Sorry for starting this thread than disapearing for a week. Just got off a Fable 2 binge. I'll probably go through and update my first post with more options, i just got bored when i first posted and stuck to my strongest mix-ups. Anyways, in response to hotnikkelz
Disadvantage is disadvantage, but that kick at the end of LO BK leaves at +2. This means that following up with 2A (one of the better 2As in the game) will beat out just about anything. Once the opponent realizes this, you can start using things like 3B or 4B after LO BK to restart your offense without much risk. I really don't see why doing anything but LO BK would be better than this on hit.
On block, 4B => PSL3~RO I find to be useful only to keep the opponent guessing a little. My problem with it is that at the range that I would be using 4B at, RO A is a little iffy. I agree that delayed LO BK is key, i guess i neglected to mention that. The delayed LO BK pretty much opens the gates for any one shift ( nice thing about 4B is that it can reach any stance in 1 shift), but i find that PSL1 ~ BL to be the most useful. My reasoning for this is that:
1) It moves you closer to the opponent. This is great because you can choose to cancel into neutral stance after one PSL1 shift and be in range for a 3B or a throw (solid 50/50).
2) The shift to BL has low options, one of which is reasonably quick, as well as a mid that leads to high damage. These can be used to deter opponents from trying to attack after the shift, which allows you cancel to neutral stance and restart with 3B or 4B.
As for the other shifts.....
On block, when you PSL3 into RO, RO A can sometimes catch your opponent trying to retaliate, but if they block RO A, your mix-ups aren't very good because of the range (unless you do 4B very close to opponent, but why not just use 3B instead). All you are left with is BL KK or cancelling into neutral and doing 4B again.
On block, the PSL2 shift to LI i have no problem with. Its good for baiting attacks, but there really aren't many options there for mix-ups if they stand and block. All your options are mid and you are out of range for throws.
On block, Neutral shift to RC is again, good for baiting attacks, but nothing else. The low option here is not gonna catch anyone familiar with Maxi unless they get beat by the TC property.
I do still use 4B PSL3 ~ RO and PSL2 ~ LI, but its used more as a mix-up just to keep the opponent guessing or to fish for CH. When I want to pressure the opponent (which i do a lot), I find that PSL1 leads to stronger mix-ups.
Oh!!!!! +2, i thought it was -2, my mistake. I definitely underestimated that Kick. Thanks.
About 4B psl3 RO, you're not limited to RO A, range is not a problem, all other RO attacks solve that problem completely. Problem with BL shifts is that BL is a VERY high risk stance in general so it's best to use it SNEAKILY in wakeup most probably imo. BL A is his SHORTEST range attack even though the forward movement helps, it still is MUCH MUCH poorer than RO A, so you're contradicting yourself here considering that you said u use 4B at a certain range. So now u're stuck with the ULTRA high risk BL KK Which is less range than RO based attacks as well, AND BL B which is also high risk low reward but albeit the best option. Also attacking after 4B LO psl1 G is so slow that the opponent is BOUND to hit u with something for it gauranteed making it more risky on YOUR part since BL A(CH) is the only high reward thing u can get here. For me, that's too shabby, putting yourself into unnecessary risk imo. It's been my experience vs good opponents, shifting more than once directly after 4B is blocked is simply too dangerous and not worth the risk.
ALso you're wrong about RO A on block. It STILL has great mixups, cuz unless u 'guess' duck RO A intially (and RO B would stop them from doing that), then you're FORCED to block. RO AK is UNINTERRUPTABLE. RO A -> BL B is very hard to interrupt if you don't use a TJ attack. If you forced hesitation with slightly delayed K on RO AK, then options like RO A psl3 LO BK comes with full force as well as RO A psl1 RC attacks and psl2 for repeated RO As for example.
Why would i not do 3B at close range over 4B? because 4B blocked gives me more options because of the fear of LO BK etc. 3B -> RO AK does not scare people, my opponents have basically stopped me from ever doing that with their TC stuff. RO B, and RO K are also easily counterable if the 3B is blocked as well.
AS for the RC and LI shifts, I guess that's subjective, a difference in styles I say, you see, i far prefer to have them blocking safe attacks than put myself at risk for what i would call a minor reward i.e BL.
eg
LI B if i can get them to block it it's fine, charged version even better, if i evaded and hit them even better. I have the option of cancelling into RO stuff, awesome for me. As i love me some RO A.
LI K is great, safe, antistep, CH damage, slight evasion, perfect. One of his best attacks. Low risk, high reward. If they block it GI and step setup.
RC A is a move i ABUSE when i can the range and damage and setups from this attack is too good to give up. I really am not interested in 'mixing' up when i use these all mid attacks. It's my way of forcing them to block and put them under pressure. Stagger them backward to ring edge, to wall, dismantle their soul gauge, avoiding them from doing cheeky retaliations
RC aB i use as well, great if they block it, better if they get hit with it. RC B, great if they block it as well better when it hits. RC A antistep properties are decent enough to force them to block.
For me the more they block the better it is, i WANT them to block, blocking = a sign of hesitation.
