The 2XKO Blitzcrank reveal trailer has dropped, and so have my command grab inputs!
Riot Games has showcased the next grappler-focused fighter being the long-armed robot.
But what is up his long sleeves, and will this be just Android 16 with a screen grab?
2XKO Blitzcrank Reveal
Since his release into base LOL Blitzcrank has become one of the most well-known robots in games. Therefore Riot Games saw fit to make the man known for grabbing a grappler. Genius stuff, really.
Although, aside from the reveal trailer, he looks like a beefier Scorpion. Starting off, 2XKO Blitzcrank has the Get Over Here screen grab. However, this even grabs opponents on block, making turtling even riskier!
Also, like the best grabbers, he has an anti-air variant going diagonally for hoppers. And for balance, whiffing that grab leaves you wide open for obvious massive punishment.
His wife is very telling, letting you know with question marks that the player messed up.
But the more interesting ripped mechanic for 2XKO Blitzcrank is his wind-up. Like Jack from Tekken, he swirls his arms, giving special moves an electric buff. From this state his long-reach command does not lead to an immediate hit. But instead a stun state leading into further combo damage.
This buffed 2XKO Blitzcrank state is signalled via his piping hot steam pipes on the back. It gives him a little extra with regard to options as a grappler. Do you want to go for immediate damage gratification or bet on the buff playing off more later?
Also, he quite literally comes in like a wrecking ball with his aerial swing move. This has less coverage but great combo windows given the amount of stunned state on hit. Although why am I talking about his other moves when people will just spam the Q?
Clankers Go Home
One comment from many playtesters of 2XKO Blitzcrank points out his Tag Combo proficiency. Leading into a tag combo from one of his grabs is very easy, apparently due to the long animation windows of the grabs. Playtesters easily jumped into big tag damage after most successful grabs.
But one thing I see him lacking in from the Tag side is the assist side of things. Mostly because I didn’t actually see any, so who knows, maybe he has the best ones! However, his neutral air cross-up in general looks insanely easy. Kind of like Zangief’s Alpha neutral but with a much wider hitbox, making it easier to cross up enemies.
However, grapplers live or die by their balancing, and 2XKO Blitzcrank from first glance seems fine. Unless he has some crazy TP or air dashes on launch, I see him not being too crazy to fight against.
Grapplers in any fight are either loved or hated for good reasons. Actually, in most cases they are just hated, especially when you are playing against a decent one! But until I get my hands on him after launch, for now his toolkit seems fitting and promising.
Perhaps just lab some Zangief and Scorpion while you wait.
