They say after you go to EVO for the first time, you'll want to come back every following year. It is no different for me. I had a great and unforgettable experience in Las Vegas that makes me anticipate next year already. There's something about being there to experience the event first hand that doesn't compare with watching at home. Nothing beats saying "I was there."
Of course, ultimately I was there to compete and I was a wreck when I sat down to play my first match. You can see my AE matches on my YouTube channel. To say I was nervous is a tremendous understatement. My gameplay was very sloppy and not very calculated. It was a feeling I hadn't felt in a while. Usually I don't get nervous at tournaments at all. In fact, I consider my consistent demeanor and calmness under pressure to be one of my strengths as a player. That all didn't seem to matter the moment I took my place beside my first opponent... and the second and the third. I never quite got it together fully. My exit was swift, almost painless. Even if I had any thoughts about the match while it was happening, it was over so quickly that they wouldn't have any place to go. Thus, another major passed me by without a sniff at qualifying out of my pool. There's always next time. At least, that's what I keep telling myself.
Still, I am resolved to qualify for semi-finals one day. It a realistic goal that I believe with the right work ethic, I can achieve for myself. Starting at the beginning of this week, I have practiced extensively daily. The goal: Top 8 at a major. Wish me luck.
Sep 6, 2013
Jul 6, 2013
UFGT9 Post Mortem - My Results
It's been a while, but for those wondering how I did at the tourney, this is how I would best sum it up: Up and down. On one hand I performed very well in KOF and SFxT going 2-2 in both of my pools and finishing 4th in each of them. In AE which is undoubtedly my main game and with a relatively weak pool- I blew it -- 1-2. I lost to Arturo Sanchez "Sabin" and an Abel player. Arturo was a late entrant and was inserted in what was supposed to be my bye as a 3rd seed in the pool. I was looking forward to a clash with Mr. Street Fighter Alex Valle but stumbled before I even got sight of him.
I was disappointed to be sure, but alas that is how big tournaments tend to work for players of around my skill. There is some element of luck involved. Granted, if you're good enough, you should make it out of the pool. I am clearly not ready to be considered to be part of that tier of players. But here is how I look at it, even if I had won all the matches I should have won, what real chance did I have in a runback with Arturo? Realistically, I had a fair shot but I'm certainly not favored. I'd give myself a 10-20% chance. In other words, more than likely I wouldn't have made it out anyway which is the ultimate goal. It was make it out or bust and it sure was a hell of a bust.
I had many matches streamed in KOF and SFxT and you can watch those on VGBootCamp's Youtube channel. I also recorded some side footage and you can view that on my channel.
I have EVO coming up next week. Wish me luck.
I was disappointed to be sure, but alas that is how big tournaments tend to work for players of around my skill. There is some element of luck involved. Granted, if you're good enough, you should make it out of the pool. I am clearly not ready to be considered to be part of that tier of players. But here is how I look at it, even if I had won all the matches I should have won, what real chance did I have in a runback with Arturo? Realistically, I had a fair shot but I'm certainly not favored. I'd give myself a 10-20% chance. In other words, more than likely I wouldn't have made it out anyway which is the ultimate goal. It was make it out or bust and it sure was a hell of a bust.
I had many matches streamed in KOF and SFxT and you can watch those on VGBootCamp's Youtube channel. I also recorded some side footage and you can view that on my channel.
I have EVO coming up next week. Wish me luck.
May 23, 2013
UFGT9 - A Go!
Tomorrow I will start my travels to Chicago for Ultimate Fighting Game Tournament 9 run by Keits. This year's event will be the biggest yet and a lot of players will be going from our community-- too many to name. Special Shoutout to Jamarr "Jamarrvelous" Lewis and his company for accompanying me this time as my usual travel mates Blank and Joker were not able to make it this year. Wish me luck and I'll try to get a lot of footage of the tournament!
Video: KOFXIII Casual Matches - BlankM vs NGamer3k
These are some matches we recorded of some non tournament KOF action between myself and my good friend/roommate/training partner Blank. Enjoy.
Edit: Apparently blogger isn't letting me embed stuff right now. A simple link will have to do for now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b86AJlkk-CU
Edit: Apparently blogger isn't letting me embed stuff right now. A simple link will have to do for now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b86AJlkk-CU
May 7, 2013
Full Results - Joker's Monthly "Why so Serious?" Fighting Edition - Des Moines, IA - 3/30/13
I know this is super late reporting, but better late than... you know. The tourney was streamed by our own Kevin "kdotlo" but unfortunately the archives were not preserved. I'll be better about reporting and letting you know when and where we are streaming- I promise.
UMvC3
1: Joker (Taskmaster/Vergil & Trish/Wesker)
2: Ngamer3k (Wesker/Storm/Chun-li)
3: Figgy (Skrull/Frank/Sentinel & Wesker/Hawkeye)
4: Kevin
5: Dr. Razo
5: Greg Dang
7: Blank
7: CBK
9: Supa
SSF4 AE
1: Ngamer3k (Sakura)
2: Figgy (E.Honda)
3: Jon J. (Abel)
4: Top Hat
5: SBT ShankyJ
KOF and SFxT were on the docket but were not played due to lack of entrants. Sadface.
UMvC3
1: Joker (Taskmaster/Vergil & Trish/Wesker)
2: Ngamer3k (Wesker/Storm/Chun-li)
3: Figgy (Skrull/Frank/Sentinel & Wesker/Hawkeye)
4: Kevin
5: Dr. Razo
5: Greg Dang
7: Blank
7: CBK
9: Supa
SSF4 AE
1: Ngamer3k (Sakura)
2: Figgy (E.Honda)
3: Jon J. (Abel)
4: Top Hat
5: SBT ShankyJ
KOF and SFxT were on the docket but were not played due to lack of entrants. Sadface.
Apr 10, 2013
The Skullgirls Kickstarter
This is something I threw together in collaboration with fellow Iowa FGC member and Jurassic Park fan, Curtis "Top Hat". It basically sums up my feelings for Skullgirls and the activities of the developers.
Mar 26, 2013
Reaction to Capcom's Announcement of New Version of SSF4 AE
Last week, Capcom announced at Pax that a new version of SSF4 AE will be released. Additionally, they will be taking suggestions from the players as to what balance changes they would like to see. And just when we thought we were safe, Capcom pulls a fast one on us and we will have to readjust yet again. In a year where EVO will have had the same version of Marvel 3 and SF4 for two consecutive years for the first time since their respective releases, Capcom will be not stand by to see a third year.
I think this is a very bad idea for a number of reasons. First, I think this version of SSF4 is very good, especially when it comes to character balance. We have seen plenty of character variety and amazing gameplay that comes from a game where there was actual time to develop things. Some of those things, like unblockables have become the be all end all of the metagame for some and this is simply an overblown facet of the game. Are unblockables a problem and should they be addressed? Yes. They are not unlike the Ultra unblockables that were discovered in earlier versions but were later patched out. But much like those setups, do we hardly see unblockables come into play? No. Plain and simple. The fact is, unblockable setups take precise timing, many are character specific (with their own special timings), and we hardly ever see them. Even players who are known for developing them like Flash Metroid can hardly pull them off consistently. While it would be nice if they were somehow removed, it wouldn't be devastating if they weren't.
Second, this version of the game is the most balanced the game has been. Why risk messing that up? It seems like Capcom wants to create a new version because of the perceived staleness of the gameplay after many months and they want to artificially breathe life back into the game. Besides, we have already seen Capcom's balance philosophy at work over the constant revisions of the SF4 series. They undeniably pander to XBox Live crybabies regarding "cheap" moves and characters. This is was wildly apparent from SSF4 > AE > 2012. During that time, characters like Honda and Ryu were nerfed only to return more or less how they were. So this idea of user feedback is extremely flawed and anyone who says otherwise doesn't have much perspective.
I know what you're thinking. "Well, you're no different now because Sakura is going to be nerfed." No. I'm not upset that she will be nerfed (even though I feel she is fine), I'm upset in the manner she will be nerfed. We have all seen Capcom's knee jerk nerfs to Sagat, Cammy, and Rose just because of people are butt-hurt over a few specials.
I have even gone on record as saying, I was fine with AE with the top tier twins. I just wanted Capcom to be happy with their product and be done trolling all the players with false hope and the facade of any sort of plan. If they didn't want the twins to be broken and for everyone to pick them up, why did they make them that way in the first place? "Oh, just kidding! Here's ver. 2012." Give me a break.
Regardless of my feelings, this patch is happening. I hope that only small changes are made across the board so players like myself will not have to relearn everything again for the millionth time. Honestly, 2012 was much like that. I thought this version of the game was excellent but Capcom thinks it can do better. Let's just hope I'm wrong and the game turns out to be the perfect gem we all want it to be.
I think this is a very bad idea for a number of reasons. First, I think this version of SSF4 is very good, especially when it comes to character balance. We have seen plenty of character variety and amazing gameplay that comes from a game where there was actual time to develop things. Some of those things, like unblockables have become the be all end all of the metagame for some and this is simply an overblown facet of the game. Are unblockables a problem and should they be addressed? Yes. They are not unlike the Ultra unblockables that were discovered in earlier versions but were later patched out. But much like those setups, do we hardly see unblockables come into play? No. Plain and simple. The fact is, unblockable setups take precise timing, many are character specific (with their own special timings), and we hardly ever see them. Even players who are known for developing them like Flash Metroid can hardly pull them off consistently. While it would be nice if they were somehow removed, it wouldn't be devastating if they weren't.
Second, this version of the game is the most balanced the game has been. Why risk messing that up? It seems like Capcom wants to create a new version because of the perceived staleness of the gameplay after many months and they want to artificially breathe life back into the game. Besides, we have already seen Capcom's balance philosophy at work over the constant revisions of the SF4 series. They undeniably pander to XBox Live crybabies regarding "cheap" moves and characters. This is was wildly apparent from SSF4 > AE > 2012. During that time, characters like Honda and Ryu were nerfed only to return more or less how they were. So this idea of user feedback is extremely flawed and anyone who says otherwise doesn't have much perspective.
I know what you're thinking. "Well, you're no different now because Sakura is going to be nerfed." No. I'm not upset that she will be nerfed (even though I feel she is fine), I'm upset in the manner she will be nerfed. We have all seen Capcom's knee jerk nerfs to Sagat, Cammy, and Rose just because of people are butt-hurt over a few specials.
I have even gone on record as saying, I was fine with AE with the top tier twins. I just wanted Capcom to be happy with their product and be done trolling all the players with false hope and the facade of any sort of plan. If they didn't want the twins to be broken and for everyone to pick them up, why did they make them that way in the first place? "Oh, just kidding! Here's ver. 2012." Give me a break.
Regardless of my feelings, this patch is happening. I hope that only small changes are made across the board so players like myself will not have to relearn everything again for the millionth time. Honestly, 2012 was much like that. I thought this version of the game was excellent but Capcom thinks it can do better. Let's just hope I'm wrong and the game turns out to be the perfect gem we all want it to be.
Mar 20, 2013
Thoughts on SFxT ver 2013
This game is good-- really good and really fun.
Take note fighting game makers. This is how you update a game. There isn't a single system wide change that is not beneficial to the gameplay. Where the original version was a broken monstrosity, 2013 is like a finely tuned classic instrument. This combined with the DLC characters (that were already available) and the balance changes across the entire cast make for a extremely satisfying fighter to play.
We all know how bad the original was. Broken jab pressure, free tech rolls, stupidly safe gimmicks, and absurd jump ins. Now all these things have been either fixed or reworked as to actually having thought put into them. Frame advantage has generally been toned down across the board, tech rolls are now punishable by throws and it is impossible to reversal after them. Tactics like tag cancel DP are now more unsafe and jump tatsu is no longer flowchart brain dead. Along with these, there are even more system changes that equally benefit the game that I haven't even mentioned.
All this culminates into a fighter with a vast amount of depth. The game focuses more on what it should have in the first place, a solid ground game, hit confirming, and execution. You must be good at hit confirming and you must make your hits count by hitting your combos. Sure, you could make this argument in any fighter, but it especially important in this game. As one hit can potentially lead into so much damage-- you do not want to leave that damage on the floor by dropping your combo.
The team aspect of controlling two characters and all that goes into that of course still holds true here and was a main reason I liked the original as much as I did. What combos and juggles are possible? How can I configure my team to maximize damage? How can I tweak combos to ensure the proper character stays in? The layers of team composition go on and on.
I'm having a lot of fun with this game and right now I'm maining a completely different team from my Vanilla team of Ryu/Juri. It is all about Sakura/Nina now. I can hit confirm Sakura's st. RH into launch for big damage and I have solid anti airs and footsies. In the first tournament in the new version I entered, Maxout in KC last month, I took 1st with Sakura/Ryu (I didn't know Nina at the time) over Omaha's Jamarrvelous and his Heihachi/Hugo team. I'll have thoughts on different aspects of game (particularly Sakura) coming up soon and hopefully have some videos too.
Take note fighting game makers. This is how you update a game. There isn't a single system wide change that is not beneficial to the gameplay. Where the original version was a broken monstrosity, 2013 is like a finely tuned classic instrument. This combined with the DLC characters (that were already available) and the balance changes across the entire cast make for a extremely satisfying fighter to play.
We all know how bad the original was. Broken jab pressure, free tech rolls, stupidly safe gimmicks, and absurd jump ins. Now all these things have been either fixed or reworked as to actually having thought put into them. Frame advantage has generally been toned down across the board, tech rolls are now punishable by throws and it is impossible to reversal after them. Tactics like tag cancel DP are now more unsafe and jump tatsu is no longer flowchart brain dead. Along with these, there are even more system changes that equally benefit the game that I haven't even mentioned.
All this culminates into a fighter with a vast amount of depth. The game focuses more on what it should have in the first place, a solid ground game, hit confirming, and execution. You must be good at hit confirming and you must make your hits count by hitting your combos. Sure, you could make this argument in any fighter, but it especially important in this game. As one hit can potentially lead into so much damage-- you do not want to leave that damage on the floor by dropping your combo.
The team aspect of controlling two characters and all that goes into that of course still holds true here and was a main reason I liked the original as much as I did. What combos and juggles are possible? How can I configure my team to maximize damage? How can I tweak combos to ensure the proper character stays in? The layers of team composition go on and on.
I'm having a lot of fun with this game and right now I'm maining a completely different team from my Vanilla team of Ryu/Juri. It is all about Sakura/Nina now. I can hit confirm Sakura's st. RH into launch for big damage and I have solid anti airs and footsies. In the first tournament in the new version I entered, Maxout in KC last month, I took 1st with Sakura/Ryu (I didn't know Nina at the time) over Omaha's Jamarrvelous and his Heihachi/Hugo team. I'll have thoughts on different aspects of game (particularly Sakura) coming up soon and hopefully have some videos too.
Feb 27, 2013
Full Results From Joker's Monthly Tournaments: Fighting Game Edition, 2/23/13, Des Moines, IA
UMvC3
1. Joker490Frozen (Taskmaster/Vergil/Wesker)
2. kdotlo (Zero/Morrigan/Doom)
3. Blank (Spencer/Doom/Wesker)
4. CQDang
5. NGamer3K
5. CBK
7. D-Raw
SSF4: AE
1. NGamer3K (Sakura/Ryu)
2. Excalibur (Ken)
3. Top Hat (Random/Gen)
4. Abysmal
5. Blank
5. Pedro
7. Skizm
SFxT
1. BlankM(Hwoarang/Asuka)
2. NGamer3K(Sakura/Ryu)
3. Excalibur(Ken/Poison)
4. MagicTopHat(Alisa/Lili)
5. Pedro(Cammy/Julia)
PlayStation All Star Battle Royal:
Joker/Abysmal (Drake/Fat Princess)
Pcity/GQDang (Sly/Fat Princess)
NGamer3K/Blank (Drake/Raiden)
Pedro/Sylex (Kratos/Raiden)
3S ($1 entry Winner take all)
1. NGamer3K (Ken)
2. Grog (Ken)
3. Top Hat (Makoto)
4. Blank
5. kdotlo
5. Excalibur
7. Pedro
7. GQDang
9. Skizm
9. Abysmal
13. D-Raw
KOF - Canceled :(
1. Joker490Frozen (Taskmaster/Vergil/Wesker)
2. kdotlo (Zero/Morrigan/Doom)
3. Blank (Spencer/Doom/Wesker)
4. CQDang
5. NGamer3K
5. CBK
7. D-Raw
SSF4: AE
1. NGamer3K (Sakura/Ryu)
2. Excalibur (Ken)
3. Top Hat (Random/Gen)
4. Abysmal
5. Blank
5. Pedro
7. Skizm
SFxT
1. BlankM(Hwoarang/Asuka)
2. NGamer3K(Sakura/Ryu)
3. Excalibur(Ken/Poison)
4. MagicTopHat(Alisa/Lili)
5. Pedro(Cammy/Julia)
PlayStation All Star Battle Royal:
Joker/Abysmal (Drake/Fat Princess)
Pcity/GQDang (Sly/Fat Princess)
NGamer3K/Blank (Drake/Raiden)
Pedro/Sylex (Kratos/Raiden)
3S ($1 entry Winner take all)
1. NGamer3K (Ken)
2. Grog (Ken)
3. Top Hat (Makoto)
4. Blank
5. kdotlo
5. Excalibur
7. Pedro
7. GQDang
9. Skizm
9. Abysmal
13. D-Raw
KOF - Canceled :(
Feb 7, 2013
January Tournament Roundup - FR Qualifier, Omaha Basement Tournament
On the 12th of January, I traveled down to Kansas City for the third installment of KC Onslaught, a different tournament series than the monthly Maxout and usually bigger. This time was especially significant as the winner of each game would receive free entry and perks at Final Round. Out of 34 entrants in AE, I am your Midwest qualifier to Final Round 16 in AE. This is my best tournament win so far. Not only was it my biggest payday, I bested the toughest bracket out of anyone including winning over Leon Lewis who had beaten me at Frosty Faustings. The person I beat in grand finals was none other than Rex0r, one of my mentors who I have never beaten when he played his main- Balrog (boxer). Unfortunately, I won't be making the trip to Atlanta for FR. I'm saving my money for EVO-- which I just registered for.
The following week, Yulai, held the next installment of their revived monthly tournament series in his basement. This tournament had a lot of hype surround KOFXIII and the rivalry between Omaha and Kansas City, who made their first trip to Nebraska's turf with this tournament. So many times Omaha had stormed Kansas City had taken their money-- Jamarr Lewis had won KOF at the FR Qualifier the week before, and this time KC got a little bit of their pride back. They ended up taking top 3 in KOF making it look easy over the Omaha powers of Jamarr and Chris Henderson. KCs Notorious was the victor with Prod1gy taking 2nd.
Anh Nguyen, one of my rivals from Lincoln, took the AE tournament against me in a very close match. Rest assured, I'll be ready next time.
The following week, Yulai, held the next installment of their revived monthly tournament series in his basement. This tournament had a lot of hype surround KOFXIII and the rivalry between Omaha and Kansas City, who made their first trip to Nebraska's turf with this tournament. So many times Omaha had stormed Kansas City had taken their money-- Jamarr Lewis had won KOF at the FR Qualifier the week before, and this time KC got a little bit of their pride back. They ended up taking top 3 in KOF making it look easy over the Omaha powers of Jamarr and Chris Henderson. KCs Notorious was the victor with Prod1gy taking 2nd.
Anh Nguyen, one of my rivals from Lincoln, took the AE tournament against me in a very close match. Rest assured, I'll be ready next time.
Jan 31, 2013
Arcade Stick MIA, Thursday Game Night, SFxT
I have no arcade stick. It's gone its return is in question. Over the past few tournaments my stick had been having issues, specifically it would disconnect randomly and sometimes not even work on the PS3 (my stick is dual-modded). I dropped it off with Iowa's local arcade stick aficionado - Rob aka "Dracula_X." But now after it has been with him for over a week, increasingly bizarre circumstances that I honestly can't mention have made it so I may never see it ever again.
This has made me incredibly downtrodden in regards to playing fighters because firstly, I was really attached to that stick. It was perfect for me in every way and was also my very first stick I ever played on. Secondly, since I haven't been able to play SSF4, a game I love to play, my gaming life has become very bitter-- like an old man wishing for the good ol' days, I'm resenting every game I play that isn't SSF4.
The somewhat good news is that my good friend in the Iowa FGC, Curtis aka "TopHat" will let me borrow his Xbox stick for awhile since his Xbox has the RROD.
Meanwhile, in the Iowa FGC I have managed to organize a regular weekly night for casuals at Joker's house every Thursday starting tomorrow. I am very pleased with this as a move to collective level up as a community and to have more structure and communication. It will be very beneficial to play locally against one another and discuss events and for our better players like myself to help out others.
The night will most certainly contain SFxT which just released it's 2013 patch-- now with a new "FIGHT" indicator. I was excited to start playing again especially because I can now play as Sakura-- only to find out she is not that great. My first matches since I stopped playing (along with everyone else locally) were less than impressive. Sakura is different enough from her SSF4 counterpart that I am struggling to perform truly great gameplay with her so far. Her combos in particular are especially confounding. Tatsu loops are harder, frames are less advantageous, and juggles are tricky to time. I'm pretty confident that with time, I'll become proficient in the game, but as of right now-- it's a work in progress.
This has made me incredibly downtrodden in regards to playing fighters because firstly, I was really attached to that stick. It was perfect for me in every way and was also my very first stick I ever played on. Secondly, since I haven't been able to play SSF4, a game I love to play, my gaming life has become very bitter-- like an old man wishing for the good ol' days, I'm resenting every game I play that isn't SSF4.
The somewhat good news is that my good friend in the Iowa FGC, Curtis aka "TopHat" will let me borrow his Xbox stick for awhile since his Xbox has the RROD.
Meanwhile, in the Iowa FGC I have managed to organize a regular weekly night for casuals at Joker's house every Thursday starting tomorrow. I am very pleased with this as a move to collective level up as a community and to have more structure and communication. It will be very beneficial to play locally against one another and discuss events and for our better players like myself to help out others.
The night will most certainly contain SFxT which just released it's 2013 patch-- now with a new "FIGHT" indicator. I was excited to start playing again especially because I can now play as Sakura-- only to find out she is not that great. My first matches since I stopped playing (along with everyone else locally) were less than impressive. Sakura is different enough from her SSF4 counterpart that I am struggling to perform truly great gameplay with her so far. Her combos in particular are especially confounding. Tatsu loops are harder, frames are less advantageous, and juggles are tricky to time. I'm pretty confident that with time, I'll become proficient in the game, but as of right now-- it's a work in progress.
Jan 17, 2013
Thoughts/Reflections From Frosty Faustings V
Two weeks ago, myself and my good friend BlankM traveled to Chicago for ElvenShadow's annual winter tournament, Frosty Faustings. What started as the Midwest's showcase for Guilty Gear, has now become a big event featuring many games. I went last year only to disappoint with my performance finishing in the middle of the pack amongst 70+ entrants. This year with tons of preparation and anticipation, I was determined to make top 8. While this year's AE tournament was slightly smaller than last year, it was still intimidating to see all the great players there.
As I entered into the back of Nickel City, the venue for FF, I saw Alucard racking up a 20+ game winning streak with his Evil Ryu. Of course, I knew Wolfkrone, Big Marcus, Spriggan and the players that beat me at UFGT would also be there shortly. I counted the players and predicted who would make top 8. Did I fit in? In my mind, it was going to be close.
I signed up and as I wrote down my name, I noticed the name above mine-- "OctopusOnFire." I instantly recognized the tag from Xbox Live. He was a strong Blanka who I had played and lost to several times. I knew I could beat him playing in person, but I certainly did not want to run into him. Fate would have its way with me on this day, because as my ears perked at hearing my name called to play my second round in winners, my stomach sank when I heard the next name as OctopusOnFire.
He took the first match in a close battle. He seemed pretty calm and confident, but that didn't deter me. I knew I could beat him and Blanka doesn't scare me at all. I won the second game in convincing fashion. The match was mine from that point on I thought to myself. It was close, but I took the match. It was such a relief to get past him, because I knew the consequences of going to the Loser's bracket early.
My next two matches were not too difficult, 4-0. Top 8 was in sight. My next match was finally called and I had to play Leon from Omaha. A friend and a familiar opponent. Hearing of his wins to get to me, I knew he was playing extremely well. He sent Big Marcus and the Zangief that beat me at UFGT to Loser's. We were both confident, but in the end Leon bested me. It was a close set, but I definitely had my shot to win. Leon was in top 8 on the Winner's side.
I had to wait a long time to play my next match. It against another player I knew and played before. Reyart or as his tag was here "Spdbreaker" -- an El Fuerte. There was no lack of confidence in myself, but I knew if I made the wrong guesses I would lose. Sure enough, it just wasn't my day. Spdbreaker made the right reads and took the match in another close set.
I was disappointed and I still am-- mainly for not meeting my goal, but overall I played well. I had a lot to be proud of. For one, I beat OctopusOnFire, an online buggaboo who I didn't have much respect for. Second, I played well enough to put myself in position to win every match. In the past, I couldn't have said that all the time. I was so close this year. I get closer every year at the bigger tournaments, which I have to admit is very encouraging. There's nothing stopping me from making it out my pool at UFGT9 this year. Nothing.
As I entered into the back of Nickel City, the venue for FF, I saw Alucard racking up a 20+ game winning streak with his Evil Ryu. Of course, I knew Wolfkrone, Big Marcus, Spriggan and the players that beat me at UFGT would also be there shortly. I counted the players and predicted who would make top 8. Did I fit in? In my mind, it was going to be close.
I signed up and as I wrote down my name, I noticed the name above mine-- "OctopusOnFire." I instantly recognized the tag from Xbox Live. He was a strong Blanka who I had played and lost to several times. I knew I could beat him playing in person, but I certainly did not want to run into him. Fate would have its way with me on this day, because as my ears perked at hearing my name called to play my second round in winners, my stomach sank when I heard the next name as OctopusOnFire.
He took the first match in a close battle. He seemed pretty calm and confident, but that didn't deter me. I knew I could beat him and Blanka doesn't scare me at all. I won the second game in convincing fashion. The match was mine from that point on I thought to myself. It was close, but I took the match. It was such a relief to get past him, because I knew the consequences of going to the Loser's bracket early.
My next two matches were not too difficult, 4-0. Top 8 was in sight. My next match was finally called and I had to play Leon from Omaha. A friend and a familiar opponent. Hearing of his wins to get to me, I knew he was playing extremely well. He sent Big Marcus and the Zangief that beat me at UFGT to Loser's. We were both confident, but in the end Leon bested me. It was a close set, but I definitely had my shot to win. Leon was in top 8 on the Winner's side.
I had to wait a long time to play my next match. It against another player I knew and played before. Reyart or as his tag was here "Spdbreaker" -- an El Fuerte. There was no lack of confidence in myself, but I knew if I made the wrong guesses I would lose. Sure enough, it just wasn't my day. Spdbreaker made the right reads and took the match in another close set.
I was disappointed and I still am-- mainly for not meeting my goal, but overall I played well. I had a lot to be proud of. For one, I beat OctopusOnFire, an online buggaboo who I didn't have much respect for. Second, I played well enough to put myself in position to win every match. In the past, I couldn't have said that all the time. I was so close this year. I get closer every year at the bigger tournaments, which I have to admit is very encouraging. There's nothing stopping me from making it out my pool at UFGT9 this year. Nothing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)