I Finally Learn Mortal Kombat 9!

Alright, let's do this! I've never been a Mortal Kombat aficionado. Sure, I dabbled a bit with MKX when it came out, just to get my feet wet, but never ventured beyond that shallow end. I made the questionable choice of playing Noob Saibot, but I'm here to rectify that mistake with a character I find much more exhilarating - Smoke.

So, what's with costume two? It's got to be better, right? Let's dive into the intriguing world of Mortal Kombat X and unlock the secrets of Smoke, a character who's going to spice things up like a ninja on fire.

The Shmovements of Smoke

As I embark on this journey, I'm struck by the generous amount of time the game offers me to perform actions. Block cancel movement is a thing in this game, and to my surprise, it features Tekken-like movement. You can cancel dashes with a crouch block. It's a game-changer. It's time to embrace the Shmovement!

But first, I need the primers. What are my tools in Smoke's arsenal? The notation reads: "3-2-0-0-3-down-1-2-0-0." As I decipher this cryptic code, things start coming back to me. Smoke is indeed a fun character in this game. It's time to explore his special moves.

Smokeport! This move is incredible in this game. It allows you to teleport and surprise your opponent. Back forward ones project a counter - I remember this now. The EX version is particularly potent. It's not just a combo starter; it's an ender too.

Unleashing the Combo Fury

As I delve deeper into Smoke's moves, I uncover the secrets of unleashing devastating combos. The notation reads "3-2-4-down-back-2." It's not a walk in the park, but once mastered, it's a game-changer.

Here's the exciting part. Smoke's combos can deal an impressive 34 damage off a jump attack. That's the kind of firepower that puts a smile on your face. You can also end combos with an air grab, adding another layer of style to the character.

And here's the plot twist. A well-timed "forward-4" into an EX Smoke Bomb can sometimes result in a reset. It's a high-risk, high-reward move that's worth the thrill. These combos are a rollercoaster of excitement, and they don't always work, but when they do, it's pure magic.

Learning from the Pros

Now that I've had my fair share of experimentation, it's time to tap into the wisdom of the pros. If I'm going to master Smoke, I need to watch the best in the business. But where do I look?

Chad GGA Waffles, that's the name to remember. He's a true Smoke expert, the kind of player who frequents tournaments and knows the character inside out. Learning from the best is a shortcut to mastery.

As I watch Chad in action, I'm floored by how fast this game is. Smoke's strings are quirky, and this game is all about staggered strings and relentless pressure. It reminds me of the good old days of Mortal Kombat 3, where frames and pressure were the name of the game.

A Stylish Finish

As I wrap up my exploration of Smoke's world, I can't help but appreciate the stylish finish to his combos. The side-switches, the precise timing, and the air grabs - it's a spectacle of martial arts. This game is all about strategy, and sometimes it's a matter of choosing between back two or four threes.

Mortal Kombat X may be more polished than its predecessor, but there's something captivating about the artistic direction of MK9. It's colorful, a nod to the classics like UMK3 and MK Trilogy. And in the midst of all this, Smoke shines brightly.

The key to Smoke's success lies in his down four. It's a low attack that can lead to a plethora of opportunities. The art direction in MK9 is superior, and I'm not a fan of the grays and oranges of MKX. I prefer the vibrant, colorful aesthetic of this installment.

As I conclude my journey, I can't help but marvel at the power of Smoke. His combos, his speed, and the mind games he plays are captivating. Mortal Kombat is a game of skill, precision, and mastering the art of combat. Smoke, with his mysterious allure and exciting moves, is a character worth exploring.

In a world where every frame counts and the battles are as intense as they are stylish, Smoke is a shining star. This journey into Mortal Kombat 9 has been an eye-opener, and it's just the beginning. So, if you're ready to unleash the Smoke and embrace the chaos of the fight, dive in. It's a world of endless possibilities, where the excitement never ends.