Welcome to a special Rollback: usually a frame-by-frame look back at the past week’s most notable news and our favorite SRK articles, this time we look back over the entire year of 2016. Here’s our top 16 headlines and editorials on Shoryuken from 2016.
A controversial question that I still fall into the less-vocal minority on; while I still want to see Street Fighter V improve its single-player, casual-targeted content, I would be much happier to see that take new, innovative forms. So far, though–we haven’t really seen either result.
Slightly amazing Nintendo kept as much about this contraption under wraps as they have, for this long. This console looks to be pretty much what the Wii U concept was supposed to be; it has a robust list of developers on board, so I look forward to hearing about what fighting titles–and others–will make it onto those tiny cartridges.
The concept of low-execution-threshold fighters is one I hold interest in; this unusual upcoming fighter is proving divisive on both its visual and gameplay design choices. Check out our hands-on impressions and our interview with creator David Sirlin as well.
The title of Keegan “Interrobang?!” Spindler’s editorial says it all, in this appeal to sensibility–in the competitive sense at least, Street Fighter is bigger and better than ever. I look forward to new heights of hype in 2017.
After an unprecendented all-American Grand Finals against Evil Geniuses’ Ricki Ortiz, Liquid|NuckleDu became not only the first Street Fighter V Capcom Cup champion, but the first American to win Capcom Cup.
I thoroughly enjoyed the original Injustice, despite its character balance issues near the end of its life span. With NetherRealm doing a bang-up job with Mortal Kombat X, Injustice 2 should be the DC fighter we’ve always wanted.
Evo heads to the birthplace of fighting games, with the announcement of Evo Japan for nearly a year from now. With the games list still shrouded in mystery, we on the SRK team can’t wait to tell you more about it!
Marvel lives! After multiple leaks, rumors and scuttlebutt from all four corners of the Internet, seeing MvC:I officially announced on the PSX stage was fantastic to see. With UMvC3 also getting a re-release, it’s truly time for Marvel.
2GGaming have been miracle workers for Smash 4 this year, putting on plenty of banner events with their Saga series. The fun will not stop in 2017, with the new Championship Series promising 12 new Sagas with a massive prize pot. Take notes, Nintendo.
After a year of upsets, breakouts and steadily mounting excitement, ZeRo Saga was a fantastic end to an awesome year for Smash 4. The Curse held, MKLeo was crowned victor and I cannot wait for what 2017 has in store.
It’s always fascinating to look at the ways that a fighting game can be approached by both players and developers. d3v breaks down how much of a difference those design philosophies can make in one of my favorite articles of the year.
Here’s one for those of us who love using a good character, despite the haters. Trilby, SRK’s Assistant Editor himself, lets us know just why there is no such thing as a dishonest character.
This is one of my favorite articles this year not just because it highlights how improved an experience Street Fighter V has already become, but also how unacceptable a state it launched in. mushin pulls no punches, holding SFV accountable for all its problems, while still showing that there is definitely hope for continued improvement.
If you didn’t know about the ArcSys Cycle before, you do now. Woocash explains the problems with the current cycle of Guilty Gear and BlazBlue games from ArcSys, and does so with the sort of passion that is quite contagious. Here’s hoping that ArcSys are paying attention.
It may have died down quickly for now, but it’s tough to escape the feeling that the issue of floating top players though pools is one that may return again soon. This year, we saw plenty of upsets in titles across the map–who would have foreseen RZR|Infiltration and Tokido both going winless during the Capcom Cup, for example? Will they be enough to silence the crowd?
Even more than the epic battle that was Capcom Cup in Anaheim, Evolution 2016’s Street Fighter V finals at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas suddenly rocketed the scale of what a fighting game event could look like way up–and the finale to this spectacle was champion RZR|Infiltration’s succinct reply to the question of how he managed to finally beat RZR|Fuudo in the Grand Final: “Download complete.”
Editor’s note: The views expressed in this article and the selected posts are solely those of the writers, and do not reflect Shoryuken.com as a whole.
The city of Calgary will have to keep waiting for the Ultimate Fighting Championship to atone for the ill-fated UFC 149 card back in July 2012. Nonetheless, the UFC looks to be headed back to Alberta for the promotion’s first card in Edmonton.
What a tumultuous year it has been folks. Street Fighter V released, we had an explosive Pro Tour and a fresh faced champion has been crowned as the world’s best Street Fighter player. Just to cap off the year, we also had the release of Season Two, resulting in tons of balance changes and the return of a old favorite to the roster.
As the clocks begin to strike 12 around the world and 2017 looms, we’d thought we’d give you one last Season Two roundup for 2016. Give it a good look before you pop the champagne and set off the fireworks.
First, we have some online replays from one incredible F.A.N.G player. After a long absence from playing Ranked, RZR|Xian has finally graced the CFN with his presence and done the impossible, by making F.A.N.G look halfway decent. As is the way with any top player, XusesGB has compiled a montage of some of Xian’s best matches into one big compilation. Let’s hope Xian doesn’t give up the poison in 2017.
Next up, Doopliss has been on the hunt for more combos in Season Two. Finding fresh new links and some janky looking juggles, some of the Ken and Balrog stuff in this montage is very creative.
NurseLee has brought the meat for the New Year’s Eve party, finding some new meaty setups for both Ibuki and Cammy. As if these ladies could get any more tricksy in Season Two.
Mono has been in the lab, comparing what new poisons and toxins F.A.N.G has at his disposal in Season Two. In their desire to prepare some new concoctions, it seems that Capcom unfortunately got rid of some of F.A.N.G’s tools for this new season.
Laura has risen to become quite the threat in Season Two. To help people defend against the increasing number of Laura players, alb3530 has created a special video, showing off the hitboxes of all of Laura’s moves in slow motion. This should guide you on learning where to block those confounding EX Thunderclap mixups.
With Akuma running rampant in Season Two, dedicated players have been trying to discover how to exorcise this demon as fast as possible. Heading into the lab with Karin, ReikiKirei has found a 100% combo against Akuma, should the Akuma try to escape a combo with a Teleport on wakeup.
Continuing his in-depth Juri guide, marlonlonmilk has compiled a video showing off all of Juri’s new knockdown setups and meaties for Season Two. Changes to her normals and V-Skill cancels do allow for more creative setups following a knockdown, so get learning.
With the addition of Balrog’s new crouching medium kick in Season Two, the boxer now has a plethora of new 50/50 mixups which lead into eye-watering damage. When you combine this with his ability to cancel any of his specials into V-Trigger, Balrog is packing quite the punch. Apolo Loussalier has created a video, devoted to showing how Balrog’s new 50/50s work and just how much pain you can inflict with these setups.
And to finish off this last S2 roundup of the year, desk has created a new montage showing off Ken’s new tricks in Season Two. As with any desk video, expect some creative combos and edits as he juggles opponents round the screen with Ken’s flaming kicks.
So, all we have left to say is have a Happy New Year and see you all for more fighting game coverage in 2017!
Just before the clock strikes twelve and we enter 2017, it’s good to take stock of the year that is coming to a close. For Smash 4, a hell of a lot went on in 2016, with tournaments gradually gathering steam until the explosive finale at 2GGT: ZeRo Saga earlier this month. As you could fill a top ten list with matches from single tournaments, this list has had to be limited to one set per tournament in order to represent the year as a whole. Some fantastic sets have had to be missed out, so please tell us your favorite matches in the comments below.
Genesis 3 – TSM|ZeRo vs Ranai
With 2016 beginning with ZeRo’s continued dominance of Smash 4, audiences were waiting for someone to come along and knock the king off of his throne. Heralded as the potential ZeRo slayer, Ranai’s journey through the Genesis 3 bracket saw him finally face off against ZeRo in Winners’ Finals in a real clash of the titans. While ZeRo did take an early 2-0 lead, Ranai’s mastery of the neutral game allowed him to wrench two games from ZeRo’s grasp, taking it to a historic game 5 situation on the Genesis 3 stage. With everyone on tenterhooks going into the final stock, ZeRo did win the day and keep his winning streak going. For a few months at least.
BEAST 6 – PG|ESAM vs iStudying
As the two stock versus three stock debate still raged, this set acted as the trump card for those who championed three stock. With Europe using a three stock ruleset, this series showed how that extra stock does allow for serious momentum shifts and that extra breathing room to adapt to an opponent. While initially overwhelmed by ESAM’s relentless speed, iStudying was able to get a read of him over the course of this long set, gaining a two-stock victory in game 5 and guaranteeing an all European final at BEAST 6.
GOML 2016 – MKLeo vs TSM|ZeRo
Get On My Level saw another young hopeful lauded as the one to defeat ZeRo. The hope of Mexico MKLeo finally got to face off against ZeRo in a Losers Quarterfinals match that also went to game 5. While his Meta Knight did not cut the mustard, Leo’s Cloud put in major work against ZeRo’s Diddy, clawing matches back from the brink of defeat. This match would act as a preview of Leo’s future success in 2016, showing his ability to take games from a major deficit and slowly grind down his opponent’s defence and confidence. While this set would go to ZeRo, Canada’s defender C9|Ally would eventually take his first Smash 4 tournament over ZeRo.
Smash ‘n’ Splash 2 – C9|Ally vs TSM|ZeRo
Proving that GOML was not a fluke, Ally achieved a historic win against ZeRo, winning Smash ‘n’ Splash 2 from Losers’ side with a 6-2 victory. This was the set that caused many to question ZeRo’s status as world number one, with Ally running through ZeRo’s Cloud, Sheik and Diddy without much trouble. This set would mark ZeRo’s decision to phase out his Sheik in favour of Diddy, following the loss of many of Sheik’s 50/50s after patch 1.1.5. With the Summer of Smash coming up quick, it looked like the summer was set to be Ally’s time to shine.
CEO 2016 – dT|ANTi vs Zinoto
It’s fair to say that the Grand Finals of CEO 2016 was one that no-one was really expecting. With favourites to win like ZeRo and Ally failing to even make top 8, the field was wide open for anyone to take the champion belt in Florida. The result was a turbulent Grand Finals, with Zinoto taking a clean first set, 3-0ing ANTi and forcing him to dip into his bag of counterpicks to deal with the Midwestern monkey main. Rifling through his pockets, ANTi eventually landed on his Cloud and took three games back to back with the spiky haired swordsman. As will become evident with another set on this list, it’s no wonder that more and more top players started to keep a SOLDIER 1st Class in their pockets for special occasions.
Evo 2016 – Ranai vs dT|Dabuz
A Genesis 3 rematch a long time in the making, many were doubting Ranai’s skill after an absence from tournaments both home and away. With the Rosalina/Villager matchup being tough for Villager, due to Rosalina’s ability to nullify his projectiles with her down B, Dabuz was set to take this runback without much problem. How wrong people were as Ranai carefully picked apart Dabuz’ defence, splitting up the cosmic princess and her star helpful with immaculate usage of Villager’s non-projectile moves. It was a war of attrition, with game 2 almost going to time as both players constantly vied for control of the neutral. The set finally ended with a devastating axe-blow, with Ranai sending Dabuz tumbling out of the tournament. This set is a must-watch for anyone who plays a projectile based character and wants to learn controlled aggression.
Super Smash Con 2016 – Noble|Ryo vs Abadango
This set shows just how important match up knowledge is in Smash 4. After taking game 1 with Mewtwo with little resistance, Abadango looked on track to take this Losers’ side set with a clean 3-0. Switching from one Fire Emblem swordsman to another, Ryo picked Roy to fight in game 2. With Roy being considered as the worst of the Fire Emblem characters and a possible contender for bottom five in the Smash 4 cast, this counterpick looked like desperation more than anything. Turns out the Melee veteran was just what Ryo needed, taking two consecutive games with some critical airdodge reads against Abadango. This forced Abadango to pull out a counterpick of his own, bringing Rosalina out to combat the blazing Sword of Seals. Another game 5 ensued, with it going to last hit last stock as both players flinching at any stray hit. Thanks to a lucky Luma hit as Ryo returned to stage, Abadango kept his tournament life, even if the match had shaved a couple of years of his life expectancy. Don’t sleep on a low tier, especially in the hands of a specialist like Ryo.
Shine 2016 – EVB|Dath vs eLv|Larry Lurr
From one Fire Emblem character to another, Dath’s performance at Shine 2016 made many rethink Robin’s position on the Smash 4 tier list. Especially against a top calibre player like Larry Lurr, using such a fast character like Fox, this Losers’ bracket match should have closed the book on Dath’s story at Shine. However, a lack of match up experience seem to handicap Larry, as he allowed Dath the space Robin so desperately needs to charge up her spells and set up traps with Elthunder and Arcfire. With some perfectly spaced forward airs to stop Fox’s forward momentum, Dath’s Robin tipped the scales in his favour, resulting in a shocking 3-1 victory for the Floridian tactician. As with the Ryo set, a combination of a skilled player and poor matchup knowledge can really chip away at a player’s confidence and momentum, leading to upsets like this.
Collision XIV – Tweek vs CT|Salem
A battle of the DLC fighters ensued at Collision XIV, with Brawl veteran Salem facing off against new school player Tweek in the grand finals of this tournament. The two had first faced off in Winners’ Semis, resulting in a 3-1 victory for Tweek’s Cloud but having clawed his way through Losers defeating DKWill, Nairo and ZeRo on his way to Grand Finals, Salem’s Bayonetta was ready to rock. Unlike their first encounter, Salem was able to bob and weave through Tweek’s stage control, often Heel Sliding straight into danger and taking a stock with one of Bayonetta’s infamous ladder combos. Some of Salem’s conversions were out of this world, taking Tweek all the way from the ledge to off the top of the stage in one flowing combo. While Tweek was able to gain some ground and take Salem to game 5 in the second set, the heel was mightier than the sword with Salem taking Collision XIV 3-2. Salem’s nerve held against Tweek’s, staying composed even when behind in the second set. This set shows just how explosive the Cloud/Bayonetta matchup can be, with each character being able to shift momentum in the favour so quickly. One slip up from either fighter can spell doom.
The Big House 6 -Mr. R vs RNG|Dabuz
The power of the Cloud counterpick comes into play yet again, in this Losers’ Quarters set between Mr. R and Dabuz. With his Sheik and even his Bayonetta failing to score a game against Dabuz’s Rosalina, Mr. R brought out his well-practiced Cloud to fight against the star princess. Taking two games with Cloud, Dabuz brought out his own counterpick, swapping controlling one minion, for Olimar’s miniature army of Pikmin. Taking an initial lead with the pint-sized spaceman, Dabuz was looking on target to blast off into Losers’ Semis but a clean Limit Climhazzard read put Mr. R back in the running. While nearly 100% down going into the final stock, Mr. R survived hit after hit, eventually winning with a well-timed Limit Cross Slash lead to send Dabuz packing. The roof almost flew off the Big House venue, with the crowd erupting in cheers for the Dutch competitor. Always have a Cloud in your pocket for those tense situations, boys and girls.
2GGT: Abadango Saga – CLG|VoiD vs NRG|Nairo
Whenever these two met in bracket during 2016, it almost always ended the same way; Nairo snatching victory from under VoiD’s nose with the power of Zero Suit Samus in Rage. The momentum can shift so suddenly in the Sheik/ZSS matchup, with Nairo stealing stocks away with a mind-melting ladder combo after VoiD has spent a whole stock juggling him across the stage like a ragdoll. This set was no different, with Nairo sending VoiD to the skies with an up air combo at 10%. VoiD would finally get on the board after five consecutive losses at 2GGT: ZeRo Saga, so let’s hope he has cracked this player matchup in time for 2017.
Smashdown World – IMT|ANTi vs Glutonny
Moving back to Europe, Smashdown World saw Brawl veteran Glutonny defending the house from foreign interlopers. Fighting and farting through bracket with Wario, the Frenchman eventually faced ANTi in Winners’ Semis in a battle to face 2GG’s komorikiri. ANTi threw the kitchen’s sink worth of counterpicks at Glutonny, sending his Cloud and Mario into Wario’s gaping maw before settling on Zero Suit Samus for the final two games. It looked like the ZSS change was going to take it, before a careful up smash read sent ANTi flying into Losers’ bracket. Some of Glutonny’s setups were mad, setting up super creative jab locks and even guaranteeing Waft kills by extending the move’s hitbox with Wario’s Bike. ANTi would gain his revenge in Losers’, but this first match was a great showcase for not only Wario’s potential in Smash 4, but that of Europe’s player pool.
KTAR XIX – Samsora vs MVG|Salem
A battle of style and grace, this set saw Salem’s Bayonetta duking it out versus Samsora’s Peach in a duel for aerial superiority. Both characters have such control of the air, with Salem and Samsora dancing in and out of range with Afterburner Kicks and Instant Float Cancels. Both players look visually exhausted as the set goes on, varying up their aerial pressure and movement in order to catch the other off guard. A masterclass for just how technical Smash 4 can be at the highest level, this set is required watching for anyone looking to improve their mixups and shield pressure.
UGC Smash Open – SS|Mr. E vs NRG|Nairo
As we have seen throughout these sets, a careful counterpick can rattle your opponent and see you taking victory. In this match from UGC Smash Open, Nairo’s counterpick didn’t so much as rattle Mr. E, it threw him 20 feet into the air and dropkicked him through a brick wall. Picking Bowser of all characters to combat Mr. E’s Marth, Nairo’s no-fear approach to this matchup saw him flinging Mr. E around Smashville like it was nothing. This counterpick was so devastating, that Nairo even managed to secure a zero-to-death against Mr. E, something that shouldn’t even be possible when playing the Koopa King. When Bowser can kill you in three grabs and a player like Nairo is controlling that much power, it’s only natural to be intimated. Plenty of fresh new Bowser mains were created after this set and believe you me, expect more of this burly turtle in future tournaments, especially when you reverse 3-0 such a notable player like Mr. E.
2GGT: ZeRo Saga – MKLeo vs TSM|ZeRo
It took the whole year, but Leo finally did what many prophesized in 2016’s last major. While their last set at KTAR XIX was another 3-2 win for ZeRo, MKLeo finally made it count on the last big stage of the year. Fighting like a man possessed, MKLeo dismantled ZeRo in this Losers’ Semis set, picking apart his ledge traps and exposing ZeRo’s uncharacteristically weak neutral game. The man looked unstoppable, pulling off a zero-to-death in game 3 and upholding the Saga curse for yet another tournament. Similar to Nairo’s performance with Bowser, MKLeo single-handedly created a new legion of Marth players after his showing at 2GGT: ZeRo Saga.
2017 looks like it will be another banner year for Smash 4, with the 2GG Championship Series promising 12 more exciting Sagas, as well as a possible new injection of players with a Smash 4 remaster for the Nintendo Switch. It’s only getting better from here, so jump in feet first and get ready for double the chaos in the next 12 months.
Something had to give. Either a chunk of Luiz Firmino’s face would fall off or Justin Gaethje’s right arm would, from hitting the Brazilian constantly with right uppercuts.
We continue exploring the power of the Demon’s Path.
Even as 2016 draws to a close, there’s no slowing down the stream of new Street Fighter V Akuma gameplay, discoveries, and tech. Here’s another helping!
Firstly, here’s some meaty setups for Akuma from TSB|mynus (with some help from Javitz, Alioune, and others):
Burnout Fighter provides this video detailing use of Akuma’s Demon Flip as a pressure tool:
Akuma only needs one good reset to stun; Ultimacloud demonstrates in this combo/reset video.
Vandylizer found something interesting: Akuma can V-Trigger-cancel into his taunt, but if it’s not performed at the right time, the taunt will auto-cancel. Glitch?
VesperArcade has been working on his Akuma too, of course; here’s his video guide to Akuma’s 50/50 mixups:
And he’s also uploaded Ranked match footage of him taking his Demon online:
Maximilian also has been taking Akuma out for a spin (and loving the Cyber Akuma PC costume mod, obviously! (Reminder that Maximilian’s “boisterous” commentary can be NSFW at times!)
Xuses decided to throw a spotlight on Yuhi-Hikali, a promising Akuma player, in this match compilation:
For a battle between better-known players, how about RB|Snake Eyez’s Akuma going up against TS|Sabin’s renowned Dhalsim?
With all the great Akuma fights out there, Xuses has thus started a YouTube playlist of his Akuma match compilations.
That’s all the Akuma we’ve got for today–as usual, thanks to everyone that sent us tips!
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Street Fighter Doesn’t Need Saving, Because It Isn’t Dying
The First Street Fighter V Capcom Cup Champion is USA’s NuckleDu
Battle Defines Our Favorite Superheroes in the Injustice 2 Announcement Trailer
The First-Ever Evo Japan Has Been Scheduled for January 2018
The Curse Remains Unbroken at 2GGT: ZeRo Saga
Balancing Act: A Look at Street Fighter V and The King of Fighters XIV’s Opposing Balancing Philosophies
The Myth of Character ‘Honesty’
Street Fighter V’s September Update: What If This Had Been Street Fighter V at Launch?
Is the ArcSys Cycle Hurting Its Community?
Top Player Privilege and Tournament Logistics – Is Floating the Solution?
Our Evo 2016 Street Fighter V Winner is Infiltration