5 Fighting Game Terms

The world of fighting games is rich in terminology, with each phrase offering insight into the strategies, techniques, and mindsets of players. Understanding these terms is crucial for both newcomers and veterans looking to dive deeper into the community. Here are five key fighting game terms that embody the complexity and depth of the genre:

1. Frame Advantage

Frame advantage refers to the amount of time a player has to act before their opponent can, following an action such as an attack or a block. It’s a critical concept because it influences the flow of a match, dictating who has the initiative and who is on the defensive. A player with frame advantage can more safely attack, pressure, or even choose to back off, depending on their strategy. The frame advantage is usually measured in frames, with 1 frame being 1/60th of a second in most games. For example, if a move has a +2 frame advantage on block, the player who performed the move can act 2 frames before their opponent can, giving them a significant advantage in terms of initiating the next action.

Understanding Frame Advantage in Depth

To truly grasp frame advantage, one must consider the startup, active, and recovery frames of an attack. Startup frames are those before the attack hits, active frames are when the attack can hit the opponent, and recovery frames are those after the attack would hit, during which the attacker is vulnerable. The difference in these frames between two moves can determine which move “wins” in a trade or clash situation. Players often spend considerable time in training modes analyzing these frames to optimize their strategies and execution.

2. Blockstring

A blockstring refers to a series of attacks that, when blocked by the opponent, leave the attacker at frame advantage or neutral, allowing them to continue pressuring without giving the opponent a chance to counterattack. The goal of a blockstring is to limit the opponent’s options, either forcing them to block continuously, which can lead to chip damage, or to attempt a risky escape or counter, which can be punished. Effective blockstrings are key to a player’s offensive game, requiring a deep understanding of frame data and the opponent’s potential escape options.

Constructing Effective Blockstrings

Constructing a blockstring involves choosing moves that, when blocked, offer favorable frame advantage, and are also difficult for the opponent to escape or counter. This often involves a mix of quick, safe moves and delayed normals to catch potential jumps or escapes. The art of blockstringing is highly dependent on the game’s mechanics and the characters involved, making it a complex and game-specific skill to develop.

3. Throw

A throw is a type of attack in fighting games that cannot be blocked but can be escaped or tech’d (technically thrown) by the opponent if timed correctly. Throws are powerful tools for dealing significant damage and can be used to punish opponents for overly defensive play or to turn the tables in a situation where the opponent thinks they are safe. The key to effectively using throws is timing and reading the opponent’s actions, as a well-timed throw can be nearly unstoppable.

Mastering the Art of Throwing

Mastery of throws involves not just the technical aspect of executing them but also the mental game of anticipating when an opponent is most vulnerable to being thrown. This includes recognizing patterns in the opponent’s play, such as consistent backdashing or attempting to jump out of pressure, and capitalizing on these moments with well-timed throws.

4. Zoning

Zoning refers to the act of controlling space on the screen, typically using long-range attacks or projectiles to keep the opponent at a distance. Zoning characters often have moves with a lot of range, allowing them to attack from afar and limit the opponent’s approach options. Effective zoning requires a good understanding of the screen geometry, the range and speed of one’s projectiles, and the opponent’s potential approaches and counters.

Zoning Strategies

A zoning strategy might involve using projectiles to control the mid-screen area, forcing the opponent to either take damage from these projectiles or attempt to jump over them, which can be punished with anti-air attacks. Zoning is particularly effective against characters with limited range or those who rely heavily on rushdown tactics, as it denies them the opportunity to get close and apply pressure.

5. Okizeme

Okizeme, a term originating from Japanese, translates to “waking pressure” and refers to the pressure applied to an opponent as they wake up from a knockdown. The goal of okizeme is to limit the opponent’s options as they get up, forcing them into a defensive position or even into a potential reset of the situation. Okizeme involves a deep understanding of the wake-up timing of the opponent’s character, as well as the range and frame advantage of one’s own moves.