EVO 2010

So it's official, I'm going to EVO 2010.

First and foremost, I am going to compete, I'd like to make that very clear...and to the haters that want to sit back and say I'm not ready, so be it, go for it. But lets face it, I've never been to Evo, but all the stories describe it as a total spectacle, a great experience..and if someone like myself can enjoy the game even just through watching streams etc. I just don't see how it's something that I can pass up if I have the opportunity.

This was a pretty tough decision to make for a number of reasons..of course financially, it's not cheap to go stay at Caesar's Palace for 4 days in Vegas (I really, really wanted to stay at the venue). And the other contributing factor was that I'd be traveling alone. I have no local SSF4 scene to look for buddies that might want to tag along and split costs. I'm a pretty shy person, but with all the effort and resources it took to put this trip together, I'm going to do my best to push through that and meet and greet as many people as possible.

I've had short pings of doubt about this trip, mostly contributing from my overall nervousness and shy attitude..but the overwhelming feeling that I would regret not going is just way too much to overcome. It would have been the worst, if I sat home and watched EVO knowing I could have been there.

Hell of a tournament to choose as your first ever...That's right, this will be my first ever tournament. I'm going to have to have ice water running through my veins competing in such an insane environment as a first timer..but honestly, I think I'm up to the task. If I've gotten as good as I am right now, only from playing seriously since the beginning of SSF4, there's no telling where I could be by the time EVO rolls around.

If you're interested in contacting me about meeting at evo or training beforehand, give me a holler on youtube.

It's gonna be a long, crazy trip from here on out.

www.youtube.com/vayastrike

Xbox Live Activate!

Xbox live is officially up and running. I'm happy to take on all comers!

My initial thoughts are that it's really great. I've always been cynical about Xbox live as I've primarily played multiplayer games on PC for years now...I used to make the comparison, but there really isn't any comparison to make. PC multiplayer done right will always be superior..no silly lobbies or any of that nonsense. But all-in-all, I'm satisfied with Xbox Live. The network does in fact seem more solid than PSN..leading to the ability to join games faster, as well as being able to pick and choose games easier (PSN tends to time out on a lot of connections)

Feel free to add me! Gamertag: Vayastrike
I'll catch you all there!

SSF4 on 360

I think the time'sacomin to get a fightstick and SSF4 for 360. Lets face it, there are a ton of people that are exclusive to 360 that I am unable to play..and that pretty much sucks. I love PSN for what it is (free) ...but I'm feeling like it might be worthwhile to pay Micro$oft their 40 bucks a year for Xbox Live. A bit of a bittersweet decision...but in the end, I think it will be more than worth it.

So I imagine i'll probably be looking into getting onto 360 SSF4 sometime within the next couple of weeks. I'll update this blog with my Xbox-live name.

In the meantime:

Why hello there!

Well, it's been about a week since I posted something in this here blog, so I figured I should post something. It's kind of funny that I even created this blog, considering I don't even like writing...My brain works in a funny way sometimes.

I've been improving my Balrog play by leaps and bounds. There are still aspects of the game I have yet to grasp, but I can observe a match and see things that I didn't before..which is a pretty huge victory in itself. Aspects of play such as links and combos which I had trouble incorporating just a week ago, have seemed to find their way into my gameplay, which is quite the relief considering I was so frustrated at not being able to strategize the way I wanted to. All in all, I'd say I'm making solid progress.

One of my main problems starting out was not understanding that I wasn't going to be able to improve to the level I wanted overnight. It was easy to tell myself I wouldn't, but something deep down wouldn't quite click. I still find myself somewhat vexed at times, but I think understanding the game better, as well as the clear-cut progress I've seen has toned down my frustration.

I've been playing around with a few characters other than Balrog. My secondary I'd say would have to be Dhalsim..I really dig his spacing and the overall strategy of the character. But there's also a secret character I've been working on...I believe if I practiced hard, she could be a true force.

If you're interested in playing me, I'm taking all comers! PSN: Vayastrike

Well..that's about all for this entry..I'll get my next post in sooner rather than later! (maybe)

What is the Vayastrike Evolution Project? (Super Street Fighter 4)

The Vayastrike Evolution Project was an idea born from watching the growing Street Fighter 4 community on Youtube. It follows a newbie Super Street Fighter 4 player, trying to get better at the game without getting completely annihilated in the process.

After spending lots of time sitting back and enjoying a vast array of great personalities within the Street Fighter 4 Youtube community, I realized how passionate I felt about this subject...I just had to do something of my own.

Even if you're not a fan of Street Fighter..Even if you don't know what Super Street Fighter 4 is, there still might be a lot of enjoyment in the following.

I dare you to tell me Free1up isn't entertaining as hell:




Or how about IICh3ckMateII:




And finally, to plug myself:




I'll maintain this blog with thoughts on the Super Street Fighter 4 scene as well as pretty much anything SSF4 related. Until next time...

Catch all the rest of the Vayastrike Evolution Project here