Strategy Sinestro's footsie game

[Paul the Octopus]

What do you guys think are Sinestro's best options when he is in footsie range? I find it challenging to play the footsie game against a lot of the top tiers. At this range, fear blast goes over many characters and i feel like Sinestro's footsies are slower, have little range (besides b1), and less advanatgeous on block compared to many other (good) characters.

Below is a list of what options i try to make use of, and my view on his options. Feel free to correct me and/or disagree. Interested in others' thoughts. Perhaps I'm misevaluating certain options or missing some things entirely.
- B13 (naked): Reasonably good option. It's unsafe against most the cast but works if you read that your opponent will walk/dash forward (which they will do a lot since most characters need to approach Sinestro). Also works as a counterpoke if you think your opponent will throw out a move, this is a good option that leads to damage and/or resets. While the risk is high, the reward is as well.
- B13, arachnid: Bad option IMO. I see high level players doing this, but I don't understand why. Perhaps I'm missing something but it seems like it's very unsafe (many characters can interrupt you between the 3 and the arachnid, and many can punish you after arachnid. Plus this isn't hit confirm able as far as I can tell and also leads to low damage.
-B12, arachnid: reasonably good option and strictly better than B13 arachnid. Not interruptable before the arachnid (I think) and also safer after the arachnid (more pushback). Not much damage. The 2 can be ducked but I've rarely had that be an issue.
- D2: reasonably good option. Hard to punish at max range for most characters, and leads to decent damage/resets.
- Run away (backdash or jump back) and zone: good option as Sinestro beats most characters at full screen.
- Neutral jump 1: solid option that is safe and leads to damage/resets. Punishable if opponent reads it.

 

[PLAYING TO WIN]

People do b13 arachnid as a hit confirm. If b13 was blocked the arachnid will beat any attempted punish more than 7-8 frames.

 

[Paul the Octopus]

Seems to me like B12, arachnid would usually be better. Batman, superman, aquaman, and the flash can all interrupt B13, arachnid, just to name a few. Let me know if I'm missing something.

 

[xInfra Deadx]

B1,2 ends in a high, however...so be careful.

 

[STB Shujinkydink]

B1 trait, then b13. Works like a charm

 

[NKZero]

I make use of most of Sinestro's normals when I can.

2, 2, 3: 10f start-up with pretty decent pushback although first hit is a high.
3: deceptively good range and good pushback, not to mention it cancels immediately into trait charge if you wish.
f+2, d+1, 3: another good tool that's plus on block and gives nice pushback.
d+2: very good range and great anti-air.
b+2, 1: safe on block with first hit being overhead and second hit low. Max range b+2 on block ensures the 1 in the string doesn't whiff.

I push people back with normals so they get frustrated and as soon as they try to jump I d+2 or meet them with instant axe of terror (another good tool in footsie range). I will then whiff punish with b+1, 3 when given the opportunity but I don't just throw it out there very often. b+1, 2 is safe but watch out for second hit.

His normals aren't great but I make use of a variety of them to give the opponent more to think about other than the standard.

 

[PLAYING TO WIN]

Seems to me like B12, arachnid would usually be better. Batman, superman, aquaman, and the flash can all interrupt B13, arachnid, just to name a few. Let me know if I'm missing something.

this is true... know this though. there is a huge meta game here.

i played perfect legend for about 40 games this week. he punished b13 arach everything (btw the 3/arach)... so i started doing things like b13fearblastMB... the fear will beat any punish... i believe it leaves a 2 frame window.

obviously if its blocked or ducked your in trouble. but after doing this a few times... i opened me up to doing free b13's bc he feared MB fear or was ducking to avoid it. this is a high level meta game. i like to do b13 to arach just to see their knowledge of the character. if i eat a punish o well... its info. if he is just blocking follow up with a 22 to be a even or 1b23 to be plus. sinestro lives full screen or with you in a vortex. mid range is his weakest facet. i still believe that sinestro is a complete top 10 character.

all fails then b12 is your best option at mid range... or f2d13

 

[PLAYING TO WIN]

B1 trait, then b13. Works like a charm

stop
wasting
trait

 

[STB Shujinkydink]

stop
wasting
trait

I meant trait cancel sorry, not actual trait. Should have specified

 

[Paul the Octopus]

this is true... know this though. there is a huge meta game here.

i played perfect legend for about 40 games this week. he punished b13 arach everything (btw the 3/arach)... so i started doing things like b13fearblastMB... the fear will beat any punish... i believe it leaves a 2 frame window.

obviously if its blocked or ducked your in trouble. but after doing this a few times... i opened me up to doing free b13's bc he feared MB fear or was ducking to avoid it. this is a high level meta game. i like to do b13 to arach just to see their knowledge of the character. if i eat a punish o well... its info. if he is just blocking follow up with a 22 to be a even or 1b23 to be plus. sinestro lives full screen or with you in a vortex. mid range is his weakest facet. i still believe that sinestro is a complete top 10 character.

all fails then b12 is your best option at mid range... or f2d13

Not trying to be a dick, but just to play devil's advocate - seems like those sorts of mind games would only work in a long set (I.e., not in tournament).

Also, couldn't he just punish b13, arachnid with a d1? Wouldn't that avoid point blank fear blast? I could be totally be wrong but that's what I was thinking.

 

[PLAYING TO WIN]

Not trying to be a dick, but just to play devil's advocate - seems like those sorts of mind games would only work in a long set (I.e., not in tournament).

Also, couldn't he just punish b13, arachnid with a d1? Wouldn't that avoid point blank fear blast? I could be totally be wrong but that's what I was thinking.

Yes. Longer sets or high level play. Agree. And to be clear... Im using b13 in anticipation of it hitting or a punish. If its blocked u go into ohhh shit mode and just try to remain safe.

 

[LEGEND]

Great thread

i also try to use standing 3-trait cancel as much as possible up close to create space and kinda force them to move/react. I usually try to do this after i land a D1 or i know its safe to do so, like in certain MUs or if i feel my opponent is fearing my other options

B1-arachnid is also pretty solid for checking people at a distance

 

[Pig Of The Hut]

B1 trait, then b13. Works like a charm

id say if after b1 trait hits id do b3 combo into resets

 

[MKPROJECT2359]

f2d13 works and all 223 (if you have trait, you can do 223 and trait shot in between the 22*3. So, the opponent won't be able to move. And the 223 pushes back the opponent at a perfect distance for a b1.

 

[PLAYING TO WIN]

f2d13 works and all 223 (if you have trait, you can do 223 and trait shot in between the 22*3. So, the opponent won't be able to move. And the 223 pushes back the opponent at a perfect distance for a b1.

naaa it can be jumped. footsies describe what is happening around sweet range.

 

[Scoot Magee]

As an arrow player it feels like sinsestros footsies are very good. His back walk speed seems very good and his b1 advances him extremely far forward. I know b13 is -9 but with trait it's godlike.