Misogi

The Misogi (禊, Misogi^? "Purifier") is a special attack that first appears as one of Shin Akuma's Super Combos in Capcom vs. SNK 2 and his Exceed in SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos. It returns as one of Akuma's Super Arts in Street Fighter X Tekken.

Input

Capcom vs. SNK 2 SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos	+
Street Fighter X Tekken	+

Description

Capcom vs. SNK 2 / SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos

Akuma teleports above the opponent and charges down at them with a devastating knifehand strike. The attack itself uses up the entire power bar, does a massive amount of damage even when blocked, and is also unparryable (and, in SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos, unblockable). Due to its extreme power, it can cause a Dramatic/Finest KO (which can only be achieved by using a Super Combo as a counter finish), even against an idle opponent with low enough health.

Once Akuma connects with it, he slowly goes into his signature stance in a waving arm motion. The attack also instantly downs the opponent.

Street Fighter X Tekken

The Hyakkishu can be Super Charged into the Misogi, making it the only Super Art with a different motion from its 'base' move. The move is also animated differently, and has several different properties. Akuma yells "Feel the pain!" and the screen darkens as he tries to smash the opponent; the move is now blockable, however, and defending or dodging it turns the move into an attack similar to the Kongou Kokuretsuzan. Should the full animation occur, it deals immense damage (about the same as a Raging Demon).

If Akuma successfully lands the Misogi, the background turns a deep red as he then punches his opponent into the ground, and the massive force of the impact creates several cracks in the ground, which form the familiar '天' (ten, "heaven") kanji. The move finishes with Akuma standing up in a pit of fire, the kanji reappearing on his back as he says "This is Messatsu!" (滅殺! Messatsu!). The pit of fire does not deal any damage; it is purely for cinematic effect.

Tactics

The Misogi is an extremely powerful cross-up, making blocking somewhat difficult for an unlucky opponent (except in SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos, where it is completely unblockable). The best method of avoiding this move is to use a teleport move or any move/super with enough invincibility).

If successfully dodged in time, it can leave Shin Akuma wide open for a counter attack, as he is vulnerable during the descent of the attack. With strict timing, a reversal or counter attack can completely knock Shin Akuma out of the attack; Super Combos used in this scenario have a better chance, due to more active frames and possible invincibility frames beforehand, as opposed to a parry.

In Street Fighter X Tekken, the move can be comboed into via crouching attacks, which count as separate down inputs toward the move. It is also a very solid punish as it is invincible on startup and deals very high damage for a solo Super Art. The move can not be blocked low or blocked in place, as the move is a cross-up; dashing backward, if possible, is the safest bet to avoid the attack by blocking, allowing for an appropriate punish.

Etymology

The move is named for a general term for Japanese purification rituals that often includes the use of water to cleanse the body and mind. As misogi is heavily interlinked with harae (often a general term for purification rituals in general), such purification arts are often collectively referred to as Misogiharae (禊祓, Misogiharae^?).

Trivia

• Evil Ryu's end animation of the Messatsu-Goshoryu Ultra Combo from Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition is similar to the Misogi.
• As Oni, Akuma possesses the Sekisei Jiraiken, which can be seen as a slightly lesser or alternate version of the Misogi, particularly in terms of visuals.
• In Capcom vs. SNK 2 and SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos, Shin Akuma has two different animations when the Misogi is activated. If it connects, Shin Akuma will make a waving motion with his arm into his usual stance, and if it misses, Shin Akuma will simply stand up after the attack animation ends.
• It is the strongest super move that Shin Akuma has, even stronger than his Raging Demon, and is somewhat rivaled in power by the Kongou Kokuretsuzan introduced in Street Fighter III: Third Strike.

Gallery

Sprites

Screenshots

SNK vs. Capcom: SvC Chaos

Street Fighter X Tekken - Mid animation with Pandora mode active

The Misogi-created kanji from Street Fighter X Tekken

Videos

Similar moves

• Tenma Shurettou