Strengths: We all know that Makoto's strengths rely in her mixup game but not just because of her damage potential (simple 600 damage combos are nothing to laugh at) but more because of the fact that every landed hayate or knockdown resets the situation. In my opinion, THIS is Makoto's strongest asset, the fear that comes with landing a simple hayate. Post hayate mixups have the ability to make the opponent freeze up and hesitate/second guess themselves, a key factor in Makoto's overall game. Because the hayate's hit so quickly, opponents have very little time to think/react to the situation at hand...this is completely different from a knock down situation where a person can recollect themselves after the knockdown and keep composure. Post hayate mixups force the opponent to react instantly and think on their feet...this "sense of urgency" is where Makoto's true potential comes into play.
Fact: SF players do not like to block! We are ALWAYS looking for a way out wether it be distancing ourselves (back dash or jump back), a way to reversal out, or interrupting with a jab or throw...whatever the case SF players do not like it when they don't control the pace of the match. So what does that mean for Makoto? The ability to make an "educated guess" post hayate...essentially playing rock, paper, scissors with the opponent
- opponent block > Karakusa
- opponent jump > S.mp
- opponent reversal > karakusa & s.mp
The possibilities can go on and on, however it's important to understand that each correct "guess" hits HARD to the opponent's mentality. Opponent's freeze up and become scared of making a wrong move, allowing Makoto to press momentum and control the pace of the match while at the same time forcing the opponent to think twice and hesitate.
This is huge for us Makoto players, because when we have the momentum, the opponent MUST respect that contr ol. If they don't, you'll need to teach them by punishing reversals/back dashes/jabs (counter hits are Makoto's FRIEND!) by combo's that lead into hayate. Don't w orry about hitting the hardest hitting combo's...if you can combo into hayate, you'll always reset the situation, striking fear into your opponent, making them freeze up and hesitate. To show you what I mean, here's an example of a line I hit on opponents (from low level to high level players) consistently.
- Karakusa, s.hp, hp hayate....s.mp *COUNTER HIT* mp hayate, SADC, karakusa, Ultra 1
The line above does a ton of damage (hence why I said above that damage stacks), I think it's about 650 or so? Now I should mention first that the "SADC, karakusa, Ultra 1" does not combo after the mp hayate (I think we all knew that). However, this line hits so consistently because of the first post hayate follow up (a s.mp). Most times opponents get antsy and try to hit a jab thinking that they can stop the momentum, however the s.mp stuffs the punch, making the opponent freeze up (block) and hesitate...allowing me to SADC and hit the ultra. Keep in mind that this line is best done once you've forced your opponent to respect you. After being shut down once or twice (guessing right), opponents begin to hesitate and question what they should do after each hayate.
Conclusion on strengths: Makoto's true strengths fall in her ability to making opponents second guess themselves and hesitate through post hayate options and mixups after knockdowns. Every successfully hit hayate resets the situation for Makoto to potentially ruin her opponent through "guessing right." However, before you can instill fear into the opponent, they must first respect your ability to press momentum through punishing their escape options (reversal, distancing, poking back, etc.). Once opponents freeze up, Makoto's momentum allows her to control the match and make damage stack like no other.
