Mortal Kombat to Injustice...How!?

[Scott The Scot]

There are combo videos for virtually every character. You can learn pretty easy just from watching them and copying them.

What I love about Injustice compared to MK is the fact there is no block button to hold - you just hold back or back-down to block. The majority of fighting games use this system. But a lot of people like the block button too.

My advice is do the tutorial, slowly. Read and understand everything.

Go into practice mode with your character you want to main, and just get a feel for the controls. Learn the stages, where the interactables are, which sides transition to a new area, and how the clash/wager system works. So say you have a PS3:

Square - Light attack, also known as "1"
Triangle - Medium attack, also known as "2"
X - Heavy attack, also known as "3"
O - Individual trait. These vary from hero to hero. IE Superman gets a temporary damage boost, while Batman summons mechanical bats he can launch.

And to do wall bounces, you simply hold back and 3 or forward and 3. So that means back + X, or forward + X. This sends your opponent across the screen. They bounce off the "wall" and move back towards you, or they bounce off the ground right in front of you. It allows you to continue combos longer that you normally couldn't.

If you know about MK9 EX moves the Meter Burn system is cake. It's basically the same. You do your special movie, say for instance: d, f, 1. So that means down, forward + Square. On the last press you also hit the meter burn button, which I can't remember right now. Basically a powered up version of the move. Meter burns also can help extend combos, and they do slightly more damage. For example, Aquaman's trident rush does a normal damage auto combo, while his MB version extends the hits, and does significantly more damage.

I could type a whole manual, but you'll learn all this in the tutorial. Just learn the basics. Eventually do single fights from very easy, and move up a difficulty whenever you feel ready.

Just don't try to play by button mashing. This game takes practice and memorization. My girlfriend after 2 weeks still is too lazy to learn special moves or how to do combo juggles. She just mashes buttons, and wonders why every hit I do connects, because she forgets to block. But she's also very impatient and expects to learn something new in 60 seconds flat.

After a couple solid hours of practice, and maybe a few light single matches against the computer, you'll start to have to think less and less. You'll just know where the interactables are, when to meter burn, etc. You'll learn basic bread and butter combos. All of which will definitely help for MKX in the future.

It just depends. Obviously you got into the game a little late - there are several weekly/bi-weekly casual sessions with other players all around the US. Many skilled players will gladly help you. There are a handful of tournaments left for Injustice, and unfortunately this game will be shelved due to the hyped release of MKX. I suggest you watch the stream of CEO 2014 live next weekend. Just to see how the game is played at the highest level. Or check out UFGT 10 or Winter Brawl 8. You'll be surprised how much you take in just from watching.

But it's a great game even if you just want to play casually. It gets a lot of hate from people, but 95% of the time they got mad because it took too long or too much effort to learn.

I really like this advice, although I feel I have given the wrong impression - I've played mk9 a bunch and I understand the combo system like smokes reset death combos are a piece of cake, and I know the notation for fighters. My problem is that IGAU feels different from mk9, it feels like a different pace and the combos feel like there's a lot of waiting before inputting the next string or special, oh and the pokes seem different or not as effective, and the layout of the controller is different (like 2 punch an kick buttons). My problem is that I'm having trouble adapting to this game and that I'm trying to play like it's mk9 but it appears that's not a viable way to tackle this game. Thanks for the advice btw I really really appreciate it

 

[RelentlessOhio]

It's definitely a different pace. Some characters will seem faster, some slower. With Injustice, you can hit the buttons before you see the need to on the screen. Example: Batman has a 1,1,3 string. You dont have to pause between each button and wait til you see the kick or punch on the screen. Just hit square, square, x - all in one fluid input and it will still be performed even after you've hit the string. Same with wake-up attacks. You can do the input right before you get up. You just have to understand that the combos are still combos, but now you have different ways to extend them.

Some people absolutely hate Injustice, and that's natural of course. It's not everyone's cup of tea. I personally have enjoyed NRS's 2 main releases, and each game adds something different to the mix. Injustice is just as intense as MK9. You can learn long devastating combos that'll eventually be as easy to execute as breathing. I picked up on the combo system much faster than MK9.

I haven't played MK so long I really forget what it's like to do full combos. IMO the combo system on Injustice is very fluid and easy. I dropped MK completely for Injustice, but at the time MK9 was becoming stale in tournaments and IGAU was the hot game. So I just fell into it at the right time. And I've watched hours upon hours of tournaments, watching the highest level players and their fundamentals. Like punishing, whiffing attacks, zoning, etc. It really is almost like a science.

Do the tutorial a couple times. It works wonders in helping you learn the new/different mechanics that MK doesn't have. Interactable objects, transitions, and wagers/clashes play a huge part in winning. Again I am lucky to where I can watch hours of high level gameplay, and almost perform it as if I had been practicing. It just becomes engrained in your head. But it's critical you pick one starting character, and stick with it. Then once they are mastered, learn someone else if you want. Batman, Superman, Aquaman, and Green Lantern are all great starting characters.

 

[RelentlessOhio]

not back to block lol are you kidding keep that shit for injustice.

That's why I say make it an option select. It's not like Injustice is the first game to ever use back to block. It's so much easier for me. I know the block button has been in every MK, but fuck that. Shouldn't have made Injustice that way, because it's easier and now I'm spoiled with it's simplicity.

 

[Scott The Scot]

It's definitely a different pace. Some characters will seem faster, some slower. With Injustice, you can hit the buttons before you see the need to on the screen. Example: Batman has a 1,1,3 string. You dont have to pause between each button and wait til you see the kick or punch on the screen. Just hit square, square, x - all in one fluid input and it will still be performed even after you've hit the string. Same with wake-up attacks. You can do the input right before you get up. You just have to understand that the combos are still combos, but now you have different ways to extend them.

Some people absolutely hate Injustice, and that's natural of course. It's not everyone's cup of tea. I personally have enjoyed NRS's 2 main releases, and each game adds something different to the mix. Injustice is just as intense as MK9. You can learn long devastating combos that'll eventually be as easy to execute as breathing. I picked up on the combo system much faster than MK9.

I haven't played MK so long I really forget what it's like to do full combos. IMO the combo system on Injustice is very fluid and easy. I dropped MK completely for Injustice, but at the time MK9 was becoming stale in tournaments and IGAU was the hot game. So I just fell into it at the right time. And I've watched hours upon hours of tournaments, watching the highest level players and their fundamentals. Like punishing, whiffing attacks, zoning, etc. It really is almost like a science.

Do the tutorial a couple times. It works wonders in helping you learn the new/different mechanics that MK doesn't have. Interactable objects, transitions, and wagers/clashes play a huge part in winning. Again I am lucky to where I can watch hours of high level gameplay, and almost perform it as if I had been practicing. It just becomes engrained in your head. But it's critical you pick one starting character, and stick with it. Then once they are mastered, learn someone else if you want. Batman, Superman, Aquaman, and Green Lantern are all great starting characters.

Alright then. I feel motivated to try it again. How do I pick a character? Out of the good starting characters you listed of course, how do I know what's right for me?

 

[RelentlessOhio]

Well you played Smoke right? So you like characters with good combos that also have good mobility. It's hard to find a similar character, most of the heroes are quite different from MK. And only a couple have teleports (Martian Manhunter, Batgirl, Zatanna, etc.) I say try Batman. Most people start with him. He's got great moves, and his dashes cover quite a bit of ground. He's got a b23 string that is just ridiculous, and so simple to do. His trait releases bats that add damage to combos, or just to interrupt an opponent. He can double jump, he's got a ground and air grappling hook. Very well rounded. Of course every character has an opponent that's a bad match-up. Again, YouTube videos are your best friend. You can just watch gameplay and see if it interests you. If anything just go through the character select screen and see what you like. The smaller, skinny heroes like Harley, Batgirl, Batman, and Catwoman are very agile and fast, but often take longer combos to do a big amount of damage. Some characters like Bane, Grundy, and Lex are power characters. Basically they are meant to setup and rush in on an opponent and just pressure them non-stop. AKA momentum based. Some are right in between like Aquaman and Green Lantern. They are pretty strong, yet have good mobility, and good zoning options.

Really it's up to you. At the beginning of the game it was all Superman, Black Adam, Batman, and Green Lantern. Now it's much more balanced, and I've most of the characters make it to top 8, minus a few awful ones like The Joker and Cyborg. It just depends on if you wanna be able to get in and out quick with fast hits, or if you want to grapple and slam your opponent relentlessly.

Me personally I can't do big power characters like Doomsday and Bane. But other high level players are fantastic with them. I like to be able to get in and out fast if I need to. Some people go for the quick hit combos, some go for the slow powerful ones. It's just preference. But the game is about as balanced as it'll ever be, I doubt they'll release any more patches. The newest is 1.06 I believe.

I know it's a lot to take in. It's a pretty deep game mechanic wise. They took their time developing this, and listened to the complaints everyone had when MK9 was big. It's still a very fun fighting game, definitely my favorite in memory.

 

[TheSpore]

Alright then. I feel motivated to try it again. How do I pick a character? Out of the good starting characters you listed of course, how do I know what's right for me?

Your nuking this man, just pick a character and see how they feel in your hands. For all you know Harley may be your main.

 

[Undeadjim]

I'll be on tomorrow if you fancy it can run you through various characters with various play styles and explain the game mechanics in depth, just feel free to add my gamertag @VideoGamerHD

 

[RelentlessOhio]

Yeah just go to practice, pick one that looks cool, and screw around for a minute. If you don't like how fast/slow they are, or don't like their special moves, go back and try again. Some people pick one character and stay with just them for years. Others have 2-3 main characters that they know inside and out. I've switched from Batman to Aquaman to Black Adam, to Green Lantern. Sometimes you just get bored and want something new.

 

[FortaySeven]

Since no ones mentioned it, the game is based largely around just frames and in many cases you cant buffer moves ahead of time like you would in MK.
That's where your frustration will come from. I see this most when trying to connect B3's with certain characters during a BNB.

When you are trying to perform the BNB, take into account that you may have to perform the next attack / string at a very specific time. If you buffer the move, it can come out late and you will drop the combo. Too early or late and it drops.

As an example of this, with harley quinn try doing the following combo:
JI2, B22, TS 1, B3, JI2, JI2, 12xxPD
TS: db3
PD: dbf1

Connecting the b3 and jump ins can be hard to get right. The b3 you have to time it just right, pressing it too early just makes it come out late. The jump ins you have to delay the actual attack slightly in order to successfully pull it off.

As for character selection, bring up the bnb lists for each character and try them all.
If you like the way their strings are and are able to do their bnb, stick with it.
Keep in mind some characters don't need to use combos very often, for what its worth.

 

[EnergyKD]

So you like Sub Zero, well then your gonna Love F23 Man (Superman). Jokes Aside i have a few videos on my channel I've been making Injustice Combo vids since before the game even came out

if you're interested here is a playlist: (BTW keep in mind most of these vids was when Injustice wasnt even out or a week in release.

 

[RelentlessOhio]

Oh yeah I forgot about connecting bounces from strings. Every character has a few basic string combos. They are usually the first 3 hits to begin your combo. Batman has 2 good ones, 1,2,3 and 1,1,3 as I said earlier. Now the 1,1,3 will pop them into mid range air, giving you the opportunity to do a b3 and bounce them off the "Wall". Then you can follow up with maybe a jump 3 in the air, and b23 to finish off.

Connecting bounces in combos is frustrating depending on the character. I've been playing Batman for a year, and on smaller characters, I still can't string to bounce every single time. It's very precise timing.

Some characters like Green Lantern can just Meter Burn grab, and bounce you off the floor. And it's pretty simple to do a b3 to them while they are in the air.

It's easier to show you then explain.

Here's Sabin (well know FG player) teaching you the basics of GL. However just look up whoever you feel like.

Just have to memorize. Remember 1 is light attack, 2 means medium, and 3 means heavy. So "b23" means you hold back and press the medium, then heavy buttons. Or 1,2,3 means you hit light, medium, heavy. You'll almost always hear moves referred to in numbers. You won't hear commentators say light, medium, or heavy very often. Took me a while to get used to the lingo.

And then things like overhead, cross-up, mix-up, etc. I assume you know a little about.

Anyways, every character has basic moves and fundamentals like this. GL is my newest character, been playing him about a month.

^ Superman, aka "F23 Ice Breath Man" is also a very, very easy character. He used to be way overpowered. He's still good, but his damage has been scaled back to reflect all the other characters. His moves are also very easy to memorize, and most of his combos are the same, just different variations. I don't like to play him, but many people do. That video is old, but the commands are the same, the damage just isn't as high, and he's had some startup and recovery frames increased to make him less ridiculous.

 

[EnergyKD]

Oh yeah I forgot about connecting bounces from strings. Every character has a few basic string combos. They are usually the first 3 hits to begin your combo. Batman has 2 good ones, 1,2,3 and 1,1,3 as I said earlier. Now the 1,1,3 will pop them into mid range air, giving you the opportunity to do a b3 and bounce them off the "Wall". Then you can follow up with maybe a jump 3 in the air, and b23 to finish off.

Connecting bounces in combos is frustrating depending on the character. I've been playing Batman for a year, and on smaller characters, I still can't string to bounce every single time. It's very precise timing.

Some characters like Green Lantern can just Meter Burn grab, and bounce you off the floor. And it's pretty simple to do a b3 to them while they are in the air.

It's easier to show you then explain.

Here's Sabin (well know FG player) teaching you the basics of GL. However just look up whoever you feel like.

Just have to memorize. Remember 1 is light attack, 2 means medium, and 3 means heavy. So "b23" means you hold back and press the medium, then heavy buttons. Or 1,2,3 means you hit light, medium, heavy. You'll almost always hear moves referred to in numbers. You won't hear commentators say light, medium, or heavy very often. Took me a while to get used to the lingo.

And then things like overhead, cross-up, mix-up, etc. I assume you know a little about.

Anyways, every character has basic moves and fundamentals like this. GL is my newest character, been playing him about a month.

^ Superman, aka "F23 Ice Breath Man" is also a very, very easy character. He used to be way overpowered. He's still good, but his damage has been scaled back to reflect all the other characters. His moves are also very easy to memorize, and most of his combos are the same, just different variations. I don't like to play him, but many people do. That video is old, but the commands are the same, the damage just isn't as high, and he's had some startup and recovery frames increased to make him less ridiculous.

He will join us don't worry :16Bit

 

[CrimsonShadow]

I really like this advice, although I feel I have given the wrong impression - I've played mk9 a bunch and I understand the combo system like smokes reset death combos are a piece of cake, and I know the notation for fighters. My problem is that IGAU feels different from mk9, it feels like a different pace and the combos feel like there's a lot of waiting before inputting the next string or special, oh and the pokes seem different or not as effective, and the layout of the controller is different (like 2 punch an kick buttons). My problem is that I'm having trouble adapting to this game and that I'm trying to play like it's mk9 but it appears that's not a viable way to tackle this game. Thanks for the advice btw I really really appreciate it

So the short of it is.. You get used to it if you play it for awhile.

The longer answer is, just don't try to play it like it's MK. It seems like the main roadblock your having is expecting it to play like another game and trying to approach it as such. Just pretend you're learning a totally new game, and go with the flow. The less you fight it, the easier you'll make the transition

 

[RelentlessOhio]

I forgot how much info there is to describe to a new player. It's funny people get Injustice thinking it's the same, and realize it's way different. I think I overwhelmed him lol, I didn't even describe how clash works yet. Luckily he's starting when it's balanced, and everyone knows the best combos and top tier characters. It was a madhouse the first month of release. Thousands of Superman clones running rampant.

What Crimson said. It's hard to describe, but MK is a very rugged, hard-hitting type fighter. The moves feel very deliberate and intense. Injustice on the other hand has a lighter, airy feel to the combos and gameplay. I like it because it just tends to be a little easier to do big combos, and resets are a hell of a lot easier on Injustice. Everyone's different, but again I picked up on IGAU pretty damn quick. I strugged for a while learning full combos and resets. I like the way meter is used in this better too.

 

[CURBOLICOUS]

Mk was atrocious? Ok lmao

It was.... no footsies dude
#injustice

 

[RelentlessOhio]

Lol MK vs DC was a full-on parody turned into video game. Looking back I have no idea how I managed to play it without cracking up. I think even Boon gets a little embarrassed about it from time to time. Kinda like the 2nd MK movie.

 

[Scott The Scot]

Well you played Smoke right? So you like characters with good combos that also have good mobility. It's hard to find a similar character, most of the heroes are quite different from MK. And only a couple have teleports (Martian Manhunter, Batgirl, Zatanna, etc.) I say try Batman. Most people start with him. He's got great moves, and his dashes cover quite a bit of ground. He's got a b23 string that is just ridiculous, and so simple to do. His trait releases bats that add damage to combos, or just to interrupt an opponent. He can double jump, he's got a ground and air grappling hook. Very well rounded. Of course every character has an opponent that's a bad match-up. Again, YouTube videos are your best friend. You can just watch gameplay and see if it interests you. If anything just go through the character select screen and see what you like. The smaller, skinny heroes like Harley, Batgirl, Batman, and Catwoman are very agile and fast, but often take longer combos to do a big amount of damage. Some characters like Bane, Grundy, and Lex are power characters. Basically they are meant to setup and rush in on an opponent and just pressure them non-stop. AKA momentum based. Some are right in between like Aquaman and Green Lantern. They are pretty strong, yet have good mobility, and good zoning options.

Really it's up to you. At the beginning of the game it was all Superman, Black Adam, Batman, and Green Lantern. Now it's much more balanced, and I've most of the characters make it to top 8, minus a few awful ones like The Joker and Cyborg. It just depends on if you wanna be able to get in and out quick with fast hits, or if you want to grapple and slam your opponent relentlessly.

Me personally I can't do big power characters like Doomsday and Bane. But other high level players are fantastic with them. I like to be able to get in and out fast if I need to. Some people go for the quick hit combos, some go for the slow powerful ones. It's just preference. But the game is about as balanced as it'll ever be, I doubt they'll release any more patches. The newest is 1.06 I believe.

I know it's a lot to take in. It's a pretty deep game mechanic wise. They took their time developing this, and listened to the complaints everyone had when MK9 was big. It's still a very fun fighting game, definitely my favorite in memory.

I've took it all in, and I think I'm going to try all the characters to see what feels right; starting with batman. Thank you relentless, you've helped me tremendously!

 

[Scott The Scot]

So the short of it is.. You get used to it if you play it for awhile.

The longer answer is, just don't try to play it like it's MK. It seems like the main roadblock your having is expecting it to play like another game and trying to approach it as such. Just pretend you're learning a totally new game, and go with the flow. The less you fight it, the easier you'll make the transition

Yes I agree, I definitely have been expecting it to be MK with superheroes and I shouldn't. I learned to get pretty good at MK by getting my ass whooped about 1500 times in ranked and another 1500 in player and I'll probably do it again. Thanks crimson!

 

[Scott The Scot]

@FortaySeven I think you've hit the nail on the head with one of my main problems. You deserve a a very big cookie. Thank you so much for explaining more about the buffer and all that

 

[Scott The Scot]

@EnergyKD I will subscribe to your channel and bookmark your playlist on my browser when I need it. Thank you

 

[Scott The Scot]

I'll be on tomorrow if you fancy it can run you through various characters with various play styles and explain the game mechanics in depth, just feel free to add my gamertag @VideoGamerHD

I'll have to postpone and take you up on that offer at a later date when I can get my hands in the game.

 

[Scott The Scot]

I forgot how much info there is to describe to a new player. It's funny people get Injustice thinking it's the same, and realize it's way different. I think I overwhelmed him lol, I didn't even describe how clash works yet. Luckily he's starting when it's balanced, and everyone knows the best combos and top tier characters. It was a madhouse the first month of release. Thousands of Superman clones running rampant.

What Crimson said. It's hard to describe, but MK is a very rugged, hard-hitting type fighter. The moves feel very deliberate and intense. Injustice on the other hand has a lighter, airy feel to the combos and gameplay. I like it because it just tends to be a little easier to do big combos, and resets are a hell of a lot easier on Injustice. Everyone's different, but again I picked up on IGAU pretty damn quick. I strugged for a while learning full combos and resets. I like the way meter is used in this better too.

Nah you didn't overwhelm me at all l, I've been watching streams and commentaries for a while on the game so you pretty much reinforced that and laid it out in black and white for me which is also good

 

[Youphemism]

I'd like to clear a few things up for you guys for claritys sake and just because I think you might be getting the wrong impression:
1. He isn't new to NRS fighters completely, he plays MK9 with me a lot and his Smoke/Sub Zero are decent.
2. He is a decent player (I would know I train with him lol), and he understands things like notation, combos, OTGs, timing and resets (he has Smoke's mb smoke bomb resets and some Sub Zero b2 resets down to the frame timing-wise and as a Mileena main I despise it.)
3. He doesn't have Injustice just yet but he's played a little from when I've brought it over and from the demo too, he's expressed interest in MMH, Shazam and although he's yet to play him...Aquaman. This may also be factored in from the fact he watched MLG the other day too and we talked about him.
4. He just finds the combo system in Injustice weird now that it doesn't involve dash cancelling, I had shown him a Martian combo and he'd practised it for a while but I'm sure he'll get used to it as he can pick up something he's trying to do consistent well.
5. Character-wise he'd like to find someone similar to Smoke and Sub Zero but in Injustice, reccomendation you guys could make would be helpful

Side note: Green Lantern isn't necessarily an easy character to pick up imo, you can get punished really easily if you do his basic stuff, it takes work and reads to do well with him. From the opinion of someone who started out as a GL main.

Just thought some stuff was being explained that didn't need to be and wanted to clear that up just so you guys weren't wasting your time, that's all advise away!

 

[RelentlessOhio]

Okay thanks for that list, my advice is still relevant for when he does get it. He clearly stated he played MK9.

 

[Youphemism]

Okay thanks for that list, my advice is still relevant for when he does get it. He clearly stated he played MK9.

Yeah I know, I wasn't saying your advice wasn't relevant I was just saying that more detail was being given than necessary