---------------------------------Clark Guide by Gunsmith v 0.9
This version of the guide is only for KOF '99
This document is copyright protected and only to be used for personal information purposes. Do not distribute for profit or package with pirate/ copied games.
Printed 17th September 1999 Gunsmith, Wu-Tech Corp. UK. 1999 3rd Edition printed 2nd Oct 1999
=-Introduction =-Movelist - Ground based Attack - Anti Air Attack - Anti- Anti Attack - Desperation Moves =-Combos =-Strategies =-Glossary =-Appendix A (Ref) =-Appendix B (Credits)
Clark Steel (*0). The mercenary from Brazil, born in the United States. A heavily muscled man in combat trousers and a vest with a cap and sunglasses to hide his ever cool expression. More Bio and story stuff later...
Beginner's Guide:
Do HCF+D when opponent is close. Throw out stand D and Low D occasionally.
-----------------------------------------Ground Based Attacks: Listed in order of importance.
Stand D (Far): High Priority, fast and snubs many other pokes. It's also good for making hoppers think twice, when used just as they start jumping (or even if they hop back). Remember its range hits opponents who are just about to jump or land... Use to scare opponents into blocking, so you can start to apply Clark's mind games (see "Strategies" section). The Stand D is so fast that even if you miss with it and someone rolls/ dodges (not dodge attack) past it you can simply normal throw them [Fwd +D].
Stand C (Close): HIGH Priority move used for combo starters. You can use this on a waking up opponent without fear, unless your opponent has good timing and an autoguarded DP attack. Note: If you time this attack early, you will hit the waking opponent with the second hit and NOT be able to combo. Wherever you connect with the first hit of the Stand C, you can combo with HCF + D.
HCF + D: Clark's throw. It's range is approximately the same as his stand A. If his stand A can connect, so can the throw. Note that the range increases when used as a counter- ie: used a millisecond after the opponent tries to attack. In '98 (not definetely sure in '99) if the opponent starts a ground ticking combo (which you're blocking) which links PROPERLY the CPU will block for you the remaining hits. However, if you can anticipate the ticking will end in a badly timed combo and the opponent will still be in range, execute HCF+D WHILE blocking- in fact, do it even if you're getting hit. The amount of times people have done a low B which hits me and then all they hear is "ORIYA!"... of course this isn't guaranteed. Just try it out on poorly skilled opponents for some fun.
QCF + C(Flash Elbow): Used after [HCF+D]- the timing is as the opponent hits Clark's shoulders. However if you time it as the opponent hits the floor you will miss and the opponent will get up after you. If done after a succession of well timed hits, the opponent will simply expect to be hit. This is when you simply do [HCF+D] or if you have a stock, [HCBx 2 + A/C] or [HCFx2 + B/D] (if you see the opponent has realised what's going on) as you get up from the missed Flash Elbow. This works effectively as a wake up counter. This is based upon the idea that the opponent simply stands there like a dumb idiot waiting for the flash elbow. When you miss the flash elbow, the opponent is fully able to combo you, so use sparingly.
DP + D: The counter move of Clark's arsenal. It will counter pretty much anything. It has a split second startup in which opponents can throw Clark, but otherwise its a guaranteed throw. Use when you think your opponent is going to attack you with something other than a throw.
Stand C (far): New for '99. Shorter range and a little bit faster. Use in alteration for the stand D.
QCF + A/C: These moves only work if an opponent tries to attack at the last second as they see this move coming. In '98, it was better as Clark was silent and simply ran with his standard animation. In '99, he puts his hands up and makes a noise (as if it wasn't obvious enough already). If opponents sees this move coming, they can hit you with a variety of attacks. However, if they try something at the last second, as Clark is about to touch them, then they will get hit and Clark can apply either of his follow-ups. '99's version has the added bonus of being able to grab opponents who are about to land/take off. Heh Heh. If you can anticipate well enough, I think this is it's best use.
Hld Bk 1 sec, Fwd + A/C: The Gatling Punch returns. I use it combos and one more tactic. Run forward and Dodge past your opponent so that you have a little space (so you don't get thrown), all the time keeping the joystick held forward. Then simply press Back (which is now forward as you have turned around). Clark will do the Gatling Punch and you can combo DP + A/C, QCF + A/C...
HCF x 2 + B/D: I almost never use this. When I do, it's by mistake from a low B combo. However Clark's feet are invincbible. He will run over sweeps THAT TOUCH HIS FEET. Anything else above his shoes will smack Clark. Of course, that doesn't even include clever people giving him a boot to the head or a hop in combo.
+---------------------------------------Ducking Based Attacks:
Low B: Used to start combo from a mind game or when someone's poking you and you think they're going to do an overhead. In '98, you could block and hammer on the button, allowing you to block things like flying kicks and low B, A chains while your attack would be executed at the next available time ie: when the opponent walks, jumps, moves after poking.
Low D: Fat chunky sweep. It seems quite slow to me, but it doesn't stop people trying to walk over it or jump past it...
Low A/ Low C: I simply don't use these attacks apart from the fact that I'll apply them randomly in a safe situation just to hopefully confuse/scare the opponent.
Clark doesn't have an instant high priority Anti-Air attack, which proves his downfall when attacked by an offensive hopper eg. Kyo... but you can try with these....
Jump A: Fast + High priority so this is the attack to use in the air if you're not sure what the opponent is going to do.
Stand D: If you can walk backwards so they land in front of you not on top of you, then you can use this effectively. Time it as they are about to land.
Jump D: It's almost instant and aims upwards. High Priority. BUT you have to use from a hop's distance. You want the opponent to be higher in the air for most effective use. When pinned in the corner, it's not fast enough to use against a fast jumper like Kyo.
Jump C: If you hop at the same time as the opponent from a hop or jump and anticpate you will meet at the same height in the air this is the move to use.
Stand A: You've got to be close. If you're very close and have no time to jump, use this. Chancy but at least you'll get a counter hit and not get comboed. It's better than blocking the hit- as this gives the opponent time to breathe and try their own mind games.
DP+ D: Use at the last second against air attacks that will just miss your face. Note that its slow and only works if the opponent wants to poke after landing from their air attack. If they do an empty hop and hop again or simply hop back you are open to attack. Also, hoppers with high priority air attacks will leave you no time to effect the [DP+D] - you'll just get hit.
DP+ C: If some idiot makes an obvious high jump with time to spare, hit them with this to make them think twice about doing something so stupid. You could have hit them with Jump D, but this has more style (and damage). Of course, apply the Flash Elbow... then start (yes you've guessed it) Clark's mind games. The move is actually "sticky". If an opponent jumps after you have, they STILL get hit! --> Clarkification: Use [DP + C] to hit jumpers NOT hoppers. Well that's how I use it. I've seen it used like an instant and deep anti-air attack but I can't figure out how to do this properly. It can hit hoppers at the top height of their "hop" but every time I use at such I get kicked in the face. Oh well back to the drawing board.
Use Jump D when certain to get a combo. Otherwise stick with Jump A. It's safer... Jump CD is powerful but slow. With a Counter MSG on a walking opponent, you can connect a QCF + A/C.
[-------------------------------------------Anti Anti Attacks:
Jump A: You want to hit the opponent a millisecond after they try to counter attack you.
EG: Yuri wants to use Low C to counter you from the air. If she does Low C as you are at the peak of your jump you have to do yours just after- however when you land you can't combo. If Yuri does her Low C at the last second and you will hit deep with the jump A, then you can get a counter and combo. You can avoid the first scenario by jumping on a waking opponent slightly late. Trying to hop or jump against a standing opponent will incur the first scenario.
Jump CD: It's slow but it will knock out pretty much anything and get a counter against DP attacks. Just remember against Jumping opponents you want to be higher at the time of contact.
Stand C: HIGH Priority move. Use without fear and even if you know you're going to get hit by a DP. Why? Because there's a chance they will try again next time so you block instead and counter...
HCB HCB + A/C : The only DM of Clark's arsenal of er... 2 DMs that you want to use. When you have a stock and have time (eg: on a waking opponent or when you're blocking an opponent's attack that has eons of recovery time or just find yourself standing in front of someone who's just executed a Haoshikoken and rolled past it...) combo the Standing C with this DM by performing [HCB + C, HCB + C]. You can perform the low B, low A/Stand A, HCBx2 + A combo with the same shortcut. You can still apply the running DM method by executing thus: [HCB Fwd Fwd HCB + A/C]. Clark will run forward and do the DM. However most veterans won't fall for this and simply jump. You want to catch opponents as they BEGIN to attack... You'd be suprised how many opponents get irked by a walking Clark. Perform the same technique at close range by simply [HCB, Fwd (to walk a step forward) HCB + A/C]... Also remember that this DM is a grab. If you perform this just after an opponent BEGINS an attack, it's range increases and it will grab anyone in it's path. Yes you can grab Ryoku Ranbus etc.
[Stand C, HCF + D, QCF + A] Your standard combo which you will see a lot of...
[Jump A/C/D, Stand C, Hold Back for 1 sec then Fwd + C, DP + C, QCF + C]
Jump Attack, Stand C (1 hit), Gatling Punch, Napalm Stretch with a Flash Elbow to end.
Of course the above combo (*10) is actually performed by holding Back on the joystick before anything else so when you execute the stand C, you simply press Forward + C to execute the Gatling Punch.
Counter Mode: Jump A, Stand C (1 hit), Hld Bk 1 sec, Fwd + C, HCBx2 + P
You have to be very quick with this combo. The HCBx2 connects after the first hit of the Gatling Punch. Of course, I'm not fast enough to do it under pressure!
(----------------Strategies/ Mind Games----------------------)
You can replace HCF + B/D with HCF + A/C or HCB HCB + A/C. Obviously, every opponent is different so mix up techniques to your best judgement. Good Luck!
Jump D ----> C, HCF + D, QCF + A ----> Low B, Low A, HCF + D, QCF + A ----> DP + D, QCF + A ----> Pause - then HCF + D or DP + D
Thesis: The first option, the opponent tries to counter. The second option, the opponent tries to block high. The third option is for opponents who block.
Stand a pace back. You are still in range for Clark's Stand C and any of his throws.
Stand C, HCF + D, QCF + A. If the opponent blocks you are pushed back safely out of range for any immediate counter.
Low D: No real use apart from making the opponent want to block low next time he gets up... so then you do something else, like...
DP + D: Hohoho. Some people call this move cheap. Well, that's tough. People say all kinds of things- WHEN THEY LOSE. Anyway, use this a split second after they fully get up.
Do nothing: Believe me, it works. At that range you're safe to do anything you want. What you want is for the opponent to freak out and try to poke. That's when you do any of the above.
Jump and hop A into combo as they get up. Now if you're facing an opponent who does not have a instant anti air attack (eg: Kyo DP + A) then mix this tactic with an empty hop, HCF + D or empty hop, low B into combo or even empty hop into normal throw (Fwd C/D). Note you have to convince the opponent you have the timing to hit them exactly as they get up, so tag them with some hop A, Stand Cs (even if blocked). Then you have a much better chance of catching them with an empty hop.
----------------------------Standing Close to waking opponent:
Keep that Stand C handy. You're at more risk here. But you can try this below.
Low B, Low A (optional), HCF+ D, QCF + A. Use at the last moment if you think your opponent will block high. They will if you keep using the Stand C. Don't forget to duck at the last second as they are getting up to apply the combo.
Low B, Low A (not combo), pause, HCBx2 + A If your opponent thinks you've messed up and tries to poke, you'll catch them with the DM.
------------------------------------------Offensive Counters: Remember you can use these against another grappler...
Situation 1: Opponent lands an air attack that you block. -[HCF + D] If they jump again upon landing, you're open to combo.
Situation 2: Opponent stands over you, waiting for you to get up. -[HCF + D] If they jump again then you're open to combo- -[DP + C] however you can do this instead heheheh...
Situation 3: Kyo/Iori etc (like who?) is hopping at you repeatedly in the corner. -[Panic?] This is your chance for credit in this faq. The only thing I can think of is get a lucky stand/ hop back A. If you have a stock and less than half energy use a CD counter. Push the barstards back and get those mind games in order!!!
Situation 4: Ralf wants to play "tag knuckle" -[Stand D] Heheh. Ralf does have recovery after a missed [Stand C far] so walk forward and let him taste boot. After a (blocked) jump A and a low B, the average Ralf will attempt a low C. You can time a run forward, [close C, HCF + D] which will counter and connect BUT DAMN you have to be brave!
Situation 5: Hmmm anything else?
--------------------------Misc-------------------------------- Counter Mode: Personally, I think this mode is designed for Clark to revert back to his roots in 95, and use Dodge Attack, HCF + D. Nuff said.
Striker: Clarks flies in with a CD and then does HCF + D. His range is limited to half of (your side) the screen. As far as I'm concerned, Clark serves his Ikari Team mates very well, as each can combo a DM when he throws the opponent at them.
Anti Air : To counter an attack from the air Anti - Anti : To counter a counter-move Poke : To attack the opponent with an intent to harass rather than combo... Snub : To outprioritise another move. Empty Hop : To hop and not attack from the air.
-----------------------Appendix A----------------------------- Referencand hop A into combo as they get up. Now if you're facing an opponent who does not have a instant anti air attack (eg: Kyo DP + A) then mix this tactic with an empty hop, HCF + D or empty hop, low B into combo or even empty hop into normal throw (Fwd C/D). Note you have to convince the opponent you have the timing to hit them exactly as they get up, so tag them with some hop A, Stand Cs (even if blocked). Then you have a much better chance of catching them with an empty hop.
----------------------------Standing Close to waking opponent:
Keep that Stand C handy. You're at more risk here. But you can try this below.
Low B, Low A (optional), HCF+ D, QCF + A. Use at the last moment if you think your opponent will block high. They will if you keep using the Stand C. Don't forget to duck at the last second as they are getting up to apply the combo.
Low B, Low A (not combo), pause, HCBx2 + A If your opponent thinks you've messed up and tries to poke, you'll catch them with the DM.
------------------------------------------Offensive Counters: Remember you can use these against another grappler...
Situation 1: Opponent lands an air attack that you block. -[HCF + D] If they aimed for your head they can't combo. If they jump again upon landing, you're open to combo. If they aimed for your belt, BLOCK; the only way you can HCF + B/D is if they badly time a follow up attack. Eg: Terry jumps in with a Jump D aiming at your belt (you're stand blocking). If you try to HCF+B/D and Terry correctly times a stand C as if it were a combo, you will get hit.
Situation 2: Opponent stands over you, waiting for you to get up. -[HCF + D] If they jump again then you're open to combo- -[DP + C] however you can do this instead heheheh...
Situation 3: Kyo/Iori/K etc (like who?) is hopping at you repeatedly in the corner. -[Panic?] This is your chance for credit in this faq. The only thing I can think of is get a lucky stand/ hop back A. If you have a stock and less than half energy use a CD counter. Push the barstards back and get those mind games in order!!!
Situation 4: Ralf wants to play "tag knuckle" -[Stand D] Heheh. Ralf does have recovery after a missed [Stand C far] so walk forward and let him taste boot. After a (blocked) jump A and a low B, the average Ralf will attempt a low C. You can time a run forward, [close C, HCF + D] which will counter and connect BUT DAMN you have to be brave!
Situation 5: Hmmm anything else?
--------------------------Misc-------------------------------- Shortcut Control: DP + P/K can be executed thus: Fwd, (neutral), Dwn-Fwd + P/K
Striker: Clarks flies in with a CD and then does HCF + D. His range is limited to half of (your side) the screen. As far as I'm concerned, Clark serves his Ikari Team mates very well, as each can combo a DM when he throws the opponent at them.
Frankly, I'm not using Clark as a Striker...
Clark's close B: After a flash elbow you may notice that Clark is in range to his Close B (knee) - but it doesn't connect. If you can fool the opponent into blocking it, you can time the Close B to miss and buffer into HCF + B/D which will connect...
Anti Air : To counter an attack from the air Anti - Anti : To counter a counter-move Poke : To attack the opponent with an intent to harass rather than combo... Snub : To outprioritise another move. Empty Hop : To hop and not attack from the air.
(*10) Punny mentioned this combo on the KOF-ML. (*1) Gamest Mook 195: The King of Fighters 1999 Shinseisha 1999 Japan (*0) Clark Steel, The King of Fighters and any other characters from that game mentioned are copyright 1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999 SNK Corporation.
