Blodge

Blodge is a technique in Dissidia 012 that allows a player to block and then dodge immediately afterwards. Similar to dash feints, blodge exploits an early input window during block to cancel into a dodge. This is a universal technique; Every character can do this.

Blodge is primarily used defensively as a form of option select. That means it can cover multiple offensive options within a short time frame, which is very useful in high level play. It can evade attacks, stagger opponents and remove certain high priority projectiles without taking damage. Exdeath can also take advantage of blodge to chain HP attacks and fill his assist gauge faster than anyone else.

How to perform

All characters can perform this, as long as they have a block and a dodge ability equipped. For example, have Ground Block and Ground Evasion equipped. The principle is identical to performing dash feints.

1. Press R . Keep holding R.
2. Now press Cross right after inputting R. Do not input both at the same time. It should be a sequence instead. You have 2 frames to do this input at 30 FPS, the game's frame rate. It is a very short time period, so it can be challenging to do.
3. When done correctly, a block sound effect / voice plays while a character dodges.

About the Timing (Frame Rate, for Veteran Players)

Historically this has been treated as a 4-frame timing, mostly because Dissidia 012's frame data has been documented at 60 frames per second. Dissidia 012 primarily runs at 30 frames per second though; In-game replay function reveals that blodge can happen 2 frames after the block (which is frame 1). This may not mean much in practice, as the required timing is still quick and precise.

Applications

Blodge works against low priority attacks and certain HP projectiles. It cannot block mid priority attacks, or most HP attacks in general.

Pre-Emptive Defense

Blodge is most commonly used to defend against Melee Low priority bravery attacks. Since it can block and dodge, this increases the chances of defending correctly. If a blodge staggers the opponent, counterattacks are possible, such as Squall's Aerial Circle. If a blodge does not stagger, the dodge will happen regardless.

Stopping Approaches

Blodge can also stagger opponents using Ground Dash or Free Air Dash. For example, Sephiroth can use Shadow Flare and blodge opponents trying to approach with Free Air Dash. If blodge staggers the opponent, Sephiroth can retaliate with Heaven's Light. Please note, that the character must be close enough to the opponent to retaliate after a blodge. Sometimes it may be a good idea to not move too far with air dodges when using this technique.

Stopping EX Revenge Checkmates

Because blodge staggers opponents, assist characters can still hit the opponent and bypass EX Revenge checkmates.

If EX gauge depletion is equipped (e.g. Dismay Shock ), 1-hit HP attacks such as Kefka's Havoc Wing can blodge and bypass EX Revenge afterwards.

Removing HP Projectiles

Blodge can also remove certain Ranged High projectiles without taking damage. For example, it works against The Emperor's Flares, Terra's Meltdown and Zidane's Tidal Flame. When done correctly, the game displays a "Guard Crush" message while the character is dodging.

The timing is quite precise, it can take practice to do this consistently.

This does not work against all Ranged High attacks, such as Garland's Cyclone or Cloud of Darkness's Wide-Angle Particle Beam. The reason may have to do with the way projectiles' hit detection works. Cyclone is active all the time, while The Emperor's Flare detonates separately (or slower) once it gets close.

Assist Gauge and Mobility (Exdeath Only)

Exdeath can cancel certain bravery and HP attacks' startup into a regular block. Since blodge cancels the block, Exdeath can use it to reposition quickly and repeat attacks to fill assist gauge very quickly. For example: Grand Cross > Blodge > Sword Dance > Blodge. With blodge, Exdeath becomes very difficult to catch and outpace in assist gauge economy.

Notes

Blodge does not work against Melee Mid, Ranged Mid or most HP attacks. In these cases, a blodge results in a stagger or a conventional guard crush instead.

If Precision Block extra ability is equipped, using blodge against higher priority attacks (e.g. Cloud Cross-slash) results in a Precision Block stagger.

If Precision Evasion extra ability is equipped, it can still activate. This is true against The Emperor's Flares, and it works even if blodge did not block anything.

See also

• Dash Feint