Street Fighter IV and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

[Tondog]

I just picked SF4 up at lunch. But if you've got to buy a special stick to get it to play well, I might just return it unopened to get my money back.

Don't do that!

[phoenix1967]

I just picked SF4 up at lunch. But if you've got to buy a special stick to get it to play well, I might just return it unopened to get my money back.

Don't do that!

Help me understand why not...because I've just gone from looking forward to this game to dreading it solely because of the standard controller's poor performance. 

I wouldn't want to play any game with clunky controls, and I certainly wouldn't want to have to shell out another $60 for a controller that "fixes" the issue.

Help me out here.

[Sirgin]

I think the need for an arcade stick to enjoy this game is a bit overrated.

Sure, if you want to be a "pro" beat-em-up player a stick will help you throw out those combos with improved accuracy, but that doesn't mean a regular controller won't do the job.

Secondly, arcade sticks are also perceived as "better" because many beat-em-up fans have a history in the arcades. To recreate that (nostalgic) experience a good arcade stick will help out tremendously.

So I doubt SF4 has "clunky controls". People who like arcade sticks will always prefer them over standard controllers, regardless how good/bad those are for a certain game.

[phoenix1967]

^That all makes perfect sense, Sirgin.

I guess I just can't imagine being able to use an arcade stick without it being a fixture in a cabinet or suction cupped to a table (which could work for my living room), it seems like the weight of the thing would keep you from moving the stick the way you wanted to ("THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!"...sorry, had to be done ) ...but I suppose that's a personal preference thing.

Okay, you've convinced me. I'll give it a try.

[Tan]

There's actually more to the technical side of things. In a game like that, input speed and controller lag are factors as well. A wired arcade stick is faster than a wireless game pad most of the time. So are repeated button presses with your whole hand in action instead of a thumb.

For most people I'm sure it's not a factor. But if you want to get competitive, it's no different than a weighted laser mouse or a keyboard with presets.

[Tondog]

I'm sure that if you're a casual fighting game player the 360 controller will work just fine for you. If you like the game and want to get more into it and other fighters, then I'd recommend investing in the stick.

[Tondog]

After playing the game for about two hours, I have got to say that Capcom totally knocked this one out of the park. HIGHLY recommended!

[hXd]

No doubt. I can't get past how to do Chun-Li's supers. that whole forward-back-forward-back thing is getting me so aggravated.

[Tondog]

No doubt. I can't get past how to do Chun-Li's supers. that whole forward-back-forward-back thing is getting me so aggravated.

The charge moves? Yeah, they're a bitch.

[phoenix1967]

I'm sure that if you're a casual fighting game player the 360 controller will work just fine for you. If you like the game and want to get more into it and other fighters, then I'd recommend investing in the stick.

Okay. Sounds like a good plan. I'll try it out and see for myself.

[Tondog]

What character is everyone playing as? I find myself really enjoying El Fuerte.

[phoenix1967]

I'm using C.Viper.

And I'll throw this out there, any tips for defending? I tried playing Arcade mode on "Easiest" and got my ass kicked in the 5th fight 13x by Vega! I was ready to throw my controller on several occasions so I decided to call it a night. The AI seems ridiculously tough. Another m-f'er is Zangief!

The game is beautiful and gameplay is solid, but I'm getting quickly frustrated with the AI.

Any tips for a beginner to the SF franchise to try out before I decide to trade this in?

[hXd]

I'm using C.Viper.

And I'll throw this out there, any tips for defending? I tried playing Arcade mode on "Easiest" and got my ass kicked in the 5th fight 13x by Vega! I was ready to throw my controller on several occasions so I decided to call it a night. The AI seems ridiculously tough. Another m-f'er is Zangief!

The game is beautiful and gameplay is solid, but I'm getting quickly frustrated with the AI.

Any tips for a beginner to the SF franchise to try out before I decide to trade this in?

The best tip I can give you is to pick a character you're comfortable with and PRACTICE. The great thing about this game is that most special are done using fireball motion, so they're relatively easy to pull off. Invent some combos, make sure that you're defending and getting the most out of the Focus Attacks, they're a great defensive tool. COMBOS, COMBOS, COMBOS, that's what gets you wins.

As far as newbies go, I like Abel. He's really accessible and there's a lot of strategy at play when you use him. Of course I will always love playing as Sakura though.

[phoenix1967]

^Thanks.

I'm going to have to work the Focus attacks into my game some more. When I first loaded the game up, I went straight to the training mode so I could learn her moves. I like her attack set. At first I thought the Focus attacks were slow, but I "accidentally" pulled one or two off in some of my matches (button-mashing...bad, I know...but I am a raw Beginner) and they proved to be effective. Good to know they're a solid defensive tactic.

[Sirgin]

@phoenix: I'm glad I was able to convince you to try out the game.

It would've been a shame if you didn't play that game just for a stupid arcade stick, especially since you already bought it.