We already know that Arc System Works and Bandai Namco want to please the fans of Dragon Ball as much as possible. Striking a balance between a fun game for everyone, as well as making it competitive and deep, seems to be going well for them. Those who know the anime and manga have already noticed a multitude of similarities between the works.
Kizz uploaded an excellent comparison video that positions footage from the game right by the anime to check out how they were modeled. You can see everything from Goku’s intro animation to Piccolo and Krillin’s signature attacks. The video also shows attacks from some more recently-announced characters, like Android 18.
It’s patch time! The Capcom-Unity blog just posted notes for an upcoming Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite build. There are no balance changes specifically, just pure bug fixes. However, it seems like the game’s balance will be affected somewhat: there’s a change to how Spider-Man’s Web Ball works.
Check out the complete patch notes below; they will take effect on October 16th on the PlayStation 4 and PC versions first. The Xbox One version will be updated at a later date.
General
When an opponent has been hit by three special “grab” projectiles in a single combo, they will automatically be affected by a spiral hit stun, causing them to be invincible and sent into the air. Players can also counter tag out of these attacks.
Affected moves:
Spider-Man – LP/HP Web Ball (including air versions)
Frank – LK/HK Hammer Throw
Can perform air recovery in eight directions when recovering from certain unique hits in the air.
Affected moves:
Dante – Bee Hive
Chun-Li – Spinning Bird Kick (including air version), Kikosho, Hoyokusen
Chris – Sweep Combo
Doctor Strange – Bolts of Balthakk
Fixed a bug that made it impossible to block during the last frame of crouching block recovery.
Fixed an issue that caused a connection error to occur when continuously performing successful grabs in an online match.
Increased throw invincibility during air recovery from 3F to 5F.
Fixed comboing into another combo using the Mind Surge throw.
Characters (These changes will go live across all platforms in the update on October 16)
Dante
Fixed a bug when taking damage during Tempest that caused Dante’s position to change fromthe location where he took that damage.
Captain America
Fixed bug(s) so that properties of moves without the shield match those with the shield. (ex: forward jumping during forward ground dash without the shield did not have dash momentum)
Fixed a bug causing backflip (without shield) to be invincible from start up.
Fixed a bug that caused his back ground throw to not do damage and had a shorter knockback distance.
Fixed a bug where jumping forward during a back ground dash (with shield) had dash momentum.
Fixed a bug that caused him to not face the opponent when behind them while activating Charging Star and Hyper Charging Star.
Dormammu
Fixed a bug that allowed players to cancel Dark Spell: Creation after LK/HK Dark Hole with Flight.
Fixed a bug that allowed players to cancel Dark Spell: Creation after LK/HK Purification with Flight.
Doctor Strange
Fixed bug where when there are 3 Graces of Hoggoth HP traps on screen and Flames of the Faltine is used from a higher position, the fired laser VFX disappears.
Fixed bug causing one Grace of Hoggoth to remain on screen after activating Flames of the Faltine in certain situations.
Tired of playing competitively in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U? If only there were any special, custom modes for it… the Beefy Smash Doods are doing it the old-fashioned way — making up their own rules to turn Smash 4 on its head.
The Doods present five distinct gameplay “modes” that radically change up the way the game is played.
Point System — look at a competitive tier list, and randomly select characters. Gain points with a modifier that rewards you for winning with a lower-tier and gives you less points if you use a higher-tier character.
Sounds Like Smash — randomly pick eight characters, don’t look at the screen, and figure out all the selected fighters based on sound only
The Ganon Challenge — four or eight players. Everyone, except one person, pick Ganondorf. See how many stocks the single person can take from the Ganondorfs, and then rotate to see who has the best score.
The Smash Boardgame — Use the character select screen as a board. Advance by taking stocks during matches and play whatever character your cursor lands on as you advance.
Duelist Pro — a venerated game mode where you keep yourself in the air as Toon Link and try to throw other players down
Go ahead and give those modes shot, if you haven’t already. Which one is your favorite? Maybe you have a “custom game” developed by yourself? Let us know in the comments.
BlazBlue: Central Fiction is an explosive game. With the availability of many resources, like Overdrive, Dragon Punches, and other character-specific mechanics, blocking is often the last resort. And yet, there are many characters with very long pressure-strings, resets, and overheads that lead into combos.
Watch Central Fiction newcomer Hibiki’s pressure become a lot less scary, once you see the video below. The text displays specific frame numbers so you know what kind of poke to use, whatever character you’re using. Some attack strings leave much bigger openings; if you Instant Block a 5A into Hibiki’s overhead, 4B, you can do a big punish. If you happen to play Es, you can pick up on some combos as well. It’s also useful to see how to counter Hibiki’s special moves, should he choose to do them in an attack string.
Though understandably, not everybody in the game has a Dragon Punch, and I can’t say I would “react” to some of these quicker strings, but having this knowledge (for example, which special move you can anti-air or even grab) can lead you to reversing the situation without using any resources.
Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition is breathing new life into Capcom’s most popular fighting game. While so far we know that every character is getting new V-Triggers, we don’t have a clear idea yet of what they are. However, we have screenshots!
VesperArcade provides an analytical overview of the screenshots available so far of Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition. He starts with an image of Menat that features a Japanese city, which could possibly be a new stage. Moving on to gameplay matters, he begins by saying that we’re not sure if there will be new V-Skills as well — just new V-Triggers. Starting with Ryu, they talk about him likely having a new two-bar V-Trigger that looks like a Focus Attack. The translation of the new V-Trigger, “Kakko Fubatsu” means things like “unwavering,” “steadfast,” etc. Maybe we’ll see Evil Ryu come back?
M. Bison also has a two-bar V-Trigger. There’s a bit more speculation surrounding his new power. There’s some kind of crumble effect after hitting with it, as evidenced by the screenshot with Cammy. The video continues with looks at Rashid, Chun-Li, Birdie, R. Mika, Ken, and Dhalsim.
We also recently found out that DLC codes will be used to get the new characters for the retail version of Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition.
Maybe Jubei hasn’t made as much of a splash onto the competitive scene as some players hoped, but there might still be some hope for the character. Even if he isn’t as viable, it’s good to see two pro BlazBlue: Central Fiction players duke it out in a fun set. PNS|Garireo, who recently triumphed at CEOtaku 2017, takes on Nakao’s Jubei in a best to three.
Litchi shows just how oppressive she can get in Garireo’s skilled hands. Though Nakao does make the fight look pretty even, it’s not easy at all. It’s pretty close, but Litchi edges out the win in the first set. That Astral attempt though…
In the second video, Garireo starts out dominant, and Nakao is barely able to land even a hit. The kitty cat does surmount a comeback, however. It’s definitely an uphill battle for Nakao, especially in neutral, because Litchi covers the screen so well and can confirm into good corner carry. However, Nakao shows some pretty impressive skills with Jubei.
Check out all three sets below, which are worth to watch even just to see two highly skilled players having some entertaining matches.
Continuing our series of interviews from CEOtaku, Shoryuken grabbed the opportunity to speak to another Japanese player attending the event. Like Taka, Kedako has also been sponsored by the r/Kappa crowd. Kedako is famous for his signature character pick, May, and strong play in both Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 and its predecessor Guilty Gear XX Accent Core +R. Kedako is the Accent Core champion this year, and last year. In 2016, he also won the -REVELATOR- competition.
And yet there’s another service he’s done for the fighting game community at large; with the release of -REVELATOR-, he became something of a frame data guru for the anime community.
Thanks to Brett for helping translate the conversation at CEOtaku. The interview has been slightly edited for clarity.
Woocash: You triumphed at CEOtaku last year, and you did it this year again in Accent Core +R, how do you feel?
Kedako: I’m glad! First of all, I’m just glad. Last year, I went by myself. I was able to win both +R and REV 2, I was glad about that. This year, I got sponsored by r/Kappa. I feel like the results matter more. I do want to leave some good results, not just for myself. There’s a responsibility. I’m glad that I was able to get the win for +R.
Woocash: What was it like to fight Taka in the Grand Finals?
Kedako: We always meet in tournament, Taka and I. That match-up is pretty difficult for Anji. It’s very explosive, very volatile. Taka is always annoyed at bumping into me and having to play that match-up! I always try to put pressure on Taka to make it difficult for him to get out.
Woocash: How much do you practice +R? Do you play with a lot of regularity, or just before tournaments?
Kedako: Recently, I’ve been going to Mikado to play +R casuals the day before tournaments. Also, I practice on the airplane by using my Vita. But because I live in the Kansai region, I can’t go to Mikado often. There’s really not a scene for +R in Kansai. I just fly from my region to Mikado and stay there one night, in Tokyo, to practice +R. It sucks when I can’t do what I want to do, when I’m not well-practiced.
Woocash: I’ve heard that you research frame data. Can you talk about how you got into that and about your methodology?
Kedako: When Xrd first came out, [I realized that] May was completely different. I honestly felt pretty bored of the character; I wasn’t very interested in her. But I like Guilty Gear. The previous versions of Guilty Gear had all the frame data published in mooks [official books], but not Xrd. I took a break from focusing on May, and I started trying to figure out frame data. I dedicated that time to do my own research.
I do it all by eye. I record at 60 frames per second, and I look at it, frame by frame. That’s how I researched all this stuff.
[Kedako found out things like invincibility on YRC, start-up on YRC and RC, how long is Blitz, etc., according to Brett.]
Woocash: I was curious about your thoughts on tag games, like Dragon Ball FighterZ and BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle. Are you interested in them?
Kedako: Yeah, I played the closed beta of DBFZ, I’ll probably play BB Tag when I can. I have played a little of BlazBlue. DBFZ is a really responsive game in which it feels good to move around. Just playing it feels fun.
Woocash: What are your future plans? What’s the next event you’re going to?
Kedako: I definitely want to attend Evo 2018, if I can.
Woocash: What about some other US events, like NEC or Frosty Faustings?
Kedako: As far as the financial matters, I want to attend the biggest tournaments that I can, so for now, just planning on Evo.
Woocash: And if r/Kappa sponsors you again?
Kedako: I would like to, if I get sponsored again, but it’s hard for me to take days off. Generally, it’s not as much of a finance issue, but with work. It’s not a problem with my interest.
Woocash: Any closing thoughts?
Kedako: Unlike Japanese tournaments, the overall environment at international tournaments like CEOtaku is so different. Everyone is playing everything, having fun all the time, it’s really different from Japanese events. It’s a different experience from normal tournaments. Every time I go to one of these events, I get really motivated to go to more. I really like this kind of stuff. I want to go to more events like this.
As we’re well into “Season 2” of BlazBlue: Central Fiction, it’s interesting to see how the gameplay landscape has shifted. While the game generally feels more fair for the majority of the cast, one player in particular has risen to the top. The arcade rankings show Ronitta’s Es as the currently highest-placing fighter.
Though the rankings aren’t a clear correlation to a “tier list,” you can see Ronitta’s dominance in the footage compilation from Jourdal below. Es has a very balanced moveset, great range for normals, and zoning that’s actually difficult to deal with for a lot of characters. Ronitta shows how to handle Izanami, Mai, Azrael and Nine in the matches below.
Curious about the list of top arcade players? Jourdal also uploaded a video showing the rankings and wrote our their names and characters:
1. Ronitta (ES) Tentei
2. Koike (LI) Tentei
3. Itou Sae (CR) Tentei
4. Fenrich (JI) Meiou
5. Masa (MA) Meiou
6. Daiwa (PL) Meiou
7. Isa (IN) Meiou
8. Konan (TS) Meiou
9. Uma No Hone (VK) Meiou
10. Naoto (NI) Meiou
11. ??? (AM) Meiou
12. Grandia (TG) Meiou
13. Esuke (CR) Meiou
14. N-O (RC) Kishin
15. ??? (PL) Kishin
16. Mokemoke (RE) Kishin
17. Fumi (NI) Kishin
18. Matoi (KO) Kishin
19. J Anson (HZ) Kishin
20. Fukku (Bang) Kishin
21. Kikuchiyo (LI) Kishin
22. Poropiccho (SU) Kishin
23. Makki @Lin Hime (RC) Kishin
24. Aosame (AR) Kishin
25. Takahiro/Kuresu (ES) Kishin
26. Rikutoe (IN) Kishin
27. Yutta (RG) Kishin
28. Watagashi (Es) Kishin
29. DISA (NI) Kishin
30. ??? (HI) Kishin
Be sure to keep an eye on Jourdal’s channel for more BlazBlue footage.
Baiken’s arrival in Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 certainly was celebrated by the community, though the one-armed samurai woman’s power isn’t easy to wield. Relying on good reads and general knowledge of the game, a good Baiken player knows when to use her Azami parry to turn the tables — and also what combo to perform after.
Six Newell’s YouTube channel is filled with various Baiken videos that display a multitude of situations. From less-practical to more optimal, there’s a slew of combo routes and situational Azami usage recordings. Refer to samples below to pick up some practical tips on using Baiken in REV 2.
Here’s a way to bring your opponent to the corner easily from midscreen. Securing a throw with Baiken leads to excellent corner carry or a combo, if your opponent is already in the corner.
Youzansen RC is a popular mix-up tool, as it’s an insanely quick overhead. Here’s a combo example on heavy targets:
And mid-weights:
Finally, light-weights:
If you find your back to the corner, there’s an easy way to switch sides with the opponent, if you have the meter to burn for it:
Should a Faust ever use his Scalpel move and you’re going to be in the Instant Kill range — make them regret it:
How to punish one of I-no’s most popular moves:
Useful counter for the May match-up:
Of course, don’t forget to show off with something special like the air version of her counter Overdrive!
There are many, many more clips on the creator’s YouTube channel, so don’t hesitate to take a look. There are videos that cover more character weights and specific situations for good Azami punishes.
CEOtaku 2017 was invaded by a number of strong Japanese players. The anime-centric tournament in Florida proved to be a magnet for talent from all over the world. Taka, sponsored by r/Kappa, is one such player; the reddit subforum helped the famous Slayer player travel to the United States. You can regularly see him on Japanese channels like Joniosan’s.
Taka triumphed in Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2. He also did extremely well in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core +R, losing only to fellow Japanese player Kedako. We caught up with Taka right after the Guilty Gear Grand Finals at CEOtaku 2017.
Thanks to Aksys Games for providing a translator for the interview. Edited for clarity.
Woocash: How was fighting LostSoul in the Grand Finals? You played him twice, actually.
Taka: I’ve been keeping an eye on LostSoul for a while because he’s famous. One of the known points about him is that he learns fast. During the Grand Finals, I was scared that he came up with some way to defeat me. During Winners Finals, I had a plan… I was expecting Kedako to emerge from Losers, but he didn’t. When I first beat LostSoul, he told me “I’ll be back.”
Woocash: How were your other matches with American players? Who were you worried about?
Taka: Aahh.. Foo, MarlinPie, KidViper, Zidane. I lost to MarlinPie last year during Evo’s pools.
Woocash: If you could make any changes in the next version of Guilty Gear, what changes would you make?
Taka: Right now, my playstyle is very aggressive. I’m trying to be more calm and defensive, but not too much, for more of a hybrid style. As for the game, the balance is good enough right now. There are just a few skills that I’d like to iron out that are sort of incomplete. There are things with hitboxes and interactions that are a little weird, sometimes.
Woocash: How much do you play Accent Core still? Thoughts on the tournament?
Taka: There’s a tournament every week at Mikado, I’m there every Friday. I use Anji. I try to stay good with both. As for fighting Kedako, I haven’t played him outside of Japan except for Evo last year. Kedako was much better than me and beat me down that time, but this time, it was much better.
Woocash: Why won’t use you Slayer in Accent Core?
Taka: I’m an old-guard Anji player, but he’s not in Xrd, so I use Slayer.
Woocash: So you prefer Anji over Slayer?
Taka: Currently, Slayer really suits my playstyle. I can’t say who’s better, but my playstyle really matches with his aggressive moves.
Woocash: In the future, do you want to come to more US tournaments?
Taka: I will definitely want to come to Evo next year and to other tournaments if it’s financially feasible.
Woocash: Any other comments, or things you’d like to say?
Taka: I’ve known CEOtaku for a while, and I’m very happy to have finally come and won the GG championship. My next step is Toushinsai in Japan. I’m partnering with T5M7 (Tomo) and Issamu. I also want to do my best there!
