Soda Popinski is pretty simple and straight-forward compared to some of the earlier
fighters. He's really got just three different punches to watch out for, and all but one
of his attacks can be dodged by slipping to the right. What makes him difficult is the
quickness with which he launches his attacks. Reacting to them individually is tough, as
it's easier to build a conditioned response to his movement than it is to analyze what
he's doing any react accordingly.
Left Hook
Without much warning, Soda Popinski raises his left arm and throws a quick hook from the
hip. You can duck it or dodge to the right, but since almost all of Popinski's attacks can
be dodged to the right I suggest sticking with that. After dodging the punch, you can land
a combination to Popinski's head or hit very quickly with a left or right hook to earn a
star
Right Uppercut
Soda also frequently ducks to your left and comes up with a big right uppercut which you
can dodge left or right. As we mentioned earlier, we suggest sticking with a right dodge.
After evading, you can land a combo of jabs or land a single body shotwe, uh, suggest
going for the head combo.
Uppercut Flurry
Soda Popinski goes into this flurry after the following situations: 1) Hit Soda Popinski
with a star punch; or 2) Knock down Soda Popinski; or 3) Counter-punch his soda pop drink
move. Popinski will step toward you and unload a series of alternating uppercuts, right,
left, right left. He'll throw either three or four at a timethe last one has a slightly
longer delay before it so you know when it's the lastand if you dodge the final one you
can land a jab combo on his head.
Right Step Hook
After you've brought Popinski's health low, he'll start throwing this variation of his
left hook. He takes a big step to your right before throwing the punch, which is the only
of his attacks that you cannot dodge by slipping to the right. You can duck it or slip to
the left, afterward Popinski is left vulnerable to a head punch combo.
Left Uppercut
It's just like Soda's right uppercut except mirrored. Also, it's much quicker and is very
hard to react to, though if you dodge it he is, as with the right uppercut, left open for
a head punch combination. He won't execute this punch until he gets fairly low on health.
Taunt
Occasionally you'll see Soda Popinski drop his arms and then flash yellow. Quickly give
him a jab to the face just as he flashes yellow to earn a star. Punch him too early or too
late and you won't get the star, though you still get the free punch.
Soda Pop Drink
When Soda Popinski gets really desperate, he'll step backeither to the left or to the
rightand pull out a soda, holding it out in front of you. If he steps to your left,
quickly punch with a left jab (use a right jab if he steps to your right) to knock the
soda out of his hand and earn a star. If you fail to punch the soda from his hands,
Popinski will drink it and regain much of his health.