Yeah frame transitions apply the same way to his Prep moves as do any other move.
I personally think this is the strongest version of Raph yet, but due to other characters getting more/less he's pretty much still in mid-tier as far as this game is concerned.
I agree. I think he is more powerful, now. Specially because of SE being a straight SE Beta e because the K from it is a powerful low.
The nerfing is pretty much a constant in the evolution of the series. When they nerf something, it's usually because they are trying to add balance. If you think Raph was very nerfed from SC4, take a look at Cervantes and Hilde.
And my 2 cents go for Raph being mid-high tier, 2nd best tier in a 5 tier scale. Is there any respectable tier list, yet?
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Have you guys payed any thought to which stages tend to work better for Raph? My favorite is Natsu's. Second favorite is Asta's.
My main criteria is: no low walls. Though Raph can perform over wall ROs, it's very difficult (66A+B); while other characters can perform them with ease (Night can Flap Jack or 66B).
And I also like to have wall and RO options, which means Viola/Raph's stage is also cool.
And I don't spam these stages, btw. I just tend to pick some of them first, but I do prioritize variety over this small tactical advantage.
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Personaly (which in this case means: don't give this much thought), I think wrK is fine. Faster, however with a shorter range. I get the impression they track equally well.
And, btw, 6AB is a good short range option when you're crouching (instead of a wr move). It is faster than wrK. Seems to be the best punishment for some attacks that force you to crouch or are simply lows, like Mitsu 1A. It's weak spot is hard to capitalize on, which is a good thing. The weak spot is that the guy can duck the second hit, if he blocks the first.