Pokken Tournament DX/Gauges

Introduction

Arguably the core element of Pokken’s gameplay is Synergy Power. Characters can collect Synergy Power throughout the match in order to fill up their Synergy Gauge. Once this gauge fills up, a powerful Synergy Burst mode can be activated for a duration of time. In addition to various character-specific enhancements, a devastating Burst Attack can be unleashed when in Burst. Each BA has different properties, but they can completely change the course of a match. While not an overly centralizing comeback mechanic, Synergy Power can allow players at a disadvantage to retake a lead.

Synergy Gauge

Bordering each player icon is a gauge that fills up periodically throughout the match - this is the Synergy Gauge. As you collect Synergy Power, this gauge will periodically fill up. Each character’s gauge has a different size, meaning that a variable amount of Synergy Power is required to reach max capacity depending on the character. Synergy Power can be measured in “cc”, a measurement system that Pokken players have adopted in order to accurately measure Synergy Power.

Synergy Burst

Once the Synergy Gauge has been filled, Synergy Burst can be activated. By pressing L+R, the screen briefly flashes, and the character is powered up. Being in Synergy Burst will slowly consume the gauge until all its Synergy Power has been depleted, at which point it will end. The rate at which the gauge depletes is also character specific. Being in Burst increases damage by 10% as a modifier that is not affected by damage scaling. Defense is also enhanced in a similar fashion (FACT CHECK). Its most notable benefit, however, is super armor. Unless enhanced with an Attack Up buff, Weak Attacks will not inflict any hitstun on an opponent in Burst. This means that options with which to pressure or defend against an opponent in Burst are limited, making it all the more formidable.

Burst Attack

While still in Synergy Burst, pressing L+R again will result in another screen flash, followed up by a special attack known as a Burst Attack. These attacks are treated like Pokemon Moves, meaning that they can be canceled into from certain normal attacks. Most BAs become invincible a few frames after activation. However, some BAs are completely invincible, and some have armor. These attacks generally do a lot of damage on their own, making them powerful tools for hit confirms or neutral. However, they will commonly do much less damage in combos.