This week I should first of all lay out my credentials and the plan of this regular blog. I first came to know of Street Fighter from a friend who had it on an Amiga 500. I remember we played all day and didn’t really do anything else despite this being one of the first times I got to go to a friend's place in town.
Pretty much from there I was hooked I never really played it at an arcade or knew many moves but we’d smash it out all day long. I finally got my first copy of Street Fighter 2 on PC a 486 – DX2 66 quite the machine for the day (93). I used to play by myself all the time. I religiously used Ryu and that was my favourite character and would remain that way to this day.
Fast forward to 2008 when I’m now in my mid 20’s working in a studio when I see people playing Street Fighter 3rd Strike and it looked amazing. So I sat and watched a while until asked to have a go. I’ve not played any street fighter for years and had never heard of half these characters. I proceed to choose my faithful Ryu and begin. Let’s just say I had no idea what was going on as I proceed to get my ass handed to me. Supers, parry’s what the heck? I then left with my tail between my legs and was in shock what had a happened to my Street Fighter it was so different so hardcore. I did work for a video games company maybe they’re just really good?
This video still gives me goose bumps. Daigo 'The Beast' Umehara vs Justin Wong Evo 2004
Now fast forward to 2009 when Street Fighter 4 hits the streets. I vowed to learn this game and be good at it. I being a cheap arse thought I’d find the best deal possibly on launch which happens to be from the UK ($64AU delivered) was a sweet deal despite the fact that it sold out and was delayed 6 weeks. Despite this knock and being unable to moonlight when not playing with work friends, I found myself losing but having so much fun while doing so. I was learning picking up pointers and beginning to be a better player. By the time my own copy had arrived I was beating most of my peers.
Then towards the end of the year I was lucky enough to go to Japan and attend TGS (Tokyo Game Show) . Whilst in Japan I vowed to pick up a arcade stick as any purists' will say you need to play with a stick. I’ll write more in the coming weeks about my battle with learning to use an arcade stick. I picked up a Hori Fighting Stick 3.
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| Hori Fighting Stick 3 |
I then returned home and was instantly turned off and didn't use it. Then came the arrival of Super Street Fighter IV. I have this stick and am not using it. I also think I reached the peak of my ability with the pad. So I decided I would sit down and do all the challenges and learn how to use the arcade stick, focused on learning the art of becoming the next World Warrior.
So till fate brings us together again I'll see you in the ring.
Simon
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