The Change of Direction (チェンジオブディレクション Chenji obu Direkushon?) is one of Abel's special attacks, introduced in the Street Fighter IV series.
| All appearances |  + (  + or  for varied follow-ups)
|
|---|
Description[]
Change of Direction in action in Street Fighter IV.
Executed by performing a quarter-circle forward 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 follow-up 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 - for example, he can attack high, then low, then high, forcing the opponent to guess which way he will attack.
Second Blow[]
Second Mid[]
The Second Mid (セカンドミドル Sekando Midoru?) 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. This move will combo from the first hit, meaning if the first hit connects then this will as well.
Second Low[]
The Second Low (セカンドロー Sekando Roo?) is executed after the Change of Direction by holding forward and pressing kick. Abel delivers a sweeping low kick to the opponent's leading knee. 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. This move cannot combo from the first hit and is only used to trip up an opponent who blocked the initial hit and is expecting a Second Mid.
Finishing Throw[]
Finish Mid[]
The Finish Mid (フィニッシュミドル Finisshu Midoru?) 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). This move will successfully combo from either a Second Low or Second Mid.
Finish Low[]
Finish Low about to be used against Guile.
The Finish Low (フィニッシュロー Finisshu Roo?) 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 not blocking low (and will of course grab an opponent in either stance if they don't block). Originally this move would not combo at all but in Ultra Street Fighter IV it was altered so if performed after a Second Low, it will combo successfully.
Similar moves[]
| Abel's Move List | |
|---|---|
| Throws | Drop Throw • Pincer Throw |
| Unique Attacks | Forward Kick • Side Kick • Back Hand Knuckle • Over Hand Hook • Palm Drop |
| Special Attacks | Change of Direction • Wheel Kick • Marseilles Roll • Falling Sky • Tornado Throw • Grappling • Shoulder Tackle |
| Super Combos | Heartless |
| Super Arts | Breathless |
| Ultra Combos | Soulless • Breathless |