The spotlight of competitive gaing is only big enough to shine on so many titles. Certainly, outlets like Twitch allow for players to spread their love for their game of choice to a larger audience, but is that enough to help create a respectable player base for the title in question?
In a new video, Core-A Gaming takes a look at this topic, discussing what it takes for a game to develop and maintain a meaningful following. To do this, they (appropriately) focus on the Super Smash Bros. scene–Melee and Wii U versions in particular–and how the Melee crowd supporting themselves through grassroots tournaments for a number of years before Nintendo finally decided to get involved could play a part in the divide within the Smash community. Of course, Nintendo’s aim at appealing to a larger market through simplification plays its part as well.
This leads to a discussion on how Capcom’s involvement with their own scene through things like the Capcom Pro Tour have helped to (mostly) unify their player base. Of course, there’s a lot to be said on a topic as broad as this, so be sure to give the video a watch.
With NorCal Regionals wrapping up just last night, you may not yet be ready to sit down and watch long Street Fighter V sets, but in the event that you are, Flying High has you covered. In a recent upload, they feature a lengthy session–90 minutes long, to be exact–between Razer’s Fuudo and YUBIKEN’s KichijojiKEN.
While Fuudo isn’t quite as high-octane as Marn (few are), he’s still quite capable of making the most of Rainbow Mika’s monstrous mixup potential. Check out the matches to see if KichijojiKEN’s Ken can deal with the setups.
Want to see more action from players of a similar caliber? Flying High uploaded hours of footage last week as well, and you can find it here.
It’s not uncommon for Arc System Works games to take the standard lobby mode and put their own spin on it, and the upcoming Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR- is no exception. While waiting on matches, players will take control of an (I guess chibi is the word?) avatar and gambol through an arcade with a fishin’ hole in the center. What a place.
The developers have made updates to other modes as well, including a virtual stick feature to assist in memorizing inputs during the learning process. By outputting a player’s directional inputs visually and then highlighting the correct motions, this tool should help new players get into the swing of things, or perhaps even give players accustomed to something like Street Fighter IV’s input shortcuts a chance to clean up their messy muscle memory.
This information was accompanied by details on early downloadable content, which includes an additional color pack containing five recolors for each character and system voice options for Slayer, Jam, and other newcomrers. Players can expect this downloadable content the same day -REVELATOR- launches in Japan, so it’s a safe bet to assume it’ll be day one for other regions as well.
To take a look at the scenic new lobby mode, as well as some of the other features, check out the gallery below.
Can I also note how cute Lobby Millia’s little hat is? It’s a cute little hat. Anyway, if you’re looking to pick up a copy of Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR-, it’s set to launch for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 on May 26 in Japan, June 7 in North America, and June 10 in Europe.
Before you fire up the NorCal Regionals streams–or perhaps while taking a break from the action–be sure to check out some of the latest Street Fighter V technology from around the community below. We’ve got a lot to share today, so let’s get started!
It’s important for new players to get used to using training mode in whatever game they’re tackling, as they may be missing out on some of the more nuanced (and important) options available to add to their training regimen. With this in mind, James Chen of UltraChen TV recently covered Street Fighter V’s training mode in an episode of First Attack, and you’ll find the full playlist below if you missed out on watching it live.
GamersGrid TV and Ricardo “Mono” Roman keep the F.A.N.G train rolling with the newest episode of Shadowloo Bootcamp. This guide takes a look at the mixup opportunities M. Bison’s second-in-command can employ.
VesperArcade offers the next video today, which focuses on Ryu. If you’re looking for some ways to guarantee guard breaks while under the effects of Ryu’s V-Trigger, this video is a great place to pick up those options. These include activations off of a sweep, using a super after a block string to net the guard break, and more.
This next video, from alb3530, is a collection of miscellaneous information from the game. It includes things like Critical Arts with frame gaps, a demonstration of all of the invulnerable moves in the game, all moves with armor, and more things along those lines.
Now it’s time to step into the ring for a round of R. Mika tactics–both for and against her. First, Rainbow Impact offers up a massive punish combo that incorporates two of Mika’s standing roundhouse kicks as well as her V-Trigger.
Next, HDJammerz demonstrates a meaty Passion Press setup off a back throw before showing a handful of follow-up options in the event that the meaty hits.
And to round out this segment, here’s some anti-Mika technology. Bafael sent in a video from Mark Sauvie which centers around maximizing punish damage when dealing with R. Mika’s charged roundhouse. As noted in the video, this move is hugely punishable thanks to its less-than-stellar hitbox, so just knock her out of the air!
This is perhaps the most niche bit of information we’ve showcased in a roundup, but if you’re looking to figure out the best way to perform Chun-Li’s instant air Lightning Legs on a Hitbox controller, Sora gives a demonstration in this next clip.
We close the roundup out today with a compilation of tricky Laura setups from HapkidoRed. These tricks make use of many of the fighter’s tools to keep opponents guessing, so those looking to equip themselves with more offensive options should definitely check it out.
Do you have a video of your own you’d like to show off? Send it to us, and it could appear in a future Street Fighter V community roundup!
We’re less than a week away from the launch of Killer Instinct Season 3, and the folks over at Ultra-Combo recently announced the upcoming release’s pricing. As you’ll see in the table below, Season 3 can be purchased in three different packages: Combo Breaker, Ultra Edition, and Supreme Edition.
While prices between platforms match for the most part, Windows 10 players will be able to pick up the Supreme Eiditon for $10 less than their Xbox One counterparts. This is due to the lack of Killer Instinct Classic and Killer Instinct 2 Classic in the PC version of the bundle.
Additionally, players can purchase the Double Combo bundle, which includes every fighter from the first two seasons.
Combo Breaker
Includes 8 new fighters including Rash, Arbiter, Kim Wu and Tusk
Xbox One: $19.99
Windows 10: $19.99
Ultra Edition
Includes VIP double XP booster, 8 retro costumes, accessory sets, bonus retro color 7 for all Season 3 characters, and 18,000 KI Gold
Xbox One: $39.99
Windows 10: $39.99
Supreme Edition
Includes every fighter from Seasons 1, 2 and 3, all content from all 3 Ultra Editions including costumes, accessories, 18,000 KI Gold, VIP double XP boosters, bonus colors for Season 3 characters, Killer Instinct Classic and Killer Instinct 2 Classic for Xbox One
Xbox One: $59.99
Windows 10: $49.99
Double Combo
Includes all 17 Killer Instinct characters from Season 1 / 2
Xbox One: $29.99
Windows 10: $29.99
For more information, including frequently asked questions, you can follow the link below. Killer Instinct Season 3 is set to release on Xbox One and PC on March 29.
Source: Ultra-Combo, tips via MetroidDread and Ben2Gen
Nothing gets the blood flowing to the sword arm better than barbaric beats, and that’s exactly the sort of foundation upon which celldweller and Atlas Plug built Tusk’s theme in Killer Instinct. But that’s only one of the pieces that were combined to bring the thousand-year-old brute’s anthem to life. The other two–Viking influences and, well, rock–assemble atop this foundation to bring about yet another killer track for the title’s upcoming third season.
As with a similar video dedicated to the Arbiter, the behind-the-scenes look below treats viewers to the process of creating this track, including a large portion of the recording session for the vocal segments.
Killer Instinct Season 3 is scheduled to launch for Xbox One and PC on March 29.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U initially drew criticism from would-be players due to its purported low execution ceiling, and, when compared to a game like Melee, that seemed a fair call to make. However, as the game has grown, new, more demanding technology has continued to surface. Granted, not every bit of tech is useful, but a lot of it, like perfect pivoting, is. Naturally, these higher execution techniques have made their way into competitive play, but even so long after the game’s release, they can still prove quite difficult to perform.
A while back, a player by the name of Bidou figured out a way to alleviate some of this high-level execution, discovering that the use of a (semi-)specific button layout allows players to hold down the special button (in a shoulder position) and tap their right stick (also mapped to special) in order to perform micro movements thanks to the way this layered special input is read by the game. With this in place, all of the nuanced movement options available become drastically simpler to perform, while also opening up entirely new options not available without such a control scheme.
Sadly, the implementation of these tactics benefits from four shoulder buttons, so those using a GameCube controller will find themselves at a disadvantage. There’s also a chance Nintendo could quell this type of input layering in a future patch, since they still have their eyes on tuning the game.
For a full breakdown of what’s possible using Bidou’s layout, as well as tips on how to perform each action, check out the video below.
Today’s roundup is surprisingly light on combo videos, mainly focusing on niche techniques a good number of cast members can use. Of course, there are some combos, too. Combos are life.
We get things going today with a healthy serving of Bafael’s newest clips. First, the long-time tech maker is tired of seeing Karin players using lesser combos when under the effects of her V-Trigger, as there’s plenty of free damage to be gained through proper optimization. He includes sample combos as well as some notes related to her Critical Art and the fact that it always leaves her at center stage upon completion.
Next, Bafael takes a look at Necalli’s meterless options after landing a crush counter, followed by a selection of Ken frame traps.
Blaq spent some time in the lab with Karin and discovered some interesting ways to apply pressure following a knockdown while making use of her Guren Kusabi ender. This slide passes under opponents while they’re on their way to the ground and leaves Karin in range for all sorts of safe options to keep them on their toes once they stand up.
Chun-Li’s access to instant air Lightning Legs gives her some seriously potent offensive potential, but there’s still risk involved with the use of the move. In this next video, KikoMasterRD takes a look at how the cast can stop Chun’s ability to press her advantage when using air legs, or how to deal some serious damage to her when she takes to the air. Oddly enough, Chun-Li’s punishes to the tactic are pretty brutal.
Also, get ready for some sick screen transitions thanks to Sony’s SHAREfactory. They’re totally unrelated to Street Fighter and it’s hilarious. Move over, star wipe.
Alright, we’ve got some footage that Chun-Li players can use, too. This next video, from CharmingRogue, demonstrates all of the important combos the first lady of Street Fighter needs to know in order to succeed. These include counter-hit confirms, punishes, and yes, even follow-ups to successful air Lightning Legs.
Street Fighter V’s current state couldn’t be properly represented in this roundup without something relating to the increasingly popular option select that has everyone talking. This time, 4Dstreaming has tacked yet another layer on to the popular series of inputs to add a V-Reversal to the mix. See it for yourself (with inputs) below.
You may have seen M. Bison’s ability to make his opponents float helplessly (and unintentionally) above the ground by now, but you’ve probably not seen it looked into the way Sebastian Rikk does in this next footage. The float state cannot be hit with normals, but it can be followed with a juggle, so if you’re a Bison player who often finds hits trading with your scissor kick after it has already started connecting, you’ll want to check this out.
This next reel, from FMRoss, clocks in at under a minute, but is packed with assorted bits of tech for a handful of cast members including F.A.N.G, Necalli, and Rashid. The situations presented won’t come up all that often, but if you’re looking to know everything you can about your character, this is a good place to check.
We close things out today with an interesting Laura reset option from One Frame Jab. We’ve all see Laura’s cross-under reset game by now, but if she adds a whiffed crouching strong to the mix, she will likely be able to take some opponents by surprise when she recovers on what looks to be the wrong side. Do note that this technique puts Laura in a disadvantageous situation, as she’ll still be in recovery when her opponent is ready to start punching again, but if they’re scared of her post-V-Skill pressure, this may be something to try.
If you’ve got something you’re looking to share, why not send it to us? Your footage could be in our next Street Fighter V community roundup!
With Final Round 19 now a few days behind us, the folks at Capcom have had time to compile their favorite five plays from the tournament into the first reel of its kind for the 2016 Capcom Pro Tour.
We’re used to seeing high-level play in these videos, and this most recent offering has plenty of that: GS|Gllty landing what’s likely the fastest Dhalsim stun in history, MCZ|Tokido’s comeback against HJS|Haitani–which also includes a stun–and PH|Nando’s mic drop combo against GO1-3151, which, well, involves a stun, too. But beyond actual gameplay, the video highlights a large number of player reactions to victories or losses, most specifically tied to the animation following Karin’s Critical Art.
This footage should be enough to convince any doubters that the heiress will have no issues replacing the “raise the Rufus” of Street Fighter IV fame.
Did your favorite moments make the cut? Let us know in the comments.
Abare. Okizeme. The Shimmy. Beyond execution, matchups, and a number of other important bits of information, newcomers to the fighting genre are tasked with picking up these terms in order to effectively communicate within the community while assisting their own growth in their game of choice. One such entry from the admittedly large fighting game lexicon is “option select.” To give newcomers a (very close) look at what an option select is, as well as to dismantle some common misconceptions tied to the techniques, BROKENTIER’s Jay “Viscant” Snyder has dedicated this week’s entry in his “Hit the Ground Running” series to them.
Aside from offering insights into specific option selects, ranging from simple cancel window abuse to advanced mechanics like the fuzzy jump, Viscant makes two main points in this post. First–and this is aimed more at those less familiar with the mechanic–the game doesn’t always pick the best option for every situation. The most well-crafted option selects will be able to find ways around more situations than the poorly-crafted ones, but even the best ones have counter play.
Second, option selects as a whole probably won’t be going anywhere. Yes, Capcom could make more restrictive inputs, or implement other systems along the lines of what they’re doing with regard to the crouch-tech-like option select we’ve been seeing in some form or another since very early builds, but, as Viscant notes, “[t]his may seem fine, even preferable to the advanced player but for beginning level players this would make the game a lot more frustrating.”
As such, handling option selects becomes a weird battle for the folks at Capcom, perhaps one of picking a crowd to cater to. When looking to expand the influence of your everyday street fight, or to make street fights an everyday part of more lives in the first place, smart money is on keeping inputs that are a little more user-friendly, even if it does mean a proliferation of such unsavory tactics. And even if Capcom truly brandished their torches and pitchforks en masse and drove our current compendium of option selects to the hills, let’s face it: the fighting game community is full of lab monsters. Option selects would still find a way.
Viscant leaves us with a note that he plans his next post to be about the ever popular wakeup jab, so you can look forward to that next week. If you’d like to see this week’s post in full, you can do so at the link below.
