History Main / FakeSpecialAttack

* ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Street Fighter: Alpha 2]]'': Dan Hibiki's "super taunt" is a [[LimitBreak level.3 super]] that's true to its name; all he does is a series of taunts that not only wastes your super meter, it also leaves you open to attack.

In any case, the attack has a humorous non-effect. When used (more) seriously, it’s often used as IfIWantedYouDead to showcase Bob's ability to overwhelm Charlie (and [[TheUnreveal avoid showing Bob's legendary true power]], while implying there's far more where that came from).

* In ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'', Don Kanonji's "Kanonji-Style Final Super Attack: Kanonball" is a tiny ball of energy that creates a surprisingly powerful explosion on impact. However it moves about as fast as a snail, making it almost impossible to hit enemies with, and Kanonji isn't strong enough to threaten [[VillainPedigree anything after the first arc]].

-->'''Iron Man:''' "Hammer tech?"
-->'''War Machine:''' (dejectedly) "Yeah."

* The Thousand Years of Death (of ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' [in]fame) looks like you're about to use a powerful [[SupernaturalMartialArts Jutsu]], but is really just an AssShove.

** {{Subverted}} again with abuse of the [[AssShove Thousand Years Of Death]]; Naruto uses the attack in an until-that-point deadly serious fight. {{Beat}}... and then it's revealed he used not his fingers, but an explosive-loaded knife. Ouch.

It’s not TheWorfBarrage; that’s when Bob uses an attack that is meant to, and ''does'', do something big… which Charlie ''then'' [[OutOfTheInferno laughs off]] or [[BeehiveBarrier otherwise frustrates]]. A FakeSpecialAttack ''threatens'' to do something big… then does something silly and (mostly) harmless (AmusingInjuries being a common effect). A quick litmus test is to think about the average {{Muggle}} from the setting being subjected to the attack. If the attack would totally overwhelm the {{Muggle}} and is played seriously in a plot-important fight (but fails), it’s likely the WorfBarrage. If the average in-universe {{Muggle}}, or sometimes even ''the viewer'', could survive it (easily, in NeverSayDie settings) and it’s PlayedForLaughs, you’ve got this. Also, to qualify as a FakeSpecialAttack, the attack typically must hit ''and'' have a weak effect; as soon as it's blocked or dodged, it becomes much more likely to be TheWorfBarrage, unless the "fake" part of the attack is in how easy it is to block or dodge.

Compare/contrast CareBearStare, where an attack looks like this but isn’t. JokeItem and JokeCharacter are this [[RecycledInSpace in videogames]], only with a character or item instead of an ability. ClippedWingAngel is this, but specific to transformation and frequently not humorous. If the whole of your fighting skill is like this, then WhatTheFuAreYouDoing. UselessUsefulSpell is where a videogame ability is ''supposed'' to have a purpose, but ends up seeming more like this. HeartIsAnAwesomePower is when a power - that would become this if used to attack directly - is put to creative and effective indirect use. Can be {{Subverted}} with YouAreAlreadyDead, where the attack seems to do nothing, but its serious effects are about to be felt.

When this "horrific" attack is actually used… it’s far less than impressive. Maybe Bob's alleged FingerPokeOfDoom is just an inert poke to scare Charlie and [[CherryTapping rub Bob's victory in]]. Maybe Bob's [[OneWingedAngel "ultimate" transformation]] is just a [[FanService bikini-clad]] [[AttractiveBentGender girl]] whose only power is the MostCommonSuperpower. Maybe Bob's {{BFG}} shoots RedBoxingGloves or is an oversized water gun. Maybe his supposed DeathRay is just TheNudifier. Maybe part or all of the attack is an illusion. Maybe ''all'' his power is in his huge BattleAura and he's bluffing. Maybe the lightshow is just a distraction from something else, like a VillainExitStageLeft. [[OverlyLongGag Maybe...]] [[SubvertedTrope no, I'm done.]] In any case, the attack has a humorous non-effect. When used (more) seriously, it’s often used as IfIWantedYouDead to showcase Bob's ability to overwhelm Charlie (and [[TheUnreveal avoid showing Bob's legendary true power]], while implying there's far more where that came from).

* Don Kanoji's ultimate attack in ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'', a tiny, slow-moving energy ball that never hits its target, let alone causes damage.

Then Bob threatens or just [[AssPull randomly uses]] this “special” attack. It often has an ominous name, and sometimes [[CombatCommentator Alice]] or Charlie says “OhCrap” or gives a BigNo. Maybe Bob's been training to use the new attack (mostly offscreen, or in a TrainingMontage), and everybody's terrified of the predicted results of his supposed TrainingFromHell. Or maybe Bob has just [[CallingYourAttacks called]] a [[AssPull never-heard-of]] but [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast fearfully named attack]] [[AssPull out of the blue]] while posing dramatically.

** {{Subverted}}: Naruto plans to use a powerful attack to defeat Kiba, but ends up [[{{Fartillery}} farting in his face]] (which is made to look like the big "attack" Naruto was planning). The fart actually causes Kiba difficulty because of his heightened sense of smell... which then allows Naruto to use his true plan, the Uzamaki Barrage (an effective combo DoppelgangerAttack).

* Don Kanoji's ultimate attack in ''Manga//{{Bleach}}'', a tiny, slow-moving energy ball that never hits its target, let alone causes damage.

* Most of Genma’s Anything-Goes Techniques, as well many other ''Manga/RanmaHalf'' moves.

* The Thousand Years of Death (of ''{{Naruto}}'' [in]fame) looks like you're about to use a powerful [[SupernaturalMartialArts Jutsu]], but is really just an AssShove.

* Most of Genma’s Anything-Goes Techniques, as well many other ''RanmaHalf'' moves.

* Yori of ''NoNeedForBushido'' has a technique [[http://noneedforbushido.com/2002/comic/7/ so totally foolproof]] he has refused to use it until now. The Super Secret Special Technique...run away!
* ''TigerAndBunny'': The eponymous duo have a special feature built into their PoweredArmor called "Good Luck Mode". It [[spoiler:does nothing but]] looks cool.
* ''{{Disgaea 2}}'': The [[GoldfishPoopGang Prism Rangers]] gain the ability to launch into a long, drawn out attack that [[AllYourColorsCombined unites all of the rangers into one, huge beam attack.]] It does absolutely pitiful damage, and can only be used two or three times.
* ''[[StreetFighter Street Fighter: Alpha 2]]'': Dan Hibiki's "super taunt" is a [[LimitBreak level.3 super]] that's true to its name; all he does is a series of taunts that not only wastes your super meter, it also leaves you open to attack.
* Don Kanoji's ultimate attack in ''Anime/{{Bleach}}'', a tiny, slow-moving energy ball that never hits its target, let alone causes damage.
* "The Ex-Wife" bunker buster installed on the War Machine suit in ''Film/IronMan 2''. After all the hype (and a brief [[TechnologyPorn launch sequence]] with massive backblast) it just bounces off.
-->'''Iron Man:''' "Hammer tech?"
-->'''War Machine:''' (dejectedly) "Yeah."

Compare/contrast CareBearStare, where an attack looks like this but isn’t. JokeItem and JokeCharacter are this [[RecycledInSpace in videogames]], only with a character or item instead of an ability. ClippedWingAngel is this, but specific to transformation and frequently not humorous. If the whole of somebody's fighting skill is like this, then WhatTheFuAreYouDoing. UselessUsefulSpell is where a videogame ability is ''supposed'' to have a purpose, but can end up seeming more like this. HeartIsAnAwesomePower is when a power - that would become this if used to attack directly - is put to creative and effective indirect use. Can be {{Subverted}} with YouAreAlreadyDead, where the attack seems to do nothing, but its serious effects are about to be felt.

** In an anime filler, Happosai and Genma use up ''all'' their power growing to giant size, [[SubvertedTrope subverting]] what seemed like a show-down.
** In another filler, Happosai fights another master, both of whom have invisibility techniques. Neither can attack while staying hidden. Stalemate ensues, [[SubvertedTrope subverting]] another would-be showdown.
** The Happo Fire Burst could be this or a [[SubvertedTrope Subversion]]. For most of the episode, it’s played up as a horrifically powerful KiAttack. Eventually, [[OldMaster Happosai]] uses it. Genma and Soun panic. Ranma calls it out as fireworks. However, in later episodes it becomes [[OldMaster Happosai's]] signature move and is rather effective ([[AshFace for the genre,]] anyway); the technique is implied to be ''conjuring'' these bombs [[KiAttacks from Ki energy]], which would make it a legitimately powerful technique, since it can [[NeverBringAKnifeToAGunFight bring a bomb to a fistfight]].

So the big FightScene is kicking off. Bob vs Charlie. Maybe Bob is a powerful {{Mentor}} sparring with his pupil (and everyone wants to see some of his [[InformedAbility true power]]), or maybe it’s an actual battle between [[TheRival rivals]], or even a MookHorrorShow, although you’ll rarely find this trope against {{Big Bad}}s or other very serious opponents.

Then Bob threatens or just [[AssPull randomly uses]] this “special” attack. It often has an ominous name, and sometimes [[CombatCommentator Alice]] or Charlie says “OhCrap” or gives a BigNo. Maybe Bob's been training to use the new attack (mostly offscreen, or in a TrainingMontage), and everybody's terrified of the predicted results of his supposed TrainingFromHell. Or maybe Bob has just [[CallingYourAttacks called]] a [[AssPull never-heard-of]] but [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast fearfully named attack]] [[AssPull out of the blue]] while posing dramatically.

When this "horrific" attack is actually used… it’s far less than impressive. Maybe Bob's alleged FingerPokeOfDoom is just an inert poke to scare Charlie and [[CherryTapping rub Bob's victory in]]. Maybe Bob's [[OneWingedAngel “ultimate” transformation]] is just a [[FanService bikini-clad]] [[AttractiveBentGender girl]] whose only power is the MostCommonSuperpower. Maybe Bob's {{BFG}} shoots RedBoxingGloves or is an oversized water gun. Maybe his supposed DeathRay is just TheNudifier. Maybe part or all of the attack is an illusion. Maybe ''all'' his power is in his huge BattleAura and he's bluffing. Maybe the lightshow is just a distraction from something else, like a VillainExitStageLeft. [[OverlyLongGag Maybe...]] [[SubvertedTrope no, I'm done.]] In any case, the attack has a humorous non-effect. When used (more) seriously, it’s often used as IfIWantedYouDead to showcase Bob's ability to overwhelm Charlie (and [[TheUnreveal avoid showing Bob's legendary true power]], while implying there's far more where that came from).

It’s not TheWorfBarrage; that’s when Bob uses an attack that is meant to, and ''does'', do something big… which Charlie ''then'' [[OutOfTheInferno laughs off]] or [[BeehiveBarrier otherwise frustrates]]. A FakeSpecialAttack ''threatens'' to do something big… then does something silly and (mostly) harmless (AmusingInjuries being a common effect). A quick litmus test is to think about the average {{Muggle}} from the setting being subjected to the attack. If the attack would totally overwhelm the {{Muggle}} and is played seriously in a plot-important fight (but fails), it’s likely the WorfBarrage. If the average in-universe {{Muggle}}, or sometimes even ''the viewer'', could survive it (easily, in NeverSayDie settings) and it’s PlayedForLaughs, you’ve got this. Also, to qualify as a FakeSpecialAttack, the attack typically must hit ''and'' have a weak effect; as soon as it's blocked or dodged, it becomes much more likely to be TheWorfBarrage, unless the "fake" part of the attack is in how easy it is to block or dodge.

Compare/contrast CareBearStare, where an attack looks like this but isn’t. JokeItem and JokeCharacter are this [[RecycledInSpace in videogames]], only with a character or item instead of an ability. ClippedWingAngel is this, but specific to transformation and frequently not humorous. If the whole of somebody's fighting skill is like this, then WhatTheFuAreYouDoing. UselessUsefulSpell is where a videogame ability is ''supposed'' to have a purpose, but can end up seeming more like this. HeartIsAnAwesomePower is when a power - that would become this if used to attack directly - is put to creative and effective indirect use. Can be {{Subverted}} with YouAreAlreadyDead, where the attack seems to do nothing, but its serious effects are about to be felt.

** Naruto’s [[FanService Sexy Jutsu]] is similar. In this case, it is an actual Jutsu... but all it does is [[VoluntaryShapeshifting transform]] the user into a ShamelessFanserviceGirl.

* Most of Genma’s Anything-Goes Techniques, as well many other ''RanmaHalf'' moves.

** The Happo Fire Burst could be this or a [[SubvertedTrope Subversion]]. For most of the episode, it’s played up as a horrifically powerful KiAttack. Eventually, [[OldMaster Happosai]] uses it. Genma and Soun panic. Ranma calls it out as fireworks. However, in later episodes it becomes [[OldMaster Happosai's]] signature move and is rather effective ([[AshFace for the genre,]] anyway); the technique is implied to be ''conjuring'' these bombs [[KiAttacks from Ki energy]], which would make it a legitimately powerful technique, since it can [[NeverBringAKnifeToAGunFight bring a bomb to a fistfight]].

So the big FightScene is kicking off. Bob vs Charlie. Maybe Bob is a powerful {{Mentor}} sparring with his pupil (and everyone wants to see some of his [[InformedAbility true power]]), or maybe it’s an actual battle between [[TheRival rivals]], or even a MookHorrorShow, although you’ll rarely find this trope against {{Big Bad}}s or other very serious opponents.

Then Bob threatens or just [[AssPull randomly uses]] this “special” attack. It often has an ominous name, and sometimes [[CombatCommentator Alice]] or Charlie says “OhCrap” or gives a BigNo. Maybe Bob's been training to use the new attack (mostly offscreen, or in a TrainingMontage), and everybody's terrified of the predicted results of his supposed TrainingFromHell. Or maybe Bob has just [[CallingYourAttacks called]] a [[AssPull never-heard-of]] but [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast fearfully named attack]] [[AssPull out of the blue]] while posing dramatically.

When this "horrific" attack is actually used… it’s far less than impressive. Maybe Bob's alleged FingerPokeOfDoom is just an inert poke to scare Charlie and [[CherryTapping rub Bob's victory in]]. Maybe Bob's [[OneWingedAngel “ultimate” transformation]] is just a [[FanService bikini-clad]] [[AttractiveBentGender girl]] whose only power is the MostCommonSuperpower. Maybe Bob's {{BFG}} shoots RedBoxingGloves or is an oversized water gun. Maybe his supposed DeathRay is just TheNudifier. Maybe part or all of the attack is an illusion. Maybe ''all'' his power is in his huge BattleAura and he's bluffing. Maybe the lightshow is just a distraction from something else, like a VillainExitStageLeft. [[OverlyLongGag Maybe...]] [[SubvertedTrope no, I'm done.]] In any case, the attack has a humorous non-effect. When used (more) seriously, it’s often used as IfIWantedYouDead to showcase Bob's ability to overwhelm Charlie (and [[TheUnreveal avoid showing Bob's legendary true power]], while implying there's far more where that came from).

It’s not TheWorfBarrage; that’s when Bob uses an attack that is meant to, and ''does'', do something big… which Charlie ''then'' [[OutOfTheInferno laughs off]] or [[BeehiveBarrier otherwise frustrates]]. A FakeSpecialAttack ''threatens'' to do something big… then does something silly and (mostly) harmless (AmusingInjuries being a common effect). A quick litmus test is to think about the average {{Muggle}} from the setting being subjected to the attack. If the attack would totally overwhelm the {{Muggle}} and is played seriously in a plot-important fight (but fails), it’s likely the WorfBarrage. If the average in-universe {{Muggle}}, or sometimes even ''the viewer'', could survive it (easily, in NeverSayDie settings) and it’s PlayedForLaughs, you’ve got this. Also, to qualify as a FakeSpecialAttack, the attack typically must hit ''and'' have a weak effect; as soon as it's blocked or dodged, it becomes much more likely to be TheWorfBarrage, unless the "fake" part of the attack is in how easy it is to block or dodge.

Compare/contrast CareBearStare, where an attack looks like this but isn’t. JokeItem and JokeCharacter are this [[RecycledInSpace in videogames]], only with a character or item instead of an ability. ClippedWingAngel is this, but specific to transformation and frequently not humorous. If the whole of somebody's fighting skill is like this, then WhatTheFuAreYouDoing. UselessUsefulSpell is where a videogame ability is ''supposed'' to have a purpose, but can end up seeming more like this. HeartIsAnAwesomePower is when a power - that would become this if used to attack directly - is put to creative and effective indirect use. Can be {{Subverted}} with YouAreAlreadyDead, where the attack seems to do nothing, but its serious effects are about to be felt.

** Naruto’s [[FanService Sexy Jutsu]] is similar. In this case, it is an actual Jutsu... but all it does is [[VoluntaryShapeshifting transform]] the user into a ShamelessFanserviceGirl.

* Most of Genma’s Anything-Goes Techniques, as well many other ''RanmaHalf'' moves.

** The Happo Fire Burst could be this or a [[SubvertedTrope Subversion]]. For most of the episode, it’s played up as a horrifically powerful KiAttack. Eventually, [[OldMaster Happosai]] uses it. Genma and Soun panic. Ranma calls it out as fireworks. However, in later episodes it becomes [[OldMaster Happosai's]] signature move and is rather effective ([[AshFace for the genre,]] anyway); the technique is implied to be ''conjuring'' these bombs [[KiAttacks from Ki energy]], which would make it a legitimately powerful technique, since it can [[NeverBringAKnifeToAGunFight bring a bomb to a fistfight]].

* Don Kanogie's ultimate attack in ''Anime/{{Bleach}}'', a tiny, slow-moving energy ball that never hits its target, let alone causes damage.

** The Happo Fire Burst could be this or a [[SubvertedTrope Subversion]] [[YourMileageMayVary depending on your interpretation]]. For most of the episode, it’s played up as a horrifically powerful KiAttack. Eventually, [[OldMaster Happosai]] uses it. Genma and Soun panic. Ranma calls it out as fireworks. However, in later episodes it becomes [[OldMaster Happosai's]] signature move and is rather effective ([[AshFace for the genre,]] anyway); the technique is implied to be ''conjuring'' these bombs [[KiAttacks from Ki energy]], which would make it a legitimately powerful technique, since it can [[NeverBringAKnifeToAGunFight bring a bomb to a fistfight]].

** Naruto’s [[FanService Sexy Jutsu]] is similar. In this case, it is an actual (modified transformation) Jutsu... but all it does is [[VoluntaryShapeshifting transform]] the user into a ShamelessFanserviceGirl.

** Naruto’s [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Sexy Jutsu]] could also count, as another "fake" Jutsu. In this case, it is an actual Jutsu... but all it does is [[VoluntaryShapeshifting transform]] the user into a ShamelessFanserviceGirl.

Compare/contrast CareBearStare, where an attack looks like this but isn’t. JokeItem and JokeCharacter are this [[RecycledInSpace in videogames]], only with a character or item instead of an ability. ClippedWingAngel is this, but specific to transformation and frequently not humorous. If the whole of somebody's fighting skill is like this, then WhatTheFuAreYouDoing. UselessUsefulSpell seems similar, but is fundamentally different - Fake Special Attacks are PlayedForLaughs, while {{Useless Useful Spell}}s are ''supposed'' to have a purpose. HeartIsAnAwesomePower is when a power - that would become this if used to attack directly - is put to creative and effective indirect use. Can be {{Subverted}} with YouAreAlreadyDead, where the attack seems to do nothing, but its serious effects are about to be felt.

When this "horrific" attack is actually used… it’s far less than impressive. Maybe Bob's seeming FingerPokeOfDoom is just an inert poke to scare Charlie and [[CherryTapping rub Bob's victory in]]. Maybe Bob's [[OneWingedAngel “ultimate” transformation]] is just a [[FanService bikini-clad]] [[AttractiveBentGender girl]] whose only power is the MostCommonSuperpower. Maybe Bob's {{BFG}} shoots RedBoxingGloves or is an oversized water gun. Maybe his supposed DeathRay is just TheNudifier. Maybe part or all of the attack is an illusion. Maybe ''all'' his power is in his huge BattleAura and he's bluffing. Maybe the lightshow is just a distraction from something else, like a VillainExitStageLeft. [[OverlyLongGag Maybe...]] [[SubvertedTrope no, I'm done.]] In any case, the attack has a humorous non-effect. When used (more) seriously, it’s often used as IfIWantedYouDead to showcase Bob's ability to overwhelm Charlie (and [[TheUnreveal avoid showing Bob's legendary true power]], while implying there's far more where that came from).

* The Thousand Years of Death (of {{Naruto}} (in)fame) looks like you're about to use a powerful [[SupernaturalMartialArts Jutsu]], but is really just an AssShove.

* Most of Genma’s Anything-Goes Techniques as well many other [[RanmaHalf Ranma 1/2]] moves.

* Yori of NoNeedForBushido has a technique [[http://noneedforbushido.com/2002/comic/7/ so totally foolproof]] he has refused to use it until now. The Super Secret Special Technique...run away!

* {{Disgaea 2}}: The [[GoldfishPoopGang Prism Rangers]] gain the ability to launch into a long, drawn out attack that [[AllYourColorsCombined unites all of the rangers into one, huge beam attack.]] It does absolutely pitiful damage, and can only be used two or three times.
* [[StreetFighter Street Fighter: Alpha 2]]: Dan Hibiki's "super taunt" is a [[LimitBreak level.3 super]] that's true to its name; all he does is a series of taunts that not only wastes your super meter, it also leaves you open to attack.
* Don Kanogie's ultimate attack in {{Bleach}}, a tiny, slow moving energy ball that never hits its target, let alone causes damage.
* "The Ex-Wife" bunker buster installed on the War Machine suit in IronMan 2. After all the hype (and a brief [[TechnologyPorn launch sequence]] with massive backblast) it just bounces off.
--> Iron Man: "Hammer tech?"
--> War Machine: (dejectedly) "Yeah."

Compare/contrast CareBearStare, where an attack looks like this but isn’t. JokeItem and JokeCharacter are this [[RecycledInSpace in videogames]], only with a character or item instead of an ability. ClippedWingAngel is this, but specific to transformation and frequently not humorous. UselessUsefulSpell seems similar, but is fundamentally different - Fake Special Attacks are PlayedForLaughs, while {{Useless Useful Spell}}s are ''supposed'' to have a purpose. HeartIsAnAwesomePower is when a power - that would become this if used to attack directly - is put to creative and effective indirect use. Can be {{Subverted}} with YouAreAlreadyDead, where the attack seems to do nothing, but its serious effects are about to be felt.