Feint Brawler - Tifa Lockheart

[Ahxakri]

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Creator

Ahxakri


Co-Creator

Dimenex


Special Thanks

Ujhbn
K'Genesis

[Ahxakri]

Table of Contents

I) Introduction/Character Information
II) Getting Started!
III) Move Pool
IV) EX Mode
(To Be Continued)

[Ahxakri]

I. Introduction/Character Information

Name Tifa Lockhart
Age 20-22
Birthplace Nibelheim
Date of Birth May 3rd, 1987
Height 167 CM (5’4”)
Blood Type B
Fighting Stance South Paw
Weapon Knuckles
Role Heroine

As she is in Final Fantasy VII, on the outside Tifa is a hard worker and spends her time caring for everyone but herself. On the inside, she keeps the feelings of uneasiness towards Cloud locked up. She has a strong motherly streak and tends to offer sanctuary and physically protects those in need. Seeking to do all that she can for those in need she spends her time caring for others at the consequence of herself, often comforting the other AVALANCHE members; finding in them similar spirits seeking to find an end to the tyranny and corruption the Shinra Electric Power Company has brought unto the Planet, although initially her motivation for joining the rebel group was to seek revenge for the destruction of her hometown and the deaths of her family and friends therein.

[Ahxakri]

II. Getting started

Tifa is known as a “Feint Brawler” because she is able to feint her attacks effectively for many uses.

Feint Dodge
Tifa is able to use her feints as a faster, less punishable dodge in some situations. By doing so, you effectively feint through attacks so that you end up really close to the opponent and can counter effectively. Learning what attacks you can feint through and the timing to each of them takes time to master. Once you have mastered this, you are more likely to find yourself avoiding dodge punishing moves.

Delayed Feint
This is something that you must master to be able to effectively use Tifa to her full potential. After performing a feint, Tifa continues the attack by inputting the Circle or Square command again. However, you do not have to continue the attack immediately. You can delay the attack by pressing Circle or Square a moment after the feint is completed. This technique is very effective to wait out a block and effectively counter. If they block as you feint, you can wait out the block and continue your attack after the blocking frames have finished. This is also effective for mind games by switching up the timing on your attacks after feinting.

Guard Feint
This is another unique technique that Tifa is excessively good at. She is able to guard bait people by using feints and go through guards via feinting. Tifa is able to start a technique while the opponent attempts to guard against the attack and then feint behind them countering. This is different from a delayed feint in the fact that her opponent does not turn around unless they block after she feints. By baiting them into blocking before you successfully feint, they are vulnerable to be attacked from behind. You won't have to delay the attack any as there isn't any risk to you attacking immediately. This is very good in combination with delayed feinting for mind games.

Pros
+Above average speed
+Capable of performing feints
+Can feint dodge
+Can delay feints
+Feints can extend the range of attacks (Save for Blizzard spells)
+All attacks can be feinted (Save for Blizzard spells)
+Fast Assist Gauge Builder

Cons
-Hard to master
-Linear long range tools
-Feints are punishable
-Hard combinations

[Ahxakri]

III. Move Pool

Bravery Attacks: Ground

Name Beat Rush
Additional Effect Chase
Range Close-Mid
Priority Melee Low
Damage 8, 11, 16 (35)
Startup Frames 21
Obtained Initial Move
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 4/5
Description This is a three-hit punch combination that is a staple move. Even if the first hit does not connect, she can continue the full three hit combination. It is one of her faster moves and it deals pretty good damage. This move is easily one of her easiest moves to feint and extremely fast.
Feint Timing The timing to this attack is before she begins the first hit of the combination. The input is as followed: Circle > Cross > Circle

Name Waterkick
Additional Effect Wall Rush
Range Close
Priority Low
Damage 8, 12 (20)
Startup Frames 11
Obtained Initial Move
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 5/5
Description This is a two-hit kick combination that Tifa has and is another staple move of hers. The damage output is only average, but has a nice wall rush effect for additional damage. Even if the initial kick does not connect, she can still follow up with the second kick. The reason this attack is considered staple is because once mastered, it can link to the HP move Somersault. This move is quite easy to land with as it has incredible speed beyond her other BRV attacks only matched by Elbow Smash. Feinting with this move is situational and should only be used if you miss the initial kick. Since this move doesn't create a chase, it is great to follow up with an assist.
Feinting The timing to this attack is before she begins the second kick. The input is as followed: Circle > Circle > Cross > Circle

Name Blizzard (Ground)
Additional Effect None
Range Long
Priority Ranged Low
Damage 10 (10)
Startup Frames 31
Obtained Achieve LV20
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 1/5
Description This is a simple Blizzard spell that has slow movement, but quite a long range and minor tracking. This attack can be blocked or evaded with relative ease however. I wouldn’t recommend this move as it is essentially only good for slight pressure and even then, there are better options. This attack should only be equipped to learn Blizzara and Blizzaga.
Feinting This attack cannot be feinted.


Name Blizzara
Additional Effect Wall Rush
Range Mid
Priority Ranged Low-Mid
Damage 1,2, X10, 3 (24)
Startup Frames 31
Obtained Achieve LV21-26
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 3/5
Description This is superior to Blizzard, but it is still only a decent move. Blizzara has minor tracking, shorter range, and more power. Upon impact, it deals multiple low damage hits to the opponent and slams them into the ground. It has the ability guard stagger, but doesn’t always guard stagger. It is still relatively easy to dodge, but not as easy as Blizzard. Blizzara is a good pressure tool and can interrupt an opponent’s attack if timed correctly.
Feinting This attack cannot be feinted.

Name Blizzaga
Additional Effect Wall Rush
Range Long
Priority Ranged Mid
Damage 1, 2, X10, 9 (30)
Startup Frames 93
Obtained Achieve LV27
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 5/5
Description This is Tifa’s strongest spell and is definitely a move you want in her arsenal. Blizzaga has minor tracking, longer range, and more power. Tifa begins the casting animation much like Blizzara, but it appears over the opponent’s head as an ice crystal. The crystal then drops on top of them with dealing multiple hits that are considerably stronger than Blizzara. Like Blizzara, it slams the opponent into the ground for additional damage. Blizzaga guard staggers much better than Blizzara and is slightly harder to dodge. Blizzaga is a good pressure tool and can interrupt an opponent’s attack if timed correctly. The best thing about Blizzaga is that it can essentially connect with Tifa’s HP move Meteor Strike. (See HP section for more information)
Feinting This attack cannot be feinted.


Bravery Attacks: Aerial

Name Elbow Smash
Additional Effect Wall Rush
Range Close
Priority Melee Low
Damage 8, 12 (20)
Startup Frames 11
Obtained Initial Move
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 3.5/5
Description This is another two-hit elbow combination of Tifa’s that can be continued even if the initial hit has missed. Its damage output is only average, but its speed is on par with Waterkick. It can also provide a little extra damage considering the wall rushing effect. This move is good to start with, but there are better options later. Feinting with this move should only be used whenever you miss the initial hit. Since this move doesn't create a chase, it is great to follow up with an assist.
Feinting The timing to this attack is before she begins the second smash. The input is as followed: Circle > Circle > Cross > Circle


Name Falcon’s Dive
Additional Effect Wall Rush
Range Mid-Long
Priority Melee Low
Damage 26 (26)
Startup Frames 23
Obtained Achieve LV8
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 3.5/5
Description This is another one of Tifa’s fastest attacks that she has. The damage output is quite nice considering it only hits once and then deals wall rushing damage. It is quite easy to feint this move and is nearly instantaneous. Because it can move quite a long distance, it is a very good tool to use to use to get to the ground in a hurry or to dodge a move. Its feinting capabilities further its ability to get out of the way of attacks as well. Since this move doesn't create a chase, it is great to follow up with an assist.
Feinting The timing to this attack is before she begins the downward kick. The input is as followed: Circle > Cross > Circle

Name Dolphin Blow
Additional Effect Wall Rush
Range Mid-Long
Priority Melee Low
Damage 1, X5, 24 (29)
Startup Frames 23
Obtained Achieve LV16
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 2.5/5
Description This is one of Tifa’s moves that is a personal choice whether or not you want to use it. The damage output exceeds Falcon’s Dive by quite some bit, but it is a much slower move. The fact that it cannot be used on the ground greatly hinders the use of this ability. It’s a hard attack to land even if the opponent is above you because of the obvious start up. It also lacks the evasive properties of Falcon’s Dive due to its speed being slower After feinting, Tifa still begins the startup animation thus slowing her down even more. The additional wall rushing damage isn't all that much as it will rarely wall rush. This is a move that won’t get entirely too much use, but it has its situational uses should you choose this over Elbow Smash. If you do not use Ground Dash, this ability is definitely right up your ally. If a ground version of this move is ever made, it will be much better. Plus, I think it should be faster or guard stagger.
Feinting The timing to this attack is before she begins her upward kick. The input is as followed: Circle > Cross > Circle

Name Moonsault Kick
Additional Effect Chase
Range Mid-Long
Priority Melee Low
Damage 9, 9, 2, X3, 16 (40)
Startup Frames 25
Obtained Achieve LV34
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 5/5
Description Moonsault Kick is definitely Tifa’s best aerial move by far. It is a three combination kick that can be feinted twice. The damage output of this move exceeds most if not all of her BRV attacks. The initial feint of this move is right before the initial kick while the second feint is much harder to find the timing, but it is right after her second kick. While the startup is the second slowest in her arsenal, it is extremely fast and so is its feints, but make sure not to overuse the feints on this move as it can make you extremely predicable. However, this move has quite the options and you should exploit them intelligently.
Feinting The timing to the first feint is simply before her initial kick. The timing to the second time is after her second kick. Pressing circle once commands her to do a double kick while pressing circle again commands her to do her double kick. The input is as followed: Circle > Cross > Circle > Cross

Name Blizzard (Midair)
Additional Effect None
Range Long
Priority Ranged Low
Rating 1.5/5
Damage 10 (10)
Startup Frames 31
Obtained Initial Move
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Description This is a simple Blizzard spell that has slow movement, but quite a long range and minor tracking. This attack can be blocked or evaded with relative ease however. I wouldn’t recommend this move as it is essentially only good for slight pressure and even then, there are better options. This attack should only be equipped to learn Blizzara and Blizzaga. The only thing that makes Blizzard better in the air is that it is her only ranged tool in the air, but it is still not recommended.
Feinting This attack cannot be feinted.

[Ahxakri]

HP Attacks: Ground

Name Meteodrive
Additional Effect Wall Rush
Range Close
Priority Melee High
Damage 15 (15)
Startup Frames 39
Obtained Initial Move
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 2/5
Description This is one of Tifa’s beginning HP moves and is truly only good until you get some better HP attacks. Meteodrive lacks vertical range, and its horizontal range is quite pathetic. Its startup and speed are quite decent however. In the long run, none of this matter as it leaves you highly susceptible to being BRV broken afterwards. It slams the opponent into the ground right next to Tifa allowing them to get in a quick attack and break her. Other than that, it is an okay attack.
Feinting The timing to this attack is right after she rolls. The input is as followed: Square > Cross > Square

Name Rolling Blaze (Ground)
Additional Effect: Wall Rush
Range Close-Mid
Priority Melee High
Damage 1, X7 (7)
Startup Frames 45
Obtained Achieve LV23
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 2.5/5
Description This is a decent move, but it can be a little inaccurate. This move lacks a little horizontal range and when feinted can miss the opponent if they stick to the ground. Otherwise, this move isn’t entirely bad as it allows space between the two of you in order to regain your BRV, but there are far better options. Feinting to this move is really great, but it doesn’t shine as much when being used on the ground.
Feinting The timing to this attack is anytime she is rolling towards the opponent. The input is as followed: Square > Cross > Square

Name Burning Arrow
Additional Effect Wall Rush
Range: Mid-Long
Priority Melee High
Damage –
Startup Frames 47
Obtained Achieve LV5
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 4/5
Description Burning Arrow is comparable to Meteodrive, but it has longer range and sends the opponent flying away. The startup spin to this attack is a little slow, but may make opponents dodge too early. This attack is really fast once the startup is complete which makes it hard to dodge if the opponent dodges too early. When fighting an AI, they tend to dodge this attack every time, so the startup is really only effective against other players.
Feinting The timing to this attack right after the startup spin. The input is as followed: Square > Cross > Square

Name Meteor Strike
Additional Effect Wall Rush
Range Mid-Long
Priority Melee High
Damage 1, X(2/7/13), 15 (17/22/28)
Startup Frames 33
Obtained Achieve LV36
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 4/5
Description Meteor Strike has its great points and then its bad points, but it is overall a great attack. Its startup isn’t too bad, and its speed is comparable to Burning Arrow. Feinting is a little harder to land with as it restarts the startup of the move after feinting. It deals a lot of BRV damage upon impact and does nice additional wall rushing damage. The thing that puts this move on top is its ability to glitch linked to Blizzaga.
Feinting The timing to this attack is any time she is rushing towards the opponent. The input is as followed: Square > Cross > Square

Name Somersault
Additional Effect None
Range Close
Priority Melee High
Damage -- / +Waterkick (8)
Startup Frames --
Obtained Master Waterkick
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 3.5/5
Description This is definitely Tifa’s fastest HP attack and is extremely recommended to use. It is Tifa’s only BRV to HP link as it links from Waterkick. Because Waterkick is extremely fast, this move isn’t hard to pull off at all. Somersault is able to be used after you connect with her initial kick and then press square. It’s better to use whenever your BRV isn’t extremely high as it lack wall rushing damage as you have better choices then. It’s really useful whenever you need to deplete your opponent’s last bit of HP, and need a quick HP attack.
Feinting This attack cannot be feinted.


HP Attacks: Aerial

Name Meteor Crusher
Additional Effect None
Range Close-Mid
Priority Melee High
Damage 1, X8, 2 (10)
Startup Frames 33
Obtained Initial Move
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 3.5/5
Description This is Tifa’s basic aerial HP attack. It is a really fast attack and can be charged to increase range of the attack. The charging function can be used to make the opponent dodge early. Feinting with Meteor Crusher is quite easy, but makes the attack a little harder to hit with, so it should be used to dodge punish. The thing that hinders this move the most is that Tifa cannot move directly after her feinted attack. However, this attack is really great to use after an assist chase because it is her only aerial HP attack that is fast enough to land.
Feinting The timing to this attack is before she begins her flurry of hits. The input is as followed: Square > Cross > Square

Name Rolling Blaze (Midair)
Additional Effect Wall Rush
Range Close-Mid
Priority Melee High
Damage 1, X7 (7)
Startup Frames 45
Obtained Achieve LV12
CP (Mastered) 30 (15)
Rating 4/5
Description The aerial version of this move is superb as it is more accurate after feinting than it is on the ground. It seems that this move has a slight increase in horizontal range and a definite increase in vertical range. The damage output of this move is the same as its ground variant, and it still provides a distance between you and your opponent after it connects. The distance left is greater than when it is used on the ground as well. You generally have a much greater vertical distance and a slight increase in horizontal distance. Feinting with this move is much more viable and allows the attack to connect much more smoothly. The only thing that hinders this move is that being above the opponent is essentially to get the best results from this move however; the vertical distance does not have to be all that great.
Feinting The timing to this attack is anytime she is rolling towards the opponent. The input is as followed: Square > Cross > Square

[Ahxakri]

IV. EX Mode

Perks

Regen Vigor and stamina recover little by little, restoring HP. This is the typical perk of all EX Modes, but that doesn’t make it useless. This perk is great whenever you’re in trouble and need a little more HP to survive, just be aware that you only regenerate HP while in EX Mode.
Critical Boost Increases chance of BRV attacks dealing critical hits. This is a really great perk when stacked on top of Counterattack and Sneak Attack. The rate at which you will be getting critical hits is phenomenal. Tifa’s hits really become powerful and using her various combinations are essential to maximum the number of hits she can get while in EX Mode.
Premium Heart The fuller the EX Gauge, the more damage is dealt. This really isn’t a useful perk as the EX Gauge depletes quite fast in this game. The fact that EX Cores won’t refill the gauge significantly really puts this perk in the dirt. It’s really only useful at the very beginning of her EX Mode, but essentially becomes overshadowed by her other two perks. This could have been so much better, but it simply has to have some revisions.


EX-Burst: Final Heaven

This is Tifa’s final limit break in Final Fantasy VII reintroduced as her EX-Burst in Dissidia 012 and just like in Final Fantasy VII, you have to stop the slot machines on either “Hit” or “Yeah!” to be successful. Once you see it land over what you want, simply press cross. However, it isn’t as hard as many make it out to be, it just requires a little timing and practice. Whenever you hit “Yeah!” you deal more damage than if you hit “Hit” and you don’t even deliver the hit if you hit “Miss”. You are limited in time as well, if you do not hit cross fast enough, they will stop at random. This EX-Burst isn’t all that powerful and certainly not worth it until you are on your last little bit of your EX Gauge. I would not use it if you have a lot of your EX Gauge left as the perks can be more crucial than setting off a little bit more damage.

[cetraoflife]

Uhm, I'd just like to suggest something. Aside from the fact that Tifa's feints can be used for delay and guard... how about Feint Evasion? Right before the enemy attacks, Tifa can feint out of the way, behind the enemy and counter.

[Lind_U]

Tifa's feint properties make what you say a bit situational.

First, you have to consider the time it takes to feint. Feint evasion would really only be good with Beat Rush, since the feint for that move is instantaneous. Maybe Moonsault Kick too, if you feint fast enough. I don't think it would be very effective with Falcon Dive unless your opponent's using an upward-hitting attack. Given that those are staple moves, it wouldn't really be an issue, until...

...you have to consider the distance between you and the opponent. If you're a little too far, she won't go behind the opponent but rather directly in front of them, which actually puts you in harm's way especially if your opponent's already in the middle of their attack and you won't be able to recover anymore. Also, to my experience, Tifa can get hit while feinting, except when she's totally invisible. This means that if she's in the middle of disappearing and she gets hit, the hit will connect, and Tifa won't be very happy.

Feint evasion is one thing I've really been trying hard to master, but I've come to the conclusion that her feints are better suited for offensive purposes. It's up to you if you want to make it a core part of your Tifa's game, but yeah. It's pretty difficult.

[Ahxakri]

Cetra, that's in here. Called "Feint Dodge" XD And they are better suited than normal dodging on A LOT of attacks. Especially projectile techniques. If someone is using melee attacks on you, you're more than likely going to be close enough to get behind them. Don't ever spam feint dodge, switch up how you use her feints. It's key to mastery. NOW! ANY further comments, go here.

http://dissidiaforums.com/showthread.php?7711-Planning-to-write-a-Tifa-guide./page3

This was a waste and it showed Cetra never really even read this. ._. He skimmed it...I would like to ask a moderator to come here and delete my post and the two above it so that I can continue this guide whenever.

I know I've stopped posting on it, but my team that was helping me with this guide kind of floated off. ._.

[Sol Diviner]

For cons, I feel it may be worth noting that she lacks a projectile-based HP Attack of any kind.

[icyie04]

OH hey look it's tifa's birthday. LOL

[Ahxakri]

Oh god, please get a moderator in here ._. Stop spamming this thread.

[icyie04]

Last time I read, Tifa's birthday is part of the guide. Read please.

[Ahxakri]

Last time I checked, this is a guide where I not only posted a link to where all ideas and comments should go to. A guide that isn't even finished and because of all of YOU people, I cannot finish it until everything is deleted.

On another note, this is going to be locked once it is finished because there is a thread for all of this nonsense. But hey, none of you can possibly read previous post about the alternate thread, can you? XD This guide is for information purposes only, not for people to come posting in it. It's going to be a GUIDE and that is it.


Kthnxsbai.