Starting Out
Though Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite just arrived a few days ago, players are already buckling down and learning the ins and outs of the new combo system and mechanics. Getting into such a crazy game even just days after can seem like a daunting task, especially since the pros may have already gotten used to it and shown off all these crazy moves and 100 hit combos. This guide and others to follow aim to help new players learn, one character at a time, so that they can decide what characters they would like to try out and pursue for themselves. Our first character? None other than Marvel's Incredible Hulk!
Character Type
This part of a character is easily one of the most important things to know, as it determines how you should approach playing with them. Hulk is a slow but powerful character. He has a few problems when it comes to getting in on a foe, but when he does, it's a world of hurt for them! Hulk is easily one of the most powerful characters in the game and has one of, if not the most, damaging level 3 hyper combos around. Playing this character is not an easy task, and new players may get frustrated by his lack of speed, but playing him well and trouncing an enemy is rather rewarding when you learn his ins and outs.
Special Moves
Each character has a different number of these hard hitting moves, and here, I'll tell you how Hulk's work and when they work best in a combo! Hulk's special moves are Gamma Wave, Gamma Charge, and Gamma Tornado. Gamma Wave is done by moving the control stick forward in a quarter circle motion and pressing either light or heavy punch. When used, Hulk will send a wave of Earth at his opponent and knock them back a small distance, with the heavy punch version of the move knocking back further than light punch. This is a move that's great for ending combos, since it can hit when an airborne opponent lands. Gamma Charge is a move done by moving the control stick the same way as in Gamma Wave, but the player must then hit light or heavy kick. This move will send hulk charging forward towards his opponent and is great for continuing or ending a combo, though ending them is best left to the second part of Gamma Charge where the player inputs a quarter circle backwards motion and either light or heavy kick. This version of Gamma Charge will see Hulk soar diagonally into the air, catching airborne opponents, or knocking a grounded one into the air to start an air combo.
Gamma Tornado is a special move mainly used as a combo extender or ender. By pressing half circle backwards and light punch, Hulk will spin the enemy around like a toy and toss them across the screen, and by pressing half circle backwards and heavy punch, Hulk will spin the opponent around again but will end by smashing the foe into the ground, allowing for a follow up air combo. Be extra sure to watch character animations to learn when a move would act as an ending or a linker, because this will decide how long you can make a combo.
Hyper Combos
Hulk's Hyper Combos are hard hitting moves that all count as enders to a combo, so use them wisely. Hulk's two level one Hyper Combos are Gamma Tsunami and Gamma Crush. Gamma Tsunami is done by using the same motion as the Gamma Wave move, only this time you hold both light and heavy punch at the same time. Hulk will send a larger wave of Earth at the opponent and push them back full screen, doing more damage and knockback. You will know you have done this move right if the game gives a dynamic close up on Hulk growling at the enemy. This move is both great for ending combos or even just to get an overzealous opponent away from you.
Gamma Crush is a hard hitting Hyper Combo done by moving the control stick in a quarter circle forward motion and pressing down both light and heavy kick. If a dynamic close up of Hulk yelling, "Smash You," happens, you have done the move correctly. Hulk will leap up into the air, knocking the opponent up there as well if they are close enough, and will then come barreling down with a giant meteor to crush them with. This does a good number of hits on the opponent, but can also leave Hulk vulnerable to counter attacks if it misses, so watch out when you use this attack. Observing where you are and utilizing this Hyper Combo wisely will get you far with this character.
Hulk's level three Hyper Combo (only one per character) is called Gamma Quake. This move has been vastly changed from previous installments where it was a level one. Here, by pressing both punch buttons while moving the control stick in a quarter circle backwards motion, Players will get a dynamic close up of Hulk telling the opposing character, "You're weak," and then Hulk will smash his fists into the ground three times, creating a small volcanic eruption on the last hit. This is easily one of the most powerful moves in the game, and will do a lot of damage when it hits, but caution is sorely needed with this move, because Hulk must be right next to the opponent for it to hit, which can leave him wide open if you fail to ensure this. Watch frames closely on these moves so that you can try to capitalize fully on the power and range they have.
Infinity Stone Choice
Players must choose one of six Infinity Stones before starting a match, and though each can be used with every character and team, some characters fare better with certain choices. Hulk, being a slow moving, hard hitting character, seems to do wonders when using the Space Stone or Time Stone for example. The Space Stone allows Hulk to bring faster opponents to him or trap them so that he can get in and wreck house. The Time Stone will allow for chasing opponents down and ensuring Hulk can keep in range of them.
Your Infinity Stone Choice should be at the very least capable of either getting Hulk closer to the opponent or bringing them to him. If not that, try using an option like the Mind Stone which can stun an opponent and give a free combo set up, or the Soul Stone, which can steal health for you. These types of abilities will help you defend against some of Hulk's shortcomings to put a real beat down on the enemy. Be aware, however, that an Infinity Stone is not a get-out-of-jail-free card when it comes to disrupting an opponent and that using it both wisely and in tandem with Hulk's close up powers is the key to getting further with the character. The Space Stone is the best option for now because of the ways it allows Hulk to get around the fact that he can't chase opponents down well.
Unique Abilities
Every Character in the game has a unique skill or ability that aids them. Hulk's Unique ability is called Avalanche Leap. This ability is done by hitting forwards on the control stick during a wall jump (jumping towards a wall), and it will send Hulk to the other side of the screen. This tool is very useful for either getting in on that opponent that just doesn't want to get near you or help you escape being trapped in a corner. Keep in mind both the direction you are leaping and where Hulk will land, because the opponent may decide to try and catch you at the end of the move. This is best used as an escape tool when cornered, but can serve to get you in range to get a ground combo in. Starting a combo in the air can also be done if you aim to start it at the tail end of the leap, because Hulk can either begin a combo of his own or you can active Active Switch During this and have your partner finish what Hulk started.
Be warned that just because this is an escape move, you won't always fully get away. If your opponent has a fast moving ability that will follow Hulk or is using something like the Time Stone, they can catch you in a bad spot if you weren't prepared when you leaped away. The movement range on this is better than on most of Hulk's other moves, since he'll actually go just about half screen when doing it. This is why it is such a useful tool for Hulk to have- it gives hulk a way to both close in and escape fast while making some good distance, which his other moves don't really do.
Conclusion
As one can see, Hulk is a hard character to get used to, with slow ground speed and a lack of tools to help him get closer. He gets around this via tools like his Avalanche Leap, Infinity Stone choices like Mind or Space, and when he does get close, players will really appreciate the power he brings with him. Players will find that Hulk is a character that may not seem very good at first, but beneath his slow ground speed and lack of far range moves is a character that has a lot of potential for those willing to buckle down and learn him. Hulk is a character whose power can make a case for using him despite his shortcomings, and you should focus on finding out what Hulk can do while minimizing the time you spend in vulnerable positions. No one likes a player who spams easy moves however, so avoid moving to a corner and just using Gamma Wave repeatedly or things like that. Doing so will earn you a bad reputation, and will limit the people you can play with. Use the Mission Mode and the Training mode to hone your skills, and then take the fight to your friends with Hulk!
Youtube Help Sources
There are dozens of great channels on Youtube that will help in your bid to learn characters like this and get new game play tips all the time.
This is Capcom's main Youtube hub for the game. This page will give you small character tutorials and small start up tips to help you start digging in. It's a great place for newcomers to go to start their journey.
An avid fighting game player and fan who streams and uploads videos about them daily. He provides numerous videos where he showcases different characters, games, and gives tips on how to approach things for beginners. Many of his videos are designed to help bring in new players.
A member of the Fighting Game Community and a commentator, UM Tyrant also uploads videos on youtube where he gives impressions, beginner's tutorials, and general gameplay videos. This is a page to visit if you really are serious about jumping into the scene. He also gives impressions of upcoming games as well.
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