There's not a lot to fighting games. They are the most primal of videogame genres, brutal one-on-one, face-to-face combat. There are variations, some involve weapons, but even staples like wrestling games and even boxing games can fall under this genre's umbrella. Classic examples include Street Fighter® II' Hyper Fighting, Capcom vs. SNK 2: E.O., Dead or Alive® 4, or the newly announced Virtual Fighter 5 for Xbox 360.
The first next-gen fighter on Xbox 360.
Rote Memorization
It may not be the most glamorous of tips, but it would be a lie to say that anything will help you more than good old-fashioned combo memorization. Most fighting games depend on successful combos of anywhere from 3 to 30 moves to win, and the only way to get good at them is practice, practice, practice.
Luckily, in practically every fighting game you'll find a practice or sparring mode that will let you get the hang of your favorite combos. Even better, many of these practice modes offer tutorials and tips for learning all your favorite fighter's moves.
Before investing in substantial play-time, particularly online, focus your energy on practicing until some of your fighter's strongest moves are second nature.
Defensive Focus
The purpose of a fighting game is usually to simply beat your enemy unconscious, but the most common mistake a player can make is the all-out blitz. Those that only attack relentlessly tend to lose the same way, as their opponent can block virtually every attack and execute a brutal counter at the perfect moment.
Kicking it old school, but the rules still apply.
Ideally, you should initially focus more on defensive rather than offensive play, so keep these tips in mind:
- Typically, a fighting game employs one defense for higher attacks (from the waist up) and one for low attacks. A low defense will usually cause high attacks to miss completely, as you will be crouched.
- No combo can last forever, but as you become acclimated to the game, you'll begin to recognize the end of an enemy's combo string. Once their combo ends, you will have a natural opening to begin your own attack. Just make sure to keep your defense up until you know for sure that your opponent's attack is over.
- Don't just learn to block, though, make sure you also learn to interrupt a throw or grapple. If you block too often, your opponent will usually attempt to throw you. Most games employ a simple button press that, when properly timed, will allow you to disrupt a throw or grapple. Master this technique and your defense will be virtually unbreakable.
Use the Third Dimension
While most recent fighting games are in 3D, many games still play them as if they were side-view 2D games. Never ignore the ability to sidestep an enemy's attacks, as it is not only effective, but it isn't used as often as it should be, so it may throw your opponent off his guard.
Wrestling games don't always stay 1-on-1.
Juggling
The most common and effective advanced attack technique is juggling. The ability to hit an opponent in the air and then begin a long combo chain is devastating. To master this technique, head to the practice mode and learn every "launching" attack, that is, any attack that throws your opponent high into the air. Next, perfect at least one of your character's longer combo chains until you can perform it flawlessly at any time. Since your opponent is in the air, it won't matter if you repeat the same combo over and over again.
Counters
Most fighting games employ a countering system which allows you to predict and countermove your opponent's attacks. Many players fall in love with this ability, however, and focus more on countering than on a proper defense, so don't overdo it, but if used properly, a successful counter can swing the balance of a fight. Keep these tips in mind:
·Wait until the last move of your opponent's combo before you counter. While combos may end with different moves, it's much easier to predict the move a combo will end with than one that will come in the middle.
·Try countering at the start of a round instead of immediately attacking, especially if you've played the same person several times and know their opening technique.
·Learn and use the more difficult counters early on. For example, in Dead or Alive 4, it feels counterintuitive to press forward and X to counter mid-kicks since every other counter requires you to press away from your opponent. Therefore, veterans are likely to use more mid-kicks to exploit this.
Taking advantage of the environment.
Fighter Choice
Don't let yourself get tied down with a fighter right off the bat. Experiment extensively with the roster of available fighters when you start playing before choosing a fighter. Grasping the different styles each fighter employs will not only let you choose the best fighter for you, but will also familiarize you with your future opponents.
Find a fighter that plays to your strengths and then stick with that fighter. Too often players try to master several different fighters, but if you really want to master the unique combos for a fighter, you should focus on just one.
Interrupted Style
Whatever fighter you choose, you can bet that your opponents will key in on your combination chains. You can use their knowledge against them by completing only half of a combo at a time. By interrupting the combination and then starting another, you will confuse the timing of your opponent's defense and keep them guessing.
Fighting games are the most intense genre in videogames. The initial learning curve, however, isn't that difficult, so if you keep the preceding tips in mind, and show a bit of diligence, you should be able to prove your worth in the virtual arenas against friends and foes alike in no time.
