Haste

Haste
Black Mage using Haste.
Universe	FINAL FANTASY
User(s)
Effect	Black Mage creates a dot in front of him and then, if it connects, performs a punching combo on the touching it.

Haste (ヘイスト), also known as Fast, is Black Mage's side special move in Super Smash Flash 2.

Overview

When performed, Black Mage slowly summons an image of himself behind him that quickly disappears if the flashing dot in front of himself does not touch an opponent. If the dot does touch an opponent, Black Mage then teleports to the opponent and attacks him with a quick combo of four punches, three strikes with his staff, and a dash attack, dealing 18% damage total. This attack sends the opponent flying forward with the last blow, and Black Mage moves to the direction he was facing in a flash. This move is very useful for combos and combo finishers due to its powerful knockback. This is also a very useful attack in team battles, since Black Mage can use Haste to finish the team member's combo.

This move cancels all momentum, even when used out of hitstun. However, no horizontal distance is gained (unless if the attack connects with an opponent), making this move somewhat useful for recovery. It is widely considered to be one of the best edge-guarding moves in the game due to its long range, accuracy, and overall distance it uses and the fact that it does not leave Black Mage helpless whether or not the attack connects. However, the attack window is also relatively small and Black Mage is left vulnerable while using the move, making it somewhat risky.

Origin

Haste being used in the FINAL FANTASY II remake included in FINAL FANTASY ORIGINS.

Haste is a recurring spell in the FINAL FANTASY games, where it serves a passive role. It originates in the first game in the series, where Haste is a level 4 Black Magic spell that can be learned by the Black Mage. When performed, the spell will increase the speed of one ally, which doubles the number of times an ally can attack. This translates accordingly to SSF2 in that Black Mage rushes to his opponent at a high speed and attacks multiple times at once.

The transparent images of Black Mage that appear throughout the attack originate from the remake of FINAL FANTASY II in FINAL FANTASY ORIGINS, where similar images appear when other characters use the move.

Gallery

Screenshots

Black Mage performing Haste on Fox on Lunar Core.

Black Mage finishing attack at Fox.

Black Mage after ending of lag of a failed Haste on Chaos Shrine.

Early designs

Black Mage initiating Haste's first early design.

Black Mage initiating Haste's second early design.

Black Mage punching Black Mage.

Black Mage punching Black Mage again.

Black Mage about to attack with his staff.

Black Mage rushing forward at the end of Haste.

Black Mage rushing forward, while Black Mage goes flying.

Black Mage attempting an aerial Haste.

Black Mage performing Haste's third early design on Zelda. Notice the new design.

The ending of lag of a failed Haste.

Black Mage initiating Haste's fourth early design.

Trivia

• Prior to Beta, a technique could be used called Wave Haste. This would allow Black Mage to move while using Haste by using his forward aerial close to the ground and immediately using Haste afterwards, causing Black Mage and the opponent to move towards the ledge.
  • In v0.8a, Wave Haste was impossible to perform, but in v0.9 it became possible to perform again.
• Before the Beta's release, Haste had a flashing purple line in front of Black Mage instead of a dot.
• Haste is the only special move Black Mage could learn in his home series without needing a job class upgrade.