Unironically the "I've played enough to know what I like and don't like" note is really good, I'll keep that note in the back of my head as I begin to write stuff for myself.
Was just getting into traditional fighters when you made your strive review. I watched it and decided the game probably won't be worth my time. About a year later I bought the game. Now I have 700 hours, go to my locals every month, and made great friends. Reviews of games like these are so very subjective that its important you have a good understanding of the tastes of the person you're listening to.
It's a shame you're not going to be making more reviews, and while I understand why, I'd like to offer a positive counterpoint: your Strive review was an EXCELLENT analysis of the game's systems and helped me out a lot in how I interacted with the game. Before your review, I didn't like Strive. I couldn't put my finger on why, but I was new to fighting games at the time and was eager to try out Strive after coming off of only really DBFZ and SF4 as my main fighting games, though I tried some Xrd and liked what I saw there but didn't have anybody to play with without rollback. When I tried out strive, I played it, refunded it twice, bought it a third time, had fun and now no longer play it. Before your video, since I wasn't very analytical of the FGs I played yet, I didn't know why I disliked Strive so much and couldn't express in conversation why I owned the game but didn't want to play it with other people. When your review came out, it was illuminating: you put into words basically every single gripe I had with the game alongside a lot of things I either liked about the game or didn't realize about the game and ended up liking when I interacted with those mechanics. That period I had fun with the game was entirely due to your video because I was able to get what I wanted out of the game more effectively because of your insight surrounding the game. I can't say that I 100% liked what I played since airdashes still felt like DOGSHIT and the cancel system felt clunky, but because I knew what to look for after your review, I was able to play the game with a friend of mine and actually have fun while getting him into other fighting games I liked as well. If your Strive review hadn't come out, I'd probably just be a malding Strive hater without any real reasons I could give for why I hated it, but because of your review, I was a lot more thoughtful of how the game worked, what aspects I liked, what ultimately was the dealbreaker for me and, MOST IMPORTANTLY: what I was looking for that strive didn't give me so I could look for it in other fighting games like MBTL, which I probably wouldn't have even considered if you hadn't made that video. I understand why you don't wanna make reviews anymore and I'm not gonna try and convince you to make reviews again, but I wanted you to know that Strive review had a really positive impact on me and also probably the people around me since it stopped me from being as insufferable as I probably would have been if I just yapped about hating the game without knowing what I was talking about. So thank you for making the reviews you did. Take it easy on yourself, I'm sorry those dumb assholes used your video as a dumb asshole battle standard, but that isn't your fault and I'm sure there are plenty of people like me who the video had a genuinely positive effect on. 💜
Hmm. I wonder if fighting game "reviews" should truly boil down to "do I like this game or not?" Maybe we can talk about what a game is trying to accomplish without passing judgements on those systems themselves. Therefore new players can decide for themselves if a game is something they want to pick up or not.
I think the problem is "reviews" from actual FG players are basically just that, "does this game suit my preference", presented as an objective assessment of quality. Reviews from relatively casual players, like most games journalists, tend to be a little bit of "is this a good product" mixed with a lot of baseless speculation on the competitive viability and longevity of the game, but presented as expert opinion. So there's a shortage of people who actually know about fighting games who are willing to set aside their preferences and review a game on its own terms.
I have no idea who you are but you operate at such an impressive level of awareness, and you write your point beautifully, I feel the need to signal boost this. Well said and well done.
Good video. I am also in the "let people enjoy their game" club, which is hard to do when it comes to criticism. A lot of people see criticism as a way to validate their disdain for something, which is a horrid practice.
As a Strive player, I enjoyed your review back then. Beneath the "hate" you had smart points to make. Strive was the first fighting game I took "seriously", a bit over 400h now and I've tried some of the games that have came out since and I've realized that fighting games are at the same time miserable broken pieces of software AND superb machines to have discussions with other players using their mecanics as a language. But yeah, once you have sunk your teeth a bit into one of those you realize the traditional "review" doesn't really work for them outside of the fact that they'll change a lot across their life. But I'm always down to hear someone more knowledgeable and eloquent than me ramble about them.
this was such a beautifully delivered argument, I loved how you tied everything up at the end. I would love to see more discussions on this channel about the content you plan to make on your main channel
I view fighting games like those boxes of truffles or mixed chocolates. If the game isn't broken then it is one of any number of acceptable chocolates. That being said, I don't like coffee flavored chocolates or coconut in my chocolate truffles, so tag games are not for me or MK games. But if a friend says they love DBFZ or MK1 I am not going to say they are wrong. I will even bother to learn a character so I can play sets with them. I think it is interesting to hear people's opinions about a fighting game but the only real thing I think everyone cares about is how is the online (as in does it have rollback and is the rollback decent enough) and does the game feel ok (as in no major game breaking bugs or issues with matchmaking etc). Highlighting other modes and possibly an overview of the mechanics is nice. But that comes off less as a review and more like a feature on the game. Perhaps that would be where you can go, discussing the features and game feel and you can add in your opinion couched with a suggestion of who would like it. Because someone has to like coffee and coconut flavored chocolates if they keep making them.
Good video, I think you made your point well. I think as far as your fighting game stuff goes, I think the videos where you explore mechanics like jumping or projectiles (side note: that video got me into playing Venom) are more interesting and cool to see than a standard review anyway. But also since you've been branching out and doing other cool videos on different genres, I can also live with less FG videos from you in the end too lol
Great video! Lots of really great points to chew on. I definitely think this is something to keep in mind for me in the future when I think about games
"if not sharing my negative thoughts allows those who find joy in a title to do so more freely then that's unquestionably a good thing" "my opinion would start to be positioned in a right or wrong perspective because of... how I framed the discussion" "there's a lot I regret about that video especially contributing to a negative sentiment around the game that I just don't think is necessary" "whether or not you see something as good or bad... often times isn't worth critiquing unless you're in it for the long haul" Stating your opinion as fact turns an open-ended discussion into a closed-off debate. Aka, "Heat Burst isn't fun" versus "I think Heat Burst isn't fun". Your opinion is valued, and people care about what you have to say. Understating how your input will affect people is important when you have an audience. You clearly stated in your strive review that "if you like strive, please do not let this review undermine how much you enjoy the title", and made clear that your experience was a personal one, so I don't see why you feel the need to take responsibility for those who used your vid to breed negativity or uphold criticism as if it was fact rather than constructive. If you feel like your negative takes on a game only make it harder for people to be happy and enjoy said game, I think you should consider the possible positive outcomes you have as well. It serves as an important side of a discussion that is often not shared when a game has hype and lots of fans. If you think your ideas needed a bit more time in the oven beforehand, that's fair, but you didn't do something wrong by sharing your distaste.
The difference between stating something isnt fun vs saying I think it isnt fun is nitpicking at its best. Obviously if its coming out of someones mouth its what THEY think as REVIEW. If anyone gets offended over that and ends a discussion its fair to say they never wanted to hear an opposing opinion to begin with.
I just read the heatburst statements as a same and see zero difference. Every judgement is a personal one whether it's explicit or not. The problem with "heat burst isn't fun" statement isn't whether it is or not clarified as a personal statement, but that it's a meaningless one. "X isn't fun" is really meaningless as a qualitative statement because it's not a good argument against for those who find X fun nor does it compartmentalize X in so that alternative solutions and goals can be found for X becoming better. Just saying Tekken 8 is more offense orientated game and he prefers defensive game feel doesn't work as a review. I think Leon doesn't understand that it's not the changing meta or the qualifications of the critic that matters to the audience, but the quality of the critique and how it pertains to the audience. He spent a lot of his Strive review talking about what he dislikes and qualitating it as his personal opinion, but didn't do much or anything to convince why his view is valid. His Twelve video works as a review of a very bad character because he can demonstrate it. I'm sure someone can make arguments for Sean, Q, Hugo, etc for bottom tier, but Leon could convince people that he's garbage by showing him die to Chun SA2 on hit. I think he took the wrong lesson from his Strive review.
Really great video! I think with this new knowledge in mind, reviews of fighting games should be written with both a combination of game specialists and more general fg gamers. Would this actually work? I don't knkw. Will anyone actually bother to do this? Probably not. But it was my initial thoughts upon finishing the video.
I definitely understand what you mean about this, but I feel like I should also say that your strive review (alongside a few other things) changed the way I think about game mechanics and design in a way I hadn't considered before. Granted, the rest of your channel also does that a lot, but I do think there can be more value to a review than just the opinions on the game itself - changes in mindset, in the way one thinks about things, etc. can all be a result of seeing a good discussion on a game.
I feel that, people bodied you for that GG review. I think it was because it came out too soon. If you made that video in mid-season 2 or right now, you would've never been hit that hard from the toxic positivity crowd since the Honey moon phase is over by now.
I also feel you with how reviews really hurt FGs. I love SFV but like with MVCI people who haven't played it (or played it back in season 1 or 2) love to rag on it without even trying to give it a fair shake
Marvel is one of the richest companies. Capcom is one of the richest companies. Marvel VS Capcom Infinite shouldn't need to be "given a fair shake" by slop consumers with lowered standards, it should BLOW PEOPLE AWAY.
I understand how the flaws of your Strive review approach have been frustrating and created overblown reactions from fans, but I'll say that Strive was my first traditional fighting game, and the 2D fighter I've put the most time into, I enjoyed it VASTLY. I still go back every once and a while and rewatch your strive review, because it never read to me as overly negative. It was clear that you weren't a big fan of it, and didn't want to invest the time into it that you already had with legacy gear, but it was obvious to me that you really worked to understand what aspects of the game did or did not feel enjoyable to you. It's so annoying that the common answer to critiques of games from their fans is to try and boil things down into objective bad or good, and attack people's comprehensive or execution abilities just because the person isn't having fun, because I think the conversations that could be had about design philosophy have the potential to be very interesting, as long as people aren't dumb enough to tie their ego to their favorite game's IGN score, but clearly that is a big ask. Thanks for the years of great video game design content, I hope that even those games you don't plan on reviewing still get a little spotlight on their good mechanical choices, even if conversations about drive gauge for example have already been thoroughly exhausted.
Just watched the video you just uploaded Mr. Leon. I watched this video next to test if I was just stupid but nope, I watched this entire video too. I can't remember what it was about. But I feel like I am smarter because I watched it. Thank you Mr. Leon
I tottaly get it and It's sad that the strive review has ben weaponized by naysayers, but I tought it was a legit super well crafted analysis of the game.
just as a side note on Xrd Rev2, you can definitely still find newer players. If someone really wants to find opponents at their level, it's not actually that hard, even AC+R has a somewhat constant flow of newish players.
I mean as far as I understand it, this seems to mostly be about negative reviews. I don't see what speaks against a positive review of a fighter you do enjoy, outside of maybe being used as a weapon in The Discourse. But it certainly would benefit the people with that sparking love of the game, which if you enjoy the game, you might be part of anyways. Forgive me if this was tackled in the vid and I somehow overheard it.
honestly based. There should be a greater separation between a product review and a more in-depth discussion of what the game encourages/is. I've been on the side having to defend a game bc it's not popular and has an air of negativity due to a botched launch and it's some of the most frustrating waters to wade through when pitching something the game to friends. I don't think anyone will judge you for not doing reviews but your insight on the gameplay experience is something you shouldn't feel bad for sharing. Even if a bunch of people use your opinions to be annoying.
What I'm about to say isn't supposed to convince you otherwise of your decision or anything but I just find what you said interesting as interest and appreciation of of a product I think arguing and casting judgement too often is seen with a stigma of saying this is definitive rather than honoring what is a valid experience. Whether or not your experience is the whole picture... you still experienced it, and it made you feel something. Your interpretation of it might not be accurate, but at the end of the day someone had an intent and that intent connected with you and nothing can take that away. Whether or not that interpretation is correct why you're feeling tthat way or the fact that you did is something to understand in of itself. If I end an discussion with someone no matter who's right or wrong, how and why we got to those points in of themselves is something to consider and ponder about. You can take everything you pointed out in the video and consider them as an influence to your view. Your influence, your position, background, level, changing things. You can preface a perspective with that and allow for consideration of what may be the case, a subjective one yes but one that creates inquiry, an interest and appreciation and attemp of understanding of said piece. It's just that it takes interest. I kinda hate how quick people are to assume and look for grand standing or imflamation because someones posing a contradicting perspective. Whether its a hater or white knight, I find any pre conceived notion of someone feigning superiority because they're arguing something extremely unfortunate. There's so much pre conveived notions that navigating things can be unnecesarilly difficult and unproductive. But this kind of discussion is worth it. You are connecting with things and whether it's a compelling assessment or not, and just because something is subjective doesn't mean it's not interesting to discuss and come to a conclusion for. It's not treating something like a product. In the end of the day making these kinds of assessments are important, it's giving consideration of things that make up the expression and identity that lead to what you're experiencing, bad and good, or to make it more flexible to look at, compelling and uncompelling, and both are part of a developer, and I love it all. That's why I discuss it. Some of my favorite things I couldn't recommend to people but that doesn't mean that i don't love it, im just being honest about my connection with it. The "bad" things are just as important as the "good" things and considers the whole artistry, not just the parts only you want to acknowledge. It's a subjective matter yes, but the discussion in of itself even if never definitive, in and of itself is worth it and meaningful.
You know, when you made the Strive review i'd been playing for a year by then. It's been 2-3 years? And i still love the game, i feel that the review wasnt that bad ppl have opinions and you dont have to be objetive, its your video. Also i bought XRD around the same time and i've been playing a lot these past few months, played a tournament got second and overall having a blast playing it (i myself wouldnt recommend xrd to say, newcommers to fighting games), but it's still a good game
I know it's not the point of the video, but BBCF in particular has a decent amount of players right now in the EU, if you're willing to matchmake on discord. Part of like the pure utility of a review is purchasing choices, but I guess that's not really why I watched the reviews you've put out in any case. I wouldn't have played Bomb Rush Cyberfunk either way, but your review(?) was still good because it illustrated the issues and joys you had with the game in a way that made those issues/joys clear enough for me to think about them in the context of other games. Your thoughts on videogames are always well structured, so I'm excited to see what you're gonna talk about next, positive or negative.
rly enjoyed listening to this. online discussion has been miserable for years so it completely makes sense why you wanna stop doing reviews and such, because even if unintentional, it can just add fuel to a dumpster fire consisting of people screaming whether or not a game is bad or good. i rly enjoy it when you make fighting game videos about certain aspects or characters, its heavily inspired me to do the same lol
If it makes you feel any better dude I think people would weaponise a nicely edited review like that anyway. I understand thinking that the attitude you had made it even worse though. Three years on I love both Xrd and Strive but I have lost aaaall my Xrd practice, I stepped away and it’s much more overwhelming. I dunno how to get back to it now! I came to it real late anyway but yeah I find myself playing Strive a lot more because the accessibility actually does help me. And this game is deaaad in my region (everything that isn’t a shooter or Melee is, guess which country I’m talking about based on that) but I got friends to play it with. Hopefully some day.
What's the point of reviews if no one will ever say anything negative about the product being reviewed? I don't know, I don't agree with the premise that reviews can't be negative even if that review is used to disparage people that are having fun with the game. Do you think those people will just magically disappear? I think they'll just find other reasons for disparaging people that have fun with that game
Wow finally someone mentioned how important having friends on the same level to play with makes the experience of learning much more positive and fun Learning new characters and tech sharing them around, and testing them out in sets is how I learned to love the game. But after my interest faded I just couldn't find myself getting into them again cuz the fighting game goal of "reaching the top" on its own just feels empty
@@noboty4168 yeah... I know the feeling all too well. I got into games like melty because many of my friends at the time were really interested in it and it was a good way for us to bond too. I would've never imagined myself playing a 2D fighter besides Tekken. But that ended very fast... I guess the "issue" is that if you want to get into an old game you'll most likely find that only veterans are still playing it, and if you don't have a friend group or don't join a discord server your experience is going to be very negative and a waste of time
i wish so bad that mvci didnt have the surface level problems it did, that game is the most fun to actually play over any other i've played bc of active tag and the characters that were there are all incredibly fun to me especially seeing mega man x and sigma and a monster hunter realized in this kind of genre
This is, funnily enough, an issue I have run into when writing Steam reviews for games I played My experience with a game, whether I liked it or not, what I found interesting, etc, is kind of divorced from whether I give it a binary thumbs up or thumbs down which can effect purchasing decisions for people Depending on the size of the team behind the game, I have much more weight than I personally want to have in that matter I can only type so much, but I can feel where you're coming from when reviewing a product vs reviewing a experience, or a community, or a culture. And it's truly fascinating how each single video game, big or small, individually encapsulates all those aspects Good luck out there buddy
hell yeah I fucking love a lot of this, I recently had this renaissance with my gf playing smash ultimate and how much I didn't like it compared to other smashlikes, recognizing that it was totally valid and cool to really like this game even if I felt it wasn't good competitively. There's a huge differences between "bad for me" and "bad" for each competitive game, and while I may not value certain things as much as others, those who do aren't wrong for liking it. This also comes to me saying Strive is my favorite guilty gear, despite many thinking of it as not a guilty gear game, but there's people who say ACPR is guilty gear and Xrd is not, so each game being their own flavor that isn't the same is okay. I do feel a bit different with tekken as it's def a series that is way more incremental in design decisions, and changes to how it works mechanically and how the player-base will likely gravitate to the newest one (especially without better netcode on older titles) affect how folks interact in tekken in a way that could be frustrating, and I likely won't get folks to come play tekken 7 with me.
I do think reviews where interacting with some people who like the game and can highlight some things they feel it does well, alongside some of the things you don't vibe with could be useful, but that's less a review and more just analysis of game design and player preference... but it seems like that'd be a more useful approach to considering the game and understanding each other.
That's very mature as a pov. When I reviewed Tekken 8 on steam, I mostly highlighted its QOL and community features which were absent from t7 simply because I knew people like myself would be dropping those 1000s of hours. To me, making that experience bearable is one of the most important things a game can do and was the major failing of 7 compared to its predecessors. If you are going to invest in a game you will be spending that much time with, it may as well be comfortable.
I think you are placing too much importance in the timeless quality and unchanging audience perspective of the review. Long as you aren't spreading actual misinformation, there's really no reason opinions can't exist and said opinion age poorly. Starcraft 1 for example used to be the shining example of intuitive, flexible and responsive RTS that enabled competition at the highest level. Now SC1 is competitive because it's a clunky poorly organized mess that demands that pros be good at wrangling the garbage pathfinding, limited unit selection and control, and timing so tight where not having a single unit by certain time determines whether you win or lose the engagement. It's a same game, still good, but for different perspective now. I didn't really care for your Strive review not because the information got outdated or you weren't the top 5 player in the world or any of the ephemeral quality surrounding the game. I just thought it was extremely long winded and had a lot of "I don't like it, so it's bad."
I hoped the Tekken ghost AI would have made it an evergreen recommendation, but the tech doesn't seem to be there yet for Bandai, even compared to KI 2013. The ghosts get a couple flowcharty things right in their offense/neutral, and that's a decent starting point to train against, but they crumble on defense, so you're forced into ranked to get past layer 0 of your character.
The Strive review was generally phrased well with a lot of points I really only personally disagreed with from my own experience with the game. Honestly though it's far away from being the main concern of Strive fans when every week weirdos need to whine and cry about how a fictional British girl is the downfall of society.
My stance on Strive is never very constructed well but watching this no reviews video right now really rides home how much I feel about it. As someone who has played GG for a long time and had grand expectations for Strive, only to find out the game wasn’t for me has left me in a huge rut of having this disconnect from others that somehow like the game. At this point I’ve accepted that while not to be too dramatic about it, while the game is totally not for me, I’m at least glad given its popularity it made some people out there fall in love with the genre. Hoping the next game is something I can come back to
@@c4dude333 Unfortunately no, Ishiwatari and ASW interviews says otherwise. they wanted to destroy the legacy, they wanted a new audience and they wanted the game to be even easier. also the biggest sales in the series are signaling to them that they did everything right, which means nothing will change.
@@dunkelgrau538 if you read the interview and what he says and not just look at the clickbait headlines he actually talks about how he wanted to destroy the previous sales by having a bigger audience than previous entries in GG, cause Rev 2 didn't actually do the numbers Arc Sys anticipated/wanted
@@dunkelgrau538 Im aware of the interviews myself. Even then I can probably see mysef liking the next game if something changes. If not that's fine, there's plenty of toher games to play and I'll still keep playing +R and Rev2 normally as my comfort games
The game was built with simplicity in mind so newer players can access. Every developer trying to bringing in new blood with more casuals. They solve this with more nuance in years and patches.
Deep but digestible criticism like yours is a great way to get people into the FGC. You can break down the systems in a way that is entertaining and understandable. Seems like you could make almost exactly the same video as your strive review, just keep your feelings more separate so that people aren’t led into an opinion but can form one themselves. This isn’t a time to make less reviews, but to become a more nuanced reviewer. You obviously think very hard about things. Don’t think yourself right out of making videos.
Finding out people refuse to play you in a game because of negative reviews. Complaining about issues of the current state of that said game. Fighting games can be a lonely experience when you start late and everyone moved on. It’s cool that you were honest about your Strive review and the people surrounding it. No matter the skill level, it’s hard to review this genre. Respect to you for being honest.
Relevant yet again with seeing some big tekken content creators directly trash on VF,SoulCalibur and other much more niche 3d fighter games which kinda feels like it would turn off a lot of their playerbase thats just not thatfamiliar with those other games.
Frankly I think this is a cultural issue around the concept of reviews as much as it is that primarily competitive games aren't good review mateial. There is no such thing as an objective review, or a timeless review, even if the thing you're reviewing is like... Okami or something. If you couldn't care less about the game's aesthetics you're not gonna be wowed by what is objectively its strongest part, and whether you're comparing it to the PS2 or the PS4 library is also going to change your outlook a lot. This isn't an issue per se, it's just the way things are. The problem is that some people disregard this and treat reviews as objective pillars of objective quality. Both reviewers and consumers need to get this right. Reviews are inherently opinion pieces, should be framed as that, and should be treated as that, even if there's some number out of 10, or 100, or whatever scale they're using nowadays at the end.
I've had the same issues with SF6 (and frankly most games) as you have with T8; I love neutral, but SF6 and fighting games at large seem to be moving in a direction where that's just not a big part of the game anymore; they all seem to be laden with neutral-skipping tools that certainly make games more explosive and climactic, but suck a lot of the fun out of them for me. This isn't *bad*, I just don't like it
ngl, some of your vids feel like you've been searching for topics to get something out instead of things that are actually on your mind. The FGC influencer hustle is shit anyway, so take your time and don't dig yourself into a hole because of parasocial internet bullshit before it stresses you out.
Can I ask which videos you feel like that? I had a period between the RT video and the most recent video where I scrapped a couple scripts because they definitely were that but I can't think of many off of the top of my head in the last year that were actually forced. There's always going to be an element of searching for topics because (generally speaking) I don't really enjoy making videos about that are pure opinion pieces, but as the person who's making it I'm curious to what feels like it's been put out to put something out.
To be honest it just sounds like you’re afraid of backlash. You shouldn’t be. Just make sure your opinion is well articulated and it will be respected.
As disappointed as I am, I do have to commend you for your reasons. I don't really think I've heard this perspective before and I can't bring myself to disagree.
They're pretty few and far between, but you do have Jojo All Star Battle R on all platforms, and I think Virtua Fighter's on its 5th entry at the moment with a sixth in the oven.
You can review/critique an RTS instead. The perspective of a fighting game player on an RTS does not yet exist on TH-cam I think. And a lot of fighting game players are probably interested in system mastery games more broadly.
Its a shame so many people now a days operate on bad faith. Oh honest dude man said something in a review I can use to be a dick to other people. Sorry to hear you harbor resentments for your strive review.
I absolutely feel what you mean about how the overall opinion of a game can affect the perception from the outside, it's a great point that I think a certain handful of older games can be affected by. That said, having given Marvel Infinite a few months of my time after launch, I really still hate that game. Everything I liked (Nemesis rework, Jedah, Haggar barrel, SIGMA IS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THE SERIES) just made me resent the rest of it even more, and I include the mechanics there. Damage scaling, Storms, Counter Tag, how much mix you get for one bar from a long distance, etc. But I see so many people ONLY talk bad about the graphics and story and roster, to the point where I have to point out my issues with the gameplay and music to prove I've PLAYED it enough to feel informed. Meanwhile I'm less likely to talk shit about 3S despite a good 50+ hours in it because I'm trash at parries and prefer the UI and stages from 2nd Impact which is pretty superficial.
yo Leon have you seen the game hyper demon? I feel like it could make a great video on the main channel. I haven't seen anyone talk about it despite how insane the game is
my favorite aspect of the dark souls sequels is mechanical similarity with small additions to freshen the game up, why is it so blasphemous to feel this way about a fighting game? who cares if someone out there is obsessed with the game, theres someone out there obsessed with every game lol
@@AgentSephirothNewsflash, that's not true. It's called soccer in Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. The UK is basically the only English speaking country that calls it JUST "football". Football isn't a sport, it's a family of sports.
Great video. I agreed with some of your points in the Strive video, but I also agreed that the way you phrased things lead to toxicity. Personally, I'm a great fan of arcsys and Strive isn't what I'm looking for, so it worries me, seeing as it's very unlikely I'll ever get another arcsys game that appeals to me. I'm not going to hate on Strive though, as the game looks cool, and there's tons of people who are enjoying it.
Errrrmm mr leon sir... will you be reviewing touhou hisoutensoku? Your review objectively decides whether the game is good, so I must know!! fr tho another banger and its good to know that, while you enjoy talking about fighting games, you're extremely conscious of what your word as a content creator does to affect other people in the same space. Also, I love your strive review and I still play and enjoy strive. You talked about it from a perspective unique to you, and it actually convinced me to buy xrd. (which feels great btw, but no one will play with me and idk which character to play lol...)
Dude don't go around "Let people enjoy your toys, let me enjoy mine" That was your first mistake Your opinion IS YOURS, don't get affected by others' opinions or seek validation, the moment you do that you lose. Stick to your guns and move forward, that's all there is to it Do you get hate? So what, everyone gets hate nowadays. Ignore it, don't engage in conversations, that's a waste of time If you are looking to engage and debate then don't bitch about people trashing you because you opened the door for everyone. or read the comments and try your best to not get affected by them. Ain't easy so that's why is better to not engage in conversation, just drop your opinion, analysis, video whatever, and move on. However, if you get feedback or some comments correcting you take those in consideration. That's it, very simple to understand, hard to execute just like Fighting games.
yeah u can't please everyone with review but i don't think u should please everyone. if some pressure from comments is really bothering you when do what u like (but strive is trash game, it's not a fighting game or guilty gear just trash)
Exactly what I needed to hear today. Was getting pissed off at people shitting on strive when I know they don't play strive. Knowing that it's just their own feelings towards the game and that it really should not be a detriment to which games I enjoy is validating. I've played Xrd or Sf6 and I know it's not for me but i don't want to constantly bash on those games because I know people enjoy them and I think that's cool
Funny thing is that I personally hated your Strive review when it came out, before I played other Fighters. It was my first and only Fighter at the time and for you to bash it because it wasn't another fighting game felt stupid to me. However, it's been 4 years now, just like everybody else, I've moved onto different fighters since then, notably Tekken. And let me tell you... YOU WERE RIGHT MR MASSY. Strive sucks and I was too blind, ignorant and inexperienced when it comes to to see it at the time. Please dont hate yourself for that review, you were just feeling exactly how Tekken fans now are... kinda? Thank you for your reviews, it means a lot coming from an actual fan of the series past. Also, RIP Heihachi, also used to main him.
nah, i like the game and think it’s fun. so that means your opinion and feelings about the game is wrong. i win bye bye (but seriously, saying strive sucks because it’s not what you like is exactly what he’s talking about in this video)
I think this video is really wise, as weird as it is to say. It draws attention to the unique nature of fighting games. Sequels and competitors release regularly, people play multiple games at the same time, and they usually go for high prices on release. Other pvp games are generally free, and run for years and years. In comparison, I play Destiny 2. That game has a lot of negative buzz around it, and seems very daunting, but for me, I'm "in". I've bought in, and will probably stay in. Other people are "out", and that's totally fine, but we have completely differing views on the game and its state. Another game I play is Final Fantasy 14. When an expansion like Endwalker drops, would I review the 60 hour campaign and its story? The combat changes? Or the 2 years of experiences and thousand hours of game time I will have during "Endwalker"? You can't really review these sorts of games. You can review individual portions, but as a whole? That's more for long video essays. You can't review games like wow, or league, or apex legends, or counterstrike, or fortnite, or call of duty even. Call of Duty is actually in a very weird spot between sequels and live service. For a lot of people, it is a live service. They buy the yearly game, and play whatever their wheelhouse is, whether it be campaign, pvp, or the horde mode. No matter how negative it might be, they will be there, not always loving it, but they have to be there, to experience the next chapter of the franchise. All this is to say, sometimes a review works for a game, and sometimes the review format is wholly unsuited. Video essays, analysis, tier lists, and reviews of smaller packages can be more appropriate for these sorts of long term games.
I been enjoying Tekken 8 and I know it's not the best. I played Tekken 7 every now and then with some friends but never committed to the grind. I was playing MK11 at the time so Tekken was absolutely terrifying especially since the game had solidified. Obviously Tekken 8 isn't perfect and needs tuning (like literally every other fighting game but no one wants to talk about that). It annoys me so much when an old head has to mansplain why my skill shouldn't be regarded because of a system that I had no hand in making. Critiques are necessary and helpful for making sure a game gets where it needs to be but outright attacking fans because God forbid anyone has any fun and is not a pro player. Obviously I want to hear what pros say they are the ones who I will likely watch on stream and learn from. But I think people are quick to equate Tekken 8 to Halo Infinite and bro that could not be farther from accurate. It's annoying the game is the way it is but at the end of the day why bother pulling people down because you feel like it? It's like screaming into the void.
You don’t NEED to be a pro player to realize when a game is shit or not to your taste. You’re one of the only people to articulate my dislike of strive when everyone was dickriding the game. For that I thank you ❤
Dame another man forced into silecne cuz a buncha cry babies got pissy over a review, so what if you got hate or its just a review, these ppl are gonna play their game and love it they wouldn't care, the only ppl who are affected by opinions or hate, are ppl who are insecure and cant stick to their guns, the mommet you let someones else thought of your product or stuff effect you is the moment you go into stan or shill territory and the FGC is famous for this any game they hold as Top is exempt from critique because its some marvelous piece of work, and vice versa. i cant remember how many ppl shit the bed and attack top hat when he called out the fact that 3rd strike was a failure of a game that drove capcom bankrupt back then, and did so many wrong choices, the FGC or die hard fans are a small portion and sure they might love and appreciate the game thas all good and dandy. but they need to relise their opinions are within the minority to speak when it comes to games, and just because a game has an ESPORT scene doesn't make it exempt from critique end point is, stick to your opinion say what you think. don't seek validation for it or approval, and ppl vice versa
"fighting games exist at the balance between product and sport" nice point!
Unironically the "I've played enough to know what I like and don't like" note is really good, I'll keep that note in the back of my head as I begin to write stuff for myself.
Was just getting into traditional fighters when you made your strive review. I watched it and decided the game probably won't be worth my time.
About a year later I bought the game. Now I have 700 hours, go to my locals every month, and made great friends.
Reviews of games like these are so very subjective that its important you have a good understanding of the tastes of the person you're listening to.
It's a shame you're not going to be making more reviews, and while I understand why, I'd like to offer a positive counterpoint: your Strive review was an EXCELLENT analysis of the game's systems and helped me out a lot in how I interacted with the game.
Before your review, I didn't like Strive. I couldn't put my finger on why, but I was new to fighting games at the time and was eager to try out Strive after coming off of only really DBFZ and SF4 as my main fighting games, though I tried some Xrd and liked what I saw there but didn't have anybody to play with without rollback. When I tried out strive, I played it, refunded it twice, bought it a third time, had fun and now no longer play it. Before your video, since I wasn't very analytical of the FGs I played yet, I didn't know why I disliked Strive so much and couldn't express in conversation why I owned the game but didn't want to play it with other people. When your review came out, it was illuminating: you put into words basically every single gripe I had with the game alongside a lot of things I either liked about the game or didn't realize about the game and ended up liking when I interacted with those mechanics. That period I had fun with the game was entirely due to your video because I was able to get what I wanted out of the game more effectively because of your insight surrounding the game. I can't say that I 100% liked what I played since airdashes still felt like DOGSHIT and the cancel system felt clunky, but because I knew what to look for after your review, I was able to play the game with a friend of mine and actually have fun while getting him into other fighting games I liked as well.
If your Strive review hadn't come out, I'd probably just be a malding Strive hater without any real reasons I could give for why I hated it, but because of your review, I was a lot more thoughtful of how the game worked, what aspects I liked, what ultimately was the dealbreaker for me and, MOST IMPORTANTLY: what I was looking for that strive didn't give me so I could look for it in other fighting games like MBTL, which I probably wouldn't have even considered if you hadn't made that video. I understand why you don't wanna make reviews anymore and I'm not gonna try and convince you to make reviews again, but I wanted you to know that Strive review had a really positive impact on me and also probably the people around me since it stopped me from being as insufferable as I probably would have been if I just yapped about hating the game without knowing what I was talking about.
So thank you for making the reviews you did. Take it easy on yourself, I'm sorry those dumb assholes used your video as a dumb asshole battle standard, but that isn't your fault and I'm sure there are plenty of people like me who the video had a genuinely positive effect on. 💜
Hmm. I wonder if fighting game "reviews" should truly boil down to "do I like this game or not?" Maybe we can talk about what a game is trying to accomplish without passing judgements on those systems themselves. Therefore new players can decide for themselves if a game is something they want to pick up or not.
I think the problem is "reviews" from actual FG players are basically just that, "does this game suit my preference", presented as an objective assessment of quality. Reviews from relatively casual players, like most games journalists, tend to be a little bit of "is this a good product" mixed with a lot of baseless speculation on the competitive viability and longevity of the game, but presented as expert opinion. So there's a shortage of people who actually know about fighting games who are willing to set aside their preferences and review a game on its own terms.
I have no idea who you are but you operate at such an impressive level of awareness, and you write your point beautifully, I feel the need to signal boost this. Well said and well done.
Good video. I am also in the "let people enjoy their game" club, which is hard to do when it comes to criticism. A lot of people see criticism as a way to validate their disdain for something, which is a horrid practice.
As a Strive player, I enjoyed your review back then. Beneath the "hate" you had smart points to make.
Strive was the first fighting game I took "seriously", a bit over 400h now and I've tried some of the games that have came out since and I've realized that fighting games are at the same time miserable broken pieces of software AND superb machines to have discussions with other players using their mecanics as a language.
But yeah, once you have sunk your teeth a bit into one of those you realize the traditional "review" doesn't really work for them outside of the fact that they'll change a lot across their life. But I'm always down to hear someone more knowledgeable and eloquent than me ramble about them.
this was such a beautifully delivered argument, I loved how you tied everything up at the end. I would love to see more discussions on this channel about the content you plan to make on your main channel
I view fighting games like those boxes of truffles or mixed chocolates. If the game isn't broken then it is one of any number of acceptable chocolates. That being said, I don't like coffee flavored chocolates or coconut in my chocolate truffles, so tag games are not for me or MK games. But if a friend says they love DBFZ or MK1 I am not going to say they are wrong. I will even bother to learn a character so I can play sets with them. I think it is interesting to hear people's opinions about a fighting game but the only real thing I think everyone cares about is how is the online (as in does it have rollback and is the rollback decent enough) and does the game feel ok (as in no major game breaking bugs or issues with matchmaking etc). Highlighting other modes and possibly an overview of the mechanics is nice. But that comes off less as a review and more like a feature on the game. Perhaps that would be where you can go, discussing the features and game feel and you can add in your opinion couched with a suggestion of who would like it. Because someone has to like coffee and coconut flavored chocolates if they keep making them.
Beautifully worded and I love the perspective. Keep doin' what ya do!
Good video, I think you made your point well. I think as far as your fighting game stuff goes, I think the videos where you explore mechanics like jumping or projectiles (side note: that video got me into playing Venom) are more interesting and cool to see than a standard review anyway. But also since you've been branching out and doing other cool videos on different genres, I can also live with less FG videos from you in the end too lol
Great video! Lots of really great points to chew on. I definitely think this is something to keep in mind for me in the future when I think about games
"if not sharing my negative thoughts allows those who find joy in a title to do so more freely then that's unquestionably a good thing"
"my opinion would start to be positioned in a right or wrong perspective because of... how I framed the discussion"
"there's a lot I regret about that video especially contributing to a negative sentiment around the game that I just don't think is necessary"
"whether or not you see something as good or bad... often times isn't worth critiquing unless you're in it for the long haul"
Stating your opinion as fact turns an open-ended discussion into a closed-off debate. Aka, "Heat Burst isn't fun" versus "I think Heat Burst isn't fun".
Your opinion is valued, and people care about what you have to say. Understating how your input will affect people is important when you have an audience.
You clearly stated in your strive review that "if you like strive, please do not let this review undermine how much you enjoy the title", and made clear that your experience was a personal one, so I don't see why you feel the need to take responsibility for those who used your vid to breed negativity or uphold criticism as if it was fact rather than constructive.
If you feel like your negative takes on a game only make it harder for people to be happy and enjoy said game, I think you should consider the possible positive outcomes you have as well. It serves as an important side of a discussion that is often not shared when a game has hype and lots of fans. If you think your ideas needed a bit more time in the oven beforehand, that's fair, but you didn't do something wrong by sharing your distaste.
The difference between stating something isnt fun vs saying I think it isnt fun is nitpicking at its best. Obviously if its coming out of someones mouth its what THEY think as REVIEW. If anyone gets offended over that and ends a discussion its fair to say they never wanted to hear an opposing opinion to begin with.
I just read the heatburst statements as a same and see zero difference. Every judgement is a personal one whether it's explicit or not.
The problem with "heat burst isn't fun" statement isn't whether it is or not clarified as a personal statement, but that it's a meaningless one. "X isn't fun" is really meaningless as a qualitative statement because it's not a good argument against for those who find X fun nor does it compartmentalize X in so that alternative solutions and goals can be found for X becoming better.
Just saying Tekken 8 is more offense orientated game and he prefers defensive game feel doesn't work as a review. I think Leon doesn't understand that it's not the changing meta or the qualifications of the critic that matters to the audience, but the quality of the critique and how it pertains to the audience.
He spent a lot of his Strive review talking about what he dislikes and qualitating it as his personal opinion, but didn't do much or anything to convince why his view is valid.
His Twelve video works as a review of a very bad character because he can demonstrate it. I'm sure someone can make arguments for Sean, Q, Hugo, etc for bottom tier, but Leon could convince people that he's garbage by showing him die to Chun SA2 on hit.
I think he took the wrong lesson from his Strive review.
bro just made an apology video like 2 years later
based
Really great video! I think with this new knowledge in mind, reviews of fighting games should be written with both a combination of game specialists and more general fg gamers.
Would this actually work? I don't knkw. Will anyone actually bother to do this? Probably not. But it was my initial thoughts upon finishing the video.
Deadass thought this was about Snooker cuz of the thumbnail 💀
I definitely understand what you mean about this, but I feel like I should also say that your strive review (alongside a few other things) changed the way I think about game mechanics and design in a way I hadn't considered before. Granted, the rest of your channel also does that a lot, but I do think there can be more value to a review than just the opinions on the game itself - changes in mindset, in the way one thinks about things, etc. can all be a result of seeing a good discussion on a game.
I feel that, people bodied you for that GG review. I think it was because it came out too soon. If you made that video in mid-season 2 or right now, you would've never been hit that hard from the toxic positivity crowd since the Honey moon phase is over by now.
I also feel you with how reviews really hurt FGs. I love SFV but like with MVCI people who haven't played it (or played it back in season 1 or 2) love to rag on it without even trying to give it a fair shake
Marvel is one of the richest companies. Capcom is one of the richest companies. Marvel VS Capcom Infinite shouldn't need to be "given a fair shake" by slop consumers with lowered standards, it should BLOW PEOPLE AWAY.
I understand how the flaws of your Strive review approach have been frustrating and created overblown reactions from fans, but I'll say that Strive was my first traditional fighting game, and the 2D fighter I've put the most time into, I enjoyed it VASTLY. I still go back every once and a while and rewatch your strive review, because it never read to me as overly negative. It was clear that you weren't a big fan of it, and didn't want to invest the time into it that you already had with legacy gear, but it was obvious to me that you really worked to understand what aspects of the game did or did not feel enjoyable to you. It's so annoying that the common answer to critiques of games from their fans is to try and boil things down into objective bad or good, and attack people's comprehensive or execution abilities just because the person isn't having fun, because I think the conversations that could be had about design philosophy have the potential to be very interesting, as long as people aren't dumb enough to tie their ego to their favorite game's IGN score, but clearly that is a big ask.
Thanks for the years of great video game design content, I hope that even those games you don't plan on reviewing still get a little spotlight on their good mechanical choices, even if conversations about drive gauge for example have already been thoroughly exhausted.
Just watched the video you just uploaded Mr. Leon. I watched this video next to test if I was just stupid but nope, I watched this entire video too. I can't remember what it was about. But I feel like I am smarter because I watched it. Thank you Mr. Leon
I tottaly get it and It's sad that the strive review has ben weaponized by naysayers, but I tought it was a legit super well crafted analysis of the game.
just as a side note on Xrd Rev2, you can definitely still find newer players. If someone really wants to find opponents at their level, it's not actually that hard, even AC+R has a somewhat constant flow of newish players.
I mean as far as I understand it, this seems to mostly be about negative reviews. I don't see what speaks against a positive review of a fighter you do enjoy, outside of maybe being used as a weapon in The Discourse. But it certainly would benefit the people with that sparking love of the game, which if you enjoy the game, you might be part of anyways. Forgive me if this was tackled in the vid and I somehow overheard it.
honestly based. There should be a greater separation between a product review and a more in-depth discussion of what the game encourages/is. I've been on the side having to defend a game bc it's not popular and has an air of negativity due to a botched launch and it's some of the most frustrating waters to wade through when pitching something the game to friends.
I don't think anyone will judge you for not doing reviews but your insight on the gameplay experience is something you shouldn't feel bad for sharing. Even if a bunch of people use your opinions to be annoying.
For a second I was scared you weren't making any more videos on fighting games but if it's just reviews then I can live with that.
What I'm about to say isn't supposed to convince you otherwise of your decision or anything but I just find what you said interesting as interest and appreciation of of a product
I think arguing and casting judgement too often is seen with a stigma of saying this is definitive rather than honoring what is a valid experience. Whether or not your experience is the whole picture... you still experienced it, and it made you feel something. Your interpretation of it might not be accurate, but at the end of the day someone had an intent and that intent connected with you and nothing can take that away. Whether or not that interpretation is correct why you're feeling tthat way or the fact that you did is something to understand in of itself. If I end an discussion with someone no matter who's right or wrong, how and why we got to those points in of themselves is something to consider and ponder about.
You can take everything you pointed out in the video and consider them as an influence to your view. Your influence, your position, background, level, changing things. You can preface a perspective with that and allow for consideration of what may be the case, a subjective one yes but one that creates inquiry, an interest and appreciation and attemp of understanding of said piece. It's just that it takes interest.
I kinda hate how quick people are to assume and look for grand standing or imflamation because someones posing a contradicting perspective. Whether its a hater or white knight, I find any pre conceived notion of someone feigning superiority because they're arguing something extremely unfortunate. There's so much pre conveived notions that navigating things can be unnecesarilly difficult and unproductive. But this kind of discussion is worth it. You are connecting with things and whether it's a compelling assessment or not, and just because something is subjective doesn't mean it's not interesting to discuss and come to a conclusion for.
It's not treating something like a product. In the end of the day making these kinds of assessments are important, it's giving consideration of things that make up the expression and identity that lead to what you're experiencing, bad and good, or to make it more flexible to look at, compelling and uncompelling, and both are part of a developer, and I love it all. That's why I discuss it. Some of my favorite things I couldn't recommend to people but that doesn't mean that i don't love it, im just being honest about my connection with it. The "bad" things are just as important as the "good" things and considers the whole artistry, not just the parts only you want to acknowledge. It's a subjective matter yes, but the discussion in of itself even if never definitive, in and of itself is worth it and meaningful.
You know, when you made the Strive review i'd been playing for a year by then. It's been 2-3 years? And i still love the game, i feel that the review wasnt that bad ppl have opinions and you dont have to be objetive, its your video. Also i bought XRD around the same time and i've been playing a lot these past few months, played a tournament got second and overall having a blast playing it (i myself wouldnt recommend xrd to say, newcommers to fighting games), but it's still a good game
I know it's not the point of the video, but BBCF in particular has a decent amount of players right now in the EU, if you're willing to matchmake on discord.
Part of like the pure utility of a review is purchasing choices, but I guess that's not really why I watched the reviews you've put out in any case. I wouldn't have played Bomb Rush Cyberfunk either way, but your review(?) was still good because it illustrated the issues and joys you had with the game in a way that made those issues/joys clear enough for me to think about them in the context of other games. Your thoughts on videogames are always well structured, so I'm excited to see what you're gonna talk about next, positive or negative.
Respectable. Best wishes, and I look forward to your other good stuff.
Funny timing on that MvCI thumbnail, though.
rly enjoyed listening to this. online discussion has been miserable for years so it completely makes sense why you wanna stop doing reviews and such, because even if unintentional, it can just add fuel to a dumpster fire consisting of people screaming whether or not a game is bad or good. i rly enjoy it when you make fighting game videos about certain aspects or characters, its heavily inspired me to do the same lol
If it makes you feel any better dude I think people would weaponise a nicely edited review like that anyway. I understand thinking that the attitude you had made it even worse though.
Three years on I love both Xrd and Strive but I have lost aaaall my Xrd practice, I stepped away and it’s much more overwhelming. I dunno how to get back to it now! I came to it real late anyway but yeah I find myself playing Strive a lot more because the accessibility actually does help me. And this game is deaaad in my region (everything that isn’t a shooter or Melee is, guess which country I’m talking about based on that) but I got friends to play it with. Hopefully some day.
Canada?
What's the point of reviews if no one will ever say anything negative about the product being reviewed? I don't know, I don't agree with the premise that reviews can't be negative even if that review is used to disparage people that are having fun with the game. Do you think those people will just magically disappear? I think they'll just find other reasons for disparaging people that have fun with that game
Wow finally someone mentioned how important having friends on the same level to play with makes the experience of learning much more positive and fun
Learning new characters and tech sharing them around, and testing them out in sets is how I learned to love the game. But after my interest faded I just couldn't find myself getting into them again cuz the fighting game goal of "reaching the top" on its own just feels empty
The friends part really hit home. Really, really makes it hard to for me to keep playing nowadays,.
@@noboty4168 yeah... I know the feeling all too well. I got into games like melty because many of my friends at the time were really interested in it and it was a good way for us to bond too. I would've never imagined myself playing a 2D fighter besides Tekken. But that ended very fast... I guess the "issue" is that if you want to get into an old game you'll most likely find that only veterans are still playing it, and if you don't have a friend group or don't join a discord server your experience is going to be very negative and a waste of time
I am just saying, but now would be the time to mix up the audience and drop a review...
i wish so bad that mvci didnt have the surface level problems it did, that game is the most fun to actually play over any other i've played bc of active tag and the characters that were there are all incredibly fun to me especially seeing mega man x and sigma and a monster hunter realized in this kind of genre
This is, funnily enough, an issue I have run into when writing Steam reviews for games I played
My experience with a game, whether I liked it or not, what I found interesting, etc, is kind of divorced from whether I give it a binary thumbs up or thumbs down which can effect purchasing decisions for people
Depending on the size of the team behind the game, I have much more weight than I personally want to have in that matter
I can only type so much, but I can feel where you're coming from when reviewing a product vs reviewing a experience, or a community, or a culture. And it's truly fascinating how each single video game, big or small, individually encapsulates all those aspects
Good luck out there buddy
hell yeah I fucking love a lot of this, I recently had this renaissance with my gf playing smash ultimate and how much I didn't like it compared to other smashlikes, recognizing that it was totally valid and cool to really like this game even if I felt it wasn't good competitively.
There's a huge differences between "bad for me" and "bad" for each competitive game, and while I may not value certain things as much as others, those who do aren't wrong for liking it.
This also comes to me saying Strive is my favorite guilty gear, despite many thinking of it as not a guilty gear game, but there's people who say ACPR is guilty gear and Xrd is not, so each game being their own flavor that isn't the same is okay.
I do feel a bit different with tekken as it's def a series that is way more incremental in design decisions, and changes to how it works mechanically and how the player-base will likely gravitate to the newest one (especially without better netcode on older titles) affect how folks interact in tekken in a way that could be frustrating, and I likely won't get folks to come play tekken 7 with me.
I do think reviews where interacting with some people who like the game and can highlight some things they feel it does well, alongside some of the things you don't vibe with could be useful, but that's less a review and more just analysis of game design and player preference... but it seems like that'd be a more useful approach to considering the game and understanding each other.
That's very mature as a pov. When I reviewed Tekken 8 on steam, I mostly highlighted its QOL and community features which were absent from t7 simply because I knew people like myself would be dropping those 1000s of hours. To me, making that experience bearable is one of the most important things a game can do and was the major failing of 7 compared to its predecessors. If you are going to invest in a game you will be spending that much time with, it may as well be comfortable.
Really good video. I hope you keep making reviews though you convey your thoughts very well.
I think you are placing too much importance in the timeless quality and unchanging audience perspective of the review.
Long as you aren't spreading actual misinformation, there's really no reason opinions can't exist and said opinion age poorly.
Starcraft 1 for example used to be the shining example of intuitive, flexible and responsive RTS that enabled competition at the highest level.
Now SC1 is competitive because it's a clunky poorly organized mess that demands that pros be good at wrangling the garbage pathfinding, limited unit selection and control, and timing so tight where not having a single unit by certain time determines whether you win or lose the engagement. It's a same game, still good, but for different perspective now.
I didn't really care for your Strive review not because the information got outdated or you weren't the top 5 player in the world or any of the ephemeral quality surrounding the game. I just thought it was extremely long winded and had a lot of "I don't like it, so it's bad."
damn thats crazy
I hoped the Tekken ghost AI would have made it an evergreen recommendation, but the tech doesn't seem to be there yet for Bandai, even compared to KI 2013.
The ghosts get a couple flowcharty things right in their offense/neutral, and that's a decent starting point to train against, but they crumble on defense, so you're forced into ranked to get past layer 0 of your character.
this is prob the most self aware piece of fgc content of all time
The Strive review was generally phrased well with a lot of points I really only personally disagreed with from my own experience with the game. Honestly though it's far away from being the main concern of Strive fans when every week weirdos need to whine and cry about how a fictional British girl is the downfall of society.
My stance on Strive is never very constructed well but watching this no reviews video right now really rides home how much I feel about it. As someone who has played GG for a long time and had grand expectations for Strive, only to find out the game wasn’t for me has left me in a huge rut of having this disconnect from others that somehow like the game. At this point I’ve accepted that while not to be too dramatic about it, while the game is totally not for me, I’m at least glad given its popularity it made some people out there fall in love with the genre. Hoping the next game is something I can come back to
@@c4dude333 Unfortunately no, Ishiwatari and ASW interviews says otherwise. they wanted to destroy the legacy, they wanted a new audience and they wanted the game to be even easier. also the biggest sales in the series are signaling to them that they did everything right, which means nothing will change.
@@dunkelgrau538 if you read the interview and what he says and not just look at the clickbait headlines he actually talks about how he wanted to destroy the previous sales by having a bigger audience than previous entries in GG, cause Rev 2 didn't actually do the numbers Arc Sys anticipated/wanted
@@dunkelgrau538 Im aware of the interviews myself. Even then I can probably see mysef liking the next game if something changes. If not that's fine, there's plenty of toher games to play and I'll still keep playing +R and Rev2 normally as my comfort games
I’m not gonna “review” the game I’m just gonna review it
Why is one of your best premises for a video ever on the second channel lol.
The game was built with simplicity in mind so newer players can access. Every developer trying to bringing in new blood with more casuals. They solve this with more nuance in years and patches.
Love the infinity eggs thumbnail😂
Deep but digestible criticism like yours is a great way to get people into the FGC. You can break down the systems in a way that is entertaining and understandable. Seems like you could make almost exactly the same video as your strive review, just keep your feelings more separate so that people aren’t led into an opinion but can form one themselves. This isn’t a time to make less reviews, but to become a more nuanced reviewer. You obviously think very hard about things. Don’t think yourself right out of making videos.
Finding out people refuse to play you in a game because of negative reviews. Complaining about issues of the current state of that said game. Fighting games can be a lonely experience when you start late and everyone moved on.
It’s cool that you were honest about your Strive review and the people surrounding it. No matter the skill level, it’s hard to review this genre. Respect to you for being honest.
Hey dont sweat it. Fighting game players are way too emotional on these topics to have a functional discussion with anyway
Relevant yet again with seeing some big tekken content creators directly trash on VF,SoulCalibur and other much more niche 3d fighter games which kinda feels like it would turn off a lot of their playerbase thats just not thatfamiliar with those other games.
11:45 Never stop improving Leon. Great Job.
Frankly I think this is a cultural issue around the concept of reviews as much as it is that primarily competitive games aren't good review mateial. There is no such thing as an objective review, or a timeless review, even if the thing you're reviewing is like... Okami or something. If you couldn't care less about the game's aesthetics you're not gonna be wowed by what is objectively its strongest part, and whether you're comparing it to the PS2 or the PS4 library is also going to change your outlook a lot. This isn't an issue per se, it's just the way things are. The problem is that some people disregard this and treat reviews as objective pillars of objective quality. Both reviewers and consumers need to get this right. Reviews are inherently opinion pieces, should be framed as that, and should be treated as that, even if there's some number out of 10, or 100, or whatever scale they're using nowadays at the end.
I've had the same issues with SF6 (and frankly most games) as you have with T8; I love neutral, but SF6 and fighting games at large seem to be moving in a direction where that's just not a big part of the game anymore; they all seem to be laden with neutral-skipping tools that certainly make games more explosive and climactic, but suck a lot of the fun out of them for me. This isn't *bad*, I just don't like it
1:43 This hurt me
ngl, some of your vids feel like you've been searching for topics to get something out instead of things that are actually on your mind. The FGC influencer hustle is shit anyway, so take your time and don't dig yourself into a hole because of parasocial internet bullshit before it stresses you out.
Can I ask which videos you feel like that? I had a period between the RT video and the most recent video where I scrapped a couple scripts because they definitely were that but I can't think of many off of the top of my head in the last year that were actually forced. There's always going to be an element of searching for topics because (generally speaking) I don't really enjoy making videos about that are pure opinion pieces, but as the person who's making it I'm curious to what feels like it's been put out to put something out.
To be honest it just sounds like you’re afraid of backlash. You shouldn’t be. Just make sure your opinion is well articulated and it will be respected.
As disappointed as I am, I do have to commend you for your reasons. I don't really think I've heard this perspective before and I can't bring myself to disagree.
I don't know why I keep playing, honestly. Haven't enjoyed my time with 8 at all but I keep playing because what other 3d fighters even exist
They're pretty few and far between, but you do have Jojo All Star Battle R on all platforms, and I think Virtua Fighter's on its 5th entry at the moment with a sixth in the oven.
surprisingly good audio quality for a random youtube channel with 2000 subscribers
It's a fun game if both players dont spam rage arts and armor moves lol
Very good video hope you’re doing well
You can review/critique an RTS instead. The perspective of a fighting game player on an RTS does not yet exist on TH-cam I think. And a lot of fighting game players are probably interested in system mastery games more broadly.
Its a shame so many people now a days operate on bad faith. Oh honest dude man said something in a review I can use to be a dick to other people. Sorry to hear you harbor resentments for your strive review.
Banger video.
I absolutely feel what you mean about how the overall opinion of a game can affect the perception from the outside, it's a great point that I think a certain handful of older games can be affected by.
That said, having given Marvel Infinite a few months of my time after launch, I really still hate that game. Everything I liked (Nemesis rework, Jedah, Haggar barrel, SIGMA IS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THE SERIES) just made me resent the rest of it even more, and I include the mechanics there. Damage scaling, Storms, Counter Tag, how much mix you get for one bar from a long distance, etc. But I see so many people ONLY talk bad about the graphics and story and roster, to the point where I have to point out my issues with the gameplay and music to prove I've PLAYED it enough to feel informed. Meanwhile I'm less likely to talk shit about 3S despite a good 50+ hours in it because I'm trash at parries and prefer the UI and stages from 2nd Impact which is pretty superficial.
commenting for the algorithm, good video
yo Leon have you seen the game hyper demon? I feel like it could make a great video on the main channel. I haven't seen anyone talk about it despite how insane the game is
11:30 BATTLE FANTASIA, WOOO!
my favorite aspect of the dark souls sequels is mechanical similarity with small additions to freshen the game up, why is it so blasphemous to feel this way about a fighting game? who cares if someone out there is obsessed with the game, theres someone out there obsessed with every game lol
I share the opening t8 sentiment, dont think i will be playing it for very long, despite having 3k+ hours on T7
You talked about football and then showed a clip of some soccer gameplay.
Newsflash. Its only soccer in america. The world does not revolve around us
@@AgentSephirothNewsflash, that's not true. It's called soccer in Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. The UK is basically the only English speaking country that calls it JUST "football". Football isn't a sport, it's a family of sports.
Great video. I agreed with some of your points in the Strive video, but I also agreed that the way you phrased things lead to toxicity.
Personally, I'm a great fan of arcsys and Strive isn't what I'm looking for, so it worries me, seeing as it's very unlikely I'll ever get another arcsys game that appeals to me.
I'm not going to hate on Strive though, as the game looks cool, and there's tons of people who are enjoying it.
Fantastic video.
BATTLE FANTASIA REFERENCED TECHNICALLY RAAAHHHH
Errrrmm mr leon sir... will you be reviewing touhou hisoutensoku? Your review objectively decides whether the game is good, so I must know!!
fr tho another banger and its good to know that, while you enjoy talking about fighting games, you're extremely conscious of what your word as a content creator does to affect other people in the same space. Also, I love your strive review and I still play and enjoy strive. You talked about it from a perspective unique to you, and it actually convinced me to buy xrd. (which feels great btw, but no one will play with me and idk which character to play lol...)
Dude don't go around "Let people enjoy your toys, let me enjoy mine" That was your first mistake
Your opinion IS YOURS, don't get affected by others' opinions or seek validation, the moment you do that you lose.
Stick to your guns and move forward, that's all there is to it
Do you get hate? So what, everyone gets hate nowadays. Ignore it, don't engage in conversations, that's a waste of time
If you are looking to engage and debate then don't bitch about people trashing you because you opened the door for everyone.
or read the comments and try your best to not get affected by them. Ain't easy so that's why is better to not engage in conversation, just drop your opinion, analysis, video whatever, and move on. However, if you get feedback or some comments correcting you take those in consideration.
That's it, very simple to understand, hard to execute just like Fighting games.
yeah u can't please everyone with review but i don't think u should please everyone. if some pressure from comments is really bothering you when do what u like
(but strive is trash game, it's not a fighting game or guilty gear just trash)
Exactly what I needed to hear today. Was getting pissed off at people shitting on strive when I know they don't play strive. Knowing that it's just their own feelings towards the game and that it really should not be a detriment to which games I enjoy is validating. I've played Xrd or Sf6 and I know it's not for me but i don't want to constantly bash on those games because I know people enjoy them and I think that's cool
Calling counterstrike an rts game is really funny
Apologize for dmc 2 then.
Love good vid
disagree with this vid. u should review em
Well that sucks tbh
Fiiiiirst noooooo Leon
Funny thing is that I personally hated your Strive review when it came out, before I played other Fighters. It was my first and only Fighter at the time and for you to bash it because it wasn't another fighting game felt stupid to me.
However, it's been 4 years now, just like everybody else, I've moved onto different fighters since then, notably Tekken. And let me tell you...
YOU WERE RIGHT MR MASSY.
Strive sucks and I was too blind, ignorant and inexperienced when it comes to to see it at the time. Please dont hate yourself for that review, you were just feeling exactly how Tekken fans now are... kinda?
Thank you for your reviews, it means a lot coming from an actual fan of the series past.
Also, RIP Heihachi, also used to main him.
nah, i like the game and think it’s fun. so that means your opinion and feelings about the game is wrong. i win bye bye
(but seriously, saying strive sucks because it’s not what you like is exactly what he’s talking about in this video)
I think this video is really wise, as weird as it is to say. It draws attention to the unique nature of fighting games. Sequels and competitors release regularly, people play multiple games at the same time, and they usually go for high prices on release. Other pvp games are generally free, and run for years and years.
In comparison, I play Destiny 2. That game has a lot of negative buzz around it, and seems very daunting, but for me, I'm "in". I've bought in, and will probably stay in. Other people are "out", and that's totally fine, but we have completely differing views on the game and its state.
Another game I play is Final Fantasy 14. When an expansion like Endwalker drops, would I review the 60 hour campaign and its story? The combat changes? Or the 2 years of experiences and thousand hours of game time I will have during "Endwalker"?
You can't really review these sorts of games. You can review individual portions, but as a whole? That's more for long video essays. You can't review games like wow, or league, or apex legends, or counterstrike, or fortnite, or call of duty even.
Call of Duty is actually in a very weird spot between sequels and live service. For a lot of people, it is a live service. They buy the yearly game, and play whatever their wheelhouse is, whether it be campaign, pvp, or the horde mode. No matter how negative it might be, they will be there, not always loving it, but they have to be there, to experience the next chapter of the franchise.
All this is to say, sometimes a review works for a game, and sometimes the review format is wholly unsuited. Video essays, analysis, tier lists, and reviews of smaller packages can be more appropriate for these sorts of long term games.
KumaGAWD detected
I been enjoying Tekken 8 and I know it's not the best. I played Tekken 7 every now and then with some friends but never committed to the grind. I was playing MK11 at the time so Tekken was absolutely terrifying especially since the game had solidified. Obviously Tekken 8 isn't perfect and needs tuning (like literally every other fighting game but no one wants to talk about that). It annoys me so much when an old head has to mansplain why my skill shouldn't be regarded because of a system that I had no hand in making. Critiques are necessary and helpful for making sure a game gets where it needs to be but outright attacking fans because God forbid anyone has any fun and is not a pro player. Obviously I want to hear what pros say they are the ones who I will likely watch on stream and learn from. But I think people are quick to equate Tekken 8 to Halo Infinite and bro that could not be farther from accurate. It's annoying the game is the way it is but at the end of the day why bother pulling people down because you feel like it? It's like screaming into the void.
Do what you like, ans wh
Just say your scared to not like a game bro if it's trash it's trash
You don’t NEED to be a pro player to realize when a game is shit or not to your taste. You’re one of the only people to articulate my dislike of strive when everyone was dickriding the game. For that I thank you ❤
OK but MVCI is still a bad game.
Dame another man forced into silecne cuz a buncha cry babies got pissy over a review, so what if you got hate or its just a review, these ppl are gonna play their game and love it they wouldn't care, the only ppl who are affected by opinions or hate, are ppl who are insecure and cant stick to their guns, the mommet you let someones else thought of your product or stuff effect you is the moment you go into stan or shill territory and the FGC is famous for this any game they hold as Top is exempt from critique because its some marvelous piece of work, and vice versa. i cant remember how many ppl shit the bed and attack top hat when he called out the fact that 3rd strike was a failure of a game that drove capcom bankrupt back then, and did so many wrong choices, the FGC or die hard fans are a small portion and sure they might love and appreciate the game thas all good and dandy. but they need to relise their opinions are within the minority to speak when it comes to games, and just because a game has an ESPORT scene doesn't make it exempt from critique
end point is, stick to your opinion say what you think. don't seek validation for it or approval, and ppl vice versa