Street Fighter Alpha 2/M. Bison

From SuperCombo Wiki

Overview

Dictator
SFA2 Dictator Portrait.png
Health: 144
Defensive Rating: 0
Stun: 40
Walk Speed Forward: 400
Walk Speed Backward: 300
Jump Backward: 45f (3+42+0)
Neutral Jump: 44f (3+41+0)
Jump Forward: 43f (3+40+0)
Wake-Up: 41f
Quick Rise: 20f
Throw Range: 20
Colors
Punch 2 Punches Punch(Auto)
A2 Dictator Color1.png A2 Dictator Color3.png A2 Dictator ColorAuto1.png
A2 Dictator Color2.png A2 Dictator Color4.png A2 Dictator ColorAuto2.png
Kick 2 Kicks Kick(Auto)
Overview

M. Bison (AKA Vega in Japan, and Dictator internationally), leader of the criminal organization known as Shadaloo, hears of a fighter named Ryu who defeated his new henchman, Sagat. Bison decides to recruit Ryu and begins the search for him. In the meantime, he is confronted by Rose, a mysterious woman who wields power that is in many ways similar to his own. Rose wins the ensuing battle but only to find out that Bison has left the battlefield completely unscathed and has possibly threw the fight. Reasons for this are disclosed during the events of SFA3.

Afterwards, Bison encounters Chun-Li. They have a brief duel in which Bison toys around with the girl. He flees and lets Chun-Li know that he murdered her father.

After this, Bison is finally able to track down Ryu. At first, Bison attempts to persuade Ryu to join him by promising that he would make him the greatest fighter ever. Ryu mocks him and the two engage in combat. Bison wins and takes Ryu's body to his scientists for a brainwashing via exposure to Psycho Power. It is debatable whether this ending is canon or not, however, the exact events which it depicts did take place during SFA3.

Try and think of the character as Dictator with a Dee Jay-style fireball: powerful in the right situations but can be unsafe if you don't pay attention. Keep the opponent away with your safe pokes and fireball. MP is your go to button for all kinds of situations. You can kind of mash out counter hits but don't go overboard. Standing MK is a good poke at far range. The hitbox is very low so it is not an anti-air. Also very good for poking shotos that try and move around the screen unsafely with tatsus. As far as anti-airs go you have 3 options: HP, c.HP, and HK. Each is useful in different situations. For example c.HP is faster than HP even though they have similar hitboxes, while HK has a different range/hitbox altogether. Mess around with the character in training mode and get a good feel for your normals. Most of your playtime will be spent blocking and poking.

Players to watch: Blackjugger, shanebadoo, xQj(aka zoo & yw10)

Moveset


Playstyle

A2 Icon Bison.png M. Bison, is...

Strengths Weaknesses
  • Fastest walk speed in the game
  • Great throw range
  • Good mobility
  • Good fireball for zoning
  • Decent normals that can be used for tick throws, anti-airs, etc
  • Fast & unblockable punch alpha counter
  • Kick alpha counter side switches and leads to a combo
  • CC leads to an unblockable setup
  • No meterless invincible reversals
  • CCs are very limited
  • Supers have almost no use
  • Doesn't really have combos

Move List

Normal Moves

SFA2 Framedata Glossary
Damage

Units of base damage inflicted by the move (100% life bar = 144 units of health). Most moves have a damage range; the number inside the square brackets indicates which Random Damage Table the move uses to look up any additional damage and the % chance of doing so.

Stun

Units of stun inflicted by the move.

Startup

The frame the move hits on (1st active frame). Super moves with a screen freeze will separate pre- and post-screen freeze startup frames by a '+' (Ex: 5+0).

Active

The portion of a move that can hit. How many frames a move remains active for. ()=Inactive frames in-between active frames. [xN]=Repeated sequences.

Frame Adv

The frame advantage values when the attack is blocked. (Add +1 frame to all OnBlockAdv values for the move's OnHitAdv value; Ex: +2oB/+3oH, -4oB/-3oH)

Meter

The units of meter gained on whiff/block/hit. (48, 96, and 144 units of meter are required for 1, 2, and 3 bars of meter respectively)

Block

Low attacks must be blocked crouching. High attacks must be blocked standing. Mid attacks can be blocked either way.

Properties
  • Chain Cancel: Can be canceled into itself or another normal attack.
  • Special Cancel: Can be canceled into a special attack.
  • Super Cancel: Can be canceled into a super attack.
  • Throw/Air-Throw: A normal throw or command grab.
  • Soft Knockdown: Will knockdown, but opponent can quick rise or roll.
  • Hard Knockdown: Will knockdown, opponent cannot quick rise or roll.
  • Projectile: Produces a projectile (i.g. Hadoken).
  • Proj. Reflect: Will reflect an opponent's projectile back at them.
  • Proj. Absorb: Will absorb an opponent's projectile.
  • Invuln. Startup: Has frames at the start that are completely invincible.
  • Invuln. Lower: Has frames that are invincible to lower attacks.
  • Invuln. Upper: Has frames that are invincible to mid/higher attacks (aka low profile).
  • Counterhit: Deals and/or takes more damage when counter hit.
Frames

All framedata collected with the game speed set to normal, where the game tickrate and framerate are the same(60fps).

Speed

All framedata collected with the game speed set to normal.

Hitboxes

All hitbox images have the character standing/jumping in the exact same position, so hitbox distances can be easily compared.

  • Blue: Hurtbox - hittable area of a character.
  • Red: Hitbox - attacking area of an action.
  • Yellow: Throwbox - throwing area of an action.
  • Green: Pushbox - collidable area of a character.
  • White: Axis - core of a character from which all other boxes reference.
  • Pink: Projectile Hitbox - attacking area of a projectile.
  • Light Blue: Projectile Hurtbox - hittable area of a projectile.
CreditDamage, stun, framedata, meter, and updated hitboxes collected by A2 Icon ChunLi.pngVeri7as, May 2023

Standing

st.Lp.png

A2 Dictator st.lp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
5[0] 3 8 4 0 0/1/2 Mid.png Specialcancel.png
Supercancel.png

st.Mp.png

A2 Dictator st.mp 1.png
A2 Dictator st.mp 2.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
12[1], 11[1] 6, 6 7 2(0)4 +3, +5 1/3/6 Mid.png Specialcancel.png
Supercancel.png
  • First hit is cancelable.
  • Hits 1 time.

Glowing version of s.LP, with great priority and blockstun. Can do multiple in a row to counter-hit and anti-jump characters up close. Serves as far anti-air in a lot of matches. This is his up-close bully move.

st.Hp.png

A2 Dictator st.hp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
17[2] 15 17 4 +9 2/5/9 Mid.png -

Upward-angled punch, which looks like it can be used to anti-air, but actually has pretty bad priority... Although it's OK to use sometimes, as it’s slower than c.HP, but does more damage and stun. Lots of meaty range.

st.Lk.png

A2 Dictator st.lk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
7[0] 3 4 4 0 0/1/2 Mid.png Specialcancel.png
Supercancel.png

st.Mk.png

A2 Dictator st.mk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
11[1] 3 10 4 -3 1/3/6 Mid.png -

Straight kick with good range. Universal poke, not too fast, not too bad recovery. Very good for zoning.

st.Hk.png

A2 Dictator st.hk 1.png
A2 Dictator st.hk 2.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
7[0], 12[2] 4, 4 5 5(0)7 -15, -10 2/4,5/2+3 per hit Mid.png Specialcancel.png
Supercancel.png
  • Punishable on hit.
  • First hit is cancelable.
  • Hits 2 times.

Anti-air angled kick. Use for AC reversal up close.

Crouching

cr.Lp.png

A2 Dictator cr.lp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
5[0] 3 5 4 +3 0/1/2 Mid.png Specialcancel.png
Supercancel.png

Little jab to the shin, not really all that good - though it has OK range for a jab.

cr.Mp.png

A2 Dictator cr.mp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
11[1] 6 7 5 +2 1/3/6 Mid.png Specialcancel.png
Supercancel.png

A straight punch with good priority.

cr.Hp.png

A2 Dictator cr.hp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
16[2] 8 13 8 -3 2/5/9 Mid.png -

Very good anti-air once it's out, must input early for it to be effective. Lots of meaty frames.

cr.Lk.png

A2 Dictator cr.lk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
6[0] 3 6 4 +3 0/1/2 Low.png Specialcancel.png
Supercancel.png

cr.Mk.png

A2 Dictator cr.mk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
12[1] 6 8 6 +4 1/3/6 Low.png Specialcancel.png
Supercancel.png

cr.Hk.png

A2 Dictator cr.hk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
12[2] 8 11 25 -24 at worst
0 at best
2/5/9 Low.png Softknockdown.png

Great surprise move and safe when spaced right, same applications as other games, can be kara-canceled to add reach to special moves.

Neutral Jumping

nj.Lp.png

A2 Dictator nj.lp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
9[0] 3 8 10 - 0/1/2 High.png -

nj.Mp.png

A2 Dictator nj.mp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
12[1] 6 8 8 - 1/3/6 High.png -

nj.Hp.png

A2 Dictator nj.hp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
15[2] 8 13 6 - 2/5/9 High.png -

nj.Lk.png

A2 Dictator nj.lk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
9[0] 3 5 8 - 0/1/2 High.png -

Best air-to-air, quick, but low damage.

nj.Mk.png

A2 Dictator nj.mk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
11[1] 3 8 6 - 1/3/6 High.png -

Jumping version of s.MK, great neutral jump move.

nj.Hk.png

A2 Dictator nj.hk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
13[2] 8 11 6 - 2/5/9 High.png -

Diagonal Jumping

dj.Lp.png

A2 Dictator dj.lp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
10[0] 3 8 10 - 0/1/2 High.png -

dj.Mp.png

A2 Dictator dj.mp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
10[0] 3 8 8 - 1/2/3 High.png -

Longer horizontal range than nj.MP. This air-to-air is more situational, dj.LK is still the go-to button though.

dj.Hp.png

A2 Dictator dj.hp.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
15[2] 8 13 6 - 2/5/9 High.png -

dj.Lk.png

A2 Dictator dj.lk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
9[0] 3 5 8 - 0/1/2 High.png Cross-up

Best air-to-air. Quick, but low damage.

dj.Mk.png

A2 Dictator dj.mk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
12[1] 3 8 6 - 1/3/6 High.png -

Not as good as the neutral jump version.

dj.Hk.png

A2 Dictator dj.hk.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
13[2] 8 11 6 - 2/5/9 High.png -

Angled jump-in with good priority.

Normal Throws

Deadly Throw
Punch Throw
B.png/F.png + Mp.png/Hp.png

A2 Dictator ThrowRange.png
A2 Dictator PThrow 1.png
A2 Dictator PThrow 2.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
19[0] 0 1 N/A N/A -/-/3 N/A Throw.png
Hardknockdown.png
  • Deals 9 damage when opponent tech throws.
  • M. Bison has the 2nd best throw range in the game (Alpha2ThrowRanges).

Psycho Fall
Air Throw
(in air)B.png/F.png + Mp.png/Hp.png

A2 Dictator AirThrowRange.png
A2 Dictator AirThrow 1.png
A2 Dictator AirThrow 2.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
19[0] 0 1 N/A N/A -/-/5 N/A Airthrow.png
Hardknockdown.png
  • Deals 9 damage when opponent tech throws.

Alpha Counters

Punch Alpha Counter
(while in blockstun)Qcd.png+ P.png

A2 Dictator PAC 1.png
A2 Dictator PAC 2.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
14[0], 14[1] 8, 8 4 7(0)6 N/A 0/0/0 Unblockable.png Startupinv.png
Hardknockdown.png

Comes out fast, has great range, and is unblockable.

Kick Alpha Counter
(while in blockstun)Qcd.png+ K.png

A2 Dictator KAC 1.png
A2 Dictator KAC 2.png
A2 Dictator KAC 3.png
Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0/0/0 N/A Startupinv.png

Teleports behind the opponent, enabling good punish potential.

Special Moves

Psycho Shot
Fireball
B.png(charge)F.png + P.png

A2 Dictator Fireball 1.png
A2 Dictator Fireball 2.png
Version Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
Lp.png 12[0], 10[0] 1, 1 13 2(0)inf -16 5/6/8 Mid.png Proj.png
Mp.png 13[0], 11[0] 1, 1 13 2(0)inf -18 5/6/8 Mid.png Proj.png
Hp.png 14[0], 12[0] 1, 1 13 2(0)inf -20 5/6/8 Mid.png Proj.png
  • Punishable on hit.
  • Requires a charge time of 60 frames.

A straightforward fireball. Although it's a charge move, the recovery sucks. This move's big strength is its speed, and large hitbox. Can combo into cr.HK from the right distance. Anti-airs A LOT.


Lp.png

  • Speed: 350 pixels per 100 frames; 3rd slowest fireball in the game (Alpha2Fireballs).

Very hard to jump over because it is so slow.


Mp.png


Hp.png

  • Speed: 450 pixels per 100 frames; 4th fastest fireball in the game (Alpha2Fireballs).

Double Knee Press
Scissor Kick
B.png(charge)F.png + K.png

A2 Dictator DoubleKneePress 1.png
A2 Dictator DoubleKneePress 2.png
A2 Dictator DoubleKneePress 3.png
Version Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
Lk.png 15[0], 7[0] 2, 2 21 4(0)2 -9 5/5+1 per hit/5+2 per hit Mid.png Softknockdown.png
Mk.png 15[0], 7[0] 2, 2 21 4(0)2 -9 5/5+1 per hit/5+2 per hit Mid.png Softknockdown.png
Hk.png 15[0], 7[0] 2, 2 21 4(0)2 -9 5/5+1 per hit/5+2 per hit Mid.png Softknockdown.png
  • Hits 2 times.
  • Requires a charge time of 60 frames.

Terrible move. Created to evade and punish low moves. Think of it as Ryu's f+mk, but requiring charge. Easily punishable. Best used at max distance to avoid big punishes. From max sweep range it may work to punish extended limbs, but it is risky. At this distance, you'll get hit by a shoto fireball anyway. Only combos from the first hit of HK. If you come from Super Turbo, nope, it is nothing like the ST version. Can be kara-cancelled from c.HK for extra mobility.


Lk.png


Mk.png


Hk.png

Head Press
Head Stomp
D.png(charge)U.png + K.png

A2 Dictator HeadPress.png
Version Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
Lk.png 10[4] 10 23 20 - 6/8/11 High.png -
Mk.png 10[5] 10 23 20 - 6/8/11 High.png -
Hk.png 10[8] 10 23 20 - 6/8/11 High.png -
  • Requires a charge time of 60 frames.
  • Unscaled damage in CC.

Fast, hard to anti-air and makes most ACs whiff. Safe as hell and annoying. Always whiffs on Evil Ryu due to a tracking glitch, and on Sakura sometimes because she is small and moves too fast. Hard to hit during the middle of a fireball animation, hits well at the very start or end of the animation. Kara-cancel c.HK into this, mix it with instant skull divers to keep your opponent guessing, and mix up the distance. Getting hit anywhere during the animation results in an air reset. Can be used to move around, and to punish false blockstrings - such as Ryu's c.LK into c.HK.


Lk.png


Mk.png


Hk.png

Head Press -> Skull Diver
Head Stomp -> Dive
D.png(charge)U.png + K.png, P.png

A2 Dictator SkullDiver.png
Version Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
Lp.png 15[4] 5 17 24 - 2/3/4 High.png -
Mp.png 15[4] 5 17 24 - 2/3/4 High.png -
Hp.png 15[10] 10 17 24 - 2/3/4 High.png -
  • Requires a charge time of 60 frames.
  • Unscaled damage in CC.

If spaced well can have slight frame advantage on block and good when whiffed/mixed with stomp. Can be used to move around. Easy to punish with AC or CC.


Lp.png


Mp.png


Hp.png

[unnamed]
D.png(charge)U.png + P.png

A2 Dictator Somersault 1.png
A2 Dictator Somersault 2.png
Version Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
P.png N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 6/-/- N/A -
  • Requires a charge time of 60 frames.

Lp.png


Mp.png


Hp.png

Somersault Skull Diver
Devil's Reverse
D.png(charge)U.png + P.png, P.png

A2 Dictator SkullDiver.png
Version Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
Lp.png 15[4] 5 24 23 - 2/3/4 High.png -
Mp.png 15[4] 5 24 23 - 2/3/4 High.png -
Hp.png 15[4] 5 24 23 - 2/3/4 High.png -
  • Requires a charge time of 60 frames.
  • Unscaled damage in CC.

Same properties as the headstomp follow-up. Bison goes in the air as if to headstomp, but does nothing unless you press Punch which causes him to dive. Cannot be done below the real stomp height. If spaced well can have slight frame advantage on block. Good when whiffed, but has huge recovery. Great if mixed with stomps.s in Can be used to move around and build meter. Ideal in situations where the opponent knows how to time their fireballs well and avoid stomps (Bison whiffs the stomp on them), so you loop and hit front or back. VS. Evil Ryu: It will act weird just like the stomp, making you go much higher when you press Punch, so you can go crazy and pretend you are Vega/Claw from ST. Can be useful, but hard to control.


Lp.png


Mp.png


Hp.png

Vega Warp
Teleport
Rdp.png/Dp.png + 3p.png/3k.png

A2 Dictator Teleport 1.png
A2 Dictator Teleport 2.png
A2 Dictator Teleport 3.png
A2 Dictator Teleport 4.png
Version Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
3p.png N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2/-/- N/A Startupinv.png
3k.png N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2/-/- N/A Startupinv.png
  • Invul on first frame.
  • 8 frames of recovery

Very good teleport, great to take you away from your opponent. Fast recovery. Excellent if you need to escape chip damage after a knockdown.


P.png


K.png

Super Moves

Startup Invulnerability Notes:

  • At the end of a super screen freeze, projectiles will start moving before the opponent's character is unfrozen, giving the supers more projectile invul. frames than hit invul. frames.

Psycho Crusher
B.png(charge)F.pngB.pngF.png + P.png

A2 Dictator PsychoCrusher.png
Version Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
Level 1
P.png
10[13]x3 0x3 5+0 13 -8 at worst
+3 at best
0/0/0 Mid.png Startupinv.png
Hardknockdown.pngCounterhit.png
Level 2
P.pngP.png
12[13]x4 0x4 5+0 29 -21 at worst
+4 at best
0/0/0 Mid.png Startupinv.png
Hardknockdown.pngCounterhit.png
Level 3
3p.png
11[13]x6 0x6 5+0 92 -26 at worst
+2 at best
0/0/0 Mid.png Startupinv.png
Hardknockdown.pngCounterhit.png
  • Receives & deals 125% damage when counter hit.
  • Requires a charge time of 60 frames.

Horrible wake-up option, as it does not track opponent if it hit a limb, wasting the super. Will not be hit by lows, but the kick super fits this purpose better. Good when you've conditioned your opponent to jump over fireballs, so when they come at you with their air-to-air button. Good punish for whiffed moves or some moves on block, like Birdie's Bull Horn or Rose's drill. Cannot be thrown. Good VS. Zangief. Gives you some room to breathe if it hits. Good damage.


Level 1

  • 4 frames of startup hit invul.; 0 of which while active.
  • 10 frames of startup projectile invul.
  • Hits 3 times.

Level 2

  • 5 frames of startup hit invul.; 1 of which while active.
  • 11 frames of startup projectile invul.
  • Hits 4 times.

Level 3

  • 5 frames of startup hit invul.; 1 of which while active.
  • 12 frames of startup projectile invul.
  • Hits 6 times.

Knee Press Nightmare
B.png(charge)F.pngB.pngF.png + K.png

A2 Dictator KneePressNightmare 1.png
A2 Dictator KneePressNightmare 2.png
Version Damage Stun Startup Active Frame Adv Meter Block Properties
Level 1
K.png
12[13], 8[13], 10[13], 4[13] 0, 0, 2, 2 5+0 2(0)9(8)4(0)16 -3 0/0/0 Mid.png Startupinv.png
Hardknockdown.png
Level 2
K.pngK.png
12[13], 8[13], 5[13], 10[13], 5[13], 5[13] 0x3, 1x3 5+0 2(0)9(8)4(0)16 -5 0/0/0 Mid.png Startupinv.png
Hardknockdown.png
Level 3
3k.png
15[13], 10[13], 6[13], 10[13], 5[13], 5[13], 9[13], 8[13] 0x6, 2, 2 5+0 2(0)9(8)4(0)16(4)29 -15 0/0/0 Mid.png Startupinv.png
Hardknockdown.png
  • Requires a charge time of 60 frames.

Great for blowing through fireballs and for waking up with. Will not be hit by lows, the preferred moves on a downed opponent. If they stop hitting low and start hitting high, good for you; you can AC them. It's best use is punishing blockstrings ending in fireball, e.g. cr.MK xx hadouken. The timing isn't as hard as it seems - much easier than punishing with Chun's kick super.


Level 1

  • 4 frames of startup hit invul.; 0 of which while active.
  • 12 frames of startup projectile invul.
  • Hits 4 times.

Hold back as soon as you start the move - if it's blocked, you'll have enough charge to do another Lv.1 almost immediately after.


Level 2

  • 5 frames of startup hit invul.; 1 of which while active.
  • 13 frames of startup projectile invul.
  • Hits 6 times.

Level 3

  • 5 frames of startup hit invul.; 1 of which while active.
  • 14 frames of startup projectile invul.
  • Hits 8 times.

The Basics


Try and think of the character as Bison with a Dee Jay-style fireball: it's powerful in the right situations but can be unsafe if you don't pay attention. Keep the opponent away with your safe pokes and fireball. MP is your go to button for all kinds of situations. You can kind of mash out counter hits but don't go overboard. Standing MK is a good poke at far range. The hitbox is very low so it is not an anti-air. Also very good for poking shotos that try and move around the screen unsafely with tatsus.


Bison's strengths lie in the fundamentals of Street Fighter. Footsies, conditioning your opponent, throws... Keeping it very basic is efficient. His throws are quite damaging, so his high walk speed and tick throws do most of the work. However, Bison isn't going to win big tournaments any time soon.


He is fast in this game. Stupid fast for his size. He can be in your face or turtle, depending on how you roll. Utilize his fast walk speed to get throws when close, and counter hit with various normals when you get in. Walking MP is very effective versus mashers and will counter hit the hell out of them. Bison's only real combo is HK xx Double Knee Press, so you won't be making any crazy combo vids. Harass from afar with LP fireballs, anti-air with HK and c.HP. At mid range keep your distance with MK, and from far away you can c.HK to close the gap.


Your main objective is to annoy your opponent into messing up. Constant barrages of headstomps, Skull Divers, and LP fireballs from a distance will frustrate your opponent into acting rash. Every blocked Skull Diver (beware of AC) is a guessing game for your opponent - you can:

  • go for a throw
  • AC their attack attempt
  • activate a CC
  • do another Skull Diver


Bison can pressure well in the corner. An example of a annoying pattern would be Skull Diver, c.LP xx instant Skull Diver, repeat. Mix in some walking LKs, a throw, neutral jumps, empty jump throw and you'll start to see how annoying Bison can be.


Bison is very versatile with meter. You can blow through moves with the Knee Press Nightmare super, AC, or CC.

You can spend a Lv.1 CC to get closer if necessary. Examples:

  • LP fireball x3, teleport behind or in front
  • LP fireball x3, Headstomp -> Skull Diver follow-up
  • LP fireball x3, empty Skull Diver


Punch AC is invincible and unblockable (version-specific). If your opponent tries to reversal DP after your AC (AC reversal), it won't work unless they're close. If your opponent does AC reversals a lot, use Kick AC. Kick AC is very very good. Bison will teleport behind the opponent, then you can CC or throw. If they try to AC reversal his Kick AC, Bison gets a free hit. Low combo possibility, though.


As far as anti-airs go you have 3 options: HP, c.HP, and HK. Each is useful in different situations. For example c.HP is faster than HP even though they have similar hitboxes, while HK has a different range/hitbox altogether. Mess around with the character in training mode and get a good feel for your normals. Most of your playtime will be spent blocking and poking.


You can play keep away with poking and throwing mixed in. One ideal situation for Bison is to constantly have your opponent at the edge of his standing MK. You’ll play ground footsies with standing MK, mix in some LP Psycho Balls (if safe). If the opponent backs away or looks like he’s about to jump then you throw a standing HK. If your opponent gets in close, you throw standing or ducking MPs or you throw. If your opponent is attempting a jump-in, then you throw a well timed LP psycho ball as an anti-air or a do a standing HK or ducking HP (both riskier at trade-ins of course). Sometimes a headstomp works as an anti-air also if the timing is right.


If you want to mix things up, you might want to jump in with an early HK or a late LK.


Air-to-air with neutral jump MK, because of its horizontal reach and priority. Diagonal jump MK is not good - MP works better in that situation.


There are some small combos you can do if you get the opportunity. You can also sparingly do headstomps. Headstomps have low priority in A2, so you’ll end up trading or losing a lot if you get predictable with them.

Sometimes you can use HK Scissors Kick to punish whiffed moves from a distance, but it will leave you seriously vulnerable if blocked. Don't use that move outside of combos.

Advanced Strategy


There isn't much "advanced strategy" in Bison's game plan. As mentioned earlier, keep it SIMPLE.

These are just some options you can blend in on top of the basics to add some variation and unpredictability.


Cross-ups

Cross-up j.LKs can be a big part of Bison's game because they're really ambiguous, just like in ST. He doesn't have combos, so cross-up j.LK into HK doesn't require charge, and it does relatively good damage and stun (compared to Bison's other shitty moves, not compared to other characters).

Bisoncrossupdiagram.jpg

Known working characters: Bison, Sodom, Charlie, Birdie, Zangief.

Hard to do on smaller characters like Adon, Ryu, Ken, etc. You actually get cross ups on them by accident, so, even more ambiguous.

j.LK can also be used as instant overhead when jumping forward.


Meaties


Meaties (moves with more than 1 active frame, used on a knocked-down enemy as they wake up) are important, because they make it a lot more difficult for your opponent to do wake-up reversals on you, and allow for combos not possible otherwise.


HP - Hits super meaty, but no real combo opportunity due to pushback. The timing is strict, but you can hit a standing large character like Zangief with s.HK.

c.HP - same as above

c.MK - Hits low and can link a LK (maybe HK, must confirm).

MP - Very good up-close, giving a hefty amount of frame advantage. You can link a LK after.

c.MK - Your go-to low meaty. Can combo into c.MK again, which is special-cancelable. After a HP throw, a teleport will cross up and allow for a meaty c.MK. Can combo into super, and is probably the best option.


You can combo s.HK into scissor kick before the second hit, but it is not confirmable, so, risky.


A headstomp used as meaty will not bounce Bison back into the air, and can be comboed into CC.


Headstomp/Skull Diver mix-up is good - if Bison gets hit in recovery he counts as being in the air and can't be combo'd (exception is jump-ins into CC and juggles like Guy's and Chun's). Skull Diver follow-up is perfect CC bait/setup, or AC setup.


LK up close is good to poke with. Can be mashed against with some fast pokes, but if you throw them, you beat mashers due to Bison's long throw range. If the throw fails, your MP comes out, which is good too!

c.HP and HK are good anti-airs, as well as MP in a lot of situations.

c.LK - Can be comboed into HK. Version specific. The first hit of HK can be comboed into Scissors Kick.


Meaty Setups


If you use the Kick Warp after throwing the opponent and hit crouching Forward, your attack will be a meaty. Credits to RagingStormX.


You can also set up the meaty c.MK with a Kick Warp after a Lv.1 Knee Press Nightmare.

After you hit with your meaty c.MK, it’s possible to link into another c.MK (with good timing), which can then be cancelled into a Knee Press Nightmare. From there you can go into the options discussed.

Since c.LK has the same animation as c.MK, mix that up with a whiff and throw. Don't make it obvious.


Meaty combo options starting from an unteched throw or a Lv.1 Knee Press Nightmare:

  • meaty c.MK -> c.MK -> Double Knee Press Nightmare
  • meaty LK or c.MK-> HK (first hit)-> Knee Press Nightmare or HK Double Knee Press


Mix up your meaties, whiffs and tick throws with some walk-up CCs instead of throws, or fireballs for safe chip damage.


You can bait and trade your meaties into fireball using Alpha Counters.


Fireball and zoning

This was mentioned in the basics, but, again, the slow LP fireball is good. Abuse it.

Be careful VS. shotos, because they can air tatsu and pass over you.

Try to bait air tatsus, and punish with air-to-airs (or Psycho Crusher to make them shit their pants).

Keep your distance while using LP fireballs, and punish jumps with s.HK.


If they use a CC to bypass your HK, it may trade, which means you're good! If they hit you from max distance, depending on the jump arc you'll be too far for most characters to continue the CC. Worst-case scenario, they sacrifice a bit of the CC timer to keep the combo going. The CC damage output will be lowered considerably, and they'll use up all their meter! Try to keep this advantage, and avoid getting cornered.


If they hit your leg and can't combo, you can do a Lv.3 Psycho Crusher on characters like Sakura while the CC is active and they won't be able to block or use any invincible move. Plus, they won't expect that.


To keep zoning, do not rely on HK and fireballs only. Use air-to-air moves.


j.LK is his best air-to-air for diagonal jumps, as well as air grab. Diagonal j.MP is a good air-to-air, as you may air grab by accident. Neutral j.MK is good, but diagonal j.MK is not bad. Mix it all up.


Smart players know about the zoning potential and how the Headstomp trades with anti-airs, and will not let you set the pace of the match. You have to mix everything up and be patient with your low damage output and defensive options, and only throw fireballs when safe to do so.


Throw loops

Again, this would be under basic strategy, as it makes up a huge part of Bison's game, but there is a catch.


Remember - throws are a huge part of this game (not in this section because it is basic strategy), but under pressure, the opponent cannot CC for 28 frames after a throw. If they have no reversals (Dhalsim, Rolento), or if you stuff their reversals with meaties, go for throw loops.


This glitch adds more value to the basic strategy of characters like Bison and Sodom, and is often overlooked. Or worse: It is unknown to the opponent.


You can neutral jump/safejump HK then throw a lot from the right distance. Mix empty jump or neutral jump LK as a safe jump, which may cause them to try and AC (letting down their guard), allowing you to throw them as they finish the AC motion.

Combos


Basic Combos

1) Jump HK > Stand/Crouch MP (2 hits, 26 dmg, 14 stun)

Good 2 hit BnB off a safe jump in. Leaves you at +20 to +22 frame advantage. Can be followed up with fireball for free if you have enough charge time, but it will not combo.

2) Jump HK > Stand HK (3 hits, 30 dmg, 16 stun)

Another good and simple BnB off a safe jump in. Better damage than combo 1 but leaves you at an unsafe range to get clipped by a custom combo. However if they do not have meter you are outside of sweep range for most characters.

3) s.rh xx hk knee press

4)s.rh or c.mk xx any super

'5) jump in anything, c. lp, s. lk ' May insert a psycho shot. It won't combo, but keep them at bay to keep the pressure going. Mix the s.lk into stomp (doesn't combo but hit really fast of they crouch). The s.lk into stomp is easy, timing is lenient and it confuses a lot since the standing lk will cause the impression you lost the charge. If they start blocking or preemptively using anti airs (since stomp priority is low), you can add a c. mk into fireball, or if they block high, add several c.lk before the stomp. If a crouch lk or mk is cancelled into the stomp, Bison may stomp when they are pushed back, hit and land standing, not bounce.

If they mash, you can ablock string them w/ c.lp, s.lk --> s.mp xx FB, or s.mp, s.mk, or s.mp xx FB, c.mk xx FB, s.mk... You got the picture.

Advanced Combos


1) Jump HK > Stand HK (1 hit) > Scissor Kicks (4 hits, 38 dmg, 16 stun)

This will end up being your go to big damage combo. The charge time you are given from the jump in is VERY strict. Input stand HK into is later than you think. It does the same amount of stun as Basic Combo #2, but +8 points of damage.


2) Crouch MP > Super Move

Level 1 Psycho Crusher (4 hits, 42 dmg, 6 stun)

Level 2 Psycho Crusher (5 hits, 58 dmg, 6 stun)

Level 3 Psycho Crusher (7 hits, 79 dmg, 6 stun)


Level 1 Scissor Kicks (5 hits, 51 dmg, 10 stun)

Level 2 Scissor Kicks (7 hits, 56 dmg, 9 stun)

Level 3 Scissor Kicks (9 hits, 74 dmg, 10 stun)


Easier to pull off than it looks at first glance. Usually happens the most with shotos who whiff a DP up close. Basically anytime you know you have a charge and can land a close/meaty crouch MP. My personal favorite is to hit the strong and enter the joystick input. Then negative edge for the level 1 Psycho Crusher. If you mess up the input or don't have charge you should be safe.


3) Jump LK (Cross up) > Stand HK (3 hits, 35 dmg, 14 stun)

Harder combo to pull off but can catch people off guard. The follow is easy but getting the spacing for the cross up can be tough. I recommend doing this if you notice the opponent is not really in the corner.


Example of a "soft corner" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBIhZvoneKQ


A2bisonsoftcorner.jpg


Combo into super - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrhJyrZ_9LQ 34 dmg

Custom Combos


First of all: Bison's CCs are quite useless. There are definitely better uses for his meter.

To set up a CC, use the meaties or tick throw setups. You may finish a round after a Devil's reverse xx Skull diver baiting a throw or their CC, stuffing both with your CC. This is done taking advantage of the skull diver high block stun/frame advantage. They have to block the skull diver standing, so if they do not crouch immediately, you land your CC.


Just don't do this: Kick AC (teleport in the back) into CC!


Flashy, but you are not Rolento!


You will waste 2 to 3 meters. Unless you are going to finish the round, or better, the match, save the meter. You are much better off doing Punch AC. Compare the damage you can do with' 1) teleport AC followed by level 2 CC, 2) teleport AC vs. 3 throws + meter gain, 3) 3x Punch AC + added stun.


CCs (not optimized)

Lvl 1: HK double knee press, c.hp, stomp, dive immediately, c.HK (some people say it is unlockable, but it is not, you have to block high because Bison is considered airborne).

Lvl 2: Same, with three double knee press.

Lvl 3: Same, with 5 double knee presses. May do 4, c.HP into stomp, follow up with the unlockable.


Alternatives: Fireballs into teleport mix-up mentioned sooner.


CC punishes

As Guy does, Bison can use his long reaching kick (MK) to punish a whiffed move.

Ex.: Punishing a whiffed sweep.

You can also get past through a fireball with the invincibility, and do either slide >scissors, etc., or s.mk>slide>scissors, whatever.

However, Bison's jump are very good, and you don't need the CC get through a fireball.


Unblockable

If you do Skull Diver after the CC timer runs out and immediately do the Cr. HK slide, it will be unblockable. It also results in a high knock down (HKD) glitch.

The skull diver doesn't need to hit.


See more about the glitch: http://wiki.shoryuken.com/Street_Fighter_Alpha_2#High_Knock_Down_Juggle_Glitch

It doesn't need to be a slide either. Any hit will do, but if the enemy doesn't roll, any button you press would hit, but if they don't roll, you waste the glitch.


Note for wiki editors and testers:

Need to double-check: A dip switches list implies that if a stomp is followed by a skull dive is done during CC or after the timer runs out, any move made immediately after Bison lands will be considered airborne. Therefore, the unlockable can be considered a high hit and be blocked standing.

Question remains all moves can retain the "high" property. If so, a double knee press or fireball can be "high," and if the FB is high, an FB into slide can be a true unblockable (high and low).


--Raf (talk) 22:43, 2 September 2020 (MSK)


Unblockable Setups


Activate, c.rh xx double knee press x1, 2 or 4 (lvl 1, 2, or 3 respectively, c. HP, headstomp, Punch follow up (skull diver). Land and unblockable sweep.

See the video for combos.

CC Video

Source: http://sfz2.wordpress.com/projects/sfz2-custom-combos-videos/m-bison-custom-combos/

Match-ups


A2 Icon Adon.png Vs. Adon:

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A2 Icon Akuma.png Vs. Akuma:

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A2 Icon Birdie.png Vs. Birdie:

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A2 Icon Charlie.png Vs. Charlie-Nash:

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A2 Icon ChunLi.png Vs. Chun-Li:

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A2 Icon Dan.png Vs. Dan:

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A2 Icon Dhalsim.png Vs. Dhalsim:

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A2 Icon Akuma.png Vs. Evil Ryu:

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A2 Icon Gen.png Vs. Gen:

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A2 Icon Guy.png Vs. Guy:

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A2 Icon Ken.png Vs. Ken:

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A2 Icon Bison.png Vs. M. Bison (dictator) (mirror):

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A2 Icon Rolento.png Vs. Rolento:

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A2 Icon Rose.png Vs. Rose:

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A2 Icon Ryu.png Vs. Ryu:

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A2 Icon Sagat.png Vs. Sagat:

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A2 Icon Sakura.png Vs. Sakura:

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A2 Icon Sodom.png Vs. Sodom:

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A2 Icon Zangief.png Vs. Zangief:

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