KABAL
Speed: 7/10
Range: 5/10
Power: 8/10
Safety: 6/10
Specials: 7/10
Overall: 6/10
Stances:
Sun Bin
Hookswords
Specials:
Raging Flash: B, F, 4
Kabal's classic special move does no damage in this game, but gives you a free hit, throw, or combo, whatever you desire. What makes this move great is that it has maximum damage built in, which means you don't lose damage off of your combo just because it starts with a free hit move. That's one of the two things that sets it apart from moves like the Bloody Spear and the Ice Ball; the other is that this move isn't a projectile, so you can pretty much use it from anywhere and it will be at least moderately effective. However, if you get blocked, prepare to be punished badly.
Plasma Blast: D, F, 1
This move has a quick startup but the projectile itself moves painfully slow, meaning you're better off surprising your enemy with this move up close as opposed to just trading with this. Kabal's other options are better. You could try to 50/50 this move with the Raging Flash, but this projectile is too slow-moving to be very effective.
Nomad's Touch: D, B, 2
This move is used to gain a positional advantage, given Kabal's strength at short range. Kabal collides with his opponent, and both fall over. You don't really have any combo possibilities with this because you can't combo after it and it won't hit airborne enemies. However, if you're quick you can get a throw or at the very least a poke or a sweep out of it.
Throw: Vertabreaker
Kabal knees his opponent in the back, then throws the unfortunate person behind him. This throw doesn't have combo possibilities but it does hit hard (16%) and puts you in position for a Raging Flash as the opponent gets up.
Stone Death: 1, 1, 2, CS
Kabal's style branch is a launcher, and does 20% on its own. This combo is great for when you want to get to Hookswords but you feel the need to juggle your opponent to get there. This launcher hits mid, mid, mid, high, so unfortunately the entire thing can be blocked standing. However, the reward of 30% or higher due to juggles and air combos that start with this launcher is much greater than the risk.
Best Moves:
Sun Bin: U+3
This move is Kabal's launcher from Sun Bin, where he has many moves that either knock the opponent down or push them back. Unfortunately, these moves tend to play into the opponent's hands as Kabal is best at short range. U+3 is good because it launches, and with Kabal's Sun Bin combos you can quickly add on another 3 hits, making the most of this move.
Sun Bin: D+2
Kabal has a very powerful uppercut (13%) that can be used at the end of juggles or when your opponent is against a deathtrap or in a spot where you can hit them into another part of the stage. Since he doesn't have an uppercut in Hookswords (D+2 is a low poke), this is your only option if you're uppercut-happy.
Hookswords: B+1
Kabal latches onto your opponent's shoulders with his Hookswords, and then drags them down. This move puts you in great position for 50/50, however it does also leave you open to wakeup attacks, since you'll be so close to your opponent. The reason why this attack is useful is its damage (17%).
Hookswords: U+2
This move is very nice, because it hits twice, and not only that, but it hits low and then high. The only way for your opponent to stop this combo is to block low and then stay there to avoid the high second hit. The best part about this move is that you can do it again fairly quickly, so when they rise back up you can execute the move again and catch them with it.
Combos:
(Sun Bin) 1, 1, 2, CS, jump, 2, 2, 1, 1, 3, 4 (11 hits, 31%)
(Sun Bin) U+3, 1, 1, 2, CS (5 hits, 32%)
(Sun Bin) 1, 3, 1, U+3 (6 hits, 29%)
(Sun Bin) 1, 1, 2, CS, B+2, 1, 1, 4 (9 hits, 28%)
(Hookswords) B+2, jump, 2, 2, 1, 1, 3, 4 (8 hits, 33%)
(Hookswords) B+2, 1, 1, 4 (5 hits, 31%)
(Hookswords) B+2, CS, 1, 1, 2, CS (5 hits, 30%)
(Hookswords) 1, 1, B+1 (4 hits, 28%)
(Hookswords) B+2, B+2, jump, 2, 2, 1, 1, 3, 4 (9 hits, 32%)
Playing As:
As stated above, Kabal needs to be up close to be effective. If you plan to start every combo with a Raging Flash, prepare to be on your back in a matter of seconds. You will get punished badly if you abuse it, and in order for it to be effective you need to 50/50 it with something or establish low attacks when your opponent gets up, that way they won't see the Raging Flash coming and you'll get it. You can also use it after sidestepping if you're quick enough, so use that opportunity to earn yourself a free combo. As for your stances, you'll probably want to stay in Hookswords, because you can be more up close and personal in that style, but don't overlook Sun Bin's options and launchers, including Kabal's style branch combo. The only problem with Sun Bin is that it lacks a big power move other than his uppercut. In Hookswords, U+2 is a move you're going to want to absolutely abuse against your opponents, because of its low-high hits. Be aware that if you get too far out of range, it won't be easy getting back in. If this happens, throw out a Nomad's Touch to try to get back in close where you can really do big damage with Kabal's good 50/50 game.Nomad's Touch is a move you want to abuse if your opponent doesn't see it coming, and when you connect with it be prepared to try a quick throw or Raging Flash to set yourself up for a combo. Keep in mind, however, that the closer you are to your opponent when you do the Raging Flash, the longer you have to go to get to them for your combo. In order to win with Kabal, it is imperative that you keep the pressure on your opponent and never let them get the offensive.
Playing Against:
Any character who can keep opponents at bay or at least out of Kabal's desired range will do well if played right. Pick people like Stryker, Sareena, or anyone with fast projectiles and/or big weapons like Raiden, Jade, or Sindel. People with special moves designed to keep people away or to prevent the opponent from getting close (Ermac, Kenshi, Sonya) are also good here. If you do choose to use a short-ranged character, you can still win, but the character has to be fast or at least able to match Kabal in power, like Rain, Li Mei, etc. Kabal is a character that has major problems outside of a half screen, because his only options are to go for a Raging Flash (which you can then punish, because you'll see it a mile away) or a Plasma Blast (a move that you'll have all day to block). Kabal just isn't quite fast enough to be able to play short range perfectly, even though that's what his moves are designed for. However, if you let him get close or use unsafe moves, be prepared to eat 35% damage as Kabal is among the best at punishing. Keep him out of sweep distance, and you'll have an easy time with him.
Final Analysis:
Kabal is not a character meant for beginning players because of his limitations. Players who want to use Kabal at high levels must have quick fingers and know his movelist cold, because you'll need to take full advantage of your punish opportunities in order to win. Keep the pressure on your opponent with both Sun Bin and Hookswords. Also, make sure you know what his launchers are and that you're mixing them up to make sure your opponent isn't sitting on any of them. Should you be in a bad matchup (i.e. Stryker), just get within a range that you can use Nomad's Touch or work your way back in by blocking, and perhaps in the process you can back your enemy into a corner. Overall, Kabal is mid-tier at best.
