Rashid is one of the brand new characters introduced in Street Fighter V and his unique approach to combat is one that can make a champion out of anyone who uses him correctly. Rashid isn’t one of the stronger fighter in the game, but with a focus on large combos, and the ability to move around much more freely than others, he is just as deadly as anyone else.
Rashid has a projectile move, but it has very little forward range and is best used against up-close or aerial opponents. His ability to get out of danger lends to his usefulness as a tricky aggressor. The ability to constantly jump about and switch sides on the screen makes Rashid one of the most mobile characters in the game.
Newcomers may like him for his defensive capabilities, but he isn’t the easiest to use. So take care when choosing Rashid and be attentive to your opponents moves.
Special Moves
Rashid’s one projectile is the Whirlwind Shot. It’s a low kick that creates a miniature tornado that continues to hit the enemy. When fired, it moves just in front of Rashid before rising up into the air. This makes it useful against enemies either directly in front of you or jumping towards you. It is completely useless against anyone else. Since it is a low attack, though, it is perfect if you need to break the guard of someone you have pinned against the wall.
The Eagle spike attack is a flying kick that is both fast and powerful. It can hit a target at close to mid range and is even useful at closing distances. The Spinning Mixer, however, is Rashid’s only punch special. It sends him spinning at opponents rapidly, and can be extended by continuously tapping Punch for a total combo of 11 hits. Using the EX Spinning Mixer (by pressing two Punch buttons instead of one), the combo will lift the enemy into the air as well as cause more damage.
Both the Whirlwind Shot and the Spinning Mixer are quite useful at beginning and continuing combinations. Neither one does an exceptional amount of damage, but since they both cause multiple hits they are insanely good at filling your opponents stun meter, leading to even more devastation.
V-System
Rashid is all about getting the heck out of trouble after doing his damage. With that being said, his dodge ability (M. Punch + M. Kick) can be used in three different ways. The standard form allows him to do a somersault over an incoming projectile or even over his opponent. It’s perfect for getting out of a corner, or just to keep an enemy guessing.
If you input the dodge while ducking, however, Rashid will roll towards them, putting himself in striking range. This can be countered if a player is expecting it, but it is a wonderful ace to have up your sleeve. The final way to use this ability is to strike at your enemy mid somersault. Depending on when you hit the Kick button, you can hit High, Mid, or Low. It’s a good way to get back into action instead of just running and is often unexpected.
You can also jump off of walls using Rashid, which adds to his elusive ways.
Rashid’s V-Trigger, Ysaar, is not an escape maneuver. In fact, it is a close range attack that launches your opponent into the air on a swirl of wind. It’s powerful, but easily dodged and requires you to be right near your opponent. So don’t get too trigger happy and be patient.
Critical Art
Like his V-Trigger, Rashid’s Critical Art also requires close proximity to connect. Altair starts off as a powerful Spinning Mixer but then transforms into a tornado of sharp kicks in mid-air. It’s very stylish looking, but the need to catch your enemy completely off guard can make this pretty difficult to use.
Out of all of the characters, Rashid is easily the one who should rely on his Critical Art the least. Instead, use your EX meter for powering up his Special Moves since those will keep him on the move and in opponents faces.
Rashid is best utilized when you can move around, and shouldn’t be picked if you plan on just waiting to unleash his Critical Art. He can do quite well relying solely on his Special Moves and ability to dodge.
Published: Feb 18, 2016 04:00 pm