Anyone else find it odd how even though SoCal seems to hold Robert in such high regard when talking about tiers they never ever actually use him?
Also, seems Mature is moving up their ranks. She was getting a lot of use in yesterday's tournament, even as anchor. Her EX fireball pretty much completely shuts down fireball games, like that of Saiki. Her links equal tons of damage and she can really lock you down with block strings.
I've been curious about the Robert thing for a long time. He's good, but works best at mid to long range IMO. The mid range attacks can set up the close range, but he always seemed weak up close compared to Takuma, or Ryo. Every time I hear about Robert though, they make him out a all around fighter w/ high priority. I just don't see it.
I think it's exactly because he's an all-around fighter that he seems to pale in comparison with Takuma or Ryo in close range. When you look at it, Robert has pretty much everything in his arsenal: a fireball, an anti-air, a cross up, a grab...you name it, he probably has it, except more juggling options.
When he corners an opponent, he turns out to have less juggling options without having to sacrifice meter or drive. The biggest difference is that his db_f+K makes him jump backwards, unlike Takuma's version or Ryo's hcb+K. Ryo can also juggle his opponents a few times with his qcf+A while Takuma can prolong his combos further with his zanretsuken into grab. Even Yuri outjuggles Robert with her qcb+P.
Basically, he's like Mario. He's pretty well-rounded, having almost every single trick you can find, but not really the best in all of them.