Lex Luthor updated to v1.5 for Scruffyversary

Download Location listed below: As part of 2010's Scruffyversary Blackest Night week event, Buyog has updated Lex Luthor. He has handled the bulk of the code, and Enzo the bulk of the sprites, but both were flanked by members of the Scruffy Dragon team and forum community.

The sprites look great and just like you would imagine Lex Luthor would look. I especially love the glow effect added to the brand new Oranger Lantern mode which is the main feature of this update. The only sprites I'm not big on is the stance as his lower body just looks a little stiff to me. The sound clips, which were also part of this update, are way above and beyond. His AI might be a little tough to some, but he does use all of his special and hyper moves to the best of his ability.

Every move created for Lex fits perfectly and really gives you a sense of the comic character. All of the moves are very responsive to command, and most are easy to pull off. I am however not a fan of the command string used for Nanite Swarm, so I edited it.

*Specials*
---------------
- Kryptonite Ray: Projectile beam with 3 different versions depending on punch button used. Can be done in the air.
- Stiletto Blades: Combination slash attack
- Electrified Armor: Can electrocute upon touch
- Tyrant Drill: Kicking attack. Can be done in the air
- Flamethrower: Projectile flame attack
- Energy Shield: Adds super armour ability
*Hypers*
-------------
- Failsafe Emission: Powerful energy shockwave attack
- Nanite Storm: Sends nanites after opponent
- Kryptonic Attack: Hyper beam projectile attack
- Tyrant Finisher: Combination rushing punch attack
*Orange Lantern mode*
--------------------------------
Moves that can be done only in this mode
- Orange Lantern Kryptonite Ray: Draws the opponent closer. Can be done in the air.
- Greedy Embrace: Grabs the opponent and squeezes with large hand constructs
- Personal Superhero: Creates a construct of Superman who attacks

I love this character but he has a few issues. As privately conveyed to Buyog w/an image, he was seen air-walking in AI testing. The Greedy Embrace special can be an infinite if the player times it perfectly due to not enough time for the opponent to recover. It also looks like he becomes unhitable when Greedy Embrace misses. And the AI can spam Kryptonite Ray a bit. The thing that stands out the most is how the damage can get a little out of hand from various moves being strung together. And the AI can really abuse this with how it can combine moves like Kryptonite Ray with Personal Superhero in a way a human player cannot. But I still like this character very much and I highly recommend him to everyone. Especially how Orange Lantern mode is utilized from the recent Blackest Night comics, making him more unique and fun to use.

You can download him at:
http://www.scruffydragon.com/forum/index.php?app=portal

You can check out this listing at CVG United's Character Review Database to give your own score, as well as post any feedback you may have.
http://cvgunited.com/index.php/topic,5197.0.html

New Release: The Atom by AngelEcks

In honor of the upcoming Scruffyversary, AngelEcks has released his very first character, The Atom. Here is a video I made of all of his moves in action, followed by a written discussion on the character.

Because of the release on April 1st, some might think this is an April Fools joke character, but trust me, the joke will be on you if you do not download him. To help his friends at Scruffydragon celebrate Scruffyversary, AngelEcks has released The Atom today. He handled all of the sprites and code (with help from the DCvM template.) And this was all done in 3 weeks!

He is a member of The Unlimited team, so all of his sprites are very nice looking. Though he does say that he'd like to do some sprite clean up in the next update. The sound that is used is pretty good, but I would not mind a few more audio clips. The AI puts up a pretty good fight, though some of his specials and hypers could be done used a little more in that regard.

The moves are very good and highly representative of the actual Ray Palmer. I thoroughly enjoy the ability to shift into the sub atomic realm for movement and to set up attacks. And due to the use of the DCvM template, they are all highly responsive and easy to pull off.
*Specials*
---------------
- Mite-Punch: Charging punch with sub-atomic strength. Power dependent on punch button used
- Mite-Kick: Sub-atomic strength kick from the air
- Subatomic: Shrink and quickly regrow to knock back your enemy
- Sub-Atomic Side-Step: Step in to the sub-atomic realm to avoid attacks. Holding the kick button down allows you to stay small while still keeping the ability to move right and left
*Hypers*
-------------
- Atomic-Punch: Hyper version of Mite-Punch
- Sub-Atomic Surprise: Hyper version of Sub-Atomic Side-Step, but you move faster when smaller and when you release the kick button, he attacks with a powerful punch
- Sub-Atomic Adventure: Ride the bloodstream of the target to cause internal damage
- Indigo Lantern Hyper: Tap into the power of another Lantern for an attack

I really like this character a lot, but there are a few issues. For instance, a few more sprites on a couple animations would help fill out those actions a little more. Also, as stated above, I wish his AI would take advantage of his other special and hyper moves a little more. Especially Sub-Atomic Side-Step as that move is very unique and a blast to use when you play with him, opening up numerous strategies for the player. So if the AI could tap into that, it'd be really cool. There is a sprite alignment issue in Sub-Atomic Surprise to where if you are on the opposite side of the opponent in which you initiated the move and then release the kick button for attack, you will be facing the wrong direction. I'd also like to see Indigo Lantern hyper support for Guy Gardner. There is also a confusing typo in the readme where Mite-Kick should say D, DF, F + K in air instead of using P button. Not a big fan of having to be so close for the Sub-Atomic Adventure hyper to activate, plus I think it could be embellished a bit more as it is a great concept. Finally, some of the clsn boxes could use some refinement. Those things can be looked past though as he is fun to play with and I'm highly looking forward to his updates.

You can download him at:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=R9WQJPOE

You can check out this listing at CVG United's Character Review Database to give your own score, as well as post any feedback you may have.
http://cvgunited.com/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=158

CVG United's Community Character Review Rankings

In conjunction with the reviews that I re-post here at Favorite Fiction Blog, the community can also place their own score for a character after an entry is made at CVGUnited.com. All those scores by the community are then tallied and averaged up for the following rankings. This is the most recent ranking of that. If you would like to know more, you can check out the database for yourself at:
http://cvgunited.com/index.php/board,20.0.html

Current Review Database Rankings 8/04/09

Ranking/Character/Creator/Score

1) Thor by Loganir - 9.846









2) Deadpool by The Unlimited and WuCash - 9.333









3) Etrigan by WuCash - 9.2







4) Batman by Alucard - 9.171








5) Spiderman by ZVitor - 9.083









6) Rorschach by Sean Altly - 9.071








7) Nightcrawler by Twinimage - 8.912






8) Lobo by Buyog - 8.875








9) The Thing by Warner - 8.870









10) Joker by Jeff, Larramones, and Magus - 8.864







11) Green Lantern by Buyog, Arque, Enzo, and McCready - 8.828








12) Starfire by HyperCombinationFinish - 8.806








13) Superman by Kal Elvis and Hannibal - 8.706









14) Wonderman by ZVitor, JasonTodd, and Daraku - 8.667








15) Hulk by MGMurrow - 8.5








16) Crystal by Magus, Smogon, and Jeff - 8.471







17) Savage Hulk by Buyog and BobStarsky - 8.381








18) The Punisher by Apocalypse, Excursion, and WuCash - 8.364









19) Incredible Hulk by Acey - 8.313










20) Bishop by WuCash - 8.25









If you would like to have your own score averaged into the next rankings that are coming up in a week, or would just like to check everything out, please come to: CVG United.com.

Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Archangel by SOS_1_bros

The following is part of CVGUnited's database where comprehensive reviews are given by me, and allow for the community to offer similar content and give their own ratings of the characters. To check it out, go to:

CVGUnited.com's Character Review Database

There was a surprise release yesterday of Archangel by the SOS_1_bros at IMT. The char leans heavily upon Acey's Firebrand coding, but the sprite work looks pretty decent...especially for a first time release with zero guidance from others. The character was determined to be open source, so he went through a number of updates done my quite a few IMT community members, basically spearheaded by Zvitor. The sounds are pretty good, and I like a lot of the new portraits added.

He has a number of special and hyper moves, but unfortunately there is no corresponding readme file. So just watch the video to the end where I'll show the command moves for those moves.

Yes there are issues beyond just the lack of a readme file for the moves, since again this is a first release. Some of the moves (some kicks stand out the most) look unnatural. Perhaps a few more frames of animation could be added here and there as well. Also, one of the community members noted that the when he is doing some moves, he appears a little smaller than what is seen in his general stance.

In short, I like him, yes he can improve, and perhaps either the original authors will do it, or you! (he is open source after all)

You can get the most recent update at:
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?4y2myiqynt1

My score: 8

And take this link if you would like to offer up any discussion on the character and/or offer up your own review/score:
http://cvgunited.com/index.php/topic,69.0.html

By taking that same link, you will also be given the chance to give your own score, and then compare it to others given by members of the community there. Hope to see you there rating characters and giving your own feedback!

CVG United's Community Character Review Rankings

In conjunction with the reviews that I re-post here at Favorite Fiction Blog, the community can also place their own score for a character after an entry is made at CVGUnited.com. All those scores by the community are then tallied and averaged up for the following rankings. This is the most recent ranking of that. If you would like to know more, you can check out the database for yourself at:
http://cvgunited.com/index.php/board,20.0.html

Current Review Database Rankings 7/02/09

Ranking/Character/Creator/Score

1) Deadpool by The Unlimited and WuCash - 9.722

2) Etrigan by WuCash - 9.5

3) The Thing by Warner - 9.133

4) Nightcrawler by Twinimage - 9.107

5) Batman by Alucard - 9.065

6) Rorschach by Sean Altly - 9.053

7) Green Lantern by Buyog, Arque, Enzo, and McCready - 9.048

8) Spiderman by ZVitor - 9.034

9) Joker by Jeff, Larramones, and Magus - 8.921

10) Superman by Kal Elvis and Hannibal - 8.828

11) Starfire by HyperCombinationFinish - 8.792

12) Crystal by Magus, Smogon, and Jeff - 8.786

13) Miss Marvel by Ultraroboninja and ZVitor - 8.714

14) The Punisher by Apocalypse, Excursion, and WuCash - 8.667

15) Wonderman by ZVitor, JasonTodd, and Daraku - 8.667

16) Ferroman by Sic-1 and R@ce45 - 8.615

17) Thanoseid by Rozeros and Zvitor - 8.6

18) Incredible Hulk by Acey - 8.538

19) Savage Hulk by Buyog and BobStarsky - 8.5

20) Sentinel by XsLaught - 8.5

If you would like to have your own score averaged into the next rankings that are coming up in a week, or would just like to check everything out, please come to: CVG United.com.

Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Hulk 2099 by Acey

The following is part of CVGUnited's database where comprehensive reviews are given by me, and allow for the community to offer similar content and give their own ratings of the characters. To check it out, go to:

CVGUnited.com's Character Review Database

As part of the Infinity Mugen Team's release party, Hulk 2099 has gone through some pretty significant updates. Acey did all of the sprite editing and coding initially, but the majority of the updates are courtesy of R@ce45.

I like his look as he looks very comic accurate, and you have to love the way that tongue waggles around in his mouth. I think the sound is also decent as it gives me a feeling for the comic character's true nature...and that is one of the things you need in regards to sound coding for a Mugen character.

The main part of the update involves adding moves to him, and that is always a good thing, so thank you R@ce45. They are comic accurate for the most part with their brutality, I just wish there was something a little more unique added (more on that later.)

*Specials*
----------------
- Pass Charge: Slash attack
- Rebound Charge: Charge attack
- Ground Stomp: Shakes the ground knocking opponent to the ground
*Hypers*
---------------
- Tri-Slash: Strong combination slash attack
- Gamma Haste Mode: Enters a mode where he can attack faster
- Gamma Charge: Stronger Charge attack
- Gamma Rage Mode: Enters a mode where his attacks are stronger
- Gamma Slash: Multiple slashing attack

Other than the Ground Stomp which I like, to me the special and hyper moves, which I am glad there are more of, mostly seem unimaginative. I'd like to see a little more differentiation with the moves. Plus, Wikipedia says he has a healing factor, why not incorporate that somewhat. People more familiar with the comic history of the character can probably discuss this more than me. I also think the AI is very weak, especially for a character with Hulk in his name. He does not take full advantage of his basic attacks, and under-utilizes his specials/hypers. This is one of the reasons I had him fight himself in the video, as everyone else was basically kicking his butt. A bug was shown of him walking on air, and the Rebound Charge special can sometimes be too fast to see the effect.

You can download him at:
http://www.infinitymugenteam.com/infinity.wiki/mediawiki/index.php?title=Hulk_2099

My score: 7

And take this link if you would like to offer up any discussion on the character and/or offer up your own review/score:
http://cvgunited.com/index.php/topic,173.0.html

By taking that same link, you will also be given the chance to give your own score, and then compare it to others given by members of the community there. Hope to see you there rating characters and giving your own feedback!

Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Iron Lantern by tenchimuyo4ever, Sic-1, and Twinimage

The following is part of CVGUnited's database where comprehensive reviews are given by me, and allow for the community to offer similar content and give their own ratings of the characters. To check it out, go to:

CVGUnited.com's Character Review Database

This is the character that started it all for the Amalgam: Age of Superheros project. Tenchimuyo4ever had started this character WIP before there was even a project and this inspired Sic-1 to look him up to start said collaboration. Tenchi did all of the sprites, of which there are a lot done by freehand. Sic-1 and Twinimage handled the coding side of things. Because this character was the basis of starting it all off, this is why he was saved for the final release of the group's guest portion of Scruffyversary.

Obviously from the look, you can tell he is a combination of his DC and Marvel counterparts to form this Amalgamation. I like it and how he gave him a hovering stance to separate things a little more. He has some intros to correspond to these guys which are interesting, but I wish the volume on his sayings there were turned up a little bit more. The AI is interesting, sometimes he puts good use to his hypers, and sometimes not. But he does a good job implementing his specials though.

I love all of his basics, even took the time to show them off in the training mode portion of this video. They are very imaginative. And in case you do not know about this character's Amalgam history, basically he has a set of armor that works similarly to a Green Lantern ring, but focuses mainly on making technological constructs whenever needed. This theory is put to good use in the basics as stated before, as well as with the special and hyper moves.

*Specials*
-----------------
- Repulser Beam: Similar to an Iron Man beam attack, but with a GL feel
- Weapon Master: Constructs 3 different guns to attack, dependent upon the button selected
- Magneto Envy: Creates a magnet that fires a charge at the opponent to pull them close for additional attacks
- Emerald Charge: Charging attack, both from air and ground
- Teleports: Can teleport to either side of the screen, depending on the button selection
*Hypers*
---------------
- Armor Hyper: Pulls out the heavy artillary
- Emerald Drill: Constructs a set of armor with some powerful drills for attack
- Sonic Charge: Very powerful charge attack
- Airforce Assault: Creates a large flying machine to attack with either bombs or lasers

There are a couple little issues. The current readme has some of the attacks listed wrong, so use:
Emerald charge: (QCB + K)
Airforce assult: (QCB + PK)
Tenchi has stated this will be adjusted soon for when the download home is moved back to SGM. In the discussion on the release, he has also stated that some of the code numbers for attacks might be tweaked as well. The main thing I saw was every so often (I think during Magneto Envy usage by the AI), he will either disappear to the top of the screen or the bottom for a time. But usually he comes back after awhile. I might be mistaken as to when this happens, I just know I saw it a couple times before making this video.

In short, very creative character and I admire all the freehand work that Tenchi put into him to make him stand out. This character finished off the Amalgam showcase for Scruffyversary very well.

You can find him at the downloads section of:
http://sicgraphicsmugen.darkbb.com/

My score: 8

And take this link if you would like to offer up any discussion on the character and/or offer up your own review:
http://cvgunited.com/index.php/topic,72.0.html

By taking that same link, you will also be given the chance to give your own score, and then compare it to others given by members of the community there. Hope to see you there rating characters and giving your own feedback!

Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Etrigan by WuCash

The following is part of CVGUnited's database where comprehensive reviews are given by me, and allow for the community to offer similar content and give their own ratings of the characters. To check it out, go to:

CVGUnited.com's Character Review Database

This is one of the greatest Comic Mugen characters ever made, so special thanks to WuCash who handles both the sprites and coding. Especially since it was such an extensive job, as this character is absolutely packed, but we'll talk about that below.

Where to begin? His look is amazing, as he not only looks unique for Mugen, but is a dead ringer for his comic counterpart. The sound is just as good, so great work by ShockDingo on the vocal talents. The AI is really good too as he puts up a good fight and utilizes all of his special and hyper moves (which there are a ton of) in his fights effectively.

For those of you that do not know, the comic Etrigan knows a lot of magic, and this was fully taken advantage of in his Mugen creation. You have a total of 12 hyper spells you can cast. However, there is further cutting edge stuff going on with those moves as you can only use 3 per round, and you can never use the same spell twice in a round. That was a brilliant idea by WuCash.

*Specials*
---------------
- Fireball: Shoots a fire ball at the opponent
- Teleport: Teleport 6 different ways around the screen
- High Flame: Anti air flame attack
- Low Flame: Standard flame attack
- Flaming Charge: Charging attack
- Air Fireballs: Throws multiple fireballs in succession from the air
*Hypers*
--------------
- Hellfire: Blast of fire from Etrigan's mouth
- Wind from Hell: Stronger fire projectile attack
- Demonic Presence: Hyper chain attack where you transform into a stronger demon
- Amalgam: Change into his Amalgam counterpart, Speed Demon for a multiple attack
*Hyper Spells*
---------------------
- Dancing Blazes: Fire summon attack
- Freezing Blows: Ice attack
- Sinner's Pain: Powerful spell projectile attack
- Demon's Sacrifice: Give up 1/5 of life for full power meter
- Stone Guard: Calls up a stone shield that will hit the opponent every time the rocks come into contact with him
- Hollow Speed: Increases general speed and attacks
- Go To Hell: Calls forth a demon to pull the opponent to hell
- Dead One's Might: Heal spell
- Eye of Cyclone: Wind spell attack
- Thunder Serpent: Lightning attack
- Gift From Hell: Explosion attack
- Evil Spirits: Fires an evil spirit at the opponent and leaves him dizzy

This character is awesome and if you do not have him, go download him now. The only minor issue one might have with him is that some of the commands are difficult to pull off for some people. Other than that, which might not affect you anyway, this character is perfection. Awesome job WuCash!!

You can download him at:
http://www.scruffydragon.com/f/chars_dc_one.html

My score: 10

And take this link if you would like to offer up any discussion on the character and/or offer up your own review:
http://cvgunited.com/index.php/topic,506.0.html

By taking that same link, you will also be given the chance to give your own score, and then compare it to others given by members of the community there. Hope to see you there rating characters and giving your own feedback!

Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Onslaught by XsLaught

The following is part of CVGUnited's database where comprehensive reviews are given by me, and allow for the community to offer similar content and give their own ratings of the characters. To check it out, go to:

CVGUnited.com's Character Review Database

This is the second recent character release by XsLaught as part of launching his on website. That said, he handled all of the sprite editing and ripping in this case, as well as the coding for him.

This is primarily an update to adjust his previous version. The look is the same, and the sounds are mainly the same and done so to be as true to the original MvC version as possible. There are a number of intros that have been put in for various characters, and I think Serious Cat will be helping XsLaught with more. They also helped him with the numerous and colorful palettes for him. The AI is very strong, as a Boss character should be, so expect to get your butt handed to you often until you figure out whatever strategy works best.

The moves are all relatively the same as what you are used to, however this time, you can actually control the Sentinel when you summon him. But when this time is up, you shift back to original control of Onslaught.


(The previous video was released by XsLaught as part of the character release.)
*Specials, Form 1*
-----------------------
- Sentinel Force: Calling in Sentinels to attack
- Sentinel Assist: Striker attack from a Sentinel
- Hyper Grav: Grabs opponent
- Magnetic Tempest: Blasts chucks of metal at opponent
- Teleport: Alter Location
*Hypers, Form 1*
----------------------
- Magnetic Shockwave: Energy attack
- Hyper Mind Blast: Powerful mind blast attack
- Sentinel Summon: Take control of a Sentinel to attack with. You then have full access to the Sentinel's move set.
*Specials, Form 2*
-----------------------
- Sentinel Force: Calling in Sentinels to attack
- Claw Crush: Strong punch
- Rushing Arm: Rush attack with clawed arm
- Hyper Grav: Grabs opponent
- Mind Blast: Blast from mind
*Hypers, Form 2*
----------------------
- 3 Mind Blast: Three blasts of psyonic energy
- 5 Mind Blast: Five blasts of psyonic energy

This character is different from your standard character because he is meant to be a boss character. So do not expect your standard kicks and punches. And depending on what you want in an AI from a character, it might be pretty tough to fight against him. My main issue with him is some of the commands. For some reason, a couple of the special/hyper commands are not very receptive. If you are ready for a different kind of character, then that issue with the responsiveness is the only problem you may have with a pretty solid character.

You can download him at:
http://mugen.codejin.com/index.php

My score: 9

And take this link if you would like to offer up any discussion on the character and/or offer up your own review:
http://cvgunited.com/index.php/topic,506.0.html

By taking that same link, you will also be given the chance to give your own score, and then compare it to others given by members of the community there. Hope to see you there rating characters and giving your own feedback!

Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Sentinel by XsLaught

The following is part of CVGUnited's database where comprehensive reviews are given by me, and allow for the community to offer similar content and give their own ratings of the characters. To check it out, go to:

CVGUnited.com's Character Review Database

Another surprise release courtesy this time of XSlaught. This is a MvC2 conversion primarily with him handling both the coding and the sprite editing that was involved.

When you are converting from MvC2, obviously the look and the sound is going to have a good base. I believe that XSlaught added a few touches here and there, especially in the intros and winposes, so that is very cool. The AI is good if looking for a baseline strength character. However, if you want this as a boss version, that is not possible due to said AI.

Forgive me, but I'm not that familiar with the original MvC2 moves, but I do know what I like, and I like this. The moves are all very accurate to the character and you will have fun with them. I did have a few problems here and there with some responsiveness with the controls, as you will see in the video.

*Specials*
---------------
- Rocket Punch: Three different variations of extended arm attack
- Sentinel Force: Three different variations of calling other Sentinels in
- Fly: Enters a Flight mode
- Grab: Picks up a downed opponent (sorry for missing in video)
*Hypers*
--------------
- Plasma Storm (XCOTA): Plasma blast XCOTA style
- Plasma Storm (MVC2): Plasma blast MVC2 style, tap button to fire more
- Hyper Sentinel Force: Massive attack from more Sentinels
- Hard Drive: Charging attack

There are a couple minor issues with him, but that does not take away from the enjoyment of this character. As I said before, if you are looking for a boss version of him, the AI will not fit. Also like I said before, I had a few control responsiveness issues here and there. The readme is a little bit lacking, as I could not figure out the fire a missile from your mouth move and would have liked a little more on the unique moves you can do in the air. The thing that stands out the most will only hit those of us with weaker computers, as he is so large he can lag a little, due to some effects thrown in the file that are for future use in an open source capacity. XSlaught has said he plans to optimize the file a little more, so look for an update on all that. Like I said, very fun to play with and you will love the conversion from MvC2.

You can download him at:
http://mugen.codejin.com/index.php

My score: 9

And take this link if you would like to offer up any discussion on the character and/or offer up your own review:
http://cvgunited.com/index.php/topic,459.0.html

By taking that same link, you will also be given the chance to give your own score, and then compare it to others given by members of the community there. Hope to see you there rating characters and giving your own feedback!