does setplay exist in platform fighters

Yulia Chive

2 min read

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07-12-2024

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Does Setplay Exist in Platform Fighters? A Deep Dive

Platform fighters, like Super Smash Bros., Rivals of Aether, and MultiVersus, are known for their chaotic, fast-paced gameplay. But beneath the surface of seemingly random button-mashing, a sophisticated layer of strategy exists – often referred to as "setplay." While not as rigidly defined as in fighting games like Street Fighter or Tekken, the principles of setplay absolutely apply, albeit in a more nuanced and adaptable way.

Understanding Setplay Fundamentals

In fighting games, setplay typically involves a pre-planned sequence of actions designed to create an advantageous situation. This might include a specific combo, a mix-up to exploit a defensive weakness, or a strategic approach to zoning and controlling space.

Setplay in Platform Fighters: A Different Beast

Platform fighters introduce significant complexities that differentiate their setplay from traditional fighting games. These include:

• Stage Control: The dynamic nature of the stage, with platforms and ledges, drastically alters the flow of combat. Setplay often focuses on controlling these vertical elements to create advantageous positions. A well-timed edge-guard, for example, is a form of setplay.

• Recovery Options: Characters possess diverse recovery options, creating opportunities and vulnerabilities for setplay. Predicting and exploiting a character's recovery is crucial for securing KOs.

• Item Influence: Many platform fighters incorporate items, introducing a significant element of randomness that challenges predetermined setplay. However, skilled players can adapt their strategies to incorporate item usage into their overall game plan, making it a component of their setplay.

• Team Dynamics (in team-based games): Team-based platform fighters introduce another layer of complexity. Setplay in these games often involves coordinating actions between teammates to create synergistic opportunities. This might involve one player setting up a stage control advantage, while the other capitalizes on it with a powerful attack.

Examples of Setplay in Platform Fighters:

• Edge-guarding: Predicting an opponent's recovery and intercepting them before they can safely return to the stage. This involves understanding their movement options and timing your attacks precisely.

• Stage control using projectiles: Using projectiles to zone out your opponent and control the neutral game, forcing them to approach on your terms.

• Specific character interactions: Exploiting weaknesses or synergies between specific character matchups. For example, understanding how to exploit a character's slow movement speed or predictable recovery.

• Combo extensions: While not as extensive or consistent as in traditional fighters, some platform fighters allow for complex combos that form part of a larger setplay strategy.

• Baiting and Punishing: Luring your opponent into a predictable action (like a poorly timed attack) and punishing them with a devastating counter-attack. This relies on reading your opponent's tendencies and adapting your setplay accordingly.

The Role of Adaptation and Improvisation

Unlike the precise execution of combos in traditional fighting games, successful setplay in platform fighters often requires adaptability and improvisation. The unpredictable nature of the game means that perfectly executed plans can easily be disrupted. Successful players learn to adjust their strategies on the fly, based on their opponent's actions and the ever-changing dynamics of the stage.

Conclusion:

Setplay definitively exists within the realm of platform fighters, although its manifestation is more fluid and reactive than in traditional fighting games. It's less about strict, pre-determined sequences and more about understanding the game's mechanics, anticipating your opponent's actions, and strategically maneuvering yourself and your character to gain an advantage. Mastering this nuanced form of setplay is key to reaching high levels of competitive play in the world of platform fighters.