arms

Why Fighting Games Are Awesome

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In 2009, Street Fighter IV changed my life.

Having taken an extended hiatus from the fighting game genre, Street Fighter IV roped me in for good. The transition wasn’t instant, as I gave up the game initially after losing dozens of matches in a row online. However, once I watched my first fighting game tournament live stream, it opened my eyes to how great fighting games can be when you have a deeper understanding of how to play them. As I tried to emulate the likes of Gootecks, Mike Ross, and Justin Wong, I found myself falling in love with the genre in a way that I’d never loved any other type of game.

Since 2009, fighting games have grown to become my favourite of any gaming genre. Here’s why!

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ARMS v.4.0 Out Now Featuring a New Character and More

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Nintendo Switch owners are likely still busy with Super Mario Odyssey, but ARMS continues to truck along in the background with version 4.0 available now. This update brings in a new mode, a new arm attribute, and a new character named Misango. This Aztec warrior has cool scorpion gloves, and some weird special abilities with the mask. It’s been a bit since I played the game but I’m ready to jump in and try this guy out!

Buy Arms Now From Amazon.com

This Narrative About ARMS Being a Flop Needs to Stop

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I’ll be the first to admit that I like ARMS more than most. It dominated my summer as I fought my way up to the highest ranks, and even earned a spot as a finalist in a tournament earlier this year. That said, I’ve seen more than my fair share of criticism about the game from around the web, attacking its perceived lack of content, shallow gameplay, and slow rollout of updates. Everyone is entitled to their opinion on those matters and I respect that.

What does bother me though is this narrative that ARMS is a sales flop. Despite having sold 1.35 million units and counting, some want to use that information as proof that the game has failed to meet expectations. While it may not stack up to the heavy hitters on the Switch, especially in light of Super Mario Odyssey selling a whopping 2 million copies in 3 days, I think that people using that 1.35 million units sold tally are looking at it from the wrong perspective.

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ARMS v3.0 Tier List

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Before I begin, I wanted to preface all of this by saying that tier lists are somewhat overrated.

I am strongly of the belief that the vast majority of the time, player skill will overcome placement on a tier-list. The only time a tier list really matters is when both players have reached the skill ceiling of the game. Even then, the best players will find ways to overcome any obstacle.

Having said that, it’s always fun to have the discussion of where characters are ranked. Below is my tier-list, which is by no means meant to be the definitive word on how good these characters are in relation to one another. Just one voice among many. Check it out!

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The Real Problem With ARMS as a Tournament Game

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A few days ago, I outlined some of the challenges that ARMS will face as a viable esports game. However, having now participated in a local tournament, I have discovered a critical flaw in the game that has completely killed my motivation to play it at that level. Worst of all, I don’t think there’s a viable fix for this problem.

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Does ARMS Have a Future in eSports?

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In the silver age of fighting games that we currently live in, eSports has become a key factor in the success of every game in the market. From having thousands of players compete in Street Fighter every year at EVO, to a niche game like Skullgirls maintaining its scene with smaller-scale events, to the millions of viewers who tune in through streams, the eSports aspect of fighting games keeps them relevant long after launch. With ARMS having been out for a few months now, let’s discuss whether this game has what it takes to thrive in the world of eSports.

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Time to Take a Break from ARMS

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I was so close. Like, thisclose.

My goal in ARMS is to hit rank 20. The highest rank in the game. After making a breakthrough in my play style, I got all the way up to rank 19 with just a few wins shy of 20. Then, it all fell apart.

A few internet issues caused the game to unfairly penalize me with rage quitting, combined with a ton of losses against stiff competition and my ranking has fallen off of a cliff.

After many losses and having thrown my controller more times than I can count, I think it’s time to take a break before I destroy my controller, my dignity, and my sanity.

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ARMS Reveals Lola Pop as it’s Next Character

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After revealing a new stage and teasing the latest character with grainy camcorder footage, we finally get our first good look at Lola Pop in ARMS! While she looks pretty goofy, she’s certainly not clowning around in the ring.

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Is the Nintendo Switch a Secretly Decent Console for Fighting Games?

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Save for the Smash Bros. series, Nintendo hasn’t been much of a player in the fighting game scene since the SNES days. Once Nintendo alienated fighting game makers with cartridge-based systems and controller designs that didn’t lend themselves well towards the genre, they left for greener pastures.

To this day, if you want to keep up with any of the juggernauts in fighting games, the Nintendo Switch still isn’t the console for you. However, if you’re looking for some under-the-radar hits, retro titles and the inevitable release of Smash Bros., the Switch might be worth a look.

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