Return Attacks
Return Attacks are the next step in standard defense and fall under three categories:
Reversal
Inashi
Sabaki
Only one character, Jeffry, in VF5 doesn't have some kind of Return Attack, whereas every other character has at least one of the skills. If used properly, the opponent's momentum is lost and matches can be won.
But with that in mind, these aren't “instant win!” moves in any way. Like nearly all moves, they must be used in a wise manner, or rather, by predicting your opponent's actions (yomi).
Reversal
A Reversal is a motion that when successful will stop an incoming attack and automatically hit back, usually inflicting damage and resulting in a knockdown. However, there are some cases where the reversal inflicts no damage, doesn't knock down and instead sets up for another followup, such as Aoi's circular kick reversals.
Reversals are specific to Attack Class as well as Attack Level. For instance, Vanessa can reverse a mid hitting Punch with , but she cannot reverse a mid hitting Elbow.
Inputs for reversals are universal:
Attack Level Reversal
high
mid
low
Reversals are unique to the characters that have them. That is, not every character has them, and those that do can't necessarily reverse every type of attack.
An exception to the universal input for reversals is Lei-Fei. He has an automatic (or passive) reversal during his stance. While he is neutral in this stance he can reverse high punches, mid punches, low punches, and even elbows, without the need of further inputs (passive).
Damage from Reversals can vary. Some reversals can have their damage reduced with a Just Recovery upon falling (Akira's reversals). Some reversals can have their damage reduced by “escaping” a portion (Vanessa's High and Mid Punch reversals).
Reversals are detailed, with damage and attack class/level, in the VFDC Command Lists for characters that have them.
Inashi
An Inashi is a motion that when successful will parry or deflect an incoming attack. The inashi typically does little to no damage, and instead of knocking down the opponent, will result in some frame advantage sometimes enough to guarantee a followup attack, or may allow for a continuation attack.
Inashi are specific to Attack Class as well as Attack Level.
An example of an Inashi is Aoi's . The purpose of this Inashi isn't to inflict damage but to deflect an attack, giving you enough frame advantage to guarantee a followup attack.
Another example is Pai's high and mid Inashi. These kind of behave like reversals, inflict small damage and give frame advantage by staggering the opponent. When the opponent is staggered, they may struggle to reduce this frame advantage.
Jacky and Vanessa (in Defensive Stance only) have special types of Inashi. When standing neutral they will automatically “hold” any high or mid Punch from the opponent. During this “hold” they can apply a continuation attack.
Sabaki
A Sabaki is a regular attack or motion with attack-deflection properties. The main difference between Sabaki and Reversal/Inashi is that the Sabaki will always animate regardless of the opponent's action, whereas a Reversal or Inashi will only activate when it connects successfully against an opponent's attack.
Sabaki are also specific to Attack Class as well as Attack Level.
Sabaki can be further classified as two types:
Sabaki-attack: as the name suggests, is a regular attack with attack-deflection properties. On its own it can be used just like any other attack.
Sabaki-reversal: are motions which will reverse an opponents attack, usually with no damage.
Some Sabaki-reversals, when successful, allow for a continuation attack. An example is Goh's . It can Sabaki high and mid punches and elbows and gives Goh two options: use the frame advantage, which is based upon the timing of the input in relation the the opponent's attack, or to lead to Tsukami (>).
Other examples of Sabaki-reversals are Vanessa's and Goh's . When successful they give frame advantage. Even if the Sabaki isn't sucessful, they're in a crouched position, where they can mix up their offensive.
Finally, Akira has which will Sabaki high Punches, high Kicks and low Punches. When successful, he can apply a continuation attack , which will crumple the opponent, allowing for a combo opportunity.
Another great use is their ability to beat Nitaku situations. As Aoi and Lei Fei's , Akira's , and Goh's beat (or clash with) throws and Sabaki elbow class attacks.
In other words, due to their deflective properties, Sabakis can be applied when you're disadvantaged where you wouldn't otherwise use a normal attack. Turn the tables on your opponent!
Application of Return Attacks
With the need for you to correctly guess not only the attack class but also the attack level, coupled with the unpredictability of a human opponent, Return Attacks in general can be seen as more of a burden than an asset to your character's movelist. They certainly aren't “instant win!” techniques.
But not all is bad, they have their place if you choose to use them wisely!
If your opponent uses a string you know well or abuses the same attack or setup, it becomes a useful “Stop That!” Some lead to quick knockdowns or guaranteed advantage for further, sometimes large, damage.
Several may even have a niche of usage and could even be anti-character. For example, Brad's can reverse all classes of mid hitting Kicks, which include side kicks, and full circular mid kicks. Because of this, he can reverse all mid rising kicks and shut down Vanessa's Defense Stance range game by being able to reverse her indispensable and her signature .
While you are performing a Reversal, Inashi or Sabaki-reversal, you're vulnerable to being thrown! So while performing it, a good habit to develop is to buffer in a Throw Escape or two. This is discussed in more detail in the Defensive Techniques section.
In summary: They can be high risk for little reward, but with correct yomi and extensive knowledge, they can find their way into your game and help you shut down a predictable opponent.
Plus they look cool.
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