No need to get defensive - Cloud Playstyles

[SeraphicFeather100]

So, I stopped playing as Cloud for a while, but then played as him seriously for the first time since Dissidia 1 (excluding the 13th cycle story). Just as with the first game, Cloud seems as easy to read as possible, with the exception of a few moves, namely Firaga's new staggering abilities and Sonic Break. This has again led me to play a solely defensive playstyle.

The problem is, as with a lot of characters, playing too defensively means a lack of assist options. Being one of those people that is eager to use these assist qualities to their fullest potential, along with finally making some more use for moves like Meteorain that I never really used before, I am somewhat dissapointed in this.

Now, like before, the best way to play defensively is to dodge and block at the right times, grabbing EX cores and force until you can go EX mode and use Cloud's Defense Crushing to full effect, but, this means meanlessly delaying a battle that could be won quite quickly. If I wanted to use Assists beside all this, it would take a lot of assist camping combined with Double Cut spam.

So my question is this: Which playstyle for Cloud is more potent?
1) Playing it safe and defensively, blocking and striking back when you can, supporting yourself with EX when you can.
2) Playing an offensive game, trying to catch your foe off guard while risking blocks and dodges, but also gaining the boon of assists to combo and string in consecutive hits and easier HP damage.

Lets hear your thoughts~

[NeroMD]

Cloud is a rather easy character to play both styles. He can maintain pressure to the opponent from mid distance on the ground and deal quite some damage.

Sonic Break, Firaga, Blade Beam and Air Double cut are his best addons to the game.
He can build assist quite easily and once you connect Double cut You can lead to devastating combos.

In my opinion it's best to have OGD and FAD equipped. OGD for being able to space yourself from the opponent when using Blade Beam and Firaga. Sonic Break is a great move to get people off guard. FAD is more of an offensive position allowing you to land your attacks like Double Cut much easier.

Not to mention if someone tries to block Firaga, you can follow up a sonic break with it.

In short: Cloud on the ground can swap to offensive or defensive at any time
Cloud in the air = Offensive.

[Cookies]

Pretty much this ^

It really depends on which way you would rather play, but I have to admit, it's probably easier to play a slightly more offensive cloud these days.

[Providence]

Very nicely put Nero! =-)
*claps*

Whoever thought Cloud could be an offensive character eh?

[sairawr]

Whoever thought Cloud could be an offensive character eh?

With the newly added aerial double cut? Who wouldn't? 8D

[Cookies]

Anyone who didn't understand DC's importance in the last game.

[Renteka-bond]

It's funny that you guys mention Aerial double Cut, because I took it off my cloud almost immediately. It's not a bad move per se, but I hate Chases and the fact that it has such a low Range of attack that I can't be bothered to use the CP for it and instead stick with my standard Omnislash.

But I still play Offensively. Defensive isn't really my style, as I like to get in and get out, Win or Lose.

[Kazama Kenshin]

It's funny that you guys mention Aerial double Cut, because I took it off my cloud almost immediately. It's not a bad move per se, but I hate Chases and the fact that it has such a low Range of attack that I can't be bothered to use the CP for it and instead stick with my standard Omnislash.

Mate, Aerial DC is actually Clouds' best move in the game... If you hate chase you can always NOT chase after ADC, but ADC (and GDC) has awesome speed is a great punishing, bait, defencive, combo to assist move... it is your nest weapon out there... And out there be dragons :P :P :P :P

[Kit]

Eh, It's best to play a mix in between two. It also depends on the character, for Squalls I play defensive using Double cut on ground, Fire, and firaga. For people like Tifa I usually go offensive unless the Tifa is readable, so I use sonic break fire, and firaga in those situations.And of course offensive against spell casters~

[NeroMD]

It's funny that you guys mention Aerial double Cut, because I took it off my cloud almost immediately. It's not a bad move per se, but I hate Chases and the fact that it has such a low Range of attack that I can't be bothered to use the CP for it and instead stick with my standard Omnislash.

But I still play Offensively. Defensive isn't really my style, as I like to get in and get out, Win or Lose.

Alright, Let me ask you this. What do you use to build assist with, without being risked on being punished or blocked?
The other question would be are you playing PvP or against CPU?