BBCP/Azrael

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Azrael
BBCP Azrael Portrait.png

Health: 12,000

Combo Rate: 90%

Jump Startup: 4

Backdash Time: 28

Backdash Invincibility: 1-20

Movement Options
Double Jump, 1 Airdash, Dash type: Teleport
Play-style
Offensive, Power
Full Frame Data
BBCP/Azrael/Frame Data

Overview

"Azrael is a member of Sector Seven who spends most of his time moving from one battle to the next in search of a strong opponent. He is entirely obsessed with using his own raw power to fight, and has never used a weapon. However, due to his super-human strength, he can't go all out in battle; thus, he has imposed a limiter of some sort on himself."

Azrael is a big, heavy-hitting offensive character. He has to effectively use his teleport dashes to get around the screen, and try to get in on the opponent. Once in he has to use his pokes and various specials to get a combo that usually ends with a "weakpoint" attack. Azrael's unique Drive is the ability to apply weakpoints, which can lead to big damage.

Drive: The Terror
Azrael's drive attacks reveal weak points on the opponent when they hit the opponent. Weakpoints are active for roughly 17 seconds before disappearing if not used.

  • Upper Weakpoint Moves: 5D / 6D / j.D / 236D
  • Lower Weakpoint Moves: 2D / 3D / j.2D / 214D


These moves gain new properties when you hit the corresponding weak point. This consumes the weak point, but you can re-apply it in the same combo. Of course, the moves apply the same weak points that they get the additional properties from. All regular ground drives can potentially be followed up on CH without weakpoint. Hornet (and possibly Valiant), can be followed up on CH with a regular-style combo, and you can use the weakpoint earned within that very same combo. Each drive's "weakpoint version" has repeat proration.

The properties the moves gain:

  • 5D – Staggers, can go into 5B>~ for a combo.
  • 2D - Knockdown, which can be followed up with 2A>5A>5B to aerial.
  • 6D - Bounces, goes into 5B>TCL,etc.
  • 3D - Bounces, Goes into 5B>~.
  • j.D / j.2D - Ground bounces the opponent into the air to follow-up with a combo, staggers on ground hit.
  • 236D (Valiant Crash) - Knocks the opponent away, enabling Valiant Charger. Can repeat (6>5C) multiple times for insane corner carry, or various other attacks in the corner.
  • 214D (Hornet Bunker) – Sort of like GG's Dust. Enables Hornet Chaser to be used, followed up with aerial combos.
  • 236236D (Black Hawk Stinger) - Can't be blocked high with UW, or low with LW. Unblockable with both but can be Barrier blocked if in the air.


Overdrive: Mind Colosseo
Azrael's drive attacks now reveal weak points even on block. Weak points are not used up when you hit the opponent with weak point moves. Weak points do not disappear over time like they normally would as long as OD is active. Black Hawk Stinger and Scud Punishment are enhanced. You can use each of Azrael's drive attacks in the same combo for big damage.

Pros/Strengths:

  • Good amount of health.
  • Does solid damage on average (Weakpoint damage considered).
  • Does great meterless damage with Weakpoints.
  • Has possibly the best back dash in the game.
  • Has a decent DP (214B - Growler Field), that can also absorb projectiles and gains one of his own in return (up to 3).
  • Because of his health, back dash, and DP, he has relatively good defense overall.
  • Valiant Charger combos give great corner carry and good damage.


Cons/Weaknesses:

  • Large body, relatively slow character.
  • Teleport-type movement could take some getting used to when you're just starting out.
  • 5A/2A have short reach, doesn't have a good balance of move ranges.
  • Has combos that involve links/delayed gatlings, if execution is a problem.
  • Big damage combos require you to have weakpoints already applied in most cases.
  • Because of the above it means Azrael has to get multiple chances to land decent combos.
  • Because of the above it means the opponent bursting can really hinder Azrael's gameplan due to the nature of weakpoints and getting them.
  • Potentially has some noticeably bad or tough match-ups. (Hazama / Jin / Hakumen / Taokaka / Valkenhayn / maybe even Tager come to mind.)


External References:


Move List

Normal Moves

5A

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
300 CSOJR HL 6 6 7 +1 B - -

A very short-range uppercut, cancels/links into itself.

5B

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
500 SOJR HL 9 7 10 ±0 B - -

Swipes with the hand, jump-cancelable. Seems to be a strong anti-air due to it's hitbox, must be barrier blocked in the air as well.

5BB

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
500 SOR HL 13 3 9 +5 B - -

A headbutt, knocks aerial targets to the ground. On CH ground bounces. Useful for relatively easy hitconfirms.

5C

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
800 SOR HL 15 6 16 -3 B - -
  • Fatal Counter


A yakuza kick, has long reach. One of the few long range moves Azrael has. 5C > Black Hawk Stinger is an unblockable setup if both weakpoints are applied.

2A

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
300 SOR LA 9 3 9 +2 F - -

A crouching punch. Typical go to move to pick up no techs as well. Hits low.

2B

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
580 SOR HL 12 6 18 -7 S - -

A swinging strike at their feet. Used as a link in various combos.

2C

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
800 R All 13 9 23 -3 HBFPr(2) 9-21H -
  • 9-21H invul.


Azrael raises a slab of stone from the ground, can be followed up by 5B/6D. Counts as a projectile.

3C

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
860 (S*)R L 15 10 18 -9 F 11-24F -
  • 11-24F invul.
  • Frame advantage listed is for point-blank range.
  • Can only be special canceled into Sentinel Dump (downed 22C version).


A Kanji-like dropkick, hits low, knocks the opponent away. This is a basic part of Azrael's crouching combos.

6A

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
820 R HL 19 9 14 -4 B 7-24B -
  • 7-24B invul.
  • Frame Advantage listed is for point-blank range.


A shoulder tackle, similar to Slayer's 6P from Guilty Gear. Wall bounces near corner or on CH.

6B

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
860 RDa HL 13 6 37 -24 B 6-24H -
  • 6-24H invul.
  • Can be dash canceled from F30 regardless of whiff, hit, or block.


An big uppercut, launches the enemy, can’t be jump-canceled. Can be dash canceled during the part where he spins around after the uppercut. Possibly useful against expected cross-ups or as a delayed anti-air. It is very unsafe though, which means you have to forward dash cancel it no matter what or else you'll get punished.

6C

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
900 R HL 28 8 9 +2 H 10-35F -
  • 10-35F invul.
  • Fatal Counter
  • Frame advantage listed is for standing opponent.


A swinging kick after a short jump, similar to Terry Bogard's Crackshoot. On FC against opponents in the air the move will ground bounce. Can be followed up on FC with various moves.

j.A

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
300 COJR HA 7 3 6 - H - -

A simple downward punch. Nothing special but can be used for a very tricky mixup with 3C>RC>j.A.

j.B

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
600 OJR HA 9 3(2)3 12 - H - -
  • One hit max.


Azrael swings his jacket downward, hits behind him as well. This is probably one of Azrael's best normals. Can easily cross-up opponents.

j.C

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
760 OJR HA 12 6 15 - H - -

An upward kick. Typical follow-up to Hornet Bunker/Chaser. Used in the middle of almost all of Azrael's more advanced combos after air dashing then landing from it.

j.2C

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
840 OR All 22 till L 10L - H - -

Azrael stops for a moment, then falls down with a divekick, knocks down on raw air hit. Landing j.2C after Hornet cause them to spin and you are able to continue the combo. Not nearly as strong of a divekick compared to Street Fighter games.


Drive Moves

5D

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
800 (1200) R H 21 3 20 -4 B - -

A double-handed strike after a short jump. Overhead, applies upper weakness. Can be followed-up on CH without weakpoint. Staggers with weakpoint.

2D

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
680 (900) R L 15 3 18 -4 F - -

A crouching kick at their feet. Hits low, applies lower weakness. Can be followed-up on CH without weakpoint. Hard knockdown with weakpoint.

3D

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
1000 (1500) R L 24 6 15 -2 F - -

Stomps at the enemy’s feet. Somewhat deceptive animation. Hits low, applies lower weakness. Can be followed-up on CH without weakpoint. Ground bounces with weakpoint.

6D

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
1000 (1500) R H 27 7 14 -2 B - -

A heel kick. This is your typical ender/extender for BnB combos to get a weakpoint or with weakpoint. An overhead, applies upper weakness. Can be followed-up on CH without weakpoint. Ground bounces with weakpoint.

j.D

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
680 (900) OR HA 19 5 16 - H - -

An aerial smash. This is your typical air combo ender/extender for/with weakpoint. Overhead, applies upper weakness. Ground bounces with weakpoint on air hit, staggers with weakpoint on ground hit.

j.2D

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
680 (900) OR HA 19 3 18 - H - -

A roundhouse swipe horizontally, causes knockdown, wide crossover range. Overhead, applies lower weakness. Most of the time you will be using j.D instead, but if you have or want a lower weakpoint this is what you'll use instead. Ground bounces with weakpoint on air hit, staggers with weakpoint on ground hit.


Universal Mechanics

Forward Throw

6B+C

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
0•1500 -•R T 7 3 18 - T - -
  • 100% Minimum Damage (1500).


An uppercut, blows the enemy about one step forward. Can be followed up with an aerial combo or special, doesn’t wall-bounce in the corner.

Back Throw

4B+C

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
0X2•1500 -X2•SOR T 7 3 18 - T - -
  • 100% Minimum Damage (1500).


Azrael knocks the enemy down behind himself. Can be cancelled.

Air Throw

B+C in Mid-Air

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
0•1400 -•R T 7 3 21+3L - T - -
  • 100% Minimum Damage (1400).


Grabs the opponent and slams them straight to the ground. Simple follow-up would be 2A>Tiger Magnum~

Counter Assault

6A+B during blockstun w/50%

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
0 R All 19 6 18 -5 B 1-20Inv -
  • 1-20 All invul.
  • Frame Advantage listed is for point-blank range.
  • 180F Heat Gauge Cooldown


Azrael does a shoulder tackle move similar to his 6A.

Crush Trigger

A+B w/25%

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
1000 R B 30-60 1 20 +4 B - -
  • Can be charged.
  • 180F Heat Gauge Cooldown


Can be used with 25% to guard crush your opponent. Can be barrier blocked to not cause guard crush. Adds some more combo-ability to combos, as well as increases damage.


Special Moves

Gustav Buster

236A

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
800 R All 13 6 24 +1 B - -
  • Start-up listed is for point-blank range. (Mook error?, possibly meant Frame Advantage?)


Does a punch after a short dash. This is one of the moves to use at neutral or ending pressure. Can be followed up on CH. Can be used during a forward dash to "cancel" the dash.

Tiger Magnum

236C

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
600 R All 13 3 18 -4 B - -

A backfist blow with short reach. Seems relatively fast, especially if you do it after a cross-up teleport dash. Goes into Azrael's "rekka chain", Tiger>Cobra>Leopard.

Cobra Spike

46C during Tiger Magnum

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
450 R All 10 5 18 -6 B - -

An upward kick. Follow-up to Tiger Magnum, followed by Leopard Launcher usually. For some of Azrael's more advanced combos you will go into other moves off this instead of Leopard Launcher.

Leopard Launcher

6C during Cobra Spike

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
1250 R All 16 3 30 -14 B - -

A fiery straight punch, screen-bounces. This will end your combo in some cases, but Azrael's more advanced combos allow him to follow this up. Easily followed up near the corner.

Growler Field

214B (Chargeable)

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
500 R All 11 7 47 -37 B 1-11All, 11-(53-117)GP(P) -
  • 1-11 All invul.,11-(53-117)GP(P)
  • Can be charged.
  • Besides final 1F, successful GP of P property attack generates 35F recovery (during recovery, GP(P) F1-16, Inv F17-End).
  • During GP frames, Phalanx Cannon stock goes up by 1 for each P property attack received.
  • Invincibility doesn't apply to Ignis/Nirvana attacks.
  • During F52-116 PGP until 1F after button is released, followed by 11F recovery.

Azrael gives off an aura surrounding himself. Has a hitbox and does damage if next to the opponent. Blows away the opponent and can be used as a reversal. Growler is full invul. from 1-11f. You can also absorb a projectile while Growler Field is active. Azrael is also invincible while absorbing the projectile. You are capable of storing up to 3 projectiles, and each hit of a multi-hit projectile counts separately. After absorbing a projectile you can then use Phalanx Cannon.

Phalanx Cannon

236B (After absorbing projectile with Growler Field)

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
1000 R All 7 - 26T ±0 HBFPr(2) - -
  • 3 stock max.


Fires forward a projectile, considerably fast. You can use this after you absorb a projectile with Growler Field. This move has a lot of priority over other projectiles and will blow right through most of them. Can combo into itself or even Black Hawk Stinger.

Sentinel Dump

214C or 22C on Downed Opponent

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
1000 (600) R All 39(33) 10 46T(50T) +12(+2) HBFPr 1-10GP(A)(1-6GP(A)) -
  • 22C only possible to perform when opponent is Downed.
  • 1-10GP(A)(1-6GP(A)).


Azrael jumps and slams to the ground, sitting on top of the opponent. On a not-downed opponent, it launches them in place and hits them as they land. 214C can be used for oki to beat tech rolls, and is + on block if they do block it.

  • 22C version tracks the opponent when in a downed state.
  • 214C makes Azrael jump about 2 character spaces forward.
  • Can cross up if opponent is crouching.
  • Has a hitbox on both sides.
  • Attack attribute counts as a projectile.
  • GP duration is short making it kind of hard to use under pressure.
  • Loses cleanly to multi-hitting moves or rapid fired jabs for example.

Valiant Crash

236D (Chargeable)

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
900 (1200) R HA 26 9 38 -26 B 11-(active~7)GP -
  • 11-(active~7)GP
  • Can be charged.
  • GP doesn't apply to T, UNB property attacks.
  • Retains GP during charging.
  • Weakpoint applied causes a special type of knockback.
  • Can be followed with Valiant Charger only on hit if weakpoint is applied.

A kick that blows the enemy away. Overhead, applies upper weakpoint. Weakpoint disappears after hit if it was already applied. Can possibly be followed up on CH with just a regular combo. Provides big damage and huge corner carry with Valiant Charger combos.

Valiant Charger

Press [6] during Valiant Crash w/ upper weakpoint applied

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
- - - - - 101T - - - -
  • Special knockback persists if follow-up from Valiant Charger is not a D move or a special (Gustaf Buster and Phalanx Cannon are exceptions).
  • Normals used during Valiant Charger can be canceled with Valiant Charger.


Charges at the enemy; can be canceled by pressing 6 again after a while. Carries more than half-screen with multiple reps of moves typically 5C. Press 6 for follow-up after each move. Can also do jump attacks mid-followup. This is the core of Azrael's damaging combos and what you should be trying to go for most of the time.

Hornet Bunker

214D (Chargeable)

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
900 (1200) R LA 27 8 33 -19 B 10-(active~12)GP -
  • 10-(active~12)GP
  • Can be charged.
  • GP doesn't apply to T, UNB property attacks.
  • Retains GP during charging.
  • Weakpoint applied causes a special type of knockback.
  • Can be followed with Hornet Chaser only on hit if weakpoint is applied.

Azrael makes a table-flipping motion, launching the enemy. Low, applies lower weakpoint. Weakpoint disappears after hit if it was already applied. Can be followed up on CH with a regular combo. Situational anti-air.

Hornet Chaser

Press [8] during Hornet Bunker w/ lower weakpoint applied

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
- - - - - 106T - - - -
  • Special knockback persists if followup from Hornet Chaser is not a D move.
  • Normals used during Hornet Chaser are not affected by normal revolver action restrictions and are air-dash cancelable(excluding D moves).


A homing jump, like after Dust attacks in GG. Almost always followed-up by multiple j.Cs>j.2C>~


Distortion Drives

Black Hawk Stinger

236236D

Version Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
Normal 3000 R All 7+4 3 54 -38 B 7 All -
Overdrive 3700 R All 7+4 3 54 -38 B 7-13 All -
  • 7th frame All invul. OD version 7-13 All invul.
  • Applied weakpoints make move UNB for that attribute.
  • 180F Heat Gauge Cooldown

Long distance rush followed by a punch, covers lots of space, has quick start-up. Standing unblockable with upper weak point and crouching unblockable with lower weakpoint. Unblockable if both weakpoints are applied. Can still be air barrier guarded though. Mostly used as a combo ender for extra damage. Overdrive BHS CH leads to huge damage if near the corner. Both versions bypasses Counter-attack based Distortion/Overdrives if both weakpoints are applied, though Terumi's Non-Overdrive counter only needs the upper weakpoint.

Scud Punishment

214214D

Version Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
Normal 300•1182 R All 5+14 3 46 -28 B 1-21 All -
Overdrive 300•550X3 R All 5+14 3 46 -28 B 1-21 All -
  • 1-21 All invul.
  • Applies both weakpoints on hit.
  • For a certain duration after hit, activated weakpoints reapply automatically at the end of a combo.
  • 180F Heat Gauge Cooldown

Short range jab. Applies all weaknesses. Damage is somewhat low, around 1100 raw. While the after-image effect is still present, weaknesses will reappear, this lasts for about 20 in-game seconds. Even if you use the weakness with a move, the mark will be reapplied automatically after knockdown. Can be used on the end of some combos to gain both weakpoints and the added effect. Not recommended to be used as a reversal in most cases.


Astral Heat

Patriot Apocalypse

632146C

Damage Cancel Guard Startup Active Recovery Frame Adv Attribute Invul Hitbox
DESTROY - All 7+9 15 128 -122 B 1-30Inv -
  • 1-30 All invul.
  • 180F Heat Gauge Cooldown


Azrael releases the limiters he placed on himself, then smashes the ground causing a huge explosion that catches the opponent. The opponent lands on the ground, as Azrael proceeds to literally lift up a huge slab of the ground tossing it high into the air, the opponent along with it. The camera then shows Azrael’s face from above, as he performs a massively powerful uppercut and sends a gigantic pillar of fire after the enemy. Finally, Azrael poses with his back towards the camera, Raging Demon-style.
Seems to have super armor, so it can absorb an attack before activating, instead of being a "counter". Can be combo'd into very easily and seems to have a pretty big vertical hitbox (like Bang's Ashura).


Strategy

Azrael's general gameplan is to use his movement and pokes at neutral to get in and land a hit so that he can apply his weakpoints. With weakpoints Azrael's combos tend to do big damage even meterless, without weakpoints his damage is average at best. Knowing this, you want to make sure you always try and get a weakpoint applied, in some cases you might be inclined to do combos that lead to getting both weakpoints for big damage on the next combo or getting a potential unblockable from one of his Distortions - Black Hawk Stinger.




Neutral

Close Range:
This is the range you want to be in most cases. From here Azrael can use his pokes to put on pressure and try and mix-up the opponent.

Back dashing will help you avoid putting yourself in a bad situation if you can't readily attack yourself. Forward dashing at close range can lead to a cross-up mix-up through the opponent, but will lose to mashing so be careful.

Go for your basic pokes and strings, as well as possible Drive moves as mix-ups for big damage or getting weakpoints. j.B is really good, and can easily cross-up the opponent. Remember Gustaf is safe on block and can be RC'd for a possible mix-up or tricky cross-through setup. Valiant and Hornet have some armor and hit high/low respectively so they could be possibly useful against some mashing.

For a close range Anti-Air you will mostly want to use 5B.

Mid-Screen Range:
At this range Azrael's threat starts to diminish.

Here is where proper use of Azrael's movement is most important. Always consider using his back dash to get out whenever you don't feel comfortable, and be wary of using his forward dash since you could very well run right into an attack. Remember you can jump cancel his forward dash into specials like Gustaf and Tiger Magnum.

His go to poke at this distance would be 5C, but he doesn't get much off it in most cases on a regular hit, mostly just going straight into Gustaf. You could also try going for 6C or even Sentinel Dump, the latter loses to multi-hit moves or even jab mash so be careful with just throwing it out. At this range you can also try using j.2C to change your air momentum or possibly get in for pressure unexpectedly.

The anti-airs at this range vary in effectiveness. You could still try 5B as usual though. 2C could be used in some cases where it would seem like they are too far to attempt it with 5B. 6A tends to lose to most air attacks, but it might be effective if used preemptively. 6B is fairly awkward and doesn't seem to be used a lot but I think it needs further testing to see how useful or not it really is.

With this distance between you and the opponent, you could try and use Growler to absorb any projectiles that seem easy to react to. Some characters can immediately follow up their projectiles so you must be careful, even if you absorb it and are invincible you are still giving up pressure to them.

Full-Screen Range:
Azrael is borderline useless at this range. If you get to this range in certain match-ups you are going to have to run a gauntlet of attacks (Mu / Lambda as examples). Use your movement to get out of this range as safely as possible, usually it won't take much to get back to that mid-range but you're accomplishing nothing here until you do.

Phalanx Cannon is one of the few moves that Azrael has that can go full-screen. The problem is you first need to absorb a projectile with Growler. This is easily recognized so the opponent can then expect it coming as well. It does however go through and destroy most if not all other projectiles and even combos into itself or BHS.

Even though BHS can reach practically full-screen, use caution when trying to punish attacks from this range with it. It has practically no invincibility after start-up so any attacks already out will hit him out of it if it is in his line of fire. This move is NOT like Spencer's Bionic Arm.




Offense

Once you are near your opponent you need to try and establish some fear into them. You almost ALWAYS want to get at least one weakpoint from your combos. There are already quite a few combos that actually give both weakpoints, usually if at least one is already applied. With the weakpoints on, Azrael can do big meterless damage, with both he hits like a truck.

Pressure:
Azrael has a few moves that are actually + on block which means his pressure can be relatively safe depending on how you end your strings or what you go for as a mixup. His pressure however is relatively "short" on the actual strings before they end with either your mixup attempt or just playing it safe with a + move.

Your starting pokes for pressure will mostly consist of 5A, 5B, 2A at close-range. 5A is +1, 5B is ±0, 5BB is +5, 2A is +2, and Gustaf is +1. 6C is also +2 but it is mostly used at mid-range, along with 5C/2C/Gustaf. Your pressure strings could typically end with Gustaf, 2C, 5BB, or any of your Drive mix-up attempts/Forward Dash cross through.

Because Azrael is capable of forward dashing through the opponent, has a few + moves, and his j.B is a good cross-up, Azrael's pressure can still be relatively scary even though it can be short and not have the best "mixup". This comes from the fact that there is almost always a fear factor of what he might do, with almost everything leading to good damage if he has a weakpoint applied.

Mix-ups:
For mix-ups you have your Forward Dash which can cross-through the opponent, your Drives which each hit high or low and can lead to damage with a weakpoint or on CH or earn you a weakpoint, 2A/3C which hits low, j.B which is useful for crossing up, RCing moves combined with Forward Dash for a tricky mix-up, and finally CT to catch opponents off-guard. Another tricky thing to do is Sentinel Dump during pressure, if the opponent is crouching it will actually go over them and cross them up, which could prove effective at times. Unfortunately, Azrael's forward dash mix-up can lose to mashing.

Okizeme:
Azrael has no real oki tools (after knockdown>getting a "guaranteed" advantage). Most of the combos will end with 6D/3D, j.D/j.2D, or TCL which knockdown but Azrael has nothing to force the opponent to respect his oki after the fact. You have to guess how they are going to react after getting knocked down and go from there. If the opponent is further away (like after TCL) you can immediately forward dash to make up ground but you aren't really getting any immediate guaranteed mix-up.

Azrael's Sentinel Dump has seen use to beat out tech rolls due to the nature of the move. Even if they try to tech roll forward, Sentinel Dump hits on both sides. If they happen to block it, it is still +12 so you at least don't lose pressure. It doesn't seem to cover all options so you probably can't use it after every single knockdown though, but it is something to consider, particularly in the corner.

You may also choose to try and go for 6D/3D to get the other weakpoint immediately after your air enders if they really don't want to tech, thus making your next combo even more scary. Besides that, you can go for pick-up combos off 2A for extra "Blue Beat" combos as long as the proration wasn't a lot, which can lead to getting both weakpoints as well. Or do 2C to possibly have enough time to actually reset the combo counter.

Using 2A > 5A > j.A after a knockdown can be effective even if they do neutral tech. All of that will actually whiff but as you are in the air and see that you can go for j.B which will actually cross them up at that point. So it works against no tech since it picks them up into an additional Blue Beat combo, but it's also somewhat useful against neutral tech. If they neutral tech>bach dash, the j.B could possibly catch them. This option "loses" to immediate rolls though and more than likely reversals.

If they do actually neutral tech you can go for your mix-ups, so more than likely you'll have to condition them to respect you by hopefully punishing their no tech/rolls.

Meter Usage:
Azrael has various uses for his meter, and there's no definite answer on what you should or shouldn't use it on.

The easiest use of meter would be using BHS as an ender for extra damage to your combos. This is easily setup after TCL or after any Throw. Another interesting thing to note is that if you have both weakpoints applied BHS becomes unblockable on the ground, this can be easily setup if you get the opponent to block 5C (they can Counter Assault/Burst). In most cases you probably only want to use meter for BHS if it will kill, but maybe you might want to do it to gain some momentum as well or take the health lead.

You may also want to consider ending some of your combos with Scud Punishment to use 50% Heat to gain both weakpoints immediately and gain SCP's special weakpoint effect. This is definitely something worth considering as part of your gameplan. This becomes more apparent if you actually have 100% Heat. With 100% you can do things like end combos with SCP, then immediately 5C>BHS into the unblockable setup. This isn't a "frame tight" setup, but it is relatively close it seems.

More advanced uses of meter would be using it to RC combos to get a weakpoint when normally you wouldn't, or to extend combos further off starters that might end short. One specific example would be RCing part of a combo so that you can go into Valiant Crash where you might not be able to normally. Another notable example is RCing after Gustaf and going into 3C>22C combos. Besides that you can RC some blocked attacks to try and get a mix-up, possibly with a forward dash through them.

Another advanced use of meter involves using CT mid-combo to increase damage or to make certain parts of combos possible that otherwise wouldn't be. Of course you could always try and use CT during pressure in hopes to guard break the opponent and get a free combo, but if they have good reactions you just wasted 25%.

Finally with 100% you can easily combo into AH. This is a completely viable option for Azrael, especially now that the burst requirement is removed. If you have the Heat and the opponent's health is at the needed range, there's really no reason not to use it. Use this to your advantage.




Defense

Defensively Azrael has a few options that really help him out of a tight situation.

First off, Azrael has a not-so-typical reversal. That is "Growler Field" performed with 214B and is chargeable. It has some start-up invincibility so it can be a reversal as stated but is Head, Body, Foot invul, which means it can be thrown(In reality however, it cannot be thrown). On hit it sends the opponent flying away from Azrael, which in retrospect can be counter-productive in some match-ups but at least it is better than them being right on top of you on offense. While it is active any projectiles or projectile property moves will be absorbed with up to 3 stocks, and Azrael is invincible during the absorbing animation. The move itself can be punished like any other reversal, so use it wisely.

  • Special Note - In certain match-ups (like Taokaka), Growler can be punished ON HIT (non-CH) because of the way the move works and some character's ability to get in quickly even after teching. Taokaka was able to get a CH combo that did 4.7k meterless+oki. So you really need to think before using it.



The second thing to consider is that Azrael has a really good backdash. Knowing this you can get out of a lot of situations by simply blocking/IBing and knowing when you can escape. Or just back dashing to avoid things entirely in a "defensively neutral" situation just to try and be safe.

If you are getting pressured you can also use Azrael's Counter Assault with 50% Heat. Nothing too special about it.

One other thing to note, Black Hawk Stinger has practically NO invincibility after start-up, so DO NOT try to use this as a reversal. Scud Punishment does have some invincibility but if you think they are going to do something you should just use Growler (and RCing it if needed). Azrael's Astral does have some invincibility on start-up and is relatively fast so it may work as a situational reversal as well if you really want to bet it all on that.




Combos

  • For more in-depth combos and information, please visit this thread:

http://www.dustloop.com/forums/showthread.php?15328-CP-Azrael-Combo-Thread

  • Notation Used
  • jc = Jump Cancel
  • RC = Rapid Cancel
  • CH = Counter Hit
  • IAD = Instant Air Dash
  • OD = Overdrive
  • (a>b)*X = Do These Inputs X Number of Times In A Row
  • [X] = Press/Hold? This Direction After Input
  • Forward Throw = 6B+C
  • Back Throw = 4B+C
  • Air Throw = B+C in Midair
  • UW = Upper Weakpoint Applied
  • LW = Lower Weakpoint Applied
  • TCL = Tiger > Cobra > Leopard = 236C>46C>6C (TC = Tiger>Cobra)
  • BHS = Black Hawk Stinger = 236236D


  • These combos are taken from this video. (Not listed in shown order)
Azrael Combos (Revisited) [By: けーご(Ke-Go)]

Mid-screen

  • (5A) > 5A > 5B > 5BB > TCL = 2164
  • 5A > 5B > 2C > 6D/3D = 1784
  • UW 5A > 5B > 2C > 6D > TCL > 3D = 3155
  • UW LW 5B > 2C > 6D > 6A > forward dash > 5B > TCL > 3D > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = ~5100
  • UW LW 5B > 2C > 3D > 236D > ([6]>5C)*4 > 6A > 3C > 5D = 4895
  • CH 3D > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.2D > TCL > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = 4519
  • j.B > 2B > TCL = ~2200
  • Forward Throw > 6A > IAD j.C > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = ~3200
  • Forward Throw > 6A > forward dash > 5C > TCL > 3D = 3536
  • Back Throw > TCL > 3D = 2967
  • UW Back Throw > 236D > ([6]>5C)*4 > 6A > 3C > 22C > 2C > 6D = 4228
  • Air Throw > 2A > 5A > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = 2405


  • Forward Throw > 6A > IAD j.C > 214D > 5A > TC > 236D = ~3300? / Both Weakpoints
  • UW 3C > 22C > 5B > 2C > 6D > 236D > 5A > j.A > j.C > jc j.2D = 3214 / Both Weakpoints
  • UW 236D > ([6]>5C)*3 > [6] > 6C > [6] > j.C > 214D > 5A > j.A > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = ~4100 / Both Weakpoints


50%:

  • 5A > 5B > 5BB > TCL > BHS = ~3500
  • UW 5B > 5BB > TCL > RC > forward dash > 236D > ([6]>5C)*4 > 6A > 3C > 5D = 4697
  • UW 5C > 236A > RC > 236D > ([6]>5C)*4 > 6A > 3C > 5D = ~4700
  • TCL > RC > IAD j.C > 6A > 2C > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = 4181
  • UW TCL > RC > 236D > ([6]>5C)*4 > 6A > 3C > 22C > 2C > 6D = 5168


100% + OD w/ 50% Health

  • UW TCL > RC > IAD j.C > OD > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D > 5D > 236D > ([6]>5C)*4 > 6A > 3C > BHS = 7014


Crouching:

  • 5A > 5B > 3C > 22C > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = ~2600



Near-Corner

  • 5A > 5B > TCL > 5A > j.A > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = ~2900
  • 5B > 3C > 22C > 2C > 2B > TCL > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = ~3800
  • 3C > 22C > 2C > 2B > TCL > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = 3264



Corner

  • 5A > 5B > 2C > 5B > TC > 5A > j.A > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = ~2700
  • UW 5A > 5B > 2C > 2B > TC > 236D > ([6]>5C)*3 > [6] > 6C > [6] > j.C > jc j.D = 3603
  • 5B > 2C > 2B > TCL > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = 3578
  • UW 5B > 2C > 2B > TCL > 236D > ([6]>5C)*4 > 6A > 3C > 5D = 4228
  • UW 6D > 5B > 2C > 2B > TCL > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = 4254


50%:

  • (5A) > 5A > 5B > 2C > 2B > TCL > 5B > BHS = 3779
  • 5B > 5BB > TCL > RC > 5B > 2C > 5B > j.B > j.C > jc j.D = 3742
  • UW 6D > 5B > sj.C > j.D > RC > j.C > 214D > 5A > TC > 236D > ([6]>5C)*4 > 6A > 3C > 5D = 5001


100%

  • UW 5A > 5B > TCL > RC > ([6]>5C)*4 > 6A > 3C > BHS = ~5200
  • UW 6D > 5B > sj.C > j.D > RC > j.C > 214D > 5A > TC > 236D > ([6]>5C)*4 > 6A > 3C > 3D > BHS = 6275



Videos

  • For Match Videos please visit this thread:

http://www.dustloop.com/forums/showthread.php?15327-CP-Azrael-Video-Thread

Azrael Combos [By: tkrn]
Azrael Combos [By: ぶーちゃん (Bu-chan)]
Azrael Combos [By: けーご (Ke-Go)]
Azrael Combos (Revisited) [By: けーご (Ke-Go)]
Azrael 5B OverDrive Combos [By: Q]
Azrael Combos (Part 1) [By: 藤@残心失敗 (Fuji)]
Azrael Combos (Part 2) [By: 藤@残心失敗 (Fuji)]



Colors

Default Colors

AzraelDefaultColors.png


Extra Colors

AzraelExtraColors.png


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