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The King of Fighters XIII/Mai Shiranui
| 0 Stock, No Drive Gauge |
Low |
cr.B, cr.B, st.B, st.D = 153 dmg |
| 0 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge |
Corner |
s.C, hcf+K (2hits), [DC] air.qcb+C, qcb+C, air throw = 383 dmg |
| 1 Stock, No Drive Gauge |
Anywhere |
s.C, Ex hcf K, Far D = 260 dmg |
| 1 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge |
Corner |
s.C, Ex qcb P, qcb C, hcf D [2hits[, [DC] qcb C, qcb C, qcb C, air throw = 514 dmg |
Console Changes
- Kaschousen comes out faster, also has quicker recovery
- Ukihane (down + B in air) has different trajectory than Arcade, recovery time has been changed
- Musasabi(from ground) can be canceled to Floating attack
- WK>FK is a chain combo. Can be used to connect into HD mode, and also gives Mai more damage on pokes
- EX air Shinobibachi added in game. Invincible until hit detection comes out.
- Crouching FP has more cancelable frames
- Weak Ryuenbu has more vertical hitbox
- Neomax comes out faster and freezes time when it reaches the edge of screen
Producer Yamamoto says: We’ve balanced her as a female ninja by giving her attacks that can make her fight more tricky from the air. Using Ukibane to trick the opponent and doing an attack string, or hit confirming from her crouching fierce punch have become effective tactics. Her Neomax has also been buffed.
Gameplay Overview
Gameplay Notes
Less combo friendly, losing her anti-air from her repertoire, and having one of lowest damage outputs to her MaxCancel combos (due to damage scaling from her DM) makes even the most diehard Mai fans cringe when they first tryout XIII Mai. It's easy almost to chalk her off as fan-service for the "No Mai, No buy" XII-complainers.
Mai (XIII), however, really belongs to this growing list of revamped (and refreshing) characters such as Ralf, Chin, Iori and even Kensou. Once mastered, she's really a deadly weapon and some have reported that she's a lot more interesting to play than her former, formulaic iterations.
Pokes, priority, speed, and everything in between. Mai has amazing pokes; all of her ground pokes near and far are good. Close/Far C is fast and kind of acts as a pseudo anti-air (the close version is cancelable). Far D is meaty, has good range, and has a nice upward slant. Close/Far B has good range and is quick. Far A/Close A is fast and cancelable. Next thing one will realize about her is awesome priority: sick. Her priority is pretty disgusting and it was probably designed that way to compensate for a lack of a real anti-air. If timed correctly, Mai's j.B and j.C will even beat Kyo's wake up Oniyaki (dp+P). She has excellent air normals, in particular her j.CD is real fast (and a huge hitbox to boot), and her crossups are great and reliable (j.C and j.B). Her air throw is extremely threatening when you factor in her sheer speed hence, it is always a good habit to hold any direction (but up) plus C when you jump, to throw your opponent if they try to attack you air to air. Her dash speed is definitely one of the fastest in the game which work hand-in-hand with her pokes excellently. Everything combined, makes her have good offensive pressure and helps make her the perfect battery character.
Mai's pitfall is that she struggles to do great damage mid-screen. Mai's d.B, d.A/s.A, hcf+D (Hisstatsu Shinobi Baichi) combo is hard to hit confirm as well (remember she has no command attacks anymore) and she'll get punished easily if the opponent blocks your hcf+K. Her air.qcb+P (Musasabi No Mai)is not safe either; the Ex version is only safe if you aim it at their feet.
During a wake up block string, d.A, d.C works wonders and it will catch your opponent off guard the first couple of times. Do not risk throwing out too many blocked Ryuenbu to a savvy opponent as they are easily GCAB rolled --> punish. The only decent block string for pressure is j.CD, s.CD, qcf+C. If the opponent tries jump after the s.CD, more that likely they will get hit by the C Kachosen since the s.CD puts them in a longer hit stun.
Her only mid screen combo that's decent is a jump attack of choice, d.B, d.A/s.A, Ex Ryuenbu (qcb+P), hcf+D which is pretty handy considering you don't need to blow a drive cancel. Beware, if d.C --> C Ryuenbu is spaced even slightly apart, it will not combo. Alternatively, one can do d.B, d.A/s.A, Ex hcf K, far D even though it does slightly less damage.
On the subject of spacing, Mai's jump arcs need time adjusting to, because of her speed, making you miss the opponent when going for jump-ins if not used to it. Poke away or j.CD the opponents and overall just zone them until they are in the corner. Even when in the corner, her Ex Ryuenbu > C Ryuenbu > C Ryuenbu > air throw is so picky on timing that it's best off skipping the last C Ryuenbu and going for the air throw. Much like Hwa Jai, she doesn't have much mid-screen options but turns in to a monster in the corner (especially in HD).
A special mention to her Ex Kachosen (qcf+P), it is extremely fast and will catches people off guard. Even her C Kachosen is fast again. When connecting her Kachosen, her NeoMax can be quickly linked even from a full screen away. Also, her j.B, j.D, and j.CD have a special property which allows them to wall jump AFTER they have put the opponent in block stun, in the corner, from above.
In hindsight, SNK did a good job taking an cookie-cutter character (jump attack > stand attack > command attack > special attack) and made her gameplay more interesting. All in all, despite her shortcomings, her pros compensate and she belongs in the solid mid-tier section. - Notes by Kane317
Pros
- Great pokes and high priority normal moves
- Possesses multiple options in mid-air
- Arguably the best Neo Max in the game (2 frame punish and a very good combo finisher)
- Offers very good mix ups (cross up Ukihane, Musasabi no Mai)
- Gets around the stage easily
- Strong corner juggles/combos and pressure
- Damaging HD combos in general
Cons
- Damaging combos do not emerge until she corners the opponent
- Low damage output without super or drive meter
- Lacks a true anti-air outside of normal
- No reversal without 2 meter stocks
- Her high jump arc makes her more susceptible to anti-airs
Normals
Standing
st. A: 25 damage, chain/cancel-able, hits mid. A quick standing horizontal poke, very fast and is cancel-able and it chains into s.A again or s.B.
st. B: 30 damage, hits mid. Chains only into s.D, also very fast, great poke overall.
st. C: 80 damage, hits mid. A very fast over the head forward swing with her fan. This move has a decent hit box and is the normal of choice against hoppers an hyper hoppers.
st. D: 80 damage, hits mid. Mai faces towards the screen leans back and does a sidekick upward at a 20 degree angle, somewhat similar looking to her s.C (close version) If used preemptively, her far D works well against hoppers also.
Close Normals
cl. A: 25 damage, chain/cancel-able, hits mid. A quick standing horizontal poke, very fast and is cancel-able and it chain into s.A again or s.B (same as far A).
cl. B: 30 damage, hits mid. Mai leans back and tilts slightly giving a quick kick to the chest/head area, also very fast, great poke overall. (Same as far B)
cl. C: 70 damage, cancel-able, hits mid. A very fast over the head forward swing with her fan. This move has a decent hit box and is the normal of choice against hoppers an hyper hoppers. (Same as far C)
cl. D: 70 damage, cancel-able, hits mid. Mai faces away from the screen leans back and does a sidekick upward at a 35 degree angle. It would seem that s.D has a larger cancel window than s.C.
Crouching
d. A: 25 damage, chain/cancel-able, hits mid. A standard quick poke to the shins, it still can be blocked high but it has great recovery. d.A --> d.C is a 1-2 frame link. This is chain-able to d.A, s.A, and s.B; it also is cancel-able.
d. B: 30 damage, chain-able, hits low. Also a very standard low hitting down B, chains easily to d.A/s.A/s.B.
d. C: 70 damage, cancel-able, hits mid. Mai's d.C from the previous years. A very meaty crouch back-elbow attack that is perfect for canceling out of. This move makes Mai crouch down extra low (on a very petite character to begin with) and will duck many high hitting moves if spaced correctly (Terry's Crack Shot etc.).
d. D: 80 damage, cancel-able, hits low. Another one of her normals from the older version. A standard sweep, it is cancel-able.
Jumping
j. A: 45(40) damage, cancel-able, hits overhead. Quick poke with her fan angled 45 degrees downwards. It stays out for quite some time so it's a pretty safe bet even for air-to-air battles and it works well air-to-ground and is also cancel-able.
j. B: 45(40) damage, cancel-able, hits overhead. Mai leans in and knees forwards, somewhat like Joe's Tiger Kick. Her j.B stays out for a long time, good air-to-ground, crosses up easily, and is cancel-able.
j. C: 72(70) damage, cancel-able, hits overhead. A very quick over-the-head forward fan swing (somewhat similar to her s.C) except she's jumping of course, and her body is tucked in. This move is very fast and has real good priority, it cancels, works well air-to-air and air-to-ground (crosses up well also but not as good as j.B). Also, if you hold any direction but up, Mai will perform an air throw. Easily her more versatile jump attack.
j. D: 70(68) damage, cancel-able, hits overhead. A very standard, ninja-like (martial arts like) air kick angled 45 degrees. Decent air-to-air (but j.C and j.B is better), great air-to-ground, and it also cancels.
Blowback Attack
CD: 75 damage, whiff/cancel-able, hits mid. Mai spins around real quick and her "tail" whips the opponent.
j. CD: 90(80) damage, cancel-able, hits mid. Somewhat similar to her ground CD, Mai spins around and whips her opponent. It is real fast and has great air-to-air priority and good horizontal hitbox.
GCCD: 10 damage, hits mid. Guard Cancel Blowback Attack: Same kick as her close D.
Throw
Fuusha Kuzushi = Close (b/f+C/D): 100 damage, can be broken, causes a hard knockdown. Mai uses her legs to wrap around the opponent's neck, flips over them and drops them to the ground.
- After C throw in the corner you can roll for an ambiguous roll setup that crosses up, or roll late to land on the same side each option leads to meaty d. b.
Yura = close in air (b/d/f+C): 125 damage, can't be broken. Mai grabs their body and plants both hands on their torso as if it was a pommel horse and as she "springs over" them she lands her knees onto their body and rides them down to the ground.
- After air throw ender in the corner you delay a full jump > J[1]D for a safejump setup. NOTE: For the safejump setup certain characters get up slowly so some need a Super Jump which are as follows: Ash, Yuri, Kensou
Command Moves
Wall Jump = (press up forward when near the wall in the air, ub on the 2P side): Mai will jump in the opposite direction of the wall. This move can be used at any area of the wall and is very good for cross-ups, set ups, and getting out of the corner.
- Area Detection: 1P Wall (uf) / 2P Wall (ub)
Ukihane = in air (d+B): Mai does a double knee downwards just like her air throw frames. She flips up slightly before coming downwards. This move has very high priority and has been known to beat certain anti-air special moves. This move is extremely punishable if blocked unless Mai aims below the opponent because it causes a huge push back after they guard. Ukihane cancels into all versions of her Musasabi no Mai (air qcb+P)
- Cancellable
- Hit Detection: Mid
- Damage: 60
Special Moves
Kachosen = (qcf+P): Mai's trademark fan toss. It functions like a typical fireball and the recovery time is minimal. The fan itself causes a huge amount of push back on guard and is a very useful tool for her keep away game and zoning.
(EX) = qcf+AC - Very fast projectile that cancels out regular projectiles, causes a soft knock down.
- Super Cancelable
- Hit Detection: High
- Damage: 60/120
Ryuuenbu = (qcb+P): Mai whips around hitting the opponent with her "tail". It's basically a flaming version of her s.CD with a rather large hitbox. The A version is faster but C version hits twice if close enough. Canceling off the first hit sets up juggle opportunities in the corner. Both versions are safe, however the A version has even less recovery than the C version does. This special move also builds meter if Mai whiffs it.
(EX) = qcb+AC - Juggles and can easily lead to big damage, especially in the corner. This move can be followed up with her Hissatsu Shinobi Baichi (HCK+K) or C version Kanchosen (her projectile).
- Drive/Super Cancelable
- Hit Detection: High
- Damage: 65/40+65/50+80
Hissatsu Shinobi Baichi = (hcf+K): D version hits 3 times on crouching opponents and 2 times on a standing opponent. B version hits 2 times and travels a short distance. This move is good for closing the gap and applying pressure, but is not safe on guard. Mai can also be thrown out of this move before she uses this but this does not occur often sense Mai should be using this to cover distance for hitting the opponent and in combos. This special move also builds meter, even if it whiffs.
(EX) = hcf+BD - A faster and safer version of the Hissatsu Shinobi Baichi. Leads to huge damage if you use a drive cancel in the corner or do a follow up after the move so that drive meter is saved for another cause. The EX version hits 5 times and is safe against everything but 1 frame grabs. This move also puts the opponent into a juggle state.
- Drive/Super Cancelable
- Hit Detection: High
- Damage:45x3/50x2+45+50/32x6
Musasabi No Mai = (c.d~u+P): Sends Mai shooting upwards into the air. This move is extremely trustworthy for getting across the stage easily and for playing better keep away. The player will need to press up in the direction Mai needs to go. Mai will jump extremely high and quickly. This move can followed up with her air d.B Ukihane command move anytime during the moves animation, unless she touches the wall. If the players holds the P button after reaching a wall, Mai will do her diving Musasabi no Mai, but if the player does not hold on to P, she falls back down on the ground. What needs to be understood is that Mai is still vulnerable to normals and anti-airs during the jump animation so the timing of this move plays a pivotal role in her mobility. Mai can also use this as a wake-up option to get out of common frame traps, especially in the corner. If Mai performs a normal jump, she will get hit on wake up. If she performs the Musasabi no Mai on wake, she will leap straight out of trouble untouched.
- Hit Detection: High
- Damage: 70
Musasabi No Mai (Air) = (qcb+P) in air: Mai dives to the ground head first. Juggles the opponent. Generally a very unsafe move if blocked.
(EX) = qcb+AC in air - A lot safer than the regular version, still has juggle properties, and hits three times. This move has invincibility properties as well, so it if Mai were to utilize this version of the move she will go through many other attacks, including Neo Max.
- Drive/Super Cancelable
- Hit Detection: High
- Damage: 70/48xN+48
Desperation Moves
Chou Hissatsu Shinobi Baichi = (qcb hcf+K) - can be done in the air
Another trademark move for Mai. Her whole body engulfs in flame as she does the cartwheel forward into the leaning elbow just like her hcf+K. This move sadly has a low priority considering it being a DM. The EX version is better and quicker but due to the forward motion, if the opponent is right above you the EX DM will miss them completely so it is unwise to use as an anti-air. Her air version is returns after last being in '95 under a hidden movelist, not the best priority, use sparingly.
'(EX) = qcb hcf+BD - can be done in the air and has invincibility in the start-up. You can also link an air throw or use a normal to reset your opponent in the corner
- Max Cancelable
- Hit Detection: High
- Damage: 30+25x8(25x8)/45+25x11
Neomax
Kunoichi no Mai = (qcf hcb+AC) also in air: Mai does Musasabi No Mai and springs quickly to the wall and quickly dives towards the opponent. Reports indicate her dive is just short of fullscreen. This move is relatively quick and will connect if say the opponent is hit by her qcf+P. Mai can use this under many circumstances such a finishing any HD combo, 2 punishment for jumps of any kind, counteracting laggy moves or a characters attack on reaction, and beating out projectiles. If her dive connects, she'll proceed to dive in multiple directions (Mai actually spells out a Chinese/Kanji character) finally landing, does a pose point to the screen with her fan and the opponent explodes leaving the kanji "woman" (onna) burning in flames.
- Hit Detection: High
- Damage: 0+450
Combos
0 Stock, No Drive Gauge -
j.D, j.d.B = 128 dmg
cr.B, cr.B, st.B, st.D = 153 dmg
cr.B, cr.B, cr.A, hcf+B = 154 dmg
cr.B, cr.A, cr.C, qcb+A = 171 dmg
cr.B, cr.A, cr.C, hcf+D = 194 dmg
[corner] j.C, cr.C, qcf+A, (link)> cr.C, qcb+A = 301 dmg
No Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge -
[Corner] s.C, hcf+K (2hits), [DC] air.qcb+C, qcb+C, air throw = 383 dmg
[Corner] cr.B, cr.B, cr.A, hcf+B [DC] (air) qcb+C, qcb+C, Air Throw = 351 dmg
1 Stock, No Drive Gauge -
s.C, Ex hcf K, Far D = 260 dmg
s.C, Ex qcb P, hcd D = 267 dmg
cr.B, cr.B, cr.A, hcf+BD, st.D = 246 dmg
[Corner] s.C, Ex hcf K, qcb C, s.C = 316 dmg
[Corner] s.C, qcb+AC, qcb+C, qcb+C, air throw = 431 dmg
[Corner] cr.B, cr.B, cr.A, qcb+AC, qcb+C, qcb+C, qcb+C, Air Throw = 436 dmg
[Corner] j.C, cr.C, qcf+A, s.A, qcb+AC, qcb+C, qcb+C, Air Throw = 502 dmg (This is a one frame link combo)
1 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge -
[Corner] s.C, Ex qcb P, qcb C, qcb C [1hit], [DC] qcf+P, qcb C, qcb C, s.C = 497 dmg
[Corner] s.C, Ex qcb P, qcb C, hcf D [2hits[, [DC] qcb C, qcb C, qcb C, air throw = 514 dmg
[Corner] cr.B, cr.B, cr.A, qcb+AC,qcb+C, qcb+C, qcb+C [DC] qcf+A, qcb+C, Air Throw = 465 dmg
[Corner] st.C, qcf+AC, qcb+A, qcb+C (drive on first hit) qcf+A, qcb+C, Air Throw = 466 (502 when started from j.C)
2 Stock, No Drive Gauge -
s.C, Ex qcb P, qcb~hcf+K DM = 315 dmg
[Corner] s.C, Ex qcb~hcf+K, air throw = 408 dmg
2 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge -
[Corner] s.C, Ex hcf K, qcb C [1hit], [DC] Ex qcb P, qcb A, qcb C x2, s.C = 455 dmg
[Corner] s.C, Ex qcb P, qcb C, qcb C [1hit], [DC] Ex qcb P, qcb A, qcb C, air throw = 543 dmg
[Corner] s.C, Ex qcb P, qcb C, qcb C [1hit], [DC] Ex qcb P, qcb A, qcb C x2, s.C = 554 dmg
3 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge -
[Corner] d.B, s.A, Ex qcb P, qcb P, hcf D [2hits], [DC] qcb C x2, Ex qcb~hcf+K = 580 dmg
HD Combos
No Stock -
(1) [corner] s.B, s.D [HD] s.D, hcf D [HDC] air.qcb C, hcf D [2hits] [HDC] qcb C, hcf D [2 hits] [HDC] qcb C, hcf D [2 hits] [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, air throw [597]
(2) [corner] j.D, s.D [HD] s.D, qcf D [HDC] air.qcb C, hcf D [2 hit] [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, qcb C [HDC] qcf A, qcb C, qcb C, qcf A, qcb C, qcb C, air throw [655]
(3) [corner]j.C, s.C, [HD] s.D, hcf D, [HDC] air.qcb C, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, hcf D [1hit], [HDC] qcb A, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, air throw [640]
(4) [corner]j.C, s.C, [HD] s.D, hcf D, [HDC] air.qcb C, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, hcf B [1hit], [HDC] qcb C, (hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C) x2, qcb C, air throw [659]
1 Stock -
(1) [corner] j.D, s.C [HD]s.C, qcb AC, hcf D [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, qcb C [HDC] qcf A, qcb C, qcb C [HDC] qcf A, qcb C, air throw [624]
(2) [corner] j.D, s.C [HD] s.D, hcf BD, qcb C [HDC] qcf A, qcb C, qcb C, qcb C [HDC] qcf A, qcb C, qcb C [HDC] qcf A, qcb C, air throw [583]
(3) [corner] s.B, s.D [HD] s.D, hcf D [HDC] air qcb C, hcf D [2 hits] [HDC] qcb C, hcf D [2 hits] [HDC] qcb C, hcf D [2 hits] [HDC] qcb C, qcb C [HDC] qcb AC, qcb C, air throw [640]
2 Stock -
(1) [corner]s.B, s.D [HD] s.D, hcf D [HDC] air.qcb C, hcf D [2hits] [HDC] qcb C, hcf D [2 hits] [HDC] qcb C, hcf D [2 hits] [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, qcbhcf B/D [680]
(2) [corner]j.C, s.D [HD] s.D, hcf D [HDC] air.qcb C, hcf D [2 hits] [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, qcb C [HDC] qcf A, qcb C, qcb C, qcf,hcb A/C [801]
(3) [corner] j.C, s.C, [HD] s.C, qcb C [1hit], [HDC] Ex qcb P, (qcb C, qcb C [1hit], [HDC] qcf A) x2, qcb C [1hit], [HDC] Ex qcb P, qcb A, qcb C, qcb C, s.C [655]
(4) [corner] j.C, s.C, [HD] s.C, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] air.qcb P, hcd D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, qcb C [1hit], [HDC] Ex qcb P, qcb A, qcb C, qcb C [1hit], [HDC] Ex qcb P, qcb A, qcb C x2, air throw [711]
(5) [corner] j.C, s.C, [HD] s.D, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] air.qcb C, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, hcf B [1hit], [HDC] qcb A, (hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C) x2, qcb C, Ex qcb~hcf+ K [769]
(6) [corner] j.C, s.C, [HD] dash D, (hcf D [1hit], [HDC] qcb C [1hit], [HDC] Ex qcb P) x2, hcf D [1hit], [HDC] qcb A, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, air throw [619]
(7) [corner] j.C, cr.C, qcf+A, cr.C, late HD~far C, hcf+D, DC, air qcb+C, hcf+D, DC, qcb+C, hcf+B, DC, qcb+A, hcf+D, DC, qcb+C, hcf+D, DC, Neomax = [869] (NOTE - THIS IS A ONE FRAME LINK)
(8) [corner] j.C., s.D [HD] s.D, hcf D [2 hits], [HDC] air.qcb C, hcf D [2 hits], [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, qcb C [1 hit] [HDC] qcf A, qcb C, qcb C [first hit], Neo Max = 801 [NOTE: If Mai activates HD and does far standing D, the damage becomes 810 damage instead].
4 Stock -
(1) [corner]s.C, [HD], s.C, hcf B [2hits], [HDC] air.qcb P, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, qcb C [1hit], [HDC] qcf A, [MC] NM [776]
(2) [corner]j.C, s.C, [HD] s.D, hcf D, [HDC] air.qcb C, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcf A, [MC] qcf~hcb +AC NM [799]
(3) [corner]j.C, s.C, [HD], s.C, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] air.qcb P, (hcf D [2hits],[HDC] qcb C) x2, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcf P, qcf~hcb+AC NM[/url]. [790dmg] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvJsHUl1qX8#t=0m14)
(4) [corner] j.C, s.C, [HD] s.D, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] air.qcb P, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, qcb C [1hit], [HDC] Ex qcb P, qcb A, qcb C, qcb C [1hit], [HDC] Ex qcb P, qcb A, qcb C, Ex qcb~hcf +K DM [808]
(5) [corner] j.C, s.C, [HD] s.D, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] air.qcb P, hcf D [2hits], [HDC] qcb C, hcf B [1hit], [HDC] qcb C, qcb C, Ex qcb~hcf +K DM, [MC] qcf~hcb +AC NM [908]
Strategies
Far Range
Mai does okay in this range as she does have plenty options. Should Mai possess meter, she can punish jumps, laggy moves, projectiles with her own Neo Max for 2 frames. It is also easy for Mai to zone with her Kachousen and she can use her normal moves to play more keep away. If the opponent gets too close, Mai keep the opponent out with CD and whiff cancel that into qcf+A (Kachosen). At this distance, Mai can take the time to build meter with her A version Ryuuenbu. Both her Ryuuenbu and her own projectile can negate non-EX projectiles. To close the gap between you and the opponent, Mai can use her ground Musasabi no Mai (d charge u) to jump quickly towards the opponent - when she does this, Mai can use her 50/50 from their with her j.d.B command move Ukihane or use a diving attack if she near a wall. If the player still wants to keep space, they will have to take advantage of her speed and her Mussasabi no Mai to turtle or play more keep away to win the match.
- Mai can 2 frame punish anything from jumps, laggy moves, projectiles at this distance with her Neo Max
- Mai can zone around with her Kachousen, wall kick, and her ground version Musasabi no Mai
- Use s.C and s.D to stop hops and jump ins
- Kachousen (qcf+A or C) > if the opponent tries to jump in on you, Mai will have to block and punish (or throw) whenever possible. In good timing, Mai can also punish jump ins with st.C, jump CD, A version Ryuuenbu.
- Ryuuenbu stops quite a few projectiles and whiffing it builds meter
- Whiff cancel CD into other special if opponent gets close and draw some distance
Mid Range
Mai works best in this range. If Mai is nearest to a corner it is possible to beat out a few of the opponents jump ins by wall jumping then using j.D, j.C, or air Musasabi no Mai (air qcb+A or EX qcb+P). If the opponent goes underneath you, Mai can use her air d.B instead and cancel that into a air Musasabi no Mai (or the EX version to make it much safer on guard). Mai can poke the opponent out with st.A and cr.A and she can cancel her cr.A in a few of her special moves after a hit confirm. Mai can also set her 50/50 mix ups at this range too, especially if she does corner the opponent. Mai can also employ her ability zone, rush down, or play more keep away. To keep space, Mai can make use of her projectile, Ryuuenbu, CD attack, jumping CD, and her normal moves. Mai can also super cancel into her DM's from her projectile as well. When Mai is mid range from her opponent, she tends to do pretty well against zoners and more defensive characters.
- Standing C and standing FAR D good for anti-airs and stopping hops and rush down characters. Stand C has a wider hit box, while s.D has a longer horizontal hit box.
- Jump CD is very fast
- Stand A and j.A are very good poking tools
- Hit the opponent with CD attack and whiff cancel it into Ryuenbuu or Kachousen to keep distance
- Use well timed rolls, jumps, wall jumps, or ground Musasabi no Mai
- The ground Musasabi no Mai is good for counteracting projectile use and cancels into Ukihani (air d.B)
- Mai can cancel her back dash into her air Musasabi no Mai (air QCB+K or the EX version of it) or her DM series.
- Mai can super cancel out from her Kachousen projectile into her DM in case her opponent decides to jump in.
Close Range
Mai also works very well in this range if the player is cautious of their match up at close range. It is relatively easy to apply a very high functional rush down game. Mai can poke safely with her st.A as it leaves her at a frame advantage and possesses decent priority. Mai's cr.Bx2 to the st.B, st.D target combo is a very safe block string that can also be used as a easy hit confirm into an HD combo. Mai also has a fast CD attack with a generous horizontal range which allows her to whiff cancel into her special moves. Mai can capitalize if the blocks, gets hit, or counter hit. On a counter hit, Mai can follow up with an air throw, a Kanchousen (qcf+A/C), a A version Ryuuenbu to an air throw, or even a good corner combo for more damage. Another things that should be understood is that Mai can whiff cancel her cr.D into special moves as well. Mai's cr.D is not particularly safe on guard (in spite of its push back on guard) but it is easy to whiff punish. For instant overhead, Mai can resort to hopping j.A, j.C, or j.D. Mai's j.B is a very good tool for crossing the opponent up. Mai can also cancel her j.B and j.D into her Ukihane which in turn can be cancelled into her air Musasabi (air qcb+A or C). Keep in mind that Mai moves extremely fast in general, so she can take very good advantage of option select throws/throw techs and keep applying pressure on to the opponent. To ensure safety on drawing Mai in for offense up close is to time her jump ins/ground Musasabi no Mai appropriately. Mai's j.A has very good range and hit box on the way down from her jump and doubles as a good method of utilize a meaties while adverting the opponent use of any invincibility reversal. Ryuuenbu (the A version) is a trust worthy and safe method of applying pressure so the player is going to using this a lot. The C Ryuuenbu should be utilized for combo as the recovery is a tad bit slower than the A version. Both versions can also be a good anti-air tools when timed appropriately. Mai can also make use of her EX DM to dish out a good reversal if she is on the defensive in close combat.
- Mai also works very well in this range
- Utilize c.Bx2, s.B, s.D target combo for HD hit confirms and to push the opponent away
- Mai has a very fast CD attack both in the air and on the ground, which can whiff cancel into any of her special move.
- Mai can also whiff cancel her crouching D into other special moves
- air d.B can beat multiple anti-airs
- j.C, j.D, j.B, and air d.B are all good cross-ups
- Apply as much corner pressure as possible
- If Mai is near a corner, she can wall jump to counter act the opponent rush down or jump in attempts with a quick j.D, j.C, air throw, Ukihane (air d.B) or air Musasabi no Mai (air qcb+A)
Cornered Opponent
This is where Mai turns into a complete monster. Mai is at her best here because this is where her most damaging combos stem from. Mai + meter + corner = complete disaster. The reason behind this is because all of her EX moves cause the opponent to enter a juggle state. With so much as one stock, Mai can dish a serious amount of damage. Most of her combo enders will be a reset or her air throw. Mai can use continue her aggressive mix ups from there after a reset and she benefits very well from landing hard knock downs on the opponent. Again, Mai benefit well from hard knockdown and super meter. If you can not get your opponent to the corner, the player will have to zone them out until that end up in that situation. At further range Mai can shred the opponents health meter gradually or she can zone them into the corner and do a massive amounts of damage should that option become available. The corner is where Mai can work her magic.
SUMMARY:
- Mai can use CD attack on the opponents wake up for counter hits > C qcb+P > air throw.
- Mai can wall jump after the opponents knockdown or if they attempt a reversal then she can cross them up once more with air d.B, j.D, j.B, and J.C.
- Mai can link into stand A after using her Kachousen up close
- Cross-up from corner throws
- Utilize Ukihane to counteract DP/anti-air attempts but do this as soon as possible, otherwise it will result in a hit trade.
- Be sure to guard on reaction while applying pressure
- Mai's EX air qcb+P has invincibility properties so use this after a Ukihane.
- Mai can establish her most damaging combo from this scenario if she corners her opponent.
- Many of Mai special moves will also drive the opponent into the corner after successful hits.
- Be on the look out for moves with high invincibility or priorities.
Cornered
Mai will be at a disadvantage in this situation. Mai does not have a anti-air and she lacks any sort of reversal without her meter. Mai can push her opponent away with c.Bx2, s.B, s.D combo. Mai will have to Guard Cancel Roll/Blow Back the opponent to get out of her bad situation. Mai can still use her BnB's in this scenario and she can stop jump ins with her s.C. Mai can also wall jump from the opponent at the full height of jump sense most characters super jumps will not reach that far up. Mai can also apply her basic close range pressure with her CD > Kachousen. Knowing when to roll out of the corner is a good idea, but rolling leaves the character vulnerable for a moment after the animation. Mai can roll out of the corner to avoid laggy moves or unsafe pressure. Last, Mai can use her Musasabi no Mai to jump out of the corner. Mai can cancel the jump animation into her command move because it a lot of priority over many air normals and several anti-airs, if the Musasabi jump should be interrupted. Another good tool for her to use to get out of the corner is her wall jump if the opponent is hopping too much or if they are on the ground for too long while they are trying to apply pressure. She can get out of the bad situation by crossing them up with air d.B after a wall jump or by simply wall jumping away from the corner so that she can apply her own corner pressure accordingly.
SUMMARY:
- Push the opponent away with s.B and s.D target combo.
- CD > Kachousen or Ryuenbuu
- Use d charge u Musasabi no Mai (forward) to jump quickly out of the corner after pushing your opponent away with CD > Kachousen or s.B > s.D target combo.
- GCRoll/Blowback when necessary
- Wall jump
- After a wall jump you can use Ukihane (air d.B) to cross the opponent up or simply jump away to the other side of your opponent.
- Tick throw your opponent into the corner if possible - Mai can corner cross-up from there too.
With No Meter/No Drive
Mai does not do much damage outside of combo links and super meter. However, Mai gives the player a great opportunity to play keep away. Keep away is very important for someone like Mai because of her normals, her j.CD, her Musasabi no Mai (both air and ground versions), her wall jumping, and her projectiles. Without meter, Mai is not capable of doing much damage, so she will have to resort to meter building, some basic rush down, and/or keep away tactics. Mai can build meter off of Hissatsu Shinobi Bachi and Ryuenbuu. It is still possible for Mai to be annoying if the player understand how her unique jumping arcs work, as well as her normal. Stand C and D are great for anti-air purposes.
SUMMARY:
- CD > Kachousen or Ryuenbuu as they are both safe on guard
- If the opponent tries to get too close to you and you are trying to get away, jump backwards, CD attack.
- Use j.C and press forward if in case the opponent tries to jump in. A preemptive j.D or j.CD attack will beat out a lot of the characters normals, including things like Duo's j.CD or Kyo's j.d.C command move.
- Ukihane also has a lot priority in the air guarantees a hard knockdown on hit.
- cr.Bx2 > s.B, s.D target combo for push.
- After CD > Kachousen, Mai can quickly run towards them to bait a reversal or to utilize her s.B, s.D for guard break damage and to push the opponent into the corner some more.
- Her BnB's and punish combos will work well under any circumstance and they will work much better in the corner.
- Air Musasabi no Mai (air qcb+A) is slightly safer than air qcb+C.
- Use Musasabi no Mai (ground version) to travel longer distance to punish fire ball use, keep away, or hops/jump ins.
With 1+ Meter/No Drive
With so much as one super meter, Mai becomes dangerous. Mai can expend one meter on her EX Kachousen to crush other regular projectiles in a fire ball war or to catch opponents off guard. Her EX Kachousen also sets up a juggle state on hit, so it is possible to follow up. In fact, all of Mai's EX special moves causes a juggle state. A corner opponent in a juggle state means Mai can capitalize here with Ryuenbuu loops. Most of her combo finishers should consist of an air throw to get a hard knock down. Mai benefits perfectly well from hard knock down, especially in the corner, sense she is given even more options there.
- Kachousen > DM if the opponent tries to jump in
- EX Kachousen is extremely fast and will beat out regular projectiles except for DM's and other EX projectiles
- All of Mai's EX moves set up a juggle state, but EX hcf+K and EX air qcb+P are extremely trustworthy. EX Ryuenbuu (EX qcb+P) is a very good punish tool and can lead into more damaging attacks for a good combo.
- j.D > Ukihane (air d.B) > EX air qcb+P
- If an opponent intends to catch you off guard with a Neo Max are powerful attack air EX Musasabi no Mai can save you. For example, EX Musasabi no Mai will go right through Mature's raw Neo Max.
- It is possible for Mai to perform a good reversal with EX Ryuenbuu or EX hcf+K - otherwise guard or roll on wake up then capitalize with an attack or defensive maneuver.
- Utilize DM for punish combos, combo finishers, or to beat air to air attacks.
With No Meter/50%-100% Drive
Even with just drive meter, it is still possible for Mai to work her way to victory. Mai can resort to corner combos such as st.C, hcf D, [drive cancel] > qcb C. Mai can easily go for super cancels with any of her specials as well. If Mai conducts that same combo with 100% drive meter, she can continue her combo from qcb C and drive that into qcf A, and then finish the combo with qcb C and then a air throw. The drive meter can help Mai can get much between punish combos without meter. Mai can also drive cancel her hcf D into her air qcb C and then perform st.C for a reset and then continue her mix ups in the corner. Last, if Mai has 100% drive meter, she can still her damaging HD combos with very easy hit confirms (cr.B, st.B, st.D target > HD activation). If Mai corners hurt opponent, she can net over 600 damage for meter. It is also important to note that if she is not using HD combo and she resorting to drive cancels, she can build a huge amount of meter.
With 1+ Meter/50%-100% Drive
With one meter, Mai can play a lot more mind games and net some better damage off of her combos too. Mai can do a lot of damage with just one meter alone, and things will begin to look bright for her with drive meter. Mai can super cancel all of her moves. If she confirms any of her special moves, she can easily super cancel into her DM. She also has very good EX moves, all of which can set juggle states to start a combo. Mai's ability block punish/whiff punish also becomes more proficient. Mai can do combos such as st.C, hcf D [drive cancel] EX qcb AC, hcf D combo ender. If she is in the corner conducting a combo like this she can for st.C, hcf D [drive cancel] EX qcb AC, qcb C, and then Air Throw. This is just from 50% drive. With 100% drive, Mai can extend her combo with another EX qcb AC after two qcb C loops to continue a juggle. Mai can easily net 400/500 damage with corner juggle combos with one meter and drive meter. With HD combos, Mai can still net over 600 damage and finish a round quickly if she drives the opponent into the corner. What needs to be understood is that Mai can easily wall carry her ability from the middle stage with 50% and 100% drive. The damage output for Mai increases exponentially with one stock and especially 50% and 100% drive meter. Mai also has a better defensive options with meter.
Best Team Position?
Point: Mai is in the lower mid tier in this situation. If the player is putting Mai in this position, they are telling one of the three things: 1): They're either playing a zoning team for the sake of her good keep away Or 2): Other characters benefit from her so they will play her as if she were a battery character instead with only three meters. Or 3): They are noobs. Mai CAN do well with just three meters (it would only take one drive guage to produce 381 damage with this: (corner combo) s.C, hcf+K (2hits), [DC] air.qcb+C, qcb+C, air throw. The air throw is a practical tool for catching opponents in mid-air and Mai is known for having very good priority in her attacks. The air-throw is a very good combo finisher and its a hard knockdown. Although, Mai does have the potential to play a powerful keep away game and the tools to do short term combos, this position is not recommended. For meter-less combos are not too damaging, but if the player understands how to use her one frame links, her damage will increase a little more but this is a difficult process.
Battery:
Mai works exceedingly well in this position. In fact, this is Mai's best position specifically in exclusively high level tournament play. With four stock meters and a full HD guage, she is extremely dangerous. Mai's Neo Max is another factor that can change the game plan altogether. The reason why Mai does so well as a battery is because she has very nice set of high priority normal moves and many tools at her disposal for out-zoning the opponent. Another thing to consider that her reversal options reveal themselves when she has meter and all of her EX Moves causes the opponent to enter a juggle state. Using her basic BnB's will help her carry opponents towards the corner. This is Mai's best position and she can play under a variety of conditions and situations, such as providing rush down, corner pressure, turtle, and zoning. It is possible for Mai to be a good utility character as well, as she builds meter off of her Ryuenbuu and her HCF+B or D moves. In this position, Mai can play many different roles. The first character before Mai will have to have good meter building for Mai reek the benefits and conduct her game play as planned. Her damage output and defensive options become extremely potent as long as she has meter. Mai herself can also build meter easily herself.
Anchor-
Mai would play, more or less, the same role as she did in the second position. The reason why she is lower in the tier grade as an anchor is because no other character can back her up and her meter-less damage output is bad. But, Mai is still a fearsome opponent to face, should she have meter available. Knowing how to dominate in the air with Mai, as well as the nature of her normal moves will factor into the her ability to win. This reinforces her ability to make some impressive comebacks without too much difficulty and she does have a few good match ups against some of the better anchors due to her ability to play keep away and her ability to move around the stage easily. Mai does actually have decent comeback potential become of her speed, keep away, pokes, and how well she benefits from meter, but the player needs to be extra careful and play very cautiously with Mai.
Character Matchups
Andy Bogard
- Play a functional keep away game against Andy. Mai has better zoning capabilities due to having better mobility and slightly better normals.
- Mai's air command move d.B Ukihane can beat both versions of Andy's DP if she is right on top of his head or if it is cross-up.
- All versions of Andy's Zanei ken is punished by Mai's Kachousen. A well timed Hisobi Baichi can beat out the Zaneiken as well.
- After Zanei Ken, Mai can punish Andy with EX Ryuenbuu, s.B, d.D, her EX DM, or Neo Max.
- Multiple normals can beat out Andy's Zaneiken.
- Andy becomes a lot more vulnerable during air to air encounters (air throw, high priority air normals, wall kicking, Musasabi no Mai, EX Musasabi no Mai drive cancel/HD cancels, and Ukihane)
- Mai has better advantages in mid-air than Andy does.
- Use Mai's C/D attack to provide more distance - it can be whiff cancelled into all of her special move and can cause all of block stun and push back.
Ash Crimson
- This is in Mai's favor if she stays at mid range. Mai can easily punish Ash when his projectiles are poorly timed.
- Don't bother getting into projectile wars. Just wall kick or use Ground Musasabi no Mai to punish when Ash is still throwing projectiles.
- EX Kachousen can cause Ash problems, especially when he does not have any meter.
- If you are not a mid range, be patient and smart about Mai's outlook. Mai can cause Ash a lot of problems with just her normal moves.
- If Ash tries to rush down, poke him out with her normal and apply careful offense to turn the tide. Ash's normal have shorter range compared to Mai and she can bait Ash's somersault anti-air.
Athena Asamiya
- Mai is at a slight disadvantage in this match up - Athena has a better ability to zone and has a good air C/D attack. Athena is weak to corner pressure however, so Mai will have to implement a cautious offensive game - keep a short distance between Mai herself and Athena (Like a two character length).
- Athena also has several mid-air options like Mai does, but is vulnerable to air throw and the air Musasabi no Mai beats out Athena's Phoenix Arrow. EX Musasabi no Mai and the EX Phoenix Arrow is a hit trade.
- Mai's air d.B Ukihane and Athena's Phoenix Arrow will always trade.
- Athena becomes extremely weak in the corner and the corner is where Mai can use her most deadly combos.
- Mai's air command move d.B Ukihane can beat out both versions of Athena DP. On the C version Psycho Sword however, Mai must use air d.B after the start up of her move, otherwise it will resort in a trade or Mai getting hurt. It is possible to use the Ukihane as a cross up and still beat out Athena C version Psycho Sword when timed correctly
- Athena can jump a further distance than Mai can. Most of Athena's jump in's can be counteracted by a Ryuenbuu or s.C.
- Use Mai's Kachousen sparingly - All versions of Athena's Psycho Reflect can reflect all of Mai's projectiles. Including the EX Kanchousen.
Benimaru Nikaido
- Beni has several options in mid-air much like Mai does, so stay cautious when jumping.
- If Beni jumps from a far range, use qcb+A or EX DM to counteract his far jump ins.
- Beni jumps very high and very far so time your rolls carefully. Mai's air EX qcb+K works very well in this match up as well.
- Mai can make use of her projectile here too, but keep in mind that Beni gets long range options when he has meter. Try to stay on the move and don't stay in one place. Watch out for Beni EX qcb+K. That can be blocked and rolled away from. Mai can also avoid this move by simply running towards him.
- Don't rely on jump-ins too much, because Beni can resort to DP+K which gives him push back to make it a little more safer, he also has qcf+A that can also be used as a anti-air.
- Don't let Beni corner you. Mai needs to stay at mid range when fighting Beni as well, because he also has a command grab. Hopping j.C, Hop j.A, qcb+P (both versions), and Mai's CD attacks work extremely well in this match up. Mai's CD attack and qcb+A give Mai low invincibility so this can stop Beni's hit confirms.
- Mai's normal moves have a little more range and she can use her normal moves and projectile to zone Beni. Stay cautious when Beni gets meter always stay mid range from him.
Billy Kane
- Keep your distance. Billy Kane works extremely well up close and has very good command moves.
- To counteract Billy f+A, st.C would work very well, because his f+A has a little start up. GC Blowbacks also work here.
- Zone Billy out with qcf+A and C and stay at mid range. Stay away from the corner.
- Try to avoid jump too much because Billy has plenty of good anti-airs to counter act them. Resort to hopping normal moves instead.
- To put Billy at a disadvantage, Mai needs to be the one cornering him. His regular DP is a bit on the slow side and can easy safe jumped and punished. Use j.d.B Ukihane to change your jumps to avoid anti-airs altogether to start Mai's mix ups and whiff punishes.
- Mai's EX DM can out prioritize many of Billy's specials when she is at mid or close range.
Chin Gentsai
- Play a functional rush down game but be cautious when Chin has meter.
- Don't rely too much on projectile's - Chin can get through them easily with his special moves
- Do not let Chin drink, because it can spell danger. Stay mid range but don't let get too close or too far away. Chin also gets weak in the corner so Mai needs to focus a little more on offense.
- Try to stay close to Chin and conduct a functional poking and mix up game.
- Mai can provide her mix up game by use pokes and hopping normal moves. Mai's hopping j.CD can help, especially if Chin is in the corner.
- Don't let Chin corner you. If he does, GC Roll out of the corner when he starts his block strings and mix ups.
Clark Still
- Zone Clark out. But, use discretion when Clark has meter because his EX b charge f move can go through projectiles and is somewhat safe.
- Maintain distance between yourself and Clark. Clark does not function well from longer ranges, which is where Mai shines.
- If Clark does corner you, resort to j.C and wall jumps to avoid grab set ups.
- Time your jumps carefully - Clark also has a air throw and a very good j.CD attack. If he tries jump or hop toward you resort to
qcb+A, st.C, st.D, j.A, or j.D to interrupt is momentum. Try to neutral or jump backwards while utilizing the jump moves because they have a very decent hit box on them.
- Mai has a much better options in mid air than Clark does. Air qcb+P and Ukihane can work well if you anticipate on Clark jumping. When you are at mid or far range, use qcf+P (moderate between both projectiles) and zone him out. Force Clark into making a mistake and punish. Mai has very little recovery on her projectiles so be prepared to counter act if you are at a further range.
Duo Lon
- Play a functional rush down game against Duo Lon. Stay relatively close to him but stay out of range of his hit confirms.
- s.C and s.D can stop many of Duo Lon's rush down attempts
- Punish Duo Lon's teleport with Kachosen or well timed normal
- Duo does have any true anti-air's outside of cr.C. Duo's EX teleport can go right through everything so Mai needs to be careful.
- Duo also has a lot of good frame traps and zoning tools, do not stay in the corner for too long, and make sure Mai stays on the move and conduct her own mix-ups and rush down.
- Don't rely too much on projectiles. Duo Lon can counteract them with f.B, f.A, his EX teleport, and his own projectile.
- Don't let Duo Lon pressure you at all. It needs to be the other way around.
Elisabeth Branctorche
- Elisabeth's fighting style can be predictable. Mai's st.C and st.D can stop Elisabeth jump-ins/hops
- Elisabeth does not have any real long range options outside of two meters.
- Mai can resort to using many of her options in mid air, such as air j.d.B Ukihane. Elisabeth's anti-air options are poor in general outside of her qcf+A.
- Elisabeth's strengths are on the ground. If Elisabeth gets close to you, Mai's hopping j.C, her ground CD attack, st.A, and her EX moves can distort Elisabeth offensive all together.
- Use st.A to interrupt Elisabeth incoming attacks. Don't rely on too many lows unless you are hit confirming because many
- Don't get too reckless with Mai's offense either, because Elisabeth has qcb+A and qcb+C which can guard lows and high/mid moves respectively and charge her positioning. Mix up your attacks and go for whiff punishes on Elisabeth. There is also invincibility on Elisabeth DM's so conduct a cautious rush down game while staying close to the ground and resorting safe jumps and hopping normal moves.
Goro Daimon
- Stay mid range or far range from Daimon.
- Daimon has very good priority on his air normal moves but they are a tad bit slow. Use Mai's j.A to interrupt Daimon's normal.
- Never let Daimon get close to you. If he does, use hopping j.C or j.D to stop grapple attempts. You can cancel j.D into Ukihane as well. Ukihane can cancel into Mai's air qcb+P (or EX a qcb+P) as well in case the Daimon manages to block the attack.
- If you're going to zone Daimon out, use Mai's qcf+P projectile and change the versions up periodically. Daimon does not have many long range options except for his Earthquake move. If you anticipate this, jump and get ready rush down and conduct a functional mix up. Daimon Earthquake move has a slow start up, so EX qcf+A can keep Daimon honest.
- If Daimon is cornered, carefully utilize poke and stay a one character distance. If Daimon is jumping, you can try for j.A or j.C (option select Air Throw) when you are at that distance.
Hwa Jai
- Hwa can get zoned out easily if he does not have meter and he isn't drunk.
- When Hwa has at least one meter, stay a two stay at least character length away from him. Keep in mind that Hwa has a DM that functions as a command grab.
- If Hwa manages to drink, play keep away and don't ever let him get close unless you pushing an unsafe move (his DP+K series for example)
- Don't focus too much on projectiles if he has meter or if he is drunk either because his DM can go through projectiles. Only do so if you are at a full screen distance. If Hwa rolls or jumps, you can punish him. Mai can change the pace of the fight between herself and Hwa if she is at a full screen.
- Hwa has many options in mid-air all of which are dangerous. Mai is in mid air, she can go for j.A, j.CD, air EX qcb+P, and her EX DM to beat out any of Hwa's air to air moves.
Iori Yagami (Claw)
- This match up is in Mai's favor. Mai can zone out Claw Iori easily but be warned - a Claw Iori with meter is extremely dangerous.
- All of Claw Iori EX moves except for his command grab, have invincibility start-up and he is combo-friendly. Play a offensively but stay cautious.
- Mai has an advantage of Claw Iori because of her high priority normals and pokes.
- EX Kachousen can counteract any Claw Iori EX special moves (EX Iori's EX qcb+K goes through normal projectiles on it's start up. EX Iori's EX Super also goes through projectiles).
- Iori is vulnerable to Mai's mid-air tricks (air throw, high priority air normals, wall kicking, Musasabi no Mai, EX Musasabi no Mai drive cancel/HD cancels, and Ukihane)
- Iori's d.D is extremely punishable on even block. It also have a very huge amount of whiff recovery, so if you anticipate this move, use jumping normal to counteract.
- Mai also moves much faster and has multiple advantages in mid-air against Claw Iori.
Iori Yagami (Flame)
- Mai has an advantage in mid air and at further ranges. Mai's normal moves to keep EX Iori honest.
- Much like Claw Iori, EX Iori is also a bit slower than Mai. Use Mai's speed to her advantage. If Iori is in mid-air, look out for his j.D. Block safely, and space yourself so that you can go for block/whiff punishes.
- EX Iori has a legitimate anti-air, so time your jump in carefully. If Iori is going to zone Mai out, she resort to ground Musasabi no Mai (d charge u+P) and punish him from longer distance by cancelling Musasabi into Ukihane for a hard knockdown. She can then go for a meaty j.C or CD attack on EX Iori's wake up.
- Most of EX Iori's special moves are punishable, so stay mid range, and guard them appropriately. Mai's reversal and ability to counteract gets better when she has meter, so resort to safe special moves (qcb+P, qcf+C) and her normal keep EX Iori at bay.
- Don't use too many jump-ins because a simple st.C from Iori can smack Mai out of the air. Go for a cross-up Ukihane instead. When you corner Iori, conduct a cautious rush down game.
- Stay one character length away from EX Iori, because he has command grabs. One that require meter and the other which can be done without.
Joe Higashi
- This match is mostly even. Joe's strength and ability are mostly ground based, while Mai does better in the air. Mai has a slight advantage over Joe in terms of normal moves and pokes.
- Be careful about Mai's jump-in's and hops. Joe has a LOAD of invincibility on his DP+K. However, neither version of the move is safe on guard and Mai can easily safe jump and punish him directly.
- Mai can do very well in this fight at any range, but when Joe has meter, she will have to put more emphasis on safe jumps and using the air to her advantage. She can change the trajectory of her jump with j.d.B and she also use this as a pressure tools and cross up.
- If Joe is at far range with meter, he is likely to use meter for this EX qcf A Hurricane Upper. Mai can use Musasabi (d charge uf+P) to negate projectile wars all together and punish appropriately.
K'
- K's qcb B or D and his follow up are not safe on guard, so Mai can easily punish from there.
- Mai can go for EX qcf AC to defeat any zoning attempts from K', because of his unorthodox method of using his own projectile. K's Ein Trigger to Second Shoot and Second Shell can both easily be punished by ground Musasabi (d charge uf+P into a j.d.B).
- K' does not jump as high as Mai does, so Mai definitely an advantage in air to air combat.
- Don't focus too much on jump ins on K's wake up. When possible, go for safe jumps and punish K's DP's.
- K's DP+C has a huge amount of invincibility and a follow up that causes a hard knockdown (even on standing opponents). This is punishable.
- Be careful with against K' if he has meter, because several of his EX moves will be come safe and it will be made easily for him to play more offense. Play keep away and poke him out if K' develops too much meter.
Kim Kaphwan
- This is in Mai's favor due to Kim's lack of actual long range options.
- Kim suffers from Mai's fire ball (Kachosen) pressure.
- Be careful in mid-air; Kim has many options in mid-air like Mai does.
- Don't even stay in the corner for too long, because Kim has a very good frame traps from his air qcb+K attacks and his mix up options increase a lot if he does corner his opponents. Stay out of the corner and continue to zone him out carefully.
- Many of Kim's special moves are not safe at all so Mai can emphasize on corner pressure and punish combos here.
- Mai's command air move d.B Ukihane can beat out Kim's anti-air when she is above him or if it is cross up.
King
- This match up can easily go either way because both characters have very good options in mid air. King is made for the sake of conducting good offensive and staple rush down. Both versions of King's Tornado Kick are punishable on guard. They can be safe if they are spaced properly however.
- King does not have a true anti-air outside of EX Trap Shot and both version of her Surprise Rose DM
- Both Mai and King have extremely powerful range options, both of which are executed under different circumstances. It is best to stay at mid range or close range against King. King's Tornado Kick can function as a pseudo anti air, especially her EX version. If King uses st.D, df+D (slide), Venom Strike, she is mostly likely either back dash and use a Venom Strike/Double Strike Super or go for a jump in or a Tornado Kick. React to those moves with regular jump ins. If you anticipate a EX Trap Shot, use j.d.B to slow down you jump and then punish.
- Hop over King's projectiles if she uses them from far or mid range. You can punish badly timed projectiles by jumping over them.
- Becareful about jump-in and air to airs because King can go for air Venom Strike on reaction if she does anticipate on Mai jumping in. Mai's air EX DM can beat out her air Venom Strikes.
Kula Diamond
Kyo Kusanagi (XIII)
- Keep a little distance. Mai will have a relatively easy time playing keep-away and zoning around the stage with her projectile, her normals, and her ground Musasabi no Mai. Mai can play a lot more offesnively if Kyo has little to no meter. Play more defensively when fighting a Kyo with meter.
- Mai's A version Ryuenbuu beats out Kyo's Oboroguruma (RDP+K) when used at distance.
- Mai's A version Ryuenbuu and C/D attack can beat Kyo's Kototsuki Yo (HCB+K).
- Mai Neo Max can out prioritize Kyo's Neo Max when they are both utilized at the same time.
- Mai can counteract mid/far distance fireball wars with Musasabi no Mai.
- None of Kyo's reversals are safe and he can be exposed to Mai's punish combos.
- A correctly timed Hisobi Baichi can travel over Kyo's projectile.
- In mid-air, Kyo is far more exposed to Mai's mid-air trics (air throw, high priority air normals, wall kicking, Musasabi no Mai, EX Musasabi no Mai drive cancel/HD cancels, and Ukihane) Kyo's options in mid-air are limited.
- It is possible to beat out both versions of Kyo's DP with Mai's air command move d.B Ukihane, usually if Mai is right above Kyo or if it is used as a cross-up. Do not use this on EX DP. A successful Ukihane results in a hard knock down. A poorly timed Ukihane results in a hit trade.
Kyo Kusanagi (NESTS)
- Mai has a advantage in this match up because, Kyo does not many long range options outside of his EX R.E.D Kick.
- Play keep away in this match up, because EX Kyo's rekka series are mostly safe and they give him auto-guard, along with his DP.
- Add variety to Mai's projectiles to keep EX Kyo at bay from full screen. When use qcf+A, EX Kyo will probably resort to R.E.D. Kick which is punishable. EX Kyo's qcf+B upkicks are also punishable, even on the first hit.
- You can interrupt many of EX Kyo's rekkas as some of them are not true combo's or block strings on grounded opponents. EX qcb+P or EX hcf+K can help in this scenario.
- EX Kyo has very good reversal options so don't get too reckless with Mai's offense avoid jumping too much. Continue to play keep away and poke him out and punish when necessary.
- Mai's j.d.B and EX Air qcb+P can work very well here and she has a much better air to air options than EX Kyo does in this match.
Leona Heidern
- This match up is a bit easier for Mai but don't get too overconfident. Mai's normals a bit better in this match up so she can poke Leona carefully...
- Don't spend too much time in mid air because Leona also has powerful air to air... especially with meter. When Leona has meter, be on the look out for her Vslasher DM/EX DM. Also Leona's Moonslasher is a very good reversal.
- Use Mai's projectiles to zone her out.
- Use Mai's limbs to cause problems for Leona, but know when to guard. Stay out of reach from Leona. Be on the look out for Leona's ear ring projectiles.
Mai Shiranui (Mirror Match)
Mature
Maxima
Raiden
Ralf Jones
Robert Garcia
- This is an even match up, so Mai can get away with an offensive or defensive play style. Mai has better air control and ability to zone however, but Robert has every necessary tool at his disposal.
- Robert's A version DP Ryuga special move has no invincibility at all so Mai can capitalize here. Mai also has a easier time baiting DP's due to the nature of her jumps. The C version of Robert's Ryuga is normally meant for stopping super jumps.
- Mai's projectiles beat out Robert's Heinshippukyaku (both regular versions of this move are not safe on guard). Mai's A version Ryuenbuu and several of her air attack (include air d.B) out prioritizes Robert's Heinshippukyaku.
- Robert's command throw is not 1 frame so it is easier for Mai to continue with offensive pressure using short hops or high priority moves.
- Mai has a much better keep away game than Robert does and she shut many of his offensive at mid-screen and if Robert is cornered.
Ryo Sakazaki
Saiki
- This is arguably easier than the Ash match up but Mai needs to keep her distance. Saiki does not have an real EX projectile, and Mai can out prioritize Saiki's projectile with her own. EX Kachousen helps a lot in this scenario if she somehow gets into a projectile war or if the player predicts Saiki will use a projectile first.
- Saiki can normal bait out a lot of moves with his air normals, but Mai does not have anything to bait out. Mai can zone him just fine with her normals and her projectiles.
- Mai will have trouble if Saiki gets too close. Mai's ground Musasabi no Mai should be used to escape bad situation.
- Don't jump around too much. Saiki has a lot of anti air options... most of which CAN be baited. Mai can change the trajectory of her jumps with her j.d.B Ukihane. Mai's ground Musasabi no Mai can not be whiff punished easily either.
- Mai needs to also attempt as many hard knockdown's as possible to stay on the offensive.
Shen Woo
Sie Kensou
Takuma Sakazaki
- Takuma is very meter heavy, perhaps more so than Mai is, though he has better damage output than she does at mid screen.
- Takuma does not have a true anti-air, except for his Neo Max
- Mai has better normals than Takuma does, mainly because he has very poor reach
- Mai is weak under pressure, and Takuma is meant to establish high pressure and becomes very dangerous with meter. However, due to the nature of Takuma's game play, Mai can also get away with playing a more offensive game as well but she needs to play more cautiously against a Takuma with a lot of meter.
- Takuma's B version of his Heinshippukyaku is safe on guard but his D version is not. Mai's Kanchousen, air Musasabi no Mai, and several of her air normals can beat all versions of the Heinshuppukyaku.
- Remember to keep your distance and that Mai dominates in the air in this match up - Takuma has a very good command throw that can change the match in his favor. Remember to use high priority moves.
Mr. Karate
Terry Bogard
Vice
Yuri Sakazaki
Videos
KOF XIII - Mai Shiranui HD Combo Goodies
Mai KOF XIII : Combos into wall
Musasabi no Mai set ups and movement
Playing Mai during Professional Tournaments
Mai's HD combo, 0 Stock sample
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