Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of King of Fighters 2002 Magic Plus and explore the incredible moves of one of its most iconic characters: Iori Yagami. This powerful fighter is known for his aggressive style and devastating attacks. Whether you're a seasoned KOF player or just starting, understanding Iori's moveset is crucial for dominating the competition. So, let's break down his special moves, DMs, and HSDMs to unleash the full potential of this flame-wielding warrior.

Understanding Iori Yagami: A Brief Overview

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Iori's moves, let's quickly touch on what makes him such a formidable character in KOF 2002 Magic Plus. Iori is a rushdown character, meaning his playstyle revolves around getting in close and applying constant pressure on the opponent. His moves are designed to be fast, aggressive, and capable of dealing significant damage in short bursts. Mastering Iori requires understanding his frame data, spacing, and the ability to read your opponent's moves.

Iori's design is also a major factor in his popularity. With his wild, crimson flames and distinctive voice, he exudes a sense of chaotic power that resonates with players. He's not just about brute strength, though; Iori also has a certain finesse to his fighting style, making him a joy to watch and play. In KOF 2002 Magic Plus, Iori retains his core moveset from previous games, but with slight tweaks and additions that make him even more versatile. He is, without a doubt, one of the characters that make the game so cool. The key to success with Iori is to be relentless. Don't give your opponent a chance to breathe. Mix up your attacks, use his mobility to your advantage, and always be ready to punish mistakes. A well-played Iori can overwhelm even the most skilled opponents. And that's what makes this game so fun. Understanding the nuance of Iori's moves is the first step in that direction, so let's get to it.

Iori's Special Moves: A Detailed Breakdown

Alright, let's break down Iori's special moves. These are the bread and butter of his offense, and you'll need to know them inside and out to play Iori effectively.

100 Shiki Oniyaki

• Input: →↓↘ + P (Punch)

The Oniyaki is Iori's signature anti-air move. He performs a rising uppercut engulfed in flames, making it an excellent choice for punishing jump-ins. The Oniyaki is also useful in combos, especially when juggled from other moves. There are two versions of the Oniyaki, a light punch (LP) and a hard punch (HP) version. The LP version comes out faster, but the HP version has more invincibility frames and does more damage.

Mastering the Oniyaki involves understanding its timing and range. You need to anticipate when your opponent is going to jump and execute the move precisely. Practice the Oniyaki against different characters and jump-in patterns to get a feel for its effectiveness. You'll find it is essential for controlling the air space and keeping your opponent grounded. Also, remember that it's not just for defense. You can use the Oniyaki offensively in certain situations, such as after a knockdown or when you've conditioned your opponent to block low. It is just that good.

212 Shiki Kototsuki In

• Input: →↓↘ + K (Kick)

The Kototsuki In is a command grab where Iori dashes forward and grabs the opponent, slamming them into the ground. It's a fantastic move for mixing up your offense and catching opponents off guard. Since it's a grab, it bypasses blocking, making it particularly effective against defensive players.

The key to using the Kototsuki In effectively is to condition your opponent to expect other attacks. If you're constantly using regular punches and kicks, your opponent will be more likely to block. That's when you can surprise them with the Kototsuki In for a guaranteed hit. Also, be mindful of the range. The Kototsuki In has a limited reach, so you need to be close enough to connect. Don't just throw it out randomly. Use it strategically to punish predictable patterns or to break through a tight defense. If you miss, you're vulnerable. So make sure you practice this move. It will become invaluable to your gameplay.

127 Shiki Aoibana

• Input: ↓↘→ + P (Punch) (x3)

The Aoibana is a three-hit series of punches that can be chained together. It's a versatile move that can be used for pressure, combos, and controlling space. Each punch in the series has slightly different properties, allowing you to mix up your timing and keep your opponent guessing.

The first hit of the Aoibana is a quick jab that can be used to interrupt your opponent's attacks. The second hit is a slightly slower, more powerful punch that can knock the opponent back. The third hit is a lunging punch that covers a significant distance. To maximize the Aoibana, you need to learn how to chain the hits together smoothly. Practice the timing so you can execute the full sequence without any gaps. You can also cancel the Aoibana into other special moves or DMs for even more damage. This is where the creativity comes in. The Aoibana is also useful for controlling space. You can use the first hit to keep your opponent at bay, or you can use the full sequence to push them back to the corner. All of this depends on the situation and how well you are able to read your opponent's movements and patterns.

311 Shiki Tsumagushi

• Input: →↓↘ + K (Kick) in the air

The Tsumagushi is an aerial attack where Iori performs a diving kick. It's a useful move for approaching from the air and surprising your opponent with a quick attack. It can also be used to cross up your opponent, making it difficult for them to block.

The Tsumagushi can be tricky to master. You need to time your jump and input the command precisely to execute the move correctly. Also, be mindful of your landing position. If you're too predictable, your opponent can easily punish you. Mix up your jump-ins and use the Tsumagushi sparingly to keep your opponent guessing. The Tsumagushi is particularly effective against opponents who are good at anti-airing. By using the Tsumagushi at unexpected times, you can catch them off guard and land a hit. Just remember to vary your approach and don't rely on it too much. This will allow you to gain the upper hand and be more unpredictable.

Iori's Desperation Moves (DMs) and Hidden Super Desperation Moves (HSDMs)

Now, let's talk about Iori's Desperation Moves (DMs) and Hidden Super Desperation Moves (HSDMs). These are his most powerful attacks, capable of dealing massive damage and turning the tide of battle. However, they require meter to use, so you need to use them wisely.

Kin 1211 Shiki Ya Otome

• Input: ↓↘→↘↓↙← + P (Punch)

The Ya Otome is Iori's most iconic DM. He unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, ending with a powerful grab and explosion of flames. It's a devastating move that can quickly deplete your opponent's health bar.

The Ya Otome has a relatively slow startup, so it's not ideal for using in neutral. Instead, it's best used in combos or as a punish after blocking a predictable attack. You can also use it to end a block string, forcing your opponent to respect your pressure. To maximize the damage of the Ya Otome, make sure you connect with all the hits. If your opponent blocks the initial punches, the grab will not connect, and you'll waste your meter. Practice the timing and spacing to ensure you land the full sequence. Also, be aware that the Ya Otome is punishable on block, so don't throw it out recklessly.

Ura 108 Shiki Ya Sakazuki

• Input: ↓↙←↙↓↘→ + P (Punch)

The Ya Sakazuki is a DM where Iori engulfs himself in flames and charges forward. It's a fast and powerful move that can be used to close the distance and deal significant damage.

The Ya Sakazuki is useful for punishing opponents who are trying to zone you out with projectiles. You can use it to quickly close the gap and surprise them with a powerful attack. It's also effective in combos, especially after a knockdown. The Ya Sakazuki has some invincibility frames during the startup, making it useful for going through certain attacks. However, it's not completely invincible, so you still need to be careful. Also, be aware that the Ya Sakazuki can be easily punished if blocked. Only use this move when you're sure it will connect.

HSDM: San Shingi no Ni

• Input: ↓↘→↓↘→ + AB (at Health less than 25%)

The San Shingi no Ni is Iori's HSDM. Iori grabs his head and transforms into his Orochi form and does insane damage to the opponent. However, it can only be used when your health is low.

Mastering Iori: Tips and Strategies

Okay, now that we've covered Iori's moves, let's talk about some tips and strategies for mastering this character. These tips should help to get you going and get you to start mastering Iori.

• Pressure: Iori excels at applying pressure. Use his fast normals and special moves to keep your opponent on the defensive.
• Mix-ups: Mix up your attacks with throws, overheads, and low hits to keep your opponent guessing.
• Punish: Learn to punish your opponent's mistakes with Iori's powerful combos and DMs.
• Mobility: Use Iori's mobility to your advantage. Dash in and out to create openings and avoid attacks.
• Anti-Air: Master the Oniyaki to control the air space and punish jump-ins.

Conclusion

Iori Yagami is a complex and rewarding character to play in KOF 2002 Magic Plus. By understanding his moveset and mastering the strategies outlined in this guide, you can unlock his full potential and dominate the competition. So, get out there, practice, and unleash the flames of Iori Yagami! Have fun!