GODSGARDEN Classic summary

The tournament took place on November 27. This's SSF4AE but you can only use characters from original SF2 (8+4 bosses).

Groups

• [Winners] Bon-chan 2-0 Gonzalez (Ryu)
• [Winners] Gootecks (Box) 0-2 Across (Ken) *Gootecks goes to Losers in his first fight, winning just 1 round
• [Winners] Mike Ross 2-0 Taitsu (Ryu)
• [Winners] Shungoku Neurosis 2-0 Negisuke (Ken)
• [Winners] Bon-chan 2-1 Chichimonda Honda (Dict) *Bon almost lost, as he had no life in last round
• [Winners] Haneyama (Chu) 2-0 Bear (Sag)
• [Winners] Shungoku Neurosis 2-0 Kuroda (Ryu)
• [Winners] Kazunoko (Sag) 2-0 Yoshiwo (Gui)
• [Winners] Reiketsu (Claw) 2-1 Hanamaruki (Sag)
• [Winners] Mike Ross 2-0 Sha (Sag)
• [Winners] ItaZan 2-0 Genius (Claw) *Genius taunted twice but he couldn't win a round. He even got perfect'd in last round.
• [Winners] MOV 2-0 (Claw)
• [Winners] Kenzo (Ken) 0-2 Boy (Sag)
• [Winners] Shungoku Neurosis 2-0 Across (Ken)
• [Winners] ItaZan 1-2 Mike Ross *ItaZan almost won last round but U2 took too long to finish
• [Winners] MOV 2-0 Boy (Sag)
• [F Group Final] Kazunoko (Sag) 1-2 Yoshiwo (Gui)
• [Losers] Kokujin (Ryu) 0-2 Boy (Sag)
• [H Group Final 1] MOV 1-2 Boy (Sag)
• [H Group Final 2] MOV 0-2 Boy (Sag)

Group Qualifiers
A - Bon-chan
B - Acqua
C - Hanamaruki
D - Haneyama
E - Shungoku Neurosis
F - Yoshiwo
G - Mike Ross
H - Boy


Top 8 (matched by drawing, bracket reset)

• [Winners] Shungoku Neurosis (Dict) 1-2 Acqua (Sag)
• [Winners] Haneyama (Chun) 1-2 Bon-chan (Sag)
• [Winners] Hanamaruki (Sag) 2-0 Yoshiwo (Gui)
• [Winners] Boy (Sag) 2-1 Mike Ross (Hon)
• [Losers] Shungoku Neurosis (Dict) 2-1 Haneyama (Chun)
• [Losers] Yoshiwo (Gui) 0-2 Mike Ross (Hon)
• [Winners] Acqua (Sag) 0-2 Bon-chan (Sag)
• [Winners] Hanamaruki (Sag) 2-0 Boy (Sag)
• [Losers] Shungoku Neurosis (Dict) 0-2 Mike Ross (Hon)
• [Losers] Acqua (Sag) 2-0 Boy (Sag)
• [Losers] Mike Ross (Hon) 0-2 Acqua (Sag)
• [Winners Final] Bon-chan (Sag) 1-2 Hanamaruki (Sag)
• [Losers Final] Acqua (Sag) 0-2 Bon-chan (Sag)
• [Grand Final 1] Hanamaruki (Sag) 1-2 Bon-chan (Sag)
• [Grand Final 2] Hanamaruki (Sag) 0-2 Bon-chan (Sag)

Note
- Sentosu was one of the attendees.
- Kenzo can't commentate at all. (literally)
- Fun Fact: Kazunoko started SF4 series with Sagat.
- Hanamaruki won 20,000 yen prize money.
- Bon-chan won 50,000 yen prize money and the new Hori RAP EX-SA.
- Everyone [Pic]

Ura Kao TV 2011.11.25 (Touhou Hisoutensoku)

M-ya, a player who is an acquaintance of Kami-chan came to play Touhou Hisoutensoku with the viewers on Ura Kao TV on November 25. M-ya also taught how to play and introduced all the characters.

The stream was 7 hours, and an amazing person just uploaded all of it today.

This's a self-published (doujin) PC fighting game (from 2009) which is a spinoff of Touhou (bullet-hell shooting game) series. The game maintains the bullet-hell image as fighting with projectiles is still the main theme. Its system and character customization make it very unique.

Being a low budget self-published game, it doesn't have character voices and online match maker. (You must enter your partner's IP manually.)

Both Touhou Hisoutensoku and Ougon Musou Kyoku are the same. They don't get what they deserve. You'll see more creativities in these low-profile games than those from a company like Capcom, who ran out of ideas and started to understand less about fighting games. (Did you notice that Capcom has comeback mechanics in their last 3 games. And Focus Attack is the only contribution.)

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


Part 4


Part 5


Part 6


Part 7 (last)

Nanoha A's Gears of Destiny bestseller in December

Media Create reported (via GAF) that the sequel of Nanoha fighting game on PSP Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable: The Gears of Destiny sold 57,320 copies in its first 3 days last week.

The game actually sold much less than the previous work (The Battle of Aces), but it's still good enough to become the best selling fighting game in December, over KOF, DBZ, and BlazBlue.

Watch 9 minute promo of the game here.

First week sales of fighting games between 2008-2011 in Japan by Media Create

1. [PSP] Dissidia Final Fantasy (Square Enix) {2009.12.18} - 489,100 | NEW
2. [PSP] Dissidia: 012 (Duodecim) Final Fantasy (Square Enix) {2011.03.03} - 286,117 / NEW
3. [PS3] Tekken 6 (Namco Bandai) {2009.10.29} - 103,105 / NEW
4. [PS3] Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2009.02.12} - 86,000 / NEW
5. [PS2] Fate/Unlimited Codes (Capcom) {2008.12.18} - 82,900 | NEW
6. [PS3] Super Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2010.04.28} - 80,882 / NEW
7. [PSP] Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable: The Battle of Aces (Namco Bandai) {2010.01.21} - 76,088 / NEW
8. [PS3] Soul Calibur IV (Namco Bandai Games) {2008.07.31} - 74,607 / NEW
9. [PS3] Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (Capcom) {2011.02.17} - 67,187 / NEW
10. [PS3] Dragon Ball: Raging Blast (Namco Bandai) {2009.11.09} - 57,972 / NEW
11. [PSP] Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable: The Gears of Destiny (Bandai Namco) {2011-12-22} - 57,320 / NEW
12. [PS3] Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (Capcom) {2011.06.30} - 54,924 / NEW
13. [PS3] BlazBlue: Continuum Shift (Arc System Works) {2010.07.01} - 49,871 / NEW
14. [PS3] Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 (Bandai Namco) {2010.11.11} - 47.610 / NEW
15. [3DS] Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition (Capcom) {2011.02.26} - 44,649 / NEW
16. [PS3] Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi (Bandai Namco Games) {2011.12.08} (¥7.330) - 44,593 / NEW
17. [PS2] Melty Blood: Actress Again (Ecole Software) {2009.08.20} - 44,292 / NEW
18. [360] Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2009.02.12} - 38,000 / NEW
19. [360] Soul Calibur IV (Namco Bandai Games) {2008.07.31} - 34,786 / NEW
20. [PSP] Fate/Unlimited Codes Portable (Capcom) {2009.06.18} - 34,205 / NEW
21. [PS3] BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (Arc System Works) {2009.06.25} - 33,768 / NEW
22. [PS3] BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend (Arc System Works) {2011.12.17} - 32,992 / NEW
23. [360] Super Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2010.04.28} - 28,454 / NEW
24. [PSP] Tekken 6 (Namco Bandai) {2010.01.14} - 25,131 / NEW
25. [360] BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (Arc System Works) {2009.06.25} - 24,812 / NEW
26. [WII] Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes (Capcom) {2008.12.11} - 24,100 / NEW
27. [PSP] BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II (Arc System Works) {2011.03.31} - 23,808 / NEW
28. [3DS] Dead or Alive: Dimensions (Koei Tecmo) {2011.05.19} - 23,078 / NEW
29. [PS3] Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 (Capcom) {2011.11.17} - 22,436 / NEW
30. [PS3] The King of Fighters XIII (SNK Playmore) {2011.12.01} - 21,525 / NEW
31. [PS3] Arcana Heart 3 (Arc System Works) {2011.01.13} - 17,219 / NEW
32. [360] Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (Capcom) {2011.02.17} - 13,779 / NEW
33. [360] Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (Capcom) {2011.06.30} - 12,326 / NEW
34. [360] Phantom Breaker (5pb.) {2011.06.02} - 9,960 / NEW

Umehara's "I Love Arcades" T-shirt design contest announced

A T-shirt design contest was announced on Daigo Umehara's official website. The theme is "I Love Arcades!" and the deadline is February 12, 2012.

The contest is a part of his Japan's local arcade tour, a campaign to promote and support arcade scenes.

OMKC: Guard Touch Forward, Recoverable Damage system revealed

Two new systems were revealed in the past 2 weeks on Ougon Musou Kyoku Cross website.

Guard Touch Forward
Press Forward and Touch at the same time while blocking. This will push opponent away further than normal Guard Touch. Cost 1 SP gauge.

Recoverable Damage
You can regain a portion of your life (the darkened portion) using Normal Touch.

There is also a note saying there are some other changes such as in old characters and gauge consumption in Meta engagement.

Fuudo plays UMvC3 at Capcom press event

Yesterday, Capcom held a closed press event for media to try PlayStation Vita's UMvC3. They also had an exhibition match between Capcom's Hagiwara and Ayana Tsubaki + Fuudo.

Fuudo bought UMvC3 at launch even he said he doesn't play fighting games on consoles. And it looks like some players also started the series while waiting for SSF4AE Ver.2012 update.

Rare footages of Umehara actually playing Vampire Savior

Someone uploaded more than 40 video clips of Daigo Umehara's Vampire Hunter/Savior matches in the past on Nico today. Two of them actually show him playing Savior in a tournament. This's very rare since we don't usually see his face (or any indication) so it's hard to verify if it's really his match.

Vampire Savior was released in 1997.

[Ranking Battle Final] Nasu (Sasquatch) vs. Umehara (Bishamon)


[??? Final] Umehara (Bishamon) vs. Yankee (Bishamon)

Umehara tries Cammy

Trusted sources reported that they've seen Daigo Umehara playing Cammy yesterday which is the first day of SSF4AE Ver.2012 at Taito Station. He was also seen having 22 win streak at the time.

It's really too early to say Umehara is switching to Cammy, he probably is going to test all the characters eventually. But choosing Cammy on the first day is really something.

Umehara used to play Cammy before in a tournament in England last year.

Kokujin in Ver.2012 trailer

SSF4AE Ver.2012 hits Japanese arcades today, and Capcom now released a trailer showing off some of the changes.

The trailer has 2 version -- English and Japanese. There's a reason why you should watch the Japanese one. It has Kokujin's (scripted) expressions.

The consoles will get the free balance update on December 13. Capcom already posted the complete change log a few days ago.

Import Ougon Musou Kyoku Cross now at Amiami

Amiami is now accepting preorders for Ougon Musou Kyoku Cross. People who live outside Japan can import it now as the online store ships internationally.

If you still don't have the original game, don't forget to buy it together, since Cross is its expansion disc, not a full game.

And if you really want it you should place an order now to avoid possible shortage. The game will be shipped probably after the first week of January.

OMK Cross will be released on December 31.

Kao TV 2011.11.25 (Gootecks & Mike Ross)

- KSK caught a cold or something so he wear mask.
- Ross was hyped so he played SSF4AE PC online using keyboard in the morning.
- Gootecks used to visit Gamer's Vision (July 20, 2010) and had a match with KSK. (here and here) (Gamer's Vision is now gone. GG has a new streaming headquarters nicknamed Kaosu (meaning Face Nest, and also a pun to Chaos))
- Kenzo from German is in Japan for some business. (He also got permission to use GODSGARDEN Europe name.) He used to visit Gamer's Vision and lost to KayoPolice like 9 out of 10.
- Ross said he was nervous when Umehara stopped playing to watch him play with Kazunoko so he lost. (They were at Taito Station this evening)
- Kenzo arranged GODSGARDEN vs. Cross Counter match. FT5. KSK vs. Gootecks was fun. Must see!
- Hori guy (Mr. A) came to introduce Real Arcade Pro EX-SA stick.
- Gootecks accidentally met Kokujin and STRIPFIGHTER while playing Ranked Match. Kokujin then joked around by texting KSK.
- Gootecks revealed that Kokujin took him to Losers in Evo 2006's 3rd Strike.
- Ross played UMvC3 Ranked Match.
- Gootecks and Mike Ross will be in GODSGARDEN Classic, but they're in Japan for some other business. It looks like a collaboration between Cross Counter and GG.

KSK (Abe) 5-2 Gootecks (Box)

• 1-2
• 2-0
• 1-2
• 2-1
• 2-1
• 2-1
• 2-1

Kenzo (Ken) 2-5 Mike Ross (Hon)

• 0-2
• 2-1
• 0-2
• 0-2
• 0-2
• 2-1
• 0-2

KSK (Abe) 2-5 Mike Ross (Hon)

• 1-2
• 2-0
• 2-1
• 0-2
• 0-2
• 0-2
• 0-2

Kenzo (Ken) 5-3 Gootecks (Box)

• 2-1
• 2-0
• 1-2
• 1-2
• 1-2
• 2-1
• 2-1
• 2-1

Gootecks (Box/Ros) 5-2 (6-2) Kokujin (Ryu)

• 2-1 *They then moved to Endless Battle for FT5.
• 2-1
• 0-2
• 0-2
• 2-0 *Gootecks changed to Rose this match.
• 2-0 *Kokujin changed to Yun this match *Gootecks made troll face to the camera so close. *Kokujin was caught pushing "Ready" rapidly.
• 2-0
• 2-0 *Kokujin changed back to Ryu this match.

Gootecks (Box) 2-1 (round) STRIPFIGHTER (Dan)

UMvC3 first week sales in Japan

Via GAF, Media Create released the first week sales of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 in Japan, but only for PS3 version since Xbox 360 version is too low to be in top 20.

We also make a chart for you so you can compare things. (Thanks to GAF's sales experts)

First week sales of fighting games between 2008-2011 in Japan by Media Create

1. [PSP] Dissidia Final Fantasy (Square Enix) {2009.12.18} - 489,100 | NEW
2. [PSP] Dissidia: 012 (Duodecim) Final Fantasy (Square Enix) {2011.03.03} - 286,117 / NEW
3. [PS3] Tekken 6 (Namco Bandai) {2009.10.29} - 103,105 / NEW
4. [PS3] Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2009.02.12} - 86,000 / NEW
5. [PS2] Fate/Unlimited Codes (Capcom) {2008.12.18} - 82,900 | NEW
6. [PS3] Super Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2010.04.28} - 80,882 / NEW
7. [PSP] Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable: The Battle of Aces (Namco Bandai) {2010.01.21} - 76,088 / NEW
8. [PS3] Soul Calibur IV (Namco Bandai Games) {2008.07.31} - 74,607 / NEW
9. [PS3] Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (Capcom) {2011.02.17} - 67,187 / NEW
10. [PS3] Dragon Ball: Raging Blast (Namco Bandai) {2009.11.09} - 57,972 / NEW
11. [PS3] Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (Capcom) {2011.06.30} - 54,924 / NEW
12. [PS3] BlazBlue: Continuum Shift (Arc System Works) {2010.07.01} - 49,871 / NEW 
13. [PS3] Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 (Bandai Namco) {2010.11.11} - 47.610 / NEW
14. [3DS] Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition (Capcom) {2011.02.26} - 44,649 / NEW
15. [PS2] Melty Blood: Actress Again (Ecole Software) {2009.08.20} - 44,292 / NEW
16. [360] Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2009.02.12} - 38,000 / NEW
17. [360] Soul Calibur IV (Namco Bandai Games) {2008.07.31} - 34,786 / NEW
18. [PSP] Fate/Unlimited Codes Portable (Capcom) {2009.06.18} - 34,205 / NEW
19. [PS3] BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (Arc System Works) {2009.06.25} - 33,768 / NEW
20. [360] Super Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2010.04.28} - 28,454 / NEW
21. [PSP] Tekken 6 (Namco Bandai) {2010.01.14} - 25,131 / NEW
22. [360] BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (Arc System Works) {2009.06.25} - 24,812 / NEW
23. [WII] Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes (Capcom) {2008.12.11} - 24,100 / NEW
24. [PSP] BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II (Arc System Works) {2011.03.31} - 23,808 / NEW
25. [3DS] Dead or Alive: Dimensions (Koei Tecmo) {2011.05.19} - 23,078 / NEW
26. [PS3] Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 (Capcom) {2011.11.17} - 22,436 / NEW
27. [PS3] Arcana Heart 3 (Arc System Works) {2011.01.13} - 17,219 / NEW
28. [360] Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (Capcom) {2011.02.17} - 13,779 / NEW
29. [360] Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (Capcom) {2011.06.30} - 12,326 / NEW
30. [360] Phantom Breaker (5pb.) {2011.06.02} - 9,960 / NEW

Rare footage of Gama-san actually playing

You probably know that Gama no Abura, the Nagoya Street Battle (NSB) organizer, also plays the game. But you probably have no idea how good he is.

This's a match in Sentosu Carnival II mini online tournament from yesterday. Gama-san fought against a 4700 PP Sakura with his 4500 PP Dictator. First to 5.

Umehara participating campus festival in Nagoya

Tip from Mad Catz Japan, it looks like Daigo Umehara will return to Nagoya again to participate a SSF4AE tournament in Trident Technical School's campus festival on November 26.

Last year, Umehara appeared in the campus festival in form of video letter. He couldn't go there because he had to attend Canada Cup 2010.

KSK plans new online tournaments

In July, KSK submitted a dance video to Lotte's dance contest. He said he'll use the prize money to do something with fighting games if he wins. He won the contest and now has that money.

Last night, KSK talked about how he'll use that money. One million yen prize was reduced to 475,000 yen after splitting with his dance partner and 50,000 yen tax. The money left will be used to buy stream equipments and as prize money in new open online tournaments featuring at least 3 titles. The tournaments will be held early next year (probably January/February).

1. SSF4AE Ver.2012
2. SF3 Third Strike Online Edition
3. BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend
4. Possible/Undecided (He ruled out KOF13 because it doesn't have Spectator Mode.)

NSB meets Mad Catz TE-S Special Night summary

Info
- NSB website
- Date: November 19
- Time: 21.00 to early morning.
- Umehara confirmed for the event

Rules
- Group stage is round-robin.
- First to 2 games (not round) each player.
- Character duplication allowed.

Group A
Team Epsilon J (Oni), Morichika (Gui), J Toro (Ibu) *qualified

Group B
Team Misshii (Dud), Katakana de Aoki (Abe), Jepper (Ruf) *qualified
Team RF (Sagat), Ikoma Devil *Dogura (Dict), Momochi (Ryu) *qualified

• [1st fight] Momochi OCV'd
• [2nd fight] Dogura OCV'd
• [3rd fight] RF OCV'd

Group C
Team Y24 (Chun), Tsuu-san (Jur), Yo-kun (Ado) *qualified
Team Chibata (Mak), Hamenageru (Zan), EBI (Fue) *qualified

Group D
Team a.k.a. jojo (Dic), KOK (Sag), Juso (Sak) *qualified
Team Nabe (Aku), Murata (Yun), Jam (Ryu) *[1st fight] The team was OCV'd by Hakan.

Group E
Team Nyanshi (Sag), Eita (Aku), Kindevu (Vip)

Group F
Team Umehara (Aku), Mago (Fei), Tokido (Aku) *qualified

• [1st fight] Tokido OCV'd (Yan/Vip/Gouken)
• [2nd fight] Tokido OCV'd (Ken/Vip/Guy)

Top 8

• Team RF/Dogura/Momochi beat Team Chibata/Hamenageru/EBI *Dogura OCV'd
• Team Ume/Mago/Tokido vs. Team aka jojo/KOK/Juso

1. Tokido 2-1 aka jojo *intense second game
2. Tokido 1-2 KOK
3. Mago 2-0 KOK
4. Mago 1-2 Juso *Juso had no life in the last round *Mago seems to miss his last move.
5. Umehara 2-1 Juso *Very intense match

• Team Misshii/Katakana de Aoki/Jepper beat Team Y24/Tsuu-san/Yo-kun

1. Misshii 2-0 Yo-kun
2. Misshii 2-0 Tsuu-san
3. Misshii 1-2 Y24
4. Aoki 0-2 Y24
5. Jepper 2-0 Y24

• Team Nyanshi/Eita/Kindevu beat Team Epsilon J/Morichika/Etoro

1. Nyanshi 2-0 Mochichika
2. Nyanshi 2-1 Etoro
3. Nyanshi 2-0 Epsilon J

Top 4

• Team Ume/Mago/Tokido beat Team RF/Dogura/Momochi

1. Tokido 1-2 Dogura [Pic]
2. Mago 2-0 Dogura [Pic]
3. Mago 2-1 Momochi *Nice FADC>FADC>U1 by Mago in last game
4. MAGO 2-0 RF

• Team Nyanshi/Eita/Kindevu vs. Team Misshii/Katakana de Aoki/Jepper 

1. Nyanshi 2-0 Misshii
2. Nyanshi 2-1 Aoki
3. Nyanshi 0-2 Jepper
4. Kindevu 2-0 Jepper

Final

• Team Ume/Mago/Tokido beat Team Nyanshi/Eita/Kindevu

1. Tokido 0-2 Kindevu
2. Umehara 2-0 Kindevu [Pic]
3. Umehara 1-2 Eita
4. Mago 2-1 Eita [Pic]
5. Mago 2-0 Nyanshi [Pic]

Pictures
- The event poster [Pic]
- Game setup [Pic]
- Team Mad Catz's bracket [Pic]
- Tokido, Umehara, Mago posing [Pic]
- Umehara signing [Pic]
- Tokido signing [Pic]
- Mago signing [Pic]
- Group A/B/C [Pic]
- Group D/E/F [Pic]

Note
- Some players had a problem with the buttons, they paused the game 2-3 times. The rule is if you pause the game, you'll be hit one combo for free by your opponent.
- [Interview after tournament] Umehara said using a new character in tournament is fun. His character in Ver.2012 is still undecided, but probably Akuma.
- Umehara played Akuma in a tournament for the first time. Most likely for fun and experiment. His default Ultra is Demon Armageddon (U2) and U2 setup is one of his tools. (We saw he practiced that in Kuwait.)
- Apparently Umehara's Akuma is not ready, he dropped combos and made slow decisions. We don't see something like that in his Ryu and Yun.

Umehara confirmed for NSB meets Mad Catz TE-S Special Night

Mad Catz Japan announced today that Daigo Umehara will participate tomorrow's tournament Nagoya Street Battle meets Mad Catz TE-S Special Night (November 19). That means we'll see full Japanese Team Mad Catz as Mago and Tokido already confirmed two days ago. The tournament is 3 on 3.

As the name suggests, the event is sponsored by Mad Catz to promote the TE-S stick that will be released in Japan on December 1. The game will be played on Xbox 360.

Capcom's Official SSF4AE Ver.2012 National Tournament announced

Capcom announced today The Official SSF4AE Ver.2012 National Tournament with details.

- The finals will be held on March 3, 2012, at Shinagawa Intercity Hall. There'll also be playable SFxTekken. (The game will be released on March 8 in Japan)
- Single elimination
- 3 on 3, no character duplication, must tell who goes first
- 32 teams in the finals.

TOPANGA Concept Match 4 summary (Sako vs. Haitani)

Commentator: R
Co-commentator: Yoshiwo, Mago
Stream: Here (Nico Nico)

Sako (Ibuki) 10-6 Haitani (Makoto)

1. 2-0
2. 2-0
3. 1-2
4. 2-0
5. 0-2
6. 2-1 *perfect in 1st round by Sako
7. 1-2
8. 2-1
9. 2-0 *nice Ultra in last round
10. 2-1 *nice comeback in last round
11. 0-2 *perfect in 1st round by Haitani
12. 2-1
13. 2-1
14. 1-2 *a comeback by Haitani in last round
15. 1-2 *Sako missed Ultra in last round
16. 2-1

- This's an online match, not offline (since both players live far away from Tokyo, though it looks like they're in the same prefecture (Osaka))
- Tokido and Mago announced that they will participate the next Nagoya Street Battle on November 19. This's an all-night event starting from 8PM to 5 or 6AM.
- Nyanshi (Sagat player and TOPANGA organizer) came (in a suit!) to thank the viewers. (pic below)

Ougon Musou Kyoku Cross revealed

The information that we were waiting for more than half year is here! The first and full details of Ougon Musou Kyoku Cross (previously called Ougon Musou Kyoku 2 (Tentative Title)).

The best fighting game just evolved to ensure that it is the most balanced, most fun, and most stylish!

Summary
- It will be sold in Comic Market 81 on the last day (December 31).
- It will also be available in doujin shops.
- The price is 3,150 yen (tax included).
- This is an upgrade disc, not a full game. You need to have the original game (PC version) that was released in December 2010.
- The disc will add 9 characters.
- Semi-new characters: George, Rosa, Jessica
- New characters: Black Battler, Furudo Erika, Dlanor A. Knox
- New characters that will be added later via patch from early 2012: Lambdadelta, Bernkastel, Willard H. Wright
- Black Battler's ability: Massacre (Gain life from damage dealt.)
- Erika's ability: Force Counter (1 hit or first hit of an attack will be treated as a counter-hit.)
- Dlanor's ability: Armor Boost (Increase defense power.)
- Midair Guard system added. (Blocking midair.)
- Down Attack system added. (Attacking downed opponent becomes standard.)
- Round count added. Life adjustable.
- A lot more illustrations added to Picture Box, both from guests and user submission.
- In the character selection (or Config), you can choose control type between Normal and Princess Mode. (Princess Mode allows casual players to do a combo or special move by pressing one button.)
- Detailed statistics (clear time, max combo, rating) for each character.
- Input display in Training Mode.
- BGM selection (stage BGMs or boss BGM) for VS Mode and Training Mode.

Note
- The leaked video from August was real.
- With Midair Guard:

• It makes the jump trap Meta not too powerful.
• It makes it easier or less risk to jump through projectiles.
• Antiair moves are not too powerful.

- Some moves of some characters already can hit downed opponent, but the new system makes it easier to all characters.
- The round count makes this game tournament-friendly.

KSK in LG's 1st e-Sports Japan Cup

Yesterday, KSK appeared as a guest in LG's 1st e-Sports Japan Cup. He played against a random idol in Tekken 6 exhibition match. He was blindfolded after leading 2-0 as handicap but still won 3-2. He was awarded a big LG's Cinema 3D monitor.

The event was professionally organized but it's more like an exhibition event rather than national competition. There're 3 games (Starcraft II, FIFA 12, Tekken 6) and there're 4 players from 4 teams each. The team with the best results (3 games combined) will win the competition. FIFA 12 actually had 2 players each (5th member) but they're girls who barely know how to play (hired from somewhere?) and their results didn't count.

The organizer's main goal is to establish an e-sports pro league (probably like MLG). The event was a good attempt but it could be better if they didn't make it unnecessary long and too formal. They also invited the guests who aren't related to gaming at all, like a pro wrestler. They didn't have enough right people to attract the right audience.

For not having star players from SF4 or even the game itself is not a good first move. Mago vs. Fuudo (1.5 hour) had more attendees than this event (6.5 hour).

- Stream
- Famitsu's article
- 4Gamer's article

GODSGARDEN Classic announced

GODSGARDEN announced last night "GODSGARDEN x Twitch TV Classic" on Kao TV.

- Time: November 27, 13:00 (JST)
- Game: SSF4AE (Xbox 360) BUT only 12 characters from the original SF2 are choosable (8+4)
- Format: Offline, singles, double elimination
- Rule: Choose 2 characters as main and sub, you can use sub only when you lost
- Prize money: 100,000 yen
- Player limit: 100 players (register here)
- Entrance fee: 1,000 yen (free for women)
- Place: Akihabara Clark Studio
- Stream: Here (free, no $8.95), with English commentary

Canada Cup 2011 summary

Day 1 - SSF2 HD Remix

• Tokido (Claw) 2-0 Merlin (Chu)
• Tokido (Claw) 2-0 BionicFraud (Gui)
• Tokido (Claw) 2-0 Real Deal (Dict)
• [Winners Final] Tokido (Claw) 0-2 Justin Wong (Sag)
• [Losers Final] Tokido (Claw) 0-2 Real Deal (Dict)

Day 1 - SSF4AE - Pools

• [Winners] Tokido 1-2 XSK Samurai (Ryu)
• [Winners] Justin Wong (Ruf) 1-2 Leslie (Sag) *fun match
• [Losers] Tokido 2-0 JiJi (Sag)
• [Winners] Mago 2-0 Riceata (Bla)
• [Winners] Shungoku Neurosis 0-2 Ricky Ortiz (Ruf)
• [Winners] Mago 2-1 Louffy (Ros)
• [Winners] Momochi (Cod) 1-2 Chi-Rithy (Yan)
• [Losers] Momochi (Cod) 2-0 Zhi (Sag) *insane Ultra reactions from Momochi
• [Winners] Kindevu (Cam) 2-0 Elimin87 (Bla)
• [Winners] Bon-chan 2-0 Falken (Dic/Dud)
• [Winners] Bon-chan 2-0 Skatan (Sak/Chu)
• [Winners] Kindevu (Cam) 2-1 Andreas (Ruf) *KD almost lost
• [Winners] RF (Sag) 0-2 Problem X (Set) *good performance by PX
• [Losers] RF (Sag) 2-0 fubarduck (Yun)
• [Winners] MOV (Ken) 1-2 Cuongster (Hon) *nice Ultra in 2nd game by MOV *good performance by Cuong
• [Winners] BAS (Aku) 0-2 Fword (Ibu)
• [Winners] Kazunoko 2-1 Mike Ross
• [Losers] MOV (Ken) 0-2 Wokfkrone (Vip)

Day 1 - SSF4AE International 5 on 5
[Winners] Japan 2 5-2 Europe 2
(these numbers are rounds)

• BAS (Aku) 0-2 Fword (Ibu)
• MOV (Ken) 2-1 Fword (Ibu)
• MOV (Ken) 2-1 The Emperor (Fue)
• MOV (Ken) 1-2 Problem X (Set)
• Kazunoko 2-0 Problem X (Set)
• Kazunoko 2-0 JiJi (Sag)
• Kazunoko 2-1 Andreas (Ruf)

[Winners] Japan 1 0-0 Korea

• Momochi (Cod) 2-1 Laugh (Ryu)
• Momochi (Cod) 2-0 Naroks (Vip)
• Momochi (Cod) 2-0 Zzang Moo (Zan)
• Momochi (Cod) 2-0 Whitedune (Dud)
• Momochi (Cod) 1-2 Infiltration (Aku)
• Bon-chan 2-1 Infiltration (Aku)

Day 2 - MvC3

• [Winners] Tokido 2-0 Floe
• [Winners] Tokido 1-2 F. Champ
• [Losers] Tokido 2-0 XSK Samurai
• [Losers] Tokido 2-0 Floe
• [Losers Final] Tokido 1-2 F. Champ

Day 2 - SSF4AE

• [Winners] Bon-chan 2-1 Chi-Rithy (Yan)
• [Winners] Kindevu (Cam) 1-2 Cuongster (Hon)
• [Winners] Mago 2-0 XSK Samurai (Ryu)
• [Winners] Kazunoko 2-0 Problem X (Set)
• [Winners] Bon-chan 0-2 Infiltration (Gouken) *Infil trolled by trying to reduce his life to 50% as handicap after the 1st game
• [Winners] Mago 2-0 Evans (Fei)
• [Winners] Kazunoko 2-1 Ryan Hart (Sag) *quality match
• [Losers] RF eliminated by Wolfkrone (no stream)
• [Winners] Mago 0-2 Leslie (Sag)
• [Winners] Kazunoko 2-0 Infiltration (Aku)
• [Losers] Tokido 2-0 Evans (Fei)
• [Losers] Momochi (Cod) 2-1 Ryan Hart (Yun)
• [Losers] Bon-chan eliminated by Wolfkrone (no stream)
• [Losers] Momochi (Cod) 1-2 Wolfkrone (Vip)
• [Losers] Mago 0-2 Wolfkrone (Vip)
• [Losers] Tokido 2-0 Infiltration (Gouken)
• [Losers] Tokido 0-2 Wolfkrone (Vip)
• [Winners Final] Kazunoko 2-0 Leslie (Sag)
• [Losers Final] Wolfkrone 1-2 Leslie (Sag)
• [Grand Final] Kazunoko 3-0 Leslie (Sag)

Day 2 - SSF4AE International 5 on 5
[Winners] Japan 1 4-5 Japan 2

• Shungoku Neurosis 2-0 BAS (Aku)
• Shungoku Neurosis 1-2 RF (Sag)
• Mago 2-1 RF (Sag)
• Mago 1-2 MOV (Ken)
• Tokido 2-0 MOV (Ken)
• Tokido 0-2 Kindevu (Vip)
• Momochi (Cod) 2-0 Kindevu (Vip) 
• Momochi (Cod) 0-2 Kazunoko
• Bon-chan 0-2 Kazunoko

[Losers] Japan 1 5-0 Europe 1

• Shungoku Neurosis 2-0 Cuongster (Hon)
• Shungoku Neurosis 2-1 Evans (Fei)
• Shungoku Neurosis 2-0 Louffy (Ros)
• Shungoku Neurosis 2-0 Ryan Hart (Yun)
• Shungoku Neurosis 2-0 Skatan (Sak)

[Losers] Japan 1 5-0 Canada

• Shungoku Neurosis 2-1 Riceata (Bla)
• Shungoku Neurosis 2-1 Jozhear (Claw)
• Shungoku Neurosis 2-0 Air (Ryu)
• Shungoku Neurosis 2-1 Chi-Rithy (Yan)
• Shungoku Neurosis 2-1 Snafoo (Dha)

[Winners Final] Japan 2 5-2 USA

• BAS (Aku) 0-2 Mike Ross
• RF (Sag) 2-0 Mike Ross
• RF (Sag) 0-2 F. Champ (Dha)
• Kazunoko 2-1 F. Champ (Dha)
• Kazunoko 2-0 Justin Wong (Ruf)
• Kazunoko 2-0 Floe (Yan)
• Kazunoko 2-1 Wolfkrone (Vip)

[Losers] Japan 1 1-5 USA

• Bon-chan 2-0 Mike Ross
• Bon-chan 0-2 Wolfkrone
• Shungoku Neurosis 1-2 Wolfkrone
• Momochi (Cod) 0-2 Wolfkrone
• Mago 1-2 Wolfkrone
• Tokido 1-2 Wolfkrone

[Grand Final] Japan 2 5-4 USA

• BAS (Aku) 0-2 F. Champ (Dha)
• Kazunoko 2-0 F. Champ (Dha)
• Kazunoko 0-2 Floe (Yan)
• MOV 2-1 Floe (Yan)
• MOV 1-2 Mike Ross
• RF 2-1 Mike Ross
• RF 2-1 Justin Wong
• RF 0-2 Wolfkrone
• Kindevu (Vip) 2-1 Wolfkrone

Note
- The organizer said Umehara was confirmed to come, but later they said he couldn't.
- This's Kazunoko's first tournament abroad, and also the first individual SF4 tournament he won.
- Tokido took 1st place in Tekken and BlazBlue, 2nd place in Third Strike, 3rd place in SF2 HD Remix, 3rd in MvC3.
- MOV took 1st place in Third Strike.
- Kindevu going to London after this tournament.

Umehara in adult manga

It was reported on Twitter that the latest issue of the monthly adult manga Potpourri Club released on November 1 (cover below) has a 20-page story about a girl version of Daigo Umehara.

As seen in the sample picture below, "Ume-chan to!" (With Ume-chan!) is the story about Ume Hara, a girl who is one of the fighting game's Seven Heroes. Long story short, she ends up doing something special with a boy named "Ōnuki" (Nuki's real name).

Some other details in the manga based on true stories.
- Ume is not good at giving a live interview.
- The game center looks like Taito Station. (Umehara plays at Taito Station Shinjuku South)
- Ume holds the stick "Umehara Mochi" style.
- Ume's jersey has a logo that looks like Mad Catz's claw.
- They go to eat ramen. (Umehara likes ramen)
- Ōnuki's hoodie. (He wear a hoodie in the tournament in 1998 (National Zero 3) and 2005 (Tougeki))
- Ōnuki yelling "AIIIIIIIII!!" (from their second fight of Tougeki 2005, after Umehara won the first round)

The female manga author already has around hundred of works published. Apparently she is also a fan of the fighting game players.

Umehara and Nuki know and fought each other since 1997. They formed a team and won Street Fighter III in Tougeki 2005. They are the only 2 players who won both Evolution and Tougeki in the same year on the same game. And because they are a great couple, there is a running joke saying Nuki has an unrequited love.

This is not the first time (a form of) Umehara appears in a manga. This is also not the first time Umehara is used as a material for adult content. An adult game released in May featured Denpa Jikkyou meme.

Umehara interview on Brazilian tech site

Via Capcom Unity, a Brazilian tech site posted an interview with Daigo Umehara. They hail him Pele of videogames.

Highlight

On mental preparation

I don't really believe in luck. I believe in dedication and hard work. If I can meet my own standard and satisfy myself in preparing for a tournament, I can deliver good gameplay. Anything that happens during a game, including "lucky" incidents is reflection of my hard work. That's how I try to see (lol). It's because being strong doesn't mean you can always win. There are a whole lot of factors that determine a victory in fighting games.

[P4U] Bad status, commentary revealed

News from Dengeki revealed some new interesting features in Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Area.

Bokosuka Rush - After a Bokosuka Attack, pushing button rapidly at the right time will end with a powerful finish.

Bad Status - Some attacks will cause a bad status like confusion, fear, poison, charm, devil seal. Confusion makes your character go to opposite direction when you move left/right. Devil seal makes you unable to use attacks from your Persona.

Commentary - Rise Kujikawa will act as commentator and navigator between the fights. She's voiced by one of Japan's most popular voice actresses -- Rie Kugimiya.

New Umehara interview on SRK

SRK posted a new interview of Daigo Umehara.

Highlights

Secret to being a top gamer

In order for anyone to rise above all the others, he has to practice, even when a game is less popular and some people are not playing. That’s where I believe champions separate themselves. It’s easy to have fun when everyone is crowded around and playing, but it’s not so easy when it’s just you driving yourself forward.

New project

There is another one that no one else in the community has ever done. I’m sorry, I just can’t tell you yet, but I hope I can share it with you very soon!

Another level

I am taking more holistic approach to my professional life by taking care of my body. I’ve changed my diet to macrobiotic, and have been working out to build balanced muscle. I don’t even drink any more except for special occasions. I have set a strict schedule for myself consisting of 8 hours of sleep, 1 hour of gym training focusing on weight lifting or jogging, 1 hour of bike ride between home and the arcade for each trip, 9 hours of game practice

Hope to accomplish

As for myself, I don’t have any set “goals” in a traditional sense. I want to keep challenging myself.

First tournament

“I was probably 11 or 12 years old. I entered a small tournament for “Street Fighter II Dash Turbo” known as “Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting” in the West at a game center by a train station near my house. I lost at a second round (LOL)!”

Outside gaming

I like cooking as well.

TOPANGA Fight Club adds girl member

Mago and Tokido announced on TOPANGA TV last night that the second term of TOPANGA Fight Club will have a girl member.

From the introduction video:
- Her name is Negi.
- She played fighting game with her older brother when she was a kid. (She doesn't have much experience.)
- She uses Ibuki because she likes Final Fantasy VII and Yuffy. Ibuki looks like Yuffy.
- Her hobby is fishing.
- She applied because she saw TOPANGA stream on Nico and she's interested in fighting games.

In May, Mago and Tokido recruited and accepted 3 pupils -- Murata (Yun), Nabe (Akuma), and Higaki (Sagat). The teaching corner is called TOPANGA Fight Club.

Mago & Tokido on smartphone show

Capcom posted a test episode of a show for smartphones featuring a match between Mago and Tokido, with Kagecchi, Capcom's Ayano, and KayoPolice as commentators.

This show called "Kakutou Game No1" (Fighting Game No.1) is one of the shows on NOTTV that will be broadcasted directly to smartphones in Japan starting from April 2012.

First episode of Ultimate Girl Project posted

The first episode of "Ultimate Girl Training Project" was posted today. This's supposed to be a reality show where Nozomi Furuki (a voice actress in training) has to train Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 in a house for 3 months. She'll be offered a voice actress job if she passed all the trainings. She'd never played a fighting game before.

Summary of the first episode
- She received a letter from (MvC3 producer) Niitsuma about the offer.
- Niitsuma called her from New York when he was there for Comic Con (Oct. 13-16).
- The game is demo version.
- Her first assignment is getting 6 wins in Simple Mode in 30 minutes. The reward is a futon for sleeping.
- She was lost. Then she received a hint letter saying "Pick characters that suit to you to form a team."

It seems like it's not actually a reality show as no one is going to spend 3 months in a fighting game camp just to get a voice acting job.

Anyway, she'll attend an UMvC3 event on October 30 with Ayana Tsubaki. Ayana, on the other hand, plays fighting games and is a fan of Daigo Umehara. She even switched from Ryu to Yun just like him.

TOPANGA Concept Match 3: Mago vs. Fuudo summary

- Previous posts: TCM3 vote, TCM3 scheduled, Pre-match interviews, Nico streaming TCM3.
- Kokujin let 1,500 of fans on NSB stream vote who's going to win. The result was around Mago 52:47 Fuudo.
- Stream is here. (only premium members can rewatch)
- The concept match became the most anticipated show at the moment on Nico counted by number of Timeshifts.
- A high quality version stream was also provided. (only for premium members.)
- There're 21,303 attendees already BEFORE the show started.
- ItaZan and Tokido also acted as a coach for Fuudo and Mago respectively.
- Tokido seemed to enjoy the viewers' comments, he tried not to laugh but failed, while the other two busy talking.

 Fuudo (Black Fei) 4-10 Mago (White Fei)

1. 1-2
2. 1-2
3. 1-2 *Mago misread in the second round and paid for it.
4. 1-2
5. 1-2 *a big comeback in the last round *a break after game.
6. 2-1
7. 0-2 *Mago punished Fuudo's FA twice. *ItaZan called for a break to give Fuudo some advice after game.
8. 0-2
9. 2-1 *Mago used an unusual link in the first round *Fuudo came back from death.
10. 1-2
11. 2-0
12. 1-2 *Fuudo seemed to miss Ultra in the last round when he tried to chip before timeout
13. 2-1 *Mago did well but not enough.
14. 0-2

- This's probably Mago's best performance of all time. He's never been this serious, both his look and his (Fei Long's) moves. He was in control from the beginning until the end. Fuudo took some games because he's also a good player.
- Mago said in the interview after the match: "This is ....the reality." (referring to the pre-match message)
- Tokido announced that the next concept match Sako vs. Haitani will be on November 16.
- The show ended with 75,989 attendees and 75,281 comments.
- The poll at the end of the show showed that 91.6% of the viewers think the show was extremely good.

TOPANGA Concept Match 3 gets Nico official show

TOPANGA announced yesterday that its TOPANGA Concept Match 3 will be streamed as a Nico Nico Live's official show.

TOPANGA Concept Match 3: Mago vs. Fuudo will start after midnight in Japan. The commentators will be R, Itabashi Zangief, and Tokido.

[Pre-TOPANGA Concept Match 3] Mago vs. Fuudo messages

Funny video messages of Mago and Fuudo were uploaded by TOPANGA a couple hours ago.

In the last part when asked about message to his opponent, Mago basically said "Hey Fuudo, do you think you're going to win me just because you won Evo and GODSGARDEN? I'm going to show you the reality."

In the last part when asked about message to his opponent, Fuudo basically said "Thank you for teaching me everything about Fei Long ........My reaction* that you don't have will win me this."

In case you didn't follow TOPANGA recently, these are scripted.

*This's a running joke. 

TOPANGA Concept Match 3: Mago vs. Fuudo is this Thursday.

TOPANGA Concept Match 4 vote result

Last night, Mago and Tokido let the fans vote for TOPANGA Concept Match #4.

From group A: Tokido vs. Haitani (66.7%)
From group B: Sako vs. Haitani (69.1%)
From group C: Sako vs. dnm3rd (54.7%)

The result is Sako vs. Haitani (52.8%)

Umehara in Kuwait (2011) summary

- Stream: Here

October 20: MvC3 day
Daigo Umehara (Wolf/Dante/Aku) vs. Challengers

1. 1-2
2. 1-2
3. 2-0
4. 2-0
5. 2-1
6. 2-0
7. 2-0
8. 2-0
9. 2-0
10. 2-0
11. 2-0
12. 2-0
13. 2-0
14. 0-2
15. 0-2
16. 2-1
17. 2-1
18. 2-0 *beat Dark Phoenix
19. 2-0
20. 2-0
21. 2-0
22. 2-0
23. 2-0
24. 1-2
25. 2-0
26. 1-2
27. 2-0
28. 2-0
29. 2-0
30. 2-0
31. 2-0
32. 2-1
33. 2-0
34. 2-0
35. 2-0
36. 2-1
37. 2-0
38. 2-0
39. 1-0
40. 1-0
41. 0-1
42. 1-0
43. 1-0
44. 1-0
45. 1-0
46. 2-1 *very close match
47. 2-0
48. 1-3

- Umehara in a (never before seen) new haircut!
- Umehara played 4 hours nonstop.
- For some reason, only 2-3 players used Phoenix.

October 21: SSF4AE day
Daigo Umehara vs. Challengers

1. 2-0 Bo Bader (Ryu)
2. 2-0 Kazuma (Yang)
3. 2-0 Mysterious (Gouken)
4. 2-0 Meshal (Fei)
5. 2-1 Bomsa (Box)
6. 2-1 BetaRayz (Sakura) *Fun match
7. 2-0 MAzinGetter (Guy)
8. 0-2 Tyrant (Sagat)
9. 2-0 Khalid M (Box)
10. (Ryu) 2-0 Talal Hajri (Vip)
11. (Aku) 2-0 Mr. Baldy (Cam) 
12. (Ryu) 2-0 boya3rab (Sakura)
13. 2-0 HTMG (Ryu)
14. 2-2, 2-1 grand (Aku) *It ended with double K.O. so he got to play more.
15. 2-0 Black Beard (Blanka)
16. 2-0 greed (Claw)
17. 2-0 Miko Sama (Seth)
18. 2-0 Anwar (Cod)
19. 2-0 Karakeesh (Ryu)
20. 2-0 Jin (Hakan)
21. 2-1 Talal Tz (Hawk)
22. 2-0 Kuma (Sagat)
23. 2-0 (Yang)
24. 2-0 (Juri)
25. (Ryu) 2-0 Musaed M (Dud)
26. 2-0 Hasoken (Ken)
27. (Aku) 2-1 Sabah (Ryu)
28. 2-0 Jamal M (Box)
29. 2-0 Sojiro (Rose)
30. 2-1 El Captain (Seth)
31. 2-0 Ayoup (Mak)
32. 2-0 Hamdan (Claw)
33. 2-0 (Guile)
34. (Aku) 2-0 Kira (Ryu)
35. 2-0 Shinobi (Seth)
36. 2-0 Penist Q8 (Dict)
37. 2-0 Sa3dion (Dict) *He used HK to stop Psycho Crusher.
38. 2-1 A. Felchawy (Yun)
39. (Aku) 2-1 S. Felchawy (Sak)
40. (Aku) 1-2 Amer Marhoon (Box) *He used HK to stop Boxer's dash punch.
41. 2-0 M. Akbar (Ruf)
42. 2-0 Adel (Dict)
43. 2-0 Sayed (Dan)
44. (Aku) 2-0 M. Haider (Hon)
45. 2-0 DukeFleet (Cod)
46. 2-0 Envy Mask (Mak)
47. 2-0 FHD Nemix (Dict)
48. 2-0 Tekkablade (Juri)
49. 2-0 Omani (Yun)
50. 2-0 Noor Nablsi (Oni) *Palm Strike > U1
51. 2-0 Boland (Sak)
52. (Ryu) 2-0 Hashem H (Ryu)
53. 2-0 Fawaz (Yun)
54. (Ryu) 0-2 Osama (Gouken)
55. 2-0 7md LGG (Cod)
56. 2-0 Rambo (Cod)
57. 2-0 Morphis (Zan)
58. 2-0 (Box)
59. 2-0 (Chun)
60. 2-0 Ganoon (Sak)
61. (Ryu) 2-1 Tyrant (Sagat)
62. 2-0 Ammar Mahr (Box)
63. 2-0 Osama (Hawk)
64. 2-0 Aziz (Juri)
65. 2-0, 1-2, 2-1, 2-1 Bahbahani (Ryu)

- For the first time, we saw Umehara's Akuma in an event. He practiced U2 setup before the exhibition. (HK>crMK>U2)

Interview
(There's a subtitle)

SFxTekken dated

Capcom announced the release date of Street Fighter x Tekken. The game will be released on March 6 in North America and on March 9 in Europe.

The news also came with the information about the Gem System and the Special Edition of the game.

Eita vs. Nemo in BlazBlue

As reported, Eita began playing BlazBlue since July. Nemo now also plays the game. They played together on the stream on Sunday. Nemo was using Valkenhayn and really gave Eita a hard time. (They played 1 hour 40 minutes. Eita won 9, lost 18.)

It seems like Nemo stopped playing BlazBlue since Continuum Shift. He borrowed CS2 from someone else on October 7.

Eita is now on game center (private) tour. He will travel around the west side of Japan and visit game centers in Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Yamaguchi, Shimane, Hiroshima, Okayama, Hyogo, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Shiga, Mie, Nagoya between October 18 to November 7.

SSF4AE Ver.2012 release date set

Capcom announced that SSF4AE Ver.2012 is coming to the arcades on December 2 and December 13 for PlayStation 3/Xbox 360.

SSF4AE was first released on December 16, 2010, in Japan.

Evo 2012 announced

It is announced that next year's Evolution will be held at Caesar's Palace Hotel and Casino between July 6-8.

Note that they used Caesar's Palace before, but this year, they chose Rio which has bigger hall instead. They will go back for some reason next year.

For reference, Evo 2009 was between July 17-19 and Evo 2010 was between July 9-11.

Season's Beatings 2011 summary

October 15 - SSF4AE exhibition: USA vs. World (these numbers are rounds)

Dieminion (Guile) 1-2 Tokido (Aku)
Ricky Ortiz (Rufus) 0-2 Tokido (Aku)
PR Rog (Box) 2-0 Tokido (Aku)
Justin Wong (Rufus) 2-0 Tokido (Aku)
Wolfkrone (Vip) 1-2 Tokido (Aku) *Tokido has no life left in the last round

Dieminion (Guile) 1-2 Uryo (Sak)
Ricky Ortiz (Rufus) 2-0 Uryo (Sak)
PR Rog (Box) 1-2 Uryo (Sak)
Justin Wong (Rufus) 2-1 Uryo (Sak) *Wong taunts in the last round
Wolfkrone (Vip) 2-1 Uryo (Sak)

Dieminion (Guile) 0-2 Poongko (Seth)
Ricky Ortiz (Rufus) 0-2 Poongko (Seth)
PR Rog (Box) 0-2 Poongko (Seth)
Justin Wong (Rufus) 1-2 Poongko (Seth)
Wolfkrone (Vip) 0-2 Poongko (Seth)

Dieminion (Guile) 1-2 Mago (Fei)
Ricky Ortiz (Rufus) 1-2 Mago (Fei)
PR Rog (Box) 2-0 Mago (Fei)
Justin Wong (Rufus) 0-2 Mago (Fei)
Wolfkrone (Vip) 2-1 Mago (Fei)

Dieminion (Guile) 0-2 Momochi (Cody)
Ricky Ortiz (Rufus) 2-0 Momochi (Cody)
PR Rog (Box) 2-0 Momochi (Cody)
Justin Wong (Rufus) 0-2 Momochi (Cody)
Wolfkrone (Vip) 1-2 Momochi (Cody) *intense match

October 16 - SSF4AE Top 32

• [Winners] Uryo (Sak) 2-1 Mike Ross (Hon)
• [Winners] Momochi (Cody) 2-1 FlashMetroid (Zan)
• [Winners] Floe (Yang) 0-2 Mago (Fei)
• [Winners] Dieminion (Guile) 0-2 Tokido (Aku)
• [Winners] Poongko (Seth) 2-0 Chaos2D (Yang)

SSF4AE Top 16

• [Winners] Uryo (Sak) 2-1 Mago (Fei) *Uryo came from behind
• [Winners] PR Rog (Box) 1-2 Momochi (Cody) *Momochi came from behind
• [Winners] Justin Wong (Rufus) 0-2 Tokido (Aku)
• [Winners] Ricky Ortiz (Rufus) 2-1  Poongko (Seth) *Very close match
• [Losers] Laugh (Rose) 0-2 Mago (Fei)
• [Losers] Poongko (Seth) 2-1 Mike Ross (Hon) *Intense match
• [Losers] PR Rog (Box) 2-0 Mago (Fei) *Mago misjudged his life before lost the first game.
• [Losers] Justin Wong (Rufus) 0-2 Poongko (Seth)

SSF4AE Semifinal

• [Winners] Uryo (Sak) 1-2 Momochi (Cody) *Uryo made a big comeback in the first game
• [Winners] Ricky Ortiz (Rufus) 2-1 Tokido (Aku)
• [Losers] PR Rog (Box) 1-2 Tokido (Aku)
• [Losers]  Poongko (Seth) 0-2 Uryo (Sak) *Uryo won 4 straight rounds.
• [Losers]  Uryo (Sak) 2-0 Tokido (Aku) *Uryo escaped from Tokido's EX Tatsu in the last round by glitch.
• [Winners Final] Ricky Ortiz (Rufus) 1-3 Momochi (Cody)
• [Losers Final] Uryo (Sak) 1-3 Ricky Ortiz (Rufus)
• [Grand Final] Momochi (Cody) 3-1 Ricky Ortiz (Rufus)

Anything Else
- Momochi won his second individual tournament of his life. The first was Battle Medley Singapore 2011 in September.
- Momochi traveled to U.S. alone.
- Uryo has a nickname "Mr. GODSGARDEN" because he did well in the tournaments.
- Mago beat JSMaster's boxer twice in Canada Cup 2010 using Sagat. But he used Fei for PR Rog's boxer in this tournament.

TOPANGA Concept Match 2 summary (Bon-chan vs. Kazunoko)

Commentator: R and Yoshiwo

Bon-chan 8-10 Kazunoko

1. 2-?
2. 2-?
3. ?-2
4. 2-?
5. ?-2
6. ?-2
7. ?-2
8. 2-?
9. 2-?
10. 1-2
11. 1-2
12. 0-2
13. 0-2
14. 2-0
15. 2-1
16. 1-2
17. 2-0
18. 0-2

TOPANGA TV 2011.10.8 (Bon-chan & Kazunoko)

- Nabe came back from America after 2 months. He joined a mini online tournament as a graduation test but lost to Yang is his first match.
- In America, Nabe has a friend named Alex (introduced by Tokido) but he first thought it's Alex Valle so he said hi to Valle on Twitter instead.
- Nabe said, in America, even green bar, there's still lag.
- Alex sent Mago, Tokido, Gama no Abura, Nekohashi, KSK some souvenir. Tokido got a murder face mug cup.
- Guest is Bon-chan. Mago tried to trick him into saying something bad about Kazunoko. Then Kazunoko came from behind him. Then they showed a candid video of Kazunoko saying he won't lose to Bon-chan. In the end, they arranged a concept match for them. (A lot of people voted for them anyway.)
- They showed some videos from TOPANGA Offline Meetings. (Mago and Tokido meet/teach/play with 13 fans at a bar. Participation cost is 5,000 yen.)

Highlight
Bon-chan: Kazunoko's character is..... :|
Mago: So because of the character!
B: That character is so strong. .....It's a foul-play level.
M: Well, I think he's something.
B: I'm not saying he's weak, if I say so then...
(Kazunoko came from behind Bon-chan.)
B: Kazunoko is REALLY STRONG.

Tokido: Since Kazunoko is here, we don't need that video letter. But I want to see it.
(Video showing Kazunoko saying congratuations for being on TOPANGA TV)
T: There's one more.

(Candid video showing Tokido chatting with Kazunoko)
T: How was Bon-chan at Tougeki?
K: A bit worried. [Oji-san Boy] (his Tougeki 2011 partner) was kinda freeloader. XD
T: What if you fight with Bon-chan.
K: I absolutely won't lose. :)))))))

M: What do you have to say about this?
B: Well, you can just say that. If he's confident then I want to do it for real. Kazunoko-KUN!

TOPANGA is becoming like pro wrestling They don't just fight, they add story to it for more hype. The question is not "Is this scripted?" but "Which part is not scripted?" (Kazunoko used to say that he was a Bon-chan fan and he passed Tougeki qualifier thanks to Oji-san Boy.)

GODSGARDEN x Capcom: Touzai Online detailed

The Touzai 5 on 5 that was previously announced now has a proper name and details. The event will be called "GODSGARDEN x Capcom: SSF4AE: Touzai Online Taikousen." Capcom is the sponsor. They said there'll also be a fighting game teaching corner on the show.

Managers and players of both East and West team are revealed. Both teams will also have the (unannounced) sixth player as Joker. The managers won't compete, but they'll choose who to fight and not to fight. The competition will use a modified version of GG's fortune-box system.

Date: October 21 (Friday)
Time: 22:50 (JST)
Stream: This or this (in case Ustream doesn't work)
Commentator: Sakamoto, Yoshiwo, Ayano (Capcom's SF4 AP)

Rules
- A player can choose only 2 characters.
- Manager can choose who to fight.
- Manager can refuse 2 times.
- The player that is refused cannot play in that match and the next match.
- The winning player cannot play in the next 2 matches.
- A Joker has life disadvantage but you cannot refuse Joker except after his first fight.

East Team
Manager: Soushihan KSK
Player:

• Kazunoko (Yun/Yang)
• Fuudo (Fei/Ryu)
• Itabashi Zangief (Zan/Hawk)
• Nekojita (Abe/Dan)
• Cabbage (Vip/Mak)

West Team
Manager: Umezono
Player:

• Haitani (Mak/Hawk)
• RF (Sag/Fei)
• Uryo (Sak/Vip)
• Sako (Ibu/Yang)
• 6 (Aku/Cam)

Umehara going Canada Cup 2011

The tournament organizer of Canada Cup just revealed that Daigo Umehara is confimed to be in the tournament again this year.

Four Japanese players were announced before this -- Tokido, Mago, Bon-chan, and Shungoku Neurosis.

The Canada Cup 2011 will take place on November 5-6. There will also be international 5 on 5 exhibition event for $5,000 cash prize.

Update: The organizer later said Umehara cannot attend.

TOPANGA Concept Match 2+3 scheduled

Last week, it was decided by voting that the next Topanga Concept Match will be Mago (Fei) vs. Fuudo (Fei). The pair won over Bon-chan vs. Kazunoko. But Mago revealed today that both Bon-chan and Kazunoko said "There's no reason I'd lose" so they will just make it happen.

The next concept match Bon-chan (Sag) vs. Kazunoko (Yun) will be on October 15, and Mago and Tokido will not be watching this in Japan since they will attend Season's Beatings: Velocity on October 14.

Mago will return to fight Fuudo on October 27.

Daigo Umehara in SPA!

Recently, Daigo Umehara had an article on SPA!, a well-known weekly news magazine in Japan.

Summary
- The title of the article is "Pro gamer job"
- They recognized him as "God of fighting game world" and "Japan's first pro [fighting] gamer."
- Umehara explained what he does as a pro gamer. Winning prize money from tournaments, appearances in events, contract with Mad Catz.
- Although the main target is America, he went to many countries. He said he went abroad probably 11 times last year. He also went to Kuwait. There're offers from South Korea, China, and Thailand as well.
- He talked about Evolution. There're around 5,000 attendees at the venue. He couldn't even see the entrance from the stage.
- He said Evo's prize money for the champion is around $18,000. (Beast Note: probably Evo 2010)
- He doesn't plan to live in America, he wants to stay in Japan where [the competition] is in the world's highest level. To be more specific, Tokyo players are in the highest level. He added that America doesn't have a place [such as game center where high level players come to play together].
- Last year in SSF4 era, he practiced 13 hours a day at home. But this year, it's 6-7 hours a day at the game center.
- They also interviewed Hiroaki Inaba (GODSGARDEN cofounder). The topic was "fighting game tournament boom."
- GODSGARDEN 4 has more unique visitors than Hikaru Utada's concert on Ustream. 450,000 to 345,000.
- Inaba-san said GG is different from other tournaments. It focuses on entertaining rather than looking for whos's the best. The players play important part. And thanks to a player like Daigo Umehara, "to defeat the god" became part of it. He also revealed that the next event will be at the end of this year.

Umehara had an article in Friday Dynamite magazine in April and Tokyo Newspaper last month.

Umehara in Mad Catz TE S JP release news on Famitsu

Mad Catz Japan announced that they will officially release SF4 Fightstick Tournament Edition S in Japan on December 1, as Famitsu reported.

Daigo Umehara says in the press release:

"With its precision, buttons, and lever, Mad Catz arcade controller is the ideal product for pro gamer. Its high durability is also another appeal. It doesn't break easily in a long training."

People who preorder the stick will receive a Mad Catz sticker.

[OMK] Battler

Battler has good normals, Hadoken (Blue Truth), and Shoryuken (Blue Strike). Blue Assault is also a very good move. You can use it after 2 normal jump attacks to make it 3. You can also use it while jumping back.

His Meta Special is one of the best. It can be hit-confirmed or used after a sweep. After that or if you're far enough, you can use it to break opponent's guard or to chip.

	Name	Command
SP version available	Blue Truth	Hadoken (L/M/H)
SP version available	Blue Strike	Shoryuken (L/M/H)
SP version available	Sommelier Finger	Hurricane Kick (L/M/H)
SP version available	Blue Assault	(midair) Hurricane Kick (L/M/H)
Ranbu (cost 2 SP)	Checkmate	qcf x2 >H
Meta Special	Blue Truth That Pierces Through Everything	b+hcf >H

Combo

L>M>H>crH = 636 damage
L*>M>H>crH>Blue Strike = 960 damage
L*>M>H>crH>Sommelier Finger = 960 damage
L*>M>H>crH>SP Blue Truth = 1107 damage (cost 1 SP)
L*>M>H>crH>SP Sommelier Finger = 1120 damage (cost 1 SP) 
L*>M>H>crH>SP Blue Strike = 1176 damage (cost 1 SP)
L*>M>H>crH>Meta>Meta Blue Truth = 1343 damage (cost 1 SP)
L*>M>H>crH>Checkmate = 1216 damage (cost 2 SP)

*Due to damage scaling, if you cut L out damage will increase.

jH>M>crL>crM>fM>H>crH>Blue Strike = 1596 damage
crM>fM>H>crH>Meta>Checkmate>Meta Blue Truth = 1730 = damage (cost 3 SP)

[OMK] Ange

Ange is good in close and long range, because of her command throw, projectile, and Meta Special.

For her Meta Special (See You Again), she will fall on opponent regardless of how far. It's really good as antiair and you can also do it after a sweep. Her Stun Boost ability is one of the best. With the ability on, SYA (or Meta Special of Luficer, Shannon, Kanon, Virgilia, Battler) makes opponent dizzy on a single clean hit.

	Name	Command
	Sakutarou Summon	Hadoken (L/M/H)
SP version available	(after Sakutarou Summon) Go, Sakutarou!	Hadoken (L/M/H)	midair OK
SP version available	Seven Sisters	Shoryuken backward (L/M/H)	must block low for L version
SP version available	Mammon Summon	Hurricane Kick (L/M/H)
SP version available	German Suplex	(near) hcb (L/M/H)	Command Throw
Ranbu (cost 2 SP)	Angelic Rumble	qcf x2 >H
Meta Special	See You Again	b+hcf >H

Combo
L>M>H*>crH* = 621 damage
*This doesn't work on certain characters, so I suggest crL>crM>crH = 385 damage

crL>crM>crH>Meta>See You = 1060 damage + dizzy (cost 1 SP)
crL>crM>crH>Angelic Rumble = 965 damage (cost 2 SP)

sjdH>crL>H>German Suplex = 896 damage
SP Sisters>dash>jGo Sakutarou>L>M>H>Meta>dash>crL>crM>crH>See You = 2143 damage (cost 2 SP)

[OMK] Virgilia

Virgilia is an awesome character, one of the reasons is she can combo from the other side of the screen. Her movement is slow but she is good in any range and is a hard hitter. She has great normals, one of them is a divekick-like attack and she can do it jumping back. Her projectile (Gungnir) does 480 damage.

Her Meta Special (Odin Summon) cannot be hit-confirmed but you can combo after a sweep because (beside as antiair) it also hits falling/knocked down opponent if timing is right. Her Brimful ability is one of the bests.

	Name	Command
	Magic Square	Hadoken (L/M/H)
SP version available	(after Magic Sqare) Crucifixion	Hadoken (L/M/H)	must block low
SP version available	Gungnir	hcf (L/M/H)	midair OK / must block high
SP version available	Goat Servant(s)	Hurricane Kick (L/M/H)	must block high for M version
cost 1 SP	Falling Tower	Down x2 >SP
Ranbu (cost 2 SP)	Magic Item Show	qcf x2 >H
Meta Special	Odin Summon	b+hcf >H

Combo
L>M>H>crH = 660 damage
L>M>H>crH>MIS = 1305 damage (cost 2 SP)
L>M>H>crH>MIS>Meta>Odin = 2070 damage (cost 3 SP)

jH>M>L>M>crM>crH = 999 damage
SP Goat>Magic Square (H)>SP Gungnir>Meta>SP Crucifixion>Odin = 2055 damage (cost 4 SP)

OMKX's systems explained by Sentosu

The official site of Ougon Musou Kyoku X updated yesterday with system explanation videos featuring Sentosu.

Sentosu has lots of followers on Nico Nico. He is well-known from his talk style in his Street Fighter IV gameplay videos. Despite not being a competitive player and does not go to a tournament, Sentosu has 4000 PP on random selection.

Button explanation

System explanation

KSK's new look

KSK paid the prices for losing to his boss by shaving his head, eyebrows, and beard on his stream this evening.

Summary
- Fans sent him electric hair clipper, eyebrows pen, and wig.
- Mariwo (BlazBlue player) helped him.
- He showed Mariwo that he really shaved pubic hair!
- The Boss signed his forehead.

Ougon Musou Kyoku X-themed maid cafe announced

Mononopu, a maid cafe in Akihabara, will change its theme to Ougon Musou Kyoku X starting from October 4 to October 16, Dengeki reported.

A collaboration between a game publisher and a maid cafe often happens in Japan to promote both the game and the cafe. The cafe will be decorated with anything related to the product, and they will also have an original menu.

In this case, the menu they have includes Beatrice's Meta Special curry rice, Eva's Meta Special pancake(?), and gold ingot crepe.

Ougon Musou Kyoku X for Xbox 360 will be released on October 6.

Erika and Dlanor voice actresses revealed

The latest news from Famitsu today revealed the voice actresses of Furudo Erika and Dlanor A. Knox in PS3's Umineko no Naku Koro ni: Chiru.

Erika is voiced by Natsuko Kuwatani, probably best known for Suiseiseki role in Rozen Maiden. And Dlanor is voiced by (as suggested from the previous voice sample) Miyuki Sawashiro, one of the most popular voice actresses in Japan.

Both of the characters will be in Ougon Musou Kyoku 2 (Tentative Title).

[OMK] Kanon

Kanon is the most terrifying character for too many reasons. He's good in close and middle range. He's quick and has long poking range. He can normal jump twice and still doesn't drop a combo. And with Leaping Wolf, he can do a 1700+ damage SP-less combo. The move acts as a quick low jump that allows him to continue a combo after a sweep or to do an overhead attack. He also has Shoryuken and some other tricks.

His Meta Special (Kozuki Renzan) is quite easy to combo into. His Silent Attack ability is also pretty good.

	Name	Command
	Triangle Jump	(midair in a corner) Jump forward
	Leaping Wolf	hcf (L/M/H)	midair OK
SP version available	Minamogiri	Shoryuken (L/M/H)
SP version available	Kagegiri	Hurricane Kick (L/M/H)	must block low for M version
SP version available	Mikazukigiri	(midair) Hadoken (L/M/H)	must block high for SP version
Ranbu (cost 2 SP)	Gekka Rouei	qcf x2 >H
Meta Special	Kozuki Renzan	b+hcf >H

Combo 
L>M>H>crH = 609 damage
L>M>H>crH>Minamogiri = 943 damage
L>M>H>crH>Meta>Renzan = 1233 damage (cost 1 SP)
L>M>H>crH>Ranbu = 1189 damage (cost 2 SP)

jH>crL>crM>H>crH>Leaping Wolf (H)>M>H>M>Minamogiri = 1774 damage
jH>jL>M>H>crL>crL>M>crM>H>Meta>Leaping Wolf>H>crL>crM>H>crH>Ranbu>Renzan = 3258 damage (cost 3 SP)

[OMK] Shannon

Shannon is fun to play because she has funny/cool moves, and she's voiced by one of the most popular voice actresses in Japan. She's for people who are good at spacing. She can have 2 projectiles (M. Barrier) at the same time and it does around 350 damage each. Her C. Barrier is not a command throw but it catches opponent's hurtbox both on the ground and midair. Her sweep also works as antiair. Her bird can block most of projectiles.

Her Meta Special (ToA) is easy to combo into. It also works as antiair so you can declare Metaworld once opponent jumps.

	Name	Command
SP version available	Magic Barrier	Hadoken (L/M/H)
SP version available	Capturing Barrier	Shoryuken (L/M/H)
SP version available	Feeding	Hurricane Kick (L/M/H)
SP version available	Protective Barrier	Down x2 (L/M/H)
Ranbu (cost 2 SP)	When I don't like it, I say so	qcf x2 >H
Meta Special	Thunderbolt of Agreement	b+hcf >H

Combo
crL>crM>crH>C Barrier = 663 damage
L>M>H>M Barrier (M) = 757 damage
L>M>H>Meta>ToC = 1176 damage (cost 1 SP)
L>M>H>Ranbu = 963  damage (cost 2 SP)

(not in a corner) sjH>M>crL>M>H>M Barrier (H) = 1266 damage
jdH>SP P Barrier>M>SP C Barrier>Meta>M>ToA = 2091 damage (cost 3 SP)