Akita

sorry to dig this thread up from the grave, but I am particularly asking the same question too (minus Qanba) I am leaning towards Hori's RAP V3 SA since it seems to look like the arcade layout in Japan (proximity of the button to the stick). Is this just me, or am I blowing smoke (since the time I played at Japan, it felt sorta cramped. Then again, I was also very newbie in that game). I played around with the TE and I like it, but I sorta want to support something Arc is supporting, which I think is Hori. Another thing I want to ask is, once I buy this Hori stick, am I allowed to customize it, in particular the restrictor gate, since I have heard they are square originally (so i would definitely like to have it something a bit more easier, maybe circular or octagonal -but if anyone want to talk me out of changing this and leaving it a square, please tell me...) thanks for answering newbie questions

well, it's like, I played Lambda as a really up close character, and it worked against some of my friends. But I learned through challenge, and watching vids that I shouldn't do that, and gradually made myself learn to zone. So agree with playstyle, but you can definitely get yourself to learn strategy the hard way. I actually don't know why I can pick Lambda up easier than people like Makoto, or Ragna (who I fell is rushdown, but can't do it as effectively than Lambda) As for Mu and zoning, majority of the tourney vids I seen of Mu relied more on her close combat rather than setting up her bits. Rachel's zoning, done right is annoying and effective... Like, you can fling Tiny Robelia to any distance, you have some oki tools, you have your toad trap -she just seems really fun to play (and annoying to play against).

Sadly, no I didn't since I still haven't incorporated rapids into my combo repertoire (although I have seen it). I asked this question because at times hard CPU does get away from the 236D combo, in a situation that is similar to what Blue Link said. CPU also helps me in what I shouldn't do (as in priorities or where I am vulnerable, so right now it's still helpful)

(noob speaking) Challenge get's you used to input. Yes, it's impractical but many of the combos you see are derived, I feel, from Challenge mode. You also get inspiration from them anyway. In terms of getting away from button mashing, I think this is the cure. However, timing wise, I really think fighting against Lv 100 comp is the best way... I mean, fighting against people is not the same as Computer, but you still get the general idea to what to look out for, your timing of moves, what moves are actually vulnerable, and blocking strings (basic). I mean sure, I practiced at times with Arakune, having full curse meter, and having it NEVER run out (yea, that's not fun). It's DEFINITELY impractical, but I do get the hint of how the pro Arakune does their scary scary combo -and how to run away, slip through (not really, but I have beaten the comp 2 out of 10 times).

wait, that 6C is supposed to be 2C (forgot 6C was one that can launch people to the wall... sorta healing my wrist so... lol...) time to learn high jump (lol...), and I really should learn other 236 A/B... I don't grab usually due to how the computer can get out of it over 90% of the time... I probably should use that to figure out grab timing (lol)... thx for advice (I actually don't use her cancel for crescent... I probably should start using it more often...)

isn't this also going to be free like after the first couple of hours (which you probably only get the last couple of hours). Sadly, working, so I can't catch some of the beginning matches... totally forgot, if you pay, you probably get to watch the Faylan concert that is going to happen as well

Guilty Gear player (sorta), then a friend was like, "YOU GOTTA PLAY THIS!", and at AX 2009, I got pumped by the panels they presented, and continued to play (for fun- funny, since four friends went in with me, two went out of it really fast, and two I have no idea what is happening). Afterward, doing some part-time job, I found out two of my colleagues play this game, and since then have been getting into it much more. Living near Game Center (San Mateo) also helps, since I want to play there, but my stick control just sucks.

yay imai san~ I want to see her in person...

when I play Lambda, one of my main combo is C [repeat/Hold Down] > 6C > 3C > 236D Q1: Is this even a viable way to lock down opponents in close range? Q2: When 236D confirms, I try it to go further with 236C > 2dd > jc > j2DD > jc > jDD > j2DD > j214D. Knowing that there are steps missing (roughly 4 more hits I can do, I believe), is there something more I can do or variants I should consider? I also tend to drop this a lot, majority of it happening prior to the second jc, or missing the j214D. Is this just going into practice and getting that timing right? Q3: It's inevitable that once I do this a couple of time, my are going to be smart. I've had a bad habit of continuing the execution of this combo even if 3c is blocked (although recently, practicing against CPU Lv100 made me learn NOT to do this), but at times they are able to recover fast enough to block the incoming 236D. Is there anyway to continue adding the pressure by utilizing 2147D to break their guard primer, or should I just back away? I still can't believe (and is still making the mistake) that 236C can be grabbed out of (against Tager, this sucks), and 4B can be blocked on the second hit, denying launch, and leaving your vulnerable. Oh yea, might as well add... Q4: I tend to favor 236D rather than 214D. Should I not be?

wouldn't picking a main just be to go into training mode and seriously just "press buttons?" It sounds really noobish, but at first I feel that you need to establish what a character can do (move list wise and input wise). I try to create my own little combo, and gradually figure out what I can and cannot do. For BB, it's also easy since they got the Challenge mode and some of the basic basic is in there. Pretty much after that, I look at videos and gameplay to enhance my knowledge... But IR noob anyway (lol)