Change of Direction

(varied followup)

The Change of Direction is one of Abel's special attacks. Executed by performing a half-circle motion forwards and pressing punch, Abel swings a large overhand punch at his opponent. The distance Abel travels while doing so is determined by the strength of the punch button used, but the difference in this regard is minimal. If no further input is entered, the attack stops there; however Abel can choose to follow up with a second blow and can then optionally finish the combo with a throw. The beginning overhand punch is always the same, but the followup strike and throw can vary depending on the input, which is presumably where the name of the attack comes from: Abel can pursue totally different directions, enabling him to bypass an opponent's blocks. The followups are as follows:

Second Mid


The Second Mid is executed after the Change of Direction by holding forward and pressing punch. Abel throws a vertically spinning backhand punch. Despite its name, the attack is actually high and will connect with a blocking opponent if they are crouching (and will of course connect with an opponent in either stance if they don't block). It will not, however, connect if the opponent blocks while standing.

Second Low


The Second Low is executed after the Change of Direction by holding forward and pressing kick. Abel floor-sweeps the opponent. As the name implies, it is a low attack and will connect with an opponent who is blocking if they are standing (and will of course connect with an opponent in either stance if they don't block). It will not, however, connect if the opponent blocks while crouching.

Finish Mid


The Finish Mid is executed after either the Second Mid or Second Low by holding forward and pressing punch. Abel grabs his opponent by the hands and performs a sacrifice hip throw. Despite its name, the attack is actually high and will successfully grab a blocking opponent if they are crouching (and will of course grab an opponent in either stance if they don't block). It will not, however, succeed if the opponent blocks while standing.

Finish Low


The Finish Low is executed after either the Second Mid or Second Low by holding forward and pressing kick. Abel crouches and grabs the opponent by the knees, then flips them backwards. As the name implies, it is a low attack and will grab an opponent who is blocking if they are standing (and will of course grab an opponent in either stance if they don't block). It will not, however, succeed if the opponent blocks while crouching.