Catching up...

I've been stupid busy as of late, and haven't had much free time to write, play, or think.

I suppose that is probably the biggest obstacle when it comes to mastering ST. Time. I want to believe that I'm starting just too late in my years to be reasonably decent, but I know that it's just a cop out excuse for not trying hard enough. Even though some of the points are very valid: I'm not a kid anymore. Learning is still easy, but the process is different... more time consuming. I also have a job, family, and friends; not to say others don't have those things, or that I didn't have them before, but those things have become a higher priority. Back in the old days, most of my friends played 3rd Strike, so it was a twofer to hang out. That isn't the case anymore.

The worst part is I wasn't even conscious that a week had passed since I had last logged into GGPO. It flew by so fast, and just didn't register. On my way home from another 13 hour work day it dawned on me: "Holy Shit, I need to practice for 2 old 2 furious." I reluctantly logged in and played a quick session. Did pretty decently, but couldn't focus. I'm just too tired.

Before I go, I want to say that the responses I got on No Honor Crew about my GGPO question last time were astounding. The opinions were all over the place. I was able to extract some very good points about the service. Mainly for matchup practice. What's interesting is that there is about equal part love and hate for GGPO, but most have just accepted it as a necessary accessory, even if it doesn't function quite as well as they'd like.

I've been trying to work out time on GGPO to train with Damdai, but given our schedules it hasn't worked out yet. I'm excited to report how it goes, once it's happened. but honestly, I don't know when that will be. Work for me won't be letting up for quite a while... but I'll try my best to make time for him.

-Faka

GGPO: FRIEND or FOE? Part 1

I'll elaborate on this more after I'm done being PISSED FUCKING OFF BECAUSE YOU CAN'T FUCKING DO ANYTHING ON GGPO!!!!! 

RAWR!!!!!

In the meantime, what are your thoughts about GGPO/Online play? Do you think its a suitable training tool, or do the inherit input flaws make it more of a hindrance to being a good player. I'd like to hear them.

-Faka

Do you have what it takes?

So I guess the appropriate place to start any journey is with a bit of a self assessment. I mean before tackling any great feat, you should have an idea of where you're at and where you want to be. That's like training 101. At least that's what gym coaches say...

I've been trying to conjure up a strategic road map plotting the easiest course possible to success. I'm fortunate; I do possess some minimal knowledge of fighting games, as well as I'm no stranger to the competitive environment. I would consider those positives. On the other hand, I've probably got the worst execution imaginable. To help conquer this step I've decided to list some positives and negatives I've come up with. They are as follows:

Positives:

• I have experience playing fighting games. I understand game mechanics and terminology. 
• I'm patient (this could be also be a negative)
• I'm comfortable asking others for help

Negatives:

• EXECUTION: (seriously, it's awful)
• Reaction skills are sub-par: Kuroppi recently pointed out that I use standing short/forward as an anti-air far too often. I agreed with him and then explained that I can't DP on reaction to jump in's. Partly because I can't execute DP's consistently (see above) and partly because I don't process the fact that I need to DP until I've been hit in the face by something.  
• Visual impairments: This is an interesting environmental variable. I struggle to see things on certain stages. Generally one's with high contrasting colors. Fei Long's stage immediately comes to mind, but also Boxers stage and a few others. My brain focuses on the the background and not the foreground where the action is. 
• Visual impairments II': I actually cannot see Ken's fireball sometimes. I thought this was specific to Emulators/GGPO at first, but it's happened when playing in arcades and even the redrawn sprites in HDRemix. I think it is actually designed to disappear on some frames, and perhaps that's when my brain is processing the image. Does anyone else experience this? 
• Spacing: While I understand this concept from other games, I seem to have trouble applying it to ST. I never know when I'm in range or out of range for things. I'm also afraid to walk in between recovery frames (of an opponents whiffed move) to throw or punish or gain ground. 
• Time: Always a factor in life. I barely have any time to play, or practice or learn. Therefore, I must make the most of the time I do dedicate. 

Match-ups I'm comfortable with:

• Sagat
• Zangief
• Boxer
• Ryu
• DeeJay

Match-ups I'm fair with:

• Honda
• Dictator
• T.Hawk
• Cammy
• Guile

Match-ups I'm uncomfortable with:

• Ken (invisible fireball??)
• Blanka
• Fei Long (sometimes)
• Dhalsim

Match-ups that make me want to cry:

• CLAW!!! 
• Chun-Li

With 2 OLD 2 FURIOUS: CE just around the corner I could really use some help with spacing/reaction/character match-ups. If anyone out there has any tips, or is willing to type-tutor me via GGPO, please let me know. 

-Faka