Some thoughts...

I was just thinking.
You know how Sega claims that Taka does not fit (ahem... his size does not matter, really) into the VF mainframe. There is some merit in it, or so I think.
N2 IS powerful enough to do Taka, even with better fat rippling and reaction. So why?
A year ago, I posted on VF4 (during VF3tb days). I was going on about the characters' future in VF4... and for Taka I recall going:

"Just a sumo ring? There really isn't much room for improvement for Taka."

Which is quite true. Taka as a character is pretty much confined. He can't slim down or he'll lose his image as a sumo wrestler. And with VF3's undulation and irregular rings, a traditional sumo ring was possible. But VF4? I don't know if AM2 is kicking him out because they won't make an exception for him (not fitting into the mainframe)...square stages for everyone etc. This doesn't seem a very good reason but it is possible.

Also, if the entire crew is returning minus Taka with Lei-Fei and Vanessa (Is it Louis or Lewis?), this would mean there would be 13 playable characters. Will the character screen be DOA1- ish (or VF3tb stage selection screen-ish)? Or KOF-ish then? Or will Dural be selectable to make the selection screen more... even? I'm for aesthetic appeal and these little things irk me.

All right, more stuff that are more pleasing and less confusing.

Consider this equation.

Lara Croft's garb + Halle Berry's X-Men Storm image + Sarah Bryant + Helena + New DOA3 characters + Jane Fighting Vipers + K, Joe, King KOF + X = Vanessa.

1. Lara Croft's garb: Her suit is pretty remnisicent of the Tomb Raider herself, save the colour combo.
2. Halle Berry's X-Men Storm image. I'm right, aren't I? She DOES look like her. The white hair, down to those chi-chi footwear.
3. Sarah Bryant. She's got the appeal, just like good old Sarah. What appeal? *Ahem* - hint, hint. She looks good.
4. Helena? Same storyline. Both are out to avenge their fathers. Can we have more original storylines? If there's one thing that VF4 could do to pick up the sluggish market it would be a better integration of storyline. One factor that made Tekken stand out. Darn.
5. New DOA3 characters. Is white hair the rage? Two new characters with white hair for the 3rd version. And with KOF 99 and 00, this rage will definitely go on.
6. Jane of Fighting Vipers. Before the pic of Vanessa came out I had this impression of her as Jane of FV. You know, that masculine Marine wannabe who has this horrible macho image and bleagh voice (actually this is the case only in FV2. She was quite cool in FV1. Longer hair, commando look etc. but that's not the pt here.) Security officer...gun...you get the picture.
7. KOF characters. K's white hair and leather ensemble... maybe a bro-sis combo. Yah right. And with Muay Thai coming our way ala King and Joe of KOF (better implemented hopefully) we'll be seeing more vicious groin knee attacks than Sarah's b+P+G.
8. X. The X factor!!! Despite what she's made of she does seem so COOL and different. Sega's slow churning of characters help us appreciate characters more than KOF for that matter, or even Tekken and DOA2. Counting that Sega does not discard characters like trash ala Tekken and KOF, it does matter (apart from out fat friend Taka).

Conclusion? We're on our way to seeing some ass being kicked around.



<font color=orange>Imagine losing to this bozo...</font color=orange>

 

Interesting thoughts....IN terms of gameplay for the new characters - you think they are going to be more VF style, or maybe take a turn towards being more "DOAish"?

"Victory can be anticipated, but not assured" Sun-Tzu

 

http://www.dailyradar.co.uk/news/game_news_1829.html

3 new characters. Seems that there is no more hope for Taka.


<font color=orange>Imagine losing to this bozo...</font color=orange>

 

Well that newsstory was back from february.
I clearly remember an interview in which it was stated that there would be two new characters: Lie-Fei (or whatever) and a female, who has recently been presented: Vanessa.
There would have been some follow up on that story if it weren't a mistake, which I believe it is, unfortunately (you can never have enough characters, as long as they are well done, IMO).

 

A quick response:

- "Not fitting" isn't Sega's official reason...their official reason is that Taka is too unpopular...the "not fitting" thing is our speculation. Or mine, at least...

- The linked article is pretty old...from way back February. If I'm not wrong, there's only 2 new characters planned. Or will Sega provide a replacement for Taka?! If they do I would be impressed, because it proves at least it's not a lack of time/resources that Taka is being excluded.

 

Get to Work!!!/versus/images/icons/smile.gif
Just kidding.

-<font color=white>Ghost</font color=white><font color=blue>DOG</font color=blue>