Edit: Necromancer Variation
A couple of things I would like to note. Although most Shinnok players probably know this, I would like to put it out there because it is important to his game. F224 is highly punishable in all circumstances, therefore, should be utilized sparingly. You do not have enough cancel advantage for any part of that string into EX bf1. For instance, f22 xx EX bf1 and f224 xx EX bf1 have a gap for armored attacks before the special comes out. This makes it risky against a well informed opponent. The only time you have enough cancel advantage is from f2 xx EX bf1. I say this because you can't go around throwing out f2 for free in the neutral game, especially against someone that knows what they are doing. Essentially, your only mixup (off a punishable string , remember that) is if you will complete the entire string or not. Keep in mind it is still punishable, and dumb to throw out without meter. Also, xx bf2 after any string (I will correct this statement if I find otherwise as I'm at school between classes at the moment) can be armored. Example, 112 xx bf2 can be punished. Is this something that will break him down? I don't know, however, it is something to think about when you are playing an opponent with high execution and knowledge.
One other tidbit. I'm thinking it's character specific and I need to test more but after a string cancelled into EX bf1 you are able to d4 xx bf2 for extra chip or damage if they are unaware and move. The reason I say more testing is because even though the game data lines up and the reach on d4, it doesn't character wise. In an actual match, I was able to land this vs Kotal Kahn in corner and midscreen, Sub Zero corner and midscreen but against Scorpion, I did not land it one time. My timing could have been off since it was online but I think something is going on with the hitboxes again. Similar to the fact that some high attacks land on duck blocking opponents and some not just like MK9.
Why is this important? Well we essentially make our strings safe (if it doesn't get punished on startup) with EX bf1. So there is more chip and mixup opportunity after it lands on block now. Make them respect your frame trap with d4 xx bf2. After they respect, run in throw, run into string, jump (not recommended) into string, loop it again, etc.
No game breaking information here but we can't act like f224 is ridiculously godlike because I have three opponents that say otherwise. ALSO.... I'm not saying op said that! Lol, just making people aware!
