Description
In the world of fighting games, a Dragon Punch (DP) is a special move known for its invincibility frames, making it a powerful tool for countering aerial attacks and interrupting opponents. Originally coined from Ryu's iconic 'Shoryuken' in Street Fighter, the term has since been generalized to describe similar moves across various fighting game franchises. Dragon Punches are characterized by a rising motion, often delivering a powerful, upward strike. These moves are high-risk because if they miss or are blocked, the player is left vulnerable to counterattacks. However, when executed correctly, they can turn the tide of a match by stopping aggressive opponents in their tracks. Players often use DPs to punish jumps, break through pressure tactics, or as a last-ditch effort to escape a tight situation.
Examples
- Ryu's Shoryuken in Street Fighter: This is the quintessential Dragon Punch, featuring a leaping uppercut that has both high damage and invincibility on startup.
- Kazuya's Rising Uppercut in Tekken: A similar move that offers invincibility frames and can be used to counter both ground and air attacks, although it leaves Kazuya open if missed.
Additional Information
- Dragon Punches are generally mapped to a forward, down, down-forward motion combined with a punch button.
- While highly effective, over-reliance on DPs can be risky as experienced players can bait and punish them.