I do think that knowledge of how every character works from a moveset and strategy perspective is essential for top players to be successful in tournaments without question. But they definitely do not need to actually play every character themselves IMO.Hmm. I think there is a difference when people can play any character in a game and not have familiarity with a character, and come out on top. Fundamentals don't change, and a good character will figure out some/most of the basic movies pretty quickly. I would think any top competitor would also do well in random matchups.
I might well be wrong, but I think its an interesting potential metric.
I disagree with you, but I see what you're saying. Justin Wong or Chris G would crush most people in random select simply due to godlike fundamentals. But, if we're talking about playing competitively at the highest level, then it doesn't matter if you have a well-rounded quiver of characters in your pocket.Hmm. I think there is a difference when people can play any character in a game and not have familiarity with a character, and come out on top. Fundamentals don't change, and a good character will figure out some/most of the basic movies pretty quickly. I would think any top competitor would also do well in random matchups.
I might well be wrong, but I think its an interesting potential metric.
Not if they randomed Kano and the other other guy randomed his main anywayI disagree with you, but I see what you're saying. Justin Wong or Chris G would crush most people in random select simply due to godlike fundamentals. But, if we're talking about playing competitively at the highest level, then it doesn't matter if you have a well-rounded quiver of characters in your pocket.
Because a major part of fundamentals is knowing your character's range on each attack. If someone is using a character they've never used before then of course this will appear to affect their fundamentalsYeah, that seems right. I just find it interesting. Some players I fight are almost godlike with their main, and I just don't understand how they can be so very bad at any other character. Fundamentals just go out the window. I guess it's interesting to see the different types of minds people have, and how they all approach the game differently and get to the top by different methodologies.
Currently working on an assignment, but I'm just going to take a break to respond to this. I do admire your observation, but here's where I feel there are flaws in your argument:It seems to me that random match-ups are a great indicator of player skill, showing those who can adapt and have very strong fundamentals, to those who limit themselves and are unable to adapt.
Is there any merit to this line of thinking? If there is not, why is it flawed?
I feel the scope of your argument is rather narrow to make a broad assumption. The basis of your argument is from players you played in injustice online to generalize that playing random-select is a great indicator of player skill. There are several flaws to this:I've noticed there are a few kinds of players. Truly top tier players who have incredibly strong fundamentals, whose blocking is always on point and can adapt to any game-play while playing. The rest seem to have only be able to master a few specific strings for a few characters, are don't play well when those strings don't work in a certain match-up or when they try to play a different character. Or worse than that, they only master one or two special moves and don't go beyond that.
I've played random character matches with players who usually beat me down pretty quickly with their main, and they did terribly. Very basic things seemed to have been forgotten. With other players who I considered especially top players, they would still dominate me in a random match-up.
Elite players should be able to beat average players with any character, theoretically.This is something I have been pondering for some time. I have about 2 years of "serious" fighting game experience, meaning 2 years of learning everything I could and actually trying to improve. Pretty much limited to Injustice Online.
I've noticed there are a few kinds of players. Truly top tier players who have incredibly strong fundamentals, whose blocking is always on point and can adapt to any game-play while playing. The rest seem to have only be able to master a few specific strings for a few characters, are don't play well when those strings don't work in a certain match-up or when they try to play a different character. Or worse than that, they only master one or two special moves and don't go beyond that.
I've played random character matches with players who usually beat me down pretty quickly with their main, and they did terribly. Very basic things seemed to have been forgotten. With other players who I considered especially top players, they would still dominate me in a random match-up.
It seems to me that random match-ups are a great indicator of player skill, showing those who can adapt and have very strong fundamentals, to those who limit themselves and are unable to adapt.
Is there any merit to this line of thinking? If there is not, why is it flawed?