Okay, I have to step in on this one.
First, All characters together are at a minimum, $50, including Shadow Jago. I can NOT stand it when people nonsensically spout numbers like that. The combo breaker bundles are $20 dollars a piece, and are all you need to get seasons 1 and 2 characters. The only exception is Shadow Jago, and he is technically $5, but he’s kind of tied to a bundle where you also have to purchase 1500 KI Gold to unlock premium items in game, $10 fair enough. Most likely, Season 3 is going to have a combo breaker bundle as well, giving access to all characters of the season for again $20 (why break tradition, it is a fair price point). By the end of season 3, you will have a standard fighting game value of around $60 - $70.
The only reason it would cost more than that is if you bought in to the unnecessary extra of the Ultra Edition packs. These generally have LOTS of extras hardcore fans really enjoy and it makes it worth it to them to invest in. However, these are fairly optional. I will not include them in the minimal price assessment.
So KI comes to a cost similar to any standard fighting game now such as SF4 (at vanilla launch), KoF XIII, Guilty Gear, Mortal Kombat, etc.
Price point aside…
Second point to consider.[quote=“MrxFlutterShy, post:4, topic:3414”]
i understand what you are saying from YOUR point of view, but you have to realize that there are other types pf players besides yourself. Your average casual player would see the problem i mentioned as unfair because of exclusivity determining difficulty of play.
[/quote][quote=“MrxFlutterShy, post:4, topic:3414”]
Frame data and other “details” like that are EVERYTHING in a competitive match.
[/quote]
These two sentences conflict in ways I don’t think you have considered.
Fighting games are different from most other games out there, it is a fairly niche genre with only a small handful obtaining headlined success to be known outside the genre itself. Halo and CoD players who focus on shooters have a high chance of knowing what Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat is without even playing them, they have hit that level of fame, but KI doesn’t quite have that level of mainstream fame yet.
Any game without that major headlining is most likely going to be difficult to approach by common players anyway. But for the sake of argument, let’s say they do…
Most casual players don’t usually care to play the game in an ultra competitive, or even mildly competitive fashion. Most casuals care to jump in and play with friends, do some random online play, but never in any seriousness. Most casuals don’t get on twitch streams to watch these guys play sets and matches online like the hardcore audience, so in truth, what use is Frame data and other “details” to them? Honestly, to most casual players, the answer is “little to none.”
Casuals who don’t intend to go to competitive scenes or become that beastly legendary online presence, generally have no use for the deeper intricacies of the game and its characters, they usually only care about knowing special attacks, flashy stylish things, and just winning once in a while.
But you mentioned wanting to know frame data and all the functions of his instinct, as well how to punish things, and bump up your gameplay to a more efficient level. You’re practically on the border between casual and intermediate, which at this point you have to ask yourself, HONESTLY, how much effort are you willing to put into this game to understand it finer points? Casuals won’t put in that kind of effort, but players looking to proceed to a new level of skill will, and will seek out this information. If it is worth it to you to truly understand how to play this game on that level and beyond, you are going to need the character in order to beat him.
I bought both combo breakers and I had the Shadow Jago code that came with the little metal Xbox Live cards (though I did also support the Shadow Jago community fund in April too). I don’t use every character in the game, but just because I don’t use Fulgore or Kan-Ra means that purchasing them is unnecessary. I now have access to them, and any time I lose to them, I can watch the replay, recreate that play in practice with that character, and test ways to beat that tactic or at least defend against it. I feel the cost is justified when having the ability to practice against that character is an option, even if I don’t use him much. But really, no one has the time and ability to master all the characters in the game, and all their matchups. While many hardcore players will play lots of characters, most players have favorites and mains they gravitate toward.
At this point, if you are talking about learning frame data and finer points of playing a character or against a character, you’re moving out of beginner/casual territory and moving up and onward to a higher tier of play.
So I leave you with this question:
Are you honestly willing to put THAT much effort into the game and wanting to go the extra distance? Because the knowledge you seek is only of benefit to those who are looking to master the deeper aspects of the game.
If you answer yes, then maybe you aren’t a casual player and should consider the extra expense to bump up your game to expand you horizons, because the bare minimal exposure of trying to beat that character online will never be enough for you to stand a chance.
If you answer no, then you’ll have to get used to the fact as a more casual player, it’s a loss you’ll have to take from time to time, and you won’t have much control over that until you decide to step up your game.
I’m not entirely without sympathy though, I do believe there should be more avenues for a person to “test drive” a character before making a personal investment to buy said character. But if you’re serious about beating them, you should get more serious about how you practice to beat them. I have a friend who played football who always told me “you practice the same way you intend to play.” If you intend to play serious, you better practice serious.
No offense or ill will intended at any point, by the way.
but at least it didn’t have 0 responses, or get taken down. On the bright side, it shows me that you guys are open and friendly, instead of unresponsive.