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Multiplayer intern and "Street Fighter" fan Sal Basile recently gave us his thoughts on the new game. But for those of us who aren't in the know, he also had some words of advice for "Street Fighter" newbies. Check out his handy guide:
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By Sal Basile
With the highly anticipated "Street Fighter IV" staying true to its basics, many newcomers may be shaken by the thought of going up against long-time series veterans. The bad news is there are players out there that can defeat you simply by looking in your general direction. The good news is, like everything in life, practice makes perfect. With this list of essential information, and some dedication, you too will be able to enjoy everything "Street Fighter IV" has to offer.
Quarter-Circle, Forward, Punch
Nothing in this game is as important as learning, remembering, and practicing this motion. The quarter-circle, forward, punch has gone down as an iconic video game mechanic. Whether you're using a gamepad, a joystick, or a directional pad, this is top-priority.
Start off slow. Try starting off in the crouch position and then swinging your joystick from six o'clock to three o'clock. At the end of this motion, press one of the punch buttons to throw a fireball. Once you get this down, try completing the motion without starting off in the crouching position. Eventually you'll be able to do it mid-combo.
This motion is not only important because it allows you to throw fireballs. It is also important because every other technique in the game is a variation of this motion. Once you learn the quarter-circle the Z-motion, half-circle and charge motions will come more naturally to you.
Flexibility is the Key
Know how to throw a fireball? Great! Do you throw fireballs until the cows come home? Not great. In the middle of a match, the best thing you can do is read your opponent. The easiest way to do this is to be conscious of how you're playing. If you were your opponent and you were facing someone playing like yourself, what would you do?
If your opponent is constantly throwing fireballs, are you going to close the gap and get to him? Of course you would. So if you're the one throwing the fireballs, he's going to move in on you. When the words "Get Ready!" appear on your screen, you should have a game plan, an idea of what your opponent is going to try first, and an exit strategy if he does something different.
Master Crossover Attacking (Cross-Up)
Crossover attacking, also known as a cross-up, has helped me destroy less skillful players without using any special moves. Most veterans of the series use this as a simple way to weed out real competitors.
A crossover attack is when a mid-air attack lands behind an opponent, but still connects due to hit box detection. To do this you must be familiar with how far a character can jump. Once familiar, you must jump just enough so you should land exactly back to back with your opponent. While mid-air perform an attack. If done correctly, the attack will hit from the front but you will land behind your opponent.
This works very well against players who crouch block frequently. Mid-air attacks can only be blocked while standing, so if you attempt to do a crossover attack to a crouch-blocking opponent, you will hit him and be set up to continue attacking him from behind.
Adapt
Before venturing into the world of player-vs.-player fighting, you should know when to use what. You should be able to look at a situation and pick the right technique out of your arsenal to combat an opponent's strategy. If you can defeat players on the ground with ease, but then players who use mid-air attacks beat you with little effort, you can learn how to fight back.
If your weakness is players leg sweeping you, try out some mid-air attacks. If players keep attacking from a distance with fireballs, try to close the gap. There is always a strategy to combat a fighting style.
Don’t Forget to Throw!
Throwing is such an underrated technique among new and old players alike. It's extremely easy to master, and can turn the tide of most fights. Move in close to someone and press both light attack buttons together to grab them and fling them across the stage. This does substantial damage and also sets your opponent up for more attacks.
If you just blocked a move and your opponent is wide open, instead of landing a single hit or trying to do a move you haven’t mastered yet, simply throw them and move in to do more attacks. When you get more experienced, throwing someone is a great way to set up for an Ultra combo attack.
Block, Block, and Block Some More
Blocking in "Street Fighter" is a hit or miss with players. Some players understand the concept right away -- which attacks can be blocked by which direction. There are two ways to block in "Street Fighter."
Standing blocks, which can be done by simply holding the direction away from your opponent, will deflect high, middle, jumping and overhead attacks. Crouching blocks, performed by holding the direction away and down from your opponent will block middle and low attacks.
Many players only crouch block, leading to numerous losses to the hands of aerial attacks. If an opponent is concentrating on jump attacks, make sure you’re standing while blocking.
Know Your Character
There is nothing worse than going into a match unfamiliar with your character. Not knowing how to do a certain move is one thing, but not knowing a move exists can lead to a very easy defeat.
Run through the useful trial features with a few characters until you find one that feels comfortable. Try out different moves. Assess what you think is out of your lead, and do not try new things in the middle of a fight. Can't do a Z-motion Shoryuken? Start off with a Hadouken. Master that, and then use the motion you've learned from that to help in practicing tougher moves.
Get Mental
All fighting games have a mind-game element to them. The "Street Fighter" series is no different. Remember when you see an opponent about to do an attack and you already know what it is, he’s thinking the same way when you attempt something. Don't grow stale. If your opponent is doing well at blocking your aerial attacks with standing blocks, go up for a jump attack but come down without attacking. Then perform a leg sweep. He'll still be blocking your aerial attack, leaving him open to other moves.
A great mind game is to throw a series or fireballs, coercing your opponent into doing the same. Once he begins to mimic you, time a jump so that you jump over his next fireball but land close enough to him to hit him with an aerial attack.
There are many tactics to use online, and as you progress in your training you will come up with your own mind games to play on opponents. Just remember, you’re not the only one playing them. Always think about what your opponent will do next, and if you get caught off guard by a trick, recover and don't give up.
Websites To Check Out
Visit www.eventhubs.com for an in-depth FAQ section and move list for all characters. I visit this site frequently when I have questions and it has helped immensely.
For techniques, I use www.youtube.com because of its everlasting video list of matches to watch. This video has helped me see what moves can be linked together easily for my main character, Ken. Look up videos of your character to see how other people play him or her and you'll see tactics that you can transfer into your play style.
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