Line #117 Main/FakeSpecialAttack


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4	[[quoteright:349:[[Webcomic/HeroOhHero https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_fake_special_attack2.png]]]]
5
6	->'''Narrator:''' Final Dark Sunshine -- Though the spell looks stylish, it's actually a recovery spell.\
7	'''Nike:''' Oh yeah! That was lucky!\
8	'''Kukuri:''' That was nice.\
9	'''Raid:''' Oh, damn it! I was so concerned about how stylish the spell was that I didn't bother to ask about the effects.
10	-->-- ''Manga/MagicalCircleGuruGuru''
11
12	So the big FightScene is kicking off, and Bob is going to use a seemingly powerful SpecialAttack. It often has an ominous name, and sometimes a CombatCommentator chimes in with an "OhCrap".
13
14	When the attack is actually used... it's far less than impressive. The alleged FingerPokeOfDoom really is just a poke. The [[OneWingedAngel "ultimate" transformation]] is just a [[FanService bikini]] [[FanDisservice form]]. The {{BFG}} shoots RedBoxingGloves or is an oversized water gun. The supposed DeathRay is just TheNudifier. Part or all of the attack is an illusion. ''All'' Bob's power is in his huge BattleAura and he's bluffing. The lightshow is just a distraction from something else, like a VillainExitStageLeft. [[OverlyLongGag The... no, I'm done.]] In any case, the attack has a humorous non-effect.
15
16	Contrast TheWorfBarrage, which ''does'' do something big... which is ''then'' [[NoSell laughed off]]. JokeItem and JokeCharacter are the item/character versions. A ClippedWingAngel is a similarly [[SubvertedTrope subverted]] transformation, but is not always humorous. If all your fighting skill is like this, then WhatTheFuAreYouDoing. BrandishmentBluff is when a character threatens someone with an ability or weapon that isn't actually real. HeartIsAnAwesomePower is when a power - that would become this if used to attack directly - is put to creative and effective use. Can be {{Subverted}} with YouAreAlreadyDead, where the attack seems to do nothing, but its serious effects are about to be felt. Compare SlapOnTheWristNuke, which is played more seriously than the Fake Special Attack.%%?
17
18	Because many of these attacks are played up as serious until TheReveal, expect minor spoilers.
19
20	----
21	!!Examples
22	[[foldercontrol]]
23
24	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
25	* ''Manga/OnePiece'':
26	** Usopp abused the hell out of this trope early part in the story. Yelling out a rubber band attack that made opponents flinch was used as an escape tool. His 10 ton hammer is just a balloon with two frying pans attached at the ends. Post time skip, however, his arsenal has [[TookALevelInBadass become a legitimate threat]].
27	** While Usopp and Zoro were [[ChainedHeat cuffed to each other]], Zoro had to use Usopp as a "sword". Zoro eventually declared he had created a special attack called "Allure" for the situation, which consisted of holding Usopp out the side and waggling him at the enemy until they attacked. Usopp was not pleased to learn the attack was actually "A Lure".
28	* ''Manga/OnePunchMan'':
29	** All of [[FakeUltimateHero King's]] moves are this, since he doesn't actually have any fighting skills or supernatural abilities (except perhaps [[BornLucky incredible luck]]). The dreaded "King Engine" is just the sound of his heartbeat when he's terrified, and his "King Style Ultimate Hellfire Burst Wave Motion Cannon" is nothing but a bluff (although when he did actually try to use it, it just happened to coincide with Garou wrecking his targets at super speed, making it look like it actually worked).
30	* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'':
31	** The Thousand Years of Death looks like you're about to use a powerful [[SupernaturalMartialArts Jutsu]] but is really just a full-force [[AssShove Kancho]].
32	** 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.
33	** Tobi's Hidden Jutsu: Frilled Neck Lizard, in which he hangs upside down from a tree branch, lets his cloak obey gravity, and poses like a raptor. Very effective at making Teams 7 and 8 look like fools for retreating from it.
34	** {{Subverted}} when Naruto fights Kiba in the Chunin Exams. 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 [[DoppelgangerAttack Uzumaki Barrage]].
35	** {{Subverted}} again with later abuse of the [[AssShove Thousand Years Of Death]]; Naruto uses the attack in an until-that-point deadly serious fight. [[{{Beat}} All pause momentarily]]... and then it's revealed he used not his fingers, but an explosive-loaded knife. Ouch.
36	** Subverted again with the Sexy Jutsu, of all things. It comes out of nowhere and manages to distract [[spoiler:Kaguya Otsusuki, the GreaterScopeVillain of the series]], long enough for the heroes to land a very decisive blow on them.
37	* Most of Genma's Anything-Goes Techniques, as well many other ''Manga/RanmaOneHalf'' moves.
38	** The Saotome School Ultimate Attack/Finishing Move consists of distracting the opponent by pretending to use an ultimate technique, then running away to think of something better.
39	** Crouch of the Wild Tiger, which is just bowing down and begging for mercy.
40	** Howl of the Demon Dog, which is taunting your opponent from a safe distance.
41	** Cradle of Hell, which is an embarrassing, loving embrace.
42	** Both of the attacks used by Lin Lin and Lun Lun, which [[TheWorfEffect supposedly defeat powerful fighters offscreen]], but are really just bad mechanical constructs.
43	** In an anime filler, Happosai and Genma [[SizeShifter turn themselves giant]] to engage each other in an BehemothBattle. But both used up all their energy growing, so they had none left to fight with.
44	** In another filler, Happosai fights another master, both of whom have invisibility techniques. [[MutualDisadvantage Neither can attack while staying hidden, causing a stalemate.]]
45	** The Happo Fire Burst [[ZigzaggingTrope zigzags this]]. For most of its introductory episode, it's played up as a horrifically powerful KiManipulation. Eventually, Happosai uses it. Genma and Soun panic. Ranma calls it out as mere fireworks. However, in later episodes it becomes Happosai's signature move and is rather effective ([[AshFace for the]] [[{{Slapstick}} genre]], anyway); the technique is implied to be ''[[HavingABlast conjuring]]'' these bombs [[KiManipulation from Ki energy]], which would make it a legitimately powerful technique, since it can [[NeverBringAKnifeToAGunFight bring a bomb to a fistfight]].
46	* ''Anime/TigerAndBunny'': The eponymous duo have a special feature built into their PoweredArmor called "Good Luck Mode". Not only does it look cool, but it [[spoiler:does absolutely nothing else]].
47	* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''
48	** Don Kanonji's "Kanonji-Style Final Super Attack: Kanonball" is a tiny ball of energy that creates a surprisingly powerful explosion on impact. However, [[PainfullySlowProjectile 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]].
49	** Charlotte Chuhlhourne shouts the name of several attacks beginning with the preface "Ultimate Attack, Beautiful Charlotte Chuhlhourne's" followed by around ten adjectives (such as Sexy, Glamorous, and Athletic) and the actual attack. These "ultimate attacks" are an overhead slash, horizontal slash, and a bog-standard cero. While the attacks are powerful due to Charlotte being an Arrancar, they are nowhere near deserving of a special name.
50	* Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta's Bluff Kamehameha from ''Anime/DragonBallGT''. Clones himself, charges up to full power, threatens to disintegrate every cell in Omega Shenron's body, and theeeeen... poof. Confetti. [[CurbStompBattle He could afford to have a little fun]].
51	* ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure'' has the Joestar Family Secret Technique...which is [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere just running away]].
52	* ''Manga/MagicalCircleGuruGuru''
53	** Raid's [[PlayingWithFire "Burning Finger Attack"]]. [[HealingShiv It only cures back pains and stiff shoulders]], much to his dismay.
54	** There is also his seemingly menacing [[CastingAShadow "Final Dark Sunshine."]] It restored Nike's Party's HP and MP, much to Raid's disappointment.
55	* Played with in one scene of ''Anime/FutariWaPrettyCureMaxHeart''. As the Cures are chased by Uraganos, they pretend to use the Marble Screw, which causes Uraganos to stop chasing them and move back, only to see the untransformed Cures escaping. At least the Zakenna with him finds it funny.
56	[[/folder]]
57
58	[[folder:Film]]
59	* "The Ex-Wife" bunker buster installed on the War Machine suit in ''Film/IronMan2''. After all the hype (and a brief [[TechnologyPorn launch sequence]] with massive backblast) it just bounces off. With a [[ToiletHumor farting noise]], no less!
60	-->'''Iron Man:''' Hammer tech?\
61	'''War Machine:''' [''dejectedly''] Yeah.
62	* In ''Film/HotRod'', Rod's "Ultimate Punch" is actually a [[NonIndicativeName badly telegraphed kick]] where he extends both arms towards his opponent while doing it. Frank parries it with no difficulty.
63	[[/folder]]
64
65	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
66	* The "Vulcan death grip" in ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries''.
67	* The "crimson force field" in ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration''. Something of a subversion, in that it was intended as a bluff that didn't actually do anything.
68	[[/folder]]
69
70	[[folder:Video Games]]
71	* In Chapter 2 of ''{{VideoGame/Deltarune}}'', [[TheBigGuy Susie]] (whose natural magic leans heavily towards offense) asks [[WhiteMage Ralsei]] to teach her healing magic after he uses it to heal her from a fall that severely hurt her leg. When they return to the party later she's extremely hyped to show off her new attack, [[BlatantLies "UltimateHeal"]], which has her charge up a KamehameHadoken... to shoot a piddly little energy ball that heals about 2 or 3 HP in a game where the characters' max is between 100-150, and most attacks deal around 30-40 damage. In combat, [=UltimateHeal=] is about as effective as it is in its introduction, but also costs 100% of the party's TP gauge (which could be better used on literally ''anything'' else, especially Ralsei's heal which is cheaper and heals 60+ HP) and only heals one party member, making it an amazingly bad waste of time and effort.
72	* In ''VideoGame/SuperLesbianAnimalRPG'' the Trash King will spend one of his turns "charging up for a powerful spell". As it turns out, he doesn't know any spells.
73	* ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'':
74	** Monstar in the first ''VideoGame/{{Paper Mario\|64}}'' game charges up a huge aura attack with plenty of light effects while taunting Mario. The attack only does a single point of damage. [[spoiler:Monstar is an illusion created by star children to scare intruders away. The attack is weak because they're kids]].
75	** ''VideoGame/SuperPaperMario''
76	*** One of O'Chunks' attacks involves grabbing the player character, spinning them around and tossing them away to watch them bounce all over the screen like a pinball. It only does one damage in your first encounter with him, but O'Chunks does a series of [[IShallTauntYou elaborate taunts and victory poses after he pulls it off]] as if it was an extremely strong attack. It gets stronger once you encounter him again, but it's really no stronger than his other attacks.
77	*** Dimentio's initial master stroke to take out Mario is to bring him to a dimension where he's allegedly 255 times stronger than normal... except it turns out that this (also allegedly) makes ''everyone'' in it stronger, so his supposed power increase is completely negated. The game doesn't even try to re-enforce the joke, as the damage output both parties take is completely unchanged.
78	** In ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiDreamTeam'', upon meeting the [[GoldfishPoopGang Elite Trio]] in TheVeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon, they show off their latest move to the Mario Bros.: [[BlatantLies Lethal]] [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere Retreat]].
79	* ''[[VideoGame/Disgaea2CursedMemories 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 before they run out of MP for it.
80	** In [[VideoGame/Disgaea3AbsenceOfJustice the following game]], however, it's now a S rank damage skill, as opposed to an E. [[RedemptionPromotion Probably because the Prism Ranger using it is on your side this time.]]
81	* ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Street Fighter Alpha 2]]'': Dan Hibiki's Chohatsu Densetsu (literally, "Legendary Taunt") is a [[LimitBreak Super Combo]] 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. It's especially worthless in ''VideoGame/CapcomVsSNK2MarkOfTheMillennium'', where taunting will cause your opponent's super meter to charge, so all you're doing by using the move is making your opponent ''more dangerous.''
82	** In ''Street Fighter Alpha 3'', he also gets the Chohatsu Shinwa ("Mythical Taunt"), which is a ''level 3'' super attack (i.e., requiring a full super meter and draining it all) that does nothing but replace all Dan's normal attacks with zero-damage taunts for a while or until Dan gets hit.
83	** Subverted in ''Street Fighter 4'', as you can very quickly cancel out of the Chohatsu Densetsu into an actual Ultra Combo. It's very likely to catch your opponent off guard...at least [[ItOnlyWorksOnce the first time]] they see it.
84	*** This is translated to interesting effect in the Street Fighter 4 expansion to the Exceed Fighting System card game. Dan's Legendary Taunt gets its own card in the deck, and is the only move in the game that spends super gauge without striking the opponent...but in return, it allows you to move towards your opponent, and then immediately play ''another'' move, potentially another Ultra if you have enough meter. This is notable in that it allows you to break the usual initiative rules for playing a card normally, allowing you to land slow but powerful hits you normally shouldn't be able to.
85	** Ryu and Ken in Alpha 2 and 3 also have fake variations of their Hadouken and Dodge Roll, respectively.
86	* ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'':
87	** Gilgamesh in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV'' will claim to possess the Excalibur, a legendary sword that should by all rights do lots of damage. Then he attacks your party with it, and it does...1 damage. Turns out it's a cheap knockoff called the Excali''poor''.
88	** The prologue of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'' takes place on and around a stage putting on a play. During fights that take place on stage, the player characters gain access to a selection of impressive-looking and -sounding spells to use in combat, that all do zero damage; they're just special effects meant to be used during the play, and naturally do nothing at all in a real fight.
89	* Yoshio from ''VisualNovel/TokimekiMemorial 1'' has a LimitBreak in his repertoire during the excursion trip battle phase, the "Great Yoshio Kick". He tries to make it sound and look cool, but it not only does zero damage on the opponent, it also breaks Yoshio's leg and put him out of the remainder of the fight.
90	* Richer's Item Crash attack in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaRondoOfBlood'' is based on what sub-weapon is currently equipped. The key occupies the sub-weapon slot, but is only used to open doors. If you hit the Item Crash button with the key equipped, Richter starts his normal, PowerFloats power-up animation, but then falls back to the ground with a big '''?''' floating over his head. This still has some use as an invincible dodge and the key actually [[LethalJokeWeapon does four times the damage of the whip]], but with such little range it is easy to dismiss it as worthless.
91	* In ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaSymphonyOfTheNight'', Alucard can combine his personal shield with the Shield Rod to perform a spell that makes him invincible and able to drain HP from touching enemies. If you try that with the Alucar''t'' Shield, however, nothing happens and [[ContinuityNod that same]] '''?''' pops over Alucard's head.
92	* In ''VideoGame/{{Undertale}}'':
93	** The skeleton brothers both have one: Papyrus' special attack [[spoiler: gets stolen by a dog (though the "absolutely normal attack" he does after is one of the hardest patterns to not take damage on in the entire game on a pacifist run)]] and Sans' special attack [[spoiler: is literally nothing. Subverted in that doing nothing actually proves to be pretty darn effective in a game with TurnBasedCombat.]]
94	** Mad Dummy's ultimate attack is [[FlechetteStorm throwing knives]]... or rather, ''a knife'', singular.
95	* In ''VideoGame/NarutoShippudenUltimateNinjaStormRevolution'', several {{Joke Character}}s (of [[LethalJokeCharacter varying lethalities]]) have these, usually as Ultimate Jutsus. [[GameplayAndStorySegregation They still do full damage, but...]] how can the below attacks ''not'' have a place here?
96	** Konohamaru's [[FanService Super Harem Jutsu]]. Subverted with some enemies, where [[ConfusionFu the bikini-clad female clones are actually holding them in place]] for a head-on [[SphereOfDestruction Rasengan]], but played straight with [[ThisIndexIsFullOfPerverts others,]] where one of the clones gives them an [[KissingDiscretionShot implied kiss]], sending them flying via NoseBleed.
97	** [[SternTeacher Iruka's]] Love Roar, which features him displaying a DemonHead and HighPressureEmotion at their best, before [[MegatonPunch nailing the victim]] and inflicting a CranialEruption. And yes, [[BreakTheHaughty you can do this to]] ''Madara Uchiha''.
98	*** One of Iruka's regular attacks also features a miniature version of the above, while another features him ''literally'' [[VisualPun hitting the opponent with the book]], while [[BadassTeacher yelling at them to study.]]
99	** Naruto, Iruka and Konohamaru's team special, "Problem Child of the Hidden Leaf". The three hurl FuumaShuriken at the opponent, knocking them into the air. Then Naruto and Konohamaru... both use the [[AttractiveBentGender Sexy Jutsu]] on Iruka. The ensuing NoseBleed is so powerful Iruka is ''[[GrievousHarmWithABody propelled towards the opponent like a missile]], causing a heart-shaped fireworks explosion upon contact.'' Konohamaru and Naruto fist-bump over the successful prank. And Iruka gives them both a CranialEruption.
100	** Young Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura's [[CombinationAttack "Outstanding Team Work?!"]]. [[IdiotHero Naruto]] goes LeeroyJenkins, while [[TheRival Sasuke]] uses him as a GoombaSpringboard to land his own attacks. [[TheLoad Sakura looks like she's not going to do anything]], [[SubvertedTrope but then surrounds all three of them with a rope]]. [[HitFlash We're not shown]] [[NoodleIncident what happens next,]] but it ends in [[CallBack both Naruto]] and the opponent tied to a stump.
101	** [[TheHeart Karin's]] Perfume Spray. This Jutsu has ''terrible'' [[UselessUsefulSpell damage and priority]], and even the [[StatusEffects poison]] it inflicts does ''nothing'' to make it useful.
102	*** Her Ultimate Jutsu however - Severe Stinging Slap - is a subversion. It's a BitchSlap... which leaves a [[StuffBlowingUp Paper Bomb]] on the target. [[LampshadeHanging "Hah, sloppy!" indeed.]]
103	---->'''Karin:''' There's [[FinishingMove a limit to being sloppy,]] [[TheReasonYouSuckSpeech you halfwit!]]
104	* ''VideoGame/Persona5'' has Shadow Madarame's ultimate move, "Madara-Megido". Most people who have played the ''Franchise/ShinMegamiTensei'' series would be worried to see a Megido attack that hits everyone, especially this early in the game... except that this particular variant does ''pitiful'' damage when it hits. Turns out that this plagiarising artist's own art really does suck.
105	* If you ask Remilia Scarlet from ''Franchise/TouhouProject'' what she won in the SuperPowerLottery, she'll boastfully tell you that she won the ability to [[WindsOfDestinyChange Manipulate Fate]]. If you ask her little sister, Flandre, she'll tell you that Remilia won the ability to invoke IMeantToDoThat whenever she wants to look cooler than she really is. [[ShrugOfGod Canon doesn't bother to explicitly state]] if Flandre is telling the truth or not, but it would be in-character for Remi to hype herself up to levels even she cannot reasonably live up to, what with her being a {{chuuni\|byou}} vampire and all.
106	* ''VideoGame/OctopathTraveler'': The Injured Scout near Wellspring can be Allured/Guided after his quest is completed, though he is still wounded. In battle his special attack is "Too wounded to move..." which, when activated, creates a brilliant blue effect... and nothing happens. He also can only block a pitiful amount of damage before retreating.
107	[[/folder]]
108
109	[[folder:Webcomics]]
110	* Yori of ''Webcomic/NoNeedForBushido'' has a technique [[http://nn4b.com/comic/7 so totally foolproof]] he has refused to use it until now. The Super Secret Special Technique...run away!
111	* A couple times in ''Webcomic/DominicDeegan'', people have royally pissed off Luna, causing her to summon a dark BattleAura and begin powering up a spell while making {{Badass Boast}}s, causing them to flee in terror from her... illusion.
112	* In ''Webcomic/HeroOhHero'', [[NoNameGiven The Aristocrat]] subverts CallingYourAttacks in order to [[http://www.neorice.com/hoh_60 make a bandit flinch long enough for him to make his getaway]], leaving only a [[ShapesOfDisappearance dotted outline of himself labeled "Gone." behind]].
113	[[/folder]]
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Context Main / FakeSpecialAttack