The Red Cyclone of Ko-Hatsu

In this post I've got a short interview with Gunze from the Tougeki program plus some of his tourney placings from the last couple years. State of the blog: please check back next week! Art by Keroman.

Looking back at the qualifier, how did it go?

Even though we got through with three OCVs, I could keenly feel the difference in team strength between 2on2s and 3on3s.

Any rival teams you're looking out for?

I'm personally watching Team Byakkotai [Taira, Sashishi, yaya] since they've got three cool masters. I see Gotoh as my rival. In studliness.*

Tell us a bit about your teammates.

Of course, my faith in the SBO '08 champs is absolute. With Otochun who can break through any situation and the mature tachimawari** of ARG you couldn't hope for better synergy. A guy like me was lucky to wind up with them. Whether or not I can show the appropriate strength to back up those two is the biggest question.

Any specific things to look out for?

In a single elimination tourney the mental game is relatively important. But with teams, particularly 3on or more, tactics based on counter picks become extremely important. Watching the matches with an eye for characters' strengths and weaknesses is fascinating.

Anything you'd like to say to the spectators?

In the past the early round games happen simultaneously, so there may be a lot of matches that can't be viewed from the stands. Still, those early rounds have many exciting games. Remember the excitement of the event and when the DVD comes out (it will, right?) see our way of life for yourself!

* "Gotoh is a stud," is an old 2ch ST player thread refrain.
** cf.

I made a list like this a couple years ago for Seki.

Gunze Zangief 2010-2011
1/31/10	Ko-Hatsu	First (w/ Kuro)
2/21	Ko-Hatsu	Second
3/22	Sega Avion	Second
10/31	Ko-Hatsu	First
11/14	A-cho	Second (w/ Kusumondo)
12/26	Ko-Hatsu	Second
4/24/11	A-cho	Second (w/ Yomiaido)
7/31	Ko-Hatsu	Second (w/ Teppei)
9/17	SBO	Second (w/ Otochun, ARG)
9/18	X-Mania 12 Dash	Second (w/ Komoda, Kusumondo)
12/18	Ko-Hatsu	Second

Lilith and Jedah

By Takase.

Kawachikko vs. Shanghai?

Komoda vs. Shangai Rematch 043010

Komoda apparently had another showdown with the Shanghai ST players last year. Videos from that day (name starts with "30上海") over here. Thanks to Mixah for the nudge!

2008 photo from this article.

十字火焰 (Shizhi Huoyan, aka Crossfire) and 清水 (Qing Shui) went to SBO '08.

Kusumondo vs. Shanghai Oct 2009

Kusumondo also visited Shanghai the year before that. There are a bunch of videos here.

There's an interview from a visit this year here.
EDIT: Papasi kindly translated it into English link

Versus Casuals 092011

On the Tuesday after SBO, Versus had the usual team battle. Earlier that evening Nuki and Muteki were playing a long set and we snuck in when Mute went to get change. I recorded all of Damdai's matches.

I have a bunch more footage I'd like to post plus maybe talk briefly about some players we met and trickery we learned. Please check back in a bit. Also: buy a shirt!

Okafei vs. Nakano Royal 100611

Gachi-kumite with the SBO champ.

Versus Team Battle 100411

XSPR! Looking good, brother! Also: Yoshio Hawk, Okafei visiting from Kansai

Chun-Li by Akiman

Outstanding.

Ooop Awww!

Today I… played more ST. Check out Jinbe's joint for Vampire results!

Here's a picture of the pre-DCC 5on winners:


Oboro, Kaji, Dara, Chikyu, Shimatsuya

X-Mania 12 Dash Results

Taking advantage of the fact that people were visiting from out of town, Mattsun ran another 3on3 today. Not 100% sure about the 3rd place team.

25 teams
1st Mattsun (Ken), Kikai (Guile), KKY (Dhalsim)
2nd Komoda (Blanka), Kusumondo (E.Honda), Gunze (Zangief)
3rd Numa (Boxer), Muneo (O.Sagat), tomo (Ryu)
4th VIPER (T.Hawk), Toutanki (O.Hawk), Hiroyan (O.Hawk)


Bai Bai Baison!


Komoda, Gunze and Kusumondo fighting the triple Hawk team.


AFO win pose!


Shogatsu vs. Gian casual game.


Next weekend: Vampire Savior!