Big jump

What it is

A big jump (or “super jump”, “high jump”, etc., especially depending on what the game calls it) is a particular kind of jump that somehow differs from normal jumps.

 

The exact mechanism, appearance, use, etc. will vary from game to game somewhat, but the basic system involves momentarily inputting a downward direction (1, 2, or 3) on the stick, then immediately changing it to an upwards direction (7, 8, or 9) and keeping it there a little bit. In most of the KOF series, you can also do this by hitting 9 during a dash (cf. medium jump); and in most of the Marvel series, you can do this by hitting all three kick buttons simultaneously (which results in a spectacular superhuman display, going so high it requires the camera to move up).

Some games (like Waku Waku 7, Street Fighter IV, and Mark of the Wolves) have only a small number of characters (e.g., one [Rai], one [Viper], and two [Jenet / Dong-hwan], respective to the games listed) who can do a big jump.

 

The actual purpose of a big jump is different from game to game, because the exact way they work dictates how they can be useful. For example, a big jump in KOF covers a lot of distance, making it ideal for approaching quickly (jumping in) while avoiding a projectile or something, or performing crossup by using the speed and distance of the big jump in order to confuse the opponent; other than that, it is slow and obvious, leaving one highly vulnerable to counterattack. In Street Fighter III, on the other hand, a “high jump” is mostly useful for a specific kind of jump cancel, which often allows one to continue attacking for a combo.

 

Series with some sort of big jump as part of the system include Street Fighter III, Pocket Fighter, Rival Schools, Melty Blood, Arcana Heart, Marvel, The King of Fighters, and Capcom vs. SNK.

Further reading

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Based off the articles on the kakuge.com wiki (1, 2, 3), edited on or before 5 January 2009.
Unofficial translation published by BRPXQZME / Alfie Parthum 1 February 2009. No unauthorized redistribution permitted.