I wanted to ask this (but didn't want to start a thread just for it, so I'm using the XL one):
Is Vicious just a lesser version of Ruthless?
I toyed with Vicious a bit before XL and I'm toying with it now again, specially because medieval vicious looks really really cool.
But the more I try the more I think Ruthless cand do almost everything Vicious can, but better.
I've read about the tick throws tech in vicious (not sure if they're still there with the changes) and I know Ferra eats projectiles when thrown but...
- Ruthless has probably the easiest run cancel in the game (I SUCK at run cancels and I can do them) which also still apply its buff effects leading to some really serious damage. Granted you get some damage on yourself but they're great.
- Ruthless still got the other 2 projectiles for OH/Low mixups and they can now be meter burned into combo starters while boss toss needs meterburn to reach full screen so Vicious doesn't look to be that much better at range than Ruthless (it almost feels like either the low or oh should've been exclusive of vicious).
- Ruthless command throw is more damaging (I don't even know why Vicious throw needs extra inputs if the damage is still going to be worse unless I'm missing something).
So... basically, what pros have Vicious over Ruthless that justify picking it? What can it do that Ruthless can't?
I'm interested on the variation mostly because of the looks but I'm looking for gameplay reasons too.
Vicious absolutely is at the same level imo as Ruthless, they just have a different niche.
Pros for vicious are just better anti zoning tools, Ruthless still can do a good job, but some projectils can be tough to beat because they are so fast, Boss toss will eat almost every single projectile, even ones like Lui Kang's low fireball, which bowl girl does not eat. Haven't had a chance to test it post patch, but regular Ferra would still crush projectiles that also crushed projectiles, like Subs EX iceball, not sure if this is still the case or you have to EX Boss Toss to do the same.
And while the command grab isn't great damage wise, nor does it connect consistently with females (EX'd or not), it does have the nice property of leaving the opponent within striking distance of b2, but its not a hard knockdown so they can tech roll (I still don't understand this decision, considering both Lackey and Ruthless are HKD at full screen, the most useless place to have a HKD. I haven't tested it but I doubt that they changed it in the last patch), so best to use it in the corner, go with Boss toss ender for damage, or 2f/b4, or b1212, for the hard knockdown at close range. Also its still my favourite, just cuz of Ferra's stabbing, I wish EX Deep stab (Ruthless command grab, had a similar input.
Overall, Ruthless is more focused on punishing for big damage, and infuriating the opponent with PnG armour (my playstyle anyway, using it for pressure is a fine option too). Vicious is more focused on counter zoning, and making the opponent really work to get around all the Ferra zoning, and if they do, they still have to worry about d1. Seriously, you can bait run ins by throwing out Ferra, then watch them run straight into Torr's fist.
