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What to heck even is a Skullgirls

JamesMcCloud

JamesMcCloud

eat your teeth
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Smashtaper
Eliza Fukua
Hey howdy hey. I guess I know a lot less about this game than I previously thought. Thanks, Arcade Mode.

Long story short, I suck. Pretty hard.

Long story long, (er, normal length? Standard length for long stories) I have serious issues with various serious things.

I can string together basic combos, and I can follow them to a tee, both in training and in actual matches. Basic combos meaning anywhere between 3-7K, based on the character and amount of meter used. I tend to be better with rushdown characters, but only specific types? I'm not 100% sure. Funny how I've had the game since about 3 months after it came out, and I still don't know.

I'm getting there.

Here are my main problems that I can think of off the top of my head:

1. Blocking. Hoooly shit I am bad at blocking. Defense in general. I'm mediocre on offense, so for right now, that's not a problem. I can start to block a combo, but eventually they start to mix it up, or call in an assist (Looking at you, Ashes to Ashes.), or my gamepad decides that I'm actually ducking instead of blocking. Whoopsies! I've found that when I start to block a chain of stuff, I start to panic. My hands, especially, get all shaky, resulting in a direction mishap. Is there a way to get over this fear?
2. Grab Teching. Again, defense in general. Are my reflexes just not good enough to tech grabs? I see them, but 30 frames appears to not be enough for my eyes to communicate with my brain to communicate with my nerves to make my fingers tech it. Will grab teching come on its own or do I have to practice it specifically?
3. Guessing games. (READ ALSO: Filia) What the fuck do I do? Will my guessing get better or do I need some kind of imaginary coin-flipping mechanic to decide whether I block low or jump or block or tech or what?
4. Zoning. (READ ALSO: Peacock) What the actual fuck do I do? I know what I need to do, but putting it in matches is hella dang hard. Like. Jeez. Okay, run forward and block, easy, right? It just never seems to get through. Most Pekkicks tend to have the Lock 'N' Load assist. Do I just have to """""git gud""""" to start blocking this onslaught of explosives/shadows/bullets?
5. Competitive-ness. I take this game waaay too seriously at times. I find myself shaking uncontrollably when playing online, and I tend to get really salty after I lose on Quick Match to the same guy who uses the same techniques ad nauseum. Is there a way to make myself not be so serious about the game?
6. Zen. A friend of mine actually gave that term to me, and it kinda described my issue with the game. I haven't necessarily found my 'zen' with the game. Like, I haven't found a character or character set that I feel totally comfortable with. They all seem to have a playstyle I don't really understand/am able to use correctly. When I play games like Persona 4 Arena or the like, I tend to click with a certain character, but I just seem to find myself cycling through everyone in Skullgirls and just end up slightly dissatisfied. I have approximate skill with various characters, just no one I get naturally.

That's all I can think of at the moment, but it's late and my hand is cramping up from playing for 2.5 hours and then typing this out. Here's to a hopeful journey into the skulls or whatever. *clinks glasses*
 
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I had a nice long talk with Mr. gllt and he was super helpful, he showed me that one link from a Smash Bros reference. It was about getting what you want while avoiding letting your opponent get what they want, and I see a little clearer. I just played a few quick matches against a Para/Bella team, and I did my best to stay on top and aggressive with Parasoul. I lost, but they were high skill level, so it's okay! I didn't lose as badly as I would have, that's for sure.

I'm learning!
 
ALRIGHT HEY UPDATE AFTER LIKE 6 MONTHS!

I'm still garbage at video games, but I think I've found a team I'm totally 100% comfy with yet!

Improvements:
  1. BEOWULF! With the almost release of this guy, I think I have a solid team that I'm consistently winning with (relatively speaking, of course.) Fortune felt funky, and I can't air dash cancel to save my life, so good-bye Val and Filia!
  2. Commands! Like a true commander, I've started getting better at moving that dang stick around. It's not big, but having my nerves calmed down to the point where I can do a neat little QCF a lot less shakily(?) than before. Not big, more like a nerves improvement, but it really helps with a grapple-man like Beowulf and a semi-grapple-woman(?) like Fukua.
That being said, obviously, I still have a lot of issues. As per usual.

Current Challenges:
  1. Blocking. Yeah, still. Yes. I'm still kinda shaky when playing with higher-level folk, esPECIALLY getting cornered by them. Bonus Points if they have an overhead assist (Squigly, Eliza, etc.). I'm still trying to get in the habit of push-blocking (yeah, important, I know) and even that thing where I tag out while blocking, no matter how unsafe or stupid of a time I do it! I don't really have a question regarding this, because I'm sure the answer is "Just practice blocking, dummy." Got it.
  2. Zoning. YEAH STILL YES. Beowulf kinda SUCKS at long range, which is obvious. Yeah, I can throw the chair, but even if it hits, I have three bombs and teacups and lasers and everything to dodge (fuck you, Peacock.) Fukua's only slightly better at not getting zoned. What can I do to improve my not-getting-zoned game?
  3. Charging. I really wanna learn Parasoul and Big Band, I really do, but gosh dernit, I just can't charge. Is it just my controller? I use a 360 gamepad, not an arcade stick, could that be the issue? Or is it a "git gud" issue?
That's all I got for now, I'm sure I could come up with more when I'm not at school. If you can help, that'd be super! Kisses mwah xoxo
 
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Smashtaper said:
ALRIGHT HEY UPDATE AFTER LIKE 6 MONTHS!

I'm still garbage at video games, but I think I've found a team I'm totally 100% comfy with yet!

Improvements:
  1. BEOWULF! With the almost release of this guy, I think I have a solid team that I'm consistently winning with (relatively speaking, of course.) Fortune felt funky, and I can't air dash cancel to save my life, so good-bye Val and Filia!
  2. Commands! Like a true commander, I've started getting better at moving that dang stick around. It's not big, but having my nerves calmed down to the point where I can do a neat little QCF a lot less shakily(?) than before. Not big, more like a nerves improvement, but it really helps with a grapple-man like Beowulf and a semi-grapple-woman(?) like Fukua.
That being said, obviously, I still have a lot of issues. As per usual.

Current Challenges:
  1. Blocking. Yeah, still. Yes. I'm still kinda shaky when playing with higher-level folk, esPECIALLY getting cornered by them. Bonus Points if they have an overhead assist (Squigly, Eliza, etc.). I'm still trying to get in the habit of push-blocking (yeah, important, I know) and even that thing where I tag out while blocking, no matter how unsafe or stupid of a time I do it! I don't really have a question regarding this, because I'm sure the answer is "Just practice blocking, dummy." Got it.
  2. Zoning. YEAH STILL YES. Beowulf kinda SUCKS at long range, which is obvious. Yeah, I can throw the chair, but even if it hits, I have three bombs and teacups and lasers and everything to dodge (fuck you, Peacock.) Fukua's only slightly better at not getting zoned. What can I do to improve my not-getting-zoned game?
  3. Charging. I really wanna learn Parasoul and Big Band, I really do, but gosh dernit, I just can't charge. Is it just my controller? I use a 360 gamepad, not an arcade stick, could that be the issue? Or is it a "git gud" issue?
Wow thats a lot to take in.
 
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If you're having issues with charging, the only option is to try to keep practicing them. Whether you're using a stick or a pad or whatever doesn't make stuff easier or harder, just learn what you're comfortable with and stay relaxed, it'll come easier that way.
For zoning, I don't have to best experience with it, but you need to be patient and find the window. Not paying attention and rushing in mindlessly will get you killed, but being too cautious won't give you the best chance to get in. Just stay calm and find their pattern.
 
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Makes sense! I just didn't know if it was weirdly hard on a gamepad or if I wasn't doing something right! Thanks for the advice!
 
LATE-NIGHT UPDATE

this aint your GRANNY'S normal update!

so i decided to make a video(s) of my common combos. Beo's, however, was stupid short and did like 4K, so I made a new corner one for him that probably doesn't actually work. For Fukua's Midscreen combos, i gave two versions (ignore the middle one, i messed up QQ). Just showing a few options out of the j.HK. You got like 8.

AH WELL HERE YOU GO

 
Charge moves requires holding the stick/key in a position for a couple of frames to then execute them.

For zoning, try to look for a way to get in, either by double jumping or using advancing guard, dash and guard when you see the projectile coming, it requires practice tho and a single mess up will get you trapped in a bad position, some characters do better against zoners than others.

HeadcrabNinja said:
I also shake uncontrollably after a match online, unless its with a friend or family

I tought i was the only one.
 
I know how to charge, it's the execution that's fucking me up.
Chairless 2HK is great, but if I'm at fullscreen, there's not much I can do.

And I shake uncontrollably when I play against anyone online that I know is better than me (Read: everyone on my friends list)
 
Smashtaper said:
Chairless 2HK is great, but if I'm at fullscreen, there's not much I can do.
Chairless 2HK should absorb the projectiles and let you tech forward at full-screen. Otherwise, I guess you could do superjump wulf blitzer?
 
Fumako said:
Chairless 2HK should absorb the projectiles and let you tech forward at full-screen. Otherwise, I guess you could do superjump wulf blitzer?
WOAH IT ABSORBS PROJECTILES? I never knew that *"mains beowulf"*

But yeah, then, that sounds pretty good. And Wulf Blitzer is pretty much just like a hunky Painwheel Flight, so that should work
 
Smashtaper said:
And Wulf Blitzer is pretty much just like a hunky Painwheel Flight, so that should work
I don't really play much beowulf but I think air blitzer leaves you completely vulnerable until you land?
If that's the case superjump blitzer isn't really usable unless you've got a lockdown assist or something like BB's H Brass to cover you.
That said, you really should just stick to 2HK. I main peacock and that thing is almost as annoying as H Brass.
 
It absolutely does leave you vulnerable, I just imagined Beowulf with a cute colorful pinwheel flying around all smiley. But yeah, I didn't know Chairless c.HK took out Georges. Thanks!
 
TILTING! What do I do when I'm on tilt? I'm having so much trouble keeping my cool when my internet is running at 200 ping and everyone is better than me.
 
Drink some water.
Think over your losses in a constructive manner.
Drink some water.
Go for a walk outside.
Drink some water.
Ask the people you're playing why you're losing.
Drink some water.
Attempt to recreate the scenarios you come across in games and learn how to fight them.
Drink some water.
Also, drink some water.
 
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I'm at the point where I'm not good enough to play online but I'm too good for Arcade mode on Nightmare.

If that gauges my skill level at all.
 

hey lookie there i made a video of me vs @gllt for an hour

inb4 "lern2block scrub; you fucking suck, uninstall"

if you think i get completely bodied, fear not! i end up going 2-28 so clearly something happened and gllt dropped his combo one too many times or i happened to push buttons at the right times. totally definitely not luck-based at all, i guarantee it.
 
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SEShjtm.jpg


bullshit-mortis.png

mikez why this
 
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Watched the first 12 or so minutes of the set.

First off, niceme.me in your steam name.

Do you have a general gameplan with Beowulf and Fukua? I feel like you don't really have a gameplan of sorts that you want to follow to win the match, you just kind of do stuff just to do it and your decisions during the matches don't have a lot of reason behind them. It's impossible to have a reason for every single step you make in this game, this game isn't SF4, that level of thinking will lead to a mental breakdown because the game is pretty fast, but what I find really useful is to have a primary objective such as a specific space between me and my opponent for reasons such as punishing assists, reaction supers as punishes in neutral etc, stuff you absolutely need to do to win, and having a bunch of secondary objectives that are not what you're looking for all the time, but it's a good idea to keep them in mind some of the time if the situation calls for them, especially if they allow you to make your primary objective stronger, such as maintaining a certain spot, meter management, etc.
 
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Yomabudd_y said:
what I find really useful is to have a primary objective such as a specific space between me and my opponent for reasons such as punishing assists, reaction supers as punishes in neutral etc, stuff you absolutely need to do to win, and having a bunch of secondary objectives that are not what you're looking for all the time

THIS. THIS. THIS.
Just take it one step at a time.

It relatively easy to turn the game around at any point in time just because of how the combo system in this game works. Meter gain in general (especially Beowulf meter, imo) makes it really easy to come back from a set when you're really behind so just stay positive and try to find patterns.

As far as your blocking goes, I think that'll come once you start watching other characters and understanding their combos and people's playstyles.

In the gltt set, you seemed to get a good read on his basic combo later into the set and had an easier time with your confirms which is a good sign. Just be careful of the misplaced aggression. YOU'RE GOING TOO HARD, LEROY.
 
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Smashtaper said:
bullshit-mortis.png
mikez why this
I'm sure I don't have to answer that for you.

You seem to concentrate a lot on WINNING, rather than IMPROVING. Failing less is improvement. Pick goals like, "Today I'm going to block all overheads" or whatever, and focus on those rather than win count. And ignore skill gap.

AI is not useful for learning to fight people in ... any 2D fighter, really. AI always has easily exploited patterns, people don't.
 
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Smashtaper said:
SEShjtm.jpg


bullshit-mortis.png

mikez why this
Sir stop trying to get my character nerfed pleased.

As for zoning look for patterns in your opponents item throw ( do they leave air space open? Can I low profile under a projectile and catch them off guard? Do they try to anti air or DP me when I get too close? Etcetera, etcetera.)

Then move in however you see fit. Whether it be jumping over the projectiles, the "run, stop, block, repeat" method or whatever else.
 
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Yomabudd_y said:
Watched the first 12 or so minutes of the set.

First off, niceme.me in your steam name.

Do you have a general gameplan with Beowulf and Fukua? I feel like you don't really have a gameplan of sorts that you want to follow to win the match, you just kind of do stuff just to do it and your decisions during the matches don't have a lot of reason behind them. It's impossible to have a reason for every single step you make in this game, this game isn't SF4, that level of thinking will lead to a mental breakdown because the game is pretty fast, but what I find really useful is to have a primary objective such as a specific space between me and my opponent for reasons such as punishing assists, reaction supers as punishes in neutral etc, stuff you absolutely need to do to win, and having a bunch of secondary objectives that are not what you're looking for all the time, but it's a good idea to keep them in mind some of the time if the situation calls for them, especially if they allow you to make your primary objective stronger, such as maintaining a certain spot, meter management, etc.

I don't really have one yet, and this is an issue I'm feeling right now. I'm not sure if I need to git gudder at the fundamentals or if my team actually doesn't work as well as others (Peacock/Bb). But It's probably best that I learn how to fighting games before learning what teams work.

dapurplesharpie said:
THIS. THIS. THIS.
Just take it one step at a time.

It relatively easy to turn the game around at any point in time just because of how the combo system in this game works. Meter gain in general (especially Beowulf meter, imo) makes it really easy to come back from a set when you're really behind so just stay positive and try to find patterns.

As far as your blocking goes, I think that'll come once you start watching other characters and understanding their combos and people's playstyles.

In the gltt set, you seemed to get a good read on his basic combo later into the set and had an easier time with your confirms which is a good sign. Just be careful of the misplaced aggression. YOU'RE GOING TOO HARD, LEROY.

I did start to learn a bit about him (i've started blocking at the start rather than going for offense because Death Operas), but after the first few wins I sorta lost concentration. At 23 wins, my roommate came in and asked a bunch of questions so all my nerves broke from there. BUT NO JOHNS

Mike_Z said:
I'm sure I don't have to answer that for you.

You seem to concentrate a lot on WINNING, rather than IMPROVING. Failing less is improvement. Pick goals like, "Today I'm going to block all overheads" or whatever, and focus on those rather than win count. And ignore skill gap.

AI is not useful for learning to fight people in ... any 2D fighter, really. AI always has easily exploited patterns, people don't.

Man, Squigly, man. Man, man. Squigly.
I have actually thought about asking friends to just attack so I can do nothing but block and practice blocking mixups (check out 5:04 in that video. im a fucking SCRUB). But yeah. I'll do that for as long as my confidence can hold out.

And AI was all I had with Vanilla SG on 360 after my Gold ran out QQ

majorgalaxy said:
Sir stop trying to get my character nerfed pleased.

As for zoning look for patterns in your opponents item throw ( do they leave air space open? Can I low profile under a projectile and catch them off guard? Do they try to anti air or DP me when I get too close? Etcetera, etcetera.)

Then move in however you see fit. Whether it be jumping over the projectiles, the "run, stop, block, repeat" method or whatever else.

Yeah! I'm still working on my zoning game, although after playing a few Peacock's at my level, it's definitely getting better (dont read into that time Parasoul zoned me out and I fell for the same goddamn thing TWICE.). I actually mindlessly fell into an anti-zoning state at fullscreen during the video too at one point, and a Tremolo ended that for me quickly.



All in all, I did terribly. And that's okay! I've reviewed the footage and thought about what gllt does so I can assume he'll keep doing that and I'll keep falling for it OR he'll change it up on me. I have an itchy trigger finger for my assist calls and a second P when I just wanna do Wolf Shoot. Hence the stupid Giant arms tossed in all the time.

Either way, I'll keep playing and hopefully improving. Blocking. Pushblocking. Blocking more.

Thanks for the feedback!
 
damn. MikeZ noticed you.

Mike, post in my thread pls.
 
I summoned him by stupidly complaining about the game. or it's because you use the wrong Eliza palette.
 
dapurplesharpie said:
Mike, post in my thread pls.
If I post in your thread people will think I'm hitting on you. It happened to keninblack and I'll never hear the end of that. :^P
Also I can't find it.

Smashtaper said:
I summoned him by stupidly complaining about the game. or it's because you use the wrong Eliza palette.
Actually you were in the Recent Posts on the front page.
 
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WHAT THREAD?!!?!?!?

WHO IS CAUSING YOU TO NEVER HEAR THE END OF IT?!

THE END OF WHAT?!
 
does this mean mikez is hitting on me
 
Mike_Z said:
I haven't looked, but that statement is still technically true.

I did a whole thing about how I'm trying to be good without blaming the game, like a responsible player*.

*: statement may be open to interpretation. sharpie is not responsible for your salt, except that she is. see your doctor to know if salty tears are right for you. do not read if you have a precondition heart condition that triggers you. #getfucked
 
Smashtaper said:
I don't really have one yet, and this is an issue I'm feeling right now. I'm not sure if I need to git gudder at the fundamentals or if my team actually doesn't work as well as others (Peacock/Bb). But It's probably best that I learn how to fighting games before learning what teams work.
Unless you're at the level of consistent top 8 placers, what you play doesn't really matter unless you're having fun and learning from it. Sure having, say, L Extend would probably help your team because L Extend is L Extend but whether you're willing to take the time to learn three characters at once, or even playing BB at all, is a decision you have to make yourself, and to be completely honest it's not a decision that will affect your wins for a pretty long time.

Without an actual solid gameplan you can't really think of improvement since your decisions don't have a general direction. For example in that set I saw a lot of Bionic Arms/GiganticArm/whatever that Beo super is from you, and from the looks of it you didn't really have a reason for any of them (I only really watched the first 12 minutes because it's a long video and I have assignments of my own sorry). Once you have a general gameplan you can start to understand what kinds of decisions are required of you in the neutral game and for what purpose you are acting. I'm not a good Beo/Fukua player (or even a good player of this game) so I can't really tell you what you want to do; it's something you can come up with through a lot of experience with the game and a decent sense of intuition, or by just asking lots and lots of people. I think dekillsage is playing Beowulf now and he played Fukua before so asking him might get you some direction.

By having a general gameplan for yourself you can also start to see what actions the opponent is taking towards their own gameplan or denying you the opportunity to properly implement yours. You can also see what faults you have much more clearly since you can see that whatever faults you have (such as matchup knowledge, inexperience with certain confirms, lack of understanding of situations) are hindering your ability to execute your gameplan, and you can start working on those.

TLDR: Having a gameplan helps you get better and also improve better.
 
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Yomabudd_y said:
Without an actual solid gameplan you can't really think of improvement since your decisions don't have a general direction. For example in that set I saw a lot of Bionic Arms/GiganticArm/whatever that Beo super is from you, and from the looks of it you didn't really have a reason for any of them (I only really watched the first 12 minutes because it's a long video and I have assignments of my own sorry). Once you have a general gameplan you can start to understand what kinds of decisions are required of you in the neutral game and for what purpose you are acting. I'm not a good Beo/Fukua player (or even a good player of this game) so I can't really tell you what you want to do; it's something you can come up with through a lot of experience with the game and a decent sense of intuition, or by just asking lots and lots of people. I think dekillsage is playing Beowulf now and he played Fukua before so asking him might get you some direction.

Yeah, most of those Giant arms were trigger fingered because nerves or muscle memory, but I was actually trying to throw my chair or Wolf Shoot. I nervously tap that assist button all the time, explaining the bad assist calls. I call assist whenever I jump, too. :c working on it.
 
Okay so. Eliza. I can't tell when she's gonna send out Sekhmet using Pthaxe or call down Horace. Should I just upback when she gets in close? Both have relatively short range.

Same with Squigly. Squiglys be using their Grave Diggers when they're super low to the ground, and it looks like it's gonna hit low but it hits overhead? Or am I reading this wrong?
 
To beat squig you have to play by sound. She has two phrases that she says when it's gonna hit overhead: "Grave Digger!!" and the other one I can't remember.
 
I just can't. I just cannot. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm following all your tips. I'm throwing my chair. I'm chairless c.HKing. I'm throwing fireballs. I just cannot get out of zoning.

I'm holding down back, and I still get hit by bullets and walking Georges. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. It's just not working. Same against "Napalm Shot". I just don't know what I'm doing wrong.
 
A bit of footage with you vs zoning would be real helpful.
I could also fight you and give tips but it could be very laggy.
 
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