Street Fighter IV

[hudson]

Just had a small session on the Championship Mode on PS3. I like it. It's not like a tradtional tourney where players are laid out across brackets. You play your first match against anyone else who is on their first match via a match search or create (like in Ranked/Player match mode). If you win, your Match Progress is set to whatever round it is next i.e all of mine so far have been Semi-Final. Not sure if this is decided by how many users are online on SF4. You can play your next match whenever. When you do play it, you'll be matched up with another semi-finalist etc.

It's been frustrating for me so far, as SF4 seems to have just great players left on it. Which is a good thing, but a frustrating thing for me as I'm being owned lol.

Oh and there's blind select!

I need some advice on how to deal with meaty cross-ups which are dealt to me on wake-up I try to do standing block, but I've been failing.

So far, this Champ Mode is a nice welcome free addition.

Lobbies etc next, please Capcom!

[randombs]

I'd probably rather this was a surprise but:

I don't suppose it changes the title screen to say SF4 Champion Edition? I'd cream my pants if it does!

:edit: Naff, it seems to be called the Power Up Pack

Gits

[hudson]

I'd probably rather this was a surprise but:

I don't suppose it changes the title screen to say SF4 Champion Edition? I'd cream my pants if it does!

:edit: Naff, it seems to be called the Power Up Pack

Gits

No title screen change. Just a new mode name in the Network menu, along with replay stuff in the rankings (I think).

There's now GP/CP stats on main menu too.

The VS loading screen has new flames in background!

Power Up Pack? Is that the name of this update or name of the full costume pack? I hope the latter lol.

[Btang84]

Yep, have just been trying this new patch out (PS3 version here) and it's pretty good. I think the lack of battles may have to do with people not yet updating their game, but it's given me incentive to play the game more now. I also won one Championship, so I'm rank GD-D or whatever it is.

Nice to see that quitters are now punished and you can see on their screens! Finally!

[randombs]

The VS loading screen has new flames in background!

Power Up Pack? Is that the name of this patch or name of the full costume pack? I hope the latter lol.

I guess new flames is something. And that's the name of it according to xbox.com, anyway, I haven't tried it on the 360 yet.

[hudson]

Yep, have just been trying this new patch out (PS3 version here) and it's pretty good. I think the lack of battles may have to do with people not yet updating their game, but it's given me incentive to play the game more now. I also won one Championship, so I'm rank GD-D or whatever it is.

Nice to see that quitters are now punished and you can see on their screens! Finally!

I voted on your final win!

I like the replays idea. If you win your final, you are rewarded with the option to upload your match for other to watch and vote on.

You can simply access your friends final match replays via the filtered (Friends) Ranking>Replays section.

The game must upload a small file (like XML?) as replay data is uploaded instantly and watching a replay is as quick loading a normal match.

It's good for watching anyone. Been watching the top (so far) matches from Japanese players.

Oh, did I mention that I've finally seen with my own eyes, green 5 bar ping readings? I thought I was seeing things.

[Psyduck]

yeah I've seen 5 bar pings for the first time ever too, wonder if that's been part of the patch? I don't think it's actually changed anything, just what it shows. I've never noticed the ping rating make a bit of difference though, usually get 0 or 1 bars and they're just fine.

[Btang84]

Thanks hoolak, my win wasn't a great game actually! I took a lot of damage from a player I really should have completely dominated against!

I like the idea of the replays, although I can't say that I like the voting system. Sometimes a simple rating out of 5 or something would be more effective rather than spamming the voting system for friends etc.

[Myth]

You bast Hoolak

[Morph]

hahahaha how many more times do I have to see videos of Rick

[hudson]

haha. I stumbled on it myself trying to find a vid for this thread. So I got done too lol.

Btang84. I agree, the voting method is a bit naff. However, it can give you an idea where people liked a play at a certain point. Think it was just an excuse to use them cool and cute emoticons

[Number45]

Think it was just an excuse to use them cool and cute emoticons

It took me the longest time to realise the mic emoticon wasn't a 'masturbaticon'.

[Mayhem]

Indeed, been seeing 5 bar pings now for the first time also. Played a couple of Championships so far, won a Free and lost in the semis of a G3 graded; could have won that one too. So it's been pretty smooth so far, but finding opponents is still hit and miss given the vast number of 1 bar pings I see...

[Jebus]

Can you do private tourneys with friends, or have they forgotten that as well as proper lobbies?

[hudson]

No. As I said earlier, it's not a traditional tournament with brackets. Read my post above.

You won't like it, Jeeb. Personally, I like it as an additional competitive (against strangers) ranking mode. Along with the inclusion of the Final Battle replays.