I think I should swap to Mean Streak

[FatherOfWolves]

I’ve been playing Clean Cut since launch, and I’m thinking I need to swap over. The playstyle I’m using (pressure oriented) just seems counter to Clean Cut. Low hook sends them full screen, and restand Hook really only guarantees a F4 or D1. The variation just seems counter intuitive to the type of match I’m wanting to play.

I’ve been checking the forums here, but if anyone could give some transition advice aside from perfecting ia Saw and NDC that would be much appreciated.

Also, follow up question...does anyone have trouble with the Frost matchup? Again, the Clean Cut mix sends her full screen, but I get wrecked in the neutral if I’m not in B1/F2 range. Her walk back speed seems to keep me in the perfect range of the advancing mid string, and the stagger mind game with that is real. Any suggestions?

 

[sprintz98]

I play both. Recently came to the conclusion that clean cut is the more versatile tournament variation although mean streak is definitely more fun. Mean streak has some good pressure from the dash cancel but quite often I lose the opportunity to breakaway in a match which sometimes leads to a loss. Also mean streak struggles against zoning with its relatively slow projectiles while the clean cut variation can anti-zone. Extended hook is also really nice for not only the restand but from block confirming into it which gives you space.

 

[rainuS]

how clean cut anti zones?

 

[DeftMonk]

doesnt kabal just anti zone regardless with his projectile being a KD on trade

 

[greeninjalabs]

I've been enjoying Clean Cut a lot. I do mostly pressure, but after BR2 I'll work my way in with multiple enhanced jumping buzz saws. If you snag them on an amplified buzz saw (on the ground), you can even hit them with a Nomad Dash if you're quick enough

 

[-Nachtmahr-]

^ in clean cut? I tried it for hours and it only worked for me with his straight buzzy in mean streak, i thought we already checked that it is not possible lol

 

[greeninjalabs]

^ in clean cut? I tried it for hours and it only worked for me with his straight buzzy in mean streak, i thought we already checked that it is not possible lol

You for sure can -- just gave it another whirl (I haven't mastered it / don't quite go for it yet in online matches). I would imagine it's a lot safer to potentially cancel nomad dash with Mean Streak

 

[DrFolmer]

Completely off-topic, but fuck Kabal players doing that cheesy wannabee Geras d4, sandtrap shit with d1 into the swing-a-doodle sword special attack for a KB.

Seriously though, plus cancels on everything is extremely valuable. Kabal becomes a surprisingly scary rushdowny dude with arguably the best footsie game to fall back on. I know the restand is also pretty neat, and I guess it's just a different perspective as to how you wanna enforce your mixups.

Clean Cut makes for mixups on hit resets, Mean Streak enables the possibility of enforcing mixups on block. Clean Cut has a slightly better keep away game IMO with the arc his air projectiles have

 

[DeftMonk]

Completely off-topic, but fuck Kabal players doing that cheesy wannabee Geras d4, sandtrap shit with d1 into the swing-a-doodle sword special attack for a KB.

Seriously though, plus cancels on everything is extremely valuable. Kabal becomes a surprisingly scary rushdowny dude with arguably the best footsie game to fall back on. I know the restand is also pretty neat, and I guess it's just a different perspective as to how you wanna enforce your mixups.

Clean Cut makes for mixups on hit resets, Mean Streak enables the possibility of enforcing mixups on block. Clean Cut has a slightly better keep away game IMO with the arc his air projectiles have

damn bro u just sparked interest into kabal for me. I love chars that have frame traps off d1 thus Lao and big daddy d1 nutpunch lol

 

[Eldriken]

All someone has to do is block d1~db4 one time and get a hefty ass punish to make the Kabal player highly reconsider that. That's just my take on it. Never even bothered to try it in all honesty.

I usually save the db4 Krushing Blow for whiffed wakeups and baited rolls.

 

[podizzler3000]

 

[DeftMonk]

All someone has to do is block d1~db4 one time and get a hefty ass punish to make the Kabal player highly reconsider that. That's just my take on it. Never even bothered to try it in all honesty.

I usually save the db4 Krushing Blow for whiffed wakeups and baited rolls.

thats true db4 doesnt combo unless kb and its easy to get...d1 nutpunch here I come.