Quick Links
- Learning The Unique Mechanics
- Use Simple And Motion Inputs
- Try Every Character And Learn Them
- Spend Time In Training Mode Learning Combos
- Always Mix Up Your Opponents
Fan games based on content creators pop up all the time, so you naturally end up with fighting games like Idol Showdown. You can choose from their favorite Hololive streamers, play as them, and experience a fun combat system. The game emphasizes combos and out-maneuvering your opponents, so it can quickly become complex and challenging.
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Even though you only have eight characters to play, each has a unique move set and varying combos. You may also struggle with the different mechanics in place, so ensure you look through a guide. Doing so can help you see what the game offers, how to get better, and which points to remember.
Learning The Unique Mechanics
Idol Showdown has some unique mechanics that make it stand out and a fun fighting game. While you'll encounter some mechanics from other games, such as burst and motion inputs, you have other mechanics that make this game unique.
For example, you have Instant Block, which lets you take less damage while getting less pushback if you time your button press with the attack.
The game also offers a unique mechanic known as Super Chat canceling, which lets you use your Super Chat meter to cancel your special moves, allowing you to extend your combos.
Super Star moves allow you to fill up your Super Star meter. Don't forge tthat you can input down, down, and special to fill the meter quickly while performing a unique move.
Your Collab characters can be used to offer assists and special moves, and can even make use of your Super Meter, which you do by pressing light and heavy simultaneously. With that in mind, you have multiple ways to spend your meter, so it comes down to what you need.
For instance, calling a Collab would be better if you're behind in the match and need to use them to get the opponent off you. On the other hand, Super Chat canceling might be better if you're ahead and want to extend your combos. The same applies to using Burst to get some breathing room.
Use Simple And Motion Inputs
The game has two input modes: traditional and simple. Each has its benefits, so you should get into the habit of using both options.
If you're not familiar with motion inputs from other fighting games, they involve moving your control stick or pressing the buttons in a way that mimics a motion. You only have to worry about three motion inputs in Idol Showdown: quarter-circle forward, quarter-circle backward, and down, down, special.
The inputs are based on a character on the left side with the opponent on the right. You have to mirror the inputs if you're on the other side.
The Input Type
How To Perform It
Quarter-Circle Forward
Press down, down-left, left, and finish with the button. You can either press them or if you're playing with an analogue stick or arcade stick, you can flick the stick down and roll it to the right side.
Quarter-Circle Backward
Press down, down-right, right, and finish with the button. As with the previous one, you can roll your control stick from the down position to the left.
Down, Down Special
Simply press down twice in quick succession, followed by the button. You must press the button after the second down, not at the same time.
You can make the inputs easier by pressing forward special, back special, and just special. While the simple inputs are easier to input, they won't help you fill your Super Star meter the same way a motion input does.
On the other hand, the simple inputs make combos easier to perform, so feel free to use both. Doing so can help you perform challenging combos while also building meter if you can complete the specific inputs.
The simple inputs always perform the light versions of the moves, so if you want the medium or heavy versions, you must use the motion inputs.
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Try Every Character And Learn Them
Some fighting games have a large roster that makes it challenging to try everyone out. However, Idol Showdown only has eight playable characters, so spend some time playing as each of them.
Doing so will let you see how each character plays, try their moves, and identify their limitations. Even if you intend to play one character, you can learn their play styles to learn their weaknesses and work around their moves.
For instance, Kiryu Coco has a powerful grab that does severe damage, but if you can avoid it, you can land a free combo. On the other hand, Shihiro Botan has excellent projectiles, so she may struggle if you get close to her.
You should also try out the various Collabs to see what you like. Houshou Marine can keep opponents in place, while Roboco can shoot missiles to assist you. See which combinations work best for your character and playstyle.
Spend Time In Training Mode Learning Combos
Every character has a basic combo they can perform: light, medium, and heavy in certain special moves. You can learn to connect different attacks and specials to deal significant damage. For instance, Nakiri Ayane can do a light, medium, heavy, crouching heavy, quarter-circle forward medium.
However, many of these combos require you to practice them and develop some muscle memory. Spend time in training mode to learn how to connect various combos. You should come up with standard combos, one-meter combos, and two-meter combos for multiple situations.
Combo Type
The Advantages
The Disadvantages
Standard
It doesn't cost any meter and deals decent damage. It also helps you build meter.
It has the lowest damage output, so you must return to neutral and keep fighting.
One-Meter
It's the most resource-efficient combo type. You deal significant damage while having one bar left over for later use.
It doesn't deal the most damage, so it may not finish off opponents.
Two-Meter
It deals the most damage and takes advantage of the high damage output of your Super Star attack. You can finish off low-health opponents.
This one costs the most resources, and it's not as resource efficient as one-meter combos.
Ensure you get a feel for these combos and test out ideas to use them in a fight.
See if you can perform the combo ten times in a row without messing up. Doing so is a good indication you have it memorized.
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Always Mix Up Your Opponents
While you have combos to fight your opponents, you must develop mix-ups – the ability to press attacks from different angles – to succeed. If you always start a combo with a jumping heavy attack, the opponent knows to block high whenever you jump.
If you want to throw off the enemy, you can jump in the air, let them block, and perform a grab as soon as you land. You can also not attack in the air and immediately go for a low hit, or jump straight up to scare them.
The same applies to cross-ups, which refer to attacks that can hit in front or behind the opponent, depending on where you are when you land the hit. Since Idol Showdown has you hold back to block, if you can land a hit in the right spot, they may not block it, allowing you to perform a long combo.
You can also mix up your defensive options to keep yourself safe. Don't always mash a burst if you get into a combo, since you may not have it when needed.
On top of that, if you keep blocking every time the opponent jumps in, they'll adapt to your strategy. Try to go for an anti-air instead since they can't block in the air, walk backward, or go for a grab when they land. Doing so will lead to mind games, where you and the opponent try to predict each other, making it a more exciting match.
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