Kezia

One year is a long time to wait if you are serious about a fighting game. That being said, it is possible CF will last even longer than one year considering how Mori has said they want CF to be longstanding. One paid DLC character has been announced so far. To be honest it isn't even a character that I am considering using, so it has no bearing on my decision. I'd rather play the game and not be another year behind everyone else. Learning the new AF and EA mechanics, the new combo routes for your character, not to mention having the active community that will all move on and away from CPE - all reasons to buy in.

I can answer only a few of these questions, so maybe someone else can jump in and correct me if I'm wrong. You and I seem to be at relatively the same place in terms of Arakune gameplay. I still have trouble connecting the 6D > j22B/C combo. This is the most common route. Usually open up by applying the 5A/2A bug pressure into crossup C bug (guard crush) then start the combo with 6CC for big damage. jC > j2D does not combo in CPEX. I believe it is back for CF though. Most combos after jC will go into either the air DD (can't remember the name... f of g? 214214D) for curse or into a dive (j2A/B/C depending on relative position) followed by 6D > j22B/C. This combo is character and starter specific. For example on some characters you need to use j6A as opposed to j6C to connect the air combo route. Also, I find it is easier to time the combo when you use a 6A starter as opposed to 5A. There is a long post on the CP Arakune Combo thread which details the differences (here). The post is about 1/3 down the page by Argent Zero.

I went back last night and tried the combo without trying to insert DC inputs and I was able to get the jC>Dive>6D link. Thanks for opening my eyes! I thought all of these combos including dives all had implicit dive cancels in them... no wonder I was having such a tough time with them!

So, in the combos just a few posts up on this page, from the translated text, is there a dive cancel in there, or can the moves follow up directly from the dive without using a cancel due to the launch properties? eg: ~>5A>6B>J6D>Bird>JA>JA>(JA)>JB>JC>Dive>6D>j22C Will I be able to connect JC>Dive>6D without a DC? I may be overthinking it and inserting extra inputs for the DC when it isn't necessary... I have seen some CPEX combo videos and have watched some of Souji's gameplay, but that last part of the combo happens so quickly. Just trying to wrap my head around it. I appreciate the info/advice. I picked up Arakune in CP and CPEX, used to play Lambda in CSE.

Thanks for the reply I did come across the part that you quoted, but I am still a bit confused by it. I still have not been able to consistently land the DC. So 3f link once the first dive connects, and the 2nd dive has to be done close to the ground... so does that mean the first dive should be done lower as well? Like, as the enemy is falling? Do you tap 2 then C in that 3f link once the dive connects, or is the C input more delayed until you get closer to the ground? Just curious - is this in reference to CF or CPEX?

Can anyone give me a bit of advice when it comes to dive cancels? I have tried to do some research and it is all a bit vague (something about a 4f link?), also the link in the OP of this thread seems to be broken... I am working on this combo from a few posts above: ~>5A>6B>J6D>Bird>JA>JA>(JA)>JB>JC>Dive>6D>j22C Basically what I have been doing is practicing the combo right up to the jC and instead of dive cancel, insert f of g (j214214D). So I have a good grasp on the combo, but I can't seem to get the hang of dive cancels. Is there an easier way to practice the dive cancel technique? I tried just setting the opponent to be jumping in the training room so I could just walk up and j2A. Can someone describe the sequence of inputs or link a tutorial on how to dive cancel?

Thanks for the tips! I will definitely try them out. I have a tendency not to use the slow down cloud, but I should start making it a habit. Also, I tend to launch D bug too often when I have not hit confirm anything which makes my curse run out quickly. Its great if it catches them not blocking... After I wrote the post I was also considering cross-ups and the slow cloud would really help with that. I'll pound it out a bit in the training room.

I have picked up CPEX again to dust off my Arakune and get ready for CF. Lately in some of my online matches I have been having an issue pressuring my opponent after filling the curse gauge. They have been jumping away backwards and barrier blocking in the air. Constantly jumping away and barrier blocking the bugs. I have tried air throws which work well, until they catch on. Are there any other options to answer this kind of evasion during curse?

You may end up having to buy two sets of buttons: one set translucent black, and another set translucent green. The plunger should be interchangeable, so take the plunger out of each button, and then put the black plunger in the green rim.

Hey all, This is my first post here though I have been lurking for a few years now. I have been playing BB since CSEX and am really getting into CP. I play Arakune and view the forums frequently for new videos and combos/setups. Even though I have played close to 200 matches as Arakune in CP I still feel as though my Arakune needs a lot of work and was wondering if someone would be friendly/helpful enough to discuss with/mentor me in a training room online. I have some of the basic stuff down like the C+D bug loop and some corner combos but I find especially midscreen I have a tough time making the most of the 5A/2A starters and usually just lean on the 5A/2A > 2C > 6D link which I know is not always optimal. One of the guys I play against most often uses Azrael and I am having a really tough time figuring out how to get around Growler once I have him cursed. Also, my best friend plays Kokonoe and I have a ton of experience in that matchup, but looking to improve and specifically learn midscreen combos with more than 1 curse generating attack. So, if you feel like spending a few hours here and there working out with a newer Arakune please send me a friend req on PSN: Chaotic11 -- I play just about every night from 9PM-12:30AM EST. Have mic. Thanks in advance