War Machine's Strategy

War Machine is a very underestimated character. People see him as slow and good for nothing but keep away. However, in addition to his incredible defensive skills, War Machine's throw range helps him to land those powerful comboable throws of his. Surprise, mind games and block damage are the things that a War Machine player must use to win.

Advantages

  • War Machine has all the moves that it takes to play a great game of keep away. He's got the chipping Shoulder Cannons, he's got the anti air repulsor blast. He also has a throw that sends his opponents across the screen and the ability to fly when necessary.

  • Wether it's a normal attack, a special move or a super, all of War Machine's attacks do good damage. He won't need to pull off any long, complicated combos because he can kill by getting his short and powerful combos to connect. Skilled WM players will be able to squeeze some awesome combos out of him for mega damage though, so don't count him out if you like flashiness.

    Disadvantages

  • War Machine isn't the best at taking hits. Attacks on him do slightly more than average damage. This is weird cause you'd think that a guy in a metal suit would be hurt less by a punch than someone like Ryu, who is only wearing a karate gi.

  • Most of War Machine's moves will leave him extremely vulnerable to counter attack if they are blocked or if he misses. Make sure that they connect or he'll be ina world of hurt.

  • War Machine has a hard time setting up dashing ground combos because his quick moves have very little range or priority. While dashing in, he can use a S.Short but he must be right next to his opponent to connect with a launcher.

    Offense

  • To effectively play keep away with War Machine, mix up all of his attacks and try not to get too predictable . Use different Shoulder Cannon strengths so that they can't anticipate his recovery delay. Resort to flying and air striking with the Smart bombs once in a while. Then use the repulsor blast or one of his throws when the opponent gets too close for comfort. Personally though, I don't like playing keep away. It's boring.

  • Remember that War Machine can OTG after a Fierce throw into the corner. Tack on some extra hits for some easy extra damage.

  • War Machine's Knee Stomp and J.Fierce are his best jump in attacks. You could also use a Smart Bomb beforehand to score some additional damage and to prevent him from getting hit by anti air moves. When jumping in, never use anything but a Knee Stomp, J.DN.Fierce combo. It's all you'll ever need.

  • Never pull out the Proton Cannon out of nowhere. Make sure it connects or War Machine will be as good as dead. Why? Well, the recovery delay on that move is horrible and it gives the opponent a big opportunity to counter attack. The best way to set this move up is with a helper attack. It's cheesy but effective.

  • If you must do block damage, the War Destroyer is a better choice. It leaves him very safe and chips just as much lifebar as the Proton Cannon. Try to catch em in the air for maximum damage.

    Defense

  • In additon to his Repulsor Blast, War Machine's got his trusty 90 degree kick to use for air defense. This move is simply impenetrable because it covers his entire body like an umbrella. Since it's his launcher, it can be easily followed up with a War Detroyer or an AC.

    Onslaught

  • First Form - Against Onslaught's first form, basically stick to the general strategy. Block a lot and whenever he pulls off a Mega Optic Blast, just Crouch under him and Jab a lot. You could also fly behind him to pull off some standing combos. I haven't tried this myself but I'm sure that he could just fly up and airstrike Onslaught with his Smart Bombs. Just watch out for the Hyper Gravs.

  • Second Form - Whenver you see an opening, hit him with either of War Machine's supers. The Proton Cannon is recommended because it does more damage. When you don't have a super meter charged, just jump and hit him with a Fierce. Don't try any Shoulder Cannons cause it'll leave him vulnerable to those eye beams. Do not use his flight ability against Ultima Onslaught because the Eye beam pillars will still reach him.

    Fighting War Machine

  • Learn his pattern. Keep away players tend to fall into patterns of repeating moves over and over again. Once you figure it out, you can counter. If your character doesn't have a fast counter attack, use a character switch.

  • Don't try to jump in on him to much. War Machine has very effective anti air attacks. If you get hit by that launcher, you'll be in for a War Destroyer. If you're hit by the Repulsor Blast, you could possibly be OTG'd.

  • Learn to tech hit. War Machine's throws are very painful and will set up OTG combos. However, his Fierce throw is very easy to tech hit out of because he has to hold you for so long.

  • If you see him pull off a Proton Cannon, wait it out and immediately pull off your best counter attack when the beam stops. War Machine is unable to move for a full half second after the super. leaving him extremely vulnerable.

    1