Tension Pulse, a Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 online exhibition series, features quality matches between well-versed opponents with commentary. The organizers, Silva and zenzen, are going strong into their second episode of the mayhem, which continues later tonight. It’s a great opportunity to see some valuable Guilty Gear play with entertaining commentary and extra insight (and all in English)!
We have a new set of Daredevils this time, with one returning from the past. We’re going to see how much REV 2 changes have affected SQ’s Sin Kiske in comparison to Native’s Dizzy. We also have Zinac’s Faust going against Mr.Dolphin’s “Seaworld” May.
Native
On REV 2 changes: “Overall, I feel REV 2 completely changed who I play, she’s 100% stronger considering they really buffed some of her zoning tools, i.e. JH Fish, Bubble not going off screen, both Fire and Ice Dagger getting better. So I’d say that’s the newest thing for me, Dizzy’s a lot stronger!”
On his opponent: “I’ve never really seen or played SQ but I know he plays Sin, and he was a really strong Persona player, so I think he’s probably really solid. Usually in the Sin match-up, I have to be really careful of summoning. Since Sin has Beak Driver, I can’t really throw things out recklessly, so I’m going to really fish out for Sin’s air approach and react to Leap with either 2S or 6P then go from there. Also really looking out for Elk Hunt — since Dizzy’s dash goes under lows — and really capitalizing on a knockdown.”
On his own playstyle: “I usually main grapplers, so when playing other characters I try to translate that as best as I can, so I’m pretty nutty — I like to usually ride on good sequences/setplay. I’m 100% a nut though.”
SQ
On REV 2 changes: “I feel like Sin overall didn’t change much this version. Air Beak Driver not knocking down anymore and 6P not being jump-cancelable hurts his air control a bit, but it’s nothing too bad. Meanwhile, I’m Sure I’ll Hit Something knocking down let’s him convert his pokes more often, improving his ground game. While his changes might not be very impactful to his strength overall, I find him more fun!”
On his opponent: “I don’t know much about Native. I know he was an SF4 player before getting into Guilty Gear. So we both have some amount of a Street Fighter background, which is interesting. That’s all I know though.”
On his own playstyle: “I think I’m a patient, defensive player. I really try to focus on the neutral game and playing safe. I’m able to switch up my style to be more aggressive if need be, but I prefer a slower, more reactive approach!”
Mr.Dolphin
On REV 2 changes: “To be honest nothing significant enough changed for May. She had a change to Ensenga that doesn’t give her as good okizeme midscreen, but with how far she can corner carry, I hardly notice the change. All of her tools are still there, and she was relatively untouched.”
On his opponent: “I don’t know too much about Zinac, but I know he’s a solid player. Faust is a character I’m generally comfortable playing against. It’s an interesting match-up: Faust has tools to anti-air her properly, and May has a couple of ways to get around that and interact with his gameplan. I’m interested to see how comfortable Zinac is with the May match-up.”
On his own playstyle: “I think I have a very aggressive playstyle. I’m OK with sitting back and zoning with Seaworld but generally prefer to get in someone’s face and run an okizeme train. One of the things I find best about May is her ability to convert off pretty much everything with consistency.”
Zinac
On REV 2 changes: “Faust had a few changes in REV 2 that are mostly to his items. I haven’t had time to explore the new “Jackpot” items yet, but I’m sure I’ll find new setups.”
On my opponent: “I’ve heard from a few people that Mr.Dolphin is a serious May, so I’m not going to take him lightly. May has never been a character Faust can challenge directly. So I take advantage of Faust’s zoning ability and preemptive attack May before she can get any momentum.”
On my own playstyle: “The last match wasn’t that long ago. I’ve mostly been focusing on adapting to the REV 2 match-up changes for Faust.”
Tension Pulse starts up later tonight on Silva_hime’s Twitch channel. Look for the beginning at at 10:30 PM EST/9:30 PM CST/7:30 PM PDT. CH_tenpai!! and Mr. K will get on the microphones to talk about the matches.
To learn more about this online league, read all about its predecessor: the Super Steam Xrd Exhibition League. Also, don’t forget to catch up on the premiere of Tension Pulse. There are matches between FaultyDefense’s Answer and TheArm’s Ramlethal, as well as TSB|Blaze’s Raven and my own Baiken.
Sources: interviews; Mdesilva