Makoto in Street Fighter offers a unique and aggressive gameplay style that heavily relies on understanding movement, particularly the balance between walking and dashing. For players new to Makoto, or those looking to refine their approach, mastering her movement options is key to unlocking her offensive potential.
One of the first things players notice about Makoto is her deliberate walk speed. While walking can be useful for minor positional adjustments, it’s not her strength for closing distances, especially against opponents who prefer to keep you at bay. Characters who excel at zoning or grappling might not be intimidated by a slow walk approach.
This is where Makoto’s exceptional forward dash becomes crucial. It’s a rapid and effective tool for closing gaps and getting into striking range quickly. When you aim to get “personal” with your opponent and initiate your offensive pressure, dashing is often the recommended method. However, smart Makoto players must also be mindful of when not to dash. Against opponents anticipating a dash with moves like a “tiger shot” projectile or a command grab with a fast startup, dashing can be easily punished.
Understanding when to walk and, more importantly, when to dash is a crucial element of playing Makoto effectively. Unlike characters with simpler game plans such as Guile, who focuses on maintaining distance, Makoto thrives in close-quarters combat. Her game revolves around knocking down the opponent and capitalizing on the ensuing okizeme, or wake-up game pressure. She aims to control the opponent’s options upon waking up and dictate the pace of the fight.
While characters like Cammy might present a different set of challenges with their rushdown and evasive maneuvers, Makoto distinguishes herself as a more “honest” character. She possesses clear strengths, such as her formidable okizeme, but also defined weaknesses, like struggling to escape the corner once pressured. This contrasts with the perception of some characters who might appear to have fewer exploitable weak points.
To truly maximize Makoto’s potential, learning her setups and offensive sequences is paramount. This is a significant aspect that sets her apart from a large portion of the Street Fighter cast. While a character like Ryu might function effectively with a more fundamental approach, and Guile can implement a straightforward keep-away strategy, Makoto demands a deeper understanding of her tools and how to apply them in specific situations. She isn’t simply played like Ryu; her aggressive nature and reliance on close-range pressure and setups define her unique and rewarding gameplay.
