Showing posts with label Street Fighter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Street Fighter. Show all posts
Monday, April 27, 2015
Friday, March 27, 2015
Friday, December 30, 2011
RAGEQUIT: I Suck at Street Fighter (And So Do You!)
I'm not going to pretend I have much in common with the average Street Fighter fan.
For me, there's magic in those games, but it only has so much to do with frames of animation.
The movement of characters is special, to be sure, but for me, it's everything that's implied in the placement of feet and the trajectory of acting limbs, rather than the hitboxes they connect with, or the executive distances they create. I love the mythos of Street Fighter -- the stories that exist in and out of the games, intertwined with the visuals and conceptuals present in even the most rudimentary edition, which builds a legend sufficient to elevate a white suited karate man far beyond the generic three-letter name he's given.
To distance myself even further from the average player, I'm not all that enamored with online play.
Don't get me wrong. I understand the differences and appeal of going toe-to-toe with a human opponent (as opposed to CPU), but there's a convenience in the disposable exchange between machine and man, complimented by the fact that I actually enjoy the cutscenes and glimpses of story, have a generally poor internet connection, and very rarely master my games to any discernable degree. Or so I thought...
To really underline my level of skill (or lack thereof), I'll boldly admit to being completely incapable of executing a combo or super on command. I'm relatively ignorant to the ins and outs of tournament competition, but I'm pretty sure this instantly ranks me in the bottom echelon of prospective opponents. Well aware of this fact, I'll gladly do my best to trade pugilistic strategies, comfortable in the knowledge that I'll probably lose miserably. That's fine.
With obvious shortcomings in mind, however, imagine my surprise, when venturing online, to discover myself beating opponents! To their level of quality and stature, I cannot speak. The mere act of challenging someone with a noteworthy score was enough to render me surprised, beating them was an enjoyable bonus. Of course, I was surprised -- and ultimately enraged by a string of second round 'lost connection to host' conclusions (playing Street Fighter IV original), again and again.
Despite my initial suspicions based on timing, I gather the loss of host connection is actually a legitimate, impartial practical breakdown, and not a strategy to retain a solid win-loss record. I can begrudgingly accept that, particularly as my internet connection is less than spectacular, and I was knowingly entering into battles with a red graded connection probably located somewhere far, far away.
Switching to the abundantly titled Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition, I figured I might have more success, finding local opponents on the more recent and more populated title. To a modest degree, I was right. Believing this would improve my sparse win-loss record on the original was my first mistake, however. Which brings us to this blog, which is essentially a long and laborious howling deathcry from a gamer unwilling to risk the damage inherent in furiously hurling his controls at the screen like a spiteful hadouken.
Officially, after a handful of dominant ranked matches, my record is 0-0. I have 0 player points.
To date, I haven't suffered a lost connection to host on SSFIVAE. Instead, the enraging indignity of quite explicitly confirmed quits by opponents has been my fate. Quits from ranked matches, which, I surely would have assumed would result in a default win for me (I was leading comfortably, any way), with points awarded accordingly.
This, of course, is wrong.
The reason for these forfeits was eloquently summed up in my first ever received "troll" message since playing online -- "laggy bitch," the subject. No content required. Laggy bitch. Laggy bitch with a clearly labelled connection quality of orange. Laggy bitch with a clearly labelled connection quality of orange, colour coded so any moron can instantly see if this is a fight he might like to avoid, based on ability to perform under lag. Laggy bitch with a colour coded connection any moron can instantly read, who was dominating the fight.
Suffice it to say that the lag was a fairly minimal, only occasional half second pause.
Compared to my red graded SFIV experiences, it was actually probably a little bit worse than I would expected of a newer game. Even so, it was hardly enough to interrupt the flowm, easily managed with a shred of anticipation shared mutually between two players.
In closing, I posit that it is you who is the bitch!
You and everyone like you, whose game can so easily be thrown off by the merest presence of latency! You, whose skills are so utterly underwhelming, you took a C-grade whooping before quitting like a whiney little bitch! You, who by any other measure, was defeated! You, who clearly sucks based on the rudimentary limitations of your skills! You, who can go screw!
Game Over!
After defeating Seth, Mike takes control of the S.I.N laboratory and uses their hi-tech facilities to play online. With a spectacular connection and almost no lag to speak of, he is swiftly handed his own arse, relegated with embarrassing efficiency.
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9093708
For me, there's magic in those games, but it only has so much to do with frames of animation.
The movement of characters is special, to be sure, but for me, it's everything that's implied in the placement of feet and the trajectory of acting limbs, rather than the hitboxes they connect with, or the executive distances they create. I love the mythos of Street Fighter -- the stories that exist in and out of the games, intertwined with the visuals and conceptuals present in even the most rudimentary edition, which builds a legend sufficient to elevate a white suited karate man far beyond the generic three-letter name he's given.
To distance myself even further from the average player, I'm not all that enamored with online play.
Don't get me wrong. I understand the differences and appeal of going toe-to-toe with a human opponent (as opposed to CPU), but there's a convenience in the disposable exchange between machine and man, complimented by the fact that I actually enjoy the cutscenes and glimpses of story, have a generally poor internet connection, and very rarely master my games to any discernable degree. Or so I thought...
To really underline my level of skill (or lack thereof), I'll boldly admit to being completely incapable of executing a combo or super on command. I'm relatively ignorant to the ins and outs of tournament competition, but I'm pretty sure this instantly ranks me in the bottom echelon of prospective opponents. Well aware of this fact, I'll gladly do my best to trade pugilistic strategies, comfortable in the knowledge that I'll probably lose miserably. That's fine.
With obvious shortcomings in mind, however, imagine my surprise, when venturing online, to discover myself beating opponents! To their level of quality and stature, I cannot speak. The mere act of challenging someone with a noteworthy score was enough to render me surprised, beating them was an enjoyable bonus. Of course, I was surprised -- and ultimately enraged by a string of second round 'lost connection to host' conclusions (playing Street Fighter IV original), again and again.
Despite my initial suspicions based on timing, I gather the loss of host connection is actually a legitimate, impartial practical breakdown, and not a strategy to retain a solid win-loss record. I can begrudgingly accept that, particularly as my internet connection is less than spectacular, and I was knowingly entering into battles with a red graded connection probably located somewhere far, far away.
Switching to the abundantly titled Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition, I figured I might have more success, finding local opponents on the more recent and more populated title. To a modest degree, I was right. Believing this would improve my sparse win-loss record on the original was my first mistake, however. Which brings us to this blog, which is essentially a long and laborious howling deathcry from a gamer unwilling to risk the damage inherent in furiously hurling his controls at the screen like a spiteful hadouken.
Officially, after a handful of dominant ranked matches, my record is 0-0. I have 0 player points.
To date, I haven't suffered a lost connection to host on SSFIVAE. Instead, the enraging indignity of quite explicitly confirmed quits by opponents has been my fate. Quits from ranked matches, which, I surely would have assumed would result in a default win for me (I was leading comfortably, any way), with points awarded accordingly.
This, of course, is wrong.
The reason for these forfeits was eloquently summed up in my first ever received "troll" message since playing online -- "laggy bitch," the subject. No content required. Laggy bitch. Laggy bitch with a clearly labelled connection quality of orange. Laggy bitch with a clearly labelled connection quality of orange, colour coded so any moron can instantly see if this is a fight he might like to avoid, based on ability to perform under lag. Laggy bitch with a colour coded connection any moron can instantly read, who was dominating the fight.
Suffice it to say that the lag was a fairly minimal, only occasional half second pause.
Compared to my red graded SFIV experiences, it was actually probably a little bit worse than I would expected of a newer game. Even so, it was hardly enough to interrupt the flowm, easily managed with a shred of anticipation shared mutually between two players.
In closing, I posit that it is you who is the bitch!
You and everyone like you, whose game can so easily be thrown off by the merest presence of latency! You, whose skills are so utterly underwhelming, you took a C-grade whooping before quitting like a whiney little bitch! You, who by any other measure, was defeated! You, who clearly sucks based on the rudimentary limitations of your skills! You, who can go screw!
Game Over!
After defeating Seth, Mike takes control of the S.I.N laboratory and uses their hi-tech facilities to play online. With a spectacular connection and almost no lag to speak of, he is swiftly handed his own arse, relegated with embarrassing efficiency.
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9093708
Friday, June 05, 2009
Saturday Night Slam Masters: The International Blowout!
It's been fifteen years since CWA presented their last instalment of the weekly wrestling event, Saturday Night Slam Masters .
You'd be forgiven for thinking a fact like that was enough to write the muscle bombers off once and for all, but when it comes to overwhelming odds, these guys were first in line to grapple with the impossible! Thus, CWA announce the first card in their comeback spectacular -- The International Blowout!
Gathered for their first comeback card are some of the biggest names in wrestling: muscle bombers from across the United States, Mexico, Japan, and Russia, all vying for the chance to be crowned undisputed champion, and to settle the rivalries that make this business go around!
At the heart of the comeback is former muscle bomber, and Mayor of Metro City, "Macho" Mike Haggar!
Haggar steps back into the spotlight not only as the official host of The International Blowout but also as special guest manager in the main event bout! Haggar knows better that anyone the tempting taste of Heavyweight gold, but when his student faces his rival, can he be lured out of retirement and back into the squared circle? We'll have to wait and see!
CWA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Zangief versus Aleksey Zalazof w/Mike Haggar
Zalazof receives a rare opportunity when he steps in to the ring not only to become the undisputed champion, but also, to battle one of his wrestling idols! The Red Cyclone, Zangief, has cast a long shadow over the world of wrestling in Russia, famous for his training in the tundra with wild polar bears, and his execution of the spinning piledriver! Fortunately for Aleksey, he's got Mike Haggar in his corner, another master of the devestating finishing move! Will the support be enough to tip the scales in favour of the youngster, or is Zangief's power and experience destined to make him the next Heavyweight champion and Russian Czar wrestling?
Victor Ortega -- Former CWA Heavyweight Champion!
#1 CONTENDER MATCH
Hugo Andore w/ Poison versus Victor Ortega
The undefeated muscle bomber legend - Victor Ortega - returns to CWA with his sights set on the Heavyweight Championship that was once his! Standing in his way, however, is an opponent of size and strength unmatched by any other muscle bomber! Hugo Andore is quite unlike any of the men Ortega decimated in his rise to the top in his vintage years with CWA. Can he possibly exert the same kind of dominance against the German giant? Or will it be Andore who faces the winner of the night's main event at the next CWA super card?
TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Astro & Mysterious Budo versus El Stinger & El Fuerte
They've never met before, but when El Fuerte steps into the ring for the first time for CWA, he'll be getting a master class when he joins legendary lucha, El Stinger, in their battle to wrest gold from the sinister clutches of Astro and Budo! The luchas will surely have the crowd on their side, but when the tag has to be made, will the synergy of experience give the advantage to the bad guys? How sure can El Fuerte be that his meteoric rise through the ranks won't insult the senior señior?
NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH
King Rasta Gomes versus Sodom
The referee will merely be a formality when the animalistic King Rasta is unleashed upon the armored exterior of Metro City indie promoter, Sodom! Rasta's wild and unpredictable guiles have seen him ravage many an opponent, leaving his mark on even those who've defeated him! Sodom will have a little something extra up his sleeves, however, with absolutely nothing stopping him from utilizing weapons including the dreaded sai blades! This clash will not be for the faint of heart!
Sheep the Royal versus Darun Mister
A legend in his native India; Darun appears on loan from AWKA to step into the ring with the bizarre former football star, Sheep the Royal! Sheep won't be manhandled by the moustached muscle bomber, but almost certainly appears as little more than an obstacle as Darun pursues his true desire: a bout with the only man who can rival his wrestling reputation - Zangief!
INTER-GENDER CHALLENGE
Rainbow Mika versus Kimala
Most organizations feature a unique class for female wrestlers, but the mighty R. Mika laughs in the face of joshi wrestling! She might have bitten off more than she can chew, however, when she faces off against the muscle bomber who answered her open challenge - Kimala the Bouncer! The sadistic super heavyweight will almost certainly show no mercy against his opponent, regardless of gender! Adding intrigue to this battle is Kimala's allegiance to Astro, which flies directly in the face of El Fuerte's promise to intervene in the match on Mika's behalf should she fall into danger! Rainbow's response? A guarantee she won't need the help once she delivers the flying peach!
TAG TEAM MATCH
Titanic Tim & Birdie versus Lucky Colt & Alex
The 500 Trillion Powers reunite when Tim and Birdie clash with Lucky Colt and newcomer to the CWA, Alex. The deck would seem to be stacked in the favour of the two experience tag team goliaths, but deceptively strong for their size and maneuverability, Colt and Alex are sure to compliment each other with a style ready to match the two big men! Though not official, this bout will surely help determine the future of the CWA tag team championships!
TAG TEAM MATCH
Joe & Rip Saber versus The Wraith & Black Widow
Things get dark when the show opens to feature the first-time combination of the eerie Wraith and the bizzare Black Widow! They've been paired up against an all-American combination of former-kickboxer and newcomer to the CWA squared circle, Joe, and former-marine turned muscle bomber, Rip Saber!
PLUS -- who knows what other surprises will unfold when the muscle bombers return at the International Blowout?! Anything could happen in this Capcom fantasy card! All part of the Saturday Night Slam Masters comeback!
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8993607
You'd be forgiven for thinking a fact like that was enough to write the muscle bombers off once and for all, but when it comes to overwhelming odds, these guys were first in line to grapple with the impossible! Thus, CWA announce the first card in their comeback spectacular -- The International Blowout!
Gathered for their first comeback card are some of the biggest names in wrestling: muscle bombers from across the United States, Mexico, Japan, and Russia, all vying for the chance to be crowned undisputed champion, and to settle the rivalries that make this business go around!
At the heart of the comeback is former muscle bomber, and Mayor of Metro City, "Macho" Mike Haggar!
Haggar steps back into the spotlight not only as the official host of The International Blowout but also as special guest manager in the main event bout! Haggar knows better that anyone the tempting taste of Heavyweight gold, but when his student faces his rival, can he be lured out of retirement and back into the squared circle? We'll have to wait and see!
CWA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Zangief versus Aleksey Zalazof w/Mike Haggar
Zalazof receives a rare opportunity when he steps in to the ring not only to become the undisputed champion, but also, to battle one of his wrestling idols! The Red Cyclone, Zangief, has cast a long shadow over the world of wrestling in Russia, famous for his training in the tundra with wild polar bears, and his execution of the spinning piledriver! Fortunately for Aleksey, he's got Mike Haggar in his corner, another master of the devestating finishing move! Will the support be enough to tip the scales in favour of the youngster, or is Zangief's power and experience destined to make him the next Heavyweight champion and Russian Czar wrestling?
Victor Ortega -- Former CWA Heavyweight Champion! #1 CONTENDER MATCH
Hugo Andore w/ Poison versus Victor Ortega
The undefeated muscle bomber legend - Victor Ortega - returns to CWA with his sights set on the Heavyweight Championship that was once his! Standing in his way, however, is an opponent of size and strength unmatched by any other muscle bomber! Hugo Andore is quite unlike any of the men Ortega decimated in his rise to the top in his vintage years with CWA. Can he possibly exert the same kind of dominance against the German giant? Or will it be Andore who faces the winner of the night's main event at the next CWA super card?
TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Astro & Mysterious Budo versus El Stinger & El Fuerte
They've never met before, but when El Fuerte steps into the ring for the first time for CWA, he'll be getting a master class when he joins legendary lucha, El Stinger, in their battle to wrest gold from the sinister clutches of Astro and Budo! The luchas will surely have the crowd on their side, but when the tag has to be made, will the synergy of experience give the advantage to the bad guys? How sure can El Fuerte be that his meteoric rise through the ranks won't insult the senior señior?
NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH
King Rasta Gomes versus Sodom
The referee will merely be a formality when the animalistic King Rasta is unleashed upon the armored exterior of Metro City indie promoter, Sodom! Rasta's wild and unpredictable guiles have seen him ravage many an opponent, leaving his mark on even those who've defeated him! Sodom will have a little something extra up his sleeves, however, with absolutely nothing stopping him from utilizing weapons including the dreaded sai blades! This clash will not be for the faint of heart!
Sheep the Royal versus Darun Mister
A legend in his native India; Darun appears on loan from AWKA to step into the ring with the bizarre former football star, Sheep the Royal! Sheep won't be manhandled by the moustached muscle bomber, but almost certainly appears as little more than an obstacle as Darun pursues his true desire: a bout with the only man who can rival his wrestling reputation - Zangief!
INTER-GENDER CHALLENGE
Rainbow Mika versus Kimala
Most organizations feature a unique class for female wrestlers, but the mighty R. Mika laughs in the face of joshi wrestling! She might have bitten off more than she can chew, however, when she faces off against the muscle bomber who answered her open challenge - Kimala the Bouncer! The sadistic super heavyweight will almost certainly show no mercy against his opponent, regardless of gender! Adding intrigue to this battle is Kimala's allegiance to Astro, which flies directly in the face of El Fuerte's promise to intervene in the match on Mika's behalf should she fall into danger! Rainbow's response? A guarantee she won't need the help once she delivers the flying peach!
TAG TEAM MATCH
Titanic Tim & Birdie versus Lucky Colt & Alex
The 500 Trillion Powers reunite when Tim and Birdie clash with Lucky Colt and newcomer to the CWA, Alex. The deck would seem to be stacked in the favour of the two experience tag team goliaths, but deceptively strong for their size and maneuverability, Colt and Alex are sure to compliment each other with a style ready to match the two big men! Though not official, this bout will surely help determine the future of the CWA tag team championships!
TAG TEAM MATCH
Joe & Rip Saber versus The Wraith & Black Widow
Things get dark when the show opens to feature the first-time combination of the eerie Wraith and the bizzare Black Widow! They've been paired up against an all-American combination of former-kickboxer and newcomer to the CWA squared circle, Joe, and former-marine turned muscle bomber, Rip Saber!
PLUS -- who knows what other surprises will unfold when the muscle bombers return at the International Blowout?! Anything could happen in this Capcom fantasy card! All part of the Saturday Night Slam Masters comeback!
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8993607
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Saturday Night Slam Masters: Undisputed Muscle Bomber Comeback!!
The premise is simple -- bring back the early nineties Capcom wrestler Saturday Night Slam Masters in a whole new way for a whole new generation!
We started talking about this during a post a couple of days ago, and I'm going to be honest, I haven't really given it much more thought. Making punch noises in the shower while imagining shampoo bottle Zangief and Haggar duking it out for the right to rinse is about the extent of it, but with a concept like this, that's probably all the thought that a talented programmer really needs!
In the interest of full disclosure, I'm just going to steal images wholesale from the Gamespy "Hardcore Gaming 101" entry for Muscle Bomber. If you want to know more about the game and it's characters, you should definitely go have a look! Now! Do it, maggot!!!
Any S.N.S.M. revival would demand a great sense of balance if it's to achieve success.
In a perfect world, it should sit somewhere between the hyperactive action of Street Fighter IV and the pro wrestling format of Smackdown! vs RAW. It should combine conventional wrestling styles and characters, with the over-the-top energy that made Capcom famous. It should have an Arcade Mode on the top of the select menu, to cater to gamers who want fight their way freely through a ladder of opponents; while also placing a Career Mode right beneath it to allow players to embark on a story-driven quest to obtain the title and become the undisputed muscle bomber!
In theory, an SNSM revival would have the time and faith behind it to garner a great dev team.
Like any fighting game, the foundation lies in the successful construction of characters who have their own vivid fighting techniques that do not interfere with the perfection of a balanced fair fight. Characters should definitely possess advantages of strength, speed, endurance, and technique, but that should never be at the cost of a player's potential to win.
As basically fundamental as the success of the fighting engine should be -- it arguably comes second to the creative direction, which should be funding any level of development throughout the process. The mechanics of each fighting style should come directly from the references that have invented the character, ensuring each fighter has their own nuances and trademarks.
In a perfect world, gameplay would strike a balance between the vast customary movesets of any WWE wrestling game, whilst combining it with the fast paced simplicity of execution that the original Slam Masters was known for.
We started talking about this during a post a couple of days ago, and I'm going to be honest, I haven't really given it much more thought. Making punch noises in the shower while imagining shampoo bottle Zangief and Haggar duking it out for the right to rinse is about the extent of it, but with a concept like this, that's probably all the thought that a talented programmer really needs!
In the interest of full disclosure, I'm just going to steal images wholesale from the Gamespy "Hardcore Gaming 101" entry for Muscle Bomber. If you want to know more about the game and it's characters, you should definitely go have a look! Now! Do it, maggot!!!
Any S.N.S.M. revival would demand a great sense of balance if it's to achieve success.
In a perfect world, it should sit somewhere between the hyperactive action of Street Fighter IV and the pro wrestling format of Smackdown! vs RAW. It should combine conventional wrestling styles and characters, with the over-the-top energy that made Capcom famous. It should have an Arcade Mode on the top of the select menu, to cater to gamers who want fight their way freely through a ladder of opponents; while also placing a Career Mode right beneath it to allow players to embark on a story-driven quest to obtain the title and become the undisputed muscle bomber!
In theory, an SNSM revival would have the time and faith behind it to garner a great dev team.
Like any fighting game, the foundation lies in the successful construction of characters who have their own vivid fighting techniques that do not interfere with the perfection of a balanced fair fight. Characters should definitely possess advantages of strength, speed, endurance, and technique, but that should never be at the cost of a player's potential to win.
As basically fundamental as the success of the fighting engine should be -- it arguably comes second to the creative direction, which should be funding any level of development throughout the process. The mechanics of each fighting style should come directly from the references that have invented the character, ensuring each fighter has their own nuances and trademarks.
In a perfect world, gameplay would strike a balance between the vast customary movesets of any WWE wrestling game, whilst combining it with the fast paced simplicity of execution that the original Slam Masters was known for.
The construction of gameplay pretty much takes care of the basic idea. On this foundation is where a SNSM revival would set itself apart from it's previous SF-lite incarnations, utilizing cosmetics to create a whole new experience. Sure, Arcade and Online modes are probably where a lot of classic gamers would flock, but the real experience would lie in the Career mode.
Unlike SFIV; SNSM should fully embrace what Capcom's twenty-year old stable has to offer.
Bring back all those original characters from the last game, but for crying out loud, give your other characters a chance to shine! When I think "pro wrestling" and "Capcom" I think - Zangief!
The fame of these well established characters not only makes the prospect of playing them in a wrestling game exciting, but also panders directly to the traditions of heirarchy in wrestling! Let Zangief and his ilk be the headlining talent that budding Career Mode players work toward!
Rainbow Mika, Hugo Andores, Poison, El Fuerte, Alex, Sodom, Birdie, and if possible, Darun Mister, are all absolutely obvious inclusions for any Capcom wrestling game. Coming from SFA, SFIII, SFIV, SFEX, and Final Fight, they're the ready in-game equivalents of Triple H, The Rock, Kurt Angle, Goldberg, and any other prominent wrestling example you want to think of. They carry the exact same name value and weight as any longstanding superstar of the wrestling world, and should be made use of accordingly!
Similarly, precedent from the professional wrestling world gives you the chance to work in unique attract events, like elusive encounters with celebrity guests. Balrog, Ken Masters, and Fei Long, feel absolutely comparable to boxing, martial arts, and cinematic guest stars that have helped push WWE into the spotlight in the past. These special events could allow SNSM the chance to battle these specially unlocked opponents, team with them, or maybe just have cheeky ringside encounters and intereferences.
Add these headliners to the slightly more obscure SNSM classic cast of; Sheep the Royal, King Rasta, Lucky Colt, Mysterious Budo, Titan the Great, Aleksy Zalazof, El Stinger, Kimala the Bouncer, Astro, Black Widow, Victor Ortega, Wraith, and Rip Saber; and suddenly you're building a very credible roster of wrestlers to fill out tier-based progression in a career mode.
For me, a great attraction of a new Slam Masters would be the chance to use a better developed wrestling game to establish the otherwise vague characters moreso. More extravagant entrance treatments complete with music and effects would help communicate details about the characters just like "real" wrestling. Likewise, the chance to use storylines to build rivalries and establish attitudes would also be an opportunity to develop the characters further. The creation of some new characters - based upon popular references, and convenience - would also allow for tailor made rivalries on top of pre-existing opportunities. Career mode's story could allow these to play out through a series of standard events, and feuds and rivalries unique to characters, all set to a calendar of Saturday Night fights that culminate with monthly PPV-style mega events.
Setting itself apart from the Arcade mode; Career mode would also have the luxury of allowing players to continue unhindered despite their defeats. Statistical rankings systems, checkpoints, and other unseen factors could provide basic branching points for your unfolding story. Something that could be contributed to through annual (or more regular) DLC storylines.
Admittedly, nothing about this post has been quite as well thoughtout as I'd hoped, and that might not have adequately represented the idea. In this generation of retro revivals like Street Fighter IV and Punch-Out!!, it seems increasingly important that each game have a strong reason for being in order to avoid another conceptual recession.
As a game not quite arcade, and not quite simulation, I think a new Slam Masters could be the perfect comeback vehicle for the Muscle Bombers to find an undisputed Capcom champion! By capitalizing on references, it even has the opportunity to go places no previous Street Fighter has quite gone. Maybe next time I'll pluck up the courage and geek-out completely over ideas for some of the characters.
Unlike SFIV; SNSM should fully embrace what Capcom's twenty-year old stable has to offer.
Bring back all those original characters from the last game, but for crying out loud, give your other characters a chance to shine! When I think "pro wrestling" and "Capcom" I think - Zangief!
The fame of these well established characters not only makes the prospect of playing them in a wrestling game exciting, but also panders directly to the traditions of heirarchy in wrestling! Let Zangief and his ilk be the headlining talent that budding Career Mode players work toward!
Rainbow Mika, Hugo Andores, Poison, El Fuerte, Alex, Sodom, Birdie, and if possible, Darun Mister, are all absolutely obvious inclusions for any Capcom wrestling game. Coming from SFA, SFIII, SFIV, SFEX, and Final Fight, they're the ready in-game equivalents of Triple H, The Rock, Kurt Angle, Goldberg, and any other prominent wrestling example you want to think of. They carry the exact same name value and weight as any longstanding superstar of the wrestling world, and should be made use of accordingly!
Similarly, precedent from the professional wrestling world gives you the chance to work in unique attract events, like elusive encounters with celebrity guests. Balrog, Ken Masters, and Fei Long, feel absolutely comparable to boxing, martial arts, and cinematic guest stars that have helped push WWE into the spotlight in the past. These special events could allow SNSM the chance to battle these specially unlocked opponents, team with them, or maybe just have cheeky ringside encounters and intereferences.
Add these headliners to the slightly more obscure SNSM classic cast of; Sheep the Royal, King Rasta, Lucky Colt, Mysterious Budo, Titan the Great, Aleksy Zalazof, El Stinger, Kimala the Bouncer, Astro, Black Widow, Victor Ortega, Wraith, and Rip Saber; and suddenly you're building a very credible roster of wrestlers to fill out tier-based progression in a career mode.For me, a great attraction of a new Slam Masters would be the chance to use a better developed wrestling game to establish the otherwise vague characters moreso. More extravagant entrance treatments complete with music and effects would help communicate details about the characters just like "real" wrestling. Likewise, the chance to use storylines to build rivalries and establish attitudes would also be an opportunity to develop the characters further. The creation of some new characters - based upon popular references, and convenience - would also allow for tailor made rivalries on top of pre-existing opportunities. Career mode's story could allow these to play out through a series of standard events, and feuds and rivalries unique to characters, all set to a calendar of Saturday Night fights that culminate with monthly PPV-style mega events.
Setting itself apart from the Arcade mode; Career mode would also have the luxury of allowing players to continue unhindered despite their defeats. Statistical rankings systems, checkpoints, and other unseen factors could provide basic branching points for your unfolding story. Something that could be contributed to through annual (or more regular) DLC storylines.
Admittedly, nothing about this post has been quite as well thoughtout as I'd hoped, and that might not have adequately represented the idea. In this generation of retro revivals like Street Fighter IV and Punch-Out!!, it seems increasingly important that each game have a strong reason for being in order to avoid another conceptual recession.
As a game not quite arcade, and not quite simulation, I think a new Slam Masters could be the perfect comeback vehicle for the Muscle Bombers to find an undisputed Capcom champion! By capitalizing on references, it even has the opportunity to go places no previous Street Fighter has quite gone. Maybe next time I'll pluck up the courage and geek-out completely over ideas for some of the characters.
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8993250
Thursday, April 16, 2009
AdVantage Point: Street Fighter IV (2009)
Give an idiot a scanner and a comic book, and let him to pick out all the advertisements for video games. This is AdVantage Point -- a chance to document the winding timeline of comics/gaming history as it was canonized by the adverts. Musings, rantings, observations.
This quite possibly might be one of the stupidest ideas to hit the 1up.blogs - adverts.
I suppose the beauty of a concept like this, however, is the timeline it will eventually show. Like the sequential medium of comics itself, these advertisements become a timeline of history.
With no real affection for most games currently being advertised, I figured it fitting to start with one of the revival heavyweights. I'd like to say Street Fighter II was right there back at the dawn of capitalism, paving a way for video game advertisements in comics, but let's face it. They'd been around a good decade before that!
It's been great having the Street Fighter franchise active again, not that it ever really went away.
This ad kinda brings back those warm tingly feelings of the early nineties, and I'm sure the neon pink doesn't go completely without credit, for that.
Like most ads, this one sells an established brand, without dwelling too much on the details.
Most of us probably already know enough to decide whether or not we're interested in buying a new Street Fighter, so presumably, it's about awareness and market presence. That said, this has to be one of the very few adverts I've encountered recently that actually goes to the trouble of including screenshots from the actual game. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but that seems like a good idea, to me.
With Street Fighter IV, the visual style of the game was an important selling point. These screens probably don't communicate it's delicate balance between the 2D animation style classic to the series, and it's new 3D potential, but they at least allude to something familiar as well as something new (ie; the hadouken dramatic camera).
I wonder if the appearance of Honda and the bold slogan don't communicate a secondary message to those receptive. For the average reader, the emphasis of Hadouken in the bold statement is enough of a nostalgia grab to warrant attention and reminiscing, but for those many invested in gameplay, it perhaps hints at the developments that have been made in the fight system since the hadouken-squashing Street Fighter III.
It's a little surprising not to see big selling icons like Chun-Li, Guile, and Ken in the advert, but Ryu's probably adequate enough to represent that public face of the series. I'm reminded of the countless discussions about both feature films (1994/2009) and the constant call for Ryu. Honestly, I don't think the wandering world warrior is really that intrinsically significant to any creative endeavour with the franchise, but we haven't exactly had the best opportunity to test that theory.
Interestingly enough, this advert hasn't appeared in UDON's licensed series of comics.
Their role in creating a series that fleshes out the backstory of Street Fighter IV and it's new characters is arguably advertisment enough, and you needn't really try to sell to the audience who's clearly already invested in the brand. I guess you just get used to a complacency of "synergic" association in marketing.
<< AdVantage Point: Mortal Kombat II [Home] Unnecessary Explanation >>
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8986141
I suppose the beauty of a concept like this, however, is the timeline it will eventually show. Like the sequential medium of comics itself, these advertisements become a timeline of history.
With no real affection for most games currently being advertised, I figured it fitting to start with one of the revival heavyweights. I'd like to say Street Fighter II was right there back at the dawn of capitalism, paving a way for video game advertisements in comics, but let's face it. They'd been around a good decade before that!
It's been great having the Street Fighter franchise active again, not that it ever really went away.
This ad kinda brings back those warm tingly feelings of the early nineties, and I'm sure the neon pink doesn't go completely without credit, for that.
Like most ads, this one sells an established brand, without dwelling too much on the details.
Most of us probably already know enough to decide whether or not we're interested in buying a new Street Fighter, so presumably, it's about awareness and market presence. That said, this has to be one of the very few adverts I've encountered recently that actually goes to the trouble of including screenshots from the actual game. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but that seems like a good idea, to me.
With Street Fighter IV, the visual style of the game was an important selling point. These screens probably don't communicate it's delicate balance between the 2D animation style classic to the series, and it's new 3D potential, but they at least allude to something familiar as well as something new (ie; the hadouken dramatic camera).
I wonder if the appearance of Honda and the bold slogan don't communicate a secondary message to those receptive. For the average reader, the emphasis of Hadouken in the bold statement is enough of a nostalgia grab to warrant attention and reminiscing, but for those many invested in gameplay, it perhaps hints at the developments that have been made in the fight system since the hadouken-squashing Street Fighter III.
It's a little surprising not to see big selling icons like Chun-Li, Guile, and Ken in the advert, but Ryu's probably adequate enough to represent that public face of the series. I'm reminded of the countless discussions about both feature films (1994/2009) and the constant call for Ryu. Honestly, I don't think the wandering world warrior is really that intrinsically significant to any creative endeavour with the franchise, but we haven't exactly had the best opportunity to test that theory.
Interestingly enough, this advert hasn't appeared in UDON's licensed series of comics.
Their role in creating a series that fleshes out the backstory of Street Fighter IV and it's new characters is arguably advertisment enough, and you needn't really try to sell to the audience who's clearly already invested in the brand. I guess you just get used to a complacency of "synergic" association in marketing.
<< AdVantage Point: Mortal Kombat II [Home] Unnecessary Explanation >>
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8986141
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Infinite Wars: T.Hawk/Fei Long Double Feature
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: The New Challengers!
THUNDERHAWK versus THUGS
(UDON)
Where: Street Fighter II #3 When: February 2006
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Okay, I'm going to start this entry way off on a tangent.
Earlier today I spent a disturbing amount of time sifting through google hits, conventional and blogsearch, looking for dates and issue numbers. I couldn't find them.
I do my best to make sure Secret Wars on Infinite Earths is a multi-layered and enjoyable reading experience, several times a week. If I might not always live up to that lofty expectation, I always find great pride in including explicit and relevant information for cross searching needs.
Now, let the minutes show that it is indeed Sunday, and therefore we must address today's pressing Street Fighter business. On today's agenda, two of the new warriors that made their debut in the revision title, Super Street Fighter II.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-new.html
THUNDERHAWK versus THUGS(UDON)
Where: Street Fighter II #3 When: February 2006
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Okay, I'm going to start this entry way off on a tangent.
Earlier today I spent a disturbing amount of time sifting through google hits, conventional and blogsearch, looking for dates and issue numbers. I couldn't find them.
I do my best to make sure Secret Wars on Infinite Earths is a multi-layered and enjoyable reading experience, several times a week. If I might not always live up to that lofty expectation, I always find great pride in including explicit and relevant information for cross searching needs.
Now, let the minutes show that it is indeed Sunday, and therefore we must address today's pressing Street Fighter business. On today's agenda, two of the new warriors that made their debut in the revision title, Super Street Fighter II.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-new.html
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Infinite Wars: Ryu/Ken Double Feature
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Sho-Ryu Ken!
KEN versus RYU
Stage 01 (UDON/Image)
Where: Street Fighter #1 When: September 2003
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Y'know, in it's own way, UDON and their Capcom books are a really interesting look at "independent" comic books.
I do this blog thing for many reasons, one of the important ones being the enjoyment I get from taking a little time to discuss, review, and observe these pieces of entertainment that I find so joyous. Of course, as much as I'd like to derive world dominating noteriety from this blog, I'm not so sure there's a long future for me in comics review.
What I do feel very strongly about is writing and creating comic books.
Sure, that's not an unusual aspiration. Most fans and their silly photographed cats want to write comics, but I like to think there's something inevitable about comics and I. I'm not one to believe in destiny, but I think if you plucked anyone who's known me through my lifetime, none would be shocked to learn I had found fate in a creative field. It's just one of those cosmic things.
That said, it's not like capability, flair and know-how instantly get you the job.
As submission processes become less common, and technology becomes more readily available, the intrepid fan pursues the dream of self-publishing to a quality unparalleled in the previous two decades of small press.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-sho-ryu-ken.html
KEN versus RYUStage 01 (UDON/Image)
Where: Street Fighter #1 When: September 2003
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Y'know, in it's own way, UDON and their Capcom books are a really interesting look at "independent" comic books.
I do this blog thing for many reasons, one of the important ones being the enjoyment I get from taking a little time to discuss, review, and observe these pieces of entertainment that I find so joyous. Of course, as much as I'd like to derive world dominating noteriety from this blog, I'm not so sure there's a long future for me in comics review.
What I do feel very strongly about is writing and creating comic books.
Sure, that's not an unusual aspiration. Most fans and their silly photographed cats want to write comics, but I like to think there's something inevitable about comics and I. I'm not one to believe in destiny, but I think if you plucked anyone who's known me through my lifetime, none would be shocked to learn I had found fate in a creative field. It's just one of those cosmic things.
That said, it's not like capability, flair and know-how instantly get you the job.
As submission processes become less common, and technology becomes more readily available, the intrepid fan pursues the dream of self-publishing to a quality unparalleled in the previous two decades of small press.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-sho-ryu-ken.html
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Infinite Wars: Guile vs Birdie
GUILE versus BIRDIEStage 01 (UDON/Image)
Where: Street Fighter #1 When: September 2003
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
The story so far...
His name is Bison, and he is the megalomaniacal leader of the world's most vile criminal organization -- Shadaloo. Involved in every facet of criminality, Shadaloo funds Bison's desires for world conquest, and his interests in fostering the martial arts and his psycho power.
It was during an investigation into Shadaloo that Bison uncovered and brutally murdered Charlie, partner of Interpol agent, Guile. Ever since, Guile has had the burning desire to personally put an end to the Shadaloo empire, and the evil M. Bison.
Patiently working his way through the various branches of Shadaloo, Guile and agents like him pick apart the pieces of the puzzle, working their way closer to the source. Wannabe street toughs, like the English street fighter, Birdie, represent the lower rungs, all useful for tracking back to Bison.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/guile-versus-birdie-stage-01-udonimage.html
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Infinite Wars: Vega/Dhalsim Double
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Go For Broke!
VEGA versus DAN HIBIKI
The Tournament Begins (Group TAC/Capcom/Manga Entertainment)
Where: Street Fighter Alpha When: 1999
Why: Shigeyasu Yamauchi, Joe Romersa, Reiko Yoshida, & Kirk Thornton How: Kazuyuki Ishikawa
Quick Fix...
With the various goings on around the place, we've had an influx of new readers. Some of them have actually arrived here because of previous Street Fighter entries, but for those who haven't, let it ring out through the village: I'm as keen on superheroes as I am on beat 'em ups!
Okay, so maybe not all beat 'em ups, but I think I've got the basics covered. SF, Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Dead or Alive. Sure, I can stretch to some of the others, but this would undoubtedly be my core, with DOA bridging the familiarity gap between those I'm less aware of, like the SNK series, and those I love, like Street Fighter!
Some fans might ask, why Street Fighter?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-go-for-broke.html
VEGA versus DAN HIBIKIThe Tournament Begins (Group TAC/Capcom/Manga Entertainment)
Where: Street Fighter Alpha When: 1999
Why: Shigeyasu Yamauchi, Joe Romersa, Reiko Yoshida, & Kirk Thornton How: Kazuyuki Ishikawa
Quick Fix...
With the various goings on around the place, we've had an influx of new readers. Some of them have actually arrived here because of previous Street Fighter entries, but for those who haven't, let it ring out through the village: I'm as keen on superheroes as I am on beat 'em ups!
Okay, so maybe not all beat 'em ups, but I think I've got the basics covered. SF, Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Dead or Alive. Sure, I can stretch to some of the others, but this would undoubtedly be my core, with DOA bridging the familiarity gap between those I'm less aware of, like the SNK series, and those I love, like Street Fighter!
Some fans might ask, why Street Fighter?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-go-for-broke.html
Friday, March 23, 2007
Infinite Wars: Zangief vs R.Mika & Sakura
ZANGIEF versus R. MIKA & SAKURA(UDON comics)
Where: Street Fighter Legends #2 When: September 2006
Why: Ken Siu-Chong & Double KO How: Omar Dogan
The story so far...
Martial arts fanatic and school girl, Sakura Kusanago, begins her journey to become a great martial artist after meeting Ryu, the nomadic street fighting legend who dethroned the king of Muay Thai -- Sagat.
Staying in touch, Sakura receives the advice from Ryu that to become the ultimate martial artist, she should be open to learning from various styles. Thus, Sakura begins a new quest to learn from various fighting champions.
Her quest takes her to the professional wrestling show in town, where she hopes to observe her favourite wrestler in action -- Rainbow Mika! R. Mika defeats Zangief in the ring, but while signing autographs Sakura finds herself between Rainbow Mika and a challenge from the kayfabeless Zangief!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/03/zangief-versus-r.html
Friday, May 19, 2006
Infinite Wars: Ryu vs Sagat
RYU versus SAGAT(UDON Comics)
Where: Street Fighter II #2 When: December 2005
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
The story so far...
Having already tasted defeat at the hands of the murderous Akuma; Ryu sets out to better prepare himself for avenging his master, Gouken.
Seeking balance and means to protect himself from being engulfed by the same dark hadou that seduced Akuma, Ryu follows his nemesis Sagat to India.
There he finds the yoga master Dhalsim, who has taken Sagat as his student. Ryu is intrigued by Dhalsim's passive teachings of strength of mind, and ponders how such uncharacteristic techniques could be employed by Sagat.
Just a he asks his question, the answer emerges from behind the curtain.
Ryu stands face to face with his nemesis: the Muay Thai champion - Sagat.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2006/05/ryu-versus-sagat-udon-comics-where.html
Friday, February 03, 2006
Infinite Wars: Ryu vs Balrog
RYU versus BALROG"Super Action Series"
Where: Street Fighter II #1 When: July 1994
Writer: Masaomi Kanzaki Artist: Masaomi Kanzaki
The story so far...
Super cool wandering warrior, Ryu, has found his way to the man-made manhattan of the island, Shad.
While looking for a decent meal, he runs afoul gangsters who have been plaguing a small family owned restaurant for insurance money.
Ever the hero, Ryu comes to the aid of the sexy store manager, but not before incurring the wrath of the gang boss -- former boxing champion, Balrog!
Ryu offers Po-Lin and her little brother Wong-Mei a chance to free themselves of debt if they bet money on him to win the fight. But does Ryu have what it takes to win?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2006/02/ryu-versus-balrog-super-action-series.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)