Solutions: +Hwoarang's attacks fortunately come in a straight line. Dodge around or over and counterattack. +Watch those low kicks. Your opponent will sneak them in and hit you with either a heavy attack or his super juggle kick. +You can AoP under a lot of his stuff and retaliate or just throw if you AoP under a rush. == LAW == Problems: -FAST -'Low kick->flipkick while you're getting up' cheese -'2-inch-punch' Solutions: +Many a Law will come at you with an extremely fast rush which will keep you pinned down. Stuff their rush with either a dodge or just low punch or sweep them to get them off your back. +Don't wiff heavy attacks at close range if your opponent is likely to go for the 2-inch punch. +Watch out for the Dragon's Tail (d/b+4) since it is damn sneaky and will stuff dodge attempts. == KING == Problems: -Ali Kicks -100% multi-throws -HIGH damage attacks Solutions: +DO NOT WIFF A DAMN THING. Wiffing against most players isn't horribly bad; wiffing against a King player is suicidal. +Stay out of throw range. Much easier said than done since yet again you are badly outclassed in terms of attack range. +Use the AoP since it allows you to attack in close and stay out of range of his really deadly attacks like the multi's and the clothesline. +Learn how to break the multi's. There is a reference out there on breaking out of specific parts of the multi's. == NINA == Problems: -Multi-throws -Double palm -Nasty juggle ability Solutions: +Learn how to break the multi-throws. Yeah that's a simple answer but it's true. The standing arm break multi-throw can be broken with the punch buttons but as of this update I don't know how to break the leg break multi-throw. +The double palm CAN hit you out of the AoP so don't hang out in front of her in it. +Watch her kicks; the low ankle kicks come in fairly quick so be aware. +You can usually punish a blocked double palm with a Raccoon Swing->VHK since the double tap for the swing will get you within range to connect. == YOSHIMITSU == Problems: -Nasty spin kick -10-hit string ends with 4 sword swipes -Fast kicks Solutions: +You have to be just a little sneaky here. Yoshis can get that HEAVY spin kick to counterhit you out of many moves so don't be predictable and if possible, come in low. +There's a fair pause in the 10-string before he swipes with the sword. Not enough for anything big but room enough to stuff their string with a punch or kick. +The sword stab has some pretty serious range. Recognize the wind-up animation and if you're close enough smack him else sky flip out of the way. If you go for the smack then use a fairly quick attack since the stab comes out a lot quicker than you might think. == BRYAN == Problems: -SERIOUS damage dealing -Shin kicks -The (d/f+3) sweep Solutions: +Bryan can deal A LOT of damage quickly BUT most of his heavy attacks come in high or mid and the really damaging stuff has some pretty serious wind-up so AoP under things and go for your quick attacks. +Watch out if they're going for the sidestep since Bryan can hit you with a HEAVY punch although it comes in high/mid. +Watch for his (d/f+3) sweep. It'll most likely come if you wiff a Raccoon Swing or the (f+3) crescent kick. == HEIHACHI == Problems: -Death fist -Wiffing = death -The (B+2) backfist Solutions: +Just like with Paul and King...DO NOT WIFF ANYTHING. Heihachi has so many ways to punish a wiffed move it's silly. +BEWARE THE BACKFIST. This move is just sick; basically it's an electrified spinning backfist but it comes out at waist level and it hits _LOW_. At best you get staggered and they can sneak in an axe kick or some flash punches. At worst you get knocked clear across the screen and take a shoulder charge if you get up. +You can usually get a Raccoon Swing->VHK in after things like his side thrust kick which have OK push-away value but horrible recovery. ------------------ Miscellany ------------------ My current personal best time against the 'pooter is 4'00"00 although the current best Xiao time on the machine I've been playing on is 3'30"00. Any tips on shaving the completion time down any further would be appreciated. For those that care her costumes are: Any punch button: 1P costume. Pink baggy jumpsuit with a BIG 'ol yellow bow. Any kick button: 2P costume. Blue top with yellow trim, black shorts and blue boots with yellow trim. U of M outfit. Start button: This is only available 5 days(?) after Gun Jack becomes playable. Japanese schoolgirl outfit with a blue bow in front, a short skirt (which apparently comes with A LOT of starch) and legwarmer-like kneesocks. My current fave not because of the obvious reasons but rather she has MUCH slicker looking win poses although for those that are wondering; she only does the handstand if you beat the game. If you are facing a Jin player and you both pick their school outfits then you fight in the school playground. Very neat. ------------------ Questions ------------------ ------------------ Things to do ------------------ -Finish up the vs. guides -Detailed moves breakdown ------------------ Credits ------------------ NAMCO.............................for making a fun 3-D fighter SurfBard..........................four-hit flurry VHK follow-up Justin Pierce.....................VERY detailed move FAQ which I use as a checklist for moves to try and test for usefulness -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-