Baltic Launcher (バルトランチャー) is one of Leona's Special Moves in The King of Fighters series, first appearing alongside her in The King of Fighters '96.
 +  or  ( OK, KOF XIII onwards) |
||
 + after Baltic Launcher |
Description[]
Leona roars and creates a sphere of energy in front of her (), which can travel forward ().
In the Maximum Impact sub-series, Leona can follow up the version of Baltic Launcher with Discharge (ディスチャージ), where she spikes the energy ball down like a volleyball.
Strategy[]
This move is an unusual projectile that is meant to be used as a pre-emptive defensive tool or a knowledge check pressure tool.
The version is placed around chest level. This is the best version to be used to defend against ground approaches or on an opponent's wake up for extra plus frames. If timed on a knockdown to hit meaty, it recovers fast enough to where even if your opponent rolls behind it, you will be safe from a punish. Note that while it cannot be ducked, many sweeps can go under it and hit Leona, cancelling the projectile.
The version is placed around head level. This can be completely crouched and sometimes even ran under, but the higher angle makes it better at stopping jumps. Also an excellent combo-filler in most Heart Attack combos.
The version works similar to the version but travels further. This can connect from blocked Blow Backs, but at many ranges the projectile will whiff entirely so this tends to not be worth it.
Gallery[]
ver.)
ver.)