Monday, 20 July 2009

• The Street Fighter IV World Champion

  This past Sunday, my brother and I stayed up late to watch a live feed of the EVO 2K9 Champion Series of fighting game matches held in Las Vegas. Normally, this tournament business turns me off but when my brother told me Daigo and Justin Wong were involved my interest piqued.
  
  For those unfamiliar, they're the two guys fighting in this sorta-famous video of Street Fighter III: Third Strike, between Daigo's Ken and Wong's Chun-Li's:

  Whether you care about Street Fighter or not that, that's an incredible comeback, something only one of the greatest players in the world could execute, and the excitement of the crowd is palpable. It's tough not to get swept up in the moment.

  Daigo and Wong's rivalry continues in Street Fighter IV, and culminated in a smashing finale that left me and my bro dizzy with chirping birds orbiting our heads. Videos after the jump.

  But first, some highlights! Ever wonder what Sakura and Cammy, presumably "low-tier" characters, could do in the hands of skilled players? 

  First, some saucy Sakura:

  Now, some creamy Cammy:

  Interestingly, "top-tier" characters like Sagat and Seth, the strongest characters in the game, were nowhere to be found in the final eight matches of the championship. The creators of the game, Capcom, even admitted they're a tad over-powered, but could easily be taken down by a player who knows what he's doing. Goes to show tier lists, which designate certain characters more valuable than others, are bunk.

  And now, the coup de grace, Daigo's Ryu vs. Justin Wong's Balrog. Their choice of character is significant as Daigo represents Japan, and Wong, America. I hear Wong typically plays up to the crowd, whereas Daigo remains stoic and Zen-like. How fitting!

  Phew! Once the ringing in your ear from the announcer's freakout stops, what did you think? What are your thoughts on this high level of play? Does it make you want to pick up Street Fighter IV again?

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