- How did you get into KOF13?
I got exposure first to the KOF world through Capcom vs. SNK 2, and then proceeded to get '99-2001 for my PSX and PS2. While I've seen iterations since then, XIII's appearance, coupled with the excellent tutorial video are what finally got me to pursue the game seriously.
- How many people locally were interested?
I think at least two people locally were following the arcade release, and at the time of the console release our numbers got up to 10-15 at a peak, thanks to a local get-together near the game's release. Our current stable numbers are now around 6-8.
- What characters did you try at first? Which ones you play with now?
First team: King / Terry / Kyo
Latest: King / EX Kyo / Shen
I've dabbled with a number of other characters too (Ash, Leona, Athena, Vice, to name a few). I knew from the get-go I wanted to play King and Kyo, namely due to fond Bodega memories, and I got my wish with EX Kyo. My ultimate goal is to have MadKOF's experience in being competent with the entire cast.
- Do you play on Steam?
Rarely, due to having issues starting up the game.
- What have you learned gameplay-wise from 2013 to 2014?
In 2013 I was primarily focused on figuring out the maximum damage and advantage I could get from my characters' best moves. In facing people with solid defense and better game knowledge, I've been trying to improve on varying mix-ups and understand specific matchups better especially when put on defense.
- What is your personal tier list? What match ups you have trouble with?
Trouble comes down to character vs. character, but EX Iori / Mr. Karate / Kim all feel consistently solid, have good damage with and without meter, have many options to keep people on the defensive, and can fit anywhere on a team. After that, I feel like there's a second tier with (in no particular order) Shen, Hwa, Takuma, Benimaru, both Kyos, King, Yuri, and Chin.
- What gameplay aspects do you like & dislike? What aspects grew or still dont like?
The comeback potential in the game is really strong thanks to power meter and drive meter. I think sometimes this restricts options during the later rounds, where most characters have a normal that can confirm into HD, and can get 800+ damage off 3 meters and HD. So there's a significant risk factor in doing anything unsafe when both characters are stocked. I don't think this is all bad though, because it also forces players to be much more aware of how they play in neutral, and while trying to scare players into not getting opened up other normals / specials can be utilized.
- Do you travel for competition or stay in your area?
Whenever I can! You have to play against the best to become the best.
- How is the KOF community in your area in general?
We have a smaller group of about 6-8 dedicated players, and then another 3-5 who show up more sparingly.
- Which KOF scenes inspire you and your community?
Primarily the SoCal / Mexican scenes and the Korean scenes. Those two really put KOF XIII on the map in 2012 with two different playstyles. The former had a greater focus on constant unrelenting pressure, and the latter played more methodically with better screen control. Also, MadKOF's example of playing all characters in the game is an example all of us can strive for.
- How do you feel about the KOFXIII community in USA (or in your country etc) in general?
Its presence is probably strongest in the SoCal / Mexico / Asia / France regions, and certainly still has a loyal following. Outside those areas, our numbers aren't the highest compared to other fighting games, but I think KOFXIII has attracted one of the more mature, friendly, and helpful groups of players of the current fighters.
- If you feel the game's hype is decreasing, what ideas do you have to inspire and motivate more hype?
Ensure that people get a chance to see the excitement and the thrill of playing this game, as well as the reward for learning, and building communities wherever they can be built. Even something as small as a local tourney or ranbats can go a long way towards bringing in people to the fun, one person at a time.
- Do you feel KOF13 will return on the main stage for EVO 2015? If so, why? If not, why?
I think it'll still be in, although I hope for the return of a stronger SoCal / Mexican presence (particularly the return of Reynald and Romance) to re-ignite the rivalry between the US and Asian regions.
- What things are we doing correct (in your opinion) and what mistakes are we making as a collective KOF community?
The one thing that comes to mind is that we have to be firm, but approachable in welcoming players and showcasing the fun of the game. No one wants to hear how X game sucks and KOFXIII is way better - the game should stand on its own merits, and fighting games as a whole already have a tough time in gaining attendance. For any game to grow, there has to be an influx of new players.
I got exposure first to the KOF world through Capcom vs. SNK 2, and then proceeded to get '99-2001 for my PSX and PS2. While I've seen iterations since then, XIII's appearance, coupled with the excellent tutorial video are what finally got me to pursue the game seriously.
- How many people locally were interested?
I think at least two people locally were following the arcade release, and at the time of the console release our numbers got up to 10-15 at a peak, thanks to a local get-together near the game's release. Our current stable numbers are now around 6-8.
- What characters did you try at first? Which ones you play with now?
First team: King / Terry / Kyo
Latest: King / EX Kyo / Shen
I've dabbled with a number of other characters too (Ash, Leona, Athena, Vice, to name a few). I knew from the get-go I wanted to play King and Kyo, namely due to fond Bodega memories, and I got my wish with EX Kyo. My ultimate goal is to have MadKOF's experience in being competent with the entire cast.
- Do you play on Steam?
Rarely, due to having issues starting up the game.
- What have you learned gameplay-wise from 2013 to 2014?
In 2013 I was primarily focused on figuring out the maximum damage and advantage I could get from my characters' best moves. In facing people with solid defense and better game knowledge, I've been trying to improve on varying mix-ups and understand specific matchups better especially when put on defense.
- What is your personal tier list? What match ups you have trouble with?
Trouble comes down to character vs. character, but EX Iori / Mr. Karate / Kim all feel consistently solid, have good damage with and without meter, have many options to keep people on the defensive, and can fit anywhere on a team. After that, I feel like there's a second tier with (in no particular order) Shen, Hwa, Takuma, Benimaru, both Kyos, King, Yuri, and Chin.
- What gameplay aspects do you like & dislike? What aspects grew or still dont like?
The comeback potential in the game is really strong thanks to power meter and drive meter. I think sometimes this restricts options during the later rounds, where most characters have a normal that can confirm into HD, and can get 800+ damage off 3 meters and HD. So there's a significant risk factor in doing anything unsafe when both characters are stocked. I don't think this is all bad though, because it also forces players to be much more aware of how they play in neutral, and while trying to scare players into not getting opened up other normals / specials can be utilized.
- Do you travel for competition or stay in your area?
Whenever I can! You have to play against the best to become the best.
- How is the KOF community in your area in general?
We have a smaller group of about 6-8 dedicated players, and then another 3-5 who show up more sparingly.
- Which KOF scenes inspire you and your community?
Primarily the SoCal / Mexican scenes and the Korean scenes. Those two really put KOF XIII on the map in 2012 with two different playstyles. The former had a greater focus on constant unrelenting pressure, and the latter played more methodically with better screen control. Also, MadKOF's example of playing all characters in the game is an example all of us can strive for.
- How do you feel about the KOFXIII community in USA (or in your country etc) in general?
Its presence is probably strongest in the SoCal / Mexico / Asia / France regions, and certainly still has a loyal following. Outside those areas, our numbers aren't the highest compared to other fighting games, but I think KOFXIII has attracted one of the more mature, friendly, and helpful groups of players of the current fighters.
- If you feel the game's hype is decreasing, what ideas do you have to inspire and motivate more hype?
Ensure that people get a chance to see the excitement and the thrill of playing this game, as well as the reward for learning, and building communities wherever they can be built. Even something as small as a local tourney or ranbats can go a long way towards bringing in people to the fun, one person at a time.
- Do you feel KOF13 will return on the main stage for EVO 2015? If so, why? If not, why?
I think it'll still be in, although I hope for the return of a stronger SoCal / Mexican presence (particularly the return of Reynald and Romance) to re-ignite the rivalry between the US and Asian regions.
- What things are we doing correct (in your opinion) and what mistakes are we making as a collective KOF community?
The one thing that comes to mind is that we have to be firm, but approachable in welcoming players and showcasing the fun of the game. No one wants to hear how X game sucks and KOFXIII is way better - the game should stand on its own merits, and fighting games as a whole already have a tough time in gaining attendance. For any game to grow, there has to be an influx of new players.