Fighting Game Tournament Discussion or Something

**Pineapple** · 20 Jul 2012, 09:46 PM

The kof finals were GREAT to watch, guy just had Bala confused and off his game. It was really interesting and at the same time kind of disheartening to see him switch characters like EVERY match. I think that may have had something to do with the blowup. But it would be really unfortunate if people stopped playing just because one of their heros came in second. He tried his best and it just wasn't enough, one would hope that would inspire players to get even better and come up with more new stuff to combat it next time instead of just giving up.

Soul Cal V finals were very interesting, definitely re-invigortated my interest in the game, and watching Fuudo in VF5 was a pleasure. I think I may end up getting that one.

**Bojack** · 21 Jul 2012, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by Pineapple

It was really interesting and at the same time kind of disheartening to see him switch characters like EVERY match.

He was probably doing that because he was stumped with his main team. I dunno why players (especially Bala at that time) would switch characters that much since if you don't win with your mains you aren't likely to win with your not mains unless you're going to counter pick.

**Thief Silver** · 21 Jul 2012, 10:23 PM

The point of switching characters was that his main wasn't working because the guy he was playing basically completely dissected the way he used those characters. I found it MUCH more impressive that Bala kept switching it up and putting out a good showing, you could watch and feel him figuring out KoF each match. A rematch between the two would probably be an even better match, but the truth is Bala just either didn't pay him enough attention beforehand (Problem with being so good is it's hard to keep an eye on everyone) whereas MadKof already knew the rest of his matches, focusing only on understanding Bala.

I mean after the first match or two (I forget exactly) KoF had him figured, and he did everything he could to break free from that mental lock on. It was exciting to see him display knowledge and skill with many characters in the game, it should not have been disheartening if you were watching what was happening. There is no way Bala would have won with his main team and he knew it. But with switching it up and taking advantage of all the matches he had a shot.

**Anthony** · 22 Jul 2012, 07:04 AM

Get good enough with your main team that you can adapt with limited tools rather than have to pull out new tools.

Back in the day, kuni beat all of our best old sagat players with zangief in ST. That's like an 8-2 matchup, and he beat multiple players multiple times. That was the most impressive fighting game player performance I have ever seen.

**A Robot Bit Me** · 22 Jul 2012, 11:03 AM

Watching that Kuni performance a few years ago was like watching Jordan's flu game.

**Bojack** · 22 Jul 2012, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by Thief Silver

The point of switching characters was that his main wasn't working because the guy he was playing basically completely dissected the way he used those characters

I understand all that. I watched the match and it was very exciting and I wish Bala would have won because the Mexican hype was so strong. But the point still remains that if he was unable to win with his mains and/or adapt to his mains then switching to characters he wasn't as good with was/is unlikely to work and he was simply done for. I've seen this happen in many tournaments and I've even experienced it happening to me on occasion when I've figured some one out entirely. Switching characters from your mains unless for counter purposes (see Clockwork vs. NeoRussell money match when Neo switches from Cyke to CapAm assist) is oft an act of desperation.

Bala does get crazy props for switching characters and so many characters and NOT getting outright bodied show's he's God damned good at the game.

**bahn** · 25 Jul 2012, 05:51 PM

Bala is the truth. I wish he could come out to events down on the East Coast. It was great to see him play in person at EVO this year.

Which reminds me, is anyone other than Korly and Adam from TNL planning to come down to Summer Jam 6 next month? If you have some free time, you definitely should.