BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle tier list: Japanese player Kubo charts the strongest and weakest characters

As BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle has been in consumer hands for quite a bit now, players are bound to eventually settle on deciding who is stronger and who is weaker in the  2 vs. 2 title. Though a tier list that includes new DLC characters that came out a week ago does seem a little quick, a Japanese player has compiled their opinion on the state of the game using the popular MMCafe Tierchart Maker.

Ho-chan, who sometimes tweets in English, pointed out Kubo’s chart, dubbing him the “best BBTAG player in Japan.” Obviously, tier lists are opinions, from what I’ve been seeing about the game, it seems mostly spot on.

The axes work as following: from bottom to top are weakest to strongest characters, and left are characters that “have weaknesses” while more towards the right are those who “do everything.”

I don’t think anyone disagrees that Yukiko is very weak (sorry, girlfriend.) Chie, Weiss, and Jubei have problems establishing dominance in neutral and can get easily outzoned or pushed back; Platinum lacks a full-screen super. Jin, Orie, Es, and Ruby (who is a little outside the chart, on the right edge) have definitely been dominating the meta. I can’t speak for Hyde, but it sounds like he has all the tools (please feel free to expand on this in the comments).

What are your thoughts on this list? Who would you pose differently? Personally, I’m a bit surprised at the placing of Blake and Carmine. The latter especially has been looking pretty strong.

Sources: Ho-chan; @kubo0055

Here are the most dominant characters for each season of Street Fighter V, as based on CPT points

As is the case for every fighting game, Street Fighter V has had characters who have been described as “dominant” for each major revision, or “season” in this case. However, these oftentimes come down more to people’s own conjecture than any actual sort of detailed statistical analysis.

Luckily for us, SFV does have a way to track performance at high level play: the results of the Capcom Pro Tour. Our good buddy Bavo Bruylandt — who runs Shoryuken’s stat-keeping site — recently compiled this data to find out the ten most dominant characters for each season of Street Fighter V.

Street Fighter V most dominant characters per CPT season.
  • Season 1
    • Chun-Li
    • Nash
    • Ryu
    • Cammy
    • Ken
    • Necalli
    • R. Mika
    • Karin
    • Vega
    • Laura
  • Season 2
    • Cammy
    • Karin
    • Necalli
    • Ibuki
    • Laura
    • Guile
    • Rashid
    • Akuma
    • R. Mika
    • Urien
  • Season 3
    • Cammy
    • Akuma
    • Menat
    • Guile
    • Rashid
    • Abigail
    • R. Mika
    • Ibuki
    • M. Bison
    • Juri

In addition to this, Bavo has also shared screenshots of the data tables he used. This includes breakdowns for mid-season changes, as both Season 2 and Season 3 had significant mid-season balance patches.

Bavo_SFV_dominance_table_01
Bavo_SFV_dominance_table_02

Now, as with any list of strong characters based purely on tournament results, this doesn’t really factor the strength of the competitors playing them. Additionally, we’re still only halfway through Season 3. However, this data is still important; when combined with all of those factors, it gives us a more complete picture of how the game is playing out, and where it may be headed.

Source: SRK Stats (Twitter)

Nicalis to bring Blade Strangers to Wednesday Night Fights on June 27th & July 25th

Excited for Nicalis’s upcoming 2D cross-over fighter Blade Strangers? If you’re in Los Angeles area, then you’re going to want to swing by Orange County eSports arena and get some game time in! Boasting a large prize pool for top 3 and several demo stations to try out the game, Level Up’s Wednesday Night Fights is the best chance you have right now before it officially drops later this year.

If you’re not in the area but want to catch the latest build of the game, tune into the Level Up Live stream! All the details for the event — including the stream and start time — are below:

Prizes:
1st $500 + Nintendo Switch + Nicalis games / Nicalis swag
2nd $250 + Nicalis games / Nicalis swag
3rd $100 + Nicalis games / Nicalis swag

Dates:
June 27
July 25

Finals Stream:
https://twitch.tv/leveluplive

Schedule:
7:00 PM Casuals
9:00 PM Tournament

Location:
eSports Arena – Orange County
120 West 5th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Registration:
https://smash.gg/wnf (The week of each event only)

Source: Level Up Series

Learn everything about playing as — and against — Shaheen in this hour-long Tekken 7 masterclass

Despite having one of the smallest move-lists in the game, Tekken 7‘s Shaheen is a well-rounded character with excellent pokes and damage. On top of that, there’s enough real depth to the character that That Blasted Salami, one of the Tekken communy’s best content creators, was able to put together a nearly hour-long master class for the Saudi Falcon.

This hour-long masterclass isn’t just for the Shaheen enthusiast, though. This is a complete dissection of the character, so if you’re having trouble winning exchanges with Shaheen, get out your notebooks for the anti-strategy section in the last half of the video.

Source: That Blasted Salami

New bug fixes and other changes added along with Cody today in Street Fighter V’s version 3.051 update

Some old bugs squashed, along with the new content.

Street Fighter V servers are back up and today’s new content is available for players to try; this includes Cody, the new Fighting Chance “lootbox” feature, a revamped Survival Mode, the Ring of Power stage, and a selection of new costumes. Capcom also has shown again they love to sneak in bug fixes (and balance changes) along with these updates, and today is no exception. read the full patch notes from CFN below.


The following new content/DLC is now available.

● The mini-game “Fighting Chance” has been added to the Shop.
— Get your fortune read to receive various lucky items.
Note: Requires FM

● Survival Mode Redesign
— “Random” can be selected from “Enemy Order,” in which the DLC characters will also appear.
— Battle Items obtained from Fighting Chance can be used.
— The V-Gauge will transfer over between stages.
— Added the ability to quit Survival Mode while saving your current progress.
— Can continue by using FM (start with all gauges maxed out).
— Obtain Battle Items upon clearing Survival Mode.

● Character
— Cody

● Additional Content
— Additional Costume (“Story”): Cody
— Additional Costume (“Battle Outfit 1”): Cody
— Additional Costume (“Nostalgia”): Cody
— Additional Costume (“Dante”): Ken
— Additional Costume (“Nero”): Ed
— Additional Costume (“Cannon Spike”): Cammy (can also be obtained in Fighting Chance)
— Additional Stage: Ring of Power
Note: Those who purchased the Capcom Pro Tour: 2018 Premier Pass will be able to select 
this content after the update has completed.

Additional notes

[Menat]
When canceling into her CA The Nefertem from Soul Sphere from a normal move cancel, as the command for The Nefertem must be completed immediately after Soul Sphere hits, the cancel timing was quite difficult.
⇒Changed so that the command can be input in advance while she is in possession of the crystal ball, making it easier to perform the CA under the corresponding conditions.

After performing Soul Sphere – Ankh, when performing her V-Skill Soul Reflect from a normal move cancel to match the timing of the returning crystal ball, the V-Skill would not come out.
⇒Changed so that the command can be input in advance while she is in possession of the crystal ball, making it easier to perform her V-Skill under the corresponding conditions.

[Falke]
When canceling into Windstoss immediately after the startup of Luftjagd, there was a phenomenon where Falke would remain in the air. 
⇒Fixed so that the startup of Luftjagd cannot be canceled into Windstoss. 

[R. Mika]
For Steel Chair and Fightin’ Dirty, Nadeshiko’s collision boxes were reduced, so there was a phenomenon where an opponent who took blowback damage would pass through her in the upwards direction.
⇒Fixed to expand Nadeshiko’s collision boxes during Steel Chair and Fightin’ Dirty.

[Akuma]
L Gohadoken had a different hurtbox timing than that of the other strengths. 
⇒Fixed to unify the hurtbox of L Gohadoken with that of the M and H versions.

[Ryu]
When in V-Trigger I Denjin Renki, if Ryu did his Shoryuken as the V-Timer ran out, he was not able to cancel into his CA Shinku Hadoken.
⇒Fixed so that Ryu can cancel from Shoryuken into CA Shinku Hadoken even if the V-Timer runs out during the process.

[Kolin]
Could not cancel the last hit of Frost Spike into her V-Trigger I Diamond Dust. 
⇒Fixed so that Kolin can cancel the last hit of Frost Spike into her V-Trigger I Diamond Dust.

[Laura]
When Thunder Clap hits at the same time as M or EX Bolt Charge and stuns the opponent, if she performs Split River or Rodeo Break, a phenomenon occurred where the animation will play but the opponent will not take damage.
⇒Fixed so that if the opponent goes into stun when M or EX Bolt Charge hits, Laura will not be able to perform Split River or Rodeo Break.


Source: CFN

theScore esports covers the origins of the “Kappa” emote and its impact on meme history

Those who have been users of Twitch since its early days as an up-and-coming streaming platform are sure to recognize the emote of a smug, grayscale face that is known and beloved by many as Kappa. Over time, this emote, used to denote trolling or sarcastic banter, has transcended the world of FGC humor and branched out into the broader, bewildering world of internet meme culture.

Though Kappa has become the most-used emote in Twitch history and has arguably become the universal symbol for sarcasm, even its most loyal users may be unfamiliar with its origins. Whether you are among those who wonder from where Kappa came, or even what it means, theScore esports have you covered in their latest video. They take you down the Kappa hole to the very beginning of The King of Sarcasm’s reign — and even employ the help of a professor of semiotics (the study of signs and symbols).

All Kappas aside, the video is actually quite informative and is just one example of the impact that modern gaming has had on todays’ popular culture. Check out theScore’s What is Kappa? history lesson below and — if you can help it — try to keep a straight face.

Source: theScore esports

This humorous For Honor video gives you 10 essential tips to succeed on the battlefield

For Honor received quite the boost during E3 2018. Though largely forgotten by the fighting game community, it may be worth it to revisit the arena combat game — Ubisoft announced a For Honor expansion along with a free trial period. If you’ve been thinking about getting back into it, here’s a fresh video with ten great tips on how to dominate the battlefield — or at least die with honor.

Marco Yolo offers a humorous video that points out some tips; note that he doesn’t really get serious until about the third minute. He doesn’t offer much in terms of picking a faction, but he does dispel an important notion: while it’s possible to speed up your progress with real money by buying a currency, it’s not possible to level up in that way. He mentions that there’s no use complaining about “overpowered” moves, but rather, you need to learn how to counter them. With the new Training Mode, it should be easier than ever to recreate practical situations. Unfortunately, some characters are noticeably stronger than others, so if you play a lower-tier one, you can expect to lose sometimes unless you can make up for it with your skill.

Check out the video below, and if you’re looking for a different perspective, look to this FGC-geared For Honor tutorial.

Source: Marco Yolo

Check out Persona Entertainment’s electrifying combo video for Benimaru in The King of Fighters XIV

Benimaru Nikaido is a common pick among top players in The King of Fighters XIV, and it’s not just for his unrivaled handsomeness or impeccable fashion sense. If you’re looking to achieve high damage and get the corner advantage as quickly as possible, Benimaru is definitely your man, and, of course, it doesn’t hurt to look incredibly stylish while doing so.

The trick with Benimaru is keeping your opponents at close range, since most of his moves require close-quarter contact — but also have impressive wall carry. Plus, his advanced cancel links, though highly damaging, require even more meticulous timing than the average SNK character’s.

Persona’s video demonstrates that if you can make the most of the corner advantage that you wiill most likely have while maining Benimaru, the results are as fabulous as the man himself. You can check it out below, and for more from Persona Entertainment, have a look at his combo video for the hard-hitting dragon gal Mui Mui.

Source: Persona Entertainment

Many of your favorite fighting games are discounted on Steam’s Summer Sale

Steam’s Summer Sale is currently ongoing. SNK already shot first promoting their own games that are part of the sale — however other publishers have their fighters on it as well!

The list below contains just about every non-SNK fighting game on sale as part of the Steam Summer Sale. This includes big names such as Dragon Ball FighterZ and Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition to indie darlings such as Skullgirls and Nidhogg.

Game Discounted Price Original Price Discount %
Arcana Heart 3 LOVE MAX!!!!! $5.99 $29.99 80%
Battle Fantasia -Revised Edition- $2.99 $14.99 80%
Blade Arcus from Shining: Battle Arena $11.99 $29.99 60%
BlazBlue Centralfiction $13.59 $39.99 66%
BlazeBlue Collection $20.30 $99.96 80%
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger $1.49 $9.99 85%
BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend $4.49 $29.99 85%
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend $2.99 $19.99 85%
Chaos Code -New Sign of Catastrophe- $9.99 $19.99 50%
Complete Nidhogg Bundle $14.00 $32.97 58%
Dragon Ball FighterZ $35.99 $59.99 40%
Dragon Ball FighterZ – FighterZ Edition $70.28 $94.98 26%
Dragon Ball FighterZ – Ultimate Edition $85.77 $109.97 22%
Fantasy Strike $9.99 $19.99 50%
Fight of Gods $3.99 $7.99 50%
For Honor $7.49 $14.99 50%
Guilty Gear Isuka $1.99 $9.99 80%
Guilty Gear X2 #Reload $1.99 $9.99 80%
Guilty Gear Xrd -Revelator- $9.89 $29.99 67%
Guilty Gear Xrd -Sign- $5.99 $29.99 80%
Guilty Gear Xrd REV2 Upgrade $9.49 $18.99 50%
Guilty Gear XX /\ccent Core +R $2.99 $14.99 80%
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition $4.99 $19.99 75%
Injustice 2 $29.99 $49.99 40%
Killer Instinct $9.99 $39.99 75%
Koihime Enbu $4.99 $19.99 75%
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite $19.99 $39.99 50%
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite Character Pass $14.99 $29.99 50%
Mortal Kombat X $6.79 $19.99 66%
Mortal Kombat XL $10.19 $29.99 66%
Mortal Kombat X Kombat Pack 2 $9.99 $19.99 50%
Nidhogg $4.99 $9.99 50%
Nidhogg 2 $7.49 $14.99 50%
Skullgirls $2.99 $9.99 70%
Skullgirls 2nd Encore Upgrade $4.49 $14.99 70%
Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition $23.99 $39.99 40%
Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition Deluxe $53.98 $69.98 23%
Street Fighter V Season 1 Character Pass $6.99 $9.99 30%
Street Fighter X Tekken $5.99 $29.99 80%
Street Fighter X Tekken Complete Pack $11.99 $59.99 80%
Tekken 7 $19.99 $49.99 60%
Them’s Fightin’ Herds $11.24 $14.99 25%
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 $9.99 $24.99 60%
Ultra Street Fighter IV $7.49 $29.99 75%
Ultra Street Fighter IV Digital Upgrade $3.74 $14.99 75%
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Exe:Late $7.49 $29.99 75%
Vanguard Princess $1.49 $4.99 70%
Yatagarasu Attack on Cataclysm $9.89 $14.99 34%

Take note that the above list focuses mainly on the games and their major DLC packs or season passes. There are a number of smaller DLC items — such as costumes, soundtracks, etc. — that are also on sale.

The Steam Summer Sale ends on July 5, so interested players looking to grab some — if not all — of these games should act soon.

Source: Steam

VesperArcade talks about Cody, and whether or not he can break Street Fighter V’s “Season 3 Curse”

For players who have been following Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition, there’s one noticeable thing regarding the Season 3 DLC characters. For the most part, the characters that have been released in Season 3 have been considered generally weak, and not really relevant to the title’s metagame.

With the impending release of Cody today on June 25 — a day earlier than originally announced — people are wondering if the new mayor will befall the same fate, or if he’ll somehow be the one to break what has been dubbed the “Season 3 Curse”. This is the focus of a new video from VesperArcade: here they discuss the character and the toolset he has (based on what we’ve seen so far), looking at whether or not he may actually fare better than the previous Season 3 characters — and maybe even make a significant dent in the current meta.

Source: VesperArcade