Support NeoGAF

[autobzooty]

"Btw, do most people allow for easy specials when playing online?"

I'm pretty sure easy specials are completely disabled online.

there's an option when you host to allow it or disallow. I was just wondering what most people generally do.

but i guess serious players are using arcade sticks. maybe i'll invest in one of those some day because doing quarter-circle-back + forward is kinda hard on a d-pad.

you know of a good one for cheap on PS3? and do they work just sitting on your lap? i've always seen people with tables right up on their TV, but I dont really have a setup like that. i dont want the thing sliding off my lap when i slam the joystick. :lol

 

[Volcynika]

"Btw, do most people allow for easy specials when playing online?"

I'm pretty sure easy specials are completely disabled online.

You can enable them for player matches, but ranked matches have them disabled.

 

[Teknopathetic]

I was probably thinking of ranked matches then.

Look through the arcade stick for arcade stick info.

 

[Steaks]

Source?

Various people that know Harry, the Aksys community manager.

 

[Prototype-03]

you know of a good one for cheap on PS3? and do they work just sitting on your lap? i've always seen people with tables right up on their TV, but I dont really have a setup like that. i dont want the thing sliding off my lap when i slam the joystick. :lol

Fry's is having a nice sale for TE sticks for $100.00+tax+shipping. I haven't tried one myself, but it should be good for lap play. If you want something smaller, you could always get an SE and replace the parts, but that'll cost you more than the TE stick altogether.

 

[akachan ningen]

there's an option when you host to allow it or disallow. I was just wondering what most people generally do.

but i guess serious players are using arcade sticks. maybe i'll invest in one of those some day because doing quarter-circle-back + forward is kinda hard on a d-pad.

you know of a good one for cheap on PS3? and do they work just sitting on your lap? i've always seen people with tables right up on their TV, but I dont really have a setup like that. i dont want the thing sliding off my lap when i slam the joystick. :lol

You can find Hori FS3s for around 30-40. That's what I have and it works well. Amazingly it hasn't malfunctioned despite the beating I give it playing this game and SF4. I play with it on my lap too.

 

[MelloBoy]

Wait for the little network bar to pop up between your drive cards. If it is has no bars(blue/purple) then don't play with them. If its red then don't play either. Just stick ot playing people with at least a yellow bar. Look for that, and you'll be fine. If it is still happening it must be your connection, because this game's netcode is amazing, and I know people with over a 1000 matches who play smoothly.

The network bars really aren't that great of an indicator of network quality...playing overseas opponents with a blue connection has generally been very smooth...playing local opponents with gold bars are smooth for the most part, but I get quite a few crappy connections...

 

[Dreavus]

GG's tonight guys!

Prototype, I don't know what happened but it seems that you have figured me out over night or something. I had a really tough time playing you this time. Previously we have been pretty evenly matched, but this time I only took that last match from you right before you left (I hope this means you have gotten better and not that I've some how gotten worse :lol ). I'm looking forward to playing against you more. I REALLY have to watch out for Rachel's j.2Cs, they get me almost every time. And I could use some more patience in general, looking for more opportunities to Fubuki instead of flying in and getting cat punched.

Kiryogi, our connections are so good I think you're going to spoil me for playing against anyone else. Even the character intros in our matches have absolutely no lag, it's awesome! Your Litchi is improving a lot, you just gotta tighten up those combos a bit more. When I play against Litchi I expect to not be teching out of stuff until at least 10+ hits! :lol

 

[SolarPowered]

The network bars really aren't that great of an indicator of network quality...playing overseas opponents with a blue connection has generally been very smooth...playing local opponents with gold bars are smooth for the most part, but I get quite a few crappy connections...

Hmmm...

I've got nearly 700 matches on my account already, and these bars have really been an awesome indicator of quality. I've had a few gold bars, and blue bars start lagging when I started getting serious though. I only get lag from people trying to cheat their way out of losing. Besides that, it is always smooth.

Also, GG's Toku, and Heretic. I hope we can have more of those next time.

 

[sixteen-bit]

What are the odds the "new" characters in the Euro version are just Unlimited versions of the rest of the cast?

Unless Europe is actually getting BlazBlue #Reload, I would imagine this would be the case.

 

[ezekial45]

Has there been any word on how the game sold?

 

[sixteen-bit]

Has there been any word on how the game sold?

As far as North American sales go, June NPD (which ran through July 5th, so about 6 days of sales data):
PS3 - 36,570
360 - 28,905

Media Create first week sales In Japan:
PS3 - 33,768
360 - 24,812

I don't recall seeing anything more recent.

 

[TheExodu5]

Fry's is having a nice sale for TE sticks for $100.00+tax+shipping. I haven't tried one myself, but it should be good for lap play. If you want something smaller, you could always get an SE and replace the parts, but that'll cost you more than the TE stick altogether.

The TE is fantastic for lap play.

 

[Prototype-03]

Prototype, I don't know what happened but it seems that you have figured me out over night or something. I had a really tough time playing you this time. Previously we have been pretty evenly matched, but this time I only took that last match from you right before you left

Your (Kiryogi) Litchi is improving a lot, you just gotta tighten up those combos a bit more. When I play against Litchi I expect to not be teching out of stuff until at least 10+ hits!

Yeah, I don't know. I've been having an easier time against Jin these days, so I think I'm just getting used to them now. I still eat DPs like no other though. I eat ALL DPs (including Litchi's and Ragna's) so that's something I gotta watch out for more too.

Kiryogi, your Litchi IS improving. You're still whiffing some of the combos, but you're not getting hit as much. The main thing that you need to improve is teching. Sometimes I combo you even though I shouldn't and you're not throw teching. That usually gives me about 20-30% more damage. Just mash when you're getting hit so you get out of the techs.

 

[Ferrio]

Okay I *promise* myself today I will play. Hope you guys are on.

 

[SuperMattyFighter2T]

What are the odds the "new" characters in the Euro version are just Unlimited versions of the rest of the cast?

Unless Europe is actually getting BlazBlue #Reload, I would imagine this would be the case.

I seriously doubt it's just unlimited characters. There have been rumors of an arcade update after SBO. I'm sure it was worded the way it was worded in the press release to hype it up. Arcade will see the new characters first, and then I wouldn't be surprised to see a DLC patch for US/Japan at the launch of the European version for people who have already bought BB. Maybe even an updated retail disc also.

But if it is just something like useless unlimited characters.. LO fucking L! Would be the most disappointing thing ever.

 

[sixteen-bit]

But if it is just something like useless unlimited characters.. LO fucking L! Would be the most disappointing thing ever.

If hypothetical Unlimited Tager has dashing and aerial 720s, no disappointment here :lol

I guess we'll wait and see.

 

[Prototype-03]

Okay I *promise* myself today I will play. Hope you guys are on.

Well, if you PROMISE, I'll be on too.

I hope the revision gives Rachel a DP... that'd be hype!!!!

 

[Grifter]

when is sbo over?

 

[sixteen-bit]

when is sbo over?

it ended yesterday

quotes from ~D-T~'s post

Blazblue
1. Fumo (Arakune)
2. Kyaku (Carl)
3. Kakutou Bishin Taokaka (v-13)
3. Chou (v-13)

※ During the Blazblue prelims, everyone was going crazy whenever an Arakune, Rachel or v-13 lost a round or a fight. Whenever a lower tier character like Carl or Bang started gaining the advantage, the place went nuts too, so far as to ignore the highlighted match on the big screen. Hopefully Arc Systems sees how painful it is to watch the top 3 dominate the game and makes some thoughtful changes.

 

[forgrim]

I hope the revision gives Rachel a DP... that'd be hype!!!!

wtf, you need a downgrade. i'd agree with that wholeheartedly.

speaking of foils, there is not a single person on gaf i have more trouble fighting against then qis' bang. the only time i beat him, he was trying to astral heat me hahaha.

 

[SouthernDragon]

Carl made it to top two?

What is he, a robot?

 

[sixteen-bit]

Carl made it to top two?

What is he, a robot?

hyperbolic time chamber, you know it

 

[Prototype-03]

I think in due time, Carl will be top tier. He has the most potential, so I think he'd be good in the future. Kinda like how C.Viper is.

Other than the obvious balance changes that are needed (Tager and Nu), I think it's still too early to get a new revision.

 

[Teknopathetic]

Nu doesn't need balance changes. There, I said it. QQ sword haters.

 

[Prototype-03]

Nu doesn't need balance changes. There, I said it. QQ sword haters.

Then I insist in no changes on Rachel either! We both win

edit: add a DP on Rachel also

 

[SolarPowered]

I think in due time, Carl will be top tier. He has the most potential, so I think he'd be good in the future. Kinda like how C.Viper is.

Other than the obvious balance changes that are needed (Tager and Nu), I think it's still too early to get a new revision.

Noel, and Jin need the treatment. Tager isn't all that bad. Noel needs more exposure during her drive. There should be no reason for an airborn strong kick to pass right through her head just because she is in her drive combo. She also either needs a bit of a health drop, or a drop in her combo damage. Something isn't right when a skinny teenage girl can do as much damage, as a hulking Tager with one combo against Bang who has moderate health. All Jin needs is 3 ice moves, and no more. It seems like he can freeze me in seven different ways, and that is just ridiculous. He also needs to have exposure when he does that vertical anti-air slash. I hop over it, and it still hits me even if I'm directly behind him, and the slash is nowhere near me.

Oh...and CARL. He needs to have his clap combo cut so that he can only perform it three hits at a time.

 

[Prototype-03]

Noel, and Jin need the treatment. Tager isn't all that bad. Noel needs more exposure during her drive. There should be no reason for an airborn strong kick to pass right through her head just because she is in her drive combo. She also either needs a bit of a health drop, or a drop in her combo damage. Something isn't right when a skinny teenage girl can do as much damage, as a hulking Tager with one combo against Bang who has moderate health. All Jin needs is 3 ice moves, and no more. It seems like he can freeze me in seven different ways, and that is just ridiculous. He also needs to have exposure when he does that vertical anti-air slash. I hop over it, and it still hits me even if I'm directly behind him, and the slash is nowhere near me.

Oh...and CARL. He needs to have his clap combo cut so that he can only perform it three hits at a time.

Noel is WIDE open if she doesn't connect her drive. I don't know what the problem is. She DOES have a combo that takes 40-50% damage, but so do most characters. If I play it right, I can deal OVER 50% with Rachel. I mean, there are tweaks that everybody needs, but the FIRST ones to be tweaked should be Nu and Tager, and then Arakune and Rachel (sadly).

Jin gives me some problems too, but that has more to do with the matchup, plus my panicky nature when I get frozen than the character itself. It is really easy to counter ice spamming Jins (a lot of start up time).

Carl needs everything he has to do well, so I'm fine with the clap trap.

 

[FoxSpirit]

Noel is WIDE open if she doesn't connect her drive. I don't know what the problem is. She DOES have a combo that takes 40-50% damage, but so do most characters. If I play it right, I can deal OVER 50% with Rachel. I mean, there are tweaks that everybody needs, but the FIRST ones to be tweaked should be Nu and Tager, and then Arakune and Rachel (sadly).

Jin gives me some problems too, but that has more to do with the matchup, plus my panicky nature when I get frozen than the character itself. It is really easy to counter ice spamming Jins (a lot of start up time).

Carl needs everything he has to do well, so I'm fine with the clap trap.

Actually, Jin is perfectly balanced. Like really perfect. No need to change him.

Also, what Rachel changes do you think off? I think that they may cut down pumpkin and damage because her zoning isn't nearly as ridiculous as Nu or Arakune.

And Carl? The clap trap needs to go, he simply needs to be buffed otherwise. Reliance on an almost infinite is never a sign of a well balanced character.

 

[Grifter]

Yeah, Noel's broken and more people needs a DP. Jesus Christ this thread.

 

[Prototype-03]

Actually, Jin is perfectly balanced. Like really perfect. No need to change him.

Also, what Rachel changes do you think off? I think that they may cut down pumpkin and damage because her zoning isn't nearly as ridiculous as Nu or Arakune.

And Carl? The clap trap needs to go, he simply needs to be buffed otherwise. Reliance on an almost infinite is never a sign of a well balanced character.

I actually think so too. Like I said, I think it has more to do with my panicky nature and the matchup. His balance issues is overblown when playing online. It is REALLY hard to counter him with lag. To a certain extent, it applies to Noel too.

What do you mean by cutting down the pumpkin?

Also, you're right on the clap trap. At this point though, I don't mind it TOO much, but if he gets buffed, then yeah, it needs to go.

edit: Grifter, I was just joking about Rachel needing a DP. It would make her WAY too strong. Look at the more serious post... I actually said Rachel needs some kind of NERF, not a buff.

 

[momolicious]

Yeah, Noel's broken and more people needs a DP. Jesus Christ this thread.

what is a DP?

 

[ZealousD]

what is a DP?

Hopefully not what I'm thinking it is.

 

[Prototype-03]

what is a DP?

Dragon Punch. Jin, Litchi and Ragna have a Dragon Punch move which is a really good wake up move and it gives you invincibility frames if you rush into them.

 

[SolarPowered]

Noel is WIDE open if she doesn't connect her drive. I don't know what the problem is. She DOES have a combo that takes 40-50% damage, but so do most characters. If I play it right, I can deal OVER 50% with Rachel. I mean, there are tweaks that everybody needs, but the FIRST ones to be tweaked should be Nu and Tager, and then Arakune and Rachel (sadly).

Maybe I've still got things to learn, but like I said...if I use a strong mid-air kick with bang right towards her head it shouldn't just fly right through it. It doesn't look good, and it doesn't play good. I don't have a HUGE problem with that though. The damage is just a wee bit much. I can definitely see 40-50% damage with Rachel, Jin, Ragna, Tager, Hakumen, but it feels a bit ridiculous when Noel pulls since the drive isn't the primary combo starter. Besides Jin most of these characters need the proper conditions to pull that kind of damage(Tager can't dash, Ragna has easy punish because of low health, Hakumen is very stiff as well). Noel as far as I can see is pretty mobile, pretty strong, decent health, and a drive that leaves her open if you spam it...

Jin gives me some problems too, but that has more to do with the matchup, plus my panicky nature when I get frozen than the character itself. It is really easy to counter ice spamming Jins (a lot of start up time).

I've had more matches with Jins lately, and I've been enjoying it much more now that I'm improving. Besides the vertical slash, and the abundant Ice moves, I've got no major complaints, and I've had a lot more fun with him.

Carl needs everything he has to do well, so I'm fine with the clap trap.

An INFINITE clap trap is RIDICULOUS. I've got no problem with him having a three hit, or three grab limit in the trap though. The player can attempt it that way as many times as he/she likes, and it is MUCH MORE reasonable.

@Grifter

I haven't even called her broken dude. I've got some grievances here, but they don't kill the game for me. I still play like I got no life, and I still have TONS of fun. I just feel that if there are tweaks that need to be done these are the ones that come to mind. Don't take it too personally.

:/

Edit: Just read your expanded thoughts on Carl. That's all cleared up now.

 

[Ken Masters]

You could always burst, but that will cost you your barrier meter. Consider which is more important- the barrier guard, or getting out of a combo.

how do you burst? You mean the forward forward dash?

 

[Prototype-03]

how do you burst? You mean the forward forward dash?

it's A+B+C+D

 

[SolarPowered]

how do you burst? You mean the forward forward dash?

Barrier burst.

Press all four buttons to blow your barrier permantly. It blows em' away, and you take 50% more damage on every hit.

Edit: Beaten

 

[Grifter]

@Grifter

I haven't even called her broken dude. I've got some grievances here, but they don't kill the game for me. I still play like I got no life, and I still have TONS of fun. I just feel that if there are tweaks that need to be done these are the ones that come to mind. Don't take it too personally.

I'm not taking it personally, but look at it this way - what is your judgement based on? Your month with the game and subsequent beginner (we all are if we started on console) status? Your personal experiences with a set of other players from your own style and character?

It's clearly not based on the actual balance levels when players know the game well enough for tourneys. Japan's had BB for a while and Noel's not quite built for chasing down the top 3. It's clearly not based on how a tweak to any character affects not just your matchup, but every match possible. Kill her damage and Arakune further destroys her.

As for her not looking like she should do damage, completely irrelevant. Balance comes through countless factors. If she wasn't dealing strong single hits, it'd be coming from weaker, longer combos. Once again, lower her damage and she plummets from her mediocre (at best) spot in the food chain.

If you have ideas, think long term, not beginner knee jerk. Not "I need a DP cuz it'd be kewl even tho I'm the last character design that should have one and my 6a is already godly."

 

[autobzooty]

I got nailed by a huge juggling combo between Carl and his little slave thingy. Is that an infinite, or what? That's pretty devastating to this game's chances at competitive play, if true.

Any chance of patching it out?

 

[SolarPowered]

I'm not taking it personally, but look at it this way - what is your judgement based on? Your month with the game and subsequent beginner (we all are if we started on console) status? Your personal experiences with a set of other players from your own style and character?

I can see your point on that. I may have a limited scope on this issue, but that is why I'm being reasonable about it. I've read this thread in its entirety, and I've seen other people really venting their anger about "percieved" character flaws/glitches. I may be talking about it now, and I may be a bit "green", but there are also high level players, and even top leaderboard players discussing these same issues over at the dustloop forums in a 63 page thread. My nubness aside, other people are talking, and discussing this. They are even coming up with interesting changes ideas that may even influence arksys.

It's clearly not based on the actual balance levels when players know the game well enough for tourneys. Japan's had BB for a while and Noel's not quite built for chasing down the top 3. It's clearly not based on how a tweak to any character affects not just your matchup, but every match possible. Kill her damage and Arakune further destroys her.

As for her not looking like she should do damage, completely irrelevant. Balance comes through countless factors. If she wasn't dealing strong single hits, it'd be coming from weaker, longer combos. Once again, lower her damage and she plummets from her mediocre (at best) spot in the food chain.

What would you say if we took the character changes, and mixed it up a little? Other people are talking about nerfs, and even buffs. What would you say if they gave a solution for Noel's lack of long range moves for the price of heavy combos? What would you say if they nerfed Carl's clap trap, but tweaked him so he wouldn't rely on a broken mechanic? A bit of change is good, and others are thinking up interesting, and valid ideas by the bucketful that don't necessarily weaken characters, while we still worry about keeping the status quo.

If you have ideas, think long term, not beginner knee jerk. Not "I need a DP cuz it'd be kewl even tho I'm the last character design that should have one and my 6a is already godly."

You are right. There hasn't been much dedicated discussion about these issues though. I already adressed the issue of experience, and I think we should discuss this early on. I believe a patch, and tweaks are coming in the next few months so we might as well have at it now before we have no say. I won't learn about the in's, and out's of all the
characters by myself, but we have a forum to use as a medium to exchange ideas, and info. I'm already learning about Noel right now.:lol

 

[SolarPowered]

I got nailed by a huge juggling combo between Carl and his little slave thingy. Is that an infinite, or what? That's pretty devastating to this game's chances at competitive play, if true.

Any chance of patching it out?

It was most likely the clap trap. It can be stretched for an infinite amount of time, but this hasn't stopped BB from becoming popular at the big tournies, and arcades thankfully. It will most likely be tweaked in a patch, or in the next BlazBlue.

 

[SuperMattyFighter2T]

I hope Carl's throw loop isn't fixed. Without it he is the lowest tier character in the game. The throw loop isn't easy to setup either. Especially against players that know what they're doing in the matchup If they do remove it they better drastically overhaul Carl and give him some some decent shit.

Hell, I can do the throw loop all day in training mode. Get in a game and I suck ass with Carl. I can only land it on shitty players. 1 in 10 times on a decent player. If there is anything broken in the game... it isn't Carl.


p.s. Carl, Hakumen, Ragna, and Rachel can get out of the throw loop.

 

[autobzooty]

It was most likely the clap trap. It can be stretched for an infinite amount of time, but this hasn't stopped BB from becoming popular at the big tournies, and arcades thankfully. It will most likely be tweaked in a patch, or in the next BlazBlue.

Can they patch arcade cabinets, I wonder? The game should probably remain as universally similar as possible, although now that Europe gets new characters that kind of botches that notion.

I'm sure BlazBlue will remain popular no matter what, but I'd hate to see the meta-game turn into Carl vs. Carl a year or so down the road. :\

 

[akachan ningen]

Come on, people. We all know Nu, Arakune, and Rachel need nerfs. they're all S tier for a reason. Hakumen is the only one that needs buffs.

 

[SuperMattyFighter2T]

Noel, and Jin need the treatment. Tager isn't all that bad. Noel needs more exposure during her drive. There should be no reason for an airborn strong kick to pass right through her head just because she is in her drive combo. She also either needs a bit of a health drop, or a drop in her combo damage. Something isn't right when a skinny teenage girl can do as much damage, as a hulking Tager with one combo against Bang who has moderate health. All Jin needs is 3 ice moves, and no more. It seems like he can freeze me in seven different ways, and that is just ridiculous. He also needs to have exposure when he does that vertical anti-air slash. I hop over it, and it still hits me even if I'm directly behind him, and the slash is nowhere near me.

Oh...and CARL. He needs to have his clap combo cut so that he can only perform it three hits at a time.

Only thing I think that needs some look at with Jin is how a player breaks out of ice and how long the duration is if they don't. It's annoying how many high damage BLACK BEAT combos he has off of freezing.

Noel needs tweaking!? LOL WHAT? Seriously!? If you can't beat a scrub spamming drive you have problems. Go into training and practicing blocking that shit. Only thing you really need to know is 2D is an overheard, and I think 6D hits low... Learn to block that shit and then punish. Besides, any decent Noel player is finishing off their combos with drive. Not starting with drive, because that will get them punished. Hell, only combo I start off with drive is 2D, 28D, Rapid Cancel, 66, 6C[B+C] x2, BnB Drive combo... And that can easily be blocked if you know it starts with an overhead.

I would like to think people wanting changes main the character themselves or have a decent knowledge off all the matchups... But it's obvious people don't.

 

[Papercuts]

I hope Carl's throw loop isn't fixed. Without it he is the lowest tier character in the game. The throw loop isn't easy to setup either. Especially against players that know what they're doing in the matchup If they do remove it they better drastically overhaul Carl and give him some some decent shit.

Hell, I can do the throw loop all day in training mode. Get in a game and I suck ass with Carl. I can only land it on shitty players. 1 in 10 times on a decent player. If there is anything broken in the game... it isn't Carl.


p.s. Carl, Hakumen, Ragna, and Rachel can get out of the throw loop.

Nobody is really saying to take the loop and keep him the same, it would just seem pretty bad to keep a known infinite in the game after a balance update. Even if it's hard to land and may not work on everyone, it's still something that fundamentally should not be in the game.

Also, was he actually bottom tier without it? I thought Tager was either way.

 

[Teknopathetic]

"I'm sure BlazBlue will remain popular no matter what, but I'd hate to see the meta-game turn into Carl vs. Carl a year or so down the road."


Absolutely won't happen unless the next BlazBlue revision makes massive changes to Carl. There was 1 (one, singular) Carl in SBO this year, IIRC.

 

[Relix]

Tourney brackets are up guys

 

[SuperMattyFighter2T]

Can they patch arcade cabinets, I wonder? The game should probably remain as universally similar as possible, although now that Europe gets new characters that kind of botches that notion.

I'm sure BlazBlue will remain popular no matter what, but I'd hate to see the meta-game turn into Carl vs. Carl a year or so down the road. :\

How about this... I want you to main Carl for the next month. See if you can get the throw loop down in training, along with all of the setups (HARD), and other Nirvana/Carl combos you'll need to know to survive. Then we'll see how well you can actually put that to use in actual matches against good players. It isn't easy. I have a feeling if you have actually spent any time with Carl you would see the situation in a different light.