Blind but never sightless, Kenshi sees all through a mystic perception that guides his ancestral blade. For those seeking to master his combos in Mortal Kombat 1, true vision lies in understanding his roots and evaluating the evolving form showcased in his return. By charting Kenshi‘s journey across kombat history, analyzing combo theory, and drilling his optimized damage routes, you too can gain insight into this enigmatic fighter.
A History of Kenshi
Debuting in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Kenshi brought a new dimension to the series with his telekinetic swordplay. His backstory of being deceived and blinded by Shang Tsung established an underdog narrative that resonated with fans. Despite lacking vision, Kenshi overcame this handicap by honing his other senses into a precognitive perception of the battlefield.
Over successive game entries, Kenshi further differentiated himself through variations like Balanced, Possessed, and Kenjutsu. These allowed players to customize his fighting style, whether wielding the telekinetic Sento sword or communing with ancestral spirits. Through his evolution, Kenshi maintained his high skill ceiling through combo creativity and strong footsies.
Now reimagined for MK1, Kenshi comes full circle with returning mechanics like Telekinetic Slash and Tele-Flurry. His fluid normals and balanced toolset provide strong combo potential in the rebooted gameplay system. To dominate as Kenshi, we must relearn his optimum damage routes.
Cracking the Combo Code
Before diving into specific combos, let‘s break down key fighting game theory that underpins combo execution:
Footsies – The subtle positioning and movement game of maintaining optimal spacing for attacks and reactions. Strong footsies allow you to land the ideal combo starter.
Frame Data – Tracking the startup, active, and recovery frames of moves to identify openings like after a blocked poke. This frame advantage opens combo opportunities.
Canceling – Inputting the next move before the prior move‘s animation finishes in order to immediately continue applying pressure.
Juggling – Launching the opponent into the air and hitting them with additional attacks before they land. This maximizes air combo damage.
Okizeme – Pressuring the opponent as they wake up in order to force errors and drops in defense. Allows resetting into new combos.
Now equipped with combo theory, let‘s see it executed in Kenshi‘s toolkit:
Optimal BnB Combos
1, F22~BF4, 4~DB4
- High damage, easy execution
- Launches with overhead slash into air juggle
- Ends with ground smash for okizeme
F22~DF1EX, Dash, F22~BF3
- Enhanced telekinetic toss slams enemy down
- Dash links into multi-hit vortex spin attack
- Corner carries and deals 35% damage
Maximizing Damage
F22~DB2EXB, Dash, 4~F+K, DB1, [Block], F22~BF3
- Delayed teleport kick maintains air juggle
- Dash cancel combos into projectile
- Finishes combo with 10% damage finisher
Damage – 412
By optimizing air time and cancelling recovery animations, Kenshi can convert starters into 40%+ damage without meter or interactables.
Corner Pressure Loops
B12, B12, 4~DB3
- Shoulder tackle bounces opponent between wall and Kenshi
- Let‘s loop combo into rising knee attack
- Adds 300+ extra damage if executed perfectly
Matchup Specific Combos
VS Scorpion – B2, 212~BF1EX, Dash, 212~DF1
- Punish Scorpion‘s Death Spin or spear
- EX telekinetic flurry juggles airborne
- Dash cancel into enhanced launcher
VS Jax – F22~DB1, Dash, 212~BF3
- Low block poke beats Jax‘s high punches
- Cancel into telekinetic projectile for blockstun
- Continue combo if projectile hits
By studying frame data for the entire roster, Kenshi players can develop specialized combos to counterpick any matchup.
Executing Under Pressure
Landing combos in real matches requires mastery of spacing, reflexes, and mind games in addition to mechanical execution. Top players like SonicFox consistently land optimized damage off any opportunity through immaculate skill.
Study their footage and learn to quickly assess:
- Available meter
- Position on screen
- Spacing between characters
- Opponent patterns and habits
With this awareness, you can automatically respond with ideal mechanically ingrained combos to overcome any in-match scenario. Think fast, strike faster.
A Lifelong Journey
Fully mastering a character like Kenshi takes extensive hours of grinding games, labbing combos, reviewing replays, and competing against world-class opponents. But the pursuit itself brings meaning. Follow the way of the warrior, continuously improving through diligence and discipline. The path ahead is long, but walk it without hurry, and improve step-by-step.
