ProtoChimp said:
Like only certain blocks block certain attacks and some attacks can be broken through attacks while others can attack while being attacked and some attacks make dodges useless and now I've gone cross eyed.
Nah this game is pretty simple from a mechanics point you dont have to block low for low attacks while watching out for overheads there is no cancel into supers no real footsies game and with no sidestep there is no need for differentiation between linear attacks and homing attacks basically all you need to know is light attacks are fast but do little damage heavy attacks are slower but do more damage and if you start with one at the beginning of your combo (which are few and pretty standard across all characters) they will be launched if you are launched in the air then you cannot do anything until you hit the floor again.
killer weapon attacks are the same as light and strong attacks just better and cost a meter that regens quickly when dealing or taking damage. Block too much and your guard will be broken leaving you vulnerable for an easy combo (just stops you standing there blocking everything by holding down one button) throws beat blocks and slow strikes but miss out to fast attacks. Heavy attacks of killer weapon or standard can be charged to devastating effect but it takes quite a while to do and leaves you very vulnerable while charging.
Really its a brawler its crazy chaos not a hyper competitive game yes you can get good but it dosent lend itself fantastically to one on one matches the fighting is too shallow for that its best when there is lots of enemies onscreen. A well timed dodge will get you past almost any attack but you are vulnerable briefly after each dodge so you cant abuse it same with the spin attack which is a desperation move if someone calls your dodge or spin attack out then expect some pain in return, Jumping can also be used to dodge certain things if timed right and leads to more attack options but in reality it just helps keep the matches moving i.e there are no mix ups or resets cross ups or 50/50 situations here you have you have to watch out for.
Oh and theres rampage which is basically temporary god mode where only other rampaging players can kill you.
I have probably made it sound more complicated than it is really the combats pretty simple there is not a lot of things to memorise no long optimum combos to practice you dont have to know about chains, cancels, links, plinking frame data and all that crap you just wade in and hit stuff know when to block when to dodge and when to attack thats it you can get good but at knowing this stuff and get good results with some luck but dont expect anywhere near the depth of a fighter in the combat here its all about the anarchy and its awesome.