The Psycho Shot (サイコショット Saiko Shotto?) is one of M. Bison's special attacks introduced in Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors' Dreams. It is also used by Ed in Street Fighter V and Street Fighter 6, the latter of which renames it as Psycho Shoot (サイコスシュート Saikoshūto?).
| Appearance | User(s) | Function | Input |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Fighter Alpha series | M. Bison | Special Attack |   +
|
| Marvel vs. Capcom series | M. Bison | Special Attack |  +
|
| Street Fighter V | M. Bison | EX Psycho Blast | +
|
| Street Fighter V | Ed | Special Attack | + >
|
| Street Fighter 6 (Classic) |
Ed | Special Attack |  +>+
|
| Street Fighter 6 (Modern) |
Ed | Special Attack |  >+
|
Description
M. Bison
Executed by charging backward then pressing forward and punch, Bison forms a purple ball of energy using his Psycho Power then launches it at his opponent via one of his standing/crouching heavy punch animation (his following-armed uppercut).
It is present in A-ISM and V-ISM and replaces the Psycho Crusher as a special attack, with the Psycho Crusher being used as a Super Combo.
While the stronger button versions dictate its speed, the versions used in the .vs Capom crossovers with Marvel in particular instead dictate the flight pattern of the shot, ranging from a low curve to a high curve.
Psycho Shot returns as M. Bison's EX version of Psycho Blast in Street Fighter V. Executed by charging backward then pressing forward and two punches, M. Bison releases a Psycho Power orb from his hands as a long-range projectile.
Ed
- "Sends the ball of Psycho power generated by Psycho Spark flying forward. Useful for attacking opponents at range."
- —Street Fighter 6
Psycho Shot acts as a follow-up move to Ed's Psycho Spark. Executed by pressing forward and Medium Punch followed by any punch button, Ed delivers an uppercut to generate a purple orb of Psycho Power, and subsequently hits the orb with a straight punch, sending it toward his opponent. In Street Fighter 6, the input of this move is changed to performing a quarter-circle forward and pressing punch (or pressing Special Attack for Modern Control), followed by pressing forward and any punch button (or pressing forward and any attack button for Modern Control).
Tactics
M. Bison
In the Street Fighter Alpha series, despite being a charge move, all versions of Psycho Shot have very high recovery, making the attack punishable even on hit at close ranges. Psycho Shot's main appeal is its speed and large hitbox. The slower moving version of the projectile can be difficult for opponents to jump over. Psycho Shot can also combo into Hover Kick from the right distance.
Although the move costs one bar of Critical Gauge and only has one version, the Street Fighter V iteration of Psycho Shot is significantly more useful. Psycho shot has been re-tooled to be a slow-moving projectile that hits launches the opponent into the air, serving as a great combo extender. It is considered to be one of the best projectiles in the game, due to it's two-hits of armor, and massive hitbox. The speed of the fireball also makes this move tricky, allowing Bison to setup left-right mix-up situations; especially when paired with his second V-Skill, Hell's Warp. Bison can use this version to back his opponent into the corner. Even if they block the Psycho Shot, M. Bison is still safe. If his first V-Trigger, Psycho Power, is active, it gets a larger blast radius, higher damage and faster startup and recovery.
Ed
The Psycho Shot is Ed's only long range attack to keep his opponent at a distance. The speed of the projectile is determined by the strength of the punch button pressed. The Light version has the slowest speed, while the Heavy version travels the fastest. The normal version of Psycho Shot hits once and inflicts decent damage. Ed can use this move to neutralize oncoming fireballs. However, Psycho Shot is not very effective against other zoning character due to its long startup.
The EX version deals more damage and travels the same speed as the Heavy version. However, this version results in a knockdown, allowing Ed to maintain okizeme with a forward jump. EX Psycho Shot is an excellent tool for maintaining pressure as it's +8 on block. On hit, it can also lead into some juggle combos
Compared to Psycho Spark, this attack is -4 on block. If his opponent blocks the projectile at point blank range, they may be in position to punish Ed. However, Psycho Shot has a small amount of pushback that can keep his opponent out of range from their fastest normals. In the corner, this move can be an effective combo extender, allowing him to link into Crouching Medium Kick to inflict more damage. Ed can also chase the projectile as it travels the screen, using it as a safe wall for pressure. However, if Ed has his first V-Trigger active, then he cannot perform this move.
In Street Fighter 6, the Light version of Psycho Shoot travels slower compared to Street Fighter V. This allows Ed to follow behind the projectile as he approaches the opponent, forcing the opponent to defend against the fireball and Ed's pressure game. The OD version can only be performed on an OD Psycho Spark. However, OD Psycho Shoot gains an additional hit to juggle the opponent, or to knock down and push them closer to the corner.
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