I believe the leading vote for next week is Kitana. So the next episode without a guest will probably be that.

Fair enough and I apologize for being rash. To me it did seem like a pattern and I agree I could've communicated it less like a prick. The thing with the whole "I have x y z responsibilities so I don't have the time to understand fighting game definitions"...is really...well...you're making it out to be way more complicated than it is.

Like I said if you even have a passing understanding of a sport like Football then you've learned enough of the rules and strategy to appreciate the competition from a spectator point of view. Doesn't mean you can go out there and do it. Same goes for fighting games. And if you don't know in the heat of a convo just ask Temp. Like I said though I'm fully aware that understanding mechanics simply might not interest you and that's fine as it's your prerogative.

Also...If you really want me to believe that it's coincidence that you played an audio track when and where you did then so be it. Like I said there seemed to be a pattern with you specifically. It's cool though I agree I shouldn't take personal shots at you but you also can come across of a bit of a prick at times too. So for example if you make comments telling people to "go suck a dick" I'd expect that you'd be prepared for some backlash at least on the same level of snark.

For the record, I'm not implying some masterful level of sabotage or malicious undermining. I'm implying that, what seemed like was happening, when convo topics that came up involving gameplay that you didn't care about, you sort of derailed the convo out of boredom or lack of interest. If that's not the case then so be it, I apologize.

I'm aware of what those terms mean, and basics of competitive fighting. I don't believe I ever claimed I wasn't, or that I have no interest in the competitive scene. It's not something that is viable for me currently, but it's not as if I have some disinterest in it, or grudge against it. Absolutely not. I was on the Injustice Live podcast leading up to Injustice, and for 3 hours that's 90% of what was discussed. So yeah, certainly not intentional if it seems competitive talk has no place on our show. We hope to get some competitive players on the show and really delve deep into it.

Frankly, with all due respect, I don't want you to believe anything. You are free to believe whatever you like. I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything, I'm not sitting here saying "you've got to believe me...I'm innocent I tell ya!" lol. You made some claims, that I didn't care for, and I was giving my side of things. I'm not an asshole, I'm actually quite a caring and giving guy. I amp up my rambunctious behavior in hopes that it comes off as entertaining and fun for the listener.

Take for example my playing of the "I'm the Bat...Man!!" from Batman Forever, was intended to make people laugh at the randomness, not to derail anything, or to stifle any conversation or serious tone. People are supposed to have fun when listening, and we want to laugh and enjoy doing it. This goes for all of us, sometimes when we're 2 hours in, and it's 11pm or later, you get tired or lost in the conversations/rants/tangents, and I'm just attempting to keep people smiling etc. I did the same thing with the Reptile clips throughout, which weren't coinciding with gameplay talk, but those didn't get mentioned. Regardless, It's just for fun. Nothing more.

The same could be said for my comments "go suck a dick" or "go fuck yourselves" etc. They are no different than the back and forth between myself, Shadaloo, Temp, and Razor. We bust each other's balls sometimes, playfully, in the spirit of fun, for a laugh. We do it on and off the show. It's not to be taken seriously. It's for entertainment. Those comments mentioned above, were merely tongue-in-cheek, and just for fun and entertainment. When you come on here, and start accusing me of trying to stifle and derail my co-host's(and friend) discussion and passion, that's NOT just for fun, or for entertainment. It becomes personal. I don't call anyone out specifically, or call them names, or insult their ethics etc. It's all just generic blanket statements, tongue-in-cheek, and I usually retract them and say "I am kidding", because I realize some people don't realize I am kidding. That's a shame, because it's much more fun when people just have fun with it, maybe make a light hearted joke back, and realize it's all a joke. But I don't want to seriously upset anyone, as I said, I'm not an asshole[insert "I just play one on TV" joke here].

I feel, the podcast should be fun for everyone, appeal to all groups/focuses, and be entertaining above all else. Informative, opinionated, but very entertaining. That may just be my personal take. We're only 15 episodes in, we are still learning, adapting, and growing, so I appreciate the feedback either way.

Thank you for talking the time to clear this up. I apologize if I seem defensive, it's just that I've always really wanted to be able to refine my skills to a competitive level, go out there and join tournaments, be a huge part of the competitive scene, etc. It kills me, knowing that the hustle and bustle of life just won't allow me the time I'd really and truly need for that to happen. When MK9 came out I had honest aspirations to be one of the best Smoke players worldwide; as it is I'd be surprised if I cracked the top 100. I'm honestly better with Sektor. Makes me miserable.

I'll go on record here and say I'm more than familiar with these terms, but more importantly - I really and truly do value Temp's gameplay analysis and knowledge of the tournament scene. His own insights into each character from a gameplay and plot perspective make him an invaluable member of the podcast. I wouldn't ever step on his toes knowingly; I value his viewpoints too much.

Just finished listening to episode 15. Great episode guys and definitely know your MK and always entertaining as usually. I'm glad you decided to hold off the comic issue until the next episode. I'm sure we won't be getting any MKX news for awhile especially all the news we got this week. As always looking forward to the next episode.

I feel your pain lol

I would absolutely love to become a serious competitive player and enter tournaments but I just don't have the time to practice as much as I would need to get on that level :/

I have convinced myself I am going to make the time for MKX when it comes out but even if I did get good enough to play at that level I still don't think I would be able to make the time to travel and actually enter tournaments, unfortunately.

I've been playing MK for over 20 years and I am just now learning about these hardcore fighting game player terms like "hitbox" and so on. I'm a fighting game nerd in that I am a huge MK geek as well as a Street Fighter geek going to childhood and a fan of Killer Instinct and Tekken as well. I have never really been initiated into the technical aspects of playing these fighting games though. My fandom has always been more focused on appreciating the characters than being technically proficient at playing the game. When it comes to gameplay I am still a "casual".

Honestly I don't think I would have had the patience when I was younger to learn that stuff. And by younger I don't mean as a kid necessarily but even when I was in my teens. The hardcore, technically proficient playing of fighting games seems like something better suited to adults.

I don't have any interest in actually becoming a paid professional and physically travelling to tournaments but I WOULD like to at least become a competitive player online.

Yeah im in a similar boat. I have been around MK my entire life and probably first started playing when I was like 3 but I never got into the technical aspect of the games or other fighting games until recently, I was (and still am) more focused on the characters, story/mythos. I am going to try to dedicate some time to be competitive online for MKX though.

This. I understand the terminology and the lingo but it never appealed to me to learn more about it and how it all works. I only play for friendly competition or just to vent off some frustration, mainly just enjoy the mythos and the characters themselves from a storytelling angle but that's not a knock to those who get into the competitive nature of fighting games, I can see where the massive appeal is.

Side note, just finished this weeks episode. Great shit, and I personally didn't see any problem with the moment that was in question earlier in this thread. Actually made me laugh.

Amusing podcast.

On getting into offline fighting game scenes:

I know it might seem daunting but it's really no different than getting into a local pool league or bowling team. Mostly it's a hobby for people. It's usually hospitable and all in good fun. It's not like everyone that plays offline is trying to qualify for EVO. Further, people that are the upper echelon of FGC players can't even really do it for a living. It's more about enjoying the scene and the game.

I hear you and honestly it's as simple as playing the game with the interest of improving and then seeking out people that are like minded either online or offline.

Just as an addendum, its not so easy outside the US/Japan. In Ireland it's very difficult. I'm teaching my girlfriend to play Injustice so I can teach her to play MKX solely so I can have someone to play against off line.

Hopefully it doesn't backfire like me teaching her Tekken only to have her spam the capos, lili, sebastian and Anna constantly. And despite bodying some really good players online in Tekken, I'm weak to her spam

I don't know why, but I always associated Ermac fatalities with their intestines. I kinda want to see him rip them out, and then lynch them with it.

Speaking of which, I kinda of want you guys to maybe come up with some fatalities of your own, each, when it comes to the retrospective character.

Also kind of surprised to see that the select screen music back from November was confirmed real.

Keep it up guys!

@Temp I'm pretty sure it was PPJ who started winning tournaments with Sektor, and I totally agree with you that is a really balanced character. Also I was wondering if you still play on 360 and if you are planning to get MKX for XB1? I remember I played a few matches with you on MK9 a long time back and I think I had you added on an alt account. Anyways, I recently got KI and I remember reading about you playing it somewhere but if you wanted to play sometime I'm totally down. I'm trash though lol

@blackcyborg I definitely feel you about the spoilers. I fucking HATE being spoiled and the same exact thing happened with me and the IGN reveal, I was checking all morning on my phone for the reveal and I refreshed and a big ass Reptile picture of him vomiting acid came up and I was like well fuck lol. Not knowing information that others know irks me as well. I was planning on waiting to buy the comic issues in print, but as soon as that first issue came out a shit ton of threads came out and I HAD to read that shit. It just bothers me for some reason, no idea why but I totally get it.

Overall, really good episode. I just hope NRS continues this stream of information and that they don't drop off for awhile like they did after the Quan Chi reveal, so there's more to talk about. Good shit guys keep it up

Actually when it comes to Sektor's history in MK2011 tournaments, I'm pretty sure it went like this:

The first guy that really repped Sektor and showed how good the character is was Sektroll. This was back in 2011, pre-Evo. It was a tourney on West Coast where he reached the grand final (?) and lost to Michaelangelo if I remember well (Remember Mikey guys?). Back than Kabal still had his Nomad Dash infinite.

Then during 2011, I think after Evo, Sektroll pretty much disappeared and it was a while until we saw Sektor again in tournies (aside from occasional UK clips with PND Mustard playing a nice Sektor, but the competition there, well, just wasn't anywhere near the US level).

Then Final Round 2012 happened. To me, the most memorable MK tourney outside Evo's, prolly even hyper than some Evo events too. Remember the first ever meeting between 16-bit and Crazy Dominican? It was this tournament where it happened. But anyway, this tourney was pure joy for Sektor fans due to great performances from GOL Eklectic and Ikizzle. Ikizzle actually eliminated Eklectic from the tourney before CD Jr. eliminated him. It was Ikizzle pretty much alone for a while reppin' Sektor in the US, but then he too disappeared due to work.

Another 'Sektor-dry' period passed until GGA pimpimjim emerged later on in the game's life and started reppin' Sektor again. He had those trademark u+3 stance fake-outs and was very stylish overall.

There were occasions though when Maxter would also pick Sektor. I think it was him trying to find an answer for REO's Kabal. He even occasionally played Stryker, Raiden and later on Kitana. But his signature characters were Cyrax and, to a lesser extent, Johnny Cage.

Kill me now, but I wanted to give a shout out to another player from the West Coast who also had some nice tourney performances with Sektor, but can't remember his name now. Was it pboard player? I know he played Kung Lao, but did he also play Sektor?


Anyway, I'm pretty sure that's how it went with Sektor. He is my 2nd most used character in MK2011, really love him, so I was always happy to see him featured in big tournies. That's why I remembered all these players.

I used to stay up until 5-6 AM in the morning back then and watch the streams from the US (I'm in Central European Time zone). I was able to do it as I was unemployed back then. These days I have a full-time job and I probably won't be following MKX on the tourney scene as religiously as I was following MK2011. Hell, I prolly won't even play it and try to learn it as deep either. This makes me very sad... But yeah, job > gaming.

--- --- ---

My thoughts were exactly the same as cyborg's when I saw the new special effects of Kung Lao's spin. What the hell, he generates a wind cyclone now? Shit, Fujin's chances are getting lower and lower..

--- --- ---

Aaaanyway... Here's another vote for a Kitana retrospective. Oh and just to clear things up, just in case... I was never offended when you guys put us Kitana fans on blast, I found it funny and when I mentioned it in one of my posts earlier within a spoiler, I was just having fun with it. The way some of us have been behaving lately though, well, we certainly deserved a slap or two...

Okay, before we get into ANYTHING else, I first want to Thank DarkHound for joining us on the show. He was lots of fun to talk to, and the guy knew his shit. Huge props to him.

And thanks to everyone who has supported us. Doing this show has been a blast, and your support gives it so much meaning. Thank you.


I wanted to reply to this sooner, but I was working on the show notes for last night's episode. Cyborg needs no defense really. All I can say here is that I know the guy, and he's never had an ounce of ill will. All the NetherKast guys are incredibly awesome. The reason I know there's nothing sinister behind the instances you mentioned is because I know his sense of humor by now, and I thought the sound cut was hilarious. It's that humor and charisma that makes him such a good host.

Yet there's more too it than that. Beyond what you guys see on the show, there's so much that you don't. I've killed hours talking to Cyborg and the guys, and he has never once hinted at any sort of negative sentiment about competitive play or myself. He's never been anything less than considerate, and that consideration can literally be measured when counting the sacrifices he's made to make this show happen.

Specifically regarding the KIT discussion, there's missed context here. We PLANNED on only discussing KIT briefly. There was too much to cover in the episode, so I told the guys I wanted to only give a quick mention. That's not on Cyborg or the guys. That's on me.
And honestly, when it comes to gameplay technicality of the previous games, Shadaloo is substantially more qualified than I am. When I need UMK3 knowledge, Shad is the guy I turn to.


I'm glad your post was well-intended, and if you find my contributions to show valuable, I definitely appreciate it. It must be said though that your comments on the other guys' fighting game knowledge wasn't a fair assessment. The terminology and strategy can be learned, but if you multiply the character-specific elements across the entire roster, it's no longer a small feat. Even I'm not versed in that.

More importantly, there's something you just can't just learn: tournament/tier history. If you weren't there to live it, there's no comprehensive guide to teach you that. You had to be there, and if you weren't, your only resources are the endless hours of twitch archive footage and other podcasts spanning from 2011 on.

I guess what I'm saying here is to bear with us. We're all starting fresh with MKX. When MKX comes along, you're going to see gameplay discussion on a whole new level on the show.


PPJ is definitely one of the big Sektor guys, but the one I was trying to think of on the show was iKizzle (I think that's how you spell it). That dude took the community by storm, lol.

PPJ definitely did a lot for the character, though. He was still using Sektor (and winning) when most people had jumped ship. I'll never forget when he beat Pig of the Hut, lol. That was a blow up.

I have a question to ask for the podcast but I don't know where exactly to put it.

Mainly just want to hear your thoughts about what alternate costumes we could have been shown without realizing it.

I vote Ed Boon for the character retrospective.

If not, then Bi-Han

I believe we covered that briefly. Temp. just sent me the time cues, and he has it marked down at 46:50. If that doesn't answer your question, we'll try to bring it up again in this next episode.

** We're actually going to be our very first MK9 gameplay streaming tonight, currently featuring Temp. and I. It's not going to be a podcast episode, but it will be us playing MK9 together for the first time, and just having fun bullshitting for however long we feel like playing. You're welcome to come join the fray.

Sup, guys.

We're about to go live on our youtube account. Cyborg and I will be playing MK9 matches, and hopefully Shad and Razor will be joining us later.

Link

Immediate issue.

You guys need to find a way to turn down the game audio, so that you guys are audible.

What an awesome way to cap off my Saturday night. Watching you guys go at it now. Cyrax be getting his ass handed to him.

Well that was a lot of fun.

Unfortunately, yes. Lol I got 2 wins though... 2/30+ not terrible! heh


Glad everyone had a good time. We'll definitely be doing this again soon.