How do I use Fox's blaster?

[Black Fire]

Obviously I know how to use it--B. But I mean what are some effective ways to use his blaster. I'm kind of a fox noob, I haven't been maining him for very long at all. I know for Falco, it's sometimes used as an approach, but since Fox's doesn't move the opponent at all, it can't be used like that.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[bearsfan092]

It's for chip damage and psychological tricks. Sometimes you'll be in positions where neither player can do much, generally due to cautious spacing/DDing. Throwing on a few SHL's or SHDL's makes your opponent aware that for every second they spend keeping their distance, they'll take ~5%. It makes the opponent more prone to approach, which is something you can take advantage of. Controlling the tempo is a lot of this game.

There's probably more to it, but that's how I think of it.

 

[Black Fire]

okay, so it's kind of a tactic you do when there is nothing else you can safely do. Got it, thanks a lot

 

[Somaiah]

It's a great tool for stealing kills in timed battles.

 

[Metà]

^ that's some 2002 meta-game right there

 

[KirbyKaze]

X > B (more B optional) > fast fall (also optional)

 

[Ziodyne]

X > B (more B optional) > fast fall (also optional)

as always, KK is the voice of intelligence and wisdom
please, share with us more sensei

 

[KirbyKaze]

Basically, the laser is a tool that in exchange for certain positional options during jump you get to fling damage at the opponent. It also enables you to exert threat in the sense that if they don't engage you there is a damage penalty. But I've lately not really seen a huge appeal in that regard since I feel Fox is best played pushing the opponent out of position and keeping them from reacquiring it. The laser doesn't facilitate that style of play.

It's been really useful for getting people to KO percent or knockdown percent for a random option (or set of options) though. I don't think that utility should be overlooked.

 

[BTmoney]

okay, so it's kind of a tactic you do when there is nothing else you can safely do. Got it, thanks a lot

Be wary of accepting the first response you get as the end all be all. Keep your mind open to all of them as good questions usually spark discussion. Keep in mind the downside of lasering as KK mentioned above.

 

[Somaiah]

Aside from racking damage, I honestly think that well-chosen laser pressure makes your opponent either take action or retreat to a platform, and gives you a positional advantage like KK said. Usually just doing mindless SHL's to rack damage could give your opponent an opening, so only use that tactic when its a safe option and perhaps slow the game down for a moment.

 

[KirbyKaze]

Foxes lasers really should never force the opponent to go to a platform unless they're trying to camp him back. I feel camping him back is generally the wrong move.

 

[Ziodyne]

as always, kk is the voice of intelligence and wisdom

no sarcasm this time

 

[KirbyKaze]

I could be so helpful but then I'm like, "Nah B."

 

[JKJ]

I think that whenever you can safely use it; that is, whenever you are outside of the farthest range that the opposing character has, you should SHDL or SHL. You will be shocked how quickly the opponent is at death percent, or at least combo percent, or bair>ledgeguard percent. I am not advocating camping, I just feel that by optimizing EVERY opening, even openings that only allow for lasers, you can become a much better player and will be surprised at the results.

 

[bearsfan092]

Just agreeing with KK that the laser shouldn't be used to camp, since that isn't what makes Fox such a good character in the first place.

Except on FD against Marth, because **** that matchup. Laser your ass off if that's what it takes to force approaches.

 

[BTmoney]

I am not advocating camping, I just feel that by optimizing EVERY opening, even openings that only allow for lasers, you can become a much better player and will be surprised at the results.

Yes I agree with this but if camping makes your opponent do something they don't want to do (i.e. get hit by lasers, approach) and increases your chance of winning, then camping is the correct move to make. Various degrees of camping go on in every single match. Camping can be as simple as not approaching when you don't have to. Even the most aggro players will play the platforms or ledge when it's time to. You don't exactly have to m2k and stall on the ledge indefinitely but in all honesty playing without camping at all is just showcasing bad decision making skills and a lack of understanding of the game and risk vs reward. Pro-camp.

Just agreeing with KK that the laser shouldn't be used to camp, since that isn't what makes Fox such a good character in the first place.

That is what it's used for.
Be careful when you interpret his post. The only time you laser is when you are camping or safely get free damage. He didn't say anything about not camping, just how lasers don't make opponents go to platforms and how camping against fox is not the best idea.

 

[bearsfan092]

You and I are on the same page. I mean obviously the laser is a campy weapon or else we wouldn't be bothered with it. I was referring to the general playstyle. The line I was agreeing with:

But I've lately not really seen a huge appeal in that regard since I feel Fox is best played pushing the opponent out of position and keeping them from reacquiring it. The laser doesn't facilitate that style of play.

Just not worded well on my part.

 

[Somaiah]

I think we can all agree that lasering is for diaper babies and real men approach with FH nairs.

 

[JKJ]

Somaiah racking up them posts
Last night like seven different threads had Somaiah as the latest poster
and now today he posted in response to my Manual Dexterity thread
and in this one

You go, Somaiah, you go.

 

[Somaiah]

Learn some respect. PM me or a mod if you have serious concerns about anything I do.

 

[JKJ]

I wasn't saying it to be rude
I meant it to be a funny observation, not actually any kind of problem I have with you.
I actually think its great that you have been posting so much

 

[BTmoney]

Learn some respect. PM me or a mod if you have serious concerns about anything I do.

Err, what part did you find offensive?

 

[Somaiah]

Err, what part did you find offensive?

Reading something that sarcastic really bugged me. Felt called out for no reason.

But it's all good in the hood, we cooleo now.

 

[Krynxe]

JKJ, regardless of your intentions, your post was completely irrelevant and off topic. If you have observations like that in the future, simply keep them to yourself. Posting things like that - such as something "negatively" regarding another user - won't lead to anything good, and really only ever results in drama of some sort.

No big deal though. This is just a really minor example, just take it as a small warning and keep it in mind.