Overdrive (gameplay)

An Overdrive (オーバードライブ) taps into characters’ powers to enhance certain mechanics or abilities. It is activated by pressing A+B+C+D at the same time.

While active, Drive abilities are enhanced, as are certain special moves and Distortion Drives. Its duration depends on the character’s health, generally lasting from about five to fifteen seconds, with more time being added the lower the HP amount. When used, Overdrives freeze the stage timer and prevent the usage of the opponent’s burst.

Like special attacks, normal attacks can be cancelled by an Overdrive. However, when Overdrives are activated this way, the duration is halved, but players are able to transition into another move immediately, like when using Rapid Cancel.

Trivia

 * Overdrive is a musical term that refers to an electro-acoustic effect in music.