Guide - A-List Complete Johnny Cage A-List Guide

[Rizz091]

Hey guys! So I went ahead and recorded a complete guide for A-List Johnny Cage. I have a video series on youtube posted. This should be great for anyone looking to pick this variation up, or just picking up the character in general. Hope you enjoy!

 

[ismael4790]

Good guide! But probably this is the worst moment to start with A-list, since there's a 99% chance he gets an unwarranted nerf on his cancels. People who want to keep playing him afterwards are going to need to relearn the variation again, which sucks.

 

[Rizz091]

Good guide! But probably this is the worst moment to start with A-list, since there's a 99% chance he gets an unwarranted nerf on his cancels. People who want to keep playing him afterwards are going to need to relearn the variation again, which sucks.

Thanks! And yeah understood, I'm hoping a lot of this stuff will still apply. I'll probably make another video covering his changes if and when that happens.

 

[Asodimazze]

Good guide! But probably this is the worst moment to start with A-list, since there's a 99% chance he gets an unwarranted nerf on his cancels. People who want to keep playing him afterwards are going to need to relearn the variation again, which sucks.

??? There is no reason at all to nerf A-List, let's not panic

 

[ismael4790]

??? There is no reason at all to nerf A-List, let's not panic

I know, there's no reason at all. He's a good character, and totally fair. But many people are overrating him lately, just as happened with Fisticuffs.

 

[coconutshrimp]

Good guide! But probably this is the worst moment to start with A-list, since there's a 99% chance he gets an unwarranted nerf on his cancels. People who want to keep playing him afterwards are going to need to relearn the variation again, which sucks.

Good thing I play SD then lol. On a serious note, I do suspect A-list will be nerfed. If Paulo thinks Kenshi is fine, who knows what'll happen to the other characters.

 

[Rizz091]

If they do nerf A-List, they absolutely need to give fisticuffs something to make up for it. Maybe he'll have 3 equally viable variations then. That's some wishful thinking though lol.

 

[bdizzle2700]

@EVB_VenDeTTa

 

[coconutshrimp]

If they do nerf A-List, they absolutely need to give fisticuffs something to make up for it. Maybe he'll have 3 equally viable variations then. That's some wishful thinking though lol.

The only reason you play A-List is for the cancel pressure, if they nerfed that than he's borderline pointless. The only thing you would be able to do if the cancels didn't jail is to bait reversals, but if your opponent is smart they will backdash or low profile since the strings you would use to jail, 333 12(1) and 114, all start high. Expect the worst hope for the best.

 

[ismael4790]

If they do nerf A-List, they absolutely need to give fisticuffs something to make up for it. Maybe he'll have 3 equally viable variations then. That's some wishful thinking though lol.

Fisticuffs needs something since 6/23, he's trash since his unwarranted nerf.

It's strange, but I think someone at NRS hates Johnny Cage.

 

[EVB_VenDeTTa]

I feel if they nerf Johnny's cancel pressure at all, then there's no reason to have him as a character. A-List is FOR cancel pressure.
Lui is a whole other story entirely.
Lui can loop a whole block string especially in the corner. Dragons Fist is a nightmare
Like if understand if they nerfed other special moves like Shadow Kick and flip kick or something like that but the Shadow Kick cancels are what makes A-List a viable variation.
In other words, I feel A-List is completely fine and should stay the way he is. There is really nothing broken about Johnny A-List. Just my opinion. Hope everyone had a great New Years

 

[zaccbarias]

Hi guys! so ive been maining A list johnny for a while now, but there is something i still havent confirmed, can you, or can you NOT "dial" your shadow kick cancels? you have to see atleast the start up frames of the shadow kick, then proceed cancelling after wards, yes? its annoying since i still drop it time to time, esp after 114 - sometimes it goes to regular shadow kick, sometimes the shadow kick doesnt come out at all. Can you "dial" 114bf4(hold 4) then as soon as you see the start up of shadow kick proceed to the RC motion?? Thanks a lot guys!

 

[IrishMantis]

Alist won't be getting nerfed

I haven't watched the guide yet but I don't think it's fair on the OP to turn this "will Alist get nerfed thread"

 

[EVB_VenDeTTa]

To be honest @zaccbarias 114 is the hardest one for me to cancel for some reason.
I'm not entirely sure yet but you gotta hold that shadow kick cancel a little longer than the other strings in order to remain plus after the cancel.
Keep practicing the string cancel, and you'll be fine.

 

[EVB_VenDeTTa]

Alist won't be getting nerfed

I haven't watched the guide yet but I don't think it's fair on the OP to turn this "will Alist get nerfed thread"

Agreed

 

[Shady]

Only watched the first video, and I use Stunt Double. No critical comment, I just found it funny how "you only get two mimics per stunt-up" is a criticism but then we all acknowledge that you only get two cancels per combo because of stamina with A-List and even less if you need to run or back-dash. Essentially the same limitation.

 

[Rizz091]

Only watched the first video, and I use Stunt Double. No critical comment, I just found it funny how "you only get two mimics per stunt-up" is a criticism but then we all acknowledge that you only get two cancels per combo because of stamina with A-List and even less if you need to run or back-dash. Essentially the same limitation.

I probably could've explained that better, but I didn't want to spend a lot of time on that video, because the point is for the a list variation. What I wanted to get across was that the main problem with stunt double is getting mimics up, and the cool down afterwards.

You don't have access to your mimics until you activate them, which usually requires you to throw one out to make yourself safe. (And even then that's easy to armor through in block strings) If you have two mimics, sure you get 2 reps like a list, but stamina comes back faster and doesn't require you to do some type of activation to have access to your pressure again.

With that said, I do believe stunt double can be better in some match ups.

 

[zaccbarias]

I probably could've explained that better, but I didn't want to spend a lot of time on that video, because the point is for the a list variation. What I wanted to get across was that the main problem with stunt double is getting mimics up, and the cool down afterwards.

You don't have access to your mimics until you activate them, which usually requires you to throw one out to make yourself safe. (And even then that's easy to armor through in block strings) If you have two mimics, sure you get 2 reps like a list, but stamina comes back faster and doesn't require you to do some type of activation to have access to your pressure again.

With that said, I do believe stunt double can be better in some match ups.

pretty sure you're referring to GM sub, but aside from that, what matchups are better with SD johnny?

 

[Disasterpiese]

Hi guys! so ive been maining A list johnny for a while now, but there is something i still havent confirmed, can you, or can you NOT "dial" your shadow kick cancels? you have to see atleast the start up frames of the shadow kick, then proceed cancelling after wards, yes? its annoying since i still drop it time to time, esp after 114 - sometimes it goes to regular shadow kick, sometimes the shadow kick doesnt come out at all. Can you "dial" 114bf4(hold 4) then as soon as you see the start up of shadow kick proceed to the RC motion?? Thanks a lot guys!

Wait at the end when he does the kick in 114 then input shadow kick for the 114 kick connects

 

[Rizz091]

pretty sure you're referring to GM sub, but aside from that, what matchups are better with SD johnny?

That's a great question! I definitely can't say I have the authority on this. I don't play stunt enough to know for sure. So please anyone else, feel free to correct me or chime in. I believe matchups where Johnny gets zoned out too hard are where Stunt Double can shine. So GM Sub is def a good one.

Other than him I think Lui Kang might be a good choice for Stunt Double. We all know how awful the matchup is, because of the fact that Lui Kang can outzone johnny hard with his low fireballs. Having access to mimic shadows probably can help alleviate that.

Another match where I think Stunt Double might be better is HQT Predator. Predator can keep Johnny at bay with lasers and his d4 lasers. So once again mimic shadows can give Johnny a better distance game in this match. And the weaker pressure that johnny has in stunt double is alleviated by the fact that he's fighting Predator who has awful reversals.

The only other character I can think of is Royal Storm Kitana. Once again, mimic shadows can help to deal with the zoning. Although I think A-List is also good in this match since he can throw high forceballs. Anyone else have ideas?

 

[LeftOverShark]

Yeah, nerfing alist for his cancel pressure defeats this varations purpose. I think DF Kang will receive nerfs before alist will. @Dja_Homies said it best, DF Kang is alist on crack. Lets not turn this into another thread about cage nerfs though. I have not watched the guide yet I plan on watching it. Thanks for contributing to the Cage community brother!

 

[Rizz091]

Yeah, nerfing alist for his cancel pressure defeats this varations purpose. I think DF Kang will receive nerfs before alist will. @Dja_Homies said it best, DF Kang is alist on crack. Lets not turn this into another thread about cage nerfs though. I have not watched the guide yet I plan on watching it. Thanks for contributing to the Cage community brother!

Appreciate you checking it out! Hope you find something useful!

 

[SylverRye]

Good guide! But probably this is the worst moment to start with A-list, since there's a 99% chance he gets an unwarranted nerf on his cancels. People who want to keep playing him afterwards are going to need to relearn the variation again, which sucks.

Have a seat with us liu Kang mains bro. We know your pain. Good guide btw..cage is extremely fun

 

[Ghostface]

Wanted to pick up Liu Kang probably gets nerfed, now attracted to Johnny Cage A-List .... same dilemma.....

 

[DaZengie]

Hey everyone. I'm having trouble doing a side switch after ex nut punch 12. Supposed to be ex nut punch, 12, run under, 12, f3 nut punch. For example:

3:37 mark. Any pointers?