Shonen Smash Guide – As Shonen Smash launches, you’re probably eager to dive into the action. Whether you’ve just booted up the game or are deep into your first battles, this guide will walk you through the essentials to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience. While I’ve only had about four hours of playtime, I’ve gathered enough information to provide you with a comprehensive overview. So, let’s get started!
What is Shonen Smash?
When you first load into Shonen Smash, you’ll find yourself in a lobby, possibly within a test server if you’re playing early. Here, you can choose to jump straight into public matches by standing on a large pad, or you can create private lobbies for a more personalized experience with friends.
The game offers several modes, and while these are fairly self-explanatory, you can tweak them using sliders to adjust your gameplay preferences. Additionally, you’ll find a variety of maps to choose from, each offering unique environments to battle in.
Upon starting, you may notice banners offering characters, emotes, and skins. At the time of recording, all starter characters were free to choose from, but this could change upon official release. If you only have one character available, consider summoning on the banner, as every character in this game is worth having.
Shonen Smash Combat Basics
Controls
Understanding the controls is crucial to mastering Shonen Smash. The default keyboard controls include:
- Light Attack (J)
- Special Attack (K)
- Guard (L)
- Drive (M)
- Taunt (N)
For those who prefer mouse controls, here’s how they map out:
- Attack (M1)
- Special Attack (M2)
- Guard (M3)
- Drive (F)
- Taunt (R)
These controls can be customized to suit your playstyle, so don’t hesitate to tweak them in the settings.
Shonen Smash Guide Characters and Combat Tips
Shonen Smash features 11 characters, each with unique abilities. The gameplay is similar to Super Smash Bros., where every character is viable—it’s all about how much time you invest in mastering their skills. Each character comes with a set of light attacks and specials that can be executed in various directions.
For instance, pressing J without moving performs a neutral light attack, while pressing W + J triggers an upward attack. Specials work similarly, with K used for neutral specials and direction keys modifying the attacks.
Characters also have ultimate abilities, activated by pressing M. Some characters enter a special mode, enhancing their attacks and adding new abilities. Mastering these ultimates is key to dominating in matches.
Defense in Shonen Smash is just as important as offense. You have several defensive options at your disposal:
- Blocking (L): Blocks incoming attacks but can be broken if overused.
- Perfect Block: Block just as an attack lands to briefly slow down the game, giving you a counterattack opportunity.
- Dodging (A/D + L): Move out of the way of attacks, useful both on the ground and in the air. Overusing dodge slows your movement, making you vulnerable.
Certain characters also have Q dashes when in mode, allowing for quick, strategic repositioning during fights. For more tips:
- Experiment with Characters: Don’t just stick to one character. Try different ones to find who suits your playstyle best.
- Master Your Combos: Each character’s combo potential is vast. Spend time learning the timing and execution of combos.
- Use Specials Wisely: Specials can turn the tide of battle, but they often have cooldowns.
Shonen Smash is an exciting and accessible game with a lot to offer. Whether you’re new to fighting games or a seasoned veteran, there’s something here for everyone. The key to success lies in experimenting with characters, mastering the controls, and understanding the mechanics of the game. Above all, have fun and enjoy the chaotic battles that await you! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it and dive back into the fray with newfound confidence.