Parrying FAQ: How To Parry Correctly
Parrying forms the basis of defense in Metal Gear Rising: Revengenace. Unlike other titles made by Platinum Games, dodging isn't the central mechanic, though it's still certainly important in the game. Blocking is equally effective in mitigating damage, but parrying an attack leaves an enemy stunned and open to a flurry of attacks from Blade Mode. A mistimed parry leads to block.
Setting the game on Easy will have Raiden automatically parry every attack, but on the harder difficulty settings, knowing how to parry effectively is absolutely necessary. However, nailing down the parry technique can be frustrating to learn.
Any incoming attack on Raiden is indicated on the screen with red flashes, prompting you to press X (or Square on PS3) with press the left analog stick in the direction of the attack. The trouble isn't necessarily parrying one attack, though; it's parrying multiple attacks in a row. To do this, you cannot swivel the analog stick in the direction of each attack. Instead, you must let the analog stick go back to the neutral position before flicking it in the direction of each attack. Yep, it's annoying and strange, but that's how to parry multiple attacks in quick succession.
However, be on the lookout for any attacks that flash yellow, particularly from bosses, because they cannot be parried. Instead, dodging is your best defense by ninja running or using a skill called Offensive Defensive (3000 BP) which allows Raiden to dodge attacks.
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