Evo 2014 Fighting Game Tournament Day 2: Highlights

They're destined to do this forever.

As you might expect, the second day of Evo 2014 was filled with many hours of fantastic high-level fighting game matches. There was even a bit of upcoming game news sprinkled in! The whole event can be a lot to take in, so let's look at a handful of highlights:

Super Street Fighter II Turbo proved yet again that it still has some life left. The match above is the 3 on 3 "X-Mania USA" grand final featuring Team M3 versus Team Japan 2. There was some solid play here, especially from Mao: a Vega player with a personality the size of the moon. Like many, I still absolutely adore this game, and it does the heart good to see it get a bit more time in the spotlight.

Evo 2014 Day 2 Closes with Street Fighter Matador Vega Short Film

Yodelayhee!

After the evening's final Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 matches, Evo 2014 Day 2 finished with a screening of Chubby Boy Films' short film Matador, an origin story for Street Fighter II boss character Vega (or Balrog if you prefer the original Japanese name.) If such things interest you, a Youtube upload is already available:

When Fighting Games and The Powerpuff Girls Collide

Here they come, just in time.

I love fighting games, and I love The Powerpuff Girls. As I watched a bit of Evo 2014 today, I saw the two worlds collide. I almost can't believe I'm posting about such a trivial thing, but I have to give props to player JuniorSauce666 for rocking a Powerpuff Girls shirt while playing Killer Instinct:

Fighting Game FanArt Frenzy

In honor of the Evolution 2014 fighting game tournament (taking place this weekend, July 11-13), it seemed appropriate to showcase characters from some of its featured games in the latest edition of FanArt Frenzy. No need for flowery, silly text up front — let's just jump right in!

This gorgeous illustration of Jin Kazama from the Tekken series comes from DeviantArt's istdog.

What a Tease! Ed Boon ReTweets Mortal Kombat X Predator Image

The Ultimate Dance-Off

Mortal Kombat creator and creative director Ed Boon recently "re-tweeted" a fan image of Scorpion staring down a Predator, complete with Mortal Kombat X logo. As you might expect, many of those that follow the goings on of the fighting game world found the idea rather exciting. The re-tweet got plenty of attention:

Mortal Kombat X Gameplay Looks to be a Solid Progression (E3 2014)

Scorpion and Sub-Zero face off in Mortal Kombat X

The recent Mortal Kombat X teaser had many assuming stage interactables ala Injustice would be a major part of the gameplay. There seemed to be a big focus on Scorpion and Sub-Zero using the environment around them to beat each other down for the umpteenth time. Sony's presentation at E3 2014 featured our first glimpse of actual gameplay, and interactables do indeed seem to be a big part of the game moving forward. Here's what we've seen thus far:

Fighting Game Single-Player Modes are Important Too!

While I love the Street Fighter IV series, I have long been of the belief that its single-player modes leave a bit to be desired. Even the Arcade Mode seems to lack the same "cool factor" that some past iterations had. The opening and ending cut-scenes often feel overly random, and the only special feature as you make your way to Seth, SF4's final boss, is the "Fight Your Rival!" match that offers little more than some fun in-match banter from the characters. Beyond Arcade Mode, the single-player experience essentially only extends to the obligatory Training Mode and Trials. You can participate in classic Street Fighter mini-games such as car crushing and barrel smashing as well, but their nostalgic allure only goes so far.