PLAYSTYLE

Force the opponent into a back-wall situation, hammer them with mix-ups, then combo.

DIO’s game plan is to launch the opponent to the wall with either throw or S-ON 214M, and force them into back wall mixups. Once he opens the opponent up, he gains access to very damaging wall combos. His main mode is S-ON, which is an intimidating mix-up machine. Air 236A is an instant overhead that launches the opponent for a combo. Mix that in with lows and throws and back-wall becomes a scary place to fight DIO. Furthermore, his S-ON normals each serve a purpose in making sure the opponent doesn’t escape the wall.

Unlike his more solid S-ON, DIO's S-OFF is geared more towards evasiveness and trickiness. He has a command throw, a projectile, unique parries, and some long range pokes. What S-OFF lacks however, are any moves that can reliably get the opponent off of him. This makes players avoid S-OFF most of the time. However, once DIO gets up from OTG, he’s forced into S-OFF. It is then that players who lack skill in S-OFF get overwhelmed and lose, as it can be hard to create an opening to go into his much more useful S-ON. Therefore, practicing fluidity between S-OFF and S-ON is essential.

Aside from S-OFF, DIO has very little health. One mistake will cost much more than other characters. S-OFF 421A makes up for this a bit, but it is still a noticeable flaw. DIO’s biggest asset are his damaging combos, which are lengthy and have little room for error. Dropping a big combo often results in a large loss of meter as well. DIO has some great tools, but they take getting used to. While DIO’s strengths are apparent, his weaknesses are just as obvious. He is a character that will take a lot of practice (and learning from losses) before you can start to win with him.

PROS

  • Big damage, thanks to the wall and Time Stop.
  • S-ON is a mix-up machine.
  • Excellent, easy wall carry.
  • Thrives in back-wall situations.
  • Can heal himself with S-OFF 421A.
  • S-OFF/S-ON can be used to control space, or ‘shimmy’ attacks.
  • Great normals in S-ON.
  • Combo breaker (2 bars).

CONS

  • One of the lowest health bars in the game.
  • Mistakes are often very costly, either in terms of life, or meter.
  • S-OFF takes a lot of time to get used to.
  • Fairly vulnerable in S-OFF.
  • Combos take time and are easy to drop.
  • Big body can make it hard to dodge things.