Match-up Discussion MK2 Kung Lao VS Baraka

[MKB]

VS

Rules of this discussion:

• You may contribute anything that will further the interest and understanding of the matchup. This includes strategies, videos, combos, etc.
• Feel free to answer the default questions posed in the first reply, though you are not required to do so.
• Please keep the discussion focused on the two characters in question.

 

[MKB]

Here are two characters who have great games from mid-screen to up-close. What happens when the two are combined? Well...

In terms of projectiles, Lao has the obvious advantage being able to throw low and high hats whereas Baraka can only go high with his blade spark. With the rest of the attacks, aerial combat becomes very tricky for both players. Lao always needs to be fearful of jumping due to Baraka's shredder. If Lao does jump, it will need to be a lightning fast bullet kick. Getting predictable with it will of course lead to a shredder anyway. Same thing goes with a teleport. The key to Kung Lao winning is staying unpredictable.

For Baraka, he has a little more leeway up close as his CQC is better. Always be ready to buffer a shredder for potential teleports and take that trick out of Lao's arsenal. Reverse shredders are huge in this match as Lao cannot block anything midteleport unlike Raiden. As long as Lao isn't spinning, Baraka can make some things happen with his blade swipes, double kicks, etc. It's not an easy match for Kung Lao, but he will win more often than not, 6-4.

• What are some good ways to bait players into jumping here?
• Should Lao teleport at all?
• Should Baraka rely on his JK?

 

[mortal_jason]

Lao can win from in close or far away, thus making him more versatile of the two. But Baraka always matches up well against Lao. This battle shows yet again why Baraka is mid-tier; he is a great pick against someone as good as Lao.

BARAKA
One of the only characters that can keep Lao honest in the air, you'll want to use Baraka's jump punch a lot. It gets you in close to Lao, and acts as a guard in the air as it beats Lao most of the time. Once in close, apply all methods of jab from double kicks to blade swipes. Use sweeps to try to knock Lao off his feet, and then sneak in. Buffer the shredder in anticipation of Lao's teleport- he can't block it. Blade spark when Lao runs to the opposite end of the screen, and watch for that teleport so you can catch him in blade fury (shredder). Only use Baraka's god-like jump kick when you think Lao will be throwing a hat. Otherwise Lao can uppercut you, or jump punch/dive kick combo.

LAO
Really depends how you're more comfortable playing. Lao can outsweep Baraka in close, but Baraka's jab is mighty scary, so you might opt to stay away. I like to always keep my opponent guessing with Lao. Play from afar, then attack, throw in some teleports, etc. Whenever you jump, you want to jump punch, because you will need it to beat Baraka in the air. If Baraka does a shredder without you near, teleport behind him, take a step in, and whirlwind spin/hat throw combo him. A good play with Lao is throwing a few hats, and then whirlwind spinning. Lao's uppercut is incredible- use it to anti-air when Baraka jump kicks you.

6-4 for Lao. A tank Baraka can really give Lao problems.