Description
In fighting games, a 'Soft Knockdown' refers to a situation where a character is knocked down, but the recovery time is short, allowing the player to get back into the action quickly. Unlike a 'Hard Knockdown,' where the character stays down longer and is more vulnerable, a soft knockdown allows for a faster return to a neutral or defensive position. This mechanic adds layers to the game's strategy, as players must decide how to follow up their attacks and how to defend against quick recoveries. Soft knockdowns are commonly used to maintain the game's pace and encourage continuous engagement between players.
Examples
- In 'Street Fighter V', when Ryu's crouching medium kick knocks down an opponent, they can get up quickly, making it a soft knockdown. The opponent can choose to perform a quick rise, which makes the gameplay more dynamic.
- In 'Tekken 7', many characters have moves that cause soft knockdowns. For instance, Kazuya's 'Steel Pedal Drop' will knock opponents down, but they can roll back or get up immediately, keeping the match fluid and fast-paced.
Additional Information
- Soft knockdowns are used to balance games by preventing overly long combos.
- They require players to be quick and strategic in their follow-ups to maintain pressure or regain footing.