VF5FS Shun Start Guide #2

Hi, I'm Kissa, a Shun player from Tokyo. I played Lau in VF4 but have mained Shun since VF4Evo.

Shun's Characteristics, Strengths and Weaknesses

Some of Shun's basic techniques are poor when compared to other characters. For example, Shun's 'elbow' attack is a disappointing -3 frames on hit. It's also slower at 15 frames rather than the standard 14 frames. Another example is the punisher, which is -1 on hit (though to BT is +3).

Though some of his basic moves are poor, Shun has many unique stances and because there are many ways to transition into them, you'll never be short of choices to dazzle your opponent. Among them is the Chōkarō stance (entered with etc), a powerful tool for leading into damaging setups.

The great thing about Shun of course is his 'Drinking System'. Like a certain well-known movie character, the more drinks Shun has (X= X Drink Points), the stronger he becomes. Drinking unlocks more moves for Shun to use, and also increases the damage he can cause (an increase of about 0.8% per drink).

In the opening round I think it's better overall to concentrate on getting drinks rather than inflicting damage. After some drinks, Shun's throw game becomes really good. There's the sober and (which gets you 4) and after 6 becomes available. His sober (which gets you 2) and the more damaging are also strong choices.

Basic Skills

and - Your basic mid attacks. Both give you +6 on counter hit, and should be used for nitaku attack or throw pressure.

and - is a half-circular mid (evadable to Shun's stomach), is a half-circular in the opposite direction (evadable to Shun's back) giving you nitaku options. At +5 both will beat the opponent's . Hit to lie down after either of 's kicks. Holding transitions into Chōkarō stance, and can make the opponent rethink how to approach you.

- Leads to a hit throw. It's a half circular to Shun's stomach, has decent damage and long reach. At 21 frames it's quite slow so look to use it against tech-rollers or whiffed moves.

One of the most useful moves unlocked by drinking is Chōwan Ryōken (), which is unlocked after 6. A fast 16 frame special mid that leads to combos on normal hit. After hitting , a throw or makes for a very strong nitaku game. 10 unlocks Gōhai Senbu (), a powerful throw that nets you another 4. A relatively tricky to escape throw, it's a very valuable move when unlocked.

- Speedy at 11 frames and its follow-ups are useful too. A fast will force opponents to guard and give you strong nitaku options with a throw or ender (unlocked after 6).

Shun has a lot of tools that crush opponent's moves so mastering them are paramount. For starters, is a normal low but can crush elbow-class and weaker mids. Also, there are some special highs that crush moves.

can crush lows so when at large disadvantage it's possible to avoid nitaku full low-circulars and throws. After that, following with / to step away is a good technique. This causes you to move diagonally back, and when at small disadvantages allows you to avoid both attacks and throws. It's useful to note that it's different to a usual evade in that if you get hit by a full-circular attack it will only register as a normal hit. There are also 2 very useful follow-up attacks from this move. is +5 on hit, and while is slow it gives a head crumple on normal hit allowing you to follow-up with a combo.

Basic Strategy

Get drinking. Basically, knock the opponent down, distance yourself from them and get some drinks in. Go for counterhits with and , and for nitaku pressure follow with a throw or and .

Generally speaking, , and throws are great go-to moves when starting out with Shun.

Kissa

Source: Kissa's VF5FS Beginner's Blog post
Author: Kissa
Translator: Modelah