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You may face some challenges when choosing your character inMortal Kombat 1, but you might be drawn to a familiar face like Johnny Cage, one of the original fighters in the series. Far from that, he may be the best choice for his fastest movements.
When you choose to play as Johnny Cage, you’ll quickly notice once you get close to his opponent’s face, that he has to be one of the best playable fighters in the game for both new and experienced players, and this will be even better with the newKameo System. However, in this guide, you’ll find out what makes Johnny Cage unique, his special moves, and other important details.
Johnny Cage Overview
If you’re a new or longtime MK player, you’ve probably come across Johnny Cage, the movie star known for his funny personality and signature black glasses. He’s the kind of guy who gives off a regular person vibe.
Once you play your first fight as Johnny Cage in this game, you’ll notice thathe no longer has his green power. Instead, he’s more like a regular guy now, but nowhe has a Hype Meter shaped like a starin the bottom corner of the screen.This meterboosts his special moves.
When theHype Meter is full, Johnny Cage will step into the spotlightfor ten seconds, making his special moves stronger and giving him the ability to cancel his opponent’s special moves more effectively.
Even though Johnny Cage isno longer using a projectile abilityafter they stripped him of his power completely, he remains an impressiverushdown fighter. He has many fast moves, including theShadow Kickand hisnew Shadow Dash, whichallow him to close in on opponents rapidly.This makes him even better as one of the top rushdown fighters.
The newHype Meter introduces some drawbacks. If you get too caught up trying to fill it, you might end up under your opponent’s control. So, when trying to fill it, wait for the right time or depend on your Kameo to provide time for you.
Johnny Cage Special Moves
When it comes to the new Johnny Cage, you might be wondering about his fresh moves and what he can’t do anymore. So, here’s a table that lists all of Johnny’s special moves, helping you understand how to use them and what each one does.
Ball Buster
Back, Down, 1
Perform a split and deliver a punch to the opponent’s groin, causing them to fall gradually. This was named the Nut Punch.
Show Off
Down, Back, 1
You can gain an advantage by dashing through your opponent to get behind them. You can perform the extended version by holding down the 1 button.
Throwing Shade
Forward, Down, Back, 2
You will remove the sunglasses and throw them at the opponent, then put on another pair just like the first.
Rising Star
Down, Back, 3
You will deliver an uppercut that sends your opponent into the air. This sets up a combo for you to keep your opponent suspended in the air, allowing you to deal more damage.
Shadow Dash
Down, Forward, 3
You will dash forward quickly or move through your opponent to get behind them. This allows for sneaky pressure extension or mix-up if timed well.
Shadow Kick
Back, Forward, 4
You will slide across the floor on one foot and then kick the opponent with the other foot.
Hype
Forward, Down, Back, 4
You will step into a spotlight, then you can move faster and perform enhanced special moves without spending the Meter Bar.
Wowing Out
After filling in the Hype Meter, you will be able to perform uninterrupted combos.
Every special move, except Wowing Out and Hype, has anenhanced versionto deal more damage or extend itthat you can activate by pressing theblock button after the last input.
you’re able to use theHype version for Ball Buster,Throwing Shade,Rising Star,and Shadow Kick,which you can activate by pressing theswitch stance button after the last input.
To prevent confusion, this will help you apply the moves to your controls.
Forward = Toward the opponent
Back = Away from the opponent
Johnny Cage Tips
The main thing in Johnny’s professionalism depends on exploiting his speed and theShadow Dash to dodge the opponent. Although he is an invincible fighter,you should not use random attacks. Take the time to read your opponent and choose when to attack wisely.
Don’t underestimate your opponent by taunting to fill the Hype Meter. Be careful and only do it when you are at a safe distance.
If you’re facing off against a skilled Johnny Cage player, take your time in the first round to figure out your strategy. Don’t depend too much on the Hype Meter in this situation, as they might not give you the opportunity to fill it. This is when depending on the Shadow Dash is a good move.
Timing your switch to the opposite side is crucial. It can confuse your opponent, creating an opening for you to launch effective attacks. This is a smart approach to initiate your offensive moves. This can also be used with other special moves to avoid getting hit by spam attacks.
Combining special moves with combos and Kameos might be confusing for the first time. However, once you understand when to use them with Johnny Cage, you’re able to consistently launch attacks on your opponent or dodge their moves. For example:Forward, 1, 2 + Ball Buster + Kameo button+ Forward Jump, 2, 4, 4.
Johnny, along with Mileena and other rushdown fighters, excels when consistently pressuring the opponent. Additionally, using the perfect Kameo adds more pressure to your attacks and deals more damage. For example: useCyraxto deal more pressure on your opponent while you use the2, 1, 2 combo.
Johnny Cage Kameo Tips
Choosing the best Kameo depends on your fighter. For this case, we have Johnny Cage, and there is a variety of Kameos to choose from, but few of them might fit Johnny.
Remember, choosing yourKameo is as important as choosing your fighter.
For Johnny Cage, you need a Kameo toapply pressureon the opponent, andextend your combos, and the best Kameos for Johnny areSub Zero,Cyrax, andKano.
Many other Kameos can complement Johnny, each offering specific advantages. Discover them and choose which one works best for you.
Johnny Cage Fatalities
In the end, we can’t forget what has always set MK apart. In this game, you have two Fatalities by playing as Johnny Cage.
