Chain Combo

Ken performing a Chain Combo

A Chain Combo (also known as a "magic series" in some circles, and Zero Combo in Japan) is a type of combo introduced in Street Fighter Alpha.

Description

Chain Combos are performed through the repeated use of a light kick or punch, followed by a stronger attack (including unique attacks and special attacks) or special move immediately after. (e.g. jab into fierce, jab into roundhouse, etc.) These combos follow a pattern of consistent movement escalation, from weakest ending in a stronger attack, such as heavy punch/kick button or a special/super attack. Most characters in Street Fighter Alpha have one move that can initiate a Chain Combo, due to the speed it requires.

The Chain Combo system was almost completely removed in the game's sequel, Street Fighter Alpha 2, as most of the cast's light attacks were made slower in order to balance out the game; only Guy and Gen retain the ability to perform a Chain Combo throughout the series, replaced as a Target Combo within the series.

Chain Combos, now known as Alpha Combos in Street Fighter Alpha 3, is a selectable and unlockable feature in its home console versions.

Chain Combos are predated by the Darkstalkers series, where it was first featured. Later game series such as the Versus series made extensive use of this feature, though the timing is eased significantly, and is a staple game mechanic.

Tying into the Alpha Combo example, a majority of other fighting games have their own spin on the Chain Combo/magic series mechanic, often allowing for basic blockstrings during pressure, as well as each game series following their own set rules for what attacks can chain-into-what when it comes to the character and their normal attacks in question (such as which normal can chain into which other normal or a Unique Attack then into a special). These games may or may not have their own unique names for their Chain Combos in that regard.

This attack scheme is also used in the Marvel vs. Capcom series, it is usually refereed to as "magic series". This makes most combos less execution heavy as in the main game as most inputs can be pushed in sequence compared to linking Combos in the main series.

Even then, despite the flexibility proposed by such a mechanic, the one consistent factor to keep in mind is the pushback of normals; the chains can only be kept up if attacks connect on hit or block, and for the most part may keep pushing the victim away from the attacker (or vice versa if the victim is in the corner). As a result, chain combos depending on the scenario and distance, are often limited to around 3 attacks or less and rarely over 4 or 5 despite it being technically possible due to the victim being out of reach the more attacks connect (in spite of some moves being able to move the attacker forward as general pushback still might be stronger upon inflicting hitstun).

Similar mechanics

Street Fighter X Tekken uses a Cross Rush mechanic that is performed similar to a Chain Combo, with regular attacks used in increasing strength order to create a combo that automatically launches a foe; if it lands successfully, the user will also tag their partner in to continue the combo.

Street Figther X Tekken also uses two other Chain Combo-like mechanics, the afore mentioned Target Combo for the Street Fighter cast (for those who have access), and also introduced in this game; "Tekken Chains", a tactic for the Tekken cast that works in conjunction with Cross Rush.

While not intentional, CPS1 Chains work very similar to boost combos, with different application and conditions.

Gallery

Successors

Captain Commando displaying a magic series combo against Cammy. Notice how he is able to switch into different attacks of the same strength.

Target Combos are similar to Chain Combos and spun off from them. One of the biggest differences is that the sequence is pre set.

Cross Rushes are also spun off from Chain Combos. The biggest difference is that 2 attacks of the same class can not be used in conjunction and it ends with a launcher if you use a hard button. Unique Attacks can not be used in conjunction with the mechanic.

Asuka doing a Tekken Chain

Some Unique Attacks have multiple hits that have similar usage requirements to Chain Combos.

Street Fighter V doesn't have Target Combos but instead makes unique attacks have sequences that are similar in function to Target Combos, one of the biggest differences is that opponent distance is less of a factor in activation compared to Target Combos.