I think Predator is the kind of character I was looking for. His staff strings and d(whatever #) have great range. It looks like his NJP and d2 are great. Reducing or just completely negating chip matches exactly what I plan on doing with the character. Who's ready for Timer scam wins? lol. That mixed with his ex lunge having armor and launching plus being able to put out lex traps he might have one of the best neutral if you can make good reads and have nice reactions.
I'll probably use the trap variation the most. I'm thinking about max juggle limit combos in the corner and end with trap and just let them fall. If delay wakeup doesn't activate it then that's automatic armor break if you can time your normals right. In some matchups I can see that heal being used quite a bit. Being able to eat one more special move could mean the win.
The HQT variation might be fun if it gives me a sort of Deathstroke feel. I think the laser shot and laser aim are two different moves. It says he gains 2 moves at the variation select and they only showed those 2 things. I'm thinking these might lead to some risky 50/50s if you can condition the opponent correctly. The combos with laser seemed cool for not only corner damage but wall carry also. (Shoutouts to
@SaltShaker for pointing that out in a different thread,) These is probably the least WOW-ing variation imo.
The warrior variation is the least intriguing to me gameplay wise besides the self destruct move. I think the self destruct is where Predator's damage is going to max out with. Having a raw overhead special and a mid special that both lead to combos when EXed definitely gives a offensive taste. These tools coupled with reduced chip and disc traps might make him an offensive character who can easily regain the upper hand in the neutral position.
Honestly it feels like they made a slightly different but in some ways better sub zero. All variations can negate chip with meter, use tracking traps and have an armored lunge that can combo and switch sides when needed. Hunter's traps might be a better clone and if so I wonder if that'll get a nerf. Have to confirm if they go away on block. Both sub zero and Predator have an ex trap that wouldn't really be used on block. Unless Predator's is safe Kappa. The possible 50/50s remind me of cryomancer. I'm sure there are places you would use Sub zero and not Predator, he is just the character that came to mind when I saw what Predator had.
I'm super hyped and finished typing this up in the pre-release thread but it got closed. Don't want to feel like it's wasted. Is it ok for it to go here?
EDIT: Just wanted to say this is ALL SPECULATION. I'm just watching the kombast kast a few times and decided to write up my initial thoughts. I'm also on PC so I have the wonderful privilege of watching everyone play him before me for an undisclosed amount of time. . . .
