GravKill's Tips to Win at MvC
First, a few notes.
- This might not be too helpful for the expert player, but it will definitely help the neophyte MvC players. Also, these tips do cover the very basics to the not so basic. If you are an experienced player, skip the basics and go to the Psychology section.
- I map out the buttons with a numerical system. Punches are 1 - 3, and kicks are 4 - 6.
- The people in my town really suck, so this might not help much.
- This is all my opinion, so if you don't agree with anything, I really don't care.
- Always have fun, and have good sportsmanship! It helps you win! Really!
Ok, on to the good stuff.
The Basics
1. Blocking -
Well, duh, blocking is one of the most important things. Always block. Never let off to early, especially in a super. It's surprising how often people just quit blocking in the middle of a super and get nailed. Once you get that down, start using the advancing guard. This might not seem useful, but it is! Press all three punches while blocking, and you will not only push away the opponent, but you will lessen the chipping damage. One of the marks of the higher level players is using the advancing guard.
2. Switching -
The switch out is very crucial to the game. You will want to switch when you lose a lot of power, but you must do it efficiently. One way is to let the opponent start jumping in on you, and as soon as you are about to be hit by their attack, switch! It will hit them, and you get to switch out without getting a super crammed up your @$$! Also, when they jump in at you, you can launch them and then switch, which has the same effect. Another great time to switch is when your opponent misses a super. In their recovery time, go ahead and switch. Never ever switch when you're not sure you will get in without getting tagged. Another good way to switch out is with the team super move. This will keep the opponent away and do at the very least some chipping damage, but it uses 2 super meters. Be careful with the Variable Crossover, because you might accidentally just switch out instead and get nailed. Also, if your opponent has just switched out, then that is a good time for you to switch. You'll knock the opponent down while he's in his or her pose animation.
3. Nailing your opponent when switching -
One of the easier ways to cause damage is to punish your opponent for switching out at the wrong time. After you've done a lot of damage to your opponent, they will most likely switch out. Wait for them to do so. If you have to, just stand still and block, or jump at them and just hold block. That usually prompts an opponent to switch. After blocking the switch in, nail the guy! Anything is good, but supers are the best! Since you blocked the switch, you should be very close to your opponent, and you'll be able to connect a fast super. Ryu's beam is my favorite to punish dumb switches. You don't have to do a super though, any attack is better than none. Timing is the key. This is another mark of a good player. I personally try my best to always get a super in after a switch, and I've learned to tell when the opponent is about to switch. I'll get more in-depth to this later.
4. Throws/Tech Hits -
Throws can be very effective since they can't be blocked, but are often the target of poor gamers that have to make an excuse for their loss and call something "cheap." Use your character's throw, take advantage of it. Also, try to use the throw that would also be a tech hit if you get thrown. For all you gamers who think throwing is "cheap," then learn to tech! Tech hits are performed by either forward and 2 or forward and 3. Let's use Wolverine for an example. You super jump, and so does your opponent. Your best option is to hold forward and begin a combo with 2. Wolvie's 2 has high priority, is fast, if you're close and holding forward it will do a throw, and if you get thrown you can easily do a tech hit. You just have to figure out what works best for whoever you like to be.
Ok, now for the not so basics.
The Psychology of the Game
1. Don't get Frustrated
Whatever you do, don't lose your cool. The madder you get, the worse you play. Trust me. Always be positive, and say good game and stuff like that. On the other hand, if your opponent gets frustrated, it will be an easier victory. If your opponent says something like "that's cheap" or "I hate that" or anything to that effect when you do a certain move or combo, well, do it again! Shoot, piss them off and make them mad! When people lose their cool, they start sucking like Monica Lewenski. That might sound cruel, but it works. Once people get frustrated, they do stupid things, and stupid things mean supers down their throat!
2. Anticipating the Switch
This really helps make a win easy. Many people have little quirks when they are about to switch. They might play the fireball game, or more oftenly, they start just walking and jumping backwards. I guess some people are just dumb. When you see the warning signs of switching out, make them do it. First, hang back and see if they switch. If they are smart, they won't. Then, start jumping in and just blocking. This usually prompts people to switch. Once they come in and pose, punish 'em! After time, you'll learn to know exactly when your opponent is going to switch. Also, always keep an eye on your opponent's energy.
3. Eyeing the Super Meter
Always know how many bars of super meter your opponent has. If he or she has none, then you can play a bit more casually. You could just do some chipping or switch out and take a little damage. If your opponent has a meter or more, then you must be very careful. Make sure your supers connect, and that you use smart switching.
4. Learning the Pattern
I have found that 99.9% of all opponents have a very definite pattern. This is the mark of a very poor player, since that certain pattern is the only way they know how to win. Learn it fast. Get in your opponents head, and know what they are about to do. If they like jumping in, then launch. If they like fireballing, then go after them properly. If they prefer the ground, then figure out how to stop them with what your character has. I've found that many people rely on one combo or one super move. Figure out what their magic move is, and don't let it hit. Figure out what you can do to cause damage when they do their magic move. Once you know what your opponent is going to do, you can't lose. When you always block your opponent's magic move, this usually also frustrates them, which makes them make a mistake.
5. Changing Up
Never ever use the same strategy. Always change up how you attack and what moves you use. Every now and then, throw in something that you hardly ever use, like a helper or a super that sort of hard to connect to surprise your opponent. This is the real key to winning. Here's a little scenario to illustrate my point. Your opponent like to super jump in on you. You launch and AC them a few times, and then they learn from their mistakes. They begin to just jump in while holding block. You pick up on this very quickly (like after once) and you start jumping in on them. This work for a while, but then your opponent just stands and tries to launch you. You might get hit, or not. But next time you jump in again, but just hold block. They try to hit you, but then you nail them. Your opponent expects you to jump in again, but you dash and hit low. Basically, your opponent gets beat to a pulp. That's just a scenario, theirs tons of different ways to do things.
6. Remember, anyone can beat any other person at any given time. Never underestimate your opponent.