Category: Fighting Games

North American audiences have had their hands on Persona 4 Arena Ultimax for a week now, which has resulted in an understandable uptick of tutorial-style videos for the newest iteration of the RPG-inspired airdasher. The inclusion of Shadow characters has added a new level of variety to playstyle that could be causing an identity crisis for some players–myself included–as the enchanced offensive capabilities offered in the new mode stand to offer unique experiences the normal versions lack.

In the footage below, MythicVerbosity makes some strong arguments for choosing the shadow version of Naoto Shirogane, which take full advantage of Shadow Frenzy. The video covers damaging combo options with full screen corner carry and instant kill setups, as well as mixup and pressure strings that will make opponents’ heads spin.

Are these options strong enough to make Shadow Naoto the obvious choice over her non-shadow alternative? Check out the footage below and let us know what you think.

Source: MythicVerbosity

The folks over at VG Bootcamp recently went live with another installment of Smash @ Xanadu from Xanadu Games in Baltimore, Maryland. These weekly broadcasts provide a great look at the region’s Smash community, and tonight’s installment will focus on competition in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS.

If you’re interested in some Smash Bros. action, be sure to tune in. The stream is live below, but you can also head on over to Twitch to join the chat.

Watch live video from VGBootCamp on www.twitch.tv

Source: VG Bootcamp

What’s that? You bought a shiny next-generation system but aren’t satisfied with its small lineup of fighting games? Well, you’re in luck, because the PlayStation 4 port of Divekick: Addition Edition is now available through PlayStation Network.

This version of the popular indie fighter is much like its previous iterations, with one key difference: fans with newer consoles will be able to play with Saints Row crossover Johnny Gat before us peasants on PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and PC.

Divekick: Addition Edition + will be making its way to Xbox One tomorrow, so stay tuned if you chose Microsoft’s platform over Sony’s.

Source: PlayStation Blog

With BlazBlue Chronophantasma’s ver.2.0 update just a few days from hitting arcades in Japan, players will soon be able to get their hands on Celica A. Mercury and Lambda-11, as well as try out a variety of system changes and character adjustments for themselves.

Today, Famitsu revealed the primary character changes for about half of the cast, together with demonstration videos showing how the move changes work in action. You’ll find all three videos, as well as our translations for all of the new information, below.

The lists do not represent the full scope of changes, so some might not be revealed until the update is released on October 9.

Change List Introduction Part 1 (Ragna, Jin, Noel, Rachel, Taokaka)

Ragna

• 6+A now has a Revolver Action route to D attacks.
• Ground Gauntlet Hades hit effect changed; float of the upward kick has been lowered, allowing Ragna to down the opponent.
• Belial Edge knockback changed.

Jin

• Stand D and Crouch D now cancellable; on hit only, Crouch D now jump cancellable.
• Ground Hishouken (Ice Blade) projectile speed increased.
• Hitting a frozen opponent with Sekkajin (Snow Flower Storm) continues the frozen state.

Noel

• Stand D now has Fatal Counter properties.
• Type XI: Optic Barrel is now dash cancellable.
• Type VII: Chamber Shot now easier to use.

Rachel

• The less Silpheed Gauge available, the faster the regeneration.
• After Tiny Lobelia bounces off a wall, the attack hitbox returns.
• Lotus’ bats cause lightning strikes.
• Jump cancellable moves during Overdrive increased.

Taokaka

• 6+D added.
• Dashing Edge to Tao Pittan (Sticky Kitty) follow-up added.
• Cat Spirit Two! now easier to use in combos.

Change List Introduction Part 2 (Tager, Litchi, Arakune, Bang)

Tager

• 6+B sped up, can now be blocked low.
• B Gigantic Tager Drive knockback changed.
• During Overdive, added guard points to his D attacks.

Litchi

• Crouch D changed to one hit.
• When set, launching the staff sends it towards the opponent.
• If attack while launching the staff, the staff is re-set.
• While holding the staff, 6+A to 4+B Revolver Action now possible.

Arakune

• C Bugs now have a guard crush effect.
• f of g now works like a placement move.
• Activating Overdrive while Curse Gauge is available results in an immediate curse.

Bang

• Nail placement position changed; grounded nail dash now possible.
• Overdrive activation cinematic shortened, only at low health does the Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan cinematic activate (no changes to the properties of the activation).
• Can now block during Overdrive.

Change List Introduction Part 3 (Carl, Hakumen, Tsubaki, Hazama)

Carl

• While charging 6+C, pressing the A Button cancels the action.
• Doll 4+D changed to 3 hits. The 1st and 2nd hits cannot be blocked standing.
• Con Fuoco’s damage, foward charge strengthened.
• Con Anima now has super armor while moving and Fatal Counter properties.

Hakumen

• Successful D counters are now special cancellable, cancelling into Kokuujin: Yukikaze (Empty Sky Form: Winter’s Reposte), results in an instant counter.
• 4+C sped up, charge version removed.
• Enma (Hades) jump cancel removed, recovery shortened

Tsubaki

• C Shingi: Hirameku Ichi no Geki (Sanctus Aequum) crosses through the opponent on hit; D Sanctus Aequuem is now plus on block
• On hit only, D Shinken: Hikari wo Tatsu Tsurugi (Sanctus Veritas) now jump cancellable (not possible with follow-up version).
• Follow-up versions and normal versions of Special Moves now treated as different moves (same move proration doesn’t apply)

Hazama

• Ouroboros Gauge has a maximum of 3, the lower the gauge the faster the regeneration.
• On hit only, 6+C now has a Revolver Action route to D attacks.
• Jabaki (Venom Sword) now cancellable into Jasetsu (Serpent’s Benediction) on hit.

Source: Famitsu

During Tokyo Game Show 2014 last month, Mad Catz showed off shots of a brand new Tournament Edition 2 arcade stick branded for Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-. Now, they’ve revealed when exactly gamers will be able to get their hands on it.

The Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 will be releasing in Japan on December 4, the same day that the game is scheduled to land on home consoles in the region. The arcade stick will retail for ¥19,800 (~$183 USD), which falls in line with the pricing of other Tournament Edition 2 arcade sticks.

As with previous iterations, this arcade stick will come with genuine Sanwa Denshi parts, clamshell opening top, quick-release internal wiring, screw lock USB cable, and removable top panel acrylic cover. It also sports unique, translucent black side wings on top of the exclusive Guilty Gear Xrd themed top panel artwork.

For those in Japan who can’t wait until December however, the Standard Design model of the Tournament Edition 2 will be releasing on October 23. This model features blue side wings and top panel art similar to the limited edition Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 Yellow that was available at Tokyo Game Show 2014. It features dark hai buttons instead of the latter’s yellow buttons, and is also priced at ¥19,800.

Source: Mad Catz Japan (1, 2) via Dengeki Online

While players on both PlayStation 3 and PC have been able to play as Skullgirls Encore’s new character Eliza since last week, those on Xbox 360 haven’t been as lucky. Updates on the console have traditionally taken longer due to the approval process, but it seems that this time the delay is due to more than just that.

In a post on the official Skullgirls forums, it has been announced that Eliza has been delayed for the Microsoft platform due to the discovery of an obscure bug. While this bug has apparently been present in previous versions of the game, it was only discovered during the latest testing phase.

Fortunately, the bug has now been addressed and the patch has once again been sent submitted for approval. This means that, hopefully, Eliza will be available for download on Xbox 360 within a couple of weeks.

Source: Skullheart

Earlier this morning, Nintendo announced release dates for the highly-anticipated Super Smash Bros. for Wii U in a variety of regions, revealing that the title will arrive in North America on November 21 and in Europe on December 5.

This news comes weeks after rumors swirled about the game’s supposed release date, which were originally stirred by reservation cards spotted at retailer Fred Meyer.

Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is now available all across the globe, contributing to nearly 3 million sales since its release in Japan on September 13.

The home console release will feature much of the same content as its portable counterpart, but it will no doubt be the platform of choice for the competitive community. While we’ve already seen a number of high-level competition spring up for the handheld version, that’s sure to expand greatly once it arrives on Wii U.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is also scheduled to launch in Japan and Australia on December 6.

Source: Nintendo and Nintendo UK via Twinfinite

Yes, you’re reading that right: UltraChen TV is streaming on a Monday! Keeping in line with broadcasts of the past, tonight’s episode will be devoted more to teaching concepts than discussing news. James Chen plans on discussing how to approach key moments in fighting games, specifically the moment after blocking M. Bison’s light scissor kick in the corner.

If you’re interested in this topic, be sure to tune in and check the show out. The stream will be live in this article, but you can also visit Twitch to join the chat.

Watch live video from ultrachentv on www.twitch.tv

Source: UltraChen TV, featured image courtesy of Kara “Karaface” Leung

Last week, Elite Tournament Chile’s Mcfly put out an incredible display of Evil Ryu Combos for Ultra Street Fighter IV, and the Chilean combo master is back with EMPR|Fear to show off some insane strings in NetherRealm Studios’ Injustice: Gods Among Us.

Plenty of the game’s roster get screen time in this demonstration to dish out their special brand of justice and use the stage to their advantage many, many times, so there’s a good chance your favorite character will get some screen time. Be sure to stick around until the end for an extensive section showing off what may be some of the craziest Green Arrow combos out there.

Even if you’re not an Injustice player, this video is sure to entertain.

Source: Elite Tournament Chile

Back in September, we reported that Level|Up Series’ Alex Valle was contemplating the possibility of holding online tournaments for Killer Instinct in an effort to celebrate the unofficial beginning of the game’s second season. While his original idea was to put together weekly events, this discussion has resulted in the formation of a three-part tournament series.

Online Warrior Championships will see players gather for one tournament each in October, November, and December, with a decent chunk of change up for grabs at every stop. There are, of course, restrictions; all three events will be capped at 64 players, first come first served. Also, only North American competitors will be allowed to register at this time, and everyone must have a minimum 2mbp upload speed to take part.

If you’re interested in taking part, instructions on how to secure your spot have been included below. Further information and rules can be found in the original announcement.

Level|Up Series’ Killer Instinct Online Warrior Championships are scheduled for October 20, November 17, and December 22. Registration for each event will close the Friday before if the cap isn’t reached.

Source: Level|Up Series