Category: Interviews

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Ricki Ortiz talks to BBC about gender identity struggles & NorCal arcade fighting game scene memories

Fresh off of her top 64 performance at Final Round 20–not to mention second place at Capcom Cup 2016 late last year–Evil Geniuses’ Ricki Ortiz is poised to make more noise for the rest of 2017, competing in Street Fighter V during another year of the Capcom Pro Tour.

Before and during Final Round 20, the UK’s public service broadcaster BBC conducted an interview/mini-documentary with Ortiz; in the video, Ricki discusses her challenges of being transgender and how being a part of the fighting game community helped her figure out who she was. BBC also follows her and NorCal local tournament organizer, Joe Flores, inside of Milpitas Golfland, as both of them talk about their humble beginnings in the arcade fighting game scene.

If you can spare nine and a half minutes, it’s definitely worth watching for a side of Ricki Ortiz the fighting game general public rarely gets a glimpse of. You can see the full video on the BBC website.

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Source: BBC Three

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Zangief is top ten, but not top tier: BornFree interviews Itabashi Zangief at Final Round 20

Why does he play Zangief? He likes big characters, he likes grabs, he likes gambling!

In his latest interview from Final Round 20, BornFree chats up DetonatioN Gaming’s Hiromiki “Itabashi Zangief” Kumada, world-renowned master of the Red Cyclone. (Well-known Japanese Marvel player Takumi also helps with translation.)

In the interview, “Itazan” discusses trying out other grapplers in Street Fighter V–Alex and Birdie–but how he still likes Zangief better. While some are suggesting Zangief is top tier in Season 2, this ‘Gief main disagrees–placing Zangief in the top ten at best–while BornFree suggests that maybe it’s Itazan’s own gameplay that feeds that perception of character strength! Itazan talks about how his playstyle is based on reading the opponent–how he turns his opponents’ feelings into his own weapon. He feels that the fireball game in Season 2 is weaker than Season 1–making things a bit easier for Zangief–and he also comments on how with SFV’s high damage, best-of-three matches may be too short.

They talk about much more, so check out the entire interview below!

Source: BornFree

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– PAX East 2017 – Blade & Soul and MXM

We had a chance to speak to the NC Soft guys at this year’s PAX East, they had a lot to say about their latest plans for Blade and Soul and also their new MOBA-ish game MXM. Let’s start with upcoming changes to BnS.

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Secondaries, system changes, and the Street Fighter V seasons: BornFree interviews PR Balrog

Cygames Beast’s new competitor talks about his characters counterpicks and more at Final Round 20.

At Final Round 20, BornFree caught up with Eduardo “PR Balrog” Perez–newly signed to Cygames Beast–to chat him up on a variety of topics. PR Balrog revealed he’s got two secondary fighters for Street Fighter V waiting in the wings for counterpicks: Kolin to handle Cammy’s aerial attacks, and Alex to grapple with Zangief. PR Balrog also describes how Season 2 of SFV is both “more hype to watch” but more stressful to play, and heavily favors rushdown play after the nerfing of meterless invincible DPs.

In this detailed interview, they also talk about what overall system changes Perez would like to see for SFV, as well as his expectations for Balrog after the next balance patch, his worst matchups as the Crazy Buffalo (F.A.N.G, Cammy, Laura, and Zangief), his favorite player of all time (Twitch.Hx.CYG BST|Daigo Umehara), and much more. Check it out below!

Source: BornFree

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Organizer Carolyn Dao talks region rivalries for Red Bull Proving Grounds: “West Coast = Best Coast”

Over the past week we’ve been talking to all of the organizers involved in the coming Red Bull Proving Grounds qualifying regional events, such as Chicago, Texas, and Vancouver. Next up is a particularly notable regional qualifier, held by the first female event organizer participating in the Red Bull Proving Grounds series. She’s in charge of the NorCal Rivals event, which, as its name implies, is stationed in Northern California. We talked to her about the abundance of potential top players in the area, rivalries, and strong faith in the West Coast Army.

John “Zidiane” Silvia: Would you mind introducing yourself for the folks who don’t know you?

Carolyn Dao: Hi, I’m Carolyn Dao, aka MamaDao. I’ve been hosting NorCal tournaments in my garage since 2012, before I eventually branched off in Macro Micro Gaming’s Alpha Clash, then ShowDown GG’s Churning the Butter. Recently I stepped back from the FGC to go back to school, but Red Bull gave me an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.

Zidiane: So, the event that’s going to be hosting the Red Bull qualifiers is NorCal Rivals, correct?

Carolyn: Yup! It’s the first tournament where I get to be my own boss and call the shots.

Zidiane: Oh really? So it will be your first foray on this level of organization altogether. How did you end up running the event yourself, rather than working under someone else?

Carolyn:  I left ShowDown to focus on school, but Rick “TheHadou” Thiher called me up and asked what they could do to get me to come back. I have a lot of anxiety and the thought of running something myself always scared me, but the other Proving Grounds TOs are all willing to share their support if I need it. I also finally have enough experience where I feel like I’m ready.

Zidiane: Okay. So, it was thrust upon your lap kind of suddenly, but you were ready to step up.

Carolyn: Yeah. They “gave me wings” [laughs].

Zidiane:  So, as far as NorCal Rivals goes, what’s the player base like there? It is of course NorCal, there’s a lot of history and great players there, but what does it look like from your perspective?

Carolyn: A lot of our players are pretty much some of the best in the world. Although there is the CPT point rule for Proving Grounds that will knock out the obvious choices like Justin Wong, FChamp, KBrad and Ricki Ortiz, we still have great players like EchoFox’s Julio Fuentes, LPN, Snake Eyez, the Jeon Brothers, Kelvin & Brian, Rom, Pavocado, El Cubano Loco, WinterFox’s XSK Samurai, and a ton more.

Zidiane: From what it sounds like, you guys have more great players than you know what to do with.

Carolyn: The best part is they’re all hungry to play. Traveling to SoCal last year was what really held them back from Proving Grounds.

Zidiane: The location is much better for you guys now?

Carolyn: It’s literally five minutes from the main gaming house that includes Julio, Kelvin, Brian, me, and Joser. So, it’s amazing.

Zidiane: I’m sure it was expected that NorCal would be able to compete in some fashion, but that seems particularly great. I bet everyone was thrilled with that announcement.

Carolyn: Yeah, a lot of people were just excited to see me back. They were saying that Rivals is the “revival” of the NorCal FGC. Plus, the venue is Dave and Busters, which is a great place to grab a drink after a really salty match.

Zidiane: So, NorCal is about as West Coast as you can get, as far as this whole WC vs EC rivalry thing goes. I’ve talked to a few other TOs this past week, but they all sort of didn’t really consider themselves part of East or West Coast. Does the West Coast branding mean something more to you and your players?

Carolyn: For a long time, it was always the NorCal vs. SoCal rivalry, so we didn’t really focus on East Coast as a threat. I’m not a player, so I can’t really talk about how they feel competition-wise. Tournament wise, I always see them calling us “too esports,” but I think that’s important for the growth of the game. In a way, Proving Grounds sort of feels like a sports anime where the 2 rival teams need to work together to fight a bigger threat.

Zidiane: So, if one or the other of you makes it to that final stage against East Coast, do you think there’ll be cooperation to take out whichever East Coast team is standing in the way?

Carolyn: Oh, for sure. NorCal and SoCal travel back and forth a lot just to train, so when the time comes we’ll definitely have each-others’ backs. Even during the ESL East vs West King of the Hill, the West Coast collectively helped each other train in their matchups.

Zidiane: So, in a way, whoever makes it to that stage, you’re already planning on making sure they have all of West Coast’s support.

Carolyn: Yup! West Coast = Best Coast.

Zidiane: As far as your players go, do you have any idea of who might make that top 3 and represent NorCal? It sounded like you had a lot of killers out there, but do you have your money on anyone specific?

Carolyn: It’s hard to tell with the CPT points being a barrier of entry, but my top picks will be Julio Fuentes, LPN, and one of the Jeon brothers.

Zidiane: Can you give a bit of background on them, for people who haven’t heard of them yet?

Carolyn: Julio, who is now currently Echo Fox, is arguably one of the best Kens out there and has been passionately playing since 3rd strike. I knew he was a hidden gem when I helped “sponsor” him back in 2012 for SFIV:AE. LPN is our “jack of all trades” player on Circa that is focusing on Alex and Birdie last time I checked. Players need to really stay on their toes to keep up with him. The Jeon brothers include Kelvin Jeon and Brian Jeon aka “bjUNCHAINED.” To be honest this is my favorite rivalry to watch because they always go toe to toe and the sibling rivalry hits too close to home. That’s probably why I couldn’t choose just one in my top 3 list. Kelvin is a Mika turned Urien player, and Brian is a Necalli with a hint of Karin player. I love this top 3 list because even during the Churning the Butter days, you could never tell who was going to take 1st.

Zidiane: Sounds like there are rivalries every which way.

Carolyn: Yeah, I put a lot of thought into the name.

Zidiane: So, as far as the Proving Grounds itself, you’ll of course need to compete against everyone else on the West Coast in a round robin, but there’s only one East Coast team to worry about at the end. If you guys make it to that level, do you have any opinions on who you’d want to go up against from East Coast? Anyone you’d rather avoid, or someone you think you guys could take?

Carolyn: Avoiding players is for the weak and free! in terms of players to watch out for, I would keep an eye out for Smug, Dieminion, Idom, Alucard, Shine, and now Punk who is breaking out at a fast pace.

Zidiane: Hmm. The past TOs seemed ready to prove themselves, but you seem like you’re ready for the final stages already! It’ll be great, seeing what NorCal does in the coming days. That’s about it for my questions today, though. Did you have any last words you wanted to say before heading out?

Carolyn: I’d like to really thank Red Bull for giving me this opportunity to step up to the plate. There are a lot of expectations and I’ll try my hardest to hold up to them. Also, shout outs to 10/0 productions for mentoring me and listening when I need to vent. I’m happy and pumped to be back!

If you enjoyed hearing about this TO, be sure to check out the other interviews we have with other regional organizers: Chicago, Texas, & Vancouver.

[Feature image by Avery Wong Photography]

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BornFree talks with Echo Fox’s Momochi about character selection, Shinobism, Street Fighter V mechanics and more

The hard working Mark “BornFree” Sheridan scored a number great interviews with many top players at Final Round XX. One of those was Echo Fox’s Yusuke Momochi, with Zhi “Zhieeep” Liang Chew on hand to provide some excellent translations.

BornFree got a lot of character specific talk out of  the Shinobism co-founder in the 30 minute+ interview: everything from why he settled on Ken in SFV despite starting with the (at the time, incredibly strong) Chun Li, and going all the way to his feelings on the newly released Kolin. We even get to learn about some of Momochi’s own creative ideas for SFV design (just frame meter gain!) and his general feelings on the state of the game. He also drops a hint that Shinobism may be opening up for new recruits soon: so if you’re 20 or under, get your applications ready!

Source: BornFree

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A talk with ITS|Spero “Spero Gin” Gineros after slaying Echo Fox|Saint at Final Round 20

I first met Spero Gineros, known better as ITS | Spero Gin, at Wizard World Austin in perhaps the worst way possible–as my opponent in the losers bracket. Having already seen many of his matches, I already could tell the level of play from him was of a completely different caliber. The experience I had playing with him, however, was wholly unlike anything from a normal tournament match, and had nothing to do with the gameplay.

It became very clear, very quickly that it was impossible to leave Spero’s sphere of influence without learning something about Tekken. Maybe it was just because of the setting–after all, most people in the room were trying out Tekken for the first time–but Spero openly volunteered information about his main character, Paul, to me. Right in the middle of the tournament match. Stance transitions, options the character has in different situations, frame data and more all came spilling out of Spero. There was nothing condescending about his tone, he clearly just loved Tekken information and wanted to share. And when I capitalized on that info, he would immediately point it out. He can’t seem to help himself. Tekken data has been building up in his brain for years, and all you have to do is put the game in front of him to see it burst out of his head.

I want to give you this insight on the man because I think it’s key to understanding what led to his victory over Echo Fox’s Choi “Saint” Jin Woo at Final Round 20. This is a long time tournament veteran (he placed 2nd at Evolution 2007 in Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection) dedicated solely to one franchise.

Objectively, and I do mean this with all due respect, all odds were against the Paul Pugilist. Saint is the World Champion. Saint has access to a version of the game simply not present in Spero’s country. Saint is surrounded by the world’s most active Tekken scene filled to the brim with the strongest players of every character you can imagine.  Spero really only had two things going for him: access to the outdated version of Tekken 7 at his local Round 1 Bowling, and his previous experience in Tekken.

Well, three. As you now know, he has one other considerable strength: His passion.

Spero Gin: I just love how high level these guys play. I study their videos, study all their different match-ups. I love how fast and intense they play. I was really looking forward to playing one of the international players… my goal wasn’t to win Final Round. I wanted to win, but my main goal was to play and beat a Korean. And I did! I was able to beat the best in the world. It makes me feel good. I wanted to beat both of them. (laughs) I almost didn’t even realize it was over because I was so into it. I learned from the team tournament when fighting JDCR to not give these guys an inch.

Crow Spaceboy: What did you focus on in the match with Saint?

Spero: I was thinking about playing fast. I was really trying to think about what I would do if I were playing Jack, and what I, as his opponent, should do to prevent all that. I just focused on defense and punishment.

Crow: The whole match was fantastic, but there’s one moment that really stood out to me. Tell me about the longest range d+1 that has ever happened.

Spero: D+1 has a really good hitbox. The hitbox increases if someone is doing a move, so the object is to do it at max range when you’re playing footsies. Paul’s d+1 has probably the biggest phantom range in all of Tekken. (laughs) You can do it from across the screen versus the right move. It was obviously a read on him coming in and pressing a button. It’s part of a wall you can do with Paul. Stuff like spaced Death Fist… Death Fist… D+1.

Crow: I understand you’re vegan. Can you talk to me about how that, and fitness as a whole, impacts your performance as a tournament player?

Spero: Mm. So, I think it’s very important for your physical activity and your nutrition to power your mind. I try to exercise as much as I can, do at least a little something every day. Honestly, that’s what makes these tournaments hard. These tournaments put you in a place where you really don’t have access to healthy food or water. I was pretty dehydrated the first day. Yeah… after the first day I just felt awful trying to adjust to not having access to the nutrition I’m used to.

Crow: It sounds like you have a lot of extra preparation for your game outside of the game itself.

Spero: Yeah. If you want to play your best, you have to make sure you keep yourself nutritionally and physically up to par. Otherwise it’ll hinder your game, and your reactions won’t be as fast.

Crow: Are you pleased overall with the pop Tekken 7 received here at Final Round? Atlanta is obviously a hot spot for Tekken, but it seemed like everyone in the room was really into it.

Spero: Yeah! Over 170 people entered. I love being apart of big tournaments like this, where everyone gets together from all over the globe. I feel like Tekken needs more recognition, in general. I think it deserves it! It’s getting the hype and the views right now. I’ve talked to lots of other players from other games and hear about them wanting to come try out Tekken. I’m super excited for Tekken 7’s future.

Crow: You see a bright future for Tekken 7?

Spero: I do.

Crow: Anything else you wanted to add about your experience here at Final Round 20?

Spero: Nah, man. I’m just really happy. I’m happy about the tournament, I’m happy I got to play the Koreans, and I look forward to playing them more and getting better.

Spero also runs a regular Tekken Podcast on his Twitch channel. With a game that has as much history and nuance as Tekken has, Spero proves to be a great (and entertaining) teacher on the subject. If you have any passing interest in Tekken, I highly recommend you check it out.

Overall, Spero (and really, all of the ITS sponsored players) did exceptionally well at Final Round. As Tekken’s profile rises and the release date draws nearer, I think it’s safe to say we’ll see Spero again. And if Echo Fox keeps bringing Saint and JDCR over, we’ll see if Spero gets his wish of beating them both.

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BornFree talks to Razer’s Xian on switching to Ibuki, season 2, and more

One of the most amazing things to come out of Final Round XX’s Street Fighter V tournament was the run of Razer’s Kun Xian Ho, aka RZR|Xian, through the winners side of the bracket. Xian had dropped his previous main F.A.N.G., bringing out a highly polished Ibuki that caught most players off guard, leading to him eventually winning the tournament.

BornFree took some time to talk to Xian after his win to discuss a few things. The most obvious thing they talk about is Xian’s switch to Ibuki. In addition to this, he also asks Xian on his thoughts about Street Fighter V’s season 2 including new character Kolin, as well as any further additions, mechanic changes, and characters he might like to see. In addition to this, he also asks Xian about other fighting games, including Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite and the King of Fighters XIV (Xian played the predecessors to both games competitively).

Of course, that’s not all they talk about, hit up the interview below for his responses to the above and other questions.

Source: BornFree

Photo c/o Red Bull

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Tokido discusses his ideal Akuma changes, his training regiment, and more with BornFree at Final Round 20

During this past weekend’s Final Round 20, BornFree caught up with Echo Fox’s Hajime “Tokido” Taniguchi to question the Murderface on a variety of assorted topics. Earlier this week, we learned that his main character, Akuma, will be receiving a health increase in the next balance patch (bringing him up to 900) as well as seeing his medium and heavy Goshoryuken properties changed to function more like Necalli’s Raging Lights. However, Tokido has a different direction in mind for the “Raging Demon.”

I want to make him much more difficult. For me, 875 is a lot of health, compared to Street Fighter IV. I’d reduce his health to 800, for much less recovery on his fireballs and much faster movement speed. This time, he’s gained weight, so I hope he can lose it and move fast again. I want to use [a] difficult character to improve my skill. That’s why I use Akuma.

On the subject of Season 1 vs. Season 2, Tokido feels that the game is very different now:

It’s a very big change. A lot of characters have a chance now. I think it’s balanced, but for me, I feel easy characters are strong, and difficult characters are O.K. But totally, I think it’s balanced. I trust my character can fight against such a character, [Laura and Balrog] but maybe it takes time? But I can improve myself with my character.

When asked about his favorite player of all time, Tokido mentioned Hx.Twitch.CYG BST|Daigo Umehara without hesitation.

Honestly, Daigo Umehara. Because, for me, he’s a boss of old-school players. Recently, the old-school players taught me a lot. Why the fighting game scene is now so big, and a long time ago, fighting games were very bad in society, and they played them with their passion. I think that emotion has made the fighting game community so big today. Daigo also knows that feeling and played at the beginning of fighting games.

Taniguchi them talked a bit about his current training schedule:

After Akuma came in with Season 2, I practiced a lot. Before, I played just 3 or 4 hours a day, which was enough in my Ryu time, but with Akuma coming out, maybe I practice at least 8 or 9 hours a day. I bought an Espresso machine, so I drink coffee and eat protein bars to recharge.

When asked if he played any other fighting games, Tokido expressed interest in trying out Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite–and has also been playing The Last Guardian recently.

Finally, BornFree asks Tokido how he feels about potentially making top 8 at the ELEAGUE on Friday, May 26th, then having to travel to France for Red Bull Kumite on Sunday, May 28th, and if he’s worried it could impact his performance: “It’s OK. It’s just an 8 or 9 hour flight. From Japan to here is 16 hours and Japan to Europe is the same. So 8 or 9 hour flights are easy for me.”

You can see the full interview–with timestamps–below, which also covers Tokido’s thoughts on Season 2 Ryu, being signed by Echo Fox, what he’d like to see from SFV going forward (system changes, and SFV eventually releasing in Japanese arcades).

Source: BornFree

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Armada holds interview with sidelined Melee player PPMD, who hints at a return

As part of a donation drive goal, Alliance’s Armada promised an interview with Super Smash Bros. Melee player EG|PPMD if the donations reached $6500. Since the goal was indeed successfully met, the interview proceeded: and PPMD finally spoke up with an update on his medical condition.

The famed Falco player, who notably took 4th at Evo 2013, has been sidelined with a condition that has lowered his testosterone levels to a point that left him in a constant state of fatigue. He stated that the condition is improving, and he is planning on making a return to the tournament circuit. He has not decided if he will jump in full throttle, or gradually increase his tournament involvement, but it looks like PPMD may be back on his way to tournaments in the near future.

Source: Armada