Author: Casey "Waveflame" Rinaldi

VesperArcade continues his series looking at the changes that will be coming to members of the Street Fighter V cast in the upcoming balance update–set to be released in late April–by turning his focus to the final Season 1 DLC character, Urien.

The “Dominating Light” is currently seen as one of the most powerful characters in Season 2 of SFV, having received a large amount of buffs, with nary a nerf in sight. He made quite the splash when Alienware’s Nemo won TOPANGA League 7 with him, in appropriately dominant fashion. According to Capcom’s CFN website, he also has the highest online win rate of the entire cast for February 2017, and was the 4th-most-used character behind the Shotokan trio of Ken, Akuma and Ryu, with him being selected in 5.208% of February’s bouts.

Unfortunately for his plans for global conquest, Urien will be receiving some nerfs in this forthcoming patch, such as his crouching medium kick going from +2 to -2 on block.

This normal was initially changed in Season 2, it went from +1 on hit to +4. It means he’s now able to convert off of it. You can easily confirm into a crouching light punch, for example. You can even do better if he gets a counter hit, he can go into a medium for more damage. But that’s not the main reason why it was crazy. They also made it +2 on block from -2. This was one of the most requested changes for Urien, especially since there are so many long-range normals that were made minus on block in Season 2, like Karin’s st.MK, Rashid’s st.HK. I’m sure Capcom wanted Urien to have a threatening, long-range low that could convert when the opponent’s stuck in Aegis Reflector. I’m glad Capcom kept the +4 intact and just went after the block advantage.

Urien will also be getting a single buff in this update, as the hitbox of his jumping light kick has been expanded downward–it was reduced in Season 2.

Urien was given a cross-up in Season 2 with jumping light kick , but like most cross-up light attacks, the range is quite poor. So if I’m not jumping at the right angle, it’ll just miss entirely. But at the same time, I have to jump-in really deep as well, because the hitstun on light attacks is very low as well. But by expanding the hitbox downward, Urien doesn’t have to jump-in as deep as he does right now, which means I can hit the button earlier and get the hit, so it’s a better cross-up overall.

Urien’s final change is that EX Chariot Tackle will go from 0 to -2 on block, with reduced pushback.

This is a pretty bad number for Urien to be at in general, since he doesn’t have a 3-frame light attack. Urien’s fastest normal is 4 frames, so being -2 is worst than most characters. If he tries to challenge with a light attack, Urien can be beat by nearly anything from the opponent. If EX Tackle is blocked, Urien is on the defensive now and he has to be guessing what the opponent will do next.

In closing, VesperArcade gives his final thoughts on Urien:

My final verdict on Urien is, overall, nerfed. Even though Urien is definitely the hardest-nerfed character in all of the April patch notes, his V-Trigger, combo potential and damage output remains unchanged. He still has all of his previous setups, his combo potential is still much better than Season 1. I feel Urien still remains a top tier character and Capcom did a good job of keeping his core character intact and fun to play.

You can see the full Urien video above, as well as his prior coverage of the patch notes so far in the links below:

• Uppercut changes
• Jump back throw OS removed
• V-Reversal and charge changes
• Alex
• Guile
• Ryu

Sources: VesperArcade; CFN Portal

After going for nearly seven years, LiangHuBBB has finally reached episode 100 of his “Funny & Cool Moments” series, which compiles a variety of hilarious and awesome clips from different fighting games for your enjoyment. The titles featured in this most recent collection are Street Fighter V, Mortal Kombat XL, Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Ultra Street Fighter IV, For Honor, Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, the Injustice 2 online beta, Killer Instinct, The King of Fighters XIV, Soul Calibur V, Capcom vs. SNK 2, Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, BlazBlue: Continuum Shift and more.

We start things off with MDZ_Jimmy recreating Evo Moment #37 in Street Fighter V, Urien showing off some of his vice-president swag in both SFV and Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, some interesting Brutality sequences in Mortal Kombat XL, and Bison sending Chun-Li airborne with his Ultimate Psycho Crusher. Imstilldadaddy makes an incredible read with Kolin’s Frost Touch on Ryu’s wakeup Shoryuken, Cammy “dying 1,000 deaths” when she Cross Stinger Assaults into a Raging Demon, a hilarious exchange between PND|Ketchup and Mustard, Natsu Ringing herself out while attempting a Brave Edge, and CYG BST|PR Balrog obliterating the life bar of Homura’s Dhalsim with a Turn Punch read for 80%.

Other highlights include a nasty Arakune combo that may bring back bad memories for BlazBlue: Continuum Shift players, PurePure crushing DSmoove’s Sho with a Labrys Red Axe combo in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax at Evo 2016, Ken literally sliding away after a Super Turbo victory, Twitch.Hx.CYG BST|Daigo Umehara’s Guile teabagging Echo Fox|Justin Wong’s Rainbow Mika during their recent “Clash of the Masters” Netflix exhibition, Canton getting some love from a Leona Heidern cosplayer after a big play, F.A.N.G flying away from R. Mika with Shishiruirui–only to kill her with the dropped poison balls from behind, a hilarious exchange from Jackie Chan in Fists of Fire: Jackie Chan Densetsu, and Ramlethal and Necalli having Super fails.

Finally, the video closes with a compilation of Sonic Move fails from Liang’s own online Nash play, along with a rap about the current power of SFV Season 2 Guile.

You can see the full video below–and can also catch Episode 99 here!

What are some of your favorite moments from the first 100 episodes? How long have you watched the series? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: LiangHuBBB

After taking a look at the Central Intelligence Agency’s David Spender and Gillian Leigh, the Shadaloo Combat Research Institute returns with more Activity Reports on characters within the Street Fighter universe. Our next profiles take us back to 1999’s Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, to look at more of the characters found within the main cast’s endings. As always, they are explained by loyal low-ranking Shadaloo Soldier, Private Nakagawa.

First up, we have David and Gillian’s boss, Wayne Nakamura!

Private Nakagawa: “The boss of David Spender and Gillian Leigh. He’s an important figure in the American Central Intelligence Agency. He devotes much of his energies to train and guide the younger members. He’s currently investigating the mystery of the Man with the Iron Mask.”

Basic Info:

Name: Wayne Nakamura
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 68 kg
Blood type: A
Birthday: February 22nd
Home Country: USA
Likes: Cigars, His Subordinates
Dislikes: Fried Food

Private Nakgawa: “He’s a veteran, having been in charge of difficult cases and bizarre, mysterious, phenomena for 30 years. As an experienced analyst for the HQ, he doesn’t miss even the smallest detail. He still continues to investigate a man in a trenchcoat, whom he once spotted in an American port. [Perhaps they’re canonizing Q’s “cameo” in Ken’s Street Fighter II Stage, as seen below?] He watches over the ‘odd couple’ of David and Gillian, kindly and strictly.”

You can see him in Q’s ending with his subordinates below.

You can see a photo of what appears to be Q in Ken’s old Street Fighter II stage here:

Next up, we have a friend of Masaru’s who is defeated by Makoto in her 3rd Strike ending, Ken’ichi Kakutani!

Private Nakagawa: “A man who appeared in Makoto’s SFIII ending. He was beaten with a single blow and a “Chestoooo!!”, but he’s actually a competent and strong man.

Basic Info:

Name: Ken’ichi Kakutani
Height: 174 cm
Weight: 97 kg
Blood type: B
Birthday: January 2nd
Home Country: Japan
Likes: Dōjō yaburi [Lit., “Dōjō break.” The practice of challenging all the members of a single dōjō and beating them one after another.], Tests of strength
Dislikes: Alcohol (He can’t hold it)

Private Nakagawa: “A karate master and teacher. He travels within Japan in search of stronger opponents. His special technique is a Jōdan Mawashigeri [“High Roundhouse Kick”] called Ittetsu [“One Iron”]. He was an old friend of Masaru, apparently.”

You can see him briefly in Makoto’s 3rd Strike ending below, at the 48 second mark.

We also have the other fighter Makoto defeated in her ending, Somsak! He can be seen at the 50 second mark.

Private Nakagawa: “A man who appeared in Makoto’s SFIII ending. He was beaten with a single blow and a “Doshaaaaaah!!”, but he’s actually a determined man.”

Basic Info:

Name: Somsak [The name likely references Thai pro boxer (not muay thai) Somsak Sithchatchawal, who’s also a southpaw.]
Height: 169 cm
Weight: 61 kg
Blood type: 0
Birthday: November, 20
Home Country: Thailand
Favorite things: His Father, Muay Thai
Dislikes: Lack of Sleep [Yup, so did Gillian…]

Private Nakagawa: “He trained in the Golden Tiger Gym. He’s a southpaw boxer, who’s special move is a violent elbow strike that he calls ‘Invisible Elbow.’ His father was also a muay thai boxer, and happened to challenge the champion Nuakan once. Somsak grew up respecting his father, and became a splendid fighter, then decided to travel the world to test his strength. During his second trip to Japan, he heard the Rindōkan dōjō had a new instructor, and challenged her… much to his chagrin.”

Coming up next, a mixed martial artist who has battled Alex in the past, Gerald Golby!

Private Nakagawa: “He fought against Alex in the semi-finals of the Vale Tudo tournament ‘Eternal Fighting.’ Alex KOed him with a Shoulder Tackle.” [This tournament, incidentally.]

Basic Info:

Name: Gerald Golby
Height: 210 cm
Weight: 140 kg
Blood type: AB
Birthday: June 10th
Home Country: South Africa
Likes: Training, Meat
Dislikes: Losing, Weak People

Private Nakagawa: “A newcomer in the MMA world who very quickly distinguished himself. An elite wrestler who started his training since he was 4 years old. In his university days, he also played American Football. His special move is a violent face crusher called ‘Monster Buster.’ With his forged body, his fans expect much from him each time. Although he did unfortunately lose against Alex in the Eternal Fighting tournament, he’s scheduled to fight in the Pan-American Battle Tournament in which even Ken Masters will fight! Who would win?!”

This battle seems to take place during Ken’s Third Strike ending, as he defeats an African-American fighter to win his third consecutive U.S. Martial Arts Championship, with Mel, Eliza and Sean by his side, as seen below.

Our next profile is very special. Moving away from Shadaloo’s research files, we have a fan-made character design, the newest member of the Iwashigahama Japan Women’s Pro Wrestlers, Kevin! Replacing Private Nakagawa will be the promotion’s biggest star, Rainbow Mika!

Rainbow Mika: “A character born in the ‘Street Fighter Study Corner’ of the Iwashigahama Joshi Pro Wrestling Podcast! For details about the first podcast, please hear us here. Apparently he can use a V-Trigger that allows him to miniaturise himself.”

Basic Info:

Name: Kevin
Height: 3 – 155 cm
Weight: 1 to 40 kg
Blood type: O
Birthday: December 13th
Country of Origin: Foreign Country
Likes: Japanese Sushi
Dislikes: Demons

Rainbow Mika: “His special move allows him to miaturise himself! Then he can use his speed to quickly gain his opponent’s back and stab him with a needle! But… he uses a foreign object! Is he a heel? He’s a 13-year-old middle schooler. His favorite word is ‘Japaaan!’ Also ridiculously good-looking!” [Kevin is brandishing a needle, and behind him there’s a Wadōkaichin, the oldest Japanese type of coin, 2.4 cm in diameter.]

You can learn more about Wayne’s subordinates, who are deeply inspired by The X-Files, here. You can also look at some rejected alternate costumes concepts for Kolin here.

Special Thanks to Midgardsorn for translations and footnotes!

Sources: CFN Portal; streetfighterscene; akumazilla

After explaining the ramifications of Alex’s changes in Street Fighter V’s upcoming April balance update, VesperArcade moves on to look at what’s happening to Guile. Considered by many players to be one of–if not the best–characters in the current build of SFV, he will be getting some nerfs in the next update to weaken his offensive capabilities–which were unintentionally strengthened by Capcom last December, as he is meant to be defensive in nature to contrast Nash’s aggressive style.

First up, the Air Slasher’s forward throw, Dragon Suplex, has had its hit advantage reduced by 3 frames. In Season 2, this throw’s hit advantage was increased by 6 frames, so that advantage has been cut in half, but is still more than what it originally was in Season 1.

After expressing great surprise that Capcom didn’t also weaken Guile’s Judo Throw (due to his throw loops), the ability to bully characters that lack a 3-frame normal on their wakeup, or his mixup potential with command normals and Crush Counters, Vesper moves on to his Reverse Spin Kick.

This command normal’s hit advantage is being reduced from +6 to +4, after being increased from merely +3 in Season 1.

This is really not that bad of a nerf, honestly. So now Guile can’t normally link a crouching medium punch after this anymore, because it’s 6 frames, but Guile can still link a crouching light punch afterwards. He can still do Reverse Spin Kick, crouching light punch, Flash Kick, for example, and if he lands a counter hit with this, you can easily confirm that into a crouching medium punch anyway. And Guile can still convert into V-Trigger from this, as he can still cancel a crouching light punch into Sonic Boom, I still feel this will be the best command normal in the game, even after the April changes.

Despite not being listed by Capcom as a “Shoryuken-like attack,” like the uppercuts Ryu, Ken, Akuma, Cammy, Necalli, and Juri wield, it seems they want Guile’s medium Somersault Kick to receive the same improved anti-air properties as those other attacks. It will be completely invincible to airborne attacks from frames 1-8, but will have an added hurtbox to attacks and projectiles on the ground for frames 3-8, weakening it as a reversal option.

Perhaps the Family Man’s biggest change in Season 2 was becoming the first SFV character to have the size of his V-Gauge altered, as it was lowered from 3 blocks to 2, similar to Ryu, Alex, Chun-Li and Cammy. This resulted in Guile currently being able to acquire Solid Puncher much more quickly and at higher life totals, massively improving both his zoning potential as well as his ability to rush down the opponent behind the cover of Sonic Breaks. Capcom will be completely reverting this change in April, as it will again be increased to 3 Bars, with the gauge consumption amounts for regular and EX Sonic Breaks being adjusted to Season 1 values to compensate for the increased length.

To clarify, Sonic Break is Guile’s follow-up Sonic Booms after he throws one and his single shot Sonic Booms when V-Trigger is active. In Season 2, the V-Gauge timer for a single shot was increased, so they were nerfed. Since that’s being reverted, he can use more single and EX shots in April. However, the timer for the follow-up shots was decreased, so they’ll consume more in April. Technically, Guile’s V-Trigger in April will still be stronger than it was in Season 1, because his Sonic Booms do 10 more damage for the follow-ups.

VesperArcade offers up his final opinion on Guile’s changes:

Overall, my final verdict on Guile, for this patch alone, is slightly nerfed. I’d even go so far as to say barely nerfed. He’s still definitely stronger than his Season 1 counterpart for sure, and I definitely feel that Guile will still be top tier in April. Reverse Spin Kick is still insane, Judo Throw is intact and V-Trigger is just simply reverted, but still stronger than Season 1, and I feel like these three things combined is what makes Guile so strong in the first place. If you’re a Guile player, you have nothing to worry about with these changes. It just brings Guile down a slight amount, but he’s still really powerful and he can still do the same things that he could before.

You can catch the full video with more of his thoughts below.

You can also take a look at his videos about the new system changes here, here and here. What do you think about the upcoming Guile changes? Do you feel they needed to do more, or were they just right? Perhaps they went overboard? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Source: VesperArcade