The King of Fighters XIII/Kyo Kusanagi

File:Kyo.gif

Quick Combo Reference

0 Stock, No Drive Gauge	Low Anywhere	cr.B, cr.A, df+D (1), qcf+D, hcb+K = 245 dmg j.C, cl.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, hcb+K = 330 dmg
1 Stock, No Drive Gauge	Anywhere Corner	j.C, cl.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, rdp+BD = 363 dmg cl.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+AC = 364 dmg
1 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge	Corner	j.C, cl.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, (SC) air qcb~hcf+P, qcf+A, hcb+K = 510 dmg
2 Stock, No Drive Gauge	Low	cr.Bx2, s.B, qcf+B, qcb~hcf+AC = 412 dmg

Console Changes

- 88 Shiki (df+D) moves forward more. As a result, stand C, df+D, QCF+K now does the full four hits.

- Kototsuki You (HCB+K) has more lag on block

- B version of 75 Shiki Kai (QCF+K) can now be followed up with other attacks. On the ground you can only follow up with an uppercut, but on a mid-air hit you can do more interesting things.

- Added an EX version for his mid-air Orochinagi. It does 3 hits and 300 damage. Unlike the ground version it has no invincibility but is very fast, so you can use it in combos or in air-to-air battles.

- far D has less lag.

Yamamoto – "The air Orochinagi which he learned in KOF Sky Stage (laughs) and now the EX version on top of that has made him a master of the move. It’s now possible to do high damage combos off of a hit confirm with his df.HK>fb+HK {df.D > qcf+D}combo. Please try him out now that he has so many more attack options."

Gameplay Overview

Kyo is an extremely versatile character with a vast range of playing styles. He can zone with Yamibarai but at the same time he can rush down to the corner. He can punish jump-ins very well with his Oniyaki and Ama No Murakumo but can also carry his opponent across the screen with moves such as Kai and Oborogurma. His HD combos involve him using most of his moveset to get the most damaging combo out possible whether it's midscreen or in the corner. His play-style tends to be favored by people looking for someone who is flashy but at the same time isn't too difficult to learn.

Compared to alternate version NESTS Kyo, this version of Kyo is a bit more reliant on scoring easy hard knockdowns to set up either a safe jump option, a high/low okizeme mix-up or using his j.2C for some annoying cross-ups. He is also more stronger long range wise using is qcf+P for zoning, and using his NeoMax to punish incoming fireballs quickly. His HD combos are a bit more flashier and juggle-heavy which may require a fair amount of execution to pull off consistently but they are very damaging. His mid-range game both offensively and defensively are somewhat lacking in proper tools and options compared to NESTS Kyo, but long-range and close range potential can still make him a highly valid threat.

Regular Kyo vs NESTS Kyo Differences

• Regular Kyo does not combo from s.C to f.B, while NESTS Kyo does
• NESTS Kyo has better normals and hit confirms than the Regular Kyo
• The Regular Kyo's EX Orochinagi DM is a better reversal than NESTS Kyo’s, but lacks the ability to combo afterwards
• NESTS Kyo is not capable of using Orochinagi in mid-air
• NESTS Kyo has better corner pressure than the Regular Kyo does
• Regular Kyo's Oniyaki DP+A hits twice and DP+C hits three times. NESTS Kyo's DP+A hits once and the C version hits twice with autoguard properties.
• Regular Kyo's EX DP has him traveling straight up in a spiral. NESTS Kyo is stationary in mid-air during his EX DP.
• Regular Kyo has more long range and zoning options than NESTS Kyo does.
• Regular Kyo's QCF+K up-kicks are automatic. NESTS Kyo will require the player to input an K to finish the move.
• NESTS Kyo’s df.D is not cancellable.
• NESTS Kyo's QCB+K requires him to "catch" the opponent and then cause an explosion, while the EX version works as another damaging reversal option. NEST Kyo will still go through the same animation sequence making the move unsafe. The Regular Kyo's version of this move automatically works after the first successful hit and the animations stops with Kyo's elbow in front of him. The EX version of the move works as a 4 frame command throw.
• Regular Kyo hits quite a bit harder than NESTS Kyo
• Regular Kyo lacks any safe special move reversals, NESTS Kyo has better and somewhat safer reversal options.

Pros

• Has a wide range of options with his EX attacks

• Good meter-less combos

• Very damaging HD combos

• Incredible offensive rush down game

• Can juggle/punish very well

• Better long range zoning than EX Kyo

• Good reversals

• Good at building meter, and has a lot of options to deal damage with or without spending drive meter

Cons

• Relatively weak at mid-range

• Difficulty defending against incoming hop attacks

• Very unsafe reversals

• Most of the damaging HD combos require the opponent in the corner

• Weaker corner pressure than EX Kyo

• Fireball has slow recovery

Normals

Standing

s.A: 25 damage, cancellable, hits mid. Standard punch attack. Fast and stops a lot of short hops. It's okay from time to time in mid-range to throw this out to stop hops in advance if your opponent is really hop twitchy, especially if they are cornered. One disadvantage so far is that the jab isn't as far as past years, but it is still somewhat the same.

s.B: 30 damage, special cancellable, hits low. A quick standing, low kick. Unlike previous years, Kyo had the ability to cancel this kick into his other normals, like his df+D for example. Now that ability has been removed, it is a little less useful. You can now only cancel this kick into his specials, like qcf+K for example (more importantly the B version of that move).

s. C: 70 damage, cancellable, hits mid. Up close strong punch. Due to its speed, it is a bnb/combo starter of choice. Defensively it is best to use this move if your opponent is trying jump over your head, because of it's vertical height.

far C: 80 damage, whiff cancellable and cancellable by itself, hits mid. Strong punch that's aimed slightly upward. It has good range but it is very risky to use as an anti-air, because it's start-up is really slow and it's whiff recovery is really bad.

s.D: 80 damage, not cancellable, hits mid. Jumping turn kick. It has great reach and can be used to avoid some attacks that are aimed low as well, but it's a little slow. Kyo is minus on block during this kick, but he does get pushed back a small amount from the opponent. You can try to use this to bait mashing or jumping if the opponent is trying to get out of the corner. Overall, it is a decent poke but it can be beaten out by incoming hop attacks.

Crouching

cr. A: 25 damage, cancellable, hits mid. Crouching punch attack. A very quick poke, preferred to be chained to his df+D. The range is a bit shorter compared to his cr.B, but it reaches a bit farther than his s.A.

cr. B: 30 damage, cancellable, hits low. A quick crouching kick. It's a great poke that's good for chaining into combos, has excellent range and can be chained. It is neutral on block, so you can use this kick to try to read if your opponent will mash or try to move around if they are itching to get out of the corner.

cr. C: 70 damage, cancellable, hits mid. Crouch uppercut attack, good reach, great priority, very fast, and good as a ground anti-air. Try not to use this against hop attacks or else it will get beaten out or they will trade.

cr. D: 80 damage, whiff and hit cancellable, hits low. A crouch sweep attack. It knocks standing opponents down when hits and has good reach but it's rather slow. You can try to cancel it into another move if blocked or whiffed.

Jumping

j. A: 40 (45) damage, cancellable, hits overhead. Jumping elbow attack. It comes out fast but the range is mediocre. You can use this as an air-to-air too but it might get beaten out by longer jump attacks. This attack might whiff if used incorrectly against crouching opponents.

j. B: 40 (45) damage, hits overhead. Jumping knee attack. It has good priority, stays out for a bit and crosses-up. Even though the range is short, it doesn't have the susceptibility of being anti-aired with crouching B's like his j.2C or j.D.

j. C: 70 (72) damage, hits overhead. Jumping punch attack. A great jump-in move that does good damage. It points down at a 60 degree angle which good for jumping in with. If you use it as an air-to-air it may get beaten out by jump attacks that have a more horizontal hitbox. Defensively you can use it while you are jumping away against opponents trying to advance on you in mid-range, either by them jumping at you, or running towards you. You can also use it to jump away after blocking a j.CD if the opponent likes to hop at you afterwards to continue pressure.

j. D: 70 (68) damage, hits overhead. A very useful air-to-air kick that should be used earlier than later because of it's range. A great move to be used defensively to keep advancing opponents out. The only risk with this kick is that it completely whiffs on crouching opponents, so be very careful using this offensively. Your opponent can just duck under it and punish you with a low attack.

Blowback Attack

CD: 75 damage, whiff and hit cancellable. A very fast shoulder tackle. You can whiff cancel this to add a bit more range to some of your special moves or to use it as a fake out to catch players trying to advance on your thinking your just whiffing this for no reason (ex. CD -> hcb+K)

j. CD: 90 (80) damage, cancellable, hits mid. Air shoulder tackle. It comes out pretty quick and delivers a chunk of hit-stun like many other CD attacks. It has a pretty massive hit box, though the range is pretty short. After the opponent blocks this, you can either continue your pressure to go low (cr.B, etc.) or hit them with an overhead (f+B, or j.B, etc).

GCCD: 10 damage, hits mid. Guard Cancel Blowback Attack.

Throws

Issetsu Seoi Nage = (b/f + C/D) (close) 65+38 damage. A slam to elbow drop that cannot be tech rolled. The opponent is placed a good position away from Kyo for a perfect cross-up with j.2C or j.B after a brief run, superjump j.2C for a safejump setup, empty jump to a low, or another throw if they try to roll on wake-up, bait a reversal, etc. Try your best to time your jumps correctly for which ever specific setup you are going for after landing the throw, or you may eat a reversal.

Command Moves

Goufu You = (f+B) - 75 (60 when canceled from) damage, only cancellable from a canceled normal, hits overhead.

• Kyo's axe kick that hits crouching opponents but has limited cancel properties. Unlike KOF02's Kusanagi, Kyo's overhead isn't ridiculous at all in this game and is somewhat subpar in this game. On block it is around -2 frames, while he receives a fair amount of pushback from the opponent, which makes it hard to punish.

• Unfortunately you cannot combo into this move from any of Kyo's normals, but it seems to have cancel properties on block when canceled from a normal like cl.C, f+B, hcb+B, which the hcb+B will connect into. There really isn't a point to doing that, especially if the normal cannot combo into it.

• It is possible to HD activate from this overhead by itself into a combo which is pretty good. Even if the opponent is blocking, you can raw activate into HD, then go low immediately (cr.B or df+D) to catch them off guard when the were still busy from blocking the overhead, into a damaging HD combo.

88 Shiki = (df+D) - 30+45 damage free cancel-able on 1st hit, hits low twice.

• It has good range, connects after crouch normals and his st. C fairly well. You can also free cancel this move into his special moves incase you need a quick low aiming punish if his cr.B is out of range. This move is not safe on block at all, even if performed at a end of a blockstring (ex. cr.B, cr.A, df+D). If a character has a fast special move (or DM) that can reach him while he's recovering, he can get punished rather hard. You MAY get away with it if a certain character lacks a move that can punish him or if the player doesn't realize that isn't safe, but still use this move on block sparingly.

Naraku Otoshi = (db/d/df+C aka j.2C in air) - 50 damage, hits overhead. Two-handed downward haymaker attack.

• If successfully used as an air-to-air it slams the opponent to the ground for a hard knockdown. It has a lot of hit stun so it can be used to jump-in and start a combo. When used during a backdash it makes him hop backward further and quicker. It can also be used as a cross-up too. This move isn't fool proof though. Your opponent can cr.B anti-air this move by carefully placing a cr.B to shrink their hitbox if the j.2C was performed early. It is also not a good idea to use this move as an air-to-air attack, j.D is much suitable for that.

• You can combo 2 j.2C's in a row on a standing opponent by hitting the first one really low around the waist area of the character's sprite, the IMMEDIATELY hyper hopping performing the second hit as early as possible. The two hits give 97 damage.

Special Moves

Yamibarai = (qcf+P) - A flame projectile that goes across the ground towards the other side of the screen. A version moves slowly and the C version goes much faster. Good for zoning or ending blockstrings to add space (which can be Guard Rolled by the defending opponent to punish you). Opponents can hop over the projectile or perform a normal attack that is slighty invincible to low attacks (ex. Elisabeth's st.D, Kim's st.D etc.).

(EX) = qcf+AC - Comes out very quickly making it very easy to combo into and knocks opponent down. It can beat out all regular fireballs and projectiles, but trades with EX projectiles, and gets beaten out by super projectiles (like Ryo's f~hcf+P for example).

- Super Cancelable, need to be close

- Hit Detection: Mid

- Damage: 60/100

Oniyaki = (dp+P) - An uppercut imbued with flames. It has a wide hitbox so it punishes a lot of jump-ins, and some pokes, easily. The A version does one hit while the strong version does 3 hits. Both versions can be drive/super canceled on the first hit. If you whiff this move (or have it blocked), you can be punished extremely hard.

(EX) = dp+AC - Rises into the air vertically instead of diagonally and has a vacuum effect on hit pulling them into the uppercut. EX version has more invincibility/auto-guard and does 10 hits.

- Drive/Super Cancellable

- Hit Detection: Mid

- Damage: 55+23/80+25x2/70+19+18+17+16+15+14+13+12+11

Kotokskio = (hcb+K) - Rushing elbow to grab attack. It's very quick and has lower body invincibility at start-up. It works well after most normals and juggle attacks. B version goes about 75% of the screen and D version goes full-screen. Both are unsafe on block.

(EX) = hcb+BD close - Changes the properties to a command grab that has a startup of 4 frames. It can catch a lot of people by surprise if you empty jump into it, or if you're close enough to punish a move that has bad recovery.

- Drive/Super Cancelable on first hit

- Hit Detection: Mid/Close

- Damage: 30+128/180

Oborogurma = (rdp+K) - Quick jump kick(s). B version does one hit and juggles the opponent if hit high enough; D version does three hits slamming the opponent down on the third hit. Both versions are unsafe when whiffed. B version can be drive/super canceled on the first hit while the D and EX versions can be super canceled on the second hit.

(EX) = rdp+BD - Mimics the strong version except with more invincibility at start-up, faster start up, and massive hitbox. Excellent move for anti air at certain angles where dp+P misses. Best used in combos that call for it, or as a risky wake up reversal attack.

- Super Cancel-able on the first/second hit

- Hit Detection: Mid

- Damage: 40/40+38+63/60+57+90

Kai = (qcf+K) - 2 jumping kick attacks. B version simply knocks the opponent down but it's pretty safe: D version launches the opponent higher into the air for a possible follow-up and can be super canceled upon second hit. The B version is more useful within his combos in the corner, and can also combo into his EX Orochinagi (qcb~hcf+AC) midscreen. Defensively, the opponent can mash a reversal attack in between his first and second kick. If the second kick is blocked, Kyo is pretty safe at -2 frames, and can even possibly frame trap them with a move with fast start-up. Compared to EX Kyo, both of the kicks release with one button instead of two, and it seems that EX Kyo's launches the opponent up a bit higher.

(EX) = qcf+BD - Comes out much quicker making it easier to connect after his df+D, safe on block. Not really very useful at all while you can do more damage with his other more useful EX moves...not really worth spending the meter on.

- Super Cancel-able

- Hit Detection: Mid

- Damage: 35+33/30+28/40+38

Desperation Moves

Orochinagi = (qcf hcb+P) - Flaming wave attack. Holding either punch button, delays the attack. It does a nice amount of chip damage. Both ground and EX versions can be Max Canceled on hit.

Air Orochinagi = (qcf hcb+P in air) - Air flaming wave attack. It mimics the ground version except done in the air now and pushes Kyo back slightly after activation. You will most likely be using this more in Kyo's drive cancels or HD combos. It's start up is a little slow to use as an air to air reliably.

(EX) = qcf hcb+AC - 2 frame start-up if held briefly, causes more damage and does three hits instead of one. It's fast startup and range makes it great to use as a preemptive anti-air midscreen, or to catch opponents trying to jump out of the corner. If you're feeling risky, you can use this to frame trap cornered opponents trying to press buttons while you're pressuring them, but Kyo is wide open and vulnerable if the super is blocked or whiffed. The air version has faster startup and is very useful for extending many of Kyo’s corner combos. If you're feeling lucky, you can use this as an air-to-air, or to attempt to snuff out someones anti-air against you. .

- Max Cancel-able on ground, on hit

- Hit Detection: Mid

- Damage: 210/120x3

Neomax

Ama No Murakumo (qcfx2 +AC) - Kyo throws a small flame across the screen and if it hits the opponent fire pillars rise from the ground hitting the opponent ten times. Fast start up makes it useful to punish everything from fireballs to laggy moves; however, if it misses, Kyo stands in place for about a second and a half leaving him wide open to be punished.

- Hit Detection: High

- Damage: 42x10

Combos

Note: A jump or hop attack can be added on to many of these combos for added damage, if not noted. Besides starting the combos with st.C, df+D (1), alternatively you can start with a cr.b, cr.a, df+D (1)

Notation

dmg: damage

mg: meter/stock gain (any percentage over 100% is one stock gained)

opmg: opponent meter gain

Mid-Screen Combos

No Stock, No Drive Gauge -

cr.Bx1~2, s.B, hcb+K = 218 dmg, 45% mg, 25% opmg

• A easy combo to learn which is low hit confirm into a hard knockdown. Be sure to get the s. B into hcb+K down as consistently as you can or else the hcb+K might come out too late and get blocked.

cr.B, cr.A, df+D (1), qcf+D, hcb+K = 245 dmg, 51% mg, 45% opmg

• This is another very essential combo to learn and use in battle, and the timing isn't as tight as the s.B to hcb+K cancel. It does more damage and builds more meter (around 50% of stock) than the combo above.

cr.B, cr.A, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+D = 232 dmg, 49% mg, 40% opmg

• Does a bit less damage than the combo above, and builds 50% of the stock meter.

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+D = 261 dmg, 50% mg, 45% opmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, hcb+K = 275 dmg, 55% mg, 45% opmg

• Compared to the rdp+D ending combo above this one, this combo is more important. It does more damage and builds more meter (around 55% of stock).

No Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge -

s.C, df+D (1), hcb+K, (DC) qcf+K, rdp+D = 277 dmg, 60% mg, 45% opmg

s.C, df+D (1), hcb+K, (DC) qcf+K, hcb+K = 290 dmg, 60% mg, 45% opmg

cr.Bx1~2, s.B, dp+C (1), (DC) qcf+D, rdp+D = 295 dmg, 70% mg, 50% opmg

cr.Bx1~2, s.B, dp+C (1), (DC) qcf+D, hcb+D = 307 dmg, 75% mg, 50% opmg

• From a low attack, this combo ending in hcb+D is most damaging and builds close to 70% meter.

1 Stock, No Drive Gauge -

s.C, df+D (1), qcb~hcf+P = 287 dmg, 10% mg, 40% opmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, rdp+BD = 334 dmg, 40% mg, 50% opmg

• Good combo to carry your opponent to the corner and grants you a hard knock down.

1 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge -

cr.Bx1~2, s.B, dp+C (1), (DC) qcf+D, qcb~hcf+P = 346 dmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+D (2), (SC in air) qcb~hcf+P = 338 dmg

2 Stock, No Drive Gauge -

cr.Bx2, s.B, qcf+B, qcb~hcf+AC = 412 dmg

• A very easy, swift and damaging 2 bar combo that starts from a low attack. Highly recommended to learn.

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcb~hcf+AC = 452 dmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, rdp+B, qcb~hcf+AC (hold briefly) = 464 dmg, 50% mp, 65% opmg

• This combo requires you to charge the EX Orochinagi very briefly to get it out in 2 frames in order to work.

2 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge -

cr.Bx1~2, s.B, dp+C (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcb~hcf+AC = 461 dmg

3 Stock, 2 Drive Gauge-

j.C, s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcfx2+A+C = 550 dmg

Corner Combos

0 Stock, No Drive Gauge

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcb+B, dp+C = 312 dmg, 75% mg, 49% opmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A = 304 dmg, 80% mg, 49% opmg

• Instead of ending the combo with dp+A, alternatively you can end with st.C for a reset

0 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+A, (DC) qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C = 381 dmg

0 Stock, 2 Drive Gauge

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A (1), (DC) qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C (1), (DC) rdp+D = 414 dmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A (1), (DC) qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+A (1), (DC) qcf+D, (wait), rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A = 419 dmg (builds almost 2 stocks)

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A (1), (DC) qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+A (1), (DC) qcf+D, (wait), rdp+B, qcf+B, dp+C = 377 dmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A (1), (DC) qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C (1), (DC) hcb+K = 422 dmg

1 Stock, No Drive Gauge

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+BD = 362 dmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+AC = 364 dmg

1 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+P, rdp+B, dp+C = 425 dmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+P, qcf+A, hcb+D = 459 dmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A (2),(SC) air qcb hcf+A, hcb+D

1 Stock, 2 Drive Gauge

j.2C, s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A, (DC) qcb+BD, (wait) rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A, (DC) qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A = 463 dmg, 105 stun, builds back 1.1 stock

• A long combo that deals a lot of stun. If you happen to convert off of a reset, go for this combo to get a stun.

2 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+Bx2, (SC) qcb hcf+P, rdp+B, dp+AC = 470 dmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B (DC) qcb~hcf+AC, hcb+K

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, (SC) qcb~hcf+AC, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A = 512 dmg (builds 1 stock back)

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A (SC), qcf+D, TK qcb~hcf+AC, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A = 513 dmg

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, (SC) qcb~hcf+AC, (wait), qcf+A, hcb+K = 525 dmg

2 Stock, 2 Drive Gauge

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+Bx2, (SC) qcb~hcf+P, rdp+B, (SC) qcb~hcf+P

s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, (SC) qcb~hcf+P, rdp+D (2), (SC) qcb~hcf+P, hcb+K = 509 dmg

s.C, df+D, (1) qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, (SC) qcb~hcf+AC, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A, (DC) qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C = 547 dmg (builds 1 and 3/4ths stock back)

s.C, df+D, (1) qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A (DC), qcb+D, TK qcb~hcf+AC, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A, (DC) qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C = 548 dmg

3 Stock, 1+ Drive Gauge

cr. B, cr. A, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb hcf+P, (rdp+B), qcb~hcf+AC = 445 dmg

j.C, st.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, (SC) air qcb~hcf+P, qcb~hcf+AC = 604 dmg

s.C, df+D, (1) qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, (SC) qcb~hcf+AC, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A, (DC) qcf+D, air qcb~hcf+P = 616 dmg

Hyper Drive Combos

Common HD starters

-s.C, df+D, (BC) = 138 dmg

-cr.B, cr.A, df+D (BC) = 118 dmg

-f+B, (BC) = 75 dmg

0 Stock

(1) (corner) s.C, df+D, [BC] s.C, df+D, qcf+D, rdp+B, [dp+C (HDC) rdp+B]x3, dp+A [HDC], qcf+D, rdp+B, qcf+B, dp+C = 541 dmg

(2) (corner) s.C, df+D, [BC] s.C, df+D, qcf+D, [rdp+B, dp+A, qcf+D]x3, rdp+B, qcf+B, dp+C = 492 dmg

1 Stock

(1) s.C, df+D, [BC] s.C, df+D, qcf+D, rdp+B, (dp+C (1), [HDC] rdp+B)x3, dp+A, qcf+D, [HDC] rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+P, (wait) rdp+B, qcf+B, dp+C = 621 dmg

2 Stock

(1) s.C, df+D, [BC] s.C, df+D, qcf+D, rdp+B, [dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B]x2, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+P, rdp+B, dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+P, rdp+B, dp+C = 652 dmg

(2) s.C, df+D, [BC] s.C, df+D, qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb hcf+P, rdp+D (2), (SC in air) qcb hcf+P, hcb+K, [HDC] dp+A, [HDC] qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C = 623 dmg

(3) (anywhere) s.C, df+D, [BC] s.D, dp+A, (HDC) rdp+B, [dp+A, (HDC) qcb+B] x4, dp+C, qcfx2+AC = 699 dmg

(4) (midscreen) s.C, df+D (2), [BC] s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, hcb+K, (HDC) dp+A, (HDC) qcf+D, (wait) rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, dp+A, (HDC) qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C, (HDC) qcf~qcf+AC = 685 dmg

(5) (midscreen) s.C, df+D (2), [BC] s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, hcb+K, (HDC) dp+A, (HDC) qcf+D, (wait) rdp+B, [dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B]x2, dp+C, (HDC) qcfx2+AC = 707 dmg

(6) (corner) s.C, df+D, [BC] s.C, df+D, qcf+D, rdp+B, [dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B]x3, dp+A (1), (SC) qcfx2+AC = 730 dmg

(7) (corner) s.C, df+D, [BC] s.D, qcf+D, rdp+B, [dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B]x3, dp+A (1), qcf+D, hcb+K, (SC) qcfx2+AC = 750 dmg

(8) (corner) s.C, df+D(2),[BC] s.D, dp+A(HDC), rdp+B, [dp+C (1), (HDC)rdp+B]x2, dp+A (HDC), rdp+B, dp+C, (HDC), rdp+B, dp+C,(HDC) qcfx2+AC =790 dmg (819 starting with j.C)

3 Stock

(1) (midscreen) s.C, df+D (2), [BC] s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, rdp+B, [SC in air] qcb~hcf+P, qcf+2+AC = 641 dmg

(2) (midscreen) s.C, df+D (2), [BC] s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, hcb+K, (HDC) rdp+B, [SC in air] qcb~hcf+P, qcf+2+AC = 649 dmg

(3) (midscreen) s.C, df+D (2), [BC] s.C, df+D (1) qcf+D, hcb+K, (HDC) dp+A, (HDC) qcf+D, (wait), rdp+B, (SC) qcb~hcf+P, qcfx2+AC = 676 dmg

(4) (corner) s.C, df+D (2), [BC] s.C, df+D (2), qcf+D, rdp+B, [SC in air] qcb~hcf+P, qcf+A, qcfx2+AC = 690 dmg

(5) (midscreen) s.C, df+D (2), [BC] s.D, qcb~hcf+P, [MC] qcfx2+AC = 698 dmg

(6) (corner) s.C, df+D (2), [BC] s.C, df+D (2), qcf+D, rdp+B, [dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B]x2, (SC in air) qcb hcf+P, rdp+B, dp+C (1), [HDC] rdp+B, [SC in air] qcb hcf+P, qcb hcf+P = 702 dmg

(7) (corner) s.C, df+D, [BC] s.D, qcf+D, rdp+B, [dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B]x3, dp+A (1), qcf+D, qcb~hcf+P, (MC) qcfx2+AC = 827 dmg

4 Stock

(1) (corner) s.C, dp+C (1), [HDC] qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C (1), [HDC] rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb hcf+P, rdp+D (2), (SC in air) qcb hcf+P, hcb+K, [HDC] rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb hcf+P, rdp+BD = 691 dmg

(2) (midscreen) s.C, df+D (2), [BC], s.D, qcb~hcf+AC, (MC) qcfx2+AC = 743 dmg

(3) (midscreen) s.C, df+D (2), [BC], s.C, df+D (1), qcf+D, hcb+K, (HDC) dp+A, (HDC) qcf+D, (wait), rdp+B, (SC) qcb~hcf+AC, qcf+A, qcfx2+AC = 748 dmg

• omit the qcf+A if you dont even up close to the corner)

(4) (corner) s.C, df+D (2), [BC] s.C, df+D (2), qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C (1), [HDC] rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+P, rdp+B, dp+C (1), [HDC] rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+P, qcb hcf+AC = 834 dmg

(5) (corner) j.C, s.C, df+D, [BC] s.D, qcf+D, rdp+B, [dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B]x3, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+AC, qcf+A, hcb+K, (HDC) qcfx2+AC = 891 dmg

(6) (corner) j.C, s.C, df+D, [BC] s.C, df+D, qcf+D, rdp+B, [dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B]x3, dp+A, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+A, qcb~qcf+A, (HDC) qcfx2+AC = 922 dmg

5 Stock

(1) (corner) s.C, df+D (2), [BC] s.C, df+D (2), qcf+D, rdp+B, dp+C (1), (HDC) rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+AC, rdp+B, qcf+B, rdp+B, (SC in air) qcb~hcf+P, hcb+K, (SC) qcfx2+AC = 873 dmg (if you omit the hcb+K, dmg becomes 867)

Strategies

Far Range

• Kyo can't do much of anything here except zone, use Yamibarai (qcf+P) to try and build some meter while your out of range, and if your opponent wants to zone back try throwing out a random EX as they're not likely to see it coming, drive and super canceling is out the window for now, random Kotokskio's aren't a good idea either by the way. At this range it would be better to counter jump-in's with your neutral j.D because of it's great horizontal hitbox, and his dp+C only against superjumps.

• If you have enough meter for his NeoMax, you can use it to punish full screen fireball zoners or even to anti-air against hyper hops or jumps from that distance.

Mid Range

• This is a range where you will need to be careful both offensive while even moreso defensively. Proper jump-ins to use are his j.D for air-to-air, j.CD/j.B for to apply hop pressure, and fade away jumpback j.Cs against opponents jumping in. If you spot any sloppy or predicable jump-ins you can tag them with his dp+A or his crouching C which is a safer alternative (which may be prone to trading or becoming beaten out if not timed correctly). He has difficultly defending against incoming hop pressure because his st.A lacks horizontal range, and he doesn't have a great long ranged st. B like Benimaru. It is not impossible to stop incoming hops with his standing jab, but its lack of distance makes it unreliable.

Close Range

• Kyo can use his Naraku Otoshi (j.2C) to start BnB's/Combos from jump-ins, he can also free cancel the first hit of 88 Shiki (df+D) into a variety of moves (Kotokskio/Kai/etc), he gains a command grab with EX Kotokskio, just about every option of drive/super canceling is open to him now. He can lightly zone with his st.D which has lower body invincibility, has a good amount of pushback on block but has slow start-up. You will probably be poking most with his cr.B fishing for a hit confirm for a combo, but stay on alert for hop attacks to counter it. If you have the meter both in super stocks and drive, try one of his midscreen HD combos for some good damage if you punish anything or score a random hit with his cr.B or st.C.

Cornered Opponent

• Even though Kyo's pressure isn't as intense as NESTS Kyo because of is qcf+A rekka, it is best to use his grounds normals to keep them locked down in the corner (ie. cr.B, cr.A, close C) while waiting in between for any reversals. After his block strings its okay to end them into qcf+P (for pushback) but it isn't foolproof against Guard Rolling. His j.2C and j.CD is very strong in this area which can give the opponent a good amount of block stun to keep them locked while you alternate in-between high/low and empty jump pressure. Any hit landed should score into a damaging combo, another hard knockdown to keep the okizeme game intense, or a reset that leads to high/low/grab mixups.

Cornered

• Be patient, block and wait for any unsafe moves from the opponent or any kind of decrease of offensive attempts. Move out slowly and try your best not to dp while you leaving the corner. Don't mash any EX moves (like rdp+BD) but you can be risky whip out dp+AC against any incoming jump-ins or hop pressure if you're desperate to leave the corner.

Best Team Position?

• Kyo functions the best either as point or 2nd. As a point character, Kyo is excellent in building (and spending) meter. Your opponent also lacks meter to deal with Kyo’s rush down. Kyo also functions well in second position, you gain access to EX orochinagi which is one of the best, if not the best, reversal moves. In addition, you could also go for overhead into HD shenanigans for good damage. Kyo works fine as anchor, but doesn’t perform the job as well compared to many other characters. He lacks reliable touch of death HD combos, especially in mid-screen.

Character Matchups

Andy Bogard

• Punish light elbows with st.D, EX dp, or EX orochinagi.

Ash Crimson

• Pay attention to whether Ash is buffering his Sans Coulette before jumping in.

Athena Asamiya

• f+B on block can be punished with qcf+AC or qcfx2+AC while she descends.

Benimaru Nikaido

• Qcf+A on block can only be punished by the 2 frame Orochinagi (qcb~hcf+AC charged briefly), or his hcb+BD command throw.

• His qcf+C on block, at max close range midscreen can be punished by Kyo's stand B, dp+AC, 2 frame Orochinagi (qcb~hcf+AC charged briefly) and his NeoMax. Any distance farther grants Benimaru safety (example: after 2 crouching B's). In the corner (either Benimaru or Kyo), it is more punishable because of the slight pushback Kyo gains.

• Punish Beni's air d.D with dp+C Oniyaki (dp+A and s.C will result in a hit trade)

• Punish Beni's hop j.D with s.C, cr.C, dp+A, or rdp+b

• Beni's dp+D will beat out all versions of Kyo's dp+P series except for EX Oniyaki DP).

Billy Kane

• Punish his EX dp by holding forward, hit him immediately as he lands.

Chin Gentsai

• Watch out for Chin’s EX roll when throwing fireballs. Try to mix in empty hops in your game to bait out counters.

• Punish Chin’s overhead with a dp on block. Even better yet, just dp him when you see the overhead animation, in case he feints the overhead.

Clark Still

• Any of Clark's b~f+P moves and his EX version can be punished Kyo's dp+A/C, dp+AC, rdp+BD, and qcb~hcf+AC. If Clark is close to you after you blocked the b~f+P, you can also punish with st.C followed by a full combo.

• If you get caught by Clark’s armor on the B version of SAB, you could potentially salvage the situation by immediately canceling into qcf+D, which beats out Clark’s grab and launches him into the air.

Duo Lon

• Kyo's s.A, dp+A Oniyaki, and rdp+B will out prioritize Duo's f+A move. (If the player uses s.A too close to Duo while his f+A is executed this will result in a hit trade instead).

• Kyo's d.B, s.C, or a EX HCB+K can punish teleport attempts and provide meaty attacks.

• A preemptive j.CD from Duo will beat out Kyo's j.d.C command move

• Duo's regular DM will go through most of Kyo's attacks, even his projectile. It is possible to hit Duo out of his DM during his active movement with s.B and CD but it will result in a hit trade.

• Try to space Kyo two characters away from Duo to emphasize on normals and punish combos.

• Punish Duo's j.f+B and jump-in's with s.C, cr.C, and dp+A. EX rdp+K helps thanks to its slight invulnerability start up.

• Duo Lon’s rekka > B teleport could be punished by EX orochinagi. To do so, you need to input the motion backwards while you are in block stun of the rekka, and once Duo Lon cancels into teleport, hold down AC briefly and let go when the screen goes dark. Alternatively, rdp+B and EX rdp+K also works.

Elisabeth Branctorche

• Her dp+A and dp+C on block can be punished by dp+AC. Dp+C can be punished by his his dp+A, or his NeoMax. Her dp+AC can be punished by his qcb~hcf+AC and his dp+AC.

• Her qcf+P can eat up his fireballs, except for his EX version.

Goro Daimon

• Watch out for earthquakes when throwing fireballs full screen.

Hwa Jai

• Try to stand block his dragon tails if possible. When you block high, the dragon tails have less frame advantage and fewer chances to cross up.

Iori Yagami (Claw)

• His block strings that ends in qcb+C is -2 on block and work as frame traps, but there is a gap before qcb+C comes out that you can mash a dp, or GC roll for a full punish.

Iori Yagami (Flame)

• Iori’s rekka (1st and 2nd hit) could be punished with an EX orochinagi.

• Be careful when trying to safe jump EX Iori, as his EX command grab beats most safe jump set ups.

Joe Higashi

• Try not to engage in fireball wars with him. Approach him slowly, and keep him in the corner.

K'

• Be patient when being cornered. K’ will attempt to frametrap you all day long in the corner. If you have meter, you can GC roll out of the corner.

Kim Kaphwan

• Use cr.A to beat Kim’s far standing D.

• Do not jump at him on his wakeup. His EX Flash Kick (EX d~u+K) beats everything and is hard to safe jump.

King

• Slowly walk her into the corner and pay attention to how she attempts to get out. Keep her in the corner and be careful of her reversals.

Kula Diamond

• Kula’s B Ray spin could be punished by a DP if blocked up close. The dp will hit regardless of what follow up (if any) Kula does.

Kyo Kusanagi (XIII) (mirror match)

Kyo Kusanagi (NESTS)

• Tough matchup for Kyo. NEST Kyo has better normals than Kyo, and his rekkas gives him better space control. Fortunately, regular Kyo has superior damage output, so play the match carefully, wait for mistakes, and punish accordingly.

Leona Heidern

• Walk forward and block when Leona throws her ear ring at mid to far range.

• Watch out for Leona’s instant overhead.

• Her b~f+D move is neutral on block.

Mai Shiranui

• Another tough match up for Kyo. Mai’s excellent normal shuts down Kyo’s hop pressure. However, Mai lacks a good reversal, so try to get a knockdown and keep her on defense.

Mature

• Her Dp+C move is plus on block if blocked close to the waist, or blocked as a cross up.

• Watch out for her frame traps with qcb+b move.

Maxima

• Cr.B is your friend, as it beats all but one of maxima’s armored normals. When Maxima starts using cr.C to counter your cr.B, this is the time to hop in.

• Punish C vapor cannon by rolling through it.

• When cornered and knocked down, be very careful to press any buttons as Maxima’s air EX vapor cannon has complete armor until he lands, and he could convert into a full combo on hit.

Raiden

• Try to abuse j.dC early in the match as much as you could, especially if Raiden is charging with B dropkicks. Raiden’s huge size makes him very easy to cross up, and his inability to roll (since he’s holding down B) doesn’t help. Later on in the match, once Raiden gets a fully charged drop kick, start playing patient, try not to jump if possible. A single jump CD could mean death to you when he has a level 4 drop kick charged!

Ralf Jones

• Try to get a knock down, and rush him down on wake up as he lacks a good reversal.

Robert Garcia

• Watch out for his wall jumps when cornering Robert. One wall jump out of the corner > cross up taco will change the tide of the match.

Ryo Sakazaki

• Watch out for his overhead shenenigans.

GC roll to punish Ryo’s st.C, fireball block string.

Saiki

• GC roll to punish Saiki’s st.C, fireball block string.

Shen Woo

• Always stand block in the middle of Shen’s block strings.

• Watch for whiffed j.CD and punish with cr.B.

Sie Kensou

• Watch out for a corner grab in the corner, as Kensou can convert his normal grab into huge damage in the corner.

Takuma Sakazaki

• Try not to meet him air to air. His j.CD will beat you most of the time. Instead, punish him with cr.B for any mistimed j.CDs.

• Watch out for command grabs when Takuma is fully loaded with drive gauge.

Mr. Karate

• Similar to Takuma, do not meet him air to air, and watch out for random full screen EX command grabs.

Terry Bogard

• Punish his crack shoots with well-timed cr.Bs which lets you duck under. Also try to stand block crack shoots if possible, crouch guard leaves you at negative frame advantage.

• Always stand block in the middle of Terry’s block strings to guard against EX crack shoot.

Vice

• Do not jump at Vice when she is fully loaded with meter. One j.CD from her leads to full HD combos.

Yuri Sakazaki

• Yuri's hcb+BD blocked at close range can be punished by a sweep, st.D, dp+AC, st.B, a briefly charged 2f qcb~hcf+AC, and his NeoMax (qcfx2+AC). If blocked any farther, only the 2f qcb~hcf+AC and NeoMax can only reach and punish Yuri in time.

• Yuri’s st.B, dp+D mixups could be punished with a stand C before her dive kick comes out.

Move Metadata

Move	Damage	Stun	Startup	On Guard	Remarks
cl.A	25	3	5	+3
cr.A	25	3	5	+1
st.A	25	3	5	+3
j.A	45	3	6	-
h.A	40	3	6	-
cl.B	30	3	6	-1
cr.B	30	3	4	+1
st.B	30	3	6	-1
j.B	45	3	5	-
hop B	40	3	5	-
cl.C	70	7	3	0
cr.C	70	7	5	-8
st.C	80	7	10	-9
j.C	72	7	6	-
hop C	70	7	6	-
cl.D	80	7	8	-3
cr.D	80	7	8	-8
st.D	80	7	8	-3
j.D	70	7	8	-
hop D	68	7	8	-
st.CD	75	10	15	-1
j.CD	90	8	13	-
hop CD	80	8	10	-
Naraku Otoshi = j.2C	50	12	8	-
Goufu You (Cancel)	75	4	-	-
Goufu You （No Cancel)	60	8	19	-2
88 Shiki1 = df+D	30	4	9	-19	Recover for whiff of 2nd hit
88 Shiki2	42	4	-	11
88 Shiki(2)	45	4	-	- 11
Issetsu Seoi Nage = b/f+C/D	100	0	1	-	Hard knockdown
GCCD	4	0	13	-15	17 Frame startup vs jump atk?
A Yamibarai	60	4	16	-2	Close
C Yamibarai	60	4	15	-5	Close
A Oniyaki1	55	5	4	-30
A Oniyaki2	25	2	-	-
C Oniyaki1	80	4	7	-44
C Oniyaki2､3	25	2	-	-
Kototsuki1	30	0	14	-8
Kototsuki2	135	0	14	-8
B 75 Shiki1-2	35	4	12	-1
D 75 Shiki1-2	30	4	18	-3
B Oboroguruma	40	6	10	-11
D Oboroguruma1,2	40	4	13	-
D Oboroguruma3	70	12	-	-
EX Yamibarai	100	0	13	+5	Close
EX Oniyaki1	70	0	4	-
EX Oniyaki2-10	20	0	-	-
EX Kototsuki	180	0	4	-
EX 75 shiki1	40	0	18	-
EX 75 shiki2	40	0	-	+1
EX Oboroguruma1	60	0	10	-
EX Oboroguruma2	60	0	-	-
EX Oboroguruma3	100	0	-	-
Orochinagi	210	0	46(17)	-20	Freeze 29. w Slight charge 40(11)
Air Orochinagi	180	0	41(12)	-	Freeze 29
EX Orochinagi1	120	0	38(9)	-	Freeze 29. w Slight charge (2)
EX Orochinagi2,3	120	0	-	-
EX Air Orochinagi1	100	0	36(7)	-	Freeze 29
EX Air Orochinagi2,3	100	0	-	-
Ama no Murakumo1	45	0	47(7)	-	Freeze 40
Ama no Murakumo2-10	42	0	-	-

Videos, Links & References

Kusanagi Kyo Short Combo vid

KCE Kyo Demonstration = http://youtu.be/L00HsLoB5gs

KOFXIII CMV - Kyo Kusanagi: Scion Edition = http://youtu.be/tr34fk4Wkk4

KoF XIII : Kusanagi Kyo Short Combo vid = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1V-v7gCYWQ

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