A Fast, Agile Fighter Armed With Versatile Web Attacks
Spider-Man’s key strength is his versatile offense built around his signature move, Web Zip. This technique lets him fire webs from the ground or air in multiple directions, then sling himself at high speed along a chosen path. He can also use Web Zip to launch upward diagonally for aerial strikes or dive down from above for sudden ambushes. His unpredictable moves will keep opponents constantly on edge.
Web Zip Unlocks a Variety of Follow-up Moves
When Spider-Man’s Web Zip connects with an opponent, you can follow up with powerful attacks like Zip Kick, a swift follow-up strike, or Web Slam that crushes opponents with his web. When blocked, or if Web Slam is chained too often, the move transitions into a Web Snare that drags opponents closer. Spider-Man can also shoot his web upward to hang in mid-air, baiting foes into performing anti-air attacks. Combining Web Zip with its various follow-up attacks keeps the pressure high and fuels Spider-Man’s chaotic high-paced offense.
Mix Melee and Projectiles for Maximum Pressure
Spider-Man comes equipped with a versatile toolkit, including those similar to special moves in traditional fighting games. His projectile attack, Web Shot, fires a blob of web that can also be used midair. You can switch between medium and heavy to shoot multiple webs in succession. It’s effective for zoning but risky if opponents anticipate it and jump in, due to its long animation. His rush skill, Arachnid Assault, shifts into a somersault kick when executed in the air. When used airborne, you have i-frames against other aerial attacks, making it valuable not only as a combo finisher but also as an anti-air move.
Versatile Attacks That Enhance Both Attack and Defense
Web Bomb plants a lingering explosive. Although it can be destroyed by enemy attacks, it’s useful for disrupting movement. His counter skill, Spidey-Sense, shifts Spider-Man into a special stance that lets him evade attacks and throws while automatically striking back. It proves handy for deflecting attacks right as you’re recovering from a knockdown or interrupting enemy combos.
Spider-Man also has a unique ability: crouch-walking. While I didn’t have a chance to try it, his extremely low stance may help him slip under certain projectiles while advancing. The combination of his core movesets, including projectiles, rush moves, and anti-airs, alongside his arsenal of quirky skills like Web Zip, makes Spider-Man extremely versatile and dynamic.
■ Ghost Rider
A Tactical Fighter Equipped With a Unique Gauge
Ghost Rider wields a unique gauge called the Vengeance Gauge, designed to resemble a car or motorcycle tachometer. Managing this gauge is integral to his gameplay. It builds as he uses his skills, boosting both hit count and damage the higher the meter climbs. However, when the gauge maxes out, Ghost Rider collapses to his knees and suffers a long recovery, forcing players to carefully manage the meter so it doesn’t overload.
Powerful Abilities That Evolve Based on the Vengeance Gauge
Hellfire unleashes flames and has a short recovery, which makes it tough for enemies to counter when blocking, and is perfect for applying pressure or setting up a combo. Penance Driver is a powerful command throw great for breaking defenses, and both light and heavy versions allow him to lunge forward to grab foes from mid-range. Judgment Cradle, his ranged chain attack, can branch into a feint, low, or overhead, giving him another way to crack defenses. Rounding out his arsenal is Hell Scorcher, which sets the ground ablaze to create an area of lingering flames that deals continuous damage.
The Key is to Build the Vengeance Gauge Without Losing Control
To reduce the Vengeance Gauge, players must rely on unique moves, powerful supers, ultimate skills, or even tagging in a teammate. One such move, Revelator Chain, spins Ghost Rider’s chain in a flurry of strikes that drain the gauge with each hit. Holding down the button extends the move, allowing him to continuously attack while lowering his gauge. Another option is Hell Throttle, which engulfs Ghost Rider in flames to damage nearby foes. While this move cuts down the gauge significantly, it leaves him wide open, so timing is key.
Maintaining a high but not maxed-out Vengeance Gauge empowers Ghost Rider’s skills, giving him an advantage. Combos enhanced by these boosted abilities can shave off massive chunks of an opponent’s health bar, which feels immensely rewarding. However, in the heat of battle, it’s easy to let the gauge max out, which will leave you completely vulnerable. Mastering Ghost Rider clearly requires practice and precision.
Ghost Rider demands tactical gameplay and constant gauge management, but his over-the-top style with whipping chains and spewing flames makes him a thrill to both play and watch. He is a challenging but highly rewarding character, so don’t be afraid to give him a shot.
