It really does feel surreal watching an FS stream somewhere outside Japan. Good job to everyone involved. Here's hoping we get some neat features in addition to the game.

That was a great stream last night (I'm still amazed no one played Jean or Taka on it though ). Thanks to iplaywinner for making it happen, and obviously, a big thank you to Sega for bringing VF5FS to PAX.

Also, thanks to Syzygy for that awesome Q&A. I'm glad that so many important questions were asked, even if they couldn't all be directly answered.

I just hope that Sega will be bringing those VF5FS machines to the rest of the world sometime soon!

does anyone know if they asked about character intros? will they be in the game?

I echo everyone else's sentiments about viewing the VF5FS exhibition from PAX. Great stream and show put together by those who were involved. Entertaining stuff.

And I hope there will be a few more of these to look forward to leading up to the summer of 2012.

Kruza

MORE THOUGHTS ON FS @ PAX 2011 (Chanchai's report parts 2 & 3 -- covering day 1 and 2)

Day 2 is over (and I'm writing this on the dawn of Day 3), and it was incredibly fun! However, I am going to backtrack and get in some more words about Day 1 first!

Day 1: Talking to Sega Reps
It was wonderful talking to the Sega reps, especially Syzygy, but honestly everyone was a pleasure to speak with and everyone offered insight of some level regarding the game and the marketing push. Here is a listing of a lot of what was discussed (much of it has already been covered on the livestream):

* Sega is well aware that everyone wants something close to (and hopefully surpassing) the amazing tutorial/training/trial mode of VF4 Evolution.

--I included my personal experiences with the evo training mode as taking almost sole credit in making Virtua Fighter encouraging and accessible to a lot of players of other fighting games. I explained that the level of detail in the tutorials and especially giving the player true ways of practicing intermediate and advanced concepts of the game and understanding basic options was completely effective in getting Tekken, Street Fighter, etc... players to go "I can do this, I can get good at Virtua Fighter and this game is making more sense."

-- While the awesome Evo tutorial is wonderful for everyone, it was really effective at getting the fighting game fans to make truly serious efforts at VF and better appreciate the game's Quest mode and vs. mode. In today's context, bringing this type of training mode back (with all the features) can really help make VF far more appealing to the players of Street Fighter IV, Mortal Kombat 9, Tekken 6, Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Soul Calibur (understand it's still a casual favorite as a series), etc...

--I also said that Street Fighter IV's training package (including trials) is something to look at as well. In my mind, this is in addition to a VF4 Evo style training package. Not instead but I did not clarify that in the dialogue.

* They really can't say much about the DLC. I told Syzygy that I do like DLC, but whenever the topic comes up most of us have a "caution light" that just goes on fire in our brains. In general, we're worried about getting screwed and we don't want to feel that we're getting screwed on the initial investment (buying the game).

* "Why 1 full year, ie, why next summer?" A: Despite limited resources, like all things, Sega does want this game to succeed and that requires a marketing campaign. They are really working hard on it, and there is a lot of information (and awesome features) that will be rolled out over time. Sega would like to please us hardcore fans, but they truly want VF to succeed in great numbers.

-- I noted that the schedule means VF won't make a showing at Evo in 2012 (side tourney at best which livestream viewers saw how much of KoF XIII?). I'm okay with that, because I'm accepting it should be a 2013 plan anyways for a second/third wave of interest.

-- Sega is really looking at what has been working and not working with other fighting games in our markets.

* VF5 for PS3 and 360 (the more important point here) did horrible. My impression of the discussion is that even with expectations already managed at Sega, the game failed to come close to its target numbers.

* I heard that the biggest reason PS3 VF5 was never patched for engine updates, online, or anything was because the infrastructure was never put in place in that game make it possible in that game. (I'm guessing aside from redesigning the game and making you download a whole new game as a "patch"). This answer implies that FS will be updateable.

* The new single player mode isn't Quest mode, but Sega seems very excited about what it is. They can't say anything more at this time, but it sounds like unveiling it will be a big part of its campaign. To Manjimaru: "completely new mode."

* I'm under the impression that the resources for promoting FS is not as high as we would like, but the teams are really working their asses off at managing it to be effective and they know more than anyone else that it's a big challenge because they want this to be more successful than previous VF releases (meaning they really gotta push the marketing to make this game more attractive to EVERYBODY).

-- I interpret this as implying that strategies that just target us, the people who play VF, is nowhere near enough. That said, targeting other fighting game players is probably still a good priority, but they really do want to make this game a mainstream success.

* Hardware (ie. Virtua Stick High Grade) isn't a consideration. I personally think this is sensible.

* I commented that good (or "good enough" if you're looking at something like SF4 imo) online play is essential in avoiding a nail in the coffin for the game's long term standing.

-- I mentioned that I personally am very happy with VF5's netcode, but casuals sometimes had a different impression... I felt it was because VF5 online plays quite well if you understand how to play VF (and the better player almost always wins online imo). However, if you are a beginner, you might feel the lag effects in different ways. That said, I don't want to change FS online if it will no longer play like VF online. I'm happy, would like it to keep improving, don't want it to get worse to make it appealing.

-- I commented that VF5 Online was great, but beginners had a good chance of getting destroyed by experienced players. I would like really good matchmaking. The good counterpoint that was made to me and I do fully appreciate is that good matchmaking is really only possible when you have a good critical mass. I fully agree and understand. This does not mean they won't pursue it, but it implies they have to be reasonable and forward thinking about the realities of who and how many will be playing this game.

* Something to think about, a sub-theme I was feeling out in our conversations was "community." I don't mean VFDC community here, but... it was as if the following question is always in Sega's minds regarding VF: "How do we get this game to sustain a more mainstream like community" or "How do we make sure people keep enjoying this game with their friends." It was never explicitly stated but that was what I felt.

* Some features are easy to ask for, look easy to implement on paper--but reality is far different. Don't get too discouraged, but it's a fact to consider (especially for us who are VF lovers and want it to be the perfect package). That said, I do think as a community, it is our job to project a more perfect vision of what we want. But I do hope we also appreciate truly good products, even when they are not perfect.

* Sega does read VFDC. Heck, I forgot where Manjimaru was from and it was Syzygy who told me

-- They also understand our feelings and frustrations. They really do. Though it's true that sometimes, some of us cross a line (but it's not like that's going to affect rational product decisions).

* While nobody can say how long this project has really been going on... A number that I've heard is that at least with some of the team, they've been aware of VF5 FS coming to console for around 1 year now.

-- It was also implied that our petition, was definitely accepted as a great gesture (it was also the right way of appealing to them) and probably influential. At the very least, it was truly appreciated.

-- No comments regarding other forms of our mass demanding.

-- Again, Sega does read VFDC.

* They are very surprised when we ask for the option to have VF5R. From the response, I am pretty sure it's not going to happen at all (it was almost flat out denied).

-- I explained that it's something we want because we would like all that we can get of VF. There's also a collector's sentiment in it. But also because VF5R seems to be the favorite of the VF5s among a good portion of VF players who have played R and FS. And that there is an impression in the community that VF5R is the ultimate hardcore VF5 where FS is more of a mainstream product.

-- Consider this feature not happening.

* Bringing the FS cabinet to the US and making it playable outside of Japan was no easy or inexpensive feat. It was expensive, it took a lot of time, and that machine is a BIG investment for the PR/Marketing team.

-- Treat the thing with care, Sega has to have a rep watching that machine at all times when it's being played. They cannot leave it to a third party to look after it (consider this if you want it at an event).

-- They are very sensitive to people putting drinks or other things on top of the machine. My impression is, if something bad happens to the FS Arcade Cabinet, it's really going to suck for a lot of people.

-- Because the FS Cabinet is a very important piece of marketing the game, it seems like they did not announce FS for console until it was ready. Again, they really want this game to be marketed properly.

-- I think you can also take this to mean that the game is going to make appearances at quite a few proper events.

* On Day Two I commented to a rep that I was also grateful they brought the Yakuza series to the US. A lot of people on the team are also grateful because they love the games at the office.

* One of the reps thought LA Akira and Akira Love (Spotlite) were the same guy I clarified that

* Final note: I wish I was able to play with more of the team but they do want us all to be enjoying the game. Some of them definitely know enough of what they're doing in the game--last night I played someone who clearly played VF4 era Kage and I am guessing very very well with VF4 era Kage.

Looks like this section was way bigger than I expected and the rest of my report will have to be on another post and possibly another time...

Teaser: I had an awesome time playing VF5:FS at the Sega Party on Saturday night!

Power level rose at the Sega Party, the VF vets started to maximize damage! And there was much forum (jpn and vfdc) browsing on smartphones between rounds among some players!

Also... most embarassing moment--one of my streaks ended when I ran (literally) into shoryuken Jacky flipkicks (flash kicks?) twice in a deciding round and realizied "I ONLY HAVE 1/3 OF MY LIFE LEFT?!"

I will second the huge thanks to Haunts (who I accidentally called Hans), Syzygy, Sega, and iplaywinner--they deserve all the appreciation they are getting and more.

Random note: A nice thing to see after the success of MK9 is that the MK9 players know how to block, how to attack when they should and not attack when they should not attack. On the downside, their worst enemy is that a lot of them will naturally block low like 90% of the time.

I'll say that with a limited budget for marketing and the need for success from corporate that sega really needs to target the community and get some apostle support.

Myke, Rodney, L_A - People like these need to be contacted and leveraged. it isn't enough to read a website dedicated to one of your flagship franchises, you need to leverage the website, leverage the community supporters and engage everyone else.

There are so many opportunities to get excitement started at the player level and have it spill outward.

Also: console NEEDS an online and offline tournament mode. NEEDS it.

I gave several of my thoughts regarding promoting the game to the PR and product crew. They seemed quite interested in what I had to say, and I plan to keep in contact. I'll pass along a lot of community input as well.

Suffice to say, I'm planning on doing a lot of previews for everyone I work for...

I want some Shenmue costumes for the characters. Let's keep the best Sega IPs (VF and Shenmue) alive!

I know I've been strongly critical of Sega in the past with how they've handled the VF series, and I stand by most of those opinions, but I very much want to be proven wrong. Bringing the FS cabinet overseas is a big gesture, and I think they are serious about heavily promoting the game.

Big thanks to Haunts and IPW for streaming the event. If Sega has plans to do any events on the east coast, I trust the EC crew will show up and maybe Team Sp00ky could stream the event, which would be great because Sp00ky has lots of fans and followers. I really think live streams are gonna be one of the best ways to promote FS.

Edit: Oh and thanks to Chanchai for providing all the details from the event. Very good insights.

Hey Chanchai, sorry I didn't get to catch you tonight before you left! Hopefully you'll make it down to NorCal sometime, since there's bound to be further FS events held there :3

Has it actually got any realistic chance of making it on the main tournament list at Evo 2013? Evo 2012 they could supply preview copies and do a side tourney like what was done with KOFXIII this year. By 2013 theres gonna be too many other big games vying for places particularly from the major players at Evo (Capcom & Namco) who get involved in a big way and the bias towards 2d.

SF4 2012 edition
UMVC3 (or the next upgrade)
SF x Tekken
TTT2
SCV
MK9 (or even MK10 by then)
BB (there'll be a new one by then)
Darkstalkers (possibly)
KOF XIII

By 2013 the hype would've died down and there might even be a new VF in the arcades by then.

Wouldn't it make sense to bring those Arcade cabinets to EVO2012 next year as a way of pushing VF and getting awareness. I really do want SEGA to be pro ative

Thank you Chanchai for the lot of effort you put into reporting and relaying Segas answers!

This is in my opinion, flat out wrong. Bad matchmaking in my opinion ensures that the game does not squeeze all the fun it can from those few players it has. For me personally lack of lobbies and the fact I couldnt cancel challenges from frikken South Africa without pulling the plug, ensured that I have played very, very little online after the numbers started to dwindle. Meaning they dwindled even faster.

Lack of lobbies meant that I couldnt even play WITH MY FRIENDS when I wanted, because we got isolated and had to play individual duels instead of all being in the same place.

Lack of "cancel" option in challenges ensured that I stopped trying to find matches VERY quickly once all I started getting was gray bars. Overall it would have been more beneficial for the game and the online crowd if I had stayed online for as long as possible, whereas the current online matchmaking pretty much drives me away as fast as it can.

Seriously, theres HUGE improvements to be made with the online features. I hope this gets back to Syzygy.

Whether or not VF5FS has a chance at making it onto the 2013 roster depends on how much of a following the game is able to maintain in the year after it's released. The Evo organizers have shown that they can be open-minded with game selection. Hell, they had tournaments for Melty Blood and Tatsunoko vs. Capcom last year.

It'll take effort from the Sega and the community to make sure FS stays fresh enough: Show up to majors, host live streams, send news to places like SRK and Iplaywinner, etc. It already has a couple of things going for it, namely that it will probably be a lot cheaper than other games since it's DLC only, and it has a reputation as a solid, balanced fighter. A training mode on the same level as VF4Evo's and good online features could be a pretty potent combination, too. The former is a selling point in itself and the latter gives people a reason to apply and experiment with the things they just learned.

Chanchai, thanks for the great report. Exciting times for VF.

The Socal regionals are in a few months right? Someone here should get a hold of Alex Valle and the other tourney organizers and get them in touch with Sega, see if they'd be willing to bring down those cabinets to show off there. It would b be great publicity for the game.

all this makes me excited

Looking back at The Sega Party & Shoutouts
It's been a few days now and I'm still very grateful for the times I had on the VF5 FS machine and talking with others who are excited for FS coming to consoles.

My intention is this post will mostly be about the shoutouts.

Saturday Night Fever
Even though Friday was an awesome (arguably the best) day for FS' debut outside of Japan--thanks to iPlayWinner's livestream--Saturday also turned out to be freakin' sweet.

It didn't start out that way as the FS machine took a few hours to hit its stride, but it did get there. I spent the hours from 11am-1pm exploring PAX and enjoying it, but I was longing for VF so I went back to the VF5 machine at 1:30pm.

I had lunch at Gameworks, but they were busy and service was slow (and they don't serve around the machines) so I didn't really start playing until 2:30pm.

At this point the machines were only swarmed with say... 4 or 5 people. But this did start to build because by 3:30pm there was a decent crowd of people which included some VF vets. I knew that Sega was having a party and that there was limited capacity. They would close Gameworks at 5pm and start the party at 6pm. People told me to get in line early (4pm) so I stopped VF to give up on the 1 hour remaining of gaming so I could make sure I was in the party for more hours of it!

Well... in the end, it was worth it and yet not necessary. While Gameworks was full, it seems like just about everyone who wanted in by 6pm got in. But in my case, I was one of the few who actually got dinner (apparently they prepared less food than intended).

The Sega Party was great and you can find out all about it with Gamespot's coverage. Free food, free drinks, free games, and more VF!

And the VF5:FS machine ended up having a good long line for it and a crowd to appreciate the action that was happening. I got a few good streaks in. Starting with 9, then a 10 streak, and then at the end of the night I had a 24 win streak that got cutoff when the machine was shutdown.

Sunday
Sunday was a very nice way to wrapup the VF action for me. Like Saturday, I spent around 2 hours finishing my business at PAX and enjoying it and then proceeding to enjoy VF. And it was a very rewarding day for VF in a different way than Friday and Saturday.

Sunday was like being at a VF Gathering, and I love VF Gatherings ^_^

I spent quite a bit of time working on Jean with dkn29 (a Seattle player who I had met Friday and played against the most over the weekend--a great guy). I worked on some bread and butter (thanks to dkn29 doing research and practicing) like Jean's f+K --> P(G) --> df+K+G --> dash --> b+K,K,P. It took me a long time, but I got used to it after awhile.

Jean is very fun to play, though he reminds me a bit of Tekken (then again, I think I always say a new character reminds me of Tekken...). My first natural instinct with him is to play him as a zoning character until I get comfortable with poking. I never fully got used to up-close poke exchanges, but I knew I had something nice if I could land the f+K knee. The biggest challenge, something I did not get used to, was maximizing damage off of his df+P+K. We were trying to use OM --> P(G) --> combos off of that.

I also spent some time with Taka but it was still ugly. It was fun, but it was ugly and there isn't much I can say here that would be of value to anyone. Something weird with Taka was the properties of his b+P+K+G reversal. If someone mashes PPP into it, he shuts them down. If they do PK, he gets hit. If they do something like P...... delay.... P, he still gets hit. It's just weird and I'm confused by it. Then again, I have not read up on it, even still. I think the person I was training in Taka with was "The Xaiax" a very nice gentleman from the Bay Area.

One of the people I was really hoping to see on Sunday was Haunts, and sure enough he arrived and he was in Goh training mode. He really wanted to get a better feel for FS Goh and you could see it in his eyes since Friday night. On Sunday he was practicing while constantly browsing VFDC Goh boards with his smartphone. We also had some very fun matches on Sunday.

I also had some wonderful matches with Zero-Chan. She was steadily getting more comfortable with Vanessa and always dangerous. Vanessa has always been a character that can drive Lion crazy. I think it was even Fuudo who mentioned this in an interview before and even referenced Vanessa's sidekick as one of those super annoying things. The tension in the matches was always there, because Zero-Chan was one of the few people who could maximize damage well at PAX--even if she wasn't 100% feeling FS Vanessa. You just knew that a mistake against her was going to cost you horribly and Zero seems to run very well with a lead in health. Fighting against Zero's Vanessa, I felt it was more psychological than anything else--I would either have to play it safe and smart (well, as smart as I can, which is not the smartest) or I would play very mean "hard-nitaku" games of knockdown lows (sweeps), punishing mids, and aggressive okizeme. In this case, I would only really go for throws once I knew I got her in a defensive mindset. But honestly, I prefer much more space and safety against Vanessa, I just really hate it whenever things go wrong against her.

I also finally had a formal introduction and meeting with Zas! Zas is one of Seattle's more dedicated VF players and I had been hoping to meet him for a long time. I had mixed him up with other players before because he shares a name with another player. Zas' Wolf was quite strong and I really enjoyed our matches! Along with Haunts and Zero-Chan, he was another player who was having his streaks and showing the crowds how VF is played. On Saturday night, while we were streaking on opposite machines, a couple of players said they wanted to see us fight each other. On Sunday, we got to set aside a few matches and it was a blast.

Finally, there was a person I had been wanting to play against all weekend--someone who didn't play much, but I saw play a couple of times and I did want to challenge them. Apparently, this person's entourage also wanted to see us play each other too ^_^ And that was Syzygy. Syzygy is super friendly, and he was more open than I imagined he would be given his role at Sega. And on Friday, before the livestream, I saw him play a couple matches and I knew the guy knew how to play VF. And even just on a friendly level, I sincerely wanted to have some matches with him.

Because I'm the kind of person who is long-winded and takes forever to make an exit... I postponed my scheduled dinner appointment and hung around gameworks long enough to catch Syzygy as he got back. His staff seemed eager for us to play and I wanted to have a 3 match series with him.

It was a lot of fun and actually, probably the most intense match of the whole weekend for me. I don't think I have a full read (up or down) on his ability in the game, but fighting his Shun was very stressful and while I felt I earned the 2 out of the 3 matches... I really couldn't tell you if he held back or not.

He was playing quite safe, very solid, and his reaction time was definitely the fastest at PAX. I'm not saying it's top of USA level or anything, but he reacted to things so well that I could not play on Auto Pilot at all in our matches. I had to shorten up my Lion game to the core repertoire of fast and effective attacks and cut out almost all BS or fun stuff. I was forced to play safe, I was forced to play like it was a gathering or a tournament. It definitely kicked some adrenaline into me and I enjoyed that.

Did I win because I adjusted my game well and fought it out well? I would like to think so. But the other thoughts that lingered in my head included wondering if he was not punishing me for some of the reckless things I was doing (like f+PP even when it's not hitting) because either he wasn't reacting that way or maybe he was voluntarily not punishing me in certain cases.

I'm not questioning him or his integrity though, but thoughts like that were going in my head as we fought and those 3 matches did a lot to make my weekend. I'm not saying he's Adnan or anything like that either. But I am saying my adrenaline shot up in our match, it was very fun, and I was stressed for what skill he did show me while we were playing. So Syzygy, thank you! I really enjoyed our matches and it was the best sendoff I could have had until the next time I get to play Final Showdown!

Direct Shoutouts
I couldn't get everyone's name down because my phone died often (PAX Tip! Turn off 3G and consider turning off all Push Notifications if you are on an iPhone when going to PAX. The constant pinging on an overloaded 3G network drains your battery at rapid speed!).

But it was truly a gift chatting and playing with everyone I did chat and play with during PAX. It's wonderful to see people trying VF for the first time since VF2 or because they've always loved the series. It's also wonderful meeting both VFDC regulars and lurkers!

dkn29 - Dustin, you're the man! Great times playing against your Jean and also engaging in Jean mirror matches. We'll be fighting each other more in the future for sure and I'm glad you were able to work out Saturday and Sunday!

Rez2Cool & Debuggirl - Albert and debuggirl, you were both awesome to meet on Friday. Great writeups on PAX from both of you. Albert, while I was embarassed to get Shoryuken'd by your Jacky's kickflips, it was also an honor because you are such a great guy! Also, Debuggirl's Lau is very nice, keep it up!Rez2Cool's blogspot & Debuggirl's Wordpress

Zarkinsky - Great to meet you man! It was awesome playing with you and your VF pals and I can't wait to fight you again soon! I wish you guys could have all stayed on Friday for the livestream as you guys are all skilled and it was very fun times! Keep in touch!

Josh from Chicago - It was also an honor to meet you. It was good talking about the old Chicago seen (shoutout to Shota, wish I had met Harold!) and I'm looking forward to more matches with you! Great games!

Douglas Maxwell - We'll be fighting soon I hope! Or at least as soon as FS comes out. Great games!

A.J. - Good games and totally dig your style and humor man. Carry that swagger!

Ray Squared - Great guy, I'll see you on Live!

Corranwolf - Wish we had more time to fight man, but I have a feeling we will at least online

The Xaiax - Get in touch with Renzo and see if you guys can get Sega to do some Bay Area events with iplaywinner and other events to help promote this great game. Your Jeffry is tough and I look forward to seeing your Taka once this game goes online!

Zero-Chan - Your presence is always felt in this community and the gaming community in general! Keep it up and it is always wonderful to see you! Also thanks for the one "Meep!" for old time's sake too! It's also great fighting your Vanessa, I mean it when I say it's stressful! You knocked me around pretty bad a few times! Also, thanks for bringing your FS Guide and being extremely generous in letting anyone read it!

Haunts - The community has thanked you a lot and so have I, but we really are grateful to have your support and IPW's support for VF. You guys put in a lot of time and work and the results are awesome. Keep it up! Also, again, your Goh was one of my favorite opponents over the weekend--looking forward to more matches in the future!

Hellsap - Thanks for not letting me be alone in representing Portland! Also thanks for representing Portland KOF also! Really did make my day seeing you on Saturday man! I'm guessing that one of the big upsides at PAX is that unlike Evo, people don't mix you up with Sirlin

Sega QA Guy - I'm so sorry I forgot your name... The one who plays Kage link here in what I call a VF4 style. Good chats, great match, again--thanks for everything all of you guys are doing with VF5:FS. We're all rooting for you, let us know what our community can do!

Femto - Of course I can't let this end without mentioning Femto! Always good to see your El Blaze, very nice meeting your girl too! And great matches, man! Also, huge grats on the big 17 win streak on Friday night! You've been a big Seattle VF Constant the past few years and I hope that does not change! We'll have to organize some sessions sometimes.

I've left out a lot of people, but everyone has been a pleasure to meet and/or play with.

Thank you all!