How to Use Perfect Fatal Flash in Ninja Gaiden 4
Perfect Fatal Flash is Ninja Gaiden 4’s most effective counter-attack, capable of instantly incapacitating enemies. However, it is also the most difficult maneuver to pull off consistently, largely because the in-game description provides only a vague explanation of its activation conditions. Here’s what the game doesn’t tell you about how to use Perfect Fatal Flash consistently after every parry.
Note: The methods and strategies shared in this guide have been perfected through over 30 hours of gameplay, including completing the main campaign twice on Normal and Hard difficulty, as well as Boss Trials challenges. Screenshots were captured from the Steam version 1.0.1.0.
What Is Perfect Fatal Flash?
As the name implies, Perfect Fatal Flash is an enhanced version of the Fatal Flash counter-attack. When executed correctly, it instantly dismembers and incapacitates enemies regardless of their health, providing a powerful advantage in combat.
Requirements to Use Perfect Fatal Flash
- Purchase the Fatal Flash skill for 900 NinjaCoins from Tyran.
- Purchase the Perfect Fatal Flash skill for 27,000 NinjaCoins from Tyran.
- The Bloodraven Form of both skills is also available, costing 9,000 and 36,000 NinjaCoins respectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Executing Perfect Fatal Flash
- Parry an enemy attack by pressing any attack button (Square/X for light attack, Triangle/Y for heavy attack) just before the enemy’s strike connects with Yakumo or Ryu.
- Immediately after a successful parry, press the heavy attack button (Triangle/Y) or the Bloodraven/Gleam Form button (L2/Left Trigger) at the correct time.
- If executed correctly, a cinematic follow-up will trigger, displaying a red cross on the enemy as they are instantly dismembered.
- After the dismemberment animation, press the heavy attack button (Triangle/Y) again to finish the enemy with an Obliteration attack.
How to Use Perfect Fatal Flash Consistently
The in-game description only states that the heavy attack button (Triangle/Y) must be pressed “at the right time” without further guidance. The key to consistently performing Perfect Fatal Flash is timing:
- Press the heavy attack button (Triangle/Y) precisely when Yakumo’s and Ryu’s bodies start glowing after a successful parry—this glow occurs roughly one second after the parry.
- Pressing the button too early or too late results in a regular Fatal Flash, which, while helpful, does not incapacitate the enemy in a single strike.
Training to Master the Timing
To quickly learn the proper timing, use Ninja Gaiden 4’s training mode:
- Enter the Training Settings menu by pressing the main menu button while in Training Mode.
- Select any enemy you want to practice against.
- Set their behavior to Normal.
- Enable Unlimited Health for the training dummy.
This setup ensures that only an Obliteration attack following a Perfect Fatal Flash can defeat the training dummy. It is an effective way to quickly determine if you have successfully performed a Perfect Fatal Flash or just a regular one.
Conclusion
Perfect Fatal Flash is one of the intricate combat mechanics that powers Ninja Gaiden 4, offering skilled players a powerful counter-attack technique. With practice and precise timing, you can use it to decimate enemies in style.
For more tips and detailed gameplay strategies, check out our other Ninja Gaiden 4 guides to master all the nuances of Team NINJA’s latest installment.
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