Thursday, June 11, 2009

Grudge Match: Punisher vs Daredevil


I think Daredevil is way more heroic than Punisher, but I must admit that the Punisher is no push over. Which is why it's always fun to see him mix it up with Daredevil. Always entertaining. I don't think that their rivalry has ever been fully settled. It is my opinion that in a fair fight Daredevil would mop the floor with Punisher's sorry-skull. No problem. I thought I would see how they would fair fighing on Mugen ground.



Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Grudge Match: Punisher vs Deadpool


I had to ask the question: In a fight who would win, Punisher or Deadpool? In my opinion, Deadpool would skunk the Punisher. I know that the Punisher is a well-trained warrior but Deadpool has ninja skills and a healing factor! On top of that Deadpool is completely crazy. I've done some checking on the internet and found out that they did fight in Deadpool #54 and #55. Apparently in that fight Punisher won. The truth is that in my mind no way such a thing could happen. I decided to stage a fight in mugen. ApoCalypSe's Punisher vs the Unlimited Deadpool - each under computer control.



Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Syumatyan/Shuma Gorath by ゴマ and Sludge


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 character that was originally from MvC2, and now customized further for you in Mugen. The initial coding and sprite edits were done by Sludge, and then updated further by ゴマ.

He has the same standard look that you are used to from the original game, and the same can be said about the sound, although it can be a little garbled at times. If you kill an opponent with the Chaos Dimension hyper, you will get some additional graphics. The AI really stands out as you can set it to 4 different settings to customize how you see fit.

All of his moves seem accurate to the character and his general abilities. I would like to see a few more magic things given his comic history, but that is neither here nor there. Given the nature of the character, the basic moves involving movement fit the weird physiology. For the most part, the moves are easy to pull off, and responsive, except for the Clone Shower attack.

*Specials*
----------------
- Arching Spike Ball: Ball attack in the air
- Rolling Spike Ball: Ball attack from the ground
- Energy Drain: Drains energy from opponent to add to own life
- Mystic Stare: Shoots explosive eyeballs
- Air Rock: Turns to stone and crashes onto opponent
*Hypers*
-------------
- Separation Anxiety: Fires multiple spike balls at opponent
- Clone Call: Fires miniature clones at opponent
- Clone Shower: Drops a multitude of spike balls from the air
- Eye Laser: Energy blast attack
- Chaos Dimension: Sends the opponent to another dimension for a devastating attack

There is not really much wrong with this character at all. However, I'm not a fan of the dash forward and dash backwards moves as seem to not go far enough. the main thing about this character is that he just isn't sexy enough. What I mean by that is, not many people cared about him in MvC2, and that is the same today in Mugen. And it does not help that his comic character is not flashy either. But if you can get over that general perception, he is pretty cool to play and against.

You can download him at:
http://jamugen.blog103.fc2.com/

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,464.0.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!

Mugen: Elongated Man


I've received the following e-mail about a new character for mugen - the Elongated Man.

Hi,

This message serves to notify you loaded
a file to the Files section of the group Justiceleaguemugen.

File: / Char's Originals / ElongatedMan BETA.rar
Lecturer: paulus_ben_itai
Description: Man elongata Beta ...

You can access the file in the right direction

http://mx.groups.yahoo.com/group/Justiceleaguemugen/files/Char% 27s% 20Originales/ElongatedMan% 20BETA.rar

For more information about how to share files with your group,
see our Help section

http://help.yahoo.com/help/mx/groups/files

Sincerely,

paulus_ben_itai


If you want to download the character you need to get a Yahoo username and join the Yahoo groups for Justiceleaguemugen group. It's in spanish but I suggest using Google Translate to copy and paste the spanish and translate it into a language you are more familiar with. This group has awesome characters and should really join it!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

WIP Focus: Kratos, by Kratos and DooM Part 2



Back in April, Favorite Fiction started a two part question and answer session on one of the very most anticipated characters in all of Mugen, Kratos: God of War. Then we spoke with Kratos who is in charge of the programming of him, which you can read here: WIP Focus: Kratos part 1. Due to real life, we did not get a chance to have part 2 with DooM until now. He is tasked with everything graphical on Kratos, as well as overseeing the website they have designed for the character.


1) Why did you personally decide to start work on this character?

Heh...actually, I have some question for you: do you know the feeling when you're at work and working really hard, and your boss is watching you only when you're taking some little break from time to time ('cause you're tired), and he's thinking that you're probably doing so all the time? You want to prove him wrong, that you're worth more than that, that you deserve more.


Well, it's almost like that with me in the MUGEN Community. I spent a lot of time in the community, not leeching but learning how to program and design stuff for it. Opened a couple of MUGEN related websites, started few projects and released some screenpacks and stages, but never characters. So people are always like: "Umm... you consider yourself as a MUGEN veteran. OK. Did you release any characters?" I didn't. Why? I have had some real bad luck when it comes to the long term creations. There were a few accidents when I've been working on some (IMO) real nice characters (DM-Akuma, DM-Chun-Li, DM-Saiyaman and Nappa for the DBZ/GT MUGEN Project.) and when I was 50% or even 90% done(!), I always lost it somehow. My HDD crashed or my computer was so virused that there was no other option but to format all the drives. I know that I could backup all of those, but I didn't back then, so it's pretty late for such sayings now. And starting over? Well trust me that it's really hard to work on something again with such attitude you had before.



Now, when I'm turning 35 this year, I plan to quit MUGEN for good. But for that last time, I want to leave some EPIC character behind, to prove that those who had doubts on how I roll, were simply wrong.



When I was thinking about some epic character I could Mugenize, Kratos (GoW) popped up in my head really quickly. I was like "Yeah. Now that would be epic for sure!" When I showed a sprite of him at MFG, Robert (Kratos) came online on my MSN messenger. I thought "Dang, long time no see. Maybe he, as a great fan of GoW series, (like me) can help me out somehow - give some ideas about the gameplay, etc." So we started chatting for some few hours and decided to work together. Me spriting and Robert programming, because I knew his programming kicked ass.


2) Glad you too hooked up like that as Kratos looks amazing, what bases did you use for the character himself? Was it difficult transitioning him into a MvC style look?


First of all, let me thank you for the compliment. It's always nice to hear that it's not just me liking the results of my work.



As for the base, I'm using Urien and Gill from Street Fighter 3: Third Strike, just reducing their color count so it fits my private favorite spriting style: MvC. I reduce the animations' frames count too, 'cause SF3:TS is too smooth sometimes.

Generally, Urien and Gill are very good bases for my edits. They're almost naked, so I don't have to erase any parts of their bodies. But they're not that perfect either - You see... sometimes people use bases that already got some parts which they need, like folded pants, high boots or long jackets. To edit Urien and Gill into Kratos, I have to draw all the clothes and other stuff all by my own. Though, I enjoy it very much to be honest.


3) Most of the fans know that his signature weapons are the chained blades attached to his arms called Athena's Blades. They are probably also dying to know what are the bases that you are using for the various attacks with them? Also, can you go more into detail about some of the attacks that are planned?


Not just Athena's Blades. Blades of Chaos were his signature weapons in the GoW1 series, and those will be available in our character too (just a palette matter, but it's still some kind of a candy thing for the hardcore GoW fans).

Concerning the bases for the attacks, all of the attacks that you know from GoW 1,2,3 are going to be seen in our character, and only Urien and Gill will be our bases. You may ask how is that possible, so let me stop you there and answer right away.

There is a good friend of mine, GODzilla, that is taking care of all the frankenspritings needed for our Kratos. He made Urien run and perform such poses that you couldn't imagine. He's doing some seriously great job, really.



Chains itself are very fun to animate for perspectives, and me, but not the blades all those angles. Still, once I'm done with each animation of the blades, I look at it and know that it was worth it.




4) Last time we spoke of a few weapons and magical spells that will be accessible. In your opinion, which of each will be the most fun to sprite? Which will be the most difficult?


They all seem like fun to me and I can't wait to get to work on them. As for now, Kratos and I are working on the basics - all the simple movements and gethits - that's pretty boring, I can tell you that. Actually, I can show you one of the weapons that will be available in Kratos' inventory:

It was a lot of fun working on it.


5) Also before, there was talk of QTE events for fatalities, can you go into more detail about what we might see graphically when they happen?



Sure. If you played God of War: Betrayal (2d mobile game), you probably have seen that action where when you beat some boss almost to death, some rotating circle button pops up under the opponent's head letting you know that you can finish him in some brutal GoW style. Well, our Kratos is going to have couple of those too.


When this button will pops up under the opponent's head, you will have to press a button that's typed in that rotating circle, and then a list of buttons you will have to press quickly will show up. If you're successful pressing them all in the limited period of time, Kratos will jump in slow motion and do something nasty. On another hand, if you'll fail pressing all the button quickly, Kratos will jump and then fall on his back loosing a little of his life.




6) Your teammate said you all will push the graphical limits of Mugen with this creation, can you be more specific of what all is planned of this nature?


I believe he didn't mean just the graphical aspects, but everything in general - Programming and graphics. Sony pushed PS2 console to its limits when making the God of War games, and that's what we want to do with the MUGEN engine. We wanted people to ask themselves: "Wait, wait... how did they do that? Was that even possible in MUGEN?! It's the first time I've seen such things!!" We want to shock and surprise, because only those things decide on how much and how long a specific character is going to stay in their minds, and rosters.




7) Can't Wait! As I understand it, the website that is dedicated to the MUGENized version of Kratos is primarily under your charge? The site looks great; tell us more please about the decision process to make such elaborate plans of this nature.


Yes, you're right. There was a day when Robert (Kratos) told me that we got some new posts in our WIP thread and I should check them. I went there and there were no new posts. Then I realized that I'm checking the wrong forums. We agreed that it's a bit of pain for us to check all the forums where we have our WIP thread for new comments from people that are interested in our work, and that there should be some one place where people can leave their feedback and we can leave some progress reports and ALL of the interested people can be sure they're having all the freshest news, without the need to check few forums.



Also, we wanted to show how serious we are about that project. Our character is not going to be just some another release that's going to get drawn in dust in people's MUGEN rosters. We can promise you that we're doing all that's possible to make our Kratos epic, as he is in GoW 1,2,3.


You can check that website out right now at: God of War: Mugen Carnage - The Official Site


8) Speaking of the website, what updates can we expect to see in the future with each selection?


Recently, we added a FAQ where people can check all the common questions and answers that are floating around our work. As for the future, we plan to put more progress screenshots and videos. Nothing more on the website needs an update I think. Some people have been suggesting an official forum, but we think it would be a bit too much - as for now, the guestbook works fine.


9) Anything else you would like to share about this project?




Just like Robert (Kratos), I would like to thank all the people that are interested in our WIP for their support. We're receiving a lot of good comments, serious feedbacks and some great ideas. If I could ask for favors, I would like to say: Keep it coming people!
Peace out, DooM

For more info on Kratos in general, go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_of_War_(series)

To follow their progress, take the following links:
http://forum.mugen-infantry.net/index.php?topic=124375.0
http://mugenguild.com/forumx/index.php?topic=93833.0

http://www.infinitymugenteam.com/Forum_345/index.php?topic=21237.0
http://www.scruffydragon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6356
http://cvgunited.com/index.php/topic,214.0.html

To go to their website:
God of War: Mugen Carnage - The Official Site


Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Custom Iron Man Z by 1%

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


We were all graced by an under the radar release of Iron Man Z recently by 1%. I am assuming he did all the codes and sprites as there were no other names listed, plus the documentation was all in another language.

He is obviously edited from open source Iron Man sprites, but 1% did a great job in making the character his own while at the same time making you think what would have happened if Tony Stark was actually a Tokyo businessman. Why do I say this, check the sounds. They audio comes in very crisp and clean, including the spoken parts, its just I have no idea what he is saying because its in Japanese.

I love the moves he has going on as it seems like most of them were customized in some way or another. I wish I could go more indepth about them, but I cannot follow the little documentation there was, so have to go solely off what I can see visually. So that said, I'll save those discussion bits for the video annotations. But so you know, there are a lot of unique things going on and I love it. Fortunately, every move was shown except for a grab and charge attack where he takes the opponent on a ride across the length of the stage before slamming in a massive impact.

There are a couple issues going on. As stated again, the readme and .def files do not help at all, so you have to figure out all the moves on your own. This is even more difficult as apparently he is a 3-button controlled character. Maybe for some of you that is no big deal, but to me, I've never dealt with such a thing, so I felt a bit out of place gameplay-wise. In fact, there were some moves that I hve no idea how to do because of this configuration. I'm also not a fan of his walk animations, both forward and backwards, as he just seems like he's going in slow motion.

I like the character a ton, even with those minor things and I wholeheartedly recommend to you all to download him as soon as you can.

You can download him at:
http://muvluv-alternative.game-server.cc/cgi-bin/nico-up/upload.html
...look for 'up2988.zip'

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,103.0.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!

Friday, June 5, 2009

What If?...Characters That'd Be Cool If MUGENized #4

Disclaimer: Most of the following characters not only haven't been made yet, but there are not even publicly known plans to bring them to Mugen either. The purpose of this article is solely for entertainment, and not meant to tell any creators who to work on, nor is it intended to be thought of as a "Wish List" of characters I want made. However, if anyone becomes inspired enough to begin a WIP on any of the characters discussed, then that would be a bonus.


Outside of Marvel/DC

As most of you that follow superhero comic Mugen know, there is primarily a focus on Marvel and DC characters. Well, there are plenty of cool characters made by other comic companies and I thought I'd point out in MUGENized fashion and these are the ones that caught my eye. Now I know what you are saying, there are a ton of other characters you missed. I agree with you, but I can only write about so many of them, and these are the ones that were chosen.



Redeemer

As you are probably aware of, there are a number of Spawn WIPs currently in production in the community, including three at CVGUnited.com. Because of that, Redeemer is a perfect choice for an article such as this. For those of you who do not know, A Redeemer similar to a Hellspawn in how they are chosen to be angelic warriors to combat the forces of Hell. Much of their power is derived from the Elemental Fire of Heaven as an answer to a Hellspawn's use of Necroplasm. It is this Celestial Fire that drives the Redeemers, as they feel pain from the source of their power that can only be abated by defeating a Hellspawn. The people that are picked for these positions are those that have a history of performing brutal acts, yet have still found religion.

For more information:



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redeemer_(Image_Comics)

http://www.comicvine.com/redeemer/29-3383/

Mr. Majestic

He is one of the most powerful beings in the Wildstorm universe, and has been a leader of the WildC.A.T.S, which is one of the most prominent groups there as well. Imagine a Mugen character with all of the powers of Superman. Then give that same character a great intellect that allows him to create various technological weapons. Now give him psionic powers. And finally, he likes using a sword. That is Mr. Majestic, and that is what I'd call a fun character to play with *if* MUGENized!

For more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Majestic

http://www.comicvine.com/mr-majestic/29-21972/

Spartan

In the Wildstorm universe, there is an epic battle between two alien planets, Khera and Daemon. As part of this war, the Kherans empowered a number of their people with cybernetic abilities and this is how Spartan came into being. These abilities grant him superstrength, flight, invisibility, energy projection, and he can also self repair his cybernetics as needed. And if he is defeated, he can download his mind into a new body and draw from the memories of that defeat to where he can adjust his strategy so it will not happen again. And on top of all that, he can merge with someone named the Void which will then allow for stronger energy projection, teleportation, and make him even stronger.

For more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spartan_(comics)

http://www.comicvine.com/spartan/29-12006/


Zealot

She might be one of the most iconic female characters in the WildStorm universe. Like other Kherans, she has superstrength and a very long lifespan. This long life granted her time to hone her fighting abilities with various hand-to-hand weapons, and fire arms to perfection. In addition to that, she also has the ability to heal from certain wounds. Given her image and those abilities, she'd be a classic right there for Mugen...now consider her gift with dark sorceries. In the comics, she primarily used those abilities for energy projection, teleportation, shields, and creating various objects out of thin air.

For more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zealot_(Wildstorm)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zealot_(Wildstorm)


The Darkness

While Jackie Estacado is already someone you do not want to mess with (mob hitman with excellent marksmanship and a formidable hand-to-hand fighter), he is even stronger with the power of The Darkness. The Darkness is passed down through family lines and grants the wielder almost limitless ability to create anything he wants out of the shadows. This can be in the form of weapons or armor, or even create Darklings to fight for him. He also has the tendency to employ the use of fanged tentacles from his armor that will feed on his enemies. And that is not even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his powers, so imagine how great he could be in Mugen.

For more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Darkness_(comics)

http://www.comicvine.com/the-darkness/29-24347/


Witchblade

Sara Pezzini can already hold her own due to her police training in unarmed combat, weapons and tactics. But after she acquired the Witchblade, she became much more powerful. The only limit to this power is Sara's imagination. So far she has used it to: create weapons and armor, fire energy blasts, healing, winged flight, and razor sharp tentacles that can be extended for attack. Now couple all that with a sexy look/attitude and an affinity to allow for her Witchblade armor to leave her extremely exposed, and you have a guaranteed future favorite Mugen character on your hands.

For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara_Pezzini
http://www.comicvine.com/sara-pezzini/29-18318/

Mugen: Iron Spider-man Preview


There is a version of Spider-man in his Iron Spider costume that I have been alerted to is being developed. Please check out a preview video on YouTube. Please read his comments below from the page:

my new and first wip the iron spider it took me about 2 weeks and i have done the punching in standing
i done walking jumping backwards jumping forward jumping up intro abit and stance also crouch so much more to be done any says?

i put the dn angel theme song because it sounds cool


This is one WIP that looks very promising to me!



MARVEL MYSTERY COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1

source
The original Human Torch, Toro, the Sub-Mariner, the Angel and the Ferret team up to prevent Nazi saboteurs and one of the Torch's earliest foes from creating the ultimate weapon of mass destruction in this all-new 22 page story. Plus another 10 page classic vintage tale from Marvel's Golden Age!

Written by:Tom DeFalco
Art by: Chris Burnham




Thursday, June 4, 2009

Announcement: All Mugen


Frequent readers of this blog may have noticed that I I usually pit all things of interest to me in terms of fiction on this blog. I've come to realize that I need to focus more on smaller topics to be of the most benefit to the readers and supporters. Therefore from now on Favorite Fiction will be an all MUGEN blog. It will continue to be for reviews, demos, announcements, and interviews but nowe only dealing with the Mugen community. I will now be maintaining 4 blogs.

1. Favorite Fiction will house all my Mugen related activities.
2. What Had Happened Was... will be for all the things I like to study: Theology, Science, Politics, News, Technology, and History.
3. Favorite Media will cover movies, television, YouTube, comic books, and music.
4 Favorite Gadgets will be used for field testing new web technology and widgets.

Please feel free to visit any of these blogs at any time and leave comments on any of them blogs or e-mail me. Thanks for your support

Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Superman by Kal Elvis and Hannibal


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 all time classic superhero characters for Mugen. The initial sprite editing and code was done by Hannibal, and was later updated for a remix version for Scruffy Dragon Productions main project by Kal-Elvis

Most of the sprites look pretty good, especially the new remix sprites Kal-Elvis threw in. This is also the case with some of the nice intros and outros. However, there are a few basic moves that look a little non anatomical in how the motion comes across. The sound is excellent on all fronts as I think I am listening to the actual Man of Steel, a clear upgrade from the original clips. The standard AI is incredibly weak, however I was fortunate enough to get a private AI patch from an expert in that regard, Tunglashor.

I love how all the moves make you feel like you are either playing as the greatest superhero ever, or just merely watching him. Kal Elvis and Hannibal did an excellent job of translating every one of Superman's great abilities into Mugen. What is even better, is the fact that most of these moves are fairly easy to pull off and receptive.

*Specials*
----------------
- Heat Vision: Projectile heat vision attack
- Super Breath: Air attack, 4 different versions if you include F + HP
- Flight Kick: 3 different air kicking attacks
- Drill Punch: Erupt from the ground for an attack
- Flight Attack: Fly across the screen for an attack
*Hypers*
---------------
- Super Shake Up: Punch to the ground for an eruption, 2 versions
- Solar Shield: Shield of protection
- Speed Fury: Rush attack
- Super Tsunami: Wind attack
- Super Scream: Vocal attack
- Hyper Heat Vision: Stronger version of heat vision (from air)
- Hyper Dive Attack: Diving attack from the air
- Amalgam Ultimate: His Amalgam counterpart of Super Solider attacks
*Bizarro Mode Unique Moves*
---------------------------------------- -
- Bizarre Shake Up: Bizarro version of Super Shake Up
- Bizarre Fury: Multiple pounding attack
- Bizarre Blizzard: Strong freeze breath attack
- Hyper Driller: Stronger version of the Drill attack

Most of my issues with this character are minor. As I stated before, some of the basic attacks do not seem anatomically correct in how they move. Also, some of the Bizarro hypers are using Superman hyper background graphics. My main contention with him is the AI, as this AI for him is incredibly weak. When you think of Superman, you think of how he should be able to beat down most opponents. Usually he is the one taking Mugen beatdowns. But in my version, I do not have that problem thanks to Tunglashor. Plus, if you play with him, which is a blast to do so, you won't have to worry about it either.

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

My score: 9

If you would like this AI Patch by Tunglashor, you can get it at:
http://www.mediafire.com/?zfnzgmmdmzk

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,402.0.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!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Grudge Match: Batman vs Punisher


Let me completely candid: I don't think of the Punisher as much of a hero and is no way on Batman's level. That's not to say it would not be an entertaining battle to see Batman fight the Punisher, However. The truth is I believe Batman would punish him. Humiliate him. No problem. I did a quick Search and found out that there are some fan-made "Batman vs Punisher" short films. Some of them are pretty good. Take a look:






I decided to stage some fights in Mugen. I wasn't sure which version of Batman to use so I picked my top 3 favorite versions. As for Punisher, I used ApoCaLySe's version.


Infinity Mugen Team's Batman vs Punisher
Spiderbat's Batman vs Punisher
Alucard's Batman vs Punisher



Monday, June 1, 2009

Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Spiderman by ZVitor



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

ZVitor is the one to thank for such a great character to play with. He used open source sprites and some code initially, and then just built off of that for a truly customized Spiderman.

He's Spiderman, so obviously he looks good, though personally, I'm not a big fan of that stance. The look on the Sling Shot move could possibly be optimized as well. Again, the sound is awesome as well, and I think ZVitor threw in a few more clips to listen to. You'll love the Newspaper sprites during the One for J.J. Hyper that are courtesy of Aquelegordo & TenSpeed. And in this move, you will see multiple paper layouts, and never see the same pictures twice in a row...love this effect. The AI is pretty good as you will see against solid baseline competition as well, so he'll be fun to watch, seeing as he puts most of his abilities to good use there. Awesome job ZVitor!

Now some people will say that they do not like the webbing gauge meter. They probably say this as they do not want their web powers limited. I on the other hand love the concept. First of all, it adds a bit of strategy as you do not want to run out of webbing during your fight as you only get one refill during this time. Secondly, some web moves need a bit of a limit placed on them, especially the web bullets, and currently that meter is that only limit there. Most of the moves are very easy to pull off and receptive, so that is always a plus. And even me with the sometimes game issues with the laptop keyboard can pull off some combos. But the best part of his move set is not only how unique they are, but how they are accurate to Peter Parker, while still giving you a new feel for him. Awesome job there ZVitor!

*Specials*
----------------
- Dodge: Ability to avoid projectiles
- Dive Kick: Strong kick from the air
- Spider Uppercut: Strong punch
- Spider Slide: Sliding knockdown kick
- Web Throw: Shoots a webline for a throw attack
- Web Bullets: Quick firing projectile attack. Hold button for multiple shots
- Web Pull: Use of the webbing for grabs and throws
- Web Swing: Special movement with the web, sometimes allowing an attack
- Web Fist: Creates a webbed boxing glove for a stronger punch
- Sling Shot: Web helps for a stronger kick. Hold the button down for more tension and damage
*Hypers*
------------
- Spider Sense: Slows down enemy attacks
- Web Refill: Fills his webbing back up when emptied
- One for J.J.: Strong hyper attack that takes pictures for the Daily Bugle
- Ultimate Web Throw: Stronger web throw attack
*Hypers to use when out of web or in Spider Sense mode*
- Maximum Spider: Strong multiple kick attack
- Spider Assault: Rush attack with multiple punches

This is an awesome character to play with, but there are quite a few small problems with him currently. The worst problem is that on occasion with the Ultimate Web Throw, Mugen will freeze and crash with a fatal error. Spider Sense can at times slow down Spidey, and sometimes it is not always slowing the opponent. Plus, can lead to some overpowering moments, so maybe it should be shortened in time a little. The Web Bullets need more limits on them, as you can basically kill your opponent by emptying a clip. They either need a cap on number of consecutive shots, or make them cost more web...or both. I'd personally like to see another couple frames of animation in the Web Pull kick move. And as I said before, I wish he had a different position for the Sling Shot move, one with his eye on the opponent. The Maximum Spider hyper seems like it does not move the opponent around enough to me. Finally, I think his AI needs some more tweaking for two reasons. One, Seth Z's version basically kicks this Spiderman's butt, so wish they were a little closer in competition wise. And secondly, the most unique thing about this character is his wallcrawling ability, and the AI does not utilize it very well, if at all. Again, all those things are mostly minor, as you will absolutely love to play with this character. He has already jumped to near the top of that line when it comes to my roster. Thanks again ZVitor!

You can download him at:
http://bmtbr.wordpress.com/2009/05/30/spiderman-by-zvitor-v1-0/

My score: 10, after ZVitor made the updates he did in v1.1. This is a great character to watch and play with. Could still use a few tweaks, but the enjoyment will still remain the same.

So you all know, this review was done prior to a quick update of v1.1 Zvitor just put online at that same link.

If you liked the stage, you can get it at:
The Unlimited

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,420.0.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!


Sunday, May 31, 2009

Volzzilla's Mugen Reviews: Agony beta v.75 by TeamOmegaPwnageSupreme


Welcome to a new feature at Favorite Fiction Blog! I had been doing something like these reviews as part of my role with CVGUnited.com and was asked about maybe putting those same articles here as well. I guess you know how this discussion went considering this post, lol. So posts of this nature have also been done as part of CVGUnited.comwhich can be seen here:

Character Review Database

Sometimes I will have a video, sometimes I will not. Anyway, here is the review:

I usually do not review betas that clearly have more work on them to be done, but making a special case with Agony. This is because of a few reasons, good friends with the creators TeamOmegaPwnageSupreme (TOPS from here on out), how this independent character adds to the Spiderman mythos, and the fact that she may perhaps go unfinished. Those three reasons combined are why making this special case for a beta review.

There is quite a lot needed to be done, but that is usually the case of a beta at this point in its creative process. For the most part, I'm okay with the look, but not digging the weird dance she does in her stance. So you know, there are a few missing sprites, and the sound needs some work beyond general fight noises. She has an AI, but it could be a bit stronger.

Gameplay is where Agony stands out. TOPS has so far done a good job making unique symbiote moves for her that have not been seen thus far in Mugen. And best of all, they are all very easy to pull off and receptive to boot.

*Specials*
----------------
- Spin Attack: Basic symbiote spinning attack
- Acid Spit: Projectile attack
- Splitz: Special kicking attack
- Scream Helper #1
- Scream Helper #2
*Hypers*
-------------
- Super Spin Attack: Stronger version of the special attack
- Super Hammer: Large symbiotic hammer slams on opponent

The main issues with her are the aesthetics as mentioned above, so do not need to go into detail about those again. I just hope those get finished somehow...same with the sound. The AI could use a little more work as she could put her special and hyper attacks to a little better usage. Hopefully Wallcrawler finishes her off as TOPS said, as this character shows a lot of potential. Until then, the smooth gameplay is enjoyable.

You can download her at:
http://www.zshare.net/download/60645010d7cd72e5/

My score: 7, based off gameplay, potential, and originality by an independent

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,405.0.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!

Review - X-Men Origins: Wolverine


Last Thursday I finally saw Wolverine. I had a great time! It was very packed with action. However, it was skimpy on character development. I guess what else can we expect in about 97 minutes! I really, really liked the was Wolverine used his claws in the movie. IT was also plausible for why Logan cannot remember his past.I'm still not sure about the casting choice for Sabretooth: no continuity with the first movie. I liked Gambit and I liked Deadpool. I hope there will be a Gambit spinoff. I don't really like the way Deadpool was handled at the end. He's never had so many mutant powers. There were a lot of cameo characters like Quicksilver and Toad, but no time was spent on any of them.

Read the Gospel According to X-Men Origins: Wolverine on my my main blog