Sephiroth: Movelist and Analysis

[Weiss_Hikari]

Sephiroth: Movelist/Character analysis FAQ

By Weiss_Hikari

Table of Contents:
1.1 Who is Sephiroth?
1.2 Why and how use should I use Sephiroth?
2.1 Ground Brave Attacks
2.2 Aerial Brave Attacks
3.1 Ground HP attacks
3.2 Aerial HP attacks
3.3 Ex-Mode
4.1 Combos

1.1-Who is Sephiroth?

Within the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, Sephiroth is the legendary and feared general of SOLDIER, the powerful magic wielding enhanced private military force of the Shinra Company. Hailed as a hero far and wide he followed orders without though until various events surrounding that dark side of the Shinra company occur as well as the defection of his only friends which lead to him finding out the he was born of a science experiment in an attempt to recreate the powerful people called Ancients. It is then that Sephiroth goes insane and burns down Nibelheim, the village home to Cloud Strife. When after battling his former ally Zack Fair, Sephiroth focuses his attention on Jenova, the being who's cells he was born from, which was housed in the Mako reactor. It is there that Cloud (A grunt, not even a SOLDIER) back stabs Sephiroth causing him to almost die, but when Cloud tries to finish him off, he is impaled by Sephiroth's Masamune. Cloud find miraculous strength and throws Sephiroth into the Mako stream at the bottom of the reactor. This MASSIVE dishonor is where Sephiroth's hatred and obsession with Cloud begins (Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII).
Note that sometimes.... his obsession seems kinda gay when he's talking to Cloud or thinking about Cloud... >.>
(read On the way to a smile: Lifestream:Black)

It is later discovered that Sephiroth is instead infused with the genes of a space monster called (Jenova) that wiped out the ancients. After learning the true truth, Sephiroth inherits it's malevolent will. He then used the power of Jenova and those who were part of the Sephiroth clone project to obtain the Black Materia, the Ultimate Destruction Magic which called forth Meteor, to damage the planet. When the planet would pool it's energy to heal it self, he would then would attempt to absorb it's energy to become a god, but is foiled by Cloud and his companions.

Two years after his apparent death, the disease that had appeared at the time death (geostigma) had become widespread in an attempt to create a negative flow within the planet and kill it and absorb it. Using his three remnants, he sought Jenova's head to make a new evolution. He is once again killed by Cloud and his new Omni-Slash Version 6 in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete.

In Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Sephiroth is still legendary and respect, even amongst the villains. Besides seeking to torment Cloud, Sephiroth also ponders truths behind the conflict. His knowledge and questioning shocks even Garland. In the US version of the game his title is the [Focused Blade] but Japan his title is [Blade Master]. He “Uses peerless swordsmanship to deliver precise strikes” (I believe, PM me if i’m wrong).
Note that Sephiroth is even respected by Jecht ("Let's show everyone how it's done!"), and Jecht is 100% awesome.

1.2-Why and how should I use Sephiroth?
Sephiroth is a character with excellent range and interesting variety of ground and air attacks that are able to eat up an opponent's brave as well as some ranged attacks to keep opponents at a distance as well as play mind games. All of his attacks have some obvious tells, but are very punishing, as such, Sephiroth is for players who desire either desire range, like to zone their opponents, like to play with their opponents before going on the offensive, or desire a variety of attacks.

Traditionally Sephiroth is the type of character that is supposed to be semi-defensive/as a counter attacker.

Note that all attacks are punishment types for the enemy missing or you blocking, or they suspecting themselves to be out of your reach, weather they be brave or HP.
2.1-Ground Brave Attacks
Reaper [Close] Katana slash.
Delay combo to boost hit times.
Additional Effect: chase

Reaper is a powerful three hit combo that sends your enemy flying as well as into chase mode. While it does have obvious tells, it has powerful reach, although it can’t combo very well. Wait until the slashes are done before pressing circle again to maximize the damage. You can combo this into Fervent Blow of you dodge cancel backwards after the first hit. Note, that reaper reaches through walls and corners, so use this to your advantage (especially in pandemonium). Reaper also can deflect certain projectiles. Wall trick=good for mind games. iF you go into chase mode, try sending the opponent into the floor so you can immediately chain this to octaslash.

Fervent Blow [Long] Shockwaves from the sword.
Delay combo to boost hit times.
Additional Effect: wall rush

Sephiroth’s using Blade Beam, only it hits multiple times and doesn’t chase in comparison to Cloud’s. Fervent Blow is strong when your opponent isn’t expecting it and has good reach. Like it can go through some walls, although not as many. If you’re standing behind a thin wall, you can fire this off without fear of being hit by enemy projectiles! Make sure to wait until the fifth beam hits them before pressing circle to get maximum damage off. Wall trick=good for mind games. Note that also if you're close to the enemy when you slam them into a wall you can easily chain this to octaslash! Has more tracking than japanese version, as it can chase some aerial enemies.

Shadow Flare [Long] Generate 4 spheres of darkness surrounding the opponent.
A feint type move, shadow flare is useful for zoning and playing mind games with any enemy as well as disrupting any mage. In the middle of casting. Shadow flare also sets up for combos as well, some without dodge canceling (for example: shadow flare to sudden cruelty.). In the US version it is faster and has a different look.

2.2-Aerial Brave Attacks
Sudden Cruelty [Mid] Nigh-instant slices.
Delay combo to boost hit times.
Additional Effect: chase.

The same as reaper with slightly more range. Use it the same way except in non tournament battles and such, this is an infinate combo, as you only do the first salsh and dodge cancel out of it repeating the first slash going through the cycle again and again. It only works when near the ground though. It is one of Sephiroth’s main combo setters (ex: SC>DC>Oblivion and when near the ground SC>DC>Godspeed). Same tips as reaper.

Godspeed [Long] Shockwaves from sword.
Delay combo to boost hit times.
Additional Effect: wall rush

Same as fervent blow, but with far less tracking than the Japanese version, but more range. Same tips. Wait until the fifth blade the strike, also it’s easier to hit with if you’re on the same level as your opponent, but not necessarily (ex, he’s on the ground and you’re close to the ground). If the opponent is slammed into the ground and your are very close to him you can chain this into octaslash. I recommend Shadow Flare over this.

Oblivion [Mid] Light-speed movement continuously damaging your foe.
Additional Effect: wall rush.

This one has a fair tell, but is only one hit that hits multiple times. Be careful! Don’t spam this, you’ll get punished eventually. Use this with a fair opening as it as that sneaky reach. Not that this is often chained from sudden cruelty’s first slash as it makes Sephiroth a brave breaker.

Shadow Flare- SAME

Only difference is that the aerial version is more spammable since you don’t touch the ground. Also note that you ascend slightly. Same tips: mind games and comboing.

[Weiss_Hikari]

3.1-Ground HP attacks
Black Materia [Long] Summon Meteor.
Hold button to increase size.
Effects: wall rush, absorb (if MAX)

Straight from FFVII, it’s the ultimate destruction magic. Use it for mind games and anti-air (VERY IMPORTANT IF THEY ARE RIGHT ABOVE YOU AS IT SPAWN HITS THEM WHICH MEANS THEY CANNOT DODGE!) tactics. Note that it gets big the more you character up. The first level if you simply tap square is neigh worthless unless the enemy is right above or don’t see it coming as they rush you. The second charge (When your aura changes color) you get a faster and more powerful meteor, this is the most useful once as it has a deceiving area of effect and a large hit radius. The third charge (energy surrounding you) is the most deadly and when you can start pulling of more mind games since you can hold the charge for quite a while to vary your timing. Time it right like when an enemy is running up an edge and they’ll be continuously hit until they slam into the ground. Also note that this will suck them in if the only dodge once. Use this if you’re really far away, or feel safe hiding somewhere. Note that if there is no floor and it hits them while they’re high up, go over to them while they’re trapped in Meteor and perform a Hell’s Gate until they hit the floor where you do a Hell’s Gate Cancel (especially on Omega Rift). Faster than the Japanese version.

Octaslash [Mid] 8 violent slicing attacks. (eight flashing blades!)
Strike foe with long reach.
Additional Effect: wall rush

Very useful for punishing an opponent and keeping pressure on them, though be careful if they dodge behind you. Do not spam. EVER. Deceptive reach as well as good tracking. Take note that it reaches through walls and objects and can reflect projects as well as some enemy HP attacks! (for example, the Emperor’s Flares) This can is also a bit harder to pull off, but it can be made into a combo.

Scintilla [Block] Defends, then attacks.
Attacks even if it blocks nothing.
Effects: wall rush, block.

A substitute block, very tricky. Use it when fighting an aggressive opponent/if you feel confident it your guard timing. Note that the 1’st slash breaks guards and certain attacks while the second slash does the Hp damage and can probably reflect attacks too). Use this sparingly and carefully, as it is easily punishable.

3.2 Aerial HP attacks
Hell’s Gate [Dive] Freefall lunge.
Hold button to keep falling.
Aim with the analog stick.

The attack that killed Aerith, the last of the Ancients. Now that the US version has the ability to cancel it in midair, it has a wider situational use. This can block certain HP attacks as well as be used to escape from nasty situations. If you impale and opponent, they will be stuck there and lose brave until you hit the ground or cancel it on them, if there is no floor, cancel it when you reach the brave trap to sap them of extra brave. Use sparingly, as it his predictable, but the canceling sorta allows it to be combo’d since there’s a slash area when you cancel. You can also block all of Shantotto's Hp attacks if you're caught in a bind, just make sure not to cancel it. =P

Octaslash-SAME TIPS

Scintilla-SAME TIPS, Aerial version is US only though.

Heaven’s Light
Powerful rising lunge.
Effective when below foe.
Additional Effect: wall rush.

The attack from Crisis Core that Sephiroth use to lob Genesis into the air an chase him down. New, only for the US version. Fast and efficient, it has the getting away same usage as Hell’s gate (running up instead of down) and although it does not impale, it has good tracking. When and enemy is on a ledge you can use it or as soon as an enemy lands since there’s a delay when they touch the floor. Use it when you’re semi-close to them. Note that this attack shouldn’t be spammed, but has good range as well ass is VERY FAST. Use it to punish people. Note it’s harder to use if the enemy is slightly below. It can be chained for combos. One of the best HP attacks in the game. Period.

3.3-Ex-Mode
Ex-Mode: Jenova Reunion!
Reunion will flash at the top of the screen and Sephiroth will grow his infamous black wing that shows he is a barer of Jenova Cells as well as a sign for a majority of Jenova’s Cells reuniting within him from where every they have been (weather it be in someone else or from blood spilled). In this mode you have Regen like all characters, as well a glide and a new long range brave attack. Glide is not to be underestimated as it can help you dodge out of attacks and punish opponents as well as let you float in mid air for awhile. It’s a fair alternative to dashing and is easily controllable (It's been upped since the Japanese version). Use it until you get omni air dash. The best thing about Sephiroth’s Ex Mode is his Ex attack, his signature move, Heartless Angel!

Heartless Angel [Activate with R+[] ]
Bravery cannot be gained from this attack,
But your opponent’s bravery falls to 1.

One of the best moves in the game, and now in the US version it can be canceled. Use it if your enemy is across the field or if you’re behind an object or building. This can save you from certain death, but make sure you cancel it if the enemy gets close and it doesn’t activate in time. Give it about 4-6 seconds to work. Note it is also useful for mind games since it is indeed a scary thing to be caught in and your force the opponent to rush you! HA Canceling is key to punishing those that rushed; it can also let you drift out of the way of attack and you can cancel it and go straight into one of yours!
SPECIAL NOTE: THIS BREAKS THROUGH ALEXANDER!!!


Ex Burst=Supernova, Sephiroth’s Limit Break technique. He blows up a star and throws you into it. @.@ Mash circle for the win. Easy. Banned in tournaments. Still very epic looking though as it is the only Ex burst the destroys the Ex Burst dimension.

-By Weiss_Hikari
Special thanks to all guide makers as well, my friend who is known to Guilty Gear Players as Maruken (one of the top ranking Bykan (sp) players) for inspiring me to try and get ranking in Dissidia, mass-Zero for the board, Square-Enix for making this game, and you.

4.1-Combos
[To be added as people/I come up with and test them]
R=Reaper
SC=Sudden Cruelty
DC=Dodge Cancel
SF=Shadow Flare
HA=Heartless Angel
HG=Hell's gate
GoS=God of Speed
FB=Fervent Blow
HAC=Heartless Angel Cancel
HGC=Hell's Gate Cancel
HL=Heaven's Light

SC>chase>Slam into wall (Preferably the floor)>Octaslash
R>chase>Slam into wall (preferably the floor)>Octaslash
SC>HL (hard to hit with)
SC>DC>O
SC>DC>GoS (Near the floor)
SC>DC>GoS>Octaslash (near the floor)
SF>DC>HG/HGC (hard to hit with)
SF>HL
SF>DC>O
SF>GoS
SF>HAC>SC>GoS
SF>DC>R (must be timed exactly-hard to hit with)
SF>DC>SC>HGC
SF>DC>SC>HL
SF>DC>SC>DC>O
SF>DC>SC>DC>GoS
SF>DC>SC>DC>GoS (near the floor)>O.Slash

[Kite]

You joined the cool people too now, but you didnt add Jap to english changes, everyone wants changes

[Weiss_Hikari]

Nah I mentioned Japanese and US differences.

But I joined the cool people now? Alright. I feel awesome. xD
Now I just wish I had pictures... *AHEM* looks at belts*. But seriously, if you read this Belts, do you mind?

[Kite]

Nevermind, Im being stupid again, you can slap me now, but still nice, its sephiroth

[Weiss_Hikari]

Hey! Just you wait! I have yet to make my how to play Sephiroth as if he were Weiss aka the Aggressive Sephiroth Guide! (If he met Weiss or some people in Deepground, he'd probably have respect for some of them compared to the few people he respected such as other 1sts. Weiss would still wipe the floor with his balls until they came off though.)

[Kite]

Oh, I thought this was it, I never even saw a really aggressive sephy , so it sounds pretty cool

[Weiss_Hikari]

A Guide would have more stuff, some stuff on passive abilities, what moves to set/choose/ match ups/ etc.

Check for the agro build... maybe after the tourny? xD

Minor updates.

[Omni]

Nice work, Weiss. I'm a little disappointed in the common thought that Sephiroth is a reaction/defensive character. I think he can, and I do mean CAN, be played aggressively, but you need to be able to read people really, really well to do it.

Still, with a few grammatical exceptions, your guide is really good. Can't wait for the aggressive one. (I'm working on leveling my Sephiroth still. >.<! Sucks to be me.) Once I'm finished, I'll keep practicing until I can play Sephiroth to beat anyone. I'm thinking sneak attack will be particularly useful against characters like Exdeath. But, what do I know. :3

~Omni~

[Weiss_Hikari]

I play aggressively with Seph. It's hard against some characters, but i'll be doing a guide sometime in the future so look forward to it.

And Seph is a punishing type character.