「Tales of Xillia: Alvin Solo」 Jao

テイルズ オブ エクシリア ： ジャオ 「アルヴィン 単独」
► Run Playlist:    • 「Tales of Xillia: Alvin Solo」  
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Thought I could clean this fight up a bit ..so I did, not much else to it.

Starting the fight next to Jao to quickly stagger him with Tide Bullet and then force a counter with Wide Shot, triggering a retreat phase which gives me the perfect window to deal with the wolves. Ideally they spawn on opposite sides of the battlefield so they line up for a Chiryuusen.

Once the adds were done, the rest is straightforward. Jao has a hefty iron stance for being an early game boss, taking 3-4 to break it each time. That combined with multiple attacks that have an instant hitbox leaves Wide Shot as my only reliable approach tool as I have no guaranteed guard break with the selection of artes this early in the game.

There are two possible outcomes when it comes to Wide Shot;
1. Jao gets staggered - Charge once and close in with Shunjinken Houga before the iron stance regenerates and proceed into a small chain.
2. Jao guards - Charge twice, guard manip to force Senjinrouha and use that window to rush through him with Shunjinken Houga and punish with Tide Spark into a quick chain.

This strategy isn't fool-proof unfortunately, as Jao can decide to guard before Tide Spark hits which can lead to a fast guard counter that can kill me. An unlucky off-screen counter can also get me killed if I don't notice the super armor in time.

Jao's two regular counters are Maou Chigakujin and Resshintenshou, the latter being more of an issue as Jao moves forward with this arte. Both artes have range and require multiple backsteps to avoid taking a hit.
Additionally Jao can counter out of guarding with Senjinrouha or one of his normal-chains.
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Challenges and Details:
💥 Alvin Solo
💥 Unknown Mode
💥 No Damage
💥 No Menu
💥 No Free Run
💥 No Herbs
💥 Double Damage
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Thumbnail 🎨 by Zeke!
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#TOX, #TalesOfXillia