Week of June 30th to July 6th, 2014.
Fighting Games Weekly is the weekly discussion thread for all things fighting games. News, events, streams, videos, players, drama, everything fighting game related.
Don't know what to watch right now? Check the FGCPros Twitch Group or Jaxel's Stream Viewer. If you want to watch multiple streams at once, you can use Jaxel's customizable multiviewer as well.
New to FGC-GAF is the FGC-GAF Index which lists the fighting games GAFers plays as a neat reference with some rough statistics to boot. To add yourself to the index, quote this post and use the survey link below. Please remember to save/bookmark the "Edit your response" link so you can edit your responses if/when you buy a game already on the list or a new game that releases in the future.
Last week's thread. An archive of previous FGW threads is available here.
Fighting Games Weekly is the weekly discussion thread for all things fighting games. News, events, streams, videos, players, drama, everything fighting game related.
Don't know what to watch right now? Check the FGCPros Twitch Group or Jaxel's Stream Viewer. If you want to watch multiple streams at once, you can use Jaxel's customizable multiviewer as well.
New to FGC-GAF is the FGC-GAF Index which lists the fighting games GAFers plays as a neat reference with some rough statistics to boot. To add yourself to the index, quote this post and use the survey link below. Please remember to save/bookmark the "Edit your response" link so you can edit your responses if/when you buy a game already on the list or a new game that releases in the future.
Last week's thread. An archive of previous FGW threads is available here.
Topanga Charity Cup [ Saturday ] [ 12PM JST | 11PM EDT Friday | 8PM PDT Friday ]
- Topanga's first USFIV brings out an incredible 600 plus entrants in a 5v5 format.
- Leading into EVO is the last big Melee tournament, featuring considerable national and international talent.
- This event continues through Sunday.
- Yipes brings his trademark Curleh Mustache series to Norcal for the first time.
- Location, fees and more information is available here.
Every week, FGW will spotlight one GAFer to get a better picture of their history with fighting games, their preferences, and much more. For this week's FGW Player Spotlight, we will be taking a closer look at GAF's best* SF player, jlai!
What fighting games do you currently play, what are your all time favourites and why?
Currently, I am only playing Ultra Street Fighter 4. The SF4 series is by far my favorite and the one that Ive played and studied the most. Its definitely fun to revisit all the childhood games that I messed around with and view them within todays frame of being a strategic fighting game. Ive done this with Super Turbo, Vampire Savior, Alpha 2/3, etc. Always good times.
Marvel is and always has been fun to mess around with but competitively, its just not for me.
What are your favorite mechanics from the current selection of fighting games and why? What are your least favorite and why?Marvel is and always has been fun to mess around with but competitively, its just not for me.
I may not play Marvel competitively, but I do enjoy and appreciate the inventive nature of the game. To further on that, I think X-Factor is cool because it opened the door even more to do crazy things that players are free to explore.
I suppose on that same token, X-Factor is also my least favorite since it can be such a huge comeback mechanic, especially level 3 X-Factor. I guess I have similar issues with Ultra meter building based on how much youre getting damaged.
What got you into fighting games? Are there any other genre of games you play?I suppose on that same token, X-Factor is also my least favorite since it can be such a huge comeback mechanic, especially level 3 X-Factor. I guess I have similar issues with Ultra meter building based on how much youre getting damaged.
Like many others, I have fond memories of growing up playing Street Fighter 2 on SNES, trying to beat the CPU on various difficulties, and then when I was in junior high/high school going to the local video store playing on the Marvel vs Capcom 1 cabinet there. In my freshmen year of college, one of the guys in my dorm had an Xbox with Marvel 2 and that was the first time I really approached fighting games in a more dedicated, strategic fashion rather than just pressing buttons. Many nights were spent practicing simple Magneto air combos into grav pull into rocks super.
Fast forward to Street Fighter 4 coming out, I bought it for PS3 along with a TE fightstick. I still had trouble using the stick so I didnt really start grinding hard until vanilla PC came out and I was able to play on keyboard. Growing up playing a lot of first person shooters (shout out to CS 1.6), the muscle memory and finger dexterity provided an easy transition to use the WASD keys for directions for fighting games.
The rest is history and since then I have grown much more accustomed to playing on stick, but still prefer playing on keyboard since my execution is better there. Cant wait for USF4 PC!
I have also spent a good amount of time playing Dota in the past but at the end of the day Im always drawn back to fighting games, Street Fighter specifically. Can't beat the simple 1v1 aspect of fighting games where the results depend on you and you only. I really loved what Mike Ross had to say about it before, about how at the elementary level Street fighter is like checkers, but on the advanced level its like chess. I couldnt agree more with that statement and have not only spent countless hours playing the game but also really do enjoy talking street fighter and discussing matchups, game theory, etc.
What is your favorite fighting game character and why?Fast forward to Street Fighter 4 coming out, I bought it for PS3 along with a TE fightstick. I still had trouble using the stick so I didnt really start grinding hard until vanilla PC came out and I was able to play on keyboard. Growing up playing a lot of first person shooters (shout out to CS 1.6), the muscle memory and finger dexterity provided an easy transition to use the WASD keys for directions for fighting games.
The rest is history and since then I have grown much more accustomed to playing on stick, but still prefer playing on keyboard since my execution is better there. Cant wait for USF4 PC!
I have also spent a good amount of time playing Dota in the past but at the end of the day Im always drawn back to fighting games, Street Fighter specifically. Can't beat the simple 1v1 aspect of fighting games where the results depend on you and you only. I really loved what Mike Ross had to say about it before, about how at the elementary level Street fighter is like checkers, but on the advanced level its like chess. I couldnt agree more with that statement and have not only spent countless hours playing the game but also really do enjoy talking street fighter and discussing matchups, game theory, etc.
Ive liked Makoto ever since I saw videos of her in 3rd strike dealing a shit ton of damage and stun. I pride myself in being able to play a lot of characters but in a tournament setting I definitely would only use Makoto. More on that in the next question.
Describe your style of play, and how do you play (local, online, etc.).
I would describe my play as being very offensive-orientated. I love pulling off option selects (personal favorite is Makotos post-hayate dash Karakusa/Fukiage option select) and flashy combos. I was never that hungry to win it all and chase the notoriety or whatever, I just wanted to have fun and hopefully put on a show for people, which I thought Makoto was perfect for anyways.
Living in Los Angeles, I definitely have the resources to play locally but honestly I get lazy considering I have a 9-to-5 self-sponsorship, I mean job. There was a time where I did it semi-consistently as I explain later. So these days its just playing online on PC/XBL.
What do you feel are your biggest strengths and weaknesses as a player?Living in Los Angeles, I definitely have the resources to play locally but honestly I get lazy considering I have a 9-to-5 self-sponsorship, I mean job. There was a time where I did it semi-consistently as I explain later. So these days its just playing online on PC/XBL.
I think execution and reaction time are my biggest strengths. In terms of generally speaking for fighting games, I feel like I can pick up games very quickly and figure out how to play them at a decent level.
My biggest weakness is definitely pressing too hard and not having enough patience. Like I mentioned above being offensive-orientated, many times I push too much chasing the stun and eat a bunch of DPs and what not. I definitely am not following the mantra of pushing less buttons. My defense also sucks.
Best and worst moments in the your fighting game career?My biggest weakness is definitely pressing too hard and not having enough patience. Like I mentioned above being offensive-orientated, many times I push too much chasing the stun and eat a bunch of DPs and what not. I definitely am not following the mantra of pushing less buttons. My defense also sucks.
Late 2011/early 2012 was probably when I was the most active in the local scene. That was right around the time when the AE2012 patch was released so I decided I was going to start showing up pretty regularly to WNF and do the tournament scene for a bit. I remember the first time I played on stream at WNF was against Hugo101 and I was able to reaction Ultra 1 a Yun ex lunge punch and also reaction EX Oroshi his attempt to chip me out with Bison EX Scissors. Even though I lost that set 1-2, I was proud of being able to stand toe to toe with one of the WNFs best as well as put on a show for the people watching.
I guess my best and worst moments were from the same tournament. Soon after that WNF it was SCR 2011 and in pools I was able to defeat iPeru for his first match (who ended up getting 3rd that tourney so big ups to him on that longggg road). It was a really close nail biter so due to the nerves from that I wasnt really mentally prepared to jump into my next pool match immediately, which I lost to a Bison. I also eliminated FChamp later in pools but then was eventually eliminated by Guile player shortly after. It was unfortunate that I had the momentum beating the top players but then losing to the other players, obviously no disrespect to them.
Following that tourney the LG Cup qualifiers for LA were held to send people to Korea. I actually came about 2 wins short of being sent. I was eliminated by Floe but if I had beaten him I would have faced Marn. If I beat Marn and then lost to Snake Eyez, who would have been the match after, I think I would have finished 5th or 6th. Due to no one having passports I guess by a technicality I would have been sent, which is pretty hilarious thinking back on it.
What do you want from future fighting games?I guess my best and worst moments were from the same tournament. Soon after that WNF it was SCR 2011 and in pools I was able to defeat iPeru for his first match (who ended up getting 3rd that tourney so big ups to him on that longggg road). It was a really close nail biter so due to the nerves from that I wasnt really mentally prepared to jump into my next pool match immediately, which I lost to a Bison. I also eliminated FChamp later in pools but then was eventually eliminated by Guile player shortly after. It was unfortunate that I had the momentum beating the top players but then losing to the other players, obviously no disrespect to them.
Following that tourney the LG Cup qualifiers for LA were held to send people to Korea. I actually came about 2 wins short of being sent. I was eliminated by Floe but if I had beaten him I would have faced Marn. If I beat Marn and then lost to Snake Eyez, who would have been the match after, I think I would have finished 5th or 6th. Due to no one having passports I guess by a technicality I would have been sent, which is pretty hilarious thinking back on it.
Street Fighter 5! Im really curious as to where they will take the series next.
Who should be on next week's GAF Player Spotlight?Threi, but hes probably not going to do it so I guess Ill pass on to another fellow #gafranbatter whos active in the threads, Passive Assassin. Or notworksafe. Or mesmerman. Or Saty via satellite.
Super Desperation Radio [ 9:30PM EDT | 6:30 PDT ]
- Hellpockets and various other members of the KoF community discuss KoF and happenings in the FGC.
- Out of the ashes of Cross Counter Live rises a new discussion show from Gootecks and Mike Ross!
- Out of the ashes of The BOX Arena, comes the San Diego FGC's newest organized weekly for UMvC3.
- Weekly FGC show dedicated to match analysis, teaching, commentary, news, debates, and more! Hosted by UltraDavid and James Chen.
Kachitagari TV (JP) [ 9PM JST | 8AM EDT | 5AM PDT ]
- Bon-chan, Kazunoko and Fuudo's new show, focusing primarily on SSFIV AE ranked matches but is branching off into other games as well.
- NYC VF crew presents VF5:FS tournaments casuals out of The Next Level arcade in Brooklyn.
- New Jersey's largest weekly featuring UMvC3 and Injustice.
- JamessMK & DarKNaTaS host a raw and uncut weekly talk show discussing events in the FGC with various FGC personalities.
- Weekly FGC show dedicated to match analysis, teaching, commentary, news, debates, and more! Hosted by UltraDavid and James Chen.
- iPlaywinner hosts a weekly talk show featuring alpha stream monsters Harrison and Honzo Gonzo.
Game Spot Versus KoF Casuals (JP) [ 7PM JST | 6AM EDT | 3AM PDT ]
- KoF 1998UM, KoF 2002UM and KoF XIII C action from Japan.
- Description needed.
- NYC's biggest weekly at The Next Level Arcade in Brooklyn featuring SSFIV AE, UMvC3 and TTT2. If the Teamsp00ky link is not working, it is likely on the backup stream on Arturo's channel.
- Often, WonderChef will stream Injustice pools up until Top 4.
- SoCal's biggest weekly at Super Arcade in Walnut, featuring Injustice and SSFIV AE. Season details are available here.
HBTB Live [ 8PM EDT | 5PM PDT ]
- Hold Back To Block hosts a weekly roundtable discussion of various happenings in the FGC.
- A bi-weekly Smash podcast discussing recent events, news and issues in the Smash community, hosted by Scar, Prog, Cactuar and Sheridan.
- Galloping Ghost Arcade presents an Injustice weekly out of Chicago.
- A weekly FGC talk show hosted by iPlaywinner, featuring a varying, ensemble cast of prominent members of the fighting game community.
- Aris' new weekly show, discussing whatever he wants to! The format resembles old ATP podcasts.
- The UMvC3 and KoF XIII branch of Wednesday Night Fights also hosted at Super Arcade in Walnut, California.
The Smash Break Bi-Weekly [ 6PM EDT | 3PM PDT ]
- The Break hosts a new Melee bi-weekly to replace Rokunaya Bi-Weeklies which are ending.
- Arturo streams a BlazBlue and Guilty Gear bi-weekly out of Next Level arcade in Brooklyn.
- For those who know how to use Nico Live, also join the GODSGARDEN community page on Nico to know when Ura KaoTV! goes live.
- A weekly Skullgirls event hosted by members of the Skullgirls development team, often featuring preview builds of the game.
Rebel Up [ Secondary ] [ 7PM EDT | 4PM PDT ]
- Super Arcade's anime bi-weekly, featuring GG, BB, P4A, SG, Gundam and older anime games as well.
GGPO VanBats [ 4PM EDT | 1PM PDT ]
- Weekly GGPO Vampire Savior ranbats streamed by GAFer Rotanibor.
- Level|Up and Team OXY partner up to create a new weekly for the SoCal Melee community, featuring doubles and singles.
On GAF we have various members that stream fighting games from time to time too. If you would like to add your channel to this thread, send me a PM.
Additionally, if you want to really get involved, you may want to check out the various OTs for specific games:
Additionally, if you want to really get involved, you may want to check out the various OTs for specific games:
- BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma
- Chaos Code
- Darkstalkers: Resurrection
- Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate and Core Fighters
- Divekick
- Gundam Extreme VS Full Boost
- Injustice: Gods Among Us
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle
- Killer Instinct
- The King of Fighters XIII
- Marvel vs. Capcom: Origins
- Mortal Kombat
- Persona 4: Arena
- PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
- Project M 3.0
- Skullgirls
- Soul Calibur: Lost Swords
- Soul Calibur V
- Street Fighter X Tekken v.2013
- Tekken
- Tekken Revolution
- Tekken Tag Tournament 2
- Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
- Ultra Street Fighter IV
- Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown
- 8WayRun - Soul Calibur franchise community
- DOACentral - Dead or Alive franchise community
- Dream Cancel - King of Fighters franchise community and resource, more US-centric
- Dustloop - Forums/community for Arc System Works-developed games
- Eventhubs - Frequently updated news blog, resource and forums for all things fighting games
- FreeStepDodge - Dead or Alive franchise community
- Homing Cancel - Arcana Heart community
- iPlaywinner - Large fighting game news site and resource, and the home to Teamsp00ky and iPlaywinner
- Jet Upper - UK-centric news source and community
- Mayonaka Midnight - Persona 4 Arena community and resource
- Melty Bread - Melty Blood community
- Mizuumi - A resource for various "poverty" games
- Orochinagi - King of Fighters franchise community and resource, more EU-centric
- Reddit Fighters - Reddit's own fighting game community subreddit
- Shoryuken - The largest FG community and multigame resource on the web, with a large Capcom games community
- Skullheart - fan Skullgirls community and resource made official
- TekkenZaibatsu - Tekken franchise community
- Test Your Might - Mortal Kombat and Injustice community and resource
- UKFGC - UK-centric news source and community
- Smash Boards - The largest Smash Bros. Community
- VFDC - Virtua Fighter franchise community site
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If you have any suggestions for the OP, please do not hesitate to post in this thread or PM me to let me know.