Tuesday, June 30, 2015

#TheCool: The Based G.O.D! King of the Mountain!

For shall it be for long as I am is #TheCool brings you #LastWeekRightNow!

There's supposed to be a video kicking off this year's #DayoftheBasedGOD project but technical difficulties have seen to this outcome. Once I can get that taken care of then we'll be back to business as usual. Be expecting this and whenever the mood strikes me to play some Super Metroid.

Regardless of such is as usual is #DoaGHThaDOJO's always serving the fiends! On deck right now...








The King of Fighters NEOWAVE, Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code, Arcana Heart 3 Love Max SIX STARS!!!!!!, Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel, Chaos Code: New Sign of Catastrophe, Yatagarasu: Attack on Cataclysm & Persona 4 The Ultimax: Ultra Suplex Hold!

Fiends served as always! Like no other!

Next Stop! This Week in Everything! ALL ABOARD!


By time you read this is that J-Stars Victory Vs+ will be available in a hood near you!


Persona 4: Dancing All Night is out in Japan right now and it'll be out in America on September 29th!


Dai Gyakuten Saiban is gearing up for that release push and it'll be in Japan on July 9th!


Sengoku Basara 4: Sumeragi releases in Japan on July 23rd! PARTY NIGHT!


At some point they can check this off that list but for now learn a bit more about the world and behind the scenes of Yakuza 5.


Take another look inside the world of bra hunting of Moero Crystal!



It looks like soon it'll be time for Ignition in the world of Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax! We've talked about what's coming to this update in previous installments but this is the first real look at Emi, Quenser & the new changes coming to this update. Shoryuken has a writeup of all you need to know and you can find that HERE.

There still isn't a firm date of when this update goes live in arcade but know that #DoaGHThaDOJO will have the goodness on deck when it does!


Until the eShop updates on July 2nd is that Wave 1 of SEGA 3D Classics series are on sale for $3! Wave 1 includes the following games...

3D Sonic the Hedgehog
3D Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
3D Ecco the Dolphin
3D Super Hang-On
3D Streets of Rage
3D Galaxy Force II
3D Altered Beast
3D Space Harrier

$6 for any game in the series thus far is a steal for what you get but these for $3 is borderline highway robbery! I've said it before and I'll say it once more is that M2 has been killing the game for years and these are prime examples of the body count amassed for their work and you want to support this because you don't want it to stop! So if you've got some cash lying around then give 1. 2 or all of them a home in your digital library to say thanks to M2 and show SEGA you want more of these! Don't forget that coming to the series in July is the Greatest Game of All Time That Isn't Super Metroid in Streets of Rage 2! August drops the Treasure Classic Gunstar Heroes on you! September brings you Sonic 2 so be sure to be on the lookout for all three.

This has been a Public Service Announcement brought to you by #TeamGRF & People Like Us! Thank You!

Next Stop! What Did I Get Into This Week!?

I've been bouncing around some of my marathon shows but haven't finished anything. Watch this space for when I actually do!

I forgot to talk about it last week but the 2nd half of Stardust Crusaders did the source material justice just as the 1st half did! Even though the show didn't end with a Diamond is Unbreakable stinger is that there's some art on the Internet with Josuke in it from somebody who works on the show so maybe it'll happen? One can hope!

As usual, I give the thanks to the Usual Suspects for holding me down and keeping me entertained! Your sacrifice is always appreciated!

The sexy BBW is singing her song! So you know what time it is!

Last Stop! What I Watched on the Internet This Week! Last Stop! What I Watched on the Internet This Week!


Botchamania 278!



It is always refreshing to see the medium used to recreate the classics. In this case, this classic in question is still putting in the work just in case you're curious.


Another Steven Universe YTP because we could use more.


If I had a seal of approval or a GIF of me nodding my head it would go right here!

Quitting Time!

That shall be that for now!

http://fav.me/d8sd8k9

I'd like to thank topsu01 for some Pinkie love because we could always use more! If you like to check out more art like this then you have the deviantArt or Tumblr options at your disposal! 18+

Always a strange & eventful trip when you're rolling with the best on this #LastWeekRightNow train!

You know the drill by now and if you don't then ask your neighbor!

We'll see you again when this week becomes #LastWeekRightNow!

Same #TheCool time! Same #TheCool channel!

-Triple Da G.O.D!

Monday, June 22, 2015

#TheCool: Surviving the #E32015 Storm!

#TheCool survived the storm as we always do and this is clean up time! #LastWeekRightNow is all about #E32015! Before we get to that we have business to discuss!

Everything you wanted to know about Extreme Butōden is archived right HERE! I have a feeling this information is going to come in handy for a lot of folks really soon!

As usual, #DoaGHThaDOJO's moving that work even in times of crisis! Fiends never stop and neither do those who move this work! Available for fiending tendencies right now...











Chaos Code: New Sign of Catastrophe, Arcana Heart 3 Love Max SIX STARS!!!!!!, Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel, The Rumble Fish 2, Yatagarasu: Attack on Cataclysm, Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code, Persona 4 The Ultimax: Ultra Suplex Hold, Power Instinct 5, Koihime Embu & The King of Fighters NEOWAVE!

Fiends served! This Week In Everything X #E32015, SHOW TIME!!


I got the crew together and we talked about it all! So join us as #TeamGRF X #E32015 combines into something greater than the sum of its parts! Join us back here afterwards!



Now that you've joined us back here on #TheCool is we're going to take this one step at a time. So we'll start our journey on Sunday night when Bethesda took the stage.


Bethesda did their thing and showed off Doom, Fallout 4 & Elder Scrolls Legends. None of this is on my radar even though it looked cool. Honestly, the little bit I watched of it live made me go nap-nap. I think that says it all.

After some well needed nap-nap is Monday morning came and with it Microsoft taking the stage.


M$ came and went with the usual flair. Gears, Halo and the like but there were some games that caught my eye.


30 games for $30! The arcade version of Battletoads & Jet Force Gemini are the reasons I'm so down with giving my money to this. I'm glad that there's a collection of games like this for not only for me but for others who'll be discovering these wonderful games for the first time. There are questions I have about certain games in the collection but those will probably be answered closer to release.


Comcept X Armature = ReCore. What I saw has my attention so let's see if it lives up to that attention.


You wouldn't think a blind girl searching for a cat could make compelling gameplay. Beyond Eyes seems to prove that theory wrong with this beautiful masterpiece. I'll be waiting.


Cuphead was that game last year that had my attention but hearing people see Gunstar Heroes and Alien Soldier in its lineage has my undivided attention now!

They also showed off the HoloLens tech and I'm not impressed yet. That's something you have to experience yourself and until I do this is where I stand.

Other than what I took the time to mention is M$ didn't really impress me much overall.


The afternoon brought us EA and their usual sports, needing speed, Pele and Mass Effect teasers. There were a couple games from EA that got my attention.


Unravel looks like an experience I want to have and that's why I'm excited for it and have my eyes on it right now.


Faith is my bae and fuck you if you disagree! I must have Mirror's Edge Catalyst and there's nothing more to say about that!


Star Wars Battlefront. This is going to be THAT game! A must have when it drops.

EA does EA but again not much that caught my attention.


Later in the day brought us Ubisoft & Aisha Tyler. I missed the beginning but while Siege & The Division are in my eye sight there was one game in particular I'm looking forward to.


That game would be the game that was at the beginning of their show...South Park: The Fractured But Whole. Stick of Truth was in fact the truth and this game is all about Coon and Friends so this going to be that hotness. Can't wait.

Ubisoft. I only watch because I crush hard on Aisha Tyler and less about your game output. Assassin's Creed: This is Tuna With Bacon looked cool too but I don't play those games so there's that. Ubisoft.

The nightcap was all Sony and they brought the hype!


They started the show with The Last Guardian. THE LAST GUARDIAN!


I liked what I saw of Horizon: Dark Zero. My eye is on this one.


By now you know of Cammy & Birdie in Street Fighter V. If you're looking for the lowdown about both characters and the rest of cast so far then I've got you taken care of RIGHT HERE!


Final Fantasy VII Remake. Can you save Aerith? How humongous will Tifa's breasts be? Why isn't this Final Fantasy XII International? These questions and more answered at some point.


Shenmue 3's a thing now. On Kickstarter. You can give money HERE!

Sony gave you what you may have wanted but that wait is going to be super long. GOOD LUCK!

After the Sony hype died down we had Tuesday and all of its stuff to get through with #E32015 being official now!



The Big N started Tuesday off with this...


Star Fox Zero! In collaboration with Platinum Games! I will be playing this when it drops.


Fire Emblem if will be Fire Emblem Fates when it drops stateside and with it the whole Pokemon setup of 2 separate games, the DLC and whatnot. The Nohr make a compelling argument for reasons. I just want to play more Fire Emblem.



Speaking of more Fire Emblem, Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem AKA Illusory Revelations#FE or Genei Ibun Roku #FE as NoA is referring to it at this time is coming soon as well.

That 2nd vid is from the Nintendo Treehouse stream and should give you some clue as to what this game will be all about.


Xenoblade Chronicles X. December 4, 2015. Remember that!

Nintendo did what they did and knowing those titles I highlighted will be available for me to play within the next year gives me hope they may turn this around yet. And no, I'm not mentioning the Metroid thing so don't ask. I should be asking the question everybody is...Where's Devil's Third?


After Nintendo showed off their wares is Square-Enix made me go nap-nap more than once but what I did see has me excited.


Kingdom Hearts 3's first announced world is...Tangled?! Not the no duh of Frozen but at least we know something and that's good.


Platinum X NieR...YESSSSSSSSSS!


Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness looks awesome. Want more of this ASAP!

S-E showed off Tomb Raider, Just Cause, Hitman and the like but not up my alley but it looked cool.

With the conferences out of the way let's cover what else caught my eye.


If this is where it ends then it looks to be going out and taking every mind with it!


Is Castle Crashers Remastered proof that remasters have gone too far? It looks to make a great game even better so I'll be watching for it when it drops.


Platinum X Transformers = Transformers Devastation. While this is awesome is the last time Platinum did work for Activision we got The Legend of Korra. Think about it. Hyped regardless though!


Even with E3 in full effect is there are some new costumes for DoA5: Last Round that celebrate Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess and the whole series as well. Here's who's who.

Ayane as Millennia. Brad Wong as Earnest Love. Ein as Zeno. Helena as Reina. Hitomi as Alma. Honoka as Evelyn. Kasumi as Laegrinna. Kokoro as Kanata. Leifang as Telma. Lisa as Lyla. Marie Rose as Lili. Momiji as Allura. Nyotengu as Velguirie. Phase 4 as Celia. Rachel as Freise Grayder & Raidou as Victor Lagos.

$2.99 for a single costume and $33.99 for the set on PS3, PS4 & XBONE and $34.99 on 360.


Speaking of, Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess drops July 14th.




Hitting the Midnight Stage to remind you the game drops on June 30th in Japan is Marie & Tohru Adachi!





In your hood right now is Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition. Enjoy!


For some reason during Nintendo's Digital Event they failed to mention Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water. Weird that.


Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. Coming soon to a hood near you.


Does Project X Zone 2 have your attention now?

If you're answer is no then I may be able to help!

Coming to Project X Zone 2 as Solo Units are a Cutie Triple Threat.




Representing Capcom is of course my favorite catgirl and yours Felicia! Representing Sega is Ulala! Representing Namco is Valkryie! Eyes glued now?!

I'd like to thank BandaiNamcoEU for providing the pics and be sure to check out their Facebook page HERE!




If you'd like to check out some Saint Seiya: Soliders' Soul gameplay then I've got some for you right here.

Shakka vs Ikki, Saga vs seiya & Shurya vs shiryu are the entertainment. Please enjoy.


June 30th. J-Stars Victory VS+. Be there for the clash!


Killer Instinct has a story mode now.


Skullgirls 2nd Encore is coming to PS4Vita soon and you can pre-order the game HERE for $24.99 or $19.99 if you're rocking PS+ and if you do you get a special PS4 Skullgirls theme with your pre-order.


Coming to Eyes of Heaven is from Phantom Blood's William A. Zeppeli & Robert Edward O. Speedwagon. From Battle Tendency is Esidesi & Wamuu and from Stardust Crusaders is Mohammed Avdol & Mariah. There will also be a 2nd demo dropping soon and when more info comes out about it I'll let you know.






Coming soon from XSEED is Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson & Estival Versus, Oneechanbara Z2 Chaos, Earth Defense Force 4.1 & Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel.

Speaking of Nitroplus Blasterz is coming soon to the arcade version is Saber from Fate/Zero as a playable character and Angela Balzac from Exiled from Paradise & Yuki Takeya from School-Live as assists.




When this update drops is unknown but know that #DoaGHThaDOJO will have the good when it does!

Thanks to 4Gamer for the pics and you can read more if you'd like RIGHT HERE!

Koihime Embu will be dropping on PS34 in Septemeber so be watching for it! If you wish to know more then here the link to the official site HERE!


By time you read this this will be a real thing. I expect you to do the right thing here. $9.99 for this a steal and finally getting this version on a console as well. I have no clue what this version adds if anything but what does it matter. It's Shantae! THE END!

What Did I Get Into This Week #E32015 Edition?

I'm not finishing Super Metroid in time but I'll be finishing it when it gets finished. New game on the #DayoftheBasedGOD regardless of this!

Getting bunkered up for #E3 and watching Orange is the New Black is there were 2 things I missed and I want to speak about them now.

The 100th episode of Friendship is Magic is how you do fanservice like that. I will however never ever call Derpy by the name Muffins ever! Just not right. Congrats to the show and here's to 1000 more!

Drive & Gaim Movie Wars Full Throttle was great. The Gaim side was more of what's going on and less closure than usual. The Drive side would've been even better if I could've watched it when the movie dropped. Great watch I can happily say!

The universe got a #StevenBomb dropped on it with a week of all new Steven Universe and it was so good! Love the new remix theme too. Go watch Steven Universe!

True Detective Season 2 is delivering the goods and the last 3 minutes answered my question real quick of how is all of this going to come together and it did in a magical way and I want to see how this comes to some conclusion.

The Rock's new show Ballers is the sports version of House of Lies more or less. The comparison doesn't really do the show justice but I watched it and I'm down for as long as it brings the goods. Give it a shot if you're on the fence.

The usual suspects are doing what they do and what they do is very appreciated! Thank You!

The sexy BBW is singing her song! What I Watched & Listened to on the Internet This Week, please bring us home!




To compliment all the Giant Bomb is more Giant Bomb! If you watch anything is the last segment of Day 3 is a must! That is all I will say!


ROBOCOP! VERSUS! THE TERMINATOR...BEGIN!


New episode of Pokemon Bridged!



Shouts to Brisulph for this Neutopia II playthrough. I've always wanted to play both game but never got around to it. One day. One day.


THROWBACK TIME! Don't do this. Please laugh at it. Just don't do it. Thanks.

Be sure to check out this episode of Team GFB Radio featuring the legend Sal Divita RIGHT HERE!

And with that we can put #E32015 behind us and look toward the future!

http://www.pixiv.net/member_illust.php?mode=medium&illust_id=49138674

Shouts to MusyneXSK for this picture of Android 18! Be sure to check out more of MusyneXSK's work on Pixiv! 18+!

Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden drops October 25th in MURICA! Just so you know!

As usual, we thank you for coming through and be sure to join us next time when this week becomes #LastWeekRightNow!

Same #TheCool time! Same #TheCool channel!

-Triple Da G.O.D!

Friday, June 19, 2015

#TripleDaGODExplainsItAll: Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden






Extreme Butōden's been out for a week now and there's a lot of questions and I hope to provide some answers where I can. Below you'll find a whole lot of information you'll need for the game. I'll be updating this as more helpful information is found so come back and check every now and again for new stuff!

How to Control Your Z-Fighter 101

Note: Everything below is assuming you're facing right. Make those adjustments when necessary.

Basic Movement

→ = Forward
→, → = Forward Dash

← = Backward
←, ← = Back Dash

↑ = Jump
↑ (While Jumping) = Double Jump
↓, ↑ = Super Jump

→, →  (While Jumping) = Air Dash
←, ← (While Jumping) = Aerial Back Dash

↓ = Crouching

Special Movement

B = Emergency Evasion

B (When Timed With A Foe's Attack) = Perfect Dodge

Note: While both of these Special Movement options accomplish the same thing on defense is a mistimed Emergency Evasion can be punished while performing a Perfect Dodge will give you the advantage to turn the tide offensively.

 → + R = Hyper Dash (Uses 50% of the Z-Gauge)

Note: Hyper Dashes have some projectile invincibility and are also great for starting and continuing offense because it doubles as an attack as well. You can follow most attacks naturally with a Hyper Dash but you have to be quick about it or your foe could have the chance to block or even counter.

Defensive Basics

← (While Being Attacked) = Standing Guard

Note: Guards attacks that hit high or mid.

↙ (While Being Attacked) = Crouching Guard

Note: Guards attack that hit low or mid.

← (While Being Attacked in the Air) = Aerial Guard

Note: Know that you have a Guard Meter and can have your guard broken by blocking too much or blocking certain attacks that instantly break your guard so be careful.

A/B/X/Y (When Being Knocked Down/Into the Air) = Recovery/Air Recovery

Note: There are some instances where Recovery of any kind is impossible so beware of this fact.

R = Charge Z-Energy

Partner Tag Action

You are free to tag in a partner when your in neutral not being attacked or during a combo for 25% Z-Gauge Energy to continue that combo with your partner by tapping the portrait of your partner.

The general rule for whether or not a Partner Tag Action during a combo will cost meter is if the Tag cancels an attack animation then it'll cost meter to perform it.

Also know that the game considers you in neutral during a horizontal screen transition so keep it in mind as well.

Z-Assists

You can use a myriad of attacks and special effects by tapping a Z-Assist portrait.

Your Z-Assist calls are regulated by the blue bar below your life meter. You have 7 DP at any given time and you're free to use assists as you like unless you don't have the DP to call them out. 

As long as you have Z Assist DP you can call a Z-Assist anytime you're in neutral and not under attack.

DP is replenished as soon a Z-Assist has performed its action and fully disappeared from the battlefield.

After a Z-Assist has performed its function is you'll have to wait until their cooldown is finished before you have the ability to call upon that particular Z-Assist again.

Attack Controls

Y = Weak Attack

X = Strong Attack

A = Special Attack

↓ + Y = Crouching Weak Attack

↓ + X = Crouching Strong Attack

Y (While Jumping) = Jumping Weak Attack

X (While Jumping) = Jumping Strong Attack

A (While Jumping) = Jumping Special Attack

→, → + X = Strong Dash Attack

→, → + Y = Weak Dash Attack

L + Y = Surprise Attack

Note: This move is treated as an overhead which means it defeats a Crouching Guard.

When Attacks of the Same Strength Clash = Even Rush

Note: When Even Rush occurs is your job is to mash ABXY and whomever mashes the most will win and be free to act first once Even Rush finishes.

Combo Strings

X, X = Strong Attack String

Note: You can only do the 2nd X in the string if the first one successfully connects on hit or block.

You can hold the 2nd X and when fully charged does a wall bounce on hit or an instant Guard Crush if your opponent is blocking.

X, A = Blast Combo String

Note: This String creates a whole lot of space between you and your opponent.

However, some characters can follow a Blast Combo with a Hyper Dash to gain that space back and continue a natural combo with proper timing.

Y, Y, X or ↓ + Y, X = Z Combo String

Note: During the ↓ + Y, X version is you can connect as many Y presses as possible before hitting X to finish the Z Combo.

You also can either Jump Cancel after the end of the Z Combo or for 25%  of Z Gauge Energy you can follow up the Blow Away Attack with a Z Cancel by pressing → + R and continue your assault that way.

Y, Y, A or ↓ + Y, A = Super Combo String

Note: You can connect as many Y attacks in the ↓+Y, A String as possible before you press A to activate the Blast Combo.

Y, Y, Y, Y, Y = Neo Combo String

Note: A successful Neo Combo String activates a horizontal screen transition and upon its completion a wall bounce to continue your offensive pressure.

Y, Y, Y, Y, X = Meteor Combo

Note: Depending on where this combo is done is this String will activate a vertical screen transition that will switch between top and bottom parts of the battlefield.

Know that a ground to air Meteor Combo can be followed with a Hyper Dash while you can't follow an air to ground Meteor Combo with a Hyper Dash.

Special Attack Commands

L + X = Blitz Attack (Uses 25% Z Gauge Energy)

Note: This move varies between characters so learning what this move is and how it best serves you is a must.

L + A = Burst Strike (Uses 50% Z Gauge Energy)

Note: This move creates a whole lot of space between you and your opponent. However, some characters can follow a Blast Combo with a Hyper Dash to gain that space back and continue a natural combo with proper timing.

(Air) Y, Y, Y, Y, X = Ultimate Combo (Uses 100% & Z Gauge Energy)

Note: This move changes depending on whether it is done on the ground or in the air.

A (During a Foe's Ultimate Combo) = Ultimate Counter

Note: You have to have at least 150% Z Gauge energy to even get the prompt for a counter.

Once activated you'll need to mash ABXY to fight back against the counter when activated.

If you win the struggle you will do your Ultimate Combo in retaliation and if you lose then the attack will continue as if it was never interrupted.

Special Attack Commands (In Awakening Mode)

When a Solo Character has lost 50% of their HP or a team has lost a total combined 50% HP is you'll enter Awakening Mode.

You'll know you're in Awakening Mode when you see a flame icon next to your Z Gauge and your Z-Gauge is encased in electrical energy.

Y, Y, Y, Y, X, A - Final Ultimate Combo (Uses 200% Z Gauge Energy)

Note: Whether this attack can be started from a ground or air string is determined by the character in question so check their movelist to know what's what. Unlike when an Ultimate Combo starts there's no way to counter this so be very careful you don't get hit with one because it will most likely kill you.

L + B (While Being Attacked) = Sparking

Note: Sparking is the old Arc System Works classic, "The Burst!"

Once you use Sparking is Awakening Mode will end so choose your spot wisely.

L + B (In Neutral) = Dragon Soul

Note:  When you activate you'll do a lot more damage but your energy will drain until you're left with 1 HP and then your Dragon Soul activation will end.

Dragon Soul can be activated in the middle of a combo while your opponent is still reeling. The activation is fast enough to beat most stun times so take advantage of this.

Note 2: Both Sparking & Dragon Soul are governed by the flame icon next to your Z-Gauge. You only get to use one of these options so choose carefully.

Secrets

If you want to know how to unlock everything then I've got you there too. Below is the answer to all unlocking questions. Following instructions has never been so easy!

Unlocking the Other Modes

Beating the Z-Fighters Story in Z-Story unlocks additional stories for Goku, Krillin, Gohan, Piccolo & Vegeta. This also unlocks Mysterious Adventure Mode & Dragon Ball Quest as well.

Beating all of the additional stories unlocks a story mode for the villains similar to the Z-Fighters Story.

Beating Mysterious Adventure Mode unlocks Extreme Tenkaichi Budōkai Mode.

Unlocking Playable Fighters

Broly, The Legendary Super Saiyan: Unlocked after completing all the story paths in Story Mode.

SSG Goku: Unlocked after completing Mysterious Adventure Mode.

The God of Destruction, Beerus: Unlocked after completing Extreme Tenkaichi Budōkai Mode.

The following code is done at the title screen.

SSGSS Goku (US Version): ↑ X ↓ B A A ← A A ↑ X ↓ B A A ← A A → A

SSGSS Goku (JP Version): ↑ X ↓ B A A ← A A or Import Save Data from the Extreme Butōden Demo.

Extreme Survival Mode

In the JP 1.2.0/US 1.1.0 Update a new mode called Extreme Survival was introduced. 

In this mode you can unlock DP7 versions of every character who isn't one! Great for making viable teams with characters on the lower end of the DP scale.

All you do is play the mode and the characters randomly unlock so just keep plugging away at it until you unlock them all.

Note: The same points you earn in Extreme Survival can also be earned in online play but you'll get what you need a lot faster through Extreme Survival runs versus online play because of no wait times for a match.

A highly suggested team composition from me is to pick 2 of your favorite main characters, Shenron and a Z-Assist that can heal during battle. 

Your choices in this case breakdown to Dende & Gine who are DP1, Korin who's a DP2 & Kibito who's a DP3.

Dende heals you for 500 HP anywhere on the screen once summoned and he recovers in 3rd Place out of the 4.

Gine heals 1000 HP, however the meat can be collected by friend or foe. This can be avoided with proper Z-Assist calls during combos however. Out of these 4 Z-Assists is her cooldown is the fastest and you can call her twice faster than any of these other Z-Assists can be used

Korin heals 1500 HP, however the Senzu Bean he throws can be collected by friend or foe. This as well can be avoided with proper Z-Assist calls during combos. Korin recovers the slowest of the 4.

Kibito heals 1000 HP and in order for the heal to happen is you have to make contact with him and he doesn't heal your opponent either. Kibito recovers 2nd fastest of the 4 but nowhere as fast as Gine does.

You should avoid Dende at all costs because he's just bad for this task and any other.

Korin's a maybe and also with Gine is your safe usage of these Z-Assists depends on the character you're using and if they have safe ways to access their healing properties without healing the opponent.

Kibito falls in that same category to a degree but you don't have to worry about your combos as much using him just as long as you get him out there and get to him by time he disappears.

Depending on your comfort level is if you need a bit more a safety net then go with Gine and if you're confident enough that you can stave off the CPU between cooldown for getting Kibito out there then go with him.

Just for the record there are 2 other Z-Assists that heal but for what Extreme Survival dishes out may not be what you'd need to survive for longer stretches in this mode.

There's Baba who's a DP3 and she gives out a random buff to attack, defense, Ki or 1000 HP; However because of her random nature is I can't really suggest using her in this instance.

There's DP6 SS Gogeta who heals for 500 HP if the Soul Punisher hits. Takes too long to charge to even consider using in this way even though the Soul Punisher does decent enough damage.

Stick with my suggestion of either Gine or Kibito depending on your battle needs!

However, if you're looking for a more offensive assist then take DP3 Meta Cooler along. Some of if not the best lockdown in the game is provided by this Z-Assist.

GOOD LUCK!

Unlocking Z-Assists (US Version)

Note: All the following button combinations are done at the title screen.

Flying Nimbus: ← ↓ → Y B A ↑ X ↑ A ↑ B ↑ Y L R ↑ X

Great Ape: ↑ X ↓ Y L R L R L R ↑ X ↓ Y ↓ X ↑

Mighty Mask (Trunks & Goten): X Y B A (Repeat Code Until Confirmation)

Yamu: Y Y X → R Y X A ↓ ↑ B ← Y → X

Spopovich: ↓ Y X → R Y X ↑ Y X A → B A ← X B Y X

Yakon: → ↓ ← A B Y → ↓ ← A B Y → ↓ ← B A

SS4 Goku: ↓ ↑ → ← ↓ ↑ X B Y A ↑ ↓ ← → ↓ ↑ → ← A X

Pan: ← A → → A ← ↓ A A ↓ X X ↑ B B

SS Gogeta: L R ↑ ↓ Y X ← → A ↑ A → B ↓ Y ← X ↑ A → B

SS4 Gogeta: ↑ ← ↓ → ↑ ← ↓ → ↑ B A (Repeat Code Until Confirmation)

Haze Shenron: ↑ A → B ↓ Y ← X R L R L

Eis Shenron: ← L R → ↑ X B ↓ Y A Y A

Rage Shenron: X ↑ B ↓ Y ← A → R L X ↑ B ↓ Y ← A → X ↑ B ↓ Y ← A

Oceanus Shenron ↑ A ↑ B ↑ Y ↑ X L R L R L R (Repeat Code Until Confirmation)
                       
Naturon Shenron: R Y X A B (Repeat Code Until Confirmation)

Golden Frieza: ↑ ↓ ← → ↓ ↑ → ← A B A B L

SSGSS Vegeta: X A B ↓ → ↑ Y A R ↓ → ↑ → A R

SS4 Vegeta: ↓ ↓ → → ↑ ← ↑ ← B A Y A B Y X

Jaco the Galactic Patrolman: R → Y B A A B X ← L → ← R → Y B A

Gine: → A X Y B (Repeat Code Until Confirmation)

(US Update 1.1.0) Goku (Tractor), Vegeta (Dancing), Krillin (Police), Mira, Towa, Goku & Gohan, Chronoa: The Supreme Kai of Time, Time Machine, SS4 Broly, SS4 Gohan, Ninja Murasaki, See-Through, Super Baby 2, Champa & Vados were added via the US Update 1.1.0.

Unlocking Z-Assists (JP Version)

Note: All the following button combinations are done at the title screen.

Flying Nimbus: ← ↓ → Y B A

Great Ape: ↑ X ↓ Y L R L R L R ↑ X ↓ Y

Mighty Mask (Trunks & Goten): Y Y Y Y X A

Yamu: Y Y X → R Y X A

Spopovich: ↓ Y X → R Y X ↑ Y X A

Yakon: ← → ↓ ← → A B (Repeat Code Until Confirmation)

SS4 Goku: → ← ↓ ↑ → ← ↓ ↑ X B Y A

Pan: → A ↑ A → A ↓ A (Repeat Code Until Confirmation)

SS Gogeta: L R ↑ ↓ Y X ← → A
 

SS4 Gogeta: ← ↓ → ↑ ← ↓ → ↑ B
 

2 Star Dragon: ↑ A → B ↓ Y ← X
 

3 Star Dragon: ← LR → ↑ X B ↓ 

5 Star Dragon: X ↑ B ↓ Y ← A → R L
 

6 Star Dragon: ↑ X ↑ A ↑ B ↑ Y L R
 

7 Star Dragon: Y A B A Y A B A
 

Golden Frieza: ↑ ↓← → ↓ ↑ → ← A

SSGSS Vegeta: ↑ X ↓ B ← L → R  or Import Save Data from the Extreme Butōden Demo.

SS4 Vegeta: Import Save Data from Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission 2.


(JP 1.0.1 Update) Jaco the Galactic Patrolman & Gine: Unlocked via the DLC code found in the Extreme Butōden V-Jump Guide. This code has to be redeemed in the eShop and the game updated to version 1.0.1 in order to use these Z-Assists.

(JP 1.1.0 Update) Farmer Goku, Bingo Dance Vegeta, Towa & Mira were added via the JP 1.1.0 Update.

(JP 1.1.0 Update) Policeman Krillin: X Y → → ← ← ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑

(JP 1.2.0 Update) SS4 Gohan, SS4 Broly, Trunks' Time Machine & Chronoa: The Supreme Kai of Time were added via the JP 1.2.0 Update.

(JP 1.2.0 Update) Goku & Gohan (Father & Son Kamehameha): L L L ↑ → A B ← X Y

(JP 1.3.0 Update) Champa, Vados, Super Baby 2 & Suke-san were added via the JP 1.3.0 Update.

(JP 1.4.0 Update) Botamo & Frost were added via the JP 1.4.0 Update.

(JP 1.5.0 Update) Magetta, Cabba & Hit the Infallible were added via the JP 1.5.0 Update.

All other Z-Assists are unlocked in Mysterious Adventure by S Ranking every mission. There are missions where an A Rank will unlock a Z-Assist as well. If you S Rank a mission where this a possibility is you'll unlock both Z-Assists at the same time!


Additional Information You Might Just Need

For everybody playing the JP version is if you need a menu translation then ShonenGamez has taken care of that for you HERE!

All the below information is in Japanese so you'll have to do what you can to get what you need from it.

All of the codes for the JP version came from HERE!

A whole bunch of information about everything Extreme Butōden can be found HERE!

If you want to know how ranks in Mysterious Adventure are calculated you can find that HERE!

Information about all the items in the Item Shop can be found HERE!

Information about what every Z-Assist does & how to unlock them can be found HERE!

All of missions and their S-Rank Requirements can be found at the following links:

Prologue

World 1

World 2

World 3

World 4

World 5

World 6

World 7

World 8

Like I said, as more information is found and hopefully translated is that this post will be edited as need be. I hope this helps!

-Triple Da G.O.D!

Monday, June 15, 2015

#TheCool: Prelude to the Storm 2015

#TheCool is right here to bring you #LastWeekRightNow the only way you should ever need it! So if you're ready then let's hit it with no hesitation!


RIP Dusty Rhodes! Can't say anything other than that. A legend in the industry who's energy and knowledge will be missed! Thanks, Dusty!

As usual, #DoaGHThaDOJO's handling the service of all fiends and available right now...














Arcana Heart 3 Love Max SIX STARS!!!!!!, Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code, Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax, Akatsuki Blitzkampg Ausf.Achse, En Eins Perfektwelt, Breakers Revenge, Chaos Breaker, Aquapazza Aquaplus Dream Match, Nitroplus Blasterz Heroines Infinite Duel, Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate Arcade, Koihime Embusen, Yatagarasu: Attack on Cataclysm & Daemon Bride Additional Gain!


I've decided to pick up another archival project all about The King of Fighters NEOWAVE! Expect a hit every week for a nice long while! Enjoy!

Fiends thoroughly served!

This Week in Everything, combine that Rock and that Roll and make it spectacular!



Street Fighter V! A lot of information and given what we're pushing upon is that there will be more. For now if you want to get caught up then I have some analysis of everything that we learned this week and you can read that HERE! Be sure to check out the alternate version of the trailer for a trippy time in Street Fighter Land!




The Internet spoils everything. No secrets among men anymore. Didn't stop me getting hyped seeing Ryu in action officially! The thing is all of this stuff dropped at the same time on Sunday and killed the eShop. There's so much to stuff to list so I'll avoid such a folly. However, if you want to check out Nintendo on the DLC hustle then you can read all about it HERE! Seeing Virtua Fighter and Tekken getting some love is pretty cool I have to say! Here's hoping Nintendo continues to get more representation for other series as time goes on!




Later on Sunday the Nintendo World Championships took place. While I busy doing more important things (We'll talk about exactly what in What Did I Get Into This Week) is that the big news is Mother 1/Earthbound Zero is now on the eShop as Earthbound Beginnings! There's now a way for fans to temporarily rent this unreleased classic if they so desire. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet but I'll get around to it though.


By the way, Hyrule Warriors is coming to 3DS. You'll learn about this on Tuesday but when you do please act surprised!


Save the date, 2 days before #DayoftheBasedGOD Persona 4 Dancing hits Japan! September 29th for the US!





Just a reminder that Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess drops on July 14th and if you pre-order at GameStop you'll be able to get 3 exclusive traps which are the Golden Toilet, Grill and Kick Off. Power to somebody that isn't you!


Coming next to Full Boost is Princess Allenby Beardsley in the GF13-050NSW Nobel Gundam, Nicol Amalfi in the GAT-X207 Blitz Gundam, Lane Aime in the RX-104FF Penelope & Allelujah Haptism & Soma Peries in the GN-011 Gundam Harute.

I don't know when the suits are going to be available but they're coming so stay tuned.




3 days after #DayoftheBasedGOD is stacked with releases and one of those is J-Stars Victory Vs.+! So enjoy some fights between Naruto Uzumaki vs Sasuke Uchiha, Meisuke Nueno vs Medaka Kurokami and Jonathan Joestar vs Joseph Joestar!


My favorite Half-Genie Hero Shantae has a demo out in the streets if you backed the Kickstarter for it. I have a feeling we'll be hearing more Shantae news before E3's over!


Gal☆Gun Double Peace's OP if you so desire it!


Blade Arcus from Shining is getting a humongous 2.0 update that'll be be full of system & balance changes and of course more characters.





Rick Eliwood, Lorna Murasame, Urakuhime Hayane and Dylan Loen all from Shining Hearts will be joining the cast in this update. There was a location test this past weekend and I haven't seen anything from it so no word what's what. When the update will be official is unknown as well but know #DoaGHThaDOJO will be on the case when it drops!




In the shocker of the week is Homura from Senran Kagura is joining the console roster of Nitroplus Blasterz! It isn't the shock of the crossover but who was chosen. As a betting man I would've easily saw either Asuka or Yumi in this position but this is one step closer to my dream of seeing a Senran Kagura fighter. This does make me wonder if a character from Highschool DxD might crossover as well given the Marvelous link which probably led to this? I'll keep you updated as the news breaks.

Any linked picture came from 4Gamer so if you want to learn more then click a picture to be taken to their source. The unlinked Homura pic and the scan came from an unknown source I couldn't pin down. If I find said sources then I'll edit this accordingly.

What Did I Get Into This Week?

What game is being played on #DayoftheBasedGOD is final! For now. It's looking more and more like a game day decision so just be watching out for it when it does come.

Orange is the New Black is 3 for 3! Just damn good watching and you need to get down on this if you haven't yet! Do it!

I threw my hands up at the last 5 minutes of Game of Thrones if you're asking about how I feel about the finale. Was still dope regardless but WTF though! Will patently wait until next season!

iZombie went to some places and I want to go more places with it! Season 1 was damn good and I want more!

Money in the Bank wasn't half bad but that Ambrose/Rollins finish was garbage!

The other usual suspects did the work and I appreciate said work!

There's a bunch of Steven Universe this week y'all know what else is happening. True Detective S2 is upcoming so my opening words on that next time!

The sexy BBW is singing her song! What I Watched on the Internet This Week is on stage!


Shouts to cjflo for this epic! That's all. The rest will explain itself.


New episode of The Mark Remark!



Episode 2 & 3 of Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles.


Michael Jacobs, Ben Savage, Rowan Blanchard & Sabrina Carpenter at ATX 2015. Spoilers for the rest of Season 2 so you've been warned.



This episode of THROWBACK TIME is all about the music!

This is all about how music is perceived from one of us to another.



These two are filled with very important life advice! Be wise and take heed to the advice!

That shall be that for now!


This piece of art is provided by the legendary AKIMAN to celebrate Ryu's inclusion in Smash! Look really closely for the reference of this piece! Awesome stuff!


I'd like to thank Syroh for this picture that tells a lot about me. My love for catgirls and strawberries! If you'd like see more art then be sure to check out his website, Pixiv & @Syroh_1103 on Twitter! 18+ and such!

Y'all know what's next! I'll be doing my usual live tweet of the various conferences and the rest of crew is assembled and ready to speak on everything about it later this week! Be expecting it!

We thank you for coming through as usual and be sure to come back next time when this week becomes #LastWeekRightNow!

Same #TheCool time! Same #TheCool channel!

-Triple Da G.O.D!

Thursday, June 11, 2015

#PocketChange: Triple Da G.O.D! X Street Fighter V: Dirty Little Veecrets!


I never thought I'd be here again. Actually, caring about Street Fighter to analyze it but Street Fighter V has caught my attention in the best way, and I just wanted to take some time to point out some things that nobody's cared to notice or will actually.

Street Fighter is throwing the V's up with the Variable System and while it does seem to do what I've wanted this series to do by shaking the norms is that because Dimps is on the case is you should know is everything, you're seeing on display has been done already in The Rumble Fish and just like with 4 is that what V does are just refinements on already treaded ground.

The most prominent example of this is in 4 is the Focus Attack & its complimentary Dash Cancel are the Jolt & Advanced Attack respectively. This is my invite to you to compare and contrast those systems for yourself and see exactly the wave I'm surfing with the example.

Street Fighter V and the V-System are no different. For example, V-Skill & V-Trigger are 2 sides of the same coin to The Rumble Fish 2's Boost Dive. Boost Dive in RF2 allows characters to activate unique boosts such as Mito's Heart Barrier which is the precursor to Rose's Soul Satellite. Hikari's allows her to heal as long as Boost Dive is active. Orville's Boost Dive grants him technical Hyper Armor except he can be thrown during it. Every character's Boost Dive is different and the same seems to be present with both V-Skills & V-Triggers and I'm pretty interested to see how the rest of the cast takes advantage of both systems.

V-Reversals while not quite an extension of the Impact Break.is because of how V is shaping up is that I wouldn't be surprised to see a future character's V-Reversal work exactly like it even though Ryu's V-Skill Mind's Eye is a parry which is closer in nature to the Impact Break anyway,

Critical Arts in V do serve the same function as they do in both Rumble Fish games by being the strongest moves and costing everything you have. In V's defense is all you need is full EX gauge vs having both your Offensive & Defensive Art gauges full. For the record. RF1's Offensive & Defensive art gauges functioned like ST by having 1 long gauge for each and RF2 having 3 levels for both Offensive & Defensive Arts more like the Alpha series.

For now, we'll hang up the Rumble Fish comparisons and take a look at the 4 characters we do know about at this point!


Ryu, ever the stalwart. Nothing's changed about him much. His motions are the usual fare. The moves that come from said motions are the usual fare. It doesn't mean he's no less than he's ever been and with the V-System he'll continue on his path of being The World's Greatest Martial Artist!

Speaking of the V-System is his V-Skill, Mind's Eye as we mentioned earlier grants him a parry that's more like a Gatchi from Battle Fantasia because it's a parry using buttons. Doesn't share all the cool things you can do after a successful Gatchi but it was worth the mention anyway. Successful uses of Mind's Eye do fill his V-Gauge so that alone will make Ryu's opponents think twice before just throwing out ways to fill it faster.

His V-Reversal, Hashogeki which looks like some Hadoken variant. The Hashogeki creates enough space afterward for his longest poke to be effective after the fact and stop his foe's momentum in its tracks.

His V-Trigger, Denjin Renki turns all his Hadokens into Denjin ones and grants additional power to his Shoryuken as well. Even with Denjin Renki being on a timer is that well timed activations can lead to humongous damage and insane pressure because of what Denjin Renki does to his best poking tool. That potential is something to really consider because this is probably the most dangerous, I've seen Ryu in a long time that doesn't require the use of V-ISM.  I'm a fan!


The World's Strongest Woman with those legs and thighs that haven't taken a rest since 1991! Chun-Li, ever graceful and strong looks to continue to back up the title she was given long ago and V's looking to help her do just that and then some.

The one thing we should discuss before talking about what the V-System grants her is the Hyakuretsukyaku is not only a command motion this time around but is also usable in the air which is a first in the mainline series. Looks like Street Fighter X Tekken was giving us a glimpse into the future after all. The only change from there to V is that command is ↓→+K instead of ←↓→+K.

Maybe we should talk about how The World's Strongest Woman and the V-System because everybody wants to know about that!

Her V-Skill is the Rankyaku which is a command jump which in itself a rarity in fighters. Last time I saw one it belonged to Dante in MvC3. The Rankyaku hits going up and after the apex she's allowed to attack. Given all I've seen at the time my writing this is that I don't know if she can use this as a follow up after possible juggle opportunities which would probably be its safest use offensively as far as I can tell at the moment. This is going to be an awesome tool in her arsenal and seeing what players will do with it will be a treat to see.

Her V-Reversal is the Sohatsukei which looks just like the Sou Hakkei from the Alpha series. Unlike its counterpart this doesn't knock down or push the opponent very far. This very advantageous for her because she can use this to stop momentum and possibly swing it her way in exchange.

Her V-Trigger is the Renkiko. During Renkiko her Medium and Heavy normal attacks do 1 and 2 extra hits respectively. The offensive uses should be hit confirms into combos however I can also see this as a great pressure tool to bait V-Reversals to open up opponents that way as well.

I have the sneaking suspicion that one of Interpol's best and brightest will not only hold on to her title, but she finally may get the revenge she's been longing for.


Charlie Nash. The character who hasn't had a playable appearance in a video game since Marvel vs Capcom 2 (or in the reality I live in Capcom Fighting All-Stars) is back in V and with him has brought the fact that the Shadow Program from the Versus Series is actually canon or what happened in the UDON comics is. Either or.


Nash as he's now referred to isn't the same Guile replacement we grew to love so long ago. With his new accouterments comes new ways to do old things and new things to come with those old things. So, what are things?

For starters, Nash isn't a charge character anymore. Not a hint of a single command like it in his move list at all.

His Sonic Boom is done with a ↓→+P motion now. Not as strange as it sounds actually. I remember a MUGEN character that was a hybrid of both Charlie & Shadow, and that character had a Sonic Boom with the motion as well. Apples & Oranges but still worth the mention anyway.

The Somersault Shell has been replaced with a new move called the Sonic Scythe which is performed ↓←+K. The LK & MK versions both hit mid, but MK knocks down on hit which is the only difference I've seen thus far. If you're looking for something similar to the classic Somersault Shell, then the HK version of the Sonic Scythe is the LK version of the Somersault Shell for all intents and purposes. The EX version is the L1 Somersault Justice from the Alpha games. Either the HK or EX version of Sonic Scythe can function as Nash's anti-air if he so needs it.

Something he brought with him from the Versus Series is the Moonsault Slash performed with ↓→+K. It functions mostly the same as its counterpart except its only done on the ground now which makes it more like Chun-Li's Hazanshu in use and utility.

His other new move is the Tragedy Assault performed →↓↘+P is much like Iori's 212 Shiki: Kototsuki In except Nash leaps at his opponent instead of running at them. I don't have any clue on any type of invincibility during any version of the Tragedy Assault but if it does then use it to put a stop to longer range pokes and fireballs would be a great use for it if so.

His Critical Art the Judgment Saber which is performed ↓→↓→+K looks pretty awesome. He has to connect the initial dash to get the rest of the move but when you do Nash puts a show on. Looks extremely cool and brutal!

Nash & the V-System? Nash & the V-System!

Nash's V-Skill is Bullet Clear. Any projectile successfully negated by it will build up his V-Gauge. Also, if he connects with it as a physical attack, it will also fill the V-Gauge as well. Being on the other side of V-Skill like this is going to make you think before that next projectile leaves your hands or being near Nash during his rushdown.

Nash's V-Reversal is the Sonic Move - Avoid. Upon activation of this V-Reversal he teleports directly behind his opponent. From what I've seen is that he doesn't move very far afterward, and he may not recover fast enough to be able to start any offense afterward.

Nash's V-Trigger is the Sonic Move. This allows Nash to appear away, behind or above the opponent and continue his assault after he appears. Because this is his V-Trigger is using it with no purpose wouldn't be the best way to take advantage of it. Having the Sonic Move ready to go is part will be heavy to Nash's mind games and mixups. It really does seem like a great reset tactic for neutral or a way to go completely wild on your foe and pile on the damage. We'll see how it susses out.

Regardless, it is so good to see Charlie Nash back in Street Fighter once again!


The Master of Yes & Tuesdays in his OG form! Whether you refer to the Master of Shadaloo as Mister Bison, Vega or Dictator is that he's ready to finally put the world in his grasp once and for all and Street Fighter V may be the stage in which he does it on!


How will he do it though? The V-System of course but before we get to that is there's some things you should know about OG Bison.

He's faded back a bit to how he was in Alpha (Except for Alpha 2 Gold EX Bison) due to not having a Psycho Crusher as a special move but at the same time having a projectile as the command instead with a move called the Psycho Blast. He just summons a huge orb of Psycho Power directly in front of himself. With the Knee Press not knocking down is that if you want one then the Psycho Blast is the move for the job. Also, if you do this move as an EX it does become a Psycho Cannon.

His other new move is the Psycho Inferno done by charging ↓ then ↑+P which allows him to summon a spire of Psycho Energy right in front of him or to either side of him as an EX. This looks to be Bison's anti-air from the look of it so careful use with it in that manner should yield great results.

The Knee Press and Head Press haven't changed much from previous incarnations but the follow up to the EX Head Press does remind me of another final boss from another Capcom fighter which made me smile a bit.

His Critical Art the Ultimate Psycho Crusher isn't that at all. He has to hit with a close-range attack for the move to actually activate but given how Bison seems to play here is that it works well in his arsenal.

Master of Yes? Yes! Master of Tuesdays? Definitely! Master of the V-System? We'll see about that.

OG Bison's V-Skill is the Psycho Reflect and it does what it says on the tin for the most part. If any attack connects with the Psycho Reflect, he can absorb it and return a Psycho charged fireball in return. This does build V-Gauge every time he successfully performs the Psycho Reflect.

OG Bison's V-Reversal is the Psycho Burst. He surrounds himself in a ball of Psycho Energy which pushes his opponent far away. At mid screen it resets the battle to about the starting position so that's a whole lot of space given and taken away on both ends. Bison can quickly get back on pushing the attack so it isn't a detriment to getting back on offense as it might seem initially.

OG Bison's V-Trigger is Psycho Power. When activated he gets a Demitri like dash in which he's invincible until the recovery of the dash and he can chain these as well to get right back into rushdown range very quickly. Also, he disappears during both the startups of both the Knee Press and Devil Reverse while Psycho Power is activated.

Even in his OG form is Bison's still a threat. For the master of Yes & Tuesdays is he has all the tools to once and for all make the world his personal playground!

Like I said at the outset is Street Fighter V for now has my undivided attention. This game is looking to innovate and not play it safe life 4 did. Street Fighter V may be the game to actually back up the claim of "The Best Fighting Game in the World" because 4 isn't that game for a country mile or 2. With E3 right around the corner is who's next to join the cast may be revealed and here's hoping that they as well bring more innovation and imagination to the battlefield of Street Fighter V!


That E3 corner was turned into nice and smooth and around that corner saw the return of Birdie who we haven't seen since Alpha 3 and Cammy White AKA Miss Delta Red! How has the V changed both of these fighters? Let's take a look.

nmnvm,vmv

Birdie. His return to the world of Street Fighter isn't as dramatic of a cosmetic change as it was from SF1 to Alpha but no longer being a Shadaloo Enforcer has taken a dramatic toll on Birdie in simply how he carries himself now. It could also be that canonically if I had to guess that this game takes place in 1996 which is 2 years before 2nd Impact is that a lot of time has passed and time changes people. The times changing has granted Birdie with an IDGAF attitude and it flows into his gameplay style and with what seems to be the thing in V is he as well got an overhaul to streamline him, make him unique and just more fun to play as from what I've seen. How streamline? How unique? How more fun to play? 2 of those are grammatically incorrect as all get out and I'm very aware of it but I'm trying to have fun so work with me here!

The Bull Head is no longer a charge and is now done ←↓→+P. The Bull Head in Alpha 3 was on his move list, and you could use it but you had a better option in the Bull Horn. V makes this a go to move because of its huge damage output and the ability to combo into it and after it very easily. Making horrible stuff really, really good! The Street Fighter V way!

The Bull Horn has its input simplified to just holding down P instead of PP like it was in Alpha 3. In that game this was the move that was huge in his offensive pressure but what this move did for him there the Bull Head does for the most part in V. This move now serves the purpose of being an anti-air option for Birdie because it's now an uppercut in the very non-traditional sense. This change just helps keep Birdie very versatile and that I like.

The Bull Revenger is back but as a normal move and not as a super as in the past. The move is done →↓←+K and it works very similarly as it did before except the 3 strengths combined don't cover what the K version of the super did in Alpha 3. A lot better for dealing with fireballs and just a better utility move overall for Birdie.

One of Birdie's new moves is the Hanging Chain performed ↓→+K and allows him to reach out and throw his opponents from a distance with a chain. Controls a bunch of space in front of him in all those same directions depending on which K strength you press to activate it. You can delay it by holding K and pressing P to cancel at any time before you release the chain. Having that option really gives this move power because your opponent has to guess where the chain is going and if you'll even throw it at all.

Killing Head which is performed →↓←+P is Birdie's command throw and it does massive damage for a move of this type. Opponents are going to fear this option once Birdie gets in because of the potential for losing a lot of life getting hit by it.

His Critical Art, Skip to My Chain ↓→↓→+P literally gives him the opportunity to get some exercise in by playing some jump rope with his chain and his opponent attached and when he's done, he gracefully slams them into the ground! This is another example of how I enjoy this game going extra dumb!

Birdie & the V-System? Birdie & the V-System!

Just like Bison as of this writing is Birdie has 3 levels of V-Gauge just so you know.

His V-Skill Break Time allows Birdie the opportunity to scarf a snack down during battle which fills his V-Gauge. This V-Skill does come in 3 varieties.

The neutral version lets Birdie eat a donut which gives him the most V-Gauge charge.

The ← version grants him a healthier snack in a banana. IDGAF Birdie discards the peel afterward on the ground and your opponent can slip on it and be comboed afterward.

The ↓ version gives Birdie the opportunity to down a drink of some sort. Of course, IDGAF Birdie just rolls the can away when he's done, and the can is treated like a high priority low projectile. I haven't seen if Bison or Nash can do what they do with it via their V-Skills and unsure if they actually can.

Both the ← & ↓ versions fill the V-Gauge the same amount, but the gain is way smaller than when he eats a donut.

His V-Reversal Pepper Pot is Birdie sneezing his opponent away from him. Does the job of making enough space for Birdie to stay on the attack afterward.

His V-Trigger Enjoy Time sees Birdie down a very hot pepper and for the duration gives him an overall damage increase and sees all his special moves powered up for additional hits. A fun throwback to Alpha 3 is his Bull Head during this activation turns it into a combination of the Bull Horn and his super The Birdie.

From what I've seen is that Birdie is not only a welcome edition but is now and will be a force to be reckoned with!


Miss Delta Red, Cammy White! From the perch I watched 4 evolve into is Cammy was a problem and it looks to the fact that V seems to be embracing this and focusing hard into making this her best outing yet! Question is, how do you make better even better? I guess you could follow these easy steps!

Step 1: Do mostly nothing to what we're familiar with. Only 1 of her commands have changed in V. The Hooligan Combination command isn't ↙↓→ ↗+P anymore. It is now performed ←↓→+P. The only other time the command was ever changed was in HD Remix just so you know. The follow ups as they were in Ultra haven't changed at all, however.

Anybody with some Street Fighter knowledge may say the new Hooligan Combination command belongs currently to the Axel Spin Knuckle. Not in V it doesn't which flows into Step 2.

Step 2: Continue the trend of making characters more accessible. The Axle Spin Knuckle is now her V-Skill. This is great because one of her best tools is available to her by simply pressing MP+MK. With this simple change Cammy can deal with fireballs with very low execution. On top of that any successful hit builds up her V-Gauge. Also, to note is most of her moves now including this one auto-track so no worrying about the move not hitting its mark.

Cammy's Cross Stinger Assault performed ↓→↓→+P is her Critical Art and its nothing more than a stylized version of her classic Super Move the Killer Bee Assault except for the fact its way better than that move ever was. No game other than Marvel 2 gave the move some actual utility in her offense but the Cross Stinger Assault is one of the best Critical Arts in the game for its utility as a combo ender and a huge unscaled punish as well.

Her V-Reversal, Strike Back has her switch sides with her foe after the move's finished. The positioning after the knockdown is nice at mid-screen but even better for a stock of V-Gauge she can eliminate corner pressure and turn the tide with proper timing and correct usage of the move. Perfect for her rush down nature to quickly swing offense back in her favor after using it.

Her V-Trigger, Delta Drive boosts her overall speed, so she recovers faster on hit or block. The Spiral Arrow, Cannon Spike & Cannon Strike do more hits and the Spiral Arrow & Cannon Strike both go through enemies on block which allows her to stay on offense while Delta Drive is active.

Step 3: Enjoy this version of Cammy! Again, this is another example of how V is making its best attempt to even the playing field for the cast as much as possible and could be THAT GAME when it drops next year.


Then came San Diego Comic-Con and with it the reveal of Player Numero Dos AKA Mister Masters but you know him better as Big Poppa Ken. Having his reveal be at one of the biggest cultural events of the year wasn't an accident at all.

For the Pan-American Champion the good ole USA is Home, Sweet Home and there was no better place to see how Mister Masters does the things in V! But how does he do it? Let's find out!


Seeing the Ken trailer and showing how different his style is from Ryu's is the event that instilled that truth that this game truly wants to be diverse in what it does and by really making Ken stand out from Ryu in this manner is what I want this game to do and continue doing.

Since Championship Edition is Ken & Ryu have been on different sides of the Shoto map slowly drifting apart but this is the most drastic a change has ever been and its for the very best and keeping with V's continued practice of being inventive and diverse. BUT HOW DIVERSE IS HE?! Glad you asked.

When it comes to what you know is the only major change is how his Tatsumaki Senpukyaku works now. The HK version is an actual working version Tetsu Yatogi's Combo Kick 2 from Kakuge Yaro seeing as that move is treated like an anti-air of sorts and only combos in those situations.

For the record, Kakuge Yaro is a pretty fun experience even with-it being kind of busted but creating your own fighting game with the tools given is pretty fun though.

Back to the subject at hand because you might also want to know that Ken's EX version of that move is a Dive Kick which in situations, I've seen does allow for follow up opportunities after the fact. RIP to the legend himself Reuben Kee and that Evil Ken he created for MUGEN. As soon as I saw the move that was the first thing that popped into my head. Strange the things that jog your memory.

Everything else is the usual Ken standard fare. Hadokens and Shoryukens because that what Ken do. EX Shoryuken is the Shoryureppa and I just needed to mention that for sake's sake.

His Critical Art, Guren Enjinkyaku as with most Critical Arts is not only very showy but very versatile in combos. You'll probably want to hit confirm from small chains into it so you're doing max damage because otherwise you're wasting all that EX meter that could serve Ken better in other ways.

When it comes to Ken and the V-System is that it really shows what Ken is about this time around.

Ken's game is literally rushdown in every sense of the word.

His V-Skill, Funjinkyaku is proof of the fact seeing as it is a command dash. From what I've seen its a more offensive version of Violent Ken's Rasetsu Kyaku in the fact that Ken can cancel into anything available on the ground and can even cancel out of normals into it to keep up the pressure. The Rasetsu Kyaku in Chaos when it came to offense in general was very situational because you only could take advantage of it in an offensive sense during MAX Mode but in trade Ken doesn't teleport during the Funjinkyaku so he doesn't get the good that comes with that.

His V-Reversal the Senpu Nata Otoshi is simply a flaming overhead kick. From what it looks like is in certain situations you may be able to follow up with some offense after it seeing as not only they aren't sent very far but also have to recover from being set aflame as well.

His V-Trigger, Heat Rush is like Cammy's Delta Drive where his moveset is altered and powered up during the duration. This means that during it your combo opportunities expand even further so don't waste a moment while you're in Heat Rush.

As someone who's played Ken in every iteration of this series where it mattered to do so is that even without playing the character is this has to be easily Top 3 Ken iterations ever. Those other 2 belong to the aforementioned Violent Ken from SVC Chaos and of course from EX2Plus because swag Ken combos are swag!

Enjoy your rushdown Ken Masters! Know I will!


Following up San Diego Comic-Con was news from EVO 2015. The panel about the game really revealed a lot about the mentality of what V will do right be by learning from rights and wrongs of the past. One the big things that came out of that panel is that you're only buying 1 copy of Street Fighter V. While I enjoyed collecting every iteration of 4 for scientific purposes is knowing that Capcom's learning and adapting to the needs of the fanbase makes me very happy. Also is that every single thing the game will ever provide you will be unlockable in the game via DAT FIGHT MONEY!!! You can still buy things out right by turning real life money into Capcom's monetary value of choice in Zenny if that's how you get down as well. This was a missed opportunity to have Bison Dollars be what you use for these kinds of purchases. Not too late to make that change. Even with that news given how digital things tend to work is I wouldn't mind a disc at the end V's life cycle so all of that content will be physically available no matter what happens. The only question is will Capcom stay this course?

Even given that is Capcom wasn't quite done with showing off Street Fighter V on the big stage of EVO in the slightest. Before the Top 8 of Ultra SF4 the world was treated to the next playable character in Street Fighter V.


Let me now introduce to you Street Fighter V's first new character! The Soul-Slaying Darkness, Necalli!


As far as story goes is I've got nothing. I wouldn't be surprised if he's not under the influence of the Satsui no Hado or some counter to it given what we've seen at this point, but anything is possible.

When it comes to his gameplay style, he's pretty standard with all the tools he needs to get the job done.

His unique attacks are the Opening Dagger performed which →+P which is an overhead which has some combo potential and mixup ability during rushdown. This is also one of his Crush Counters so Opening Dagger should always be something Necalli should be doing in pressure situations.

Road to the Sun which is performed During a Forward Jump ↓+HK is his Dive Kick. Can combo after it in some situations but very punishable on block.

Necalli's Target Combo is MK, HK, MP+MK. Great string for pressure and because this string ends in his V-Skill is that you're building V-Gauge on hit. There are some other reasons why his V-Skill is very good but that comes later.

The Disc's Guidance performed ↓→+P is his rushing slash move. Great for pressure and combo strings and if you miss Wolverine then on EX the move is the Berserker Barrage for all intents and purposes.

Raging Light performed →↓↘+P is his anti-air. How far and what purpose the move serves in what situation depends on the button press. HP & EX have some invincibility on startup so keep that in mind too.

Mask of Tlalli performed ←↓→+P is Necalli's command grab. Great during pressure and EX does a wall bounce so you're free to combo afterward so please do so.

Valiant Rebellion performed ↓→+K is a stomp directly in front of Necalli. The streets are very correct in saying that it is like Evil Ryu's Ryusokyaku and you can use it in the same manner with Necalli so do that too.

Ceremony of Honor performed ↓→↓→+P which is pretty much Wolverine's Weapon X with the style and flair that Necalli brings to the table.

The V-System does wonders for Necalli's game as it does for every single character on the roster. Let us delve into those wonders now.

Culminated Power is Necalli's V-Skill, and it allows him to a degree to have pressure where he needs it. It's Viper's Seismic Hammer for the most part because he's able to control where it comes out with → or ← before using it. It does work great at controlling space but only if it's thought out because of the startup associated with the move but it is a meter less way for him to deal with fireballs so keep that in mind. He builds V-Gauge if the move hits no matter the situation in which it does connect. In other words, he even builds meter when you block it.

The Calling is Necalli's V-Reversal and with a powerful roar makes the opponent give him some room. Because of Necalli's speed is he can use this to make space and shift momentum if done strategically.

Torrent of Power is Necalli's V-Trigger and completely changes everything about what he does to a drastic degree even more so than Delta Drive or Heat Rush including powering up to Super Saiyan God Mode. He completely changes as a character in every way a character can change including frame data for everything he does. In trade, he loses access to all other V-Gauge skills for the rest of the round so be sure you want to give that up in exchange for what you get.

Also, when Torrent of Power is activated, it changes his Critical Art into the Soul Offering. Allegedly this move can instant kill somehow but I've yet to see anybody use it to prove that's what it actually does. This does make him even more dangerous if this is the case in later rounds when he has a full EX Gauge and can build his V-Gauge quickly to put an end to you which is what Necalli's all about. This was also the move that made me consider that his power may be attributed to the Satsui no Hado. Whether there's some truth in such a hypothesis will be known soon enough.

Necalli is a great addition to not only this cast but the world of Street Fighter! Can't wait to see what's next from him!

UPDATE: During TGS, The Disc's Guidance & Raging Light were both changed to charge commands (← Charge → + P & ↓ Charge ↑ + P) respectively but have since been reverted to their previous commands.


Then came a trip to Germany to see what Gamescom had in store for the cast of Street Fighter V. What it brought back was the visage of deadly beauty if you'd let him tell it. It was of course the Spanish Ninja, Vega!

Vega's had his ups and downs during his time but Street Fighter V ever vigilant in the work of best even better has done so in Vega. What you know is mostly the same but what has changed has completely changed how Vega works. Time to explain how it's done!


When alleged perfection is in front you, is you never really think how it can be improved on. Street Fighter V isn't afraid to ask the question and tell you the answer.

It would seem the answer was in front of us all along. Take what we've become accustomed to and make that the point where change is made.

You not only continue the trend of easing use by giving Vega motion commands, which allegedly isn't final at moment. You more importantly also make him a stance character which doesn't buck what you're used to, and it adds some diversity to a character who doesn't change too often.

Vega can switch between having his claw on or off as a stance change with Switch Claw performed ↓→+P. This isn't like it's been in past games where it's just a command which attaches a new claw or throws it away. This changes not only what your options are but what it is you can actually do during either stance. He can actually switch stances during combos which makes this option even more versatile. However, if the claw should break is you lose it for the remainder of the round. Also, you lose out on Vega's best poking tools and some of his more damaging options but as you'll see you aren't completely dead in the water if this should happen.

For the record, Vega has been able to a degree remove his claw at will for a while now. The game that introduced this mechanic was of course Street Fighter EX2 where he could attach a new claw at will even before his current one broke. The move also had some combo swag as well if that's what you're into.

Street Fighter 4 took this to the next level with him being able to remove his mask for a level of EX gauge as well which increased his damage output but also lowered his defense when you did so.

Depending on what stance he's in he has one of two attacks available.

When he has the claw on, he has access to the Aurora Spin Edge performed ↓←+P and depending on what version is used gives Vega additional options depending on the situation including a powerful and versatile combo ender.

When the claw is off, he gains a command grab in the Grand Izuna Drop performed →↓←+P. It's just an Izuna Drop from the ground but it is a powerful pressure tool because your opponent has to respect when the claw is off during rushdown is that getting thrown can happen, so it keeps them on their toes during such pressure.

In V, knowing the when and where of the Switch Claw is going to be key in everything Vega does. You and your opponent need to know at all times what stance you're in and what your options are. So important I had to repeat myself. From what I've seen of Vega is that he's more dynamic than ever and is still proving the point that Street Fighter is doing diversity better than its peers at the moment.

Because Vega isn't a charge character anymore is the Flying Barcelona Attack is now done ←↓↙+K or →↓↘+K for which wall you wish for Vega to start the attack from. The various followups and how they're done in 4 haven't changed at all.

Vega however no longer has the Rolling Crystal Flash or the Scarlet Terror. In its place he has a new move called the Crimson Terror performed ↓→+K. It works like a combination of both moves where he rolls toward the opponent and then hits them with an overhead heel kick. Great for not only pressure because it's really safe at the moment but also for extending combos with a well-timed link and also finishing them with the EX version for big damage as well. I am surprised Vega doesn't get a floor bounce after the EX version but even I think that may be a little too good if that was an option at his disposal.

Vega's Critical Art. Bloody Rain performed ↓→↓→+P is great for a big damage combo ender or as a huge unscaled punish for a mistake very similarly to Cammy's Cross Stinger Assault.

Vega and the V-System! What everybody wants to know about. I won't disappoint.

Vega's V-Skill is the Matador Turn. It's a standing dodge that gives him upper body invincibility and if you hold the buttons, you get a follow-up attack. I'll assume for now just like Ryu's Mind Eye is you don't get to act so quickly afterward if you don't do the follow-up so you wouldn't be able to do whatever you wish on a successful Matador Turn.

Vega's V-Reversal is the Backslash performed with →+PPP and the Short Backslash performed →+KKK. He's had these moves forever and they haven't changed much at all. Just a way for him to have them and be useful in the land of Street Fighter V.

Vega's V-Trigger is the Bloody Kiss which has Vega throw a rose that tracks and if it hits, he does a slashing combination which can be followed up depending on the situation in question. Just know that he can use Bloody Kiss from any position so be on your toes, so you don't get tagged by it and eat some heavy damage for your folly.

If there's something to be learned here is that it doesn't take much to make something classic feel new and exciting again. Street Fighter V continues to do it like nobody else does!


With the greatest night and moment in the history of all the sports looming around PAX Prime with the PAX Rumble coming to culminate the weekend is Street Fighter V wouldn't be outdone. Street Fighter V said, "You want wrestling?! We got your wrestling right here!" With that our world changed forever. Well at least the influx on fan art on Tumblr would lead you to believe such.

Not seen since Street Fighter Alpha 3! The most requested character to return to Street Fighter that isn't Karin Kanzuki! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! NOW APPROACHING THE RING! THE BRUISING SEVEN COLORED BEAUTY...RAINBOW MIKA NANAKAWA!!!!!! (INSERT LOUD CHEERS, APPLE-DOOUGH AND JOHN CENA SUCKS CHANTS HERE!)


You wanted it and you got what you wished for. And yes, this was always best for business! Mika's back and better than ever! She's been heavily streamlined. So much in fact that she only retains 3 special moves from Alpha 3.

The Daydream Headlock which is her → & Neutral Throw which in Alpha 3 was a 360+K command throw which was actually a headlock which you could mash for damage and then she'd perform a running bulldog to finish the move. In V, she doesn't mash the move out but otherwise its the same.

The Shooting Peach performed ↓→+P depending on the button pressed is either the Flying.Peach with LP/MP without the turing startup the move had in Alpha 3 performed ↓←+P while retaining the property where the move doesn't knockdown. The HP version is the Shooting Peach from Alpha 3 performed ↓←+K with the knockdown property, the recoil and even the part where she rubs her cute butt on hit or miss so be careful with it or get punished for it. The EX version is the L1 Rainbow Hip Rush from Alpha 3 performed ↓→↓→+P and is awesome for combo enders. She only does the Shooting Peach finish if the 2nd hit lands and is very punishable if the move's blocked as well.

The Wingless Airplane performed ↓→+K has been dramatically altered into a ground command throw/anti-air instead of the air command throw it used to be in Alpha 3 performed →↓←+K. This is another move great for combo enders no matter the version used. If you have meter you should go for the EX version just for the damage.

I've also noticed some of her command normals from Alpha 3 are present as well.

So, what's new with Mika?!

Her other normal throw the Sell Down which is her ← throw. This throw is very similar to the Paradise Hold from Alpha 3 performed 360+P.

If Mika should connect a normal throw on a crouching opponent, she'll get the Dream Driver. This is special because this is the first move of its type in the game and if may be something exclusive to Mika or something future characters will have as well.

One of her new command normals the Passion Press performed →+MP. The move by itself isn't much but if you press MP or ←+MP during it becomes the Passion Rope Throw. It's an Irish Whip and if you do this at the wall Mika gets a wall bounce and you're free to combo as you will afterward. MP and ←+MP controls which direction Mika whips them in. I'm enjoying the fact that a wrestler in Street Fighter has an Irish Whip as a command. +1 to Street Fighter V!

Her other command normal Lady Mika performed →+HP is an uppercut that puts you into a juggle state for jiggly, jiggly fun.

One of her command throws the Rainbow Typhoon performed →↓←+P is a Giant Swing that puts a bit of space between her and her opponent. Brimstone performed →↓←+K is the opposite where Mika does a flip over her opponent, picks them up and slams them down not too far away so she can stay close. The EX versions of both moves have an additional property but we'll talk about that in a minute.

We're going to jump straight into Mika and her Tag Team Partner in more ways than one for Street Fighter V, the V-System!

Mika's interaction with V-System really drives home her Pro Wrestling roots and I appreciate the game wished to diversify in this type of way.

Mika's V-Skill, Mic Performance is exactly what it says it is. Mika picks up the mic and begins shooting on her super awesome believe it workout regimen! This move gives a powerup to all her throw moves and also has one hit of armor. I don't know if the buff is permanent or is it more like Sagat's Angry Scar that in the fact it'll power up the next throw you do.

Every time Mika starts Mic Performance or hits opponents with the mic she gets a small bit of V-Gauge. If she absorbs a hit via her armor, it raises the V-Gauge by a considerable amount. It might be just me, but her V-Gauge seems to build up faster than normal for her when she's hit. I'll explain my hypothesis on why in a bit later.

If Mika so happens to finish her promo is that her throws are powered up significantly and in one example that has been seen is a normal Rainbow Typhoon did about 75~80% damage. There's no way that Mika should ever complete Mic Performance but knowing that this is the effect it has is that opponents need to be careful.

Mika's V-Reversal, the Peach Gator is a throwback to my youth and toe kicking somebody in the Smackdown games into a finisher. Peach Gator in this case is the Stone Cold Stunner and looks super awesome! OH HELL YEAH!! MIKA 3:16 SAYS I JUST V-REVERSED YOUR ASS!! NOW GIVE HER A HELL YEAH!! HELL YEAH!!

Mika's V-Trigger is something that needs some explanation from me. So because I do what I does the best is I'll now explain to you the historical significance and importance of Mika's V-Trigger.


See this picture. This is Issue 21 of Capcom Secret Files all about Street Fighter Zero/Alpha 3. You see the woman standing with Mika? She's Yamato Nadeshiko and up until this moment she was just the woman that stood alongside her on this cover. Now in Capcom actually recognizing her existence after all these years and to boot is now a part of Mika's moveset by being her V-Trigger.

Shouts to the Graaaaaaaaawr Games Tumblr for the picture!

When Mika calls upon Nadeshiko she can do so in 3 ways. Above (Neutral), in front of (→) and behind (←) Mika's opponent. To make the move even more tricky is you can hold the buttons to delay her assistance for some crazy mixup possibilities.

My hypothesis as to why at this time Mika's V-Gauge fills up faster than most when's she hit is to emphasize Nadeshiko's use or in this case "tagging her in" to swing the fight in Mika's favor. This as well simulates those hot tag situations in wresting where tagging can shift the momentum of the match. Just my #PocketChange on the matter but I just wanted to mention it because that's what I gleamed from that discovery.

Nadeshiko is even more integrated into Mika's move set. When you perform an EX version of either the Rainbow Typhoon or Brimstone is Nadeshiko will appear and give the move some extra oomph for some tag team pain! Just awesome stuff.

She's also a huge part of Mika's Critical Art the Peach Assault performed →↓←→↓←+P. Mika and Nadeshiko team up to bring the pain for real with this move that ends in a Double Shooting Peach into a Muscle Buster or if you want to be Kinnikuman technical about it the Buster Variation Part 5! I don't know if I'm happier that that the collision of DAT ASS SQUARED incapacities someone or that a Muscle Buster is being performed in Street Fighter. I know that King can do it in X Tekken bur this is mainline Street Fighter so be happy!

Rainbow Mika Nanakawa helps this game prove once again its ability to diversify and the maturity to know that diversification between characters is needed and makes the whole product better.

By the way, don't think I didn't notice that Junko Takeuchi's back as Mika and that her voice acting counterpart is Maile Flanagan in this game! There's no way that casting was an accident or coincidence. That was planned and as a fan I freaked when I put that together! Street Fighter V does it again!

The one small gripe I have is that I wish Mika had some chain grabs. In Alpha 3, Mika had a move called the Sardine's Beach Special performed ↓→↓→+P was a multi-part super where Mika could do different attacks depending on what buttons were pressed in what situation. Wasn't a real powerful move unless you knew the secret how to get the Level 3 to do more damage than normal. The thing is I would've loved to see the game expand on that but seeing what Mika has is more than plenty and gives her the opportunity to compete. Thing is the game's ever changing so who knows what could happen in future updates.

Also, could the internet please calm down about the Mika thing please. The divide between loving and hating her inclusion in the game is just the internet being the internet on a day that ends in Y. Thing is I understand it from all sides but she's here and not going anywhere. So, if you like it celebrate it and if you don't then grin and bear it because that's the reality you're in.

AND IF YOU AIN'T DOWN WITH THAT, WE GOT 2 WORDS FOR YA...SUCK IT!!!!

BREAK IT DOWN!!!

Talk about Rainbow Mika using the following hashtags on social media! #MikaWorldOrder #GiveMikaAChance #MikaRevolution /Vintage Michael Cole

UPDATE: Mika isn't being voiced by either Junko Takeuchi or Maile Flanagan as much as that would've been cool. Her voice is being provided by Hiromi Igarashi & Bonnie Gordon respectively.


Next stop on this World Tour Mode is the Dubai World Game Expo and with it another showcase of diversity in all facets. Representing the Middle East Side is New Character #2...Rashid of the Turbulent Wind or just Rashid if titles aren't your thing.


I've used the word diversity a lot and will continue to simply because V has earned the right for the word being used each and every time it proves that it's doing such. At this moment Rashid represents diversity in a different way. Everything I've read about how much work it took to put this character together and why the character exists in the first place is something to celebrated because of trying to bridge the gap so that everybody gets a chance.

However, let it be known that Rashid isn't the first character to represent the Middle East Side in Street Fighter. That accolade belongs to one Pullum Purna from the EX series and when you consider what she brought to the table in EX and what Rashid brings to V is they share an affinity for Wind based attacks but as you're about to see that's where the similarities begin and end. Rashid is his own character and V is doing what it has done best by diversifying this cast and making every character unique and viable. Let's take a look how.

Looking at Rashid's move list and then seeing it in action confirmed for me that Rashid represents the ninja archetype you see in 2D fighters. Heavy emphasis on speed and mobility and no ninja character is complete without a Triangle Jump and Rashid has that too.

Rashid has some great buttons to compliment all he has to offer. Good pressure buttons on MP & HP which also are cancelable. Crush Counters on HP & HK and HK actually gives you a great juggle state to mostly anything that can be done.

Rashid's Unique Attacks are Flap Spin (→+MP) which is 2 hit attack which you can follow up with other things and pretty safe to boot and Beak Assault (→+HP) is Rashid's overhead, but it is very unsafe if blocked but if used correctly will lead to big damage.

Spinning Mixer (↓→+P) is Rashid's almost everything. You can pressure with it, end combos with it and on special occasions anti-air with it. LP is grounded, MP is at a 45° angle, HP is straight up and EX is a faster & harder hitting MP. HP can be used as an anti-air, but EX is better because of the startup speed and the space it covers. Don't forget you can mash the buttons for more hits and change the move's properties. See the fun you can have with that.

Eagle Spike (↓←+K) is a move whose utility I don't quite see outside of combo enders and extenders when used as an EX. The only difference in strength is startup and the bounceback on block. LK at the low end and HK at the high end of that spectrum. The EX actually goes through opponents instead of enacting a bounce back regardless of how it hits and when it does it has some juggle potential after the fact.

Airborne Eagle Spike (Forward Jump ↓←+K) is much the same as its grounded counterpart except it's a divekick instead. It is very important to remember that Airborne Eagle Spike can only be perfomed out of a Forward Jump which makes it different from other dive kicks you may have seen.

Whirlwind Shot (↓→+K) is Rashid's anti-air tool during mid-range footsies and zoning. The way the move works is the K button pressed determines the startup and horizontal range before the Whirlwind Shot rises vertically in the air. Mixing up the strengths when zoning and knowing the ranges that each Whirlwind Shot covers will be what makes this move truly dangerous.

Something that's unique to Rashid and reminds me of Guy and even El Fuerte is Rashid can perform both the Spinning Mixer and Eagle Spike from a run (Hold  → after a Dash) with →+P & →+K respectively. He is in full control of this run and can cancel it by pressing ← or by pressing a button to initiate an attack. This is an awesome tool because it truly allows Rashid to switch his offense at will and keep well needed pressure from wherever he is on the screen.

Rashid's Critical Art is Altair (↓→↓→+P) and is an amazing combo ender because Critical Arts work that way. You may be able to get it off raw as a punish however you should attempt to guarantee the damage from the many ways he can land Altair without the wonderment of guessing.

What does the scouter say about Rashid and the V-System? Let's take a look at the findings!

Rashid's V-Skill comes in 2 varieties.

MP+MK is the Front Flip and pressing any K afterward gives you an Airborne Eagle Spike.

↓+MP+MK activates the Rolling Assault and pressing any K afterward activates the Nail Assault which hits low but if it's blocked then pain will soon follow because of its long recovery.

The thing with his V-Skill is that it's very similar to Ken's in which he can cancel into either V-Skill in most situations so knowing when and what to use in each situation will be a determining factor in wins and losses with Rashid.

Also know that whether the Airborne Eagle Spike or Nail Assault hits or is blocked will fill Rashid's V-Gauge.

Rashid's V-Reversal is the Sliding Roll. It is what it says on the tin folks, a sliding roll. The roll puts you just outside of rushdown range so Rashid doesn't lose that much ground but his opponent is right there too so use with caution.

Rashid's V-Trigger is Yssar and with it he introduces a giant whirlwind to the battlefield which accentuates his mobility options even more. If Rashid should jump into Yssar is he'll be quickly shot into the direction he jumped into it. This can put Rashid wherever he needs to be to give him his best chance at anything he wants to do. Anything Rashid can do in the air is fair game after he jumps into Yssar so take advantage of that! Know that it is a 3 hit projectile so you have to be aware of this property while it's active because if you happen to forget the state of your giant fireball then you could be in a world of hurt.

Rashid is a wonderful addition to this cast as someone who brings some fresh air to something we already know. This cast is better with him in it and I hope others see that as well.

More of this here diversity!


Our next stop on this world tour brought us to the Tokyo Game Show and with it a trip a very special place!

Welcome back to the Queendom of the Kanzuki Zaibatsu!

It has been a long while since we've had the privilege of having her in a playable role in a game. For the record that game was Capcom Fighting Jam if we're keeping score. By the way, we are keeping score here.

Time has not dulled the skills of the Queen of the Kanzuki Zaibatsu and after some time away is she's ready to show her rival and the world the beauty, grace and ultimate dominating strength of Kanzuki-ryu Kakutojutsu!

BOW DOWN TO BEAUTY!

BOW DOWN TO GREATNESS!

BOW DOWN TO PERFECTION!

BOW DOWN OR BE PUNISHED SEVERELY!

BOW DOWN TO KARIN KANZUKI!


As it was stated in that glorious introduction is a playable Karin was last available in Capcom Fighting Jam but for this analysis we'll be taking comparisons from Alpha 3 Double Upper.

There are some things about CFJ's Karin that don't warrant discussion here however knowing that pressing HP/HK repeatedly during a Custom Combo into a super does insane damage and that's why she's Top 5 at least in that game. Just so you know.

The major change that should be noted is her Guren Ken chains are now only usable during V-Trigger. There are even changes even within that and we'll discuss that more in length later.

Speaking of the V-System is the Meioken is a replacement for her Hou Shou (→↓↘+P) which has some additional properties we'll speak about later.

Also the Yasha Gaeshi (↓←+P/K) is now her V-Reversal instead of having its own command.

The Arakuma Inashi is no longer a command grab (360+K) but now is just her normal → grab now.

Tsumuji-gari is still performed with →+MK and retains the same properties as it does in Alpha 3.

The Ressen Ha has changed commands from ↓→↗+K to ↓←+K and now has 2 additional follow ups.

↓+K afterwards is the Senha Kusabi which should be familiar to anybody who's ever played Karin in previous outings. If you aren't familiar then the Senha Kusabi is just a low lunging sweep kick.

↑+K is the Senha Resshu which activates a throw when it connects. Know that this doesn't combo naturally from Ressen Ha so know this before using it.

Also know that EX Ressen Ha is the L1 Kanzuki-ryuu Kou'ou Ken. Seems to be a bit more useful in V than it was previously.

The Mujin Kyaku has also changed commands from →↓↘+K to ↓←+K and has in the process lost its juggle property. As you'll soon learn Karin has better. However know that instead each strength has a follow up and all are great after juggles started from elsewhere so be sure to find where each one goes in what situation for best results.

So I'd guess the next question on your brain is what's new with your Queen?

We'll start with the Kanzuki-Ryu Hokojutsu Seppo (↓→+K) which is a dash forward (strength determines distance traveled) which leads into other things that as of now are a major part of Karin's offense.

Mainly because of the 1st follow up in the Tenko which is activated by pressing P during the Seppo. Tenko puts your opponent in a juggle state. If however you press P with the proper timing you get a better version of Tenko which greatly expands what Karin can do. This is one hell of a move and learning the Just Frame version of Tenko will be the bridge that separates Karin players. Know that you can't throw Tenko and not think about it first. If Tenko's blocked expect to be punished severely for your mistake.

↓+P from Seppo will get you the Orochi which is a shoulder block similar to what you've seen from Yun and others throughout the history of the series. Also know that if done as an EX it will yield you a crumple stun on hit so please take advantage of it.

Karin's Critical Art the Kanzuki-Ryu Hadorokushiki Hasha No Kata (↓→↓→+P) is an amazing Critical Art because you have the option to combo into it or use it as high damage punish so your opponent needs to beware of Tenko combos that could end in it or an error in judgment that end with them being on the receiving end of it.

The Queen wishes to make the V-System hers! The Queen's request is heard and granted with the power vested in me to perform such acts!

Karin's V-Skill is the Meioken and as mentioned earlier it is the replacement for the Hou Shou. What makes this move an awesome replacement can be summarized with the following 2 reasons.

1. The Meioken can destroy fireballs. This gives Karin a meterless way to deal with the zone game while being able to keep pressure and build V-Gauge while doing so.

2. The Meioken can be charged giving the move better everything. The move normally is horrible on block however getting the move out there and switching up what version of the Meioken your opponent has to currently deal with will be key for mind games and counter hit damage.

Use the move with caution and care and you should be fine.

Karin's V-Reversal is the Yasha Gaeshi and it no longer needs the high or low inputs because it isn't much of a counter anymore. It still acts the same as it did in Alpha 3 so no change there. I have a feeling that this is something that will change over the lifespan of V. Whether that's reverting the move to how it was in Alpha 3 in either as a V-Reversal or as a special move or altering how this move works period by activating a juggle state instead of the knockdown or even something different than that.

Karin's V-Trigger is the Kanzuki-Ryu Guren No Kata which allows her access to Guren Ken and its various follow ups for the duration of the activation.

The Guren Ken (↓→+P) hasn't changed much except for the fact you no longer have the option to press P a 2nd time before continuing the string because it does it for you. The downside to this is you lose the mind games that doing one punch of the Guren Ken provided but it's a small price for what it provides now.

Pressing P after brings the Hou Shou back in all its glory. The thing with the Hou Shou in Alpha 3 was when you did it as a follow up to the Guren Ken is that HP did the least damage while LP the most and the standalone version was the reverse of this which meant juggles should end with standalone HP and the Guren Ken version with LP unless the situation during footsies called for a different strength.

Pressing ↑+P is the Guren Senha. Nothing's changed here except it was once done with ↑+K instead and after all this time still doesn't naturally combo.

Fun Fact: Did you know in Alpha 3 that Sakura is the only character that can avoid the initial hit of either the MK & HK versions of the Ressen Ha. I'm actually going to test this in Vanilla & Upper and see if that's really a thing in all versions of the game that matter.

Pressing ↓+P, gets you the Guren Chochu This move used to exist outside of Guren Ken followups as ←↓↙+P, P as the Ressen Chou with its follow up the Ressen Chuu and as Guren Ken followups as ↘+P, P as the Guren Chuu. Nothing has changed about this move except there's no 2nd elbow to do because it has been replaced with something else now.

Pressing ↓+P after the Guren Chochu gets you the Guren Hochu. This move is actually treated in game as a cross-up but it just switches sides with your opponent during the string. The thing you should know about the Guren Hochu is that it is very much included in high damage Just Frame Tenko combos. So know when things line up as they should that this should be your combo extender into a Critical Art or in most cases a high damage way to end Guren Ken strings.

Pressing ↓ or ↑ +K after either the Guren Ken or Chochu gets you the Guren Kusabi or Resshu. They both function as they do as follow ups to the Ressen Ha so you already know what's good here.

Pressing K after the Guren Ken gets you the Guren Kyoho. It's just a backdash. With the Guren Ken not being as safe as you'd want it to be is the Kyoho isn't a Get Out of Jail free card on block. Use it mind games if you can but be careful in how you use it.

From what I've seen thus far is Karin is a force to be reckoned with and will be early on as the game is being sorted out.

The question is, "Will the Queen stay the Queen?!"

Find out soon in Street Fighter V!

Regardless of such, welcome back to Street Fighter, my Queen!

Your presence was surely missed by all your subjects!


Our next stop on this World Tour is Moscow and with it the confirmation that The Red Cyclone is back and he's still in the mood to wrestle bears for fun, protect those Russian skies and show why Russian Wrestling is the absolute!

The cool thing is that he got to show his stuff first in front of his homeland fans at IgroMir which shows once again how much gaming has grown knowing Russia has a place where these things can happen!

ENOUGH TALK!

TIME TO WRESTLE!


Zangief is still Zangief for the most part but he has lost some of his toys from IV to V.

No Banishing Flat, Quick Double Lariat, Atomic Suplex or Flying Powerbomb. As you're about to find out, what those moves did for him are now done better with some new toys. Speaking of, let's get into that a bit.

Know you'll be holding HP for its one hit of armor. Make sure to remember that the armor doesn't start until later into the attack

You can combo into EX SPD which is amazing!

Knee Hammer (→+K) which is Zangief's new Unique Attack and it's good for starting combos on counter hit.

Siberian Express (→↓←+K) which is your Atomic Suplex/Flying Powerbomb replacement and from what I've seen Gief's better for this particular change.

Borscht Dynamite (360 + P during a Neutral/Forward Jump) is a way for Gief to stay protecting those Russian Skies without having to lose 50% of his life for such an option. This doubles as a way to end juggle combos with style, flair and a whole lot of pain. For the record, the Aerial Russian Slam was always a decent anti-air in the games that Gief had it and even a good assist to choose in Marvel 2 as well because of the combos that could happen afterward.

Gief's Critical Art, the Bolshoi Russian Suplex (720 + P) is amazing because of the simplicity of a showcase of just raw power. Opponents need to be aware that this is a thing that can happen if Gief's in range so learn to respect it or it'll make you respect it. Mother Russia, baby!

The strength of Mother Russia! The strength of Zangief! The strength of the V-System! Indeed so!

Gief's V-Skill is Iron Muscle and this is just another callback to the VS Series, technically. When Gief activates Iron Muscle is he has Super Armor for the duration. The duration isn't very long but it starts up really quick and can be used similarly to Ryu's Mind Eye for dealing with multiple hit attacks. It also serves the purpose for dealing with fireballs like the Banishing Flat used to and great up close to cancel the 1 hit of armor into a SPD. He can also move forward during it for up to 2 hits of armor and a third that can be activated by releasing MP + MK and he can combo off of the attack it produces. Just nasty stuff.

Gief's V-Reversal is Muscle Explosion and there are muscles and there's an explosion. The thing that's good about this V-Reversal is that Gief doesn't push his opponent very far away so while he can't start offense afterward is he's in range to do something nasty if given the opportunity.

Gief's V-Trigger is Cyclone Lariat and this move does exactly what Gief needs it to do...it brings the opponent close for a Russian hug of love! This move is also an attack so Gief has the option to to hold the Cyclone Lariat for max damage and then tack on a Borscht Dynamite afterward for even more damage. Also know that while Cyclone Lariat is active is Gief can hold Iron Muscle as long as he desires but you still take white life damage so it isn't truly free but something to consider when you activate.

All in all, it would seem that Zangief's ready to do Mother Russia proud once again on the Street Fighter stage!

Like there was any doubt he couldn't!


Our next stop on this World Tour is Brazil known for its beautiful everything! The Brazil Game Show or a more historically accurate description of said events, an accidental Famitsu leak showed us the spark of Street Fighter's newest shocking beauty!

Ladies and Gentlemen, New Challenger #3...Miss Laura Matsuda!

A couple of things before we get to the gritty.

1. You should recognize Laura's surname if you've ever interacted with Street Fighter 3 in any way. Laura is Sean's big sister and this alone for a canon buff like me reinforces a lot of Sean's reasoning to find Ken and asked to be trained by him which was something we never had prior to Laura's introduction into the series.

2. I really think Ono could've played the female Blanka troll to the limit if it wasn't for the Famitsu leak. Laura may get the costume down the line for funsies but given the history of this game and fanservice is I'll be surprised if it does happen.

3. How about we get to work and get you what you really need!


Just as Juri used Tae Kwon Do before her is Laura is a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or as the game refers to Laura's martial art of choice as Matsuda Jiu-Jitsu which is a way to let the hometown girl hold the hometown down and as we've talked a lot about diversity as we look at these characters is I can definitely appreciate that Street Fighter is giving that opportunity to another character. But how so? Glad you asked.

Because of Laura's use of Matsuda Jiu-Jitsu is this makes her a different kind of grappler. A lot of Laura's big damage will come from hit confirms from her Unique Attacks and mixups using Thunder Clap which is a fireball. First for a grappler in the series to have one but not unique to her in fighting games. Another grappler with the affinity for shocking his opponents is Iron Tager from Blazblue who uses Spark Bolt but that's used in his overall game for something way different that Laura uses Thunder Clap for but we'll get into how she can take advantage of Thunder Clap in a bit.

Speaking of those Unique Attacks, first up Step Elbow (→+HP) and this is one of Laura's best tools because it's mostly safe. If Step Elbow hits, then feel free to add another HP for the Twist Barrage and let the fun begin. You can follow Twist Barrage with mostly anything but beware of this because if you throw Twist Barrage out on block then that's a free punish and you don't want that.

Her other Unique Attack is the Dual Crash (MP, MK) and from what I've seen you can't do much from it unless you V-Trigger cancel it into something else. I have a feeling this will change over time, however.

Bolt Charge (↓→+P) is Laura's go to for the damage she needs to deal.

LP is just a simple elbow which leaves your opponent reeling while you recover. Not enough to do something afterward however this option keeps her opponent grounded without knocking them down so she can keep pressure without giving her foe an opportunity to escape said pressure.

MP is similar to LP except for the 2 follow ups with P for Split River and K for Rodeo Break. Know that Split River switches sides while Rodeo Break doesn't so make sure you're using the right followup for each occasion.

HP is Laura's go to anti-air and it does remind me of another move in Street Fighter with some shocking properties. That move being Crimson Viper's HP Thunder Knuckle except this ends in a grounded throw and any juggle Laura does should end with this move.

The EX version is a 1 hit armor version of MP with quicker startup so be sure to punish with it and use it in combos where you can.

Thunder Clap (↓←+P) is that fireball I've been talking about, and this move has a bunch of utility for Laura in most situations. She can to a degree zone with Thunder Clap and if you happen to catch somebody jumping then be sure to introduce them to a HP Bolt Charge for being so foolish. It also can be used as a combo extender into MP/HP Bolt Charge or her Critical Art if you so choose. Laura can also charge Thunder Clap to delay the release of it and also extends its range and damage output for use in combos and zoning as well.

Sunset Wheel (→↓←+K) is Laura's command grab which comes out very, very quickly. The EX version has a dash before it so if you happen to be outside of range and have some meter then EX Sunset Wheel is a safe way to get in without a lot of fuss and continue her rushdown from there.

Fun Fact: Sunset Wheel used to have a ↓←+K motion before being recently changed in the last beta.

Laura's Critical Art is the Inazuma Spin Hold (↓→↓→+P) and this move is good simply because it does what most Critical Arts do by simply being very combo friendly and a way to make your opponent regret making a mistake. Make use of it.

Laura X The V-System is muy bonita indeed! Let me show you how!

Laura V-Skill comes in a couple of flavors.

Volty Line (MP+MK) is just an overhead but since you can cancel most moves into Volty Line be sure to make your opponent pay for blocking low.

Linear Movement - Avante (→+MP+MK) is forward dash and should be your movement choice when wishing to advance on your opponent.

Linear Movement - Esquiva (←+MP+MK) is a backdash and you should use it in conjunction with Linear Movement - Finta (MP+MK after Esquiva) to dash forward and beautifully dance in the range where Laura can hurt you.

You can combo out of Linear Movement with most stuff including a Volty Line if you know you can get that overhead and a enact Crush Counter as well.

Laura's V-Reversal is Double Slap and it just about resets things to where a match would start so if you need the space then let it loose.

Laura's V-Trigger is Spark Show, and this gives her buffs to everything. Enhanced movement options both normally and through Linear Movement. More damage on everything and a better Thunder Clap to boot. There's no reason for Laura not to use Spark Show as soon as the moment arises. If you want to be safe and fancy, then be sure to V-Trigger cancel into some nastiness then after the knockdown give them a Thunder Clap to deal with on wakeup and proceed from there. Muy Bonita, baby!

From the looks of things, Laura seems to be one of the best characters on paper, but can she bring that to life on the battlefield?

The results may shock you!


Our next stop on this World Tour is The City of Light and when you think about that way is what better character to reveal than the one character from Street Fighter who can light up a room with some Yoga Fire!

Dhalsim's back and more enlightened than he's ever been before. Still not one to rest on his laurels however is he continues to push his pursuit of perfection within the art of Yoga, and it shows in more way than one!

That's a good enough segue as any to get to the business at hand I'd say!


As we talked about with Vega is over the past 25 years is Dhalsim has grown as a character, but he's always played much the same with it just being best to zone and punish. Even with this being the gameplan is that he's had some standout moments in Super Turbo & EX2 that show that such a game plan can be dominant.

V however in its master plan to make great even greater has given Dhalsim a way to escape his comfort zone and bring the conflict up close and personal and for someone who despises such methods is this Dhalsim can bring them to a swift end showing that the art of Yoga is no joke.

Even given that most of what you know is still there. Those limbs. those drills, those bars of hot fire and that same mentality to keep the unwanted out. The thing is this cast from what I've seen has various ways to deal with the zone which is why the change is definitely warranted to give Dhalsim the tools to bring the conflict close if need be, so he isn't just out there waiting to see that zone game dissipate from up under him as it has in the past.

The only loss that's even worth mentioning is Yoga Tower but even then, when you consider the flow of V and what Sim's picked up in trade for this loss it isn't that major in the scope of things.

What's new with the Master of Yoga you ask?

Every crouching K is a slide of various distances. Amazing for all the reasons you think.

Dhalsim has buttons for every occasion and in every direction. Just press buttons to see what they do and how they can best serve you.

Yoga Fire isn't the Yoga Fire you know and love except when done as an EX. Yoga Fire is a now an angled shot of fire with the P used to determine the height and distance covered. The zoning and combo capabilities are insane with the ways Dhalsim can get in out now. Craziness of the highest degree. This partly covers for the loss of Yoga Blast as well.

The other part of the loss of Yoga Blast is now taken care of with a new move called Yoga Gale (→↓←+P During a Neutral or Forward Jump) which allows Dhalsim to spit those hot, fiery bars in the air. Yes, you read that correctly. This is more of the Versus Series creeping into the mainline games and being able to breathe fire in the air will have the same use here as there as part of juggles.

For sake's sake is just know that EX Yoga Flame is a Yoga Inferno that's nuts for combo extensions.

Dhalsim's Critical Art Yoga Sunburst (↓→↓→+P) is a better Yoga Catastrophe seeing as it's Dormammu's Stalking Flare for conversation's sake. Great for combo damage or forcing the zone. The same tricks that made Yoga Catastrophe one of IV's best Ultras apply here and then some.

Let us sit and meditate on the synergy of Dhalsim and the V-System.

Dhalsim's V-Skill is the Yoga Float which allows him to float of course. He's free to control the direction and do it in the air as well. This alone does wonders for him by giving him the mobility he needs to be where the battle will suit him best. Combine this with stuff and watch things happen.

Dhalsim's V-Reversal Yoga Mala is another one in the line of creating the necessary space to reset the battle and given who we're talking about is this will do wonders for keeping the opponent where he wants them to be.

Dhalsim's V-Trigger Yoga Burner is Dormammu's Flame Carpet. This slowly does white life damage while your opponent is standing in it. This is best used in combos to guarantee that that the damage this does is permanent and Dhalsim can make life bars disappear with the correct setup.

All in all, this is a Dhalsim that lives up to his Street Fighter II win quote of simply "I'll meditate and then destroy you!"

Street Fighter V however will be a battle that will put this hardened Yoga Master and all the knowledge he's assimilated to the test.

We shall soon see if Dhalsim's mastery of Yoga will be enough for the master to endure this battle.


Our World Tour's next stop is PlayStation Experience 2015 in San Francisco. A place that was once known for its air quality would be the perfect place to introduce the final character for the initial roster for Street Fighter V!

Ladies and Gentlemen, New Challenger #4...F.A.N.G!

F.A.N.G up front looks to bring something new to fighters with his ability to poison his opponents and give them a hard time but that my friend that's where you'd be wrong.

F.A.N.G actually has a lot in common with a character from The King of Fighters series by the name of Lin. Play a bit of Lin in 2000. 2001 & 2002 UM and see exactly what I mean about what I speak on. I could go into detail about it, but this is the F.A.N.G show and I'll do my best to keep the spotlight where it belongs. I also expect the curious to do their own homework because you learn the best that way!

The other important thing to note is F.A.N.G is a member of The Four Kings of Shadaloo taking the place of Sagat after he's found peace with the way things should be. This for me is interesting canon wise seeing as it begs the question of how Vega & Balrog feel about this and how F.A.N.G rose to such a prominent position within Shadaloo. I have a feeling we'll get those answers and plenty more soon enough.

For now, the answers we all seek are in how F.A.N.G works so with that...TO WORK!


As I said, F.A.N.G's all about wanting you to "taste the poison" and he has a bunch of ways to do that and do the other things that F.A.N.G does too.

Depending on the move used is the poison lasts for various periods until the poison runs its course or F.A.N.G is hit. This will be the difference between a win and a loss so be sure your opponent stays gassed up as much as possible and take advantage of of the shift in your opponent's nature to rid themselves of it and finish the job.

Just a note, any move with a * is a move that inflicts poison just so you know.

SO NOW TO WORK! FOR REAL!

Starting with his Unique Attacks we have Senpukuga (↓+PPP) which lets F.A.N.G hit the floor and duck whatever would hit him High or Mid. Afterward you're free to press K to follow up with an attack if you desire.

Renkiko (↘+HP) is a 2-hit attack that isn't much upfront other than it hits High then Mid, however because of its quickness be sure to V-Trigger cancel from it to give it a bit more utility. Also, a nice poking tool for V-Reversal bait.

Nishikyu* (↓ Charge ↑+P) lets F.A.N.G shoot two fireballs in an arc with the P determining the distance traveled. The EX version shoots these fireballs in a figure 8 and they bounce once off the ground before dissipating. This is one of F.A.N.G's most important zoning tools and a is a fireball that your opponent must respect. So, it becomes up to you to enforce that respect because without it things will go south quickly.

Sotoja* (← Charge →+P) is a lunge punch for all intents and purposes and this is your pressure and combo tool. F.A.N.G can make things happen with Sotoja so you'll be either ending combos with it or comboing into his Critical Art from it.

Ryobenda* (← Charge →+K) is a poison cloud and just like Nishikyu this is something else your opponent has to respect especially when used as an EX because of how long Ryobenda stays out. Ryobenda also has great combo potential with every version but MK because it doesn't knockdown bit that has other practical applications however so use the normal versions for combo enders and EX to extend combos out a bit.

Nikankyaku  (→↓↘+K) is F.A.N.G's mobility tool with K determining distance traveled and he can attack from Nikankyaku as well. Treat it well and it shall do the same for you.

F.A.N.G's Critical Art Shishiruirui* (↓→↓→+P) is as well like most CAs except it can function to a degree as an anti-air, however, stick to comboing it after Sotoja to guarantee that damage.

How does F.A.N.G cook up this work with V-System in the mix? Let's find out!

F.A.N.G's V-Skill is Nishodoku* which is just a single poison ball or so it would seem until you realize it's a projectile that your opponent can just walk through it like it isn't even there. This makes Nishodoku great for the approach because it gives F.A.N.G a way to do such without a loss of momentum for when you decide to move in. Use it in conjunction with Sotoja or Ryobenda for maximum effect.

F.A.N.G's V-Reversal is Nikaiho and it just switches side with the opponent. Not sure of the safety of it because he doesn't move very far but since you have to press → as part of V-Reversal then it wouldn't hurt to use it as the start of a free charge for Sotoja if you like.

F.A.N.G's V-Trigger is Dokunomu* and as long as it's active is anytime F.A.N.G's close to his foe is they'll be poisoned. This is the cue to let F.A.N.G go nuts and rushdown because no matter what happens is the opponent is taking damage, so this is prime time to put your foe away or do the complete opposite and reinforce your zone game. Either way, this puts F.A.N.G in the driver's seat as long as it's active.

F.A.N.G in the right hands will be a formidable force to be reckoned with when the time comes.

So comes the question, does F.A.N.G have the recipe to leave the competition high and dry?

The work's hitting the block, so you'll have the answers soon enough!

So, if F.A.N.G makes 16 so what's the future like for V then?



Capcom trying its best to get ahead of the world of non-secrets confirmed what the streets already knew by confirming that Alex, Guile, Balrog, Ibuki, Juri & Urien will be coming to V soon? How soon you ask?



According to this picture, March soon.

March will bring us Alex, Challenges & Trials, improved lobby support and the shop where you can spend your Bison Dollars on stuff you want.

Every month thereafter will bring a new character except for June which will add the Cinematic Story Expansion which is like the end of Asura's Wrath except you don't have to pay for it. You still should pay for it because Asura's Wrath is a damn good game not enough people in streets played so do that, please!

The future is bright for V and I for one can't wait to get back in the fight and maybe get some answers about that canon only I care about. It does make me question how they'll get all of this together and not step on what's already been established in III?

These answers and more on February 16th!

HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER! 

SO NOW, FIGHT A NEW RIVAL!

FACE IT STRAIGHT!

-Triple Da G.O.D!