Chess vs. Shoot Out



There's a somewhat tired comparison that likens fighting games to fast-paced chess. The comparison gets some flack because it really only accounts for the mental aspect of fighting games, and lacks acknowledgement of other defining aspects such as execution and speed of reaction.



Fighting games also have that real time twitch aspect to them. I liken this to an old west shoot out, where whoever is fastest and most accurate stays alive.



With SF5's lessened emphasis on execution and reactions, it naturally falls closer to chess than it does of a quick-draw shoot out in terms of action. This very well may be why we've heard more than a few voices saying that SF5 is not as fun to watch as other titles.



It's completely and totally each individual's own prerogative to deem a fighting game enjoyable or not. I'm not writing this to tell people they should like Street Fighter 5. I'm writing this to try to help people gather all the relevant information they can so that they can make the most informed judgement possible.





Read-Based, NOT Guess-Based



There's a fairly big distinction that should be made here between guesses and reads. If SF5 were guess-based, it would hardly be taken seriously in the competitive realm. Those who would say SF5 is a watered down guessing game because of the input lag are grossly oversimplifying, and I would go as far as to flat out say they are incorrect.



Reads are different from guesses in that they're an uncertain conclusion based on as much information as one can come by. Guessing implies random firings that require little to no investigation or deep thought.



No, you're not going to be able to see Nash's forward dash with enough time for your mind to register and respond with a counter before it's too late. Yes, in Street Fighter 4 and plenty of other past fighting titles, this was not the case.



Reading an opponent requires you constantly gather information about them in order to prepare your movements. This is an incredibly crucial skill when it comes to fighters, and is to an even greater extent within SF5's more committed, less reactive atmosphere.





Reactions and Reads



Problems begin when people subscribe to the idea that a fighting game absolutely must favor reactions over reads, or vice-versa. Nowhere is that written in some be-all end-all fighting game rubric.



In Street Fighter 4, for example, one could identify a forward dash and press a button to counter it. In SF5, the mini game is a bit more broad in that a player must identify their opponent's high probability to dash in, and then stick out preemptive normals to beat it.



There's merit in uncovering what gear an opponent is in, and then shifting to the appropriate counter gear. It can be extremely rewarding to see that a foe is playing conservatively, realize you can likely dash forward and throw and then successfully execute the process.



Maybe you enjoy that as well, and you appreciate it when you see a top level player manipulate a situation to play out in their favor... or maybe that's incredibly boring and you'd exclusively prefer incredible displays of reactions/execution a la EVO Moment 37.



Reactions are flashier and are often more exciting to see happen in the moment, but does a fighting game have to favor reactions more heavily than reads to be considered valid?





The Real Question



In reality, we all probably appreciate both the prepared mental approach and the quick twitch reaction approach each to their own extent.



The problem comes in when we sit down to watch a chess match expecting the pace and action of a shoot out. If you haven't looked at SF5 as more of a cerebral battle, then I urge you to do so and see if your appreciation doesn't grow.



Perhaps the best question to ask: Is this game fun?



That's the subjective question each individual has to answer for themselves, but I very adamantly caution every potential SF5 player to divorce the concepts of traditional and correct.



Think both with an open mind and for yourself. Play what you find fun, and don't base your opinions on subjective standards that others may try to pass off as objective.



If you enjoy the mental duel with less emphasis on reactions, then maybe Street Fighter 5 and its eight frames of input lag are for you. If you play fighting games for the thrill of more immediate adjustments, then perhaps look to another title for enjoyment.



