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May
- June 2009 Feedback
Upcoming
Artist. . .
This is Kaylo again just wanted to thank you very much for this website... See I'm
an upcoming artist and my specialty when it comes to comics or illustrations is
martial arts... I sent you a couple of my arts stuff back in December 2005 -
which you can see in the feedback of November-December
2005. ;)- Looking for information about fighting games characters is not
easy but your website have made my researches wwwaaaaayyyy easier, everytime I
log on the Internet TFG is the first place I go to ahahhaha but long story short
thank you again for sharing your fighting games knowledge... To show my
gratitude here's a portrait of F.Yagami drawn juss before I sent this email and
your favorite technique in the whole fighting game world....Btw the showroom is
Paradise!!!
-Kevin Lukata
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Frank replies: Long
time no see Kaylo! I see you've been keeping up with your artwork, I definitely remember
that style of yours... AWESOME work BTW! Hahaha, and very flattering at that. I really
need to work on my 8 pack.  ...Ten
belt buckle FTW!!!! AHAHAHA! Awesome. That jacket is pretty pimp too, I'd wear that in real
life. Nice
raging demon pose, your anatomy is top stuff bro. It's truly an honor to
know that talented artists like you still use TFG for inspiration... Thanks for your support as
always!!!! Stay in touch man, don't let it be another 4 years before you hit me
up again! Hehe.
~TFG Webmaster
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Sesame
Street Fighter. . .
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Frank replies:
Wow. I don't know whether
to laugh or be disturbed... "Looks at Big Bird Sagat again." 
LMAO!!! Wow, clever stuff man... The art is actually pretty damn good too, which
makes it even funnier and/or more disturbing... 
In any case, thanks for sending this!
~TFG Webmaster
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News with Morrigan. . .
Hi, I wanted to ask if u have a full size unedited picture of the Morrigan
news Art. I think its an amazing photo of her. I would really appreciate
if u could put it on the site.
P.S I have bin coming to ur site for years. Its great,I love it.
I dont know how u can keep up with so many characters.
-Emmanuel Jimenez
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Frank replies: I
wholeheartedly agree with you on that Morrigan art... That amazing artwork from
Cross Edge will be added to her page in the next Characters update
(along with Felicia art in the same style)! And thanks for visiting... It's a
lot of work keeping up with so many characters, but I love it... Keeps me young.
Hehe.
P.S. Also a big thanks
goes out to Alejandro Castillo for an awesome TFG news banner. 
~TFG Webmaster
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The Voice of Yagami. . .
Wassup Yagami-san? Btw I like the
"speed upgrade" and the way TFG is
blooming.
Somewhere in the YouTube channel of TFG I've read a comment saying
since the website have a video channel why not make a video reviews?
So is FYagami gonna make a video reviews? Personally I think it will be
awesome...
-9Y0
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Frank replies: Thanks
for the feedback on the site's speed, it seems to be running faster for most
people since the server upgrade! 
I recently got some new video making software (yesterday), so for one, you'll
definitely be seeing higher quality TFG match videos in the near future.
As the videos section continues to grow, it's "possible" you might see
some sort of video reviews or features in the future as well. I feel I'm a
better writer than I am a speaker, but that's not to say I wouldn't give it a
shot... I really enjoy writing game reviews, so I would consider going the extra
mile and try out the video review thing just for fun... We'll see!
~TFG Webmaster
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Capcom
VS Capcom in 2D. . .
Hey Frank. First of all, I just LOVE your
website! Fighting games are one of my favorite type of games to play. One of
the games I considered getting in the past was Capcom Fighting All Stars
because I loved the idea of different Capcom characters from various Capcom
titles fighting each other. Of course I was very upset when I heard it was
canceled and when I heard about Capcom Fighting Evolution, I was thinking
about getting it again. HOWEVER, upon watching videos and reading reviews, I
decided against it. It's sad because I really think Capcom had a great idea on
paper...but they just didn't execute it right. Not to mention, the franchises
represented lacked variety. Street Fighter II, Street Fighter Alpha, Street
Fighter III, Darkstalkers, Red Earth, and Capcom Fighting All Stars. Three
Street Fighter games, Darkstalkers, and unknown arcade game, and only ONE
character from a canceled fighting game that could've been great?
I really think Capcom should really try
to make another attempt at making a Capcom VS Capcom fighting game. However, I
have some improvements and ideas that they should take:
1) More character variety! Capcom has so
many franchises so this shouldn't be an issue. Resident Evil, Rival Schools,
Megaman, Star Gladiator, Final Fight, Strider, etc. So many other Capcom
characters CAN be and SHOULD be featured. I mean, look at Capcom VS SNK and
Marvel VS Capcom and the Capcom characters featured that you thought you would
never see in a fighting game before.
2) Original Combo System. I really did
not like that Capcom literally just copy and pasted gameplay mechanics from
the franchises cause that just causes a whole lot of mess. Really, it's not
fair that SF3 characters can parry and Darkstalker character's can't. Just
start from scratch and make a whole new combo/gameplay system.
3) NEW SPRITES!!! NEW SPRITES!!! Yes, I'd
rather Capcom make Capcom VS Capcom in 2D. But please for the love of God,
GIVE ALL THE CHARACTERS NEW HAND DRAWN SPRITES!!!
And that's really it. What do you think
about that Frank? Should Capcom try and give the Capcom VS Capcom idea another
shot? Tell me what you think on this issue and if anymore ideas should be
added. I'd like to hear your opinion.
-Darryl Vaughn
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Frank replies:
You're
absolutely right Darryl... Capcom should redeem themselves for the sloppy
work that was Capcom Fighting
Evolution. For the technology (and disc space) available at the time, there
should have been waaaay more characters and franchises featured in that
game. Capcom has had so many hit franchises, so they know they could easily make
a "Capcom VS Capcom" fighting game... The main question is, what style
of gameplay would it have? The more franchises that would be represented in the
game, the more "powerful" the featured characters would need to be.
You can't have Viewtiful Joe, Jin Saotome, or Strider Hiryu in a
"traditional Street Fighter" style game, because their fighting styles
are simply too powerful and unorthodox... Which is likely the reason they
weren't featured in Capcom Fighting Evolution, a more traditional 2D fighter
(which was even kinda fun for a short while if you gave it a chance). 
That said, if "Capcom VS Capcom" were to be done right,
I'd expect them to do a "Marvel VS Capcom" style game... Using an
original gameplay & combo system like you mentioned, but not "too"
off the mark of the classics. Knowing Capcom though, I honestly think they would
rather continue the VS series, involving themselves alongside other well known companies
to draw hype (like they did last year with Tatsunoko) instead of making a
seemingly "self-centered" Capcom-only fighting game. Of course us
die-hard Capcom fans would eat it up (like we're at a 5 star super china
buffet), but Capcom would have much more to
show if they get another company (or even multiple companies) involved in a new
fighting game project... They want to make money of after all. Make sense?
In
closing, I've obviously been a fanatic of 2D hand-drawn sprites for a very long
time now... I'll never fall out of love with pure 2D fighting games, but
unfortunately I think we'll see less and less of them since they take
considerably longer (and much more trial & error) to make than their 3D
counterparts. That's why I have a lot of respect for the creators of KOF XII and
Blazblue for this reason. I used to be more closed-minded about 3D graphics
(especially in the SFEX days) but in this generation, HD/3D video game
graphics have really earned my respect. In recent times, fighting game making
companies have shown that 2D fighting games can be done right using 3D graphics,
so you might as well get used to the trend... Capcom themselves are the
prime example, making a big splash with SF IV and Tatsunoko VS Capcom, two very
different (and awesome) looking games. Even as a hardcore 2D-sprite lover,
I'm not complaining too much, since 3D graphics really can take the "eye
candy" of fighting games to new levels... Camera angles anyone? 
On the flipside, unfortunately, TFG will
have that many less 2D sprites to add to it's collection. 
...On that note, let's be appreciative of the new 2D sprites that we do get, and the classic ones
we've come to know and love of course.
There's
still some hope though... If Capcom "gets the band back together," and
locks up a dream team of 2D artists in one room, imagine what could be
created... 2D fighting game heaven? The final question is, do they have the motivation to? Capcom has
been busier than ever these days, dishing out 10 (shooting) action games per every 1
fighting game they make. 
*sigh* I miss the old Capcom, but I support them no matter what. I'm looking
forward to the SF IV update in the meantime. You know it's coming.
~TFG Webmaster
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The Truth Behind SF4's Roster. . .
Hi Frank. Your site's quite an
incredible one, and I think it's pretty much a given that any moderate
fighting game fan would be familiar with it. That makes TFG a blessing,
but at the same time, crucial.
As you should know, many fans from the US, including myself, and Japan are
disappointed that no Street Fighter 3 characters are in Street Fighter 4.
It's not unusual to get pissed off when your favorites don't make the cut
in a new game, but I'm sure that not everybody acknowledges exactly why
that is for SF4. That's why I feel the need to rant. In addition to
sharing your thoughts, perhaps you can help us all out and write an
article to be posted in your features section regarding this?
It's important for people to understand one thing about Yoshinori Ono: the
man is a f-ing liar - a very terrible one at that - and a poor
businessman.
For a game that's inherently a big fan-service project, Ono really let a
lot of fans down. He had SF4's roster planned in full from the beginning.
In fact, somebody at shoryuken.com had inside info on the game, and almost
everything he said about the final project turned out to be true. Ono
basically told fans to make their voices heard and gave them character
polls to vote on, but obviously, with the roster being the way it is, our
voices didn't mean jack. I don't know how closely you've been
keeping up with game forums and blog posts, so if the following isn't new
to you, feel free to dismiss it.
Anyway, here's what happened....
- Dudley won a poll on Capcom-Unity's front page, but the results were
scrapped for a second poll. This is the poll that Cammy supposedly won.
However, she was later revealed in an anime trailer just DAYS after the
results were gathered. I don't know any animation studio that could work
up a specific character in a sequence that fast. Do you? This reeked of so
much BS that not long after, Ono retracted his confirmation of Cammy and
said the team hadn't decided on her yet.
- Fei-Long and Dan (of ALL people, why?) were revealed while the poll was
still open. And at a later time, Gen and Rose were confirmed. Now don't
get me wrong, I like Gen and Rose as much as you do, but they are two of
the most overlooked Alpha characters. There's no way they should've made
it in before Karin or some Final Fight guys, but they're there anyway.
- Furthermore, Dee Jay and T. Hawk had the fewest votes of all the
characters featured on that poll, yet THEY were the first ones Ono
mentioned as possible add-ons for an upgrade to SF4. Not Ibuki or Hugo,
who both clearly came ahead of them in votes, yet suspiciously behind Gen
and Rose.
- When the final roster was revealed, Seth Killian gave the "official
word" for why no SF3 characters have appeared: Because "they
weren't 'around' yet." I'm fully aware that SF4 is set before SF3,
but damn it, why tell people they can vote some SF3 guys in if there's no
chance of us seeing them? The game didn't have to take place RIGHT AFTER
SF2.
- Of course, that explanation failed to shut people up, and Ono eventually
came out with a more technical reason for their absence in a podcast
interview: Because "they don't play enough like SF2 characters."
What the hell does that even mean, not playing like SF2 characters? On the
most basic level, they do. They're 2D
fighting game characters. Yes, they would play differently in a
game where the emphasis is on controlling space and not close-range
fighting. I understand that. But whether that transition can improve them
or make them suck is a different matter entirely; SF3 characters do have
all the right tools necessary for zoning, and they should play well in
SF4, provided they're compensated for the things they would lose. They
robbed Gen of his chain combos to make him fight fair, but he's still a
good character to play; in fact, he's the ONLY one with two supers and two
Ultras. Oh, and get this: in the most recent interview, Ono said he wanted
to put Rolento in the game, but decided against it because he
"would've made the game feel too much like SFA." Really? If
that's the case, WTF are Alpha characters doing in the game, period? Gen
and Rose are more "Alpha" than he is.
I can understand that Ono's goal was to give SF the comeback it needed. I
know his intention was to bring back the millions of fans who played SF2
in its heyday. And from the looks of things, he's done a good job. SF4's
exceeded expectations on sales to the point where some guys are calling it
the next Guitar Hero! And that's due in no small part to Ono's decision to
bring back the 12 World Warriors. But in all seriousness, that's where the
nostalgia was supposed to end. He delivered to those millions of old fans;
what about those of us who have stuck with the series for the last twelve
years? Shouldn't we have gotten a say? And by that, I mean a say that
MATTERED? What's it to the casual crowd who makes it in as console
exclusives?
Many of them didn't even know SF3 EXISTED until SF4 was announced, and the
ones who did know dismissed it because Ryu and Ken were the only returning
characters. If SFA had proven one thing, it's that no matter how good a
new cast of characters may be, they won't sell a new SF without
much of the original 12 present. Essentially, that's all most
people really want. And now that they're the center-focus of SF4, how can
anyone not see it as unfair, or just plain disrespectful, to the rest of
us that there are four characters from Alpha on console, but nobody from
SF3? This was the perfect opportunity to get the masses to experience and
grow attached to great characters like Alex, Ibuki, Yun, Yang, Dudley,
Elena, Makoto and so on. What harm is there in bringing a few of them back
for SF4, when Capcom had already thrown Yun into SFA3 as a silly easter-egg
bonus? There's no reason not to, when it's clear that the demand for them
is high and had always been there.
If I had to guess, it's because they apparently don't fit in with Ono's
vision: a future where SF has hit the mainstream gaming market again and
the SF3 cast is forgotten. He's slipped up more than once, yet this guy
has the nerve to talk like everything he did was legit and act like we're
all f-ing idiots. I don't know any game producer who's been more
dishonest. SF3 may have bombed in arcades, but that's no excuse to neglect
it. For god sakes, even SNK listens to fans of their more
"unpopular" games; Shiki from Samurai Shodown 64 is a perfect
example of that. They would never poll people for a new game, deny their
requests and/or alter the votes, and then cough up lame excuses for why
they couldn't deliver.
That's the end of my rant. It's not my intention to turn people away from
SF by doing this, but letting off steam is necessary. More people should
know about this. I'm sick of listening to Ono's lies, and he needs to get
it through his skull that we don't want any more crap from him.
-Bryan Austin
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Frank replies: First
of all, good rant... I liked it.
Secondly, add me to the list of people "disappointed" that no SF3
characters made the cut to SF4. Like you, and most fans of the series (I'd hope), I understand
why they went with the roster they picked. They were bringing the series
into the "next gen," so they decided to go with the "most recognizable"
faces to makeover and bring back with style... And I won't hesitate to say that
some of the "oldies" needed a little makeover.
By doing so, they indeed got back all of the old fans that haven't
touched a Street Fighter game in ages... but what about us "true" fans that have
followed the series through every installment? ...And of course, loved the SF3
series?! Why are we now limited to choosing the old school characters/play
styles, unable to enjoy using the more dynamic and some-would-say exciting
SF3 characters? Well... The answer is... Capcom wants to make money.
I
understand why you (and probably many others) are still upset with Yoshinori
Ono, after what he said... Liar? Maybe. Poor businessman? Probably not...
As you mentioned, SF4 likely sold more units than the entire SF3 series ever did on any console
combined. By "hype factor" alone, I'd say SF4 was eons more successful
than SF3: Third Strike, and in some ways, that saddens me... A lot.
I like SF4
as much as the next SF fan, but after seeing how much it's been hyped by the
media; and how many
"noobs" started playing Street Fighter with 4... It's hard not
to call this game over-hyped & dare I say... Over-rated. At the end
of the day though, the fact that SF4 has reached such status is a big win for
Capcom, and the decisions made by Ono have proven to be no mistake... but in
contrast, possibly upset a lot of the "real" fans of the series by
giving them false hopes that they might have influenced SF4's roster. For the
record, I don't do the forum thing anymore... And I'm not one to vote on polls
either, because of this very reason. At the end of the day, it's the
development team that decides what goes into the game, not us...
The good
news to all of this is, Capcom is good with surprises... And any fan would know
they have a certain "pace" with their sequels to each Street Fighter
installment. There is some truth to what Ono said... "they
don't play enough like SF2 characters." True, because SF2 characters in
general have a much "simpler" style of play. Then again, the new
characters introduced like C. Viper & Rufus, have a much more advanced play
style, not unlike a SF3 character. What I think they're going to do is, once
they "update" all of the characters for the sequel to SF4 (giving
everyone a few more moves, and you know they can), the SF3 characters
will fit in with the cast a bit better.
I'd rather they do it that way, instead off giving us a watered down
Yun in the first game, who can't combo like he could in Third Strike. Let the
oldies catch up and learn some new moves, then the SF3 characters can
make their debut in the series. Make sense?
You can
quote me on this... I definitely think the SF4 series will bring back a
handful, if not all of SF3's characters to SF4's sequels, eventually.
Hell, we might even get parrying back some day. They got the old players
back, now it's time to please the real fans of the series, and allow us
to show the world why SF3 was so badass, and why the characters were TOO F*CKING
GOOD to put into the first SF4!!!
Capcom wants to make their next game(s) in the series as epic as the first game,
and to do that, I think the best move would be to slowly release classic
characters into SF4 from different installments... And by "classic,"
I'm also referring to
SF3 characters of course (by the time they do a full sequel I'm sure they'll be
considered 'classic' ).
So there you go Capcom, I've got your 2010 business plan right
here... 
Ha ha ha. While it would
have been nice to see at least one or two Street Fighter 3 characters
make the cut in the first game, I think Capcom will create a bigger
"bang" by releasing them later on down the road... Finally combining
SF2 with SF3 in the epic conclusion to the series' storyline... It'll be big,
and they'd be stupid not to do it. So all I can say is, be patient with
Capcom and Ono... They'll come through like always.
Thanks for
the read... I feel like I even got something off of my chest! Whew!
~TFG Webmaster
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Female Fighting Gamer Needs Help!
Hi. I'm AWYN (Emi) and I've been visiting your website for a while. It's very
informative.
Question. Would you please help female fighting gamer out? I'm currently
learning SFIII 3rd Strike's mechanics and I recently learned to parry (EXs and
Super Art) but I still screw up sometimes. Anyway, I'm trying to use the dash
(run) technique but I can't get it to work. I know it's double tap
forward/backward but no matter how many times I tap, nothing happens. I don't
know if something is wrong with the game or me pressing the wrong buttons. Is
there a one-button method or it has to be the double tap one? I need to know
this because I'm improving and I need something as basic as this out of the way.
I have the 3rd Strike game included in the SF Anniversary Edition together with
Hyper SFII for PS2. I'm not sure if this 3rd Strike is based on Dreamcast
version or directly ported from arcade. Thanks for reading.
-AWYN
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Frank replies: Yo
Emi! Sure I can help... Especially since I respect any gamer willing to learn
one of the best 2D fighting games ever made.
To do a dash in SFIII: Third Strike, make sure you do a QUICK double tap forward or
backward. You might not be hitting the directional buttons fast enough or your
controller might even be faulty if you still can't get it off, because it's actually a
pretty easy technique. Also keep in mind there's no "running" in Third
Strike, just in case you didn't figure that out yet.
Since you asked TFG and all, I'll even provide some animations for you. This is
what a successful dash looks like:
Forward
Dash (Quickly tap "forward, forward")
  
Back
Dash (Quickly tap "Back, back")
  
Hope this helps you
out. By
the way, dashing effectively is an imperative part of playing Third Strike. I
personally like using dashing to set up those anti-air moves (into combos). So practice those "quick" double-taps, it'll come in handy
for many other fighting games as well.
~TFG Webmaster
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Competitive
Fighting Game Culture. . .
Hey,
My name's Richard Caesar, I usually alias as FoxCross (which is my PSN handle).
I been following TFG for years now. I grew up in Barbados where there is a
REALLY healthy and competitive fighting game culture. I've cut my teeth under
some guys that I revere as masters in pretty much every Street Fighter, most
King of Fighters, Capcom vs (CvS2 is one my favs of all time), Samurai Shodown,
Soul Calibur and the list goes on.
I came to America about 2 years ago for college. The busy life of a UMass
journalism major/campus TV news director/online news mag editor, doesn't leave
me the time to go searching for competition as I'd like so my skillz have faded
a little. In any case, I'd be honored to have the chance to fight a couple SF-IV
matches against you at some point. I'd venture to say I have a decent Sagat.
Like I said my PSN handle's foxcross so you can just hit me back if you're at
all interested.
I don't know where you come up with the resources to run TFG and do it so well
but I can tell you I'm reeeally impressed. I also find that we share the similar
appreciation for certain characters. I admire your passion and I hope I can be
as passionate and tenacious about my calling as you clearly are to yours. Once
again, great work with the site man and let me know if you're interested in a
match-up.
-R.Caesar
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Frank replies: Hi
Richard... Wow, that's awesome that there's a competitive fighting game culture
all the way out in Barbados! From the sound of it, it's way healthier than in my
area. My local
arcades really suck as of late (meaning the last 3 years).
At least I have some good friends with skills, and thankfully online fighting
games have only been getting better with each release. On that note, I'd definitely be up for some
SFIV matches... My Ryu will gladly test your Sagat!
Thanks a lot, it's great to hear you've been enjoying TFG all this time... And
keep that fighting game passion alive, even in your busy schedule!
~TFG Webmaster
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PSP Love By Namco!
Whatz up
Yagami! Man, Tekken 6 and SC: Broken Destiny look great! The first SC game
to be on a handheld! It's about time! I only have Power Stone Collection and
Tekken: DR, but now this will add two more fighters for my PSP! hehe!
Since
we're not getting Star Wars characters on this version of SC, I wonder
what "guest" characters we will get! What "guests"
would you like to see in Broken Destiny?
I
have a few potential characters in mind.
Cloud
- A FF character could be in this game for sure.
Dante
(Devil May Cry) - Dante can do some sick moves if you're played the DMC
games!
Kratos
(God Of War) - A badass who you don't wanna piss off! He can be very
ruthless in a SC game!
Hayabusa
- The main star of the Ninja Gaiden series and a part of DOA roster would
be a good match! He'd be better off facing the likes of Taki, Mitsurugi,
and Nightmare!
I can
vision a cool critical finish with these characters!
Tekken
6 I can't wait for both PS3 and PSP! Tekken at home and on the go is
great! ^__^ I've already convinced two friends to get a PS3 and PSP just
for Tekken! This fall will be about Tekken that's for sure! I'll get some
really good competition! Now I can show what my Kazuya can do, as well as
Jin!
Take
Care and Keep on Fighting! Keep the News coming! BTW, I hope to face you
when TK6 comes out, I want to challenge your Steve! ^__^ I would be
honored to be featured in a Tekken 6 match video! I'll keep on schoolin
noobs until the time comes! haha! See ya!
-Power
Stunna
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Frank replies: Sup
Mr. Stunna?! I'm also glad to see Namco giving the PSP some love this year (it
needed it, though I've actually been having a lot of fun with Patapon 2)!
I'll
also be picking up Tekken 6 for the PS3 & PSP as well... Having that PSP
version to practice combos on-the-run will surely come in handy, as it did when
I was playing Tekken 5: DR at the arcades.
So... Already
speculating on the SC: Broken Destiny guest characters huh?!? You definitely
named what I'd call "the big three" potential guest characters... I
could definitely see the shock value in having Kratos, Dante, or Cloud make the
cut to the Soul series. After seeing the likes of Darth Vader, Yoda, &
Apprentice; anything's possible. Out of all of those, since I'm still a FFVII
fanboy, I'd be damn ecstatic to see Namco's rendition of a Final Fantasy
character. Cloud or Sephiroth with Soul Calibur animation?!?
That would truly be epic. I'm not a huge Dante or Kratos fan, so I
honestly wouldn't be too excited about those guys crossing over, but for the record I'd prefer
seeing Dante over Kratos anyday. Ryu Hayabusa???
That would be pretty crazy seeing him ditch the DOA series and appear in a Namco fighting game...
I doubt that one for some reason, but I actually wouldn't put it past Namco if
they got the rights to do it.
Thanks for the support
as always... See you on PSN! Your Kazuya will meet my Steve in Tekken 6 fo'
sure!
~TFG Webmaster
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