SoulCalibur VI is officially announced at The Game Awards

Welcome back to the Stage of History…

During The 2017 Game Awards, Bandai Namco producers had one question for the audience: “Does your Soul still burn?” That was followed by nothing less than a long-awaited reveal trailer for SoulCalibur VI.

The trailer below shows a fight between series mainstays Mitsurugi and Sophitia. We can see some kind of new mechanic in play: after blocking several blows, there’s some kind of “revenge” attack. There’s not much other specific information, however, we now know that SoulCalibur VI is indeed coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam in 2018.

Source: Bandai Namco

Capcom Cup 2017 Player Analysis: Does Momochi clutch it out yet again?

Echo Fox’s Yusuke Momochi hardly needs an introduction. The Japanese legend has stood on top of both Evo and Capcom Cup as champion. While that was in Street Fighter IV, he is still a force to be reckoned with in Street Fighter V. His Ken has been the standard-bearer for Ken play since the inception of the game.

With his next attempt at climbing to the top of the Capcom Cup bracket, will he reclaim his former glory?

sfv_ken_story_mode_costume

Inner Fire

One of the landmarks of Momochi’s play has been his ultra-aggressive style. Even in retreat, he is aggressive, often using shimmies to bait out every desperate attack or throw tech his opponents will make.

He knows full well that the deficiencies in Ken lie in his neutral game, and he maintains pressure to make up for that. For a lot of players, his mix-up game between throw loops, shimmies, and well-timed meaties tend to be too much to take. This is what gives Momochi the advantage, despite the inherent weakness in his character.

Battle-tested

While his results on the CPT haven’t been his usual excellence, he has still had a strong year. While he was able to win an online event in Asia as well as a ranking event in Korea, he was also able to cash in on a solid payday at Northern Arena Knockout, facing top competition from Smug, Phenom, Imstilldadaddy, and Yukadon on the way to the title. He hardly looked phased, with three players in the hunt for Capcom Cup falling at his feet.

He also looked strong at Brooklyn Beatdown, taking out the #1-seeded Punk in what looked like relatively straightforward fashion. But even on the CPT, he hasn’t slouched much, making two additional top 8s over the year.

Volume

But the problem is that while he made four top 8s, his average of doing so is much lower than his peers: it took him fifteen events. He was also only able to do so at Ranking events; his results in Premiers were lackluster. Even if we were to grade on a curve and count his top 16 results, he was only able to make three in nine attempts at Premier events.

While his tournament wins came at the hands of strong players — and even some of his big match wins were against high-profile players — Momochi in the larger, more bloodthirsty events has faltered. This is likely Momochi’s own notoriety coming back to bite him. Players are more accustomed to exploiting Ken’s weaknesses now than ever before. Even Punk has went on record to state that he believed that if Momochi used any other character, that he’d be winning events consistently. He has shown no signs of switching, which leaves him at the whims to such weaknesses.

Final Thoughts

No one can discredit Momochi as a player, but even if we talk in the realm of best Ken players, Big Bird has him beat. He is a much more complete package, mitigating weaknesses by using a far less linear approach to every match.

At this rate, Momochi could come through with a big win, given that he knows the road and who to research. But it’s really hard to say he’s a lock for the top, given his Premier success this year.

Tuxedo Ken SFV


Check out our prior articles in the Capcom Cup 2017 Player Analysis series!

Capcom reveals names and details for all the new V-Triggers coming to Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition

Get to know what new abilities the SFV roster will be gaining in the new year!

SFV Arcade Edition

One of the big changes coming to Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition when it launches on January 16, 2018 will be the option to select your character’s V-Trigger: do you stick with the original, or switch it up for the new V-Trigger II? Capcom-Unity has finally revealed what that second option will be for each member of the cast — and it looks like it could definitely change your gameplan with your main, if you choose to. Check out the names of the new new V-Triggers — and some details on how they’ll work — below.


sfvae v-trigger ii abigail

Abigail – HYBRID CHARGE: While active, Abigail will be able to use the powerful tackle move Metro Crash by pressing HP + HK. It can be strengthened to a second level upon holding down the buttons. Abigail will have hyper armor while charging, letting him absorb multiple hits. However, the charge will be vulnerable to throws and Critical Arts. Maximum charge Metro Crash will guard break, and Abigail keeps his hyper armor even while moving forward.

sfvae v-trigger ii akuma

Akuma – SHIRETSU HASSHI: Using Shiretsu Hasshi, Akuma can link together powerful attacks using the V-Timer instead of the EX gauge. Grounded HP/HK attacks and each of his special moves can be canceled into EX special moves. There are many moves he will be able to cancel into the EX special moves, giving him the ability to deal great damage from a number of situations.

sfvae v-trigger ii alex

Alex – RAGE BOOST: While in Rage Boost, Alex will gain the moves Flying DDT –  HP + HK, and Choke Sleeper –  HP + HK. Flying DDT is a moving throw that works against standing opponents. In addition to being a surprising mid-range attack, Flying DDT can be canceled from moves that cause a lot of hit stun, resulting in somewhat long-range combo ability. Choke Sleeper can be performed only after Flash Chop on hit or block, and on hit leaves Alex in close to continue his offensive pressure. Choke Sleeper only hits close range, so be mindful of the range at which the Flash Chop hits.

sfvae v-trigger ii balrog

Balrog – NO MERCY: While active, press HP + HK for the command throw B3. If Balrog is having trouble opening his opponent up, this V-Trigger can help improve his offensive abilities while in close. B3 also deals a high amount of stun, so if the opponent already has a lot of stun built up, an active V-Trigger can make them feel pressured.

sfvae v-trigger ii birdie

Birdie – BIRDIE TIME: While in Birdie Time, press HP + HK to perform a new chain attack. Bull Swing is a high chain attack and allows for follow-up attacks, while Bull Capture is a low-hitting chain attack that targets the opponent’s feet. Use the directional buttons for the different versions. The flames Birdie shoots from his mouth on activation have a hitbox, and on hit the opponent can be hit with an additional attack. Also, the low-hitting chain Bull Capture can interact with the objects Birdie throws on the ground for his V-Skill, giving him a unique new approach to the neutral game.

sfvae v-trigger ii cammy

Cammy – DELTA AMBUSH: Press HP + HK for Delta Ambush, where Cammy flies towards her opponent. Press forward plus HP + HK for Delta Step, a quick forward dash. Although there are no move variations from Delta Step, Cammy can cancel her normal moves from the dash. Use it in combos, or to help her keep up a fast-paced offensive rush. Press kick during Delta Ambush for the downward kick move Reverse Edge, or press punch for the command throw Delta Twist.

sfvae v-trigger ii chun-li

Chun-Li – KIKOSHO: Chun-Li fires a ball of energy from both her hands in this V-Trigger. Press HP + HK to fire another Kikosho. For Kikosho after V-Trigger activation, hold down the buttons HP + HK, and Kikosho will gain guard break properties. The opponent will be vulnerable afterwards, giving Chun-Li an opportunity to deal additional damage.

sfvae v-trigger ii dhalsim

Dhalsim – YOGA SANSARA: Dhalsim creates a multi-hit orb of fire in front of him. This V-Trigger can also be performed in the air. Hitting the fire orb with Yoga Flame or Yoga Gale will change its properties. Hitting the fire orb with Yoga Flame or Yoga Gale will put it in motion. Its trajectory will differ depending on the move used. The orb will keep moving while it’s on screen, and its trajectory can be further changed by hitting it again with Yoga Flame or Yoga Gale.

sfvae v-trigger ii ed

Ed – ENHANCED SNATCHER: While active, press HP + HK to perform an enhanced version of the Psycho Snatcher, the Ultra Snatcher. Use the directional buttons to change between the ground and anti-air versions. For Ultra Snatcher – Ground, Ed will fly towards the opponent with a strike. On hit he will be able to combo afterwards, and on block Ed will be at the advantage. Ultra Snatcher – Air, can be used both as anti-air, and in juggle combos.

sfvae v-trigger ii F.A.N.G

F.A.N.G – KORYO DOKUDA: Nishikyu and Ryobenda will be strengthened while active. With an increase in hits and the attack hitbox, this improves F.A.N.G’s ability to restrict his opponents movements. While active, Nikankyaku can be performed from Nishikyu, giving F.A.N.G a way to close the distance and open up his opponent in close.

sfvae v-trigger ii guile

Guile – KNIFE EDGE: Knife Edge is a power-up V-Trigger for Guile’s Somersault Kick. The Somersault Kick will create a projectile that will be fired towards the opponent. This projectile can be on screen at the same time as Sonic Boom and Sonic Cross. While active, Guile will perform two iterations of kicks for his EX Somersault Kick. The EX version doesn’t have the projectile like the normal version does, but is good for use in combos and counter attacks.

sfvae v-trigger ii ibuki

Ibuki – FUMA SHURIKEN: Ibuki will throw a giant shuriken at the opponent, which comes back after going off-screen. Press HP + HK for Fuma Shuriken – Haku, which is for use against grounded opponents, and press back plus HP + HK for Fuma Shuriken – Kokufu, which is angled upwards for anti-air usage. Due to the length at which the shuriken is on screen, it serves to limit the opponent’s movements. Ibuki can continue to combo the opponent after hit, and if it’s blocked she can use her Airborne Kunai and Kasumigake to confuse the opponent’s attempts to block.

sfvae v-trigger ii juri

Juri – FENG SHUI ENGINE BETA: Juri emits a field around her that drains her opponent’s EX gauge, taking it for her own. The roundhouse kick she performs upon activation has a hitbox and draws the opponent in, giving her a good opportunity to absorb the opponent’s gauge. The gauge absorption effect is paused while Juri performs a throw and when she is in mid-air, so be sure to think wisely about your fighting methods while this V-Trigger is active.

sfvae v-trigger ii karin

Karin – TENHA NO KATA: While active, Karin will be able to use her counter move Yasha Gaeshi Tenchi by pressing HP + HK. What Karin does afterwards will change depending on the type of attack she counters. Countering a low attack results in Yasha Gaeshi Chi, while all other attacks will result in Yasha Gaeshi Ten. Both moves can be canceled into from the recovery of her special moves and V-Skill, so Karin can turn situations where she’s normally at a disadvantage, into her favor.

sfvae v-trigger ii ken

Ken – SHINRYUKEN: Shinryuken is a powerful, multi-hit rising Shoryuken. If it hits, rapidly press punch to change the properties of the move. The landing recovery of the max-strength version from rapid button presses can be special move canceled, leading to some very powerful combos.

sfvae v-trigger ii laura

Laura – SHOCK STANCE: While active, Laura will be able to perform the dodge maneuver Matsuda Sway by pressing HP + HK. During Matsuda Sway, press HP + HK again to perform the command throw Shock Choke. Matsuda Sway dodges non-throw attacks. Press forward with MP + MK during Matsuda Sway for a forward dash. Shock Choke can be performed from the dash, so Laura can use this to avoid her opponent’s big attacks and close the distance.

sfvae v-trigger ii kolin

Kolin – ABSOLUTE ZERO: While active, Kolin’s punch attacks and Hailstorm will be strengthened. Additionally, she has a forward dash where she will slide across the floor on a sheet of ice. She can also press HP + HK to perform Frost Edge. During this move, Kolin’s attacks will be given dash properties, similar to medium Vanity Step.  She can perform a high-speed Frost Edge from her forward dash, and if it hits, press HP + HK for Reverse Javelin, which will freeze the opponent and prevent them from recovering stun meter.

sfvae v-trigger ii bison

M. Bison – PSYCHO NIGHTMARE: While active, press HP + HK to perform the Psycho Crusher special move. Bison also gains Psycho Charge – press reverse half circle (forward to back) plus kick to perform a command throw that infuses the opponent with Psycho Power. If an opponent has been hit with Psycho Charge, the Psycho Power infused into them will explode after a set period of time. If the Psycho Charge was successful, the infusion can also be detonated with Psycho Judgement (forward to back) plus kick at your own discretion.

sfvae v-trigger ii menat

Menat – PROPHECY OF THOTH: Prophecy of Thoth surrounds Menat with 6 Soul Power energy orbs. Use Judgement of Thoth to fire them all at once. After Judgement of Thoth, Menat can get a new set of orbs by pressing HP + HK. Use a reverse quarter circle (down to back) with different punch buttons to change the orb trajectory when firing, for use in controlling the opponent’s movements, anti-air, and extending combos.

sfvae v-trigger ii nash

Nash – STEALTH DASH: With Stealth Dash, Nash quickly moves towards his opponent. During movement, press punch for Justice Corridor, a strong overhead punch move, or press kick for Justice Shell, a kick that launches the opponent. Press back for a quick stop, making this V-Trigger great for high-speed movement options. Both Justice Corridor and Justice Shell can be canceled on hit or block, allowing Nash to extend his combos or keep up the pressure on a blocking opponent. However, the same move cannot be canceled into itself.

sfvae v-trigger ii necalli

Necalli – CLOUDED MIRROR: Starting with Arcade Edition, Clouded Mirror is a special move Necalli gains after activating his V-Trigger I. It is a ranged attack, where Necalli jumps at his opponent with a strike. Hold down the buttons to greatly increase the move’s strength. Necalli can juggle the opponent after the max strength version hits. Since it has quite a bit of startup, use together with Culminated Power to avoid having the opponent take advantage of the startup.

sfvae v-trigger ii mika

R. Mika – STEEL CHAIR: Nadeshiko will run out from behind Mika and throw a steel chair at the opponent. Hold down the button for Fightin’ Dirty, where Nadeshiko will run up to the opponent and take two swings at them with the steel chair. Steel Chair hits multiple times, making it a great tool for combos. As Nadeshiko attacks twice with the steel chair in Fightin’ Dirty, use it together with Mika’s attacks to open up the opponent.

sfvae v-trigger ii rashid

Rashid – EASIFA: Easifa strengthens Rashid’s kick special moves while active. Press HP + HK to perform Haboob, a wind projectile that has a different trajectory than his Whirlwind Shot. Easifa strengthens the forward movement and hit properties of the kick special moves, increases range, and provides for other strengthening effects. It also increases the jump speed and distance of his front flip and allows Rashid to perform a wall jump after EX Eagle Spike hits, giving him more options in the neutral game and in combos.

sfvae v-trigger ii ryu

Ryu – KAKKO FUBATSU: While active, press HP + HK to use Isshin, a technique that counters the opponent’s attacks. Upon countering an attack, a shockwave of energy will be released around Ryu. If this shockwave hits the opponent, Ryu will perform a strike attack. Using Isshin, Ryu can counter everything except throws, giving him a highly functional defensive option. The opponent will be vulnerable to additional attacks after the Isshin strike, making for a great opportunity to deal major damage.

sfvae v-trigger ii urien

Urien – TYRANT PRESSURE: While active, Urien gains the special move Tyrant Blaze, a multi-hit tackle attack. Hold down the buttons to charge the move – Urien will have super armor while charging, and charging changes the move properties. While charging, Urien will have super armor, allowing him to absorb an attack. A maximum-charge Tyrant Blaze will guard break the opponent and put them into a juggle state.

sfvae v-trigger ii vega

Vega – ALEGRIAS: While active, press HP + HK to perform Flash Arch – Rossa, which will counter the opponent’s attack, or perform the counter attack independently with Flash Arch – Granate (forward plus HP + HK). Upon landing a successful counter, Vega will counter-attack, kicking the opponent up into the air, leaving them vulnerable to additional attacks. Flash Arch – Granate is the attack part without the counter. It’s good for usage in combos, but keep in mind that Flash Arch – Granate cannot counter attacks.

sfvae v-trigger ii zangief

Zangief – COSSACK MUSCLE: Cossack Muscle changes the properties of Screw Pile Driver and Borscht Dynamite. The effects last until the V-Gauge Timer runs out, or if one of the aforementioned special moves is successfully hit. In addition to increased damage for the Screw Pile Driver and Borscht Dynamite, Screw Pile Driver can be special move canceled and will combo, leading to command throw combos that usually aren’t possible.

sfvae v-trigger ii zeku

Zeku – KARURA TENZAN: Both Old and Young Zeku share the same V-Trigger, Karura Tenzan. Upon activation Zeku moves forward with a launcher kick. If it connects, Zeku will switch identities and continue attacking. It has priority against all non-grounded strike attacks, making it highly functional as a counter attack. Use the directional buttons to determine what side Zeku will land on after the additional attacks, allowing him to switch sides with his opponent.


You can see the post on Capcom-Unity here. Can the new V-Triggers compete against the original choices…? Only trying them out in-game will answer that question — and they’ll be available for just that this weekend at the PlayStation Experience.

Source: Capcom-Unity

iam8bit shows off their (sold out) 30th Anniversary Street Fighter II Super Nintendo cartridge in this unboxing video

Get a closer look at iam8bit’s nod to many players’ first foray into fighters.

Back in August, retro gaming merchandise dealer iam8bit announced an interesting tribute to Street Fighter for the 30th Anniversary: a commemorative Super Nintendo Game Pak of the classic Street Fighter II home port. Despite warnings that this production run is intended as a collector’s item — and while technically functional, is a collectible so literally hot that it may cause a fire if used in a SNES console — they sold through their production run to nostalgic fighting fans.

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  • Brand-New Playable SNES Cartridge (Limited Edition of 5,500)

  • Tri-Fold Box w/ Foil, Gloss & Embossments

  • Premium Instruction Booklet

  • Retro Pack-In Surprises

  • Package Design & Restoration by Jango Snow Art & Design

If you failed to get your own, are waiting for your order to arrive, or are just curious about this unusual piece of retro merchandise, you can experience opening one vicariously through iam8bit’s video below!

It’s a pretty impressive package, actually. Careful with that box cutter, buddy!

Source: iam8bit

Numskull Design’s officially-licensed Street Fighter Christmas jumpers are back to help warm you for another winter

These retro-styled sweaters are back for Street Fighter fans to bundle up in.

Last year, Numskull Designs brought us a selection of officially-licensed Street Fighter holiday sweaters — blending gaudy classic Christmas jumpers with retro Street Fighter pixel art. They are available once again this year! The same four styles from last year are still here to choose from: Blanka vs. M. Bison, Guile vs. Cammy, Ken vs. Ryu, and Sagat vs. Chun-Li.

Click to view slideshow.

As before, you can get your own through the Yellow Bulldog storefront on Amazon.com, now for $49.99 USD apeice. If you are outside the US, follow the Numskull catalog links to find a dealer that ships to your region.

Source: Numskull Designs (Twitter)

Capcom Cup 2017 Player Analysis: How high can Big Bird fly?

NASR|Adel “Big Bird” Anouche has, since Street Fighter V dropped, established himself as the strongest player in the Middle East. Hailing from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, he made a name for himself off the strength of his Guy play in Street Fighter IV. In Street Fighter V, he became a wrecking ball with Ken, and has since become a fixture on the international circuit.

With his — and any other Middle Eastern player, for that matter — first foray into Capcom Cup, will he be able to capitalize and take it all?

Patience of Job

Much to Big Bird’s ire on Twitter, Capcom labeled his play style as “risk-taking” in their preview of the players. While it may irk him to see that written about himself, any player that latches on to that characterization without doing their research will be in for a rude awakening: his Ken is anything but.

Big Bird is the most patient Ken on the planet. We’ve typically seen Kens try to maintain aggression at all points of the match, as Ken has a relatively weak neutral and turtle game. However, Big Bird optimizes his spacings to allow himself a chance to play footsies, and does so well. He loves to bait people into doing high-risk things.

Ken SFV

That’s not to say that Anouche is a player averse to risk-taking, but when you see him taking those risks, he’ll often do so at calculated times. Even in this video against Infiltration, in the final round he baits Infiltration after activating V-Trigger into thinking that he’d continue block pressure, forcing Infiltration to use a V-Reversal that gets destroyed by Ken’s neutral jump. This is shows the flex and creativity in Big Bird’s play that cannot be overstated.

Success Rate

One simply cannot ignore Anouche’s seven top 8s, in nine total events that he traveled to this year. On top of that, he was able to win Geek Weekend in Dubai, taking it over fellow Capcom Cup representative Phenom. This includes three top 8 finishes at Premier events out of the four that he attended. It’s hard to argue with that success rate.

The fact that he was able to parlay such a short schedule into a Capcom Cup berth is quite a feat, as most of his surrounding competition played a more packed schedule. This kind of poise is that of a champion.

Temptation

One thing that scares me is what character Big Bird will be bringing to Capcom Cup. While he’s spent two seasons working with Ken, most people will argue that it’s hard to contend for the big time with the character. On top of that, he has found temptation in the pseudo-return of his Street Fighter IV main, in Zeku.

sfv zeku young nostalgia costume guyYou can be sure he’s been tempted with the character, and has been playing him. But it’s hard to say whether he will try to bring him out on the biggest stage so soon into his experimentation with the master ninja. While Young Zeku will feel familiar to him, does he really want to bring him out while still trying to fine-tune him? My gut says that due to his risk-aversive play that he will opt not to. You couldn’t fault him either way; he either sticks with the character he’s comfortable with right now but has glaring flaws, or he goes with the character he wants to play that could do damage to unsuspecting opponents, but risk match-up unfamiliarity himself.

Final Thoughts

The more Big Bird gets out and plays top players, the better he becomes. He has shown this in spades this season, and he’s only going to get better in Season 3 with Zeku if he decides to go that route. Even if he abandons Zeku, he has a solid Ken that will absolutely do damage.

With these two characters right now, it’s hard to say that he’ll win it all. But he is certainly a threat to make top 16 or higher. If we go by the numbers alone? He’s a lock for top 8.


Check out our prior articles in the Capcom Cup 2017 Player Analysis series!

Additional source: Shoryureppa

Witness Ultimate Gohan’s true potential: Anime and manga references from his Dragon Ball FighterZ reveal trailer

Rounding out his coverage of the trio of latest character reveals for Dragon Ball FighterZ, IKevinX now provides us with a look at the anime and manga references that can be found in the trailer of the recently-revealed Adult Gohan.

As the half-Saiyan warrior’s adult form seen throughout the Majin Buu Saga — specifically after the Old Kai fully awakened his hidden potential, so that he could aid in the fight against Buu — this version is also much more level-headed and mature than his younger counterpart. For his moveset, Arc System Works seems to have primarily drawn on his battles with Demon King Dabura, Majin Buu, and Super Buu, as he’s got his trademark Masenko (which he’s only recently started using as an adult in Dragon Ball Super), and a flurry of punches he used against Dabura — and we can also see that his Potential Unleashed super will knock his opponents back before enveloping him in a white aura to signify that the buff is active. Finally, we see his Meteor Attack, the Ultimate Kamehameha (the power and size of which will likely increase depending on how much meter he’s spent to access his Mystic form). As usual, you can see the full video — set to his Final Bout theme — as well as IKevinX’s previous roster coverage, below.

Dragon Ball FighterZ will be released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in North America and Europe on January 26th, 2018. A Japanese release will follow on the same platforms February 1st. An open beta test will also be held in January before the game’s full release.

Source: IKevinX

World Warrior shares anti-V-Reversal option selects with Ryu’s parry in Street Fighter V

The V-Reversals in Street Fighter V were basically designed to score breathing room when your opponent’s pressure proved too much for your defense. This universal panic option has a notable flaw, however: a screen-freezing, input-eating cinematic flash.

Whether intentional design or not, this brief pause allows characters like (the much-maligned) Ryu to easily bait out panic V-Reversals. Ryu’s V-Skill — the “Mind’s Eye” parry — can be buffered into his block-strings to ensure that it’ll only come out in response to a V-Reversal. Check out World Warrior FGC‘s latest video above to see plenty of examples of this powerful and safe option select!

Source: World Warrior FGC

Soul Calibur VI rumors continue to swirl ahead of tonight’s Game Awards

Will it soon be time to return to the Stage of History? Over the past few months, a myriad of rumors and leaks have been springing up for several different fighting games… including the highly-anticipated, yet currently-unconfirmed sixth entry in Bandai Namco Entertainment’s beloved Tale of Souls and Swords.

After the 20th Anniversary only provided us with a historical retrospective on the franchise, many likely felt that the series may have perhaps been lost to time, but for those of whose Souls still burned brightly, a leaker by the name of DasVergeben began making posts on both reddit and 8WayRun that have been hinting to the game being announced sometime this month.

Top French Soul Calibur player Hayate made a video discussing all of the current news and rumors (corroborated with tidbits from his own personal sources) that strongly hint at the return of series veterans Kilik, Nightmare, Siegfried, Tira, Chai Xianghua, Talim, Zasalamel — as well as an eighth new character who would serve as Kilik’s rival, also personifying the supposedly-scrapped Fighting Style mechanic by being able to choose between battling with his twin blades separately, or combining together into a larger single sword. You can hear Hayate’s full thoughts below:

This leaker has been making even more posts on the 8WayRun forums, posting under his Vergeben account

So you know that newcomer I was talking about?
You know that style switching/multiple moveset thing I was talking about?
This is how it works:
https://i.imgur.com/rHSmsMm.jpg
Before you ask, no, the character is not Darth Maul. lol
But his weapon was the inspiration for the new guy’s. I needed a visual to express the idea.
And before you worry, no, it’s not a lightsaber, they are swords. More like Cao Pi’s Dual Blade from Dynasty Warriors 5 and 8 from what I hear, which is the same idea.
The new guy uses two swords that he can fight with separate, or combine them and fight that way. Two different movesets in one character.
He’s Kilik’s new rival. And is an assassin.

They tried weapon switch/multiple moveset thing and were dedicated to making it work.
> Some serious problems arose because of it.
> Mostly abandoned in the form they wanted it originally be as far as I know to get the game out of development hell because of it. But there was some kind of V-Trigger styled mechanic in the game as far back as July, which could tie into retaining semblances of it and what they could in certain characters. Though I can’t say for sure yet if there is definitely a connection between the two, but it would make sense.
> The weapon switch/multiple moveset idea was intentionally meant to be highlighted, exist, and live on in the new character that uses two swords that he can combine together and also fight with that way.

Vergeben also backed up Hayate’s claims about Siegfried, Talim and Zasalamel’s returns and also noted that things may be rocky for any V debutant, not named Viola or Z.W.E.I.

Would anyone truly be sad if only Viola and ZWEI were carried over from V?
I can understand liking Pat’s style, but that seems to be the only thing most would even be sad about.

Pyrrha seems to generally be disliked and annoying, with Pyrrha Omega being the thing most people even think is worth retaining and focusing on if she did come back.
Natsu…. needs work to salvage, and I could see them do it. But if they didn’t want to bother doing it…. I would not be surprised.
Xiba was pretty reviled and his shtick got tired and annoying because he was one-dimensional with the only thing that was ever explained that…. he’s hungry…. and in outside info confirmed that he’s Kilik’s bastard son.
Leixia…. was just kind of there simply to replace her mom but more of her “cuteness” played up than they did for Xianghua.

I won’t even bother talking about Elysium, and Dampierre isn’t even technically from V.
I suppose my point is more that, if they “cut the fat” and kept the things that were more original yet underdeveloped (Viola and ZWEI), but dedicated the time and effort to do so, I don’t forsee too much blowback from many at all aside from Pat fans more than anyone.

Finally, Marcus Sellars, a reviewer, editor and writer for multiple Nintendo-related publications, including JapaneseNintendo.com and NinSwitchNet, Liked a Twitter reply from a fan asking, “Will SC6 have any showing at TGA tomorrow?” He also claims that SCVI will be one of “five unannounced games” at Bandai Namco Entertainment’s event on December 15th, of which Nintendo will supposedly have a very large presence at — perhaps we’ll see Link return as a Switch-exclusive guest after all?

Stay locked to Shoryuken and tune into The Game Awards tonight at 5:30 PM PT (7:30 PM CT/8:30 PM ET) at this link. In the meantime, why not take a trip down memory lane with last year’s 20th Anniversary trailer?

Sources: Hayate EIN; Marcus_Sellars (Twitter); 8WayRun (forums); Bandai Namco Entertainment America

Capcom Cup 2017 Player Analysis: Is Mago truly the last boss?

Kenryo “Mago” Hayashi has long been the highest-rated player without a sponsor on the Capcom Pro Tour. Last year saw him squeeze his Karin into the Capcom Cup bracket by a hair, winning the Asia Regional Finals to qualify. He later finished just outside of top 16 in the finals.

This year saw him took advantage of the points system, allowing him to qualify a lot sooner than November. Will the 2D God still be worshiped after the tournament?

sfv-karin-sappo-750

No Laughing Matter

Mago has made serious strides in improving his game over the last year. He has become one of the most aggressive Karins on the planet. You’ll often see him using his footsies game to set up a full out onslaught during a match. His pressure is enough to make a lot of players crack, including some who usually would not usually be so inclined.

Rashid SFVWhile Karin is one of the best characters in the cast — and has been for the entirety of the game’s lifespan — she still suffers some downsides in certain match-ups. Mago has opted to use that as incentive to train up a secondary in Rashid, and has brought him out throughout the year — including at OzHadou Nationals, where he used it to prevent ROF’s Birdie from making it to top 8. These are two solid characters that, despite having different toolsets, have one goal in mind: oppression.

Results-oriented

This oppression has given Mago a large swath of success this season. In fifteen events on the circuit, he has managed to top 8 eight times. He also focused the entirety of this season on the CPT, not allowing himself to be distracted by invitational events in China, France, the United States, or Canada. He also opted not to attend Brooklyn Beatdown. The goal for him was clear: to get noticed by his play on the CPT, and to parlay that play into a chance at winning Capcom Cup. His focus more than rewarded him with that opportunity.

Defense

sfv-karin-vtrigger-tall-1If there’s one thing that Mago struggles with, it’s his own defensive play. While we’d expect Mago to have a complete repertoire of tools, he has mainly relied on his offensive options to score his wins. In an offensive game such as Street Fighter V, it’s an understandable tactic. But the problem is that people forget that because this is an offensive game, having strong defense is almost paramount to winning. Once you get opened up by an opponent’s offense, it’s hard to stop the onslaught.

Mago thrives when he is applying the pressure, but cracks when the pressure is applied to him. This makes characters like Rashid and Ibuki difficult for him to deal with. It’s why, in the above video, we saw it go down to the wire against Tachikawa, and why he later folded to Moke’s Rashid at the same event.

Results Lacking

And that brings me to the next point. Upon losing to Moke at OHN, that became his highest-placing finish on the CPT this year. While OHN had a solid lineup of players, having your sole second place finish be at a ranking event, and not being able to replicate that anywhere else, doesn’t exude confidence in your play. When you also factor in last year’s performance, which included two wins, a Ranking and Premier event, it makes you wonder if Hayashi has really done enough to put himself in position to win the big one.

Final Thoughts

Don’t start praying to Mago just yet. Let’s not forget that Tokido’s appointed “Last Boss” at Evo 2017 lost in pools to a Connecticut-based Necalli player, and never even made it out. Let’s also not forget that Mago is about to go up against players that are all too familiar with his style of play, and will know how to exploit his weaknesses.

Mago could crack top 16, but it’s hard to put him any higher than that, given what we’ve seen this year.


Check out our prior articles in the Capcom Cup 2017 Player Analysis series!