Sakuya Izayoi/RicePigeon's first version

''Her knives in tow, Sakuya takes zoning to a new level. Each individual hit may be weak, but with multiple knives, she can easily beat out other projectiles. She's quite nimble as well, so don't let this combination take you off guard''

Gameplay


This version of Sakuya is technically a Four-button character, but plays like a standard Three-button character, using for her attacks. The extra button,, is used as a shortcut for her and  dashes.

This version of Sakuya plays mostly as a fast offensive zoning character. Each of her individual attacks are on the weak side compared to most other characters, but have the advantage of hitting multiple times or allowing her relative flexibility in combos. Her +, for example, leaves her at a frame advantage on both hit and block, so it can be used as a combo opener. Her forward dash brings her low to the ground, allowing her to easily dodge most projectiles and high hitting attacks. Sakuya's pressure game, however, comes from her projectile specials; while each one is weak individually, she spawns multiples of them. This allows her to easily win projectile wars.

Sakuya is not without her flaws, however. Her special has a long delay, leaving Sakuya vulnerable, so this move is best used when the opponent cannot react, such as during a knockdown. Also, because many of her attacks deal multiple hits, damage scaling tends to rack up rather quickly, reducing the damage output of her combos. Sakuya also lacks any proper reversal moves other than her Hyper, which requires meter.