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About Me

Hi, I'm Rab.
I like games.
Ever since I could remember, I've always wanted to have a career that somehow allowed me continue to be involved with them. For that reason and pretty much that reason alone, I'm going to college and learning about the different components and things that go into the videogame industry. I like to analyze videogames and see what makes them tick. If a game sucks, I want to understand exactly what makes it suck so hard. To this day I'm still not sure exactly how I want things to pan out, and I don't exactly know what it is I want to do within the game industry, but I know it's going to kick ass.

I like the consider myself a pretty well rounded person when it comes to taste in videogames. As long as the game has well thought out mechanics and fun gameplay, I'll atleast give it a shot.

My Sweet Ride:


Games I Currently Play Alot:
CAPCOM vs SNK 2
Shadow Complex
Megaman 9
Trials HD
STREET FIGHTER 4 YOU SON HOF HA BEETCH BYSON

Consoles I Hab:
Xbox 360
Xbox
Playstation 2
GameCube
Super Nintendo
Nintendo DS
Sega Dreamcast
Gameboy Advance SP
Gameboy Color

Consoles I No Longer Hab:
Nintendo 64
Playstation
Sega Genesis
Sega CD
NES

Best Band Ever:
Tenacious D



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The Moments Before EVO and the Trials and Tribulations that Arise.
RAB | 5:04 PM on 07.15.2009 36 comments



[RAB NOTE: If you haven't already seen my other EVO blog from yesterday, go take a look at it to get a rundown of the whole thing.]

At the request of Char Aznable, I decided that I should post somewhat of a "prep" blog talking about the things I'll be doing and thinking in these hours approaching EVO2k9. And oh how few hours there are..



One of the things I've been doing is ritualistically listening and re-listening to the Street Fighter Podcast, hosted by Gootecks. A couple days ago he posted a new episode in which he interviews several big names that will be attending Evo and gets their opinions and some tips about what to expect. He also gets some totally valid roulette tips. The idea he was going for was to interview a few different people in short bursts as opposed to one long cast just interviewing one or two people, because obviously Evo means different things to different people and he wants to bring a wide range of perspectives to the table for the benefit of Evo nubs like myself. Plus the show is pretty hilarious at parts. Here's a snip from the show post..

"This first episode has interviews with Mike Ross, Sabin and Ian Cofino. Mike Ross is Mike Ross so that’s why he’s on the show. Sabin is on Justin Wong’s team for the SF4 regional 5v5 exhibition match at Evo and Ian Cofino is the director of I Got Next, a documentary on the fighting game scene and will be at Evo to shoot footage for the longer cut of I Got Next will be released early next year."
He also plans on uploading a "Pre-Evo Special: Part 2", most likely today where he'll interview a few more people about Evo. Subscribe on iTunes to get the early scoop :D

Everybody participating at Evo was assigned particular "pools" for each game they're participating in. Upon visiting the EVO2k SRK Forum you'll find a thread where you can post which pool you were placed into. Turns out I've been pooled with some of the top players in the fucking country, and some BarFights Allstars from the first Street Fighter Bar Fights exhibition event. In no particular order..


First we have Keno, one of the best and most solid Balrog players in the United States. He put on a great show at Bar Fights. Unfortunately for me, the Balrog mirror match is one of my least favorite matches..



Then we've got Paul "SoMuchDamage", an excellent So Cal Sagat player, also a veteran from Bar Fights. Relatively new to the scene, his asianocity gave him a natural ability to be better than everybody else at everything he does ever. Yeah, and Sagat definitely gives Balrog a whole lot of trouble so I'll be watching out for this guy.



Fubarduck, a veteran Third Strike player who was interviewed in the early days of the Street Fighter Podcast.



Then there's NeoRussel, whom some of you might recognize from his popular Youtube channel where he posts really well made videos with strategies and setups with different characters. I don't even know what to expect from this guy, but if he can pull off any of those combos consistently in an actual match then I'm in trouble.



And Bebop, also a veteran Barfights Allstar, and one of the fucking craziest, loudest, most hype characters on the Street Fighter scene. Bebop mains Vega and is considered by some to be the best Vega in the country. Many know him from the now infamous "THIS IS SO CAL THIRD STRIKE" video in which.. well.. just watch.



And those are just the names that I recognize. Needless to say, I'm a bit tense. Everybody likes to win, but realistically I'd be a very very lucky man to even make it past my first match. Either way, I'm obviously gonna give it all I've got, but I need all the help I can get. I'll probably be keeping my hands warm tonight in training mode, trying to perfect a couple of block strings that I've been working on. With regards to combos I'm definitely nowhere near perfect but at this point I don't know how much more I can refine my execution between tonight and tomorrow.

One thing that I need to consciously recognize is the fact that I often build patterns and have a hard time straying from them, so I just need to think MIX UP, MIX UP, MIX UP. Especially with Balrog. Being such a linear, straight forward character, he seems to have a hard time getting in unless the opponent makes mistakes. I need to build on that and force my opponent to make more mistakes using constant pressure. At the same time I need to also focus on my own defense because I find myself often falling for the same tic-throws over and over again and getting caught with a lot of shit that shouldn't be working.



Also DOWN FIERCE. A few weekends ago I found myself getting peaced out of a tournament by an Abel, a matchup that usually doesn't give me any real problems. Afterward Gootecks himself told me what happened. He said that I under-estimated the other player, and I didn't Down Fierce enough. He was absolutely right. Down fierce is Balrogs crouching uppercut punch and one of his best Anti Air options. It doesn't need a charge like a headbutt and it stuffs/out prioritizes a whole fuck-ton of shit that many players will jump in with. But utilizing a new strategy is easier said than done. It took me a while to really get used to using it and figuring out at which angles the enemy has to be at, but now I think I've got the hang of it for the most part.

But I'm not gonna sit here and expose ALL of the holes in my game, so I'll move on to my good luck charms and things I'll be thinking about taking with me. Call me whatever you want, but I want my girl to be there with me. She's the apple of my eye, the thing that keeps me going. I'm not sure if I'm gonna be able to bring her or not but I'll just have to wait and see how much room I've got in my duffle-bag. Maybe she'll bring her friend.


Ideally I want to bring her and put her on my night table but I just don't know how well she'd take the trip. Maybe it's not worth the trouble.

Pro-Tip: I usually practice in my underwear, though I'm not sure how well the rest of my crew would respond to that.



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36 comments | showing # 1 to 36
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de BLOO's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 17:23
de BLOO
Fuck Bebop, fuck Keno, fuck Paul, fuck Fubarduck, and fuck NeoRussel. My dawg RAB is gonna body them all. :D

If ya need a punching bag that wont break tonight let me know.

Good luck!, make the Mexiforce proud. <3
RAB's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 17:28
RAB
The opinion of De Bloo does not in any way or form represent the thoughts, opinions or ideas of Rab or any Rab Affiliates. Any statements made by De Bloo are made as an entirely separate entity and are not reflective of Rab himself.

Also @De bloo <3
de BLOO's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 17:33
de BLOO
LMAO
The Scientist's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 17:39
The Scientist
Wow, you got some tough competition. Fellow Balrog player here saying damn Abel and his damned cross up Mk into tornado throw. I'm sorry to say, but you'll be hard pressed to win in any of those matches, unlike a lot of people in the later pools that seem to be filled with the unknowns that SF4 brought.
Daxelman's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 17:45
Daxelman
"SIT THE FUCK DOWN"

I'm afraid of Evo now.

Please find DarkPrince and kick his ass. I will buy you an Xbox 360 game if you do.

Buy it and ship it to you. Unless you live in Russia.
RAB's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 17:54
RAB
@daxelman who's this dark prince guy? he on youtube or anything?
Daxelman's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 18:08
Daxelman
Here's an interview with DarkPrince. He apparently placed second in the Evo West in 2007.

And here's the same motherfucker, in the same year, getting Perfected by Demon Hyo.

You can see why he needs more asskicking's.
Char Aznable's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 18:10
Char Aznable
Aww, just for me? You shouldn't have! lol

Jesus Christ, whatever you do, please beat that Bebop guy. What an obnoxious cocksucker. From that video alone, I'm hoping for that guy to be physically beaten in real life following the tournament.
Daxelman's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 18:11
Daxelman
Also, granted, i think he just mains MvC2, but if you egg him enough, you might be able to get him to match with you.
RAB's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 18:17
RAB
@Char haha nah bebop is a good dude. he's really funny on game commentary and funny to hear shout in person at ranbats. After that video he talked to the guy and everything was cool, so whatever. it's just hype.
Das Inchworm's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 18:30
Das Inchworm
ive been watching that bebop video weekley since like march. that shit talk ( even though it was supposedly all in good fun) rivals the great yipes. Also good fuckin luck man.
flaming burrito's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 18:35
flaming burrito
Good luck man. In the end its all about having fun and learning and getting better.
RAB's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 18:37
RAB
@flaming burrito YES! That's one point I forgot to mention. More so than winning, I'll definitely be more focused on having fun.
Jesus H Christ's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 19:04
Jesus H Christ
Hype or no hype, I hope that Bebop guy gets hit by a fucking meteorite.

I'll be rooting for you Rabby.
XanderSan's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 19:21
XanderSan
Whatever the reason I just couldn't stand to play against anyone that loud. Regardless of intention that video makes him out to be just a horrible sport.
Son of BaconSandwhich's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 19:22
Son of BaconSandwhich
Go RAB. Make us proud.

I find all this simply fascinating.
Y0j1mb0's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 19:25
Y0j1mb0
This blog needs more BlazBlue!

Also kick their teeth in RAB.
Puppy Licks's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 19:27
Puppy Licks
You know Gootex? No wonder your 'Rog ass raped my Fuerte :)

But god damn! You're up against some heavy hitters there. Bebop? SoMuchDamage?? Fuuuuuck.

But still, everyone loves an underdog right? If I was there I'd give you a shoulder rub, feed you a glass of raw eggs and other manly shit like that. Because I believe in you. Remember, you need to go to sleep with this song playing ON REPEAT, and you'll come out a champion.

Hell if you pound down any one of these guys you'll be a winner in my book. Make us proud son.
grafkhun's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 19:27
grafkhun
Hey at least you're going to Evo, win or lose, being there is better than not being there. Have a good time and have fun.
RAB's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 19:28
RAB
"I got the turtle game on lock. You ain't seein me. I GOT A TURTLE IN MY WIN QUOTE. YOU TRYNNA TURTLE ME??"
de BLOO's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 19:45
de BLOO
Kai should've Ultra'd when he was up and there was 3 seconds left.
RAB's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 19:52
RAB
"TIMER SCAAAAAAAAAAMM"

For anybody who doesn't know, the timer keeps going during the crazy ultra zoom in animation, meaning that if you're up on life and the time is about to run out, you can throw out a random ultra to eat away those precious 2/3 seconds and win the game, even if you miss completely, because of time out.
Jonathan Ross's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 20:00
Jonathan Ross
Yeah, if I ever went to any kind of event and that Bebop guy was there, it would ruin it. I can't imagine having to have to listen to him all weekend.
RAB's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 20:02
RAB
you guys are weenies. that shit is hillarious.
The Scientist's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 20:25
The Scientist
Fucking agreed RAB, Bebop is the embodiment of hype and exactly what every formally constructed tournament needs. Also, someone needs to take their shirt off.
Teen Idol's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 20:29
Teen Idol
So much hate for Bebop. That nigga is so cool. Just the fact that he's the top Vega player automatically makes him a sickass in my eyes. Especially being a Vag player myself (seedat?).

All I know is, fuck your boxers dude. You KNOW we're all going to be naked in that hotel room :3 Remember, whenever Higgins is around the clothes just come off..
RAB's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 20:42
RAB
Dude, scientist. YES. Naked ass Dae. NAKED. ASS. DAE.

@teenidol
you just dont know.
Usedtabe's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 21:30
Usedtabe
Good luck dude. I'll be rooting for you from the internet sidelines.

On a side note, I played an Abel today who went cross up crazy on my ass. Had never seen that til today. Threw me way off and made an easy win for him.
chuchoyei's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 22:12
chuchoyei
rab is there a way to look at the pools if im not a player?
smurfee mcgee's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 23:04
smurfee mcgee
Good luck Rab. I hope you go all the way. :)
RAB's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/15/2009 23:34
RAB
@Chuchoyei
http://forums.shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=199084

@The Scientist
A Barfights Classic
The Scientist's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/16/2009 03:35
The Scientist
Fucking saluted.
chuchoyei's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/16/2009 03:58
chuchoyei
Thanks for the link.
At least you arent in pool 4 I wouldn't want to be in the same pool as calipower.
Is gootecks not playing 3rd strike? I love his urien.
chuchoyei's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/16/2009 21:14
chuchoyei
Good luck tomorrow rab
de BLOO's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/19/2009 00:23
de BLOO
Yo man, Nilcam gave me the news.

You took out 3 other people before going out, mad props for kicking ass and representing Dtoid. <3

Now, did you take anyone that's well known in the scene?
KD Alpha's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/19/2009 14:31
KD Alpha
Ah, Rab, we gotta play more. Besides Danmartigan, you're like the only dude who can give me a run for my money. I switched from Balrog because he's too flawed and gets punished for too much. I've been working on my Bison game a bit so I wanna see how that goes now. Congrats on how far you got.
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