To start off a brand new editorial series what better way to do it than pick one of the best rivals and best Mortal Kombat games to do it with... Road to Evo 2 w/ Shock vs LI Joe in UMK3 Grand Finals from before any of the Mortal Kombat 9 stuff even existed. In fact, during this series you are just hearing about the MK9 trailer that dropped.
Basically, what this series is capitalizes on what went wrong in a match or a series. We reach out to the player who almost made it to the top and analyze the match, asking questions along the way of where the match either went up or down for them. What did they learn and/or take from it. In short, we all lose... and from this there is opportunity. We go back and analyze the match.
In this you will hear from legends, Shock & LI Joe. Enjoy.
Out of all the East Coast and Midwest UMK3 tournaments held since 2001, either Joe or myself has been in just about all of them. It should also be also be noted, that Joe's training and experience in UMK3 beyond his initial interest in the game during the 90s and early to mid 2000s, has been virtually exclusive to the majors and a few local tournaments he's participated in. Truly an impressive fighting game player.
The secondary reason is Ermac's combos and the versatility of the TKS. Mid screen, his damage is already obscene, but that is the nature of older 2D games, there are always characters who can do this in any game. But also, I can intentionally put myself in the corner with Ermac, and my opponents are afraid to even attempt pressure, because if I teleport out behind them, now they are in the corner and, they are tactically screwed. One false move and that round is over, and even if you're using a teleporter, I can set up a scenario where you're likely to wind up eating a mid screen combo if you try to get out yourself.
There is also the factor that Joe is overall a better fighting game player than I am, and even though he might not be literally as good as I am at UMK3 or know all the match ups like I do, he just "knows" and is very use to playing against me over the years. He probably knows my style and micromanagement better than anyone, even compared to those I have hundreds of hours against.
The reason why I chose Sonya is because I know that Joe has a hard time with the match up, and her collision detection is awkward on his juggle combos. This can effectively reduce Smoke's comboing potential by 15% per combo, or possibly even drop the combo, and in Joe's case, since he doesn't always use the very best combos, even more damage reduction. Now Smoke has to perform 3 combos to win instead of 2 for the most part (even though Smoke can beat Sonya in 2 with some conversion and adaptation which Joe actually does eventually). That is a very important factor. Sonya's tactics are highly underrated in UMK3, and I have proven her to be a top 3 character in the right hands. I've used her to beat Joe or put myself up a match or two before he has time to adapt in several tournaments. Joe is the reason I developed Sonya. There were a few decent Sonya players but I have created a very solid strategy with her that works like locomotion.
The combo out of the corner with Sonya after the missed upward Bike Kick is one of my favorite moments in UMK3, and the reason I lost was because I was showing off. Capcom players are hype when they have a reason to be, and instead of running in with a HK and scoring more damage (plus better pressure scenario) I opted for the leg grab, and he countered my rush follow up with a simple, effective, uppercut for the win. I was anticipating a jump in when I performed the Bike Kick that missed. It was a bad guess that's all. The crowd hype after that moment is more valuable to me today than if I won that round.
) but yes another crowd pleaser. (what a little crowd it was, I'll get to that later) The corner pressure in UMK3 is basic but tough and dangerous because there are very few forgiving frames and the damage comes off in buckets. Sometimes you have to commit to just ducking under the run jab pressure, which I don't like doing all the time. It's a mix up and only because of the quickness of the moves is it a problem in this game when you are in the corner. I mistimed teleporting out of the corner a couple times in between jabs and it lead to my demise. My advice would be patience, or a brazen counter attempt as they get in. Keen UMK3 players will start with the jabs and look for the slightest variance in animation, then cancel the jab into a combo, so pick your poison, take chip until if/when they change it up, or try to counter and get the advantage by lucking out on frame data.
I have a tactic I use, where I don't release block during an uppercut attempt. This way, either the uppercut comes out perfectly through the hole during duck+block animation, or I continue to block. You only get one shot in the scenario but the frame data lines up pretty well and it happens a lot in matches. Most of the counter cross up uppercuts I do midscreen in UMK3 are done while still holding block. I believe REO and No Doubt have commented on how stupid my counter uppercutting can be in UMK3.
But yes this was an excited, memorable tournament for me and I always have a good time playing when I can.
I'd like to point out the high profile FGC players in the crowd watching this set, of course AC1984, Dark Rob and Sweet Johnny Cage commentating, Vic of team Spooky, Bisonopolis, Noel Brown, Brandon Ellerbee, TriForce, Yipes, JeRon, Sci, Josh the Funk Doc, Gummowned, Chin, Nose, and Chris Hu. A who's who of the north east scene. Also nice to point out that UMK3 had more viewers than pools for Super Street Fighter 4, and Bisonopolis said "This is more hype than SF4 ever was."
Thanks Scott, hope that's not too much blabbering! And thanks LI Joe, for all you've done to help promote this community over the years.
Through out the set I stick with Human Smoke. When growing up, I used a lot of Ermac and Human Smoke but tend to stick to HS playing tournaments. He is pretty easy to use, high damage output off basic little things, teleport, air throw, rush down, ability to hang back and wait a bit, haha, character has it all! Shock's knowledge of the game is on another level than mine. You can see this through his character choices and such. He knows the match ups well and also knows me as a player. This grants him the ability to not only find the best counter to HS but also counter my play style. He knows me all to well!
I have played his Kabal and many others. I'm pretty aware of the do's and don't's in that match. After him just beating me first game, the second was more in my favor. Here is where Shock's overall experience comes in to play... Sonya. She has that awkward hit box and that damn down low kick! God, I hate that and Shock KNOWS I HATE IT! It's something not familiar with which gives him the upper hand this match. At the 2-2 mark of the set he switches to Smoke which really is a dice roll when we play. Close your eyese, rolls the dice, see who wins, haha. I am not sure why he switched from Sonya honestly. Maybe to keep me on my toes regarding match ups? Perhaps he felt he was opening me up enough with Sonya but needed the damage of Human Smoke? Not really sure, but it was a good set cause he got the reset from HS vs HS and was up 2 - 0 second set. He was on point. I remember feeling like there was nothing I can do. Every decision I made was the wrong decision. You can really tell in these HS vs HS matches Shock clearly knows his stuff may more then I. He knows the correct combos for maximum damage depending on screen positions, his overall punishment and conversion is great. These are things I admittedly lack.
He then switches to Ermac. Again not sure why the switch if he was so constantly beating me with HS in most the set. I think it's so I stay on my feet like I said earlier. Shock knows that I try and play many games at a high level and am able to adapt fairly quickly. The constant character change makes me adapt, then adapt, then adapt. I do feel like I would of lost if he stayed with HS though, haha. Or maybe jumped back to Sonya for a match... damn down light kick!
The last set.. my goodness this last match! My play style totally changes this game, especially that last match. I tend to be very aggressive and throw out a few reckless things here and there. This match I am super cautious. I pretty much just block and play a very basic safe game. I never ever play like this, haha. I genuinely hate playing like this too. Fighting against players like that is even worse for me. You ever want to beat me in any game, just play lame. Frustrates me till no end which eventually makes me trip over myself making mistakes. I just remember holding that block button watching that timer go and go and go. Shock was rushing me, jab pressuring me, I was not budging from that crouch block position. It eventually paid off after those 99 seconds.
I can't say how happy I am to be a part of this community that has grown far beyond my expectations. Words can never describe it honestly. The people I've met places I've gone friends I've made, wouldn't trade this is for anything. Thank you guys for the continuous support... much love and respect.
I'd personally like to thank Shock for being the person that he is in this community. We owe him a great deal. I know I am in his debt for sure. Much love my friend. I'll see you at NECXIII! ~ LI Joe
NECXIII Mortal Kombat details soon to come*
Basically, what this series is capitalizes on what went wrong in a match or a series. We reach out to the player who almost made it to the top and analyze the match, asking questions along the way of where the match either went up or down for them. What did they learn and/or take from it. In short, we all lose... and from this there is opportunity. We go back and analyze the match.
In this you will hear from legends, Shock & LI Joe. Enjoy.
- STORMS: Shock, as we make you pick your brain of what happened in this finals set, how many times to this day have you faced LI Joe in the finals for UMK3?
- Shock:
Out of all the East Coast and Midwest UMK3 tournaments held since 2001, either Joe or myself has been in just about all of them. It should also be also be noted, that Joe's training and experience in UMK3 beyond his initial interest in the game during the 90s and early to mid 2000s, has been virtually exclusive to the majors and a few local tournaments he's participated in. Truly an impressive fighting game player.
- STORMS: Human Smoke is clearly a top 2 character to use in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 - what made you change from Ermac then Sonya to Human Smoke after the 3rd match? By the way, that match ending was extremely hype! What, a missed rising bicycle kick cost you the match?! Tell me, was this honestly a random attack or desperation or just a straight up mistake?
- Shock:
The secondary reason is Ermac's combos and the versatility of the TKS. Mid screen, his damage is already obscene, but that is the nature of older 2D games, there are always characters who can do this in any game. But also, I can intentionally put myself in the corner with Ermac, and my opponents are afraid to even attempt pressure, because if I teleport out behind them, now they are in the corner and, they are tactically screwed. One false move and that round is over, and even if you're using a teleporter, I can set up a scenario where you're likely to wind up eating a mid screen combo if you try to get out yourself.
There is also the factor that Joe is overall a better fighting game player than I am, and even though he might not be literally as good as I am at UMK3 or know all the match ups like I do, he just "knows" and is very use to playing against me over the years. He probably knows my style and micromanagement better than anyone, even compared to those I have hundreds of hours against.
The reason why I chose Sonya is because I know that Joe has a hard time with the match up, and her collision detection is awkward on his juggle combos. This can effectively reduce Smoke's comboing potential by 15% per combo, or possibly even drop the combo, and in Joe's case, since he doesn't always use the very best combos, even more damage reduction. Now Smoke has to perform 3 combos to win instead of 2 for the most part (even though Smoke can beat Sonya in 2 with some conversion and adaptation which Joe actually does eventually). That is a very important factor. Sonya's tactics are highly underrated in UMK3, and I have proven her to be a top 3 character in the right hands. I've used her to beat Joe or put myself up a match or two before he has time to adapt in several tournaments. Joe is the reason I developed Sonya. There were a few decent Sonya players but I have created a very solid strategy with her that works like locomotion.
The combo out of the corner with Sonya after the missed upward Bike Kick is one of my favorite moments in UMK3, and the reason I lost was because I was showing off. Capcom players are hype when they have a reason to be, and instead of running in with a HK and scoring more damage (plus better pressure scenario) I opted for the leg grab, and he countered my rush follow up with a simple, effective, uppercut for the win. I was anticipating a jump in when I performed the Bike Kick that missed. It was a bad guess that's all. The crowd hype after that moment is more valuable to me today than if I won that round.
- STORMS: As I'm watching the footage of you vs LI Joe I notice that it seems you really have to learn and respect each others timing? Is that a correct analysis of your matches with Joe after you reset the bracket? If so, how does this effect your play-style?
- Shock:
- STORMS: Okay, the bracket has been reset and you're up 2-0 until Joe strikes back with Smoke. I noticed that in this match at about the 16:00 mark both you are trying to deal solid damage, but it's mostly chip and you drop or at least it looks like you don't fulfill your true Ermac combo potential but you do pull the win off. After this, and the short time we see you smiling a bit and Joe shaking his head... when you guys enter the next match Joe is on point and takes out your Ermac... do you feel you may have been over-confident in that match and that is why Joe got you back? By the way... that match was amazing!
- Shock:
- STORMS: It's now 3-2, you're up... Joe misses a teleport and you take him for 67% damage with Ermac and the crowd is roaring. This match seemed to be all you, but in the third round Joe had you trapped in the corner. What was going through your mind here? What advice would you give to other players concerning being trapped in the corner?
- Shock:
) but yes another crowd pleaser. (what a little crowd it was, I'll get to that later) The corner pressure in UMK3 is basic but tough and dangerous because there are very few forgiving frames and the damage comes off in buckets. Sometimes you have to commit to just ducking under the run jab pressure, which I don't like doing all the time. It's a mix up and only because of the quickness of the moves is it a problem in this game when you are in the corner. I mistimed teleporting out of the corner a couple times in between jabs and it lead to my demise. My advice would be patience, or a brazen counter attempt as they get in. Keen UMK3 players will start with the jabs and look for the slightest variance in animation, then cancel the jab into a combo, so pick your poison, take chip until if/when they change it up, or try to counter and get the advantage by lucking out on frame data.I have a tactic I use, where I don't release block during an uppercut attempt. This way, either the uppercut comes out perfectly through the hole during duck+block animation, or I continue to block. You only get one shot in the scenario but the frame data lines up pretty well and it happens a lot in matches. Most of the counter cross up uppercuts I do midscreen in UMK3 are done while still holding block. I believe REO and No Doubt have commented on how stupid my counter uppercutting can be in UMK3.
- STORMS: It's now 3-3... you dropped a combo in the first round that you were clearly upset about but you're still in it and you make it to the Final Round! In this match you were clearly playing at your highest level as the damage in the entire round was chip damage. Do you think Joe's aggressive play-style is essentially what gave him the round as he delivered multiple runjabs to you before you were able to deal the same back?
- Shock: Joe definitely stepped up his defense to the max in this round which is why it went to time over. There was one instance where I got a clean aaHP and could not convert into a TKS. I wanted to, but my hands wouldn't let it happen. This would have resulted in over 75 to 80%+ and the tournament would have ended there. During the dropped combo on aaHPHP, teleport whiff, aaHPHP, I did not step in/or let him drop low enough for the second aaHPHP, so it did not connect and I committed to the TKS, which was blocked and cost me the round. Highly disappointing, as this was another 70% Ermac combo. These are routine combos I can do in my sleep, that I tend to drop in tournaments. Fancy and damaging, but sometimes worth just going for the sure damage. You wind up with less overall, but more than if you drop it! I have since started to practice what I preach and have won some high profile matches because of it.
- STORMS: Finally, in retrospect what do you remember being your biggest mistake and/or biggest thing you learned from those grand finals?
- Shock:
But yes this was an excited, memorable tournament for me and I always have a good time playing when I can.
I'd like to point out the high profile FGC players in the crowd watching this set, of course AC1984, Dark Rob and Sweet Johnny Cage commentating, Vic of team Spooky, Bisonopolis, Noel Brown, Brandon Ellerbee, TriForce, Yipes, JeRon, Sci, Josh the Funk Doc, Gummowned, Chin, Nose, and Chris Hu. A who's who of the north east scene. Also nice to point out that UMK3 had more viewers than pools for Super Street Fighter 4, and Bisonopolis said "This is more hype than SF4 ever was."
Thanks Scott, hope that's not too much blabbering! And thanks LI Joe, for all you've done to help promote this community over the years.
- STORMS: Thank you for your time, sir! Looking forward to NECXIII!
- LI Joe also gives his thoughts on the set...
Through out the set I stick with Human Smoke. When growing up, I used a lot of Ermac and Human Smoke but tend to stick to HS playing tournaments. He is pretty easy to use, high damage output off basic little things, teleport, air throw, rush down, ability to hang back and wait a bit, haha, character has it all! Shock's knowledge of the game is on another level than mine. You can see this through his character choices and such. He knows the match ups well and also knows me as a player. This grants him the ability to not only find the best counter to HS but also counter my play style. He knows me all to well!
I have played his Kabal and many others. I'm pretty aware of the do's and don't's in that match. After him just beating me first game, the second was more in my favor. Here is where Shock's overall experience comes in to play... Sonya. She has that awkward hit box and that damn down low kick! God, I hate that and Shock KNOWS I HATE IT! It's something not familiar with which gives him the upper hand this match. At the 2-2 mark of the set he switches to Smoke which really is a dice roll when we play. Close your eyese, rolls the dice, see who wins, haha. I am not sure why he switched from Sonya honestly. Maybe to keep me on my toes regarding match ups? Perhaps he felt he was opening me up enough with Sonya but needed the damage of Human Smoke? Not really sure, but it was a good set cause he got the reset from HS vs HS and was up 2 - 0 second set. He was on point. I remember feeling like there was nothing I can do. Every decision I made was the wrong decision. You can really tell in these HS vs HS matches Shock clearly knows his stuff may more then I. He knows the correct combos for maximum damage depending on screen positions, his overall punishment and conversion is great. These are things I admittedly lack.
He then switches to Ermac. Again not sure why the switch if he was so constantly beating me with HS in most the set. I think it's so I stay on my feet like I said earlier. Shock knows that I try and play many games at a high level and am able to adapt fairly quickly. The constant character change makes me adapt, then adapt, then adapt. I do feel like I would of lost if he stayed with HS though, haha. Or maybe jumped back to Sonya for a match... damn down light kick!
The last set.. my goodness this last match! My play style totally changes this game, especially that last match. I tend to be very aggressive and throw out a few reckless things here and there. This match I am super cautious. I pretty much just block and play a very basic safe game. I never ever play like this, haha. I genuinely hate playing like this too. Fighting against players like that is even worse for me. You ever want to beat me in any game, just play lame. Frustrates me till no end which eventually makes me trip over myself making mistakes. I just remember holding that block button watching that timer go and go and go. Shock was rushing me, jab pressuring me, I was not budging from that crouch block position. It eventually paid off after those 99 seconds.
I can't say how happy I am to be a part of this community that has grown far beyond my expectations. Words can never describe it honestly. The people I've met places I've gone friends I've made, wouldn't trade this is for anything. Thank you guys for the continuous support... much love and respect.
I'd personally like to thank Shock for being the person that he is in this community. We owe him a great deal. I know I am in his debt for sure. Much love my friend. I'll see you at NECXIII! ~ LI Joe
NECXIII Mortal Kombat details soon to come*
