Super Naruto: Clash of Ninja 4/Strategy

Offense

Combos

Stance Break

Anti-KnJ

Neutral Jump

Front Substitution

RknJ 5BB Punish

RknJ Throw Punish

LknJ Throw Punish

LknJ 5BB Punish

Okizeme

Wake-up Super

Meaty Throw

Meaties

Tech Roll

Neutral Getup

Defense

Substitution: Where, When, and Why?

Where

The frequency of Substitution solidifies the mechanic as the main Rock/Paper/Scissors element of the game on hit. While many substitution scenarios are a hard read into whether or not you think the opponent will sub out of the current combo, there are some key moves to look out for. Any move your opponent uses that either has a long startup or recovery is generally safe to sub. Some moves require a specific timing to sub properly such as Sakon & Ukon and Neji.

Gaara's string is good to practice against as you only want to substitute right as the next sand pillar is forming on the ground. Subbing after a sand pillar, but before this timing, will ensure that you get hit after the sub leaving you in a juggle state with very little chakra left.

When

A common mistake that new players make is to sub as soon as they get hit if they have the chakra to, or subbing as soon as they hit 75%. Even if your opponent is not baiting your sub, this method of subbing is extremely inefficient as you now have no chakra to work with for the next neutral interaction and will have to take a lot of damage the next hit you take before you can sub. There are many factors to consider when you're going to sub.

• Being at full chakra is generally better than right at 75% as you'll have more chakra to work with allowing you to attacks right away and it will take less time to be able to sub again.
• Try and wait for a move that you can react to and sub with proper timing. This will help to reduce the amount of times you sub into a setup.
• Pay attention to your opponent's habits. If they like to immediately end the combo once you get enough chakra in hopes that you will sub, you may be able to get out of the combo safely just by waiting. Conversely, if your opponent always goes for as much damage as possible, you may actually want to sub as soon as possible to punish them for always going for maximum damage.
• If your opponent has full chakra, you may want to sub while laying on the ground to avoid getting Wake-up Supered.

Why

While the obvious answer is to avoid damage, there are some nuances to why you will want to sub. While lying on the ground, it can often be a good idea to -sub to avoid potential Wake-up Supers, unblockable okizeme options or maybe even chip damage if you are very low on health.

Subbing mid-combo not only prevents you from taking additional damage, but it can also be used offensively to take your turn back and begin damaging your opponent.

Lastly, sometimes it is better to sub and lose 75% of your chakra then to end up losing all of it in guard break situations. Might Guy has a potent okizeme setup using his which will break your guard (and therefore leave you with no chakra). Often times, it is best to simply hold forward and intentionally take the hit and then -sub to keep some of your meter and avoid the damage that follows.