First 2 frames of EX and HP horizontal balls are knockdown.
Which means all combos into HP or EXhoriball are knockdown.
E.g. CrLk > CrLk > StLp > HeavyHoriBall
EX horizontal ball knockdown frames also put enemies into juggle-able state
(which technically means you can probably follow up with some funky stuff or even ultra in the corner)
Rockcrusher is now ‘chargeable’ (probably by holding the button), and the charged version gives a +5 frame advantage on it, make combos like Charged Rockcrusher > CrMk > HPBall possible.
Are you sure it says hori balls knock down? I’ve read “blow-back damage”, which makes it sound like they can’t be punished with things like boxer dash-straight, which is supremely awesome. Knocking down would be amazing but sounds too good to be true.
I’m pretty impressed with the buffs…added ball damage, fadc-ability of ex balls up close to increase combos, and most of all — safer balls on hit provided they are done in combo (as they should be). Ex upball buff would’ve been nice, but these are good too. Looking forward to experimenting with rockcrusher now, giving it the ability to combo into mk>>hp.ball is too good to ignore
Well, my guess is that ex ball FADC will at least allow for a sweep or slide. Maybe even a s.lp or cr.mk into hop shenanigans?
Knockdown ball sounds really nice. That changes so many matchups and scenarios. Cornered Blanka, Dhalsim, Balrog, Fei, characters sitting on full meter, etc.
I think necrome is probably on the money with the “combo’d ultra in corner” speculation. ex ball FADC AA U2 would be crazy damage and well worth 3 bars if possible.
Basically cr.lk xx hp.ball would equate to having a 4 frame sweep. Re: ex.ball fadc ultras. Would there be enough charge time? Which of Blanka normals have persuit properties?
Imo, if they will do that (KD if hit in 2 first active frames), it’s to compensate with the significant cases where roll is not safe on hit, you imagine ? We can punish Cammy, Seth, Boxer etc… with rolling but in close range ? It will be great.
But after a KD, Blanka should not have an advantage, just like after elec KD.