Shotlock

Shotlock (シュートロック) is a combat system that debuted in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep.

Mechanics
In Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, a Shotlock is initiated by holding down and  simultaneously (or just  in the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix port). The user enters a targeting mode and locks onto enemies, and by pressing ( in the Japanese version), the user then initiates a powerful attack that hits all targeted enemies. By locking onto the maximum amount of enemies, additional attacks can be added by following on-screen prompts. The amount of time the user has to lock onto targets depends on the Focus Gauge, which empties when the attack is initiated and can be refilled by attacking enemies and using Ethers. Most of the Shotlocks in Birth by Sleep can be learned by all three Keyblade wielders, but they also get several that are unique to themselves.

Each Shotlock can be enhanced by performing a certain action to add extra attacks. There are four methods of adding extra attacks, which determine the Shotlock's class.
 * Class A (ボタン連打) Shotlocks involve pressing the button ( button in the Japanese version) rapidly.
 * Class B (ランダム) Shotlocks involve pressing random buttons when prompted.
 * Class C (タイミング) Shotlocks involve performing well-timed button presses.
 * Class D (パツド回転) Shotlocks involve rotating the analog pad.

In Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-, a Shotlock is initiated by holding down. The user enters a targeting mode and locks onto enemies, and the Shotlock begins by pressing ( in the Japanese version). Triggering a Shotlock slows down time for the duration of the Focus gauge's depletion, allowing the player to maximize the number of lock-ons while minimizing damage and interference. Prism Rain is the only Shotlock available.

In Kingdom Hearts III, the mechanics are similar to 0.2. However, Shotlocks are now tied to Keyblades. Each Keyblade has a certain number of Shotlocks; often, these are differentiated by whether Sora used an incomplete or max lock when firing. Visually, when using max-level Shotlocks, Sora's clothes transform into the Form associated with the corresponding Keyblade's Formchange, even if he is in the Formchange.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
The Vanitas Remnant utilizes a unique Shotlock during the battle against it. Vanitas Remnant takes the position it takes when using the Dark Cannon and surrounds itself in a black ball before shooting out copies of itself which make one slash before freezing in place.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
The Armored Ventus Nightmare utilizes a Shotlock against Riku during the final battle. When Riku absorbs his Dream Eaters to counter, the rest of the battle involves the two of them rushing against each other until one of them is knocked out.

Notes and references
Multifokuskommandos