Exceed SystemThe Exceed system allows Nero to rev up his Red Queen blade via the fuel injection system. This causes the blade to ignite as a special propellant powers up the blades next attack. The blade will glow red and the next attack will be more powerful than normal.
The Exceed gauge is located in the upper left corner of the screen. As Nero powers up the Red Queen, one level (or bar) will appear as the gauge on the left side of the screen pumps up with enough power.
The Red Queen starts out with only the option of using Level 1 moves even if more than one level is saved up but by purchasing Exceed 2 and Exceed 3, Nero will automatically use two or three levels respectively for even more powerful version (EX) of special moves.
How to Charge the Exceed GaugeThere are two ways to charge the Exceed Gauge:
A) Press and hold down on the L2 button then tap and hold it again. A certain momentum must be used to rev up the blade while tapping and holding the button. The blade should be able to receive a 40% charge with a correct press of the L2 button allowing the gauge to be fully charged with three presses of L2. This method can be used to power up the Exceed gauge to level 3.
B) Use the Instant Rev or EX-Act to get one full charge per attack. Press the L2 button near the end of any Red Queen attack with the correct timing and one full bar will be gained. Even a full combo (such as Red Queen Combo A) can be fully Instant Revved to make each attack hit with a stronger force. This method is what makes the Exceed system extremely useful. It is not as hard as it sounds and I will break down each attack for you below to help you understand the proper timing.
Instant Rev TimingLet's make an example of Nero's full Red Queen Combo A first of all.
The full combo is: /\, /\, /\, /\
While instant revving, you should enter the commands this way:
(- = the amount of time in between button presses. Basically, a fraction of a second.)
/\--L2, /\-L2, /\-L2, /\---L2
While performing this combo the first L2 command must be entered very close to the end of the first slash in order to get an instant rev. The second and third /\ presses require an almost immediate - but not simultaneous - press of the L2 button. The L2 press is just following the press of /\ but not at the same time. The final /\ press causes a very delayed final hit that must be instant revved as the blade hits the ground, so the L2 press is delayed like the first press in this combination but slightly more delayed. It's all about timing and becoming familiar with a certain momentum that each combination of slashes requires.
Now let's look at a single attack such as High Roller.
The input is: Lock-on, back + /\
While instant revving, the commands should be entered as follows:
Lock-on, back + /\---L2
In this example, the L2 press is inputted at the extreme end of the High Roller attack. Basically, you have to press the L2 button right when Nero holds his blade downward as the air slash ends.
I'll get more deep into the Instant Revving in a bit.
Attacks that are powered up by ExceedEvery attack from Nero's Red Queen can be powered up through the use of the Exceed system but only a few of the attacks actually look more powered.
For instance, the following attacks all have some very noticeable changes when performed with at least a Level 1 Exceed unit:
Streak - * EX Streak
High Roller - EX High Roller
Shuffle - EX Shuffle
Split - EX Split (Double Down)
Calibur - EX Calibur
(* may be charged)
Just a normal slash in a combination of slashes will hit harder (more likely to knock down a powerful enemy) and slightly faster while the blade glows, but the effects are minimal for a normal slash.
NOTE: While charging an EX Streak, the blade can be revved up by tapping and holding the L2 button much like when standing. It sports a cool little animation with Nero laughing as the blade is revved up.
The Different Levels of ExceedEven though Nero can always build his Exceed Gauge up to level 3, he cannot use all three levels at one time with only Exceed 1, which he begins the game with. By purchasing Exceed 2 and 3 this will allow Nero to instantly unleash a Level 2 or 3 Exceed attack depending on how much the Exceed Gauge is filled.
The MAX-Act AbilityMAX-Act will charge the Red Queen fully if the button is tapped at a precise time during an attack. MAX-Act is very similar to the Instant Rev but this requires some extremely precise - EXACT - button pressing. If the press is not timed absolutely perfect then a normal instant rev will be initiated to charge the EX gauge by only one level.
Learning the Instant Rev system very well will allow one to get the timing down for a MAX-Act press sometimes. The timing is so very precise that mastering the MAX-Act is the most complicated part of mastering Nero. If the timing can be mastered then you will be able to release Level 3 Exceed attacks one after the other, especially since a MAX-Act can be initiated during a Level 3 Exceed attack!
Precise Timing For Instant RevsAs already mentioned, Instant Revving an attack requires some well-placed timing with an L2 press near the end of the move. The following information will help you to learn more about the instant in which to press the L2 button to instant rev each of the Red Queen's attacks and combination slashes. I am not going to get EXTREMELY detailed with the precise timing since a lot of it depends on the player learning the flow of each move along with the frame of animation or exact fraction of a second in which to press the L2 button. The information below should be enough to give a player an idea of how to approach each L2 tap during a command.
And one final thing, Instant Revving is NOT hard. You just have to learn the proper timing and practice that proper timing against an enemy. Hitting an enemy while instant revving feels a bit different than slashing normally while instant revving. Learn this technique and Nero will be much more interesting and fun to control.
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Here's the way to read this portion:
-- Name of Move
Line 1 - Normal Command Input
Line 2 - Command input with L2 (Instant Rev) presses
Line 3 - Command with L2 presses broken into sections for each individual slash (letters are used so I can describe each attack below it). This line is only available for combination attacks.
Line 4 - Each L2 button press broken down with a word explanation of when to tap it after pressing /\.
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Full Move List with Instant Rev Timing(- = the amount of time in between button presses. Basically, a fraction of a second.)
-- Red Queen Combo ANormal Input: /\, /\, /\, /\
Input with Instant Rev: /\--L2, /\-L2, /\-L2, /\---L2
A) /\---L2, B) /\-L2, C) /\-L2, D) /\---L2
A) Press the L2 button the fraction of a second before Nero's blade can be seen on the screen when he holds it downward with his left hand after swinging.
B) Press the L2 button the fraction of a second just before Nero's hand appears behind him while he holds the handle the sword.
C) Press the L2 button the fraction of a second before the slash of the third slice can be seen in front of Nero.
D) Press the L2 button the exact moment that Nero's blade hits the ground.
-- Red Queen Combo BNormal Input: /\, pause, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\
Input with Instant Rev: /\--L2, pause, /\---L2, /\-L2, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\---L2
A) /\--L2, pause, B) /\---L2, C) /\-L2, D) /\---L2
A) Press the L2 button the fraction of a second before Nero's blade can be seen on the screen when he holds it downward with his left hand after swinging.
B) Press the L2 button right when Nero's blade hits the ground.
C) Press the L2 button right when Nero's blade hits the ground.
D) Press the L2 button the fraction of a second directly after Nero pulls the blade out of the ground. You should be able to see the blade behind him as it charges.
Extra Notes: From what I have seen only the first three attacks and the final attack can be Instant Revved. I have tried the rapid strikes but can't ever get an Instant Rev from them.
-- Red Queen Combo CNormal Input: /\, /\, pause, /\, /\, /\, /\
Input with Instant Rev: /\---L2, /\-L2, pause, /\---L2, /\-L2, /\-L2, /\--L2
A) /\---L2, B) /\-L2, pause, C) /\---L2, D) /\-L2, E) /\-L2, F) /\--L2
A) Press the L2 button the fraction of a second before Nero's blade can be seen on the screen when he holds it downward with his left hand after swinging.
B) Press the L2 button the fraction of a second just before Nero's hand appears behind him while he holds the handle the sword.
C) Press the L2 button at the very end of both slashes when Nero holds the blade behind his back with his left hand.
D) Press the L2 button right before Nero holds his left hand behind him after the slash.
E) Nero will spin with this slash. Press the L2 button right before the blade spins to his right side.
F) When Nero holds the blade to his right while it is in the back of him after the final slash, press the L2 button as the move ends.
Extra Notes: The hardest part of instant revving this combo is the third hit. The third hit instant rev L2 press is so extremely delayed that it can mess up the timing for the rest of the combo. The instant rev and timing for the next /\ presses are extremely close together. Practice!
-- Red Queen Combo DNormal Input: /\, /\, /\, pause, /\
Input with Instant Rev: /\--L2, /\-L2, /\-L2, pause, /\---L2
A) /\---L2, B) /\-L2, C) /\-L2, pause, D) /\---L2
A) Press the L2 button the fraction of a second before Nero's blade can be seen on the screen when he holds it downward with his left hand after swinging.
B) Press the L2 button the fraction of a second just before Nero's hand appears behind him while he holds the handle of the sword.
C) Press the L2 button the fraction of a second before the slash of the third slice can be seen in front of Nero.
D) Press the L2 button the exact moment that Nero's blade hits the ground.
Extra Note: This combo is instant revved the exact same as Combo A, the pause at the end is the only difference, but the instant rev for the final move still has the exact same timing as Combo A.
-- Aerial ComboNormal Input: (in air) /\, /\, /\
Input with Instant Rev: /\--L2, /\-L2, /\---L2
A) /\--L2, B) /\-L2, C) /\--L2
A) Press the L2 button about mid-slash.
B) Press the L2 button the exact moment that Nero leans his blade back after swinging.
C) Press the L2 button the exact moment that Nero holds his blade behind him after swinging.
Extra Notes: Above all the Instant Revs, you should definitely learn this one. Being able to charge up the gauge in the air will allow you to possibly be able to charge a full gauge through the use of the MAX-Act upon hitting the ground! Also, just simply jumping into the air and instant revving only the first slash of the Aerial Combo is much faster than a constant cranking of the Exceed gauge.
-- Roulette SpinNormal Input: (in air) /\, /\, pause, /\
Input with Instant Rev: /\--L2, /\-L2, pause, /\---L2
A) /\--L2, B) /\-L2, C) /\--L2
A) Press the L2 button about mid-slash.
B) Press the L2 button the exact moment that Nero leans his blade back after swinging.
C) Press the L2 button at the very end of this slash. The button press should be tapped on just about the last frame of animation.
Extra Notes: Roulette Spin is an extremely useful in this game. Try to learn to Instant Rev this entire combo. Practice with the Aerial Combo then try this one. The delay for the final /\ press is the hardest part to become familiar with once you've learned the timing for the Aerial Combo, but once you've mastered the final /\ press then the final L2 press isn't too bad.
-- StreakNormal Input: Lock-on, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button the fraction of a second before Nero holds his left hand behind him after the sword swing. The sword will glow when Nero's hand can be seen behind his back.
Extra Notes: Much like the Aerial Combo instant rev combination, this is another move where the timing for the instant rev should be mastered. While fighting normal enemies, this move will usually knock them down and then when instant revved it will give Nero some power for his next attack while the victim is grounded.
-- EX Streak (Level 1)Normal Input: Lock-on, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button as Nero begins to turn to the right during his single spin at the end of this move.
-- EX Streak (Level 2)Normal Input: Lock-on, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Forward + /\----L2
Press the L2 button as Nero begins to turn to the right during his second spin at the end of this move.
-- EX Streak (Level 3)Normal Input: Lock-on, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Forward + /\-----L2
Press the L2 button as Nero begins to turn to the right during his third spin at the end of this move.
(Extra Notes: All the EX Streaks are very easy to learn once Level 1 is mastered, just look for the same exact frame of animation at the end of each level then tap the L2 button then.)
-- High Roller (Hold)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back + Hold /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back + Hold /\---L2
Press the L2 button the fraction of a second right before Nero places his blade on his back near the end of this move.
-- EX High Roller (Hold - Level 1)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back + Hold /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back + Hold /\---L2
Press the L2 button as Nero holds his blade downward after the air slash.
-- EX High Roller (Hold - Level 2)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back + Hold /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back + Hold /\----L2
Press the L2 button as Nero holds his blade downward after the second air slash.
-- EX High Roller (Hold - Level 3)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back + Hold /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back + Hold /\-----L2
Press the L2 button as Nero holds his blade downward after the third air slash.
-- High Roller (No Hold)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back + /\---L2
Press the L2 button the fraction of a second right before Nero sheathes his sword on his back after the upward slash.
-- EX High Roller (No Hold - Level 1)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back + /\---L2
Press the L2 button the instant before the blade hits the ground behind Nero.
-- EX High Roller (No Hold - Level 2)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back + /\----L2
Press the L2 button the instant before the blade hits the ground behind Nero during the end of the second slash.
-- EX High Roller (No Hold - Level 3)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back + /\-----L2
Press the L2 button the instant before the blade hits the ground behind Nero during the end of the third slash.
-- CaliburNormal Input: (in air) Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: (in air) Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button as Nero holds his blade behind him and to the right.
Extra Note: Learn the timing of the normal Calibur and you will learn the timing for the EX Caliburs since they are all the same frames of animation. The EX versions only add flames.
-- EX Calibur (Level 1)Normal Input: (in air) Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: (in air) Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button as Nero holds his blade behind him and to the right.
-- EX Calibur (Level 2)Normal Input: (in air) Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: (in air) Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button as Nero holds his blade behind him and to the right.
-- EX Calibur (Level 3)Normal Input: (in air) Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: (in air) Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button as Nero holds his blade behind him and to the right.
-- ShuffleNormal Input: Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button right as Nero swings the blade behind him, slightly before it reaches the right portion of his back.
-- EX Shuffle (Level 1)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\-----L2
Press the L2 button right as Nero swings the blade behind him during the second swing, slightly before it reaches the right portion of his back.
-- EX Shuffle (Level 2)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\-----L2
Press the L2 button right as Nero swings the blade behind him during the second swing, slightly before it reaches the right portion of his back.
-- EX Shuffle (Level 3)Normal Input: Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: Lock-on, Back, Forward + /\-----L2
Press the L2 button right as Nero swings the blade behind him during the second swing, slightly before it reaches the right portion of his back.
Extra Note: The timing remains the same for the EX Shuffles, but the higher levels will flame up more during the first swing, which can distract you from the instant rev L2 press at the end.
-- SplitNormal Input: (in air) Lock-on, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: (in air) Lock-on, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button the exact moment that Nero plunges the sword into the ground.
-- EX Split (Level 1)Normal Input: (in air) Lock-on, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: (in air) Lock-on, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button the exact moment that Nero plunges the sword into the ground.
-- EX Split (Level 2)Normal Input: (in air) Lock-on, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: (in air) Lock-on, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button the exact moment that Nero plunges the sword into the ground.
-- EX Split (Level 3)Normal Input: (in air) Lock-on, Forward + /\
Input with Instant Rev: (in air) Lock-on, Forward + /\---L2
Press the L2 button the exact moment that Nero plunges the sword into the ground.
Extra Note: The timing for all the L2 pressing in the Splits are the exact same!
