View source for XV Broken/Rock Howard

{{CharNavbox_XV}}
[[File:KOFXV_Rock_Profile.png|thumb|Though he’s the son of the fearsome Geese Howard, this young fighter with a complicated past was raised by Terry Bogard. A virtual prodigy when it comes to fighting, Rock has learned to utilize fighting styles passed down from both his father and stepfather. B. JENET convinces him to join Team GAROU this KOF.]]
{{TOClimit|3}}

==Gameplay Overview==
{{StrengthsAndWeaknesses
| intro = {{SUBPAGENAME}}, the protagonist of ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'', the biological son of Geese Howard and later the adoptive son of the Hungry Wolf himself, Terry Bogard, is a very well-rounded character that has just about all you need. He has a great projectile to zone with in Reppuken (236P), multiple anti-air options (i.e., 2C and Rising Tackle), an approach tool that covers distance in Hard Edge (214P), a very solid command grab in Shinkuu Nage (632146P), and normals with good range that make for excellent pokes, especially f.B and f.C. 

Compared to his prior outing in ''KOF XIV'', Rock has seen some tremendous gains that make him an even better character than he already was before. Notably, Rising Tackle, which was formerly a charge input ([2]~8P) is now a motion input (623P) that can be used at any given time. Pair this with the ability to break the move in the middle of the animation (623C~AB) - something which his teammates (B.Jenet and Gato) also carry over from ''Garou'' - and Rock's combo game is as flexible as it is damaging. Another key change is in his f.B - notably, the fact 6A can now chain into it, further increasing his meterless combo potential off of his light confirms. And finally, he has gained a brand-new move in the returning Overhead Kick (623K), formerly his T.O.P. attack. This move is different than how it was in ''Garou'', notably the EX version caused a ground bound, which his EX Rage Run: Type Dunk (214BD) - itself having seen an overhaul for this installment - did previously. 

Speaking of which, Rage Run has been overhauled for this installment. Whereas before, all he got was either a dunk (214B) or a side switch (214D), now he has multiple options out of his command run. New options include the ability to stop the run (214K~A), go straight into his Hard Edge (214K~C), or go straight into his Overhead Kick (214K~6K). Pair this with the prior options, and Rock's approach game is much more varied than it was previously.  

Rock is also one of the lucky few characters in ''KOF XV'' to have more than two special cancelable far standing normals. f.A, f.B (which was already special cancelable in ''XIV''), and f.C are all special cancelable and cover a decent amount of range, especially with the latter. This allows Rock to punish the opponent at a considerable range in addition to getting solid damage off of a relatively quick poke, especially if he has meter to spare. 

Unfortunately, though, Rock isn't without his weaknesses. The biggest one is that - like any jack of all trades - he doesn't excel at any particular field. Furthermore, he also lacks good cross-ups, which hurts his mix-ups quite a bit. Some of his basic tools - such as his Blowback and Command Grab - are also slower than average, making him prone to counter hits on a hard read. 

Overall, though, Rock is a very versatile, reliable, quick, and damaging character that can work in almost any position. Without meter, he can do plenty of damage thanks in part to Rising Tackle's Break and the ability to chain his f.B into 6A. With meter, however, Rock can rack up the damage very quickly and gain meter back as quickly as he uses it.
| pros=
* Has an option for (almost) every situation
* Solid damage potential without meter, and even more explosive with it
* Can build meter very quickly
* Excellent confirms 
* Very beginner-friendly
| cons=
* Little to no cross-ups
* Slower than average tools (e.g., Blowback)
* Jack of all trades, master of none
}}

==Movelist==

(*) = EX OK

(!) = MAX OK

'''Throws'''

Fangs and Claws - [[image:bk.gif]] / [[image:fd.gif]] + [[image:c.gif]]

Kokusen - [[image:bk.gif]] / [[image:fd.gif]] + [[image:d.gif]]

'''Command Normals'''

Elbow Spike - [[image:fd.gif]] + [[image:a.gif]]

Parabola Kick - [[image:fd.gif]] + [[image:b.gif]]

'''Special Moves'''

Reppuken - [[image:qcf.gif]] + [[image:a.gif]] / [[image:c.gif]] (*)

Hard Edge - [[image:qcb.gif]] + [[image:a.gif]] / [[image:c.gif]] (*)

Rising Tackle - [[image:dp.gif]] + [[image:a.gif]] / [[image:c.gif]] (*)
:┗Brake - [ [[image:c.gif]] Rising Tackle] [[image:a.gif]][[image:b.gif]]

Rage Run - [[image:qcb.gif]] + [[image:b.gif]] / [[image:d.gif]] (*)
:┗Stop - [[image:a.gif]]
:┗Type: Dunk - [[image:b.gif]]
:┗Type: Hard Edge - [[image:c.gif]]
:┗Type: Shift - [[image:d.gif]]
:┗Type: Overhead Kick - [[image:fd.gif]] + [[image:b.gif]] / [[image:d.gif]]

Crack Counter - [in time with opponent's attack] [[image:qcf.gif]] + [[image:b.gif]] / [[image:d.gif]] (*)

Shinkuu Nage - [[image:hcb.gif]][[image:fd.gif]] + [[image:b.gif]] / [[image:d.gif]] (*)
:┗Brake - [ [[image:a.gif]] or [[image:c.gif]] Shinkuu Nage] [[image:a.gif]][[image:b.gif]]

Overhead Kick - [[image:dp.gif]] + [[image:b.gif]] / [[image:d.gif]] (*) 

'''Super Special Moves'''

Shine Knuckle - [[image:qcf.gif]][[image:qcf.gif]] + [[image:b.gif]] / [[image:d.gif]] (!)

Raging Storm  - [[image:qcf.gif]][[image:qcf.gif]] + [[image:a.gif]] / [[image:c.gif]] (!) [Hold OK]

'''Climax Super Special Moves'''

Neo Deadly Rave - [[image:qcb.gif]][[image:db.gif]][[image:qcf.gif]]+[[image:c.gif]]+[[image:d.gif]]

Deadly Rave EXT - [[image:qcf.gif]][[image:df.gif]][[image:qcb.gif]]+[[image:c.gif]]+[[image:d.gif]]

==Quick Combo Reference==

{| border="1" align="center" style="font-size:90%"
|+ 
===Quick Combo Reference===
'''Notation'''
|-
| '''0 Meter'''
|
Ranged confirm/Punish<br/>
Blowback Combo<br/>
Low Confirm<br/>
Jump in Confirm<br/>
|
f.C > 214C = 180 dmg<br/>
CD > 214B, (delay) 623C~AB, 214C = 218 dmg<br/>
2B > 2B > 5B > 6A > 623C~AB, 214C = 261 dmg<br/>
h.D > c.C > 6A > 623C~AB, 214C = 324 dmg<br/>
|-
| '''½ Meter'''
|
Blowback Combo<br/>
Ranged confirm/Punish<br/>
Low Confirm<br/>
Jump in Confirm<br/>
|
CD > 214BD~6K, 623C~AB, 214C = 294 dmg<br/>
f.C > 214AC, 623C~AB, 214C = 314 dmg<br/>
2B > 2B > 5B > 6A > 623BD, 623C~AB, 214C = 332 dmg<br/>
h.D > c.C > 6A > 623BD, 623C~AB, 214C = 400 dmg<br/>
|-
| '''1 Meter'''
|
Command grab combo<br/>
Low confirm<br/>
Ranged confirm/Punish<br/>
Jump-in confirm, Super Cancel<br/>
Jump-in confirm<br/>
|
632146AC, 623BD, 623C~AB, 214C = 297 dmg<br/>
2B > 2B > 5B > 6A > 214AC, 623BD, 623C~AB, 214C = 389 dmg<br/>
f.C > 214AC, 623BD, 623C~AB, 214C = 390 dmg<br/>
h.D > c.C > 6A > 623C~AB > 214C > 236236B/D = 450 dmg<br/>
h.C > c.C > 6A > 214AC, 623BD, 623C~AB, 214C = 462 dmg<br/> 
|-
| '''2 Meters'''
|
Blowback Quick MAX into Super <br/>
Low Confirm into Quick MAX <br/>
Low Confirm, Super Cancel<br/>
Jump-in Confirm, MAX Super Cancel
Jump-in Confirm
|
CD > BC > [MAX] 214BD~6K, 623C~AB, 214C > [SC] 236236P = 376 dmg <br/>
2B > 2B > 5B > 6A > BC > [MAX] c.D > 6A > 214AC, 623BD, 623C~AB, 214C = 399 dmg<br/>
2B > 2B > 5B > 6A > 214AC, 623BD, 623C~AB, 214C > [SC] 236236P = 489 dmg<br/>
j.D > c.D > 6A > 214C > [SC] 236236AC = 551 dmg<br/>
j.D > c.D > 6A > 214AC, 623BD, 623C~AB, 214C > [SC] 236236P = 582 dmg<br/> 
|-
|}

==Normals==
===Far Standing Normals===
====far A====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_fa
|name=far A
|input=f.A
|description=* Standard anti-hop tool and Rock's fastest ranged standing normal. 
* Special Cancelable on hit. 
}}
====far B====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_fb
|name=far B
|input=f.B
|description=* Good poke that is Special Cancelable and chains into 6B. 
* One of Rock's best combo fillers for light confirms due to its range and the above-mentioned chain.  
* Despite the animation, this is a mid.
}}

====far C====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_fc
|name=far C
|input=f.C
|description=* Another relatively quick poke that has good range. 
* Also a good pre-emptive anti-hop tool. 
* Special Cancelable(!!)
* Not an overhead despite the animation indicating otherwise. 
}}
====far D====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_fd
|name=far D
|input=f.D
|description=* Rock's slowest, but also most damaging standing normal. 
* Excellent anti-air against poorly timed jumps. 
* Despite looking like it, it actually doesn't whiff against crouching opponents (up close, that is). 
* Not Special Cancelable. It is Super and MAX cancelable, however. 
}}

===Close Standing Normals===
====close A====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_cla
|name=close A
|input=cl.A
|description=* Placeholder
}}
====close B====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_clb
|name=close B
|input=cl.B
|description=* Placeholder
}}
====close C====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_clc
|name=close C
|input=cl.C
|description=* Placeholder
}}
====close D====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_cld
|name=close D
|input=cl.D
|description=
* Can be whiff cancelled into specials
}}

===Crouch Normals===
====crouch A====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_2a
|name=crouch A
|input=2A
|description=* Placeholder
}}
====crouch B====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_2b
|name=crouch B
|input=2B
|description=* Placeholder
}}
====crouch C====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_2c
|name=crouch C
|input=2C
|description=* Placeholder
}}
====crouch D====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_2d
|name=crouch D
|input=2D
|description=* Placeholder
}}
===Jump Normals===
====Jump A====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_ha,rock_ja
|name=jump A
|input=j.A
|description2=* Placeholder
}}
====Jump B====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_hb,rock_jb
|name=jump B
|input=j.B
|description2=* Jump version can crossup. Hardly hits crouching opponents. 
* Hop version doesn't hit crouchers at all. 
}}

====Jump C====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_hc,rock_jc
|name=jump C
|input=j.C
|description2=* Placeholder
}}
====Jump D====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_hd,rock_jd
|name=jump D
|input=j.D
|description2=* Placeholder
}}
===Rush===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_rush1,rock_rush2
|name=rush
|input=cl.AA/cl.AAX
|description2=* Placeholder
}}
===Blowback===
====Blowback====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_cd
|name=Blowback
|input=CD
|description=
* Moves Rock forward, so it can be used to perform advancing fireballs.
}}

====Shatterstrike====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_236cd
|name=Shatterstrike
|input=236CD
|description=* Placeholder
}}
====jump CD====
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_hcd,rock_jcd
|name=jump CD
|input=j.CD
|description2=* Placeholder
}}

==Throws==
===Fangs and Claws===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_cthrow
|name=Fangs and Claws
|input=(close) 4/6C
|description=* Placeholder
}}
===Kokusen===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_dthrow
|name=Kokusen
|input=(close) 4/6D
|description=* Just hold up-forward for a 5f safejump after. 
}}

==Command Moves==
===Elbow Spike===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_6a
|name=Elbow Spike
|input=6A
|description=* Cancel-able, but not on whiff. 
}}

===Parabola Kick===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_6b
|name=Parabola Kick
|input=6B
|description=
* Values in [] indicated when move is cancelled into
* Max mode cancellable
* Can be early cancelled into 632146A/C/AC
}}

==Special Moves==
===Reppuken===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_236a,rock_236c,rock_236ac
|name=Reppuken
|input=236A/C/AC
|description3=
* Install versions can hit OTG.
* EX version knocks down standing characters and juggles airborne characters.
}}

===Hard Edge===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_214a,rock_214a_install,rock_214c,rock_214c_install,rock_214ac
|name=Hard Edge
|input=214A/C/AC
|description5=
* C install version does a lot more damage and hard knocks down.
* AC version has low invulnerability and crumples opponent.
}}

===Rising Tackle===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_623a,rock_623c,rock_623c_ab,rock_623ac
|name=Rising Tackle
|input=623A/C/AC
|description4=
* A and EX versions are fully invul on frame 1
}}

===Rage Run===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_214b,rock_214d,rock_214bd
|name=Rage Run
|input=214B/D/BD
|description3=* Placeholder
}}
===Rage Run Followups===
<!--Stop-->
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_214k_a,rock_214bd_a
|name=Stop
|input=214B/D/BD~A
|description2=* Exactly what it says on the tin. Rock stops in his tracks. 
* Regular version doesn't recover fast enough to prevent him from being hit by an incoming projectile if he's already running.
* EX version recovers much quicker, enough to block an incoming attack in time.  
}}
<!--Type: Dunk-->
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_214k_b,rock_214k_b_install,rock_214bd_b
|name=Type: Dunk
|input=214B/D/BD~B
|description3=* Rock jumps up and slam dunks the opponent. 
* As expected of the animation, this can go over low projectiles (e.g., Power Wave, Yamibarai) and punish them at a sizeable range. 
* Overhead that leads to a hard knockdown on hit. 
* EX version is much faster and more damaging. 
}}
<!--Type: Hard Edge-->
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_214k_c,rock_214bd_c
|name=Type: Hard Edge
|input=214B/D/BD~C
|description2=* Rock lunges at the opponent with an empowered palm strike similar to the second hit of his 214C. 
* Regular version is a standard knockdown for 80 DMG.
* Install version is a hard knockdown for 100 DMG.
* EX version is a hard knockdown for 120. 
}}
<!--Type: Shift-->
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_214k_d,rock_214bd_d
|name=Type: Shift
|input=214B/D/BD~D
|description2=* Rock runs behind the opponent once close enough. 
* Can be used to escape the corner on some occasions, though it doesn't recover fast enough to save Rock from eating a punish for his troubles. 
* If timed right, it can dodge projectiles and end up behind the opponent, especially in neutral range. Heavily match-up dependant and situational otherwise, though. 
* Nothing personal, kid. 
}}
<!--Type: Overhead Hick-->
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_214k_6b,rock_214k_6d,rock_214bd_6k
|name=Type: Overhead Hick
|input=214B/D/BD~6B/D
|description3=* Identical to the standard (623K) version. 
}}

===Crack Counter===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_236b,rock_236d,rock_236bd
|name=Crack Counter
|input=236B/D/BD
|description3=
* B and EX versions parry mids and highs. 
* D Version parries lows. 
* EX version has head invulnerability on frame 1. Launches the opponent. 
* Predictabo! 
}}

===Shinkuu Nage===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_632146a,rock_632146a_install,rock_632146c,rock_632146c_install,rock_632146ac
|name=Shinkuu Nage
|input=632146A/C/AC
|description5=* Rock, like his father, tosses the opponent behind him and strikes a pose. Leads to a Hard Knockdown.
* As with Heavy Rising Tackle, this can be broken with 632146P~AB, guaranteeing a Hard Edge at mid-screen and an EX Overhead Kick in the (left) corner.
* EX version leads to a wall bounce on hit for more damage and better combo routes.
* Install versions deal more damage with a hard knockdown Rasetsu with a guaranteed OTG follow up with C Reppuken.
* Normal versions can only combo from or lights or lights > 6A. EX version has longer range and can combo from c.C/D > 6A with a tricky late cancelled 6A. However, it is generally not worth using in an EX combo over EX Hard Edge or EX Overhead Kick because it applies a heavy 30% scaling penalty.
}}

===Overhead Kick===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_623b,rock_623d,rock_623bd
|name=Overhead Kick
|input=623B/D/BD
|description3=* B Version is +1~3 on crouching opponents. Command grab is the perfect speed to connect after B version is blocked crouching.
* This will go over most projectiles (with some exceptions) in the game if timed right, making it good for punishing fireballs thrown at neutral range. 
}}

==Super Special Moves==
===Shining Knuckle===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_236236k,rock_236236bd
|name=Shining Knuckle
|input=236236B/D/BD
|description2=
* All versions are fully invul frame 1
* B/D version has invul to projectiles until the first active frame, however it travels just short of fullscreen.
}}

===Raging Storm===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_236236p,rock_236236p_install,rock_236236ac,rock_236236ac_install
|name=Raging Storm
|input=236236A/C/AC
|description4=
* All versions are full invul on frame 1
* Install version hits OTG
}}

==Climax Super Special Moves==
===Neo Deadly Rave===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_2141236cd,rock_2141236cd_install
|name=Neo Deadly Rave
|input=2141236CD
|description2=
* Full invul on frame 1
}}

===Deadly Rave EXT===
{{FrameDataCargo-KOFXV
|moveId=rock_2363214cd,rock_2363214cd_install
|name=Neo Deadly Rave
|input=2363214CD
|description2=
* Full invul on frame 1
* Does slightly less damage than 2141236CD but Rock gains enhanced properties on several of his specials and supers for the remainder of the round.
}}

==Misc==

==Videos==

{{CharNavbox_XV}}
{{Navbox XV}}

[[Category:The King of Fighters XV]]
[[Category:Rock Howard]]