Super Brawl II was originally scheduled to begin Monday, June 20, 2011, nearly a year from the when the season first began on June 28th, 2010. However, the release date of SSFIV:AE made us move up that date, and then the PlayStation Network forced us to cut the season even shorter. We lost the final live event of the season (second Survivor Series), made the Prize Matches earned at the second 2vs2 Tournament worthless, and finally erased the third Ryder Cup tournament. Somehow, I don't think the people at EVO have to deal with such disrespect for their event! But I digress... In the end, everything worked out as we are in the middle of an exciting Super Brawl tournament. I, personally, have had both of my fighters eliminated which gives me some free time to play other games (still trying to play the first InFamous...now that it is free to everyone!) and I have begun planning for the third season of the SFCCL. But before I do that, it is time for my annual SFCCL Reflections blogs.
As I wrote earlier, I am combining the Past and Present Reflections blog into one to save some time. In this blog, I will write about some more of my previous SF experiences in the old days for laughs as well as the long yet exciting season. My next (and final) Reflections blog will have the full details of the third season since the theme will be the Future of the SFCCL.
As I did in last year's Reflections blog, I will ask the same trivia question. How many matches were scheduled this season? In your calculations, please include the launch of the season on June 28th all the way thru the end of Super Brawl II tournament which includes all Prize matches, all Ryder Cup matches, and all Fall Brawl matches. Do not include any live event matches. At the end of this blog, I will give you the answer. Could it be more or less than last season's total of 1,400 matches? Stay tuned...
As I've written many times before, the origins of the SFCCL go back to my living room days of playing SFII with family and friends. The champion and contenders system we used way back then (about 18 years now) we still use today. However, for the first time, that system will change for next season due to some of the problem this league has encountered these past two online seasons. In 2011, we saw the 20th anniversary of the release of that first Street Fighter game called The World Warrior. After my all-day marathon playing on Thanksgiving Day in 1992, the SFCCL was basically born. Well, at least offline it was...
There was even the possibility of creating an online SF league on the Super Nintendo console. In 1995, gaming magazines and local game stores began advertising a little purple add-on called XBand. The attachment would attach to some of the most popular Super Nintendo & Sega Genesis games and allow you to play "online". Now, for those members reading this that just got out of diapers, playing "online" was something so new and strange at that time that most gamers just didn't understand or trust it. And for good reason. The internet was just beginning at the time, so word of mouth and literal advertisements were the best ways XBand could expand their service since the creators, Catapult Entertainment, had very limited funds. Now, for those of you who complain about the lag when playing SSFIV on the PS3, imagine trying to play over a dial-up service. If memory serves me right, it wasn't that bad. There was a slight delay in executing moves, not enough to mess up your attacks, but enough to know you were playing something different.
XBand allowed you to play anyone, anytime, anywhere in the US. Now, since it was such a new piece of technology, at its height, XBand only had 7,000 users across the country. A small number, by any standard. And since it used your home telephone line (people still have those, right?) to connect you to other opponents, you could only play people in your same zip code for free. Otherwise, you had to pay for an XBand service that allowed you people in different area codes, but that still meant you had to pay for your long-distance fees. During this time, I began thinking about an online league. Knowing not many people had XBand accounts, I knew the league would be small. Still, the idea of playing someone in New York or California from the comfort of my home really excited me. What I didn't think of at the time, but soon learned, was how not everyone "online" would act as if they were there in front of you in person. In other words, some people actually act different "online" than they do in real life. Good thing that doesn't happen in today's age of technology, right? Just ask Congressman Anthony Weiner. :D
Due to its dependence on phone line connections, one of drawbacks of using XBand that I discovered the hard way was people could get your home phone number if they had Called ID. When being matched up, one gamers’ console would call another gamers’ console. Again, this was a time before cell phones were a common household item so your home land line was a major part of life. You had to be sure no one answered the phone when you knew XBand was calling in or out. If you had called ID (a new concept at the time), you can then get the name and home phone number of your opponent. While some, like me could care less who I was playing outside of their "online screen name", some people would write those names and numbers down. They would use that information to begin calling you directly. Some conversations were friendly and casual while others used it for harassment. No matter if you played nationally or locally, every community had a player who thought he was the best in the world in whatever game you played. Whether it was Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat, Killer Instinct, Doom, NBA Jam TE, or Street Fighter, there was always one guy who took the game a little too seriously. Again, good thing we don't have these problems today!
The XBand modem allowed you to create four different screen names. You would receive 'XMail' every week that would list other players in your area, and then you could then message those other gamers to play. This also allowed some people to create online personas to either taunt or be taunted. I quickly found the "best" Street Fighter player in the world in my area. Did you know he lived in the San Antonio area? No, well now you do. His screen name escapes me now, so for this blog, let's call him 'Wolverine'. I never personally played him because of the fact that he thought of himself as the best, and I didn't want to get into a physical altercation with this guy in case I beat him. Remember, when you played someone, you had their name and number. It didn't take long to find out where they lived either. You never know what kind of freaks are out there. Good thing the PSN is safe from people like that.
So instead I just kept my distance. My next-door friend didn't take my advice and began conversing with Wolverine. My friend claimed to know a guy in town who was a national champion at SF & could whip his butt any day. This, of course, drove Wolverine up the wall. He proclaimed to be the "best" player in the world & demanded to play our fictitious champion friend. Unfortunately, this led to Wolverine calling up my friend at 3 AM on any given night to demand the phone number of our fake friend. My friend was still a minor living with his parents at the time, so they were none too pleased to get harassing, threatening calls in the middle of the night. They grounded my friend and took away his XBand. Over time the calls went away, but not after I made a few calls myself to other local gamers to find out who gave Wolverine my friend's phone number. They had never played each other online, only messaged each other. So one of them had to have given my friend's phone number to Wolverine. I quickly learned that while an online SF league would be great someday somewhere, doing it on the XBand was not going to be a realistic option.
The league would be best played offline among friends and family. That way, in case a real fight broke out after a league match between family members, the real-life beat down would be done out of love. Fast forward to 2009, we got to play Street Fighter IV online for the first time on the PSN. Nowadays, we only need to worry about our identities being stolen. Much better if you ask me...
Season two of the SFCCL was a wild and crazy ride. Unlike the inaugural season, I was able to plan the entire season a year in advance. This gave everyone something to look forward to and see what events were coming up. Nonetheless, changes came throughout the year to handle demand and requests from members, which I've always welcomed. Those changes were both positive and negative. Some members requested more live events and tournaments, so I created the Fall Brawl tournament and personally managed all live events. Unfortunately, respected members were banned and/or kicked out of the league for violating league rules. A new region was created for the European members as their numbers grew which gave birth to the Ryder Cup tournament. We saw the Grand Championship change hands quite a few times at the top of the Gold Division.
Originally, the league was going to stay at 32 members only. That number was increased to 40 by the time we actually started playing, and then finally reaching a high of 72 members after the creation of the European Region. At any given time, we had another 30+ members on two separate Waiting Lists. In Week 4, after much debate and voting, a European Region was created to separate all of our Euro members. This new region allowed them to play other members close to their time zone and limited the lag problems most faced when playing members from 'across the pond'. Interest quickly grew in the European Region to expand from 2 to 3 divisions for a total of 24 members. Since most still wanted to play members from other countries occasionally, the separation of regions gave birth to the Ryder Cup tournament. The international tournament would pit the top 4 members from each region in addition to 4 invited members from each region. The last team standing won and claimed the title of "Grand Champion of the SFCCL" for their highest ranking champion. And, of course, bragging rights. The Americas Team won both times ! USA! USA! USA! Unfortunately, due to the circumstances mentioned above, this tournament was only held twice this season. I never received an invite to play. I see how you guys are. (sniff sniff)
With so many new faces and special events, we had many new Grand Champions this year, including the first-ever European Champion:
Season One
1st Champion: Lux_ GUILE (California? / Retired)
2nd Champion: ElGeneral M. BISON (California)
3rd Champion / 6th Champion: ElGeneral GUILE (California)
4th Champion: XxUltimaCloudxX RUFUS (Canada / Banned)
5th Champion / 9th Champion: Skrface13 BLANKA (New Jersey / Retired)
Season Two
7th Champion: Zti890 CAMMY (Louisiana / Retired)
8th Champion / 10th Champion: Zabi- C. VIPER (New York / Retired)
11th Champion: Cuby KEN (Florida)
12th Champion: Fran_Gil BALROG (Dominican Republic)
Current 13th Champion: Epedemicc GOUKEN (New Jersey)
Season Two (began Week 4)
1st Champion: Orkanmuoh23 DHALSIM (Germany / Retired)
2nd Champion / 7th Champion: Shooryukenn BLANKA (England)
3rd Champion: Hedr1984 VEGA (Poland)
4th Champion / Current 9th Champion: Cravin456 RYU (England)
5th Champion: Wauhti ROSE (Finland)
6th Champion: SabishiiRyuu VEGA (Finland / Retired)
8th Champion: Risoh GUY (Germany / Retired)
Agent-Mahone68 ( France , Europe )
Alfredurst ( New Mexico , USA )
Alienbuddha ( Germany , Europe )
Allukko ( Finland , Finland )
Altermore ( England , Europe )
Anakiny2k ( England , Europe )
Angel7775 ( Poland , Europe )
Apbravo83 ( California , USA )
Apple25 ( Kansas , USA )
AuthenticBlaze ( Pennsylvania , USA )
Babushas ( Mexico , International )
Ballin--Ranger ( New York , USA )
BankerD ( California , USA )
BeastGanon ( Ohio , USA )
Benson29 ( Canada , International )
Benzes8199 ( California , USA )
Bkzcharlie ( New York , USA )
BPKing ( Texas , USA )
Brainswho ( Georgia , USA )
Breykdown ( California , USA )
Brooklynese ( Maryland , USA )
Bx-Fr3sh ( New York , USA )
Capitolc ( Maryland , USA )
Carnival_Of_Fist ( Florida , USA )
Ccinoone ( New York , USA )
Chidoridillon ( Minnesota , USA )
Ciigloman ( Australia , International )
Cooi_Breeze ( South Carolina , USA )
CorridorsOfTime ( Netherlands , Europe )
Cravin456 ( England , Europe )
Critikalx ( New Jersey , USA )
CrossOvah ( Germany , Europe )
Crusader884 ( New Jersey , USA )
Cry1ng_W01f_ ( North Carolina , USA )
Csm07cb ( Pennsylvania , USA )
Cuby ( Florida , USA )
CyborgShogun ( Ohio , USA )
Dark_Summon ( International , Europe )
Deliriousidoit ( California , USA )
Deltron2020 ( New York , USA )
DenaycousDee_85 ( Florida , USA )
Devast8nhook ( California , USA )
Dionysus-X ( California , USA )
Dirdamo ( Europe , Spain )
DJ__C--4 ( Guatemala , International )
DJPlace ( New York , USA )
Doctor_Rouse ( South Dakota , USA )
Domokun_Nomnom ( Massachusetts , USA )
DopeUyuu ( California , USA )
Drakonious ( California , USA )
Dromekilla ( California , USA )
Elfonki28 ( Florida , USA )
ElGeneral ( California , USA )
ElSwiveo ( Colorado , USA )
EncodedNybble ( California , USA )
Epedemicc ( New Jersey , USA )
Ever_So_Black ( Kansas , USA )
Feiinweltall ( Texas , USA )
FlameSlayer ( Germany , Europe )
Flashfan7 ( New York , USA )
Flungdungfar ( Nevada , USA )
Fran_Gil ( Dominican Republic , International )
FreyaXI ( Massachusetts , USA )
FrotoTeaBaggin ( California , USA )
FrotoTeaBaggin ( California , USA )
Funkybeans ( Canada , International )
Galstafflol ( New York , USA )
Geinonen ( Europe , Finland )
Gregganarchy ( Jamaica , International )
Gutabo4 ( Peru , International )
GuurenLagen ( Canada , International )
Haduken3 ( Washington , USA )
Hedr1984 ( Poland , Europe )
Helnova ( England , Europe )
HerkulesHulk ( Finland , Europe )
Hollowman1288 ( North Carolina , USA )
Hooko28 ( Iceland , Europe )
HorrorSharkJaws ( Ohio , USA )
HurricaneOfPain ( Kentucky , USA )
Invisigoth47 ( Finland , Europe )
Jamted_12 ( Europe , England )
JamusAeons ( Arizona , USA )
Jay19000 ( Florida , USA )
JJ_King_ ( Iowa , USA )
Johnjpzx ( Texas , USA )
Jok3rfrmbk ( New York , USA )
Jonnitti ( New Jersey , USA )
JonnyHallsworth ( England , Europe )
KadyShack707 ( Canada , International )
Kanienkehaka ( Maryland , USA )
Kcilick ( Canada , International )
KemonoWani ( Finland , Europe )
Ken123103 ( Rhode Island , USA )
Kentizzle77 ( Nebraska , USA )
Killawaun ( Michigan , USA )
Kingniko1 ( Iowa , USA )
King-Sun ( Florida , USA )
Kitori-Sama ( California , USA )
Klesk_1 ( England , Europe )
K-Money83 ( New York , USA )
KomboKaze ( North Carolina , USA )
Kommander-Kev ( Canada , International )
Koudo- ( Canada , International )
Koyfahtna ( Iowa , USA )
Kurokiba13 ( California , USA )
Kyo_Vandit ( California , USA )
Lazyboy32 ( California , USA )
Leagueofitsown ( International , Canada )
LeonHeart1992 ( California , USA )
Lucassng ( Canada , International )
Lucho_83cor ( Sweden , Europe )
Luhy ( Alabama , USA )
Mad_A187 ( Texas , USA )
Manwithnoarms2 ( California , USA )
Marcopolo177 ( California , USA )
Margy ( Florida , USA )
Merkthose ( Maryland , USA )
Metroxylon ( Oregon , USA )
Mikahl757 ( Virginia , USA )
Mikee8728 ( Florida , USA )
MissDiamonds09 ( Germany , Europe )
ModeType_Beast ( Louisiana , USA )
Moduz ( England , Europe )
Mr_Flowers_- ( England , Europe )
ND2130srk ( Virginia , USA )
NEK-Romantik ( California , USA )
Never1Nothing ( Massachusetts , USA )
NoriNY83 ( Texas , USA )
Normalcey ( Canada , International )
Nova979 ( Alaska , USA )
Novalkr ( Florida , USA )
Novalks ( Florida , USA )
Nurska ( Finland , Europe )
OceanicMidnight ( New Jersey , USA )
oOMabansOo ( California , USA )
Orkanmuoh23 ( Germany , Europe )
OsiSii ( California , USA )
Palmerfan ( New Jersey , USA )
Porkloafking ( Michigan , USA )
PutThatCoffeeDwn ( Connecticut , USA )
Puzzller ( England , Europe )
QN-Lisa ( England , Europe )
Raikiri900 ( Georgia , USA )
Raziel_Sinister ( Canada , International )
Red---Ranger ( New York , USA )
RickyTocky ( Pennsylvania , USA )
Risoh ( Germany , Europe )
RobotsInTheSky ( New York , USA )
Robsce1 ( International , Canada )
Rteruyas ( Peru , International )
Rudeboy_2Deep ( England , Europe )
Ryumanjisen ( Spain , Europe )
SabishiiRyuu ( Finland , Europe )
Sakuraba_SRK ( Europe , England )
SBL21 ( Louisiana , USA )
Semaj-Yalcrab ( Europe , England )
Serjery ( Canada , International )
SFCCL-SALonghorn ( Texas , USA )
SFGodfather ( Florida , USA )
Sfunzi ( International , Canada )
Shindubhe ( England , Europe )
ShinNagakure ( England , Europe )
Shooryukenn ( England , Europe )
Shoryuken ( Washington , USA )
Sim2468 ( Germany , Europe )
Sk8dragon ( Sweden , Europe )
Skrface13 ( New Jersey , USA )
SlayerXboxer ( California , USA )
Slingshotjones ( Virginia , USA )
SlxSoldier ( Canada , International )
SolidxPanda ( Arkansas , USA )
StoneHengeMonkey ( England , Europe )
Subes88 ( Finland , Europe )
Suikakuyju ( Europe , Germany )
Super_Ike ( England , Europe )
Supergriff_2010 ( Washington , USA )
SupremeKingQ7 ( Minnesota , USA )
Sweet_Poison_ ( Nebraska , USA )
TG_Rampage_TG ( England , Europe )
TheJunglee ( Canada , International )
TheReal_Mr_Karat ( Washington , USA )
TheTerrorShark ( California , USA )
Tigerz_Bone_21 ( Canada , International )
To1v11v1y ( England , Europe )
Tokenluis ( California , USA )
TrickyTewi ( California , USA )
T-Roy_90 ( England , Europe )
Ugo23 ( New Jersey , USA )
URPunished ( New York , International )
VainHero ( California , USA )
Velicoso ( Florida , USA )
Vicente916bboy ( California , USA )
Wauhti ( Finland , Europe )
Wild_X_187 ( New York , USA )
Wrecklessguy ( Canada , International )
xx_Von_xx ( Minnesota , USA )
XxUltimaCloudxX ( Canada , International )
Yaysian ( Florida , USA )
Zabi- ( New York , USA )
Zekenasty5 ( New Jersey , USA )
ZTI890 ( Louisiana , USA )
The answer to trivia question #2: 201 players, which includes the final 38 members participating in Super Brawl II. I want to thank everyone and anyone who was a part of this season, either in a very big way or even a small way, for making this season bigger and better than the first. Again, thank you for your commitment, your interest, and your faith in my little SF league. I am truly humbled that so many wanted to play.
This next list is something even more impressive. I wanted to be sure to highlight the current members participating in Super Brawl II that have been here the longest. First, there are two members who have been involved from the very beginning, since March 2009, nearly 28 months (less the 2 month break between season 1 and season 2):
1 . ElGeneral ( California ) Season 1 Opening Tournament
2 . SFCCL-SALonghorn ( Texas ) Season 1 Opening Tournament
Yes, this list includes me. (Now standing to hear my ovation...ok, please be seated)
I am very proud, despite my limited time to play everyday, that I've played every single match scheduled during season one and two as well as participating in every live event. Part of that is my duty to the league, but don't doubt that I didn't have fun in every match, win or lose. To ElGeneral - my friend, thank you for you undying commitment. You have made your mark in this league and it is as much yours as it is mine. The way other members regard you speaks volumes in this league where so many demand respect without earning it. Again, thank you.
The next group of members have also been very committed to this league and deserve special recognition for their commitment. It's because of members like ElGeneral above and the following that have given this league its reputation among SF players. These fighters have followed the simple rules that so many could not. These members played week in and week out. These were the members that I didn’t have to worry about inactivity. They shared my basic interest in creating this league - to play for fun. These members first joined the SFCCL during season one after the opening tournament and have continued to play to this date:
PSN Screen Name ( Home ) Season Joined
1 . EncodedNybble ( California ) Season 1 Week 4
2 . Capitolc ( Maryland ) Season 1 Week 5
3 . Wild_X_187 ( New York ) Season 1 Week 13
4 . xx_Von_xx ( Minnesota ) Season 1 Week 14
5 . Ccinoone ( New York ) Season 1 Week 15
6 . Epedemicc ( New Jersey ) Season 1 Week 17
7 . Fran_Gil ( Dominican Republic ) Season 1 Week 21
8 . Feiinweltall ( Texas ) Season 1 Week 22
9 . Haduken3 ( Washington ) Season 1 Super Brawl
We all vary in skill level, but each member is an unbeatable in their commitment to the league. To each and every one of you, thank you. It’s because of your commitment that makes me want to continue the league for the foreseeable future. It is a quite a feat for each of you to still be playing in the league for the entire season. (now standing and applauding)
The final list I want to bring recognition to is a list of members that joined the league somewhere during season two. They are participating in Super Brawl II in addition to those members listed above. We began nearly a year ago on June 28, 2010, and as we moved along all year, some members returned after brief absence while other members joined just a few weeks ago. Each of these members have made their mark this season simply by playing.
PSN Screen Name ( Home ) Season Joined
1 . Manwithnoarms2 ( California ) Season 2 Week 2
2 . Hedr1984 ( Poland ) Season 2 Week 2
3 . GuurenLagen ( Canada ) Season 2 Week 4
4 . Shooryukenn ( England ) Season 2 Week 4
5 . Wauhti ( Finland ) Season 2 Week 4
6 . Chidoridillon ( Minnesota ) Season 2 Week 6
7 . Cuby ( Florida ) Season 2 Week 8
8 . Shoryuken ( Washington ) Season 2 Week 10
9 . Sweet_Poison_ ( Nebraska ) Season 2 Week 10
10 . Rudeboy_2Deep ( England ) Season 2 Week 10
11 . Cravin456 ( England ) Season 2 Week 11
12 . Domokun_Nomnom ( Massachusetts ) Season 2 Week 12
13 . T-Roy_90 ( England ) Season 2 Week 12
14 . RickyTocky ( Pennsylvania ) Season 2 Week 13
15 . ModeType_Beast ( Louisiana ) Season 2 Week 14
16 . Altermore ( England ) Season 2 Week 16
17 . Alfredurst ( New Mexico ) Season 2 Week 18
18 . DJ__C--4 ( Guatemala ) Season 2 Week 18
19 . ElSwiveo ( Colorado ) Season 2 Week 20
20 . Kommander-Kev ( Canada ) Season 2 Week 20
21 . ND2130srk ( Virginia ) Season 2 Week 20
22 . TrickyTewi ( California ) Season 2 Week 20
23 . MissDiamonds09 ( Germany ) Season 2 Week 20
24 . Raziel_Sinister ( Canada ) Season 2 Super Brawl II invite
25 . Rteruyas ( Peru ) Season 2 Super Brawl II invite
26 . Serjery ( Canada ) Season 2 Super Brawl II invite
27 . ZTI890 ( Louisiana ) Season 2 Super Brawl II invite
Again, thank you all for your commitment for playing this season. I hope you have enjoyed yourself all year long and that this experience was worth all of the PSN messages that you had to endure from me, and other members! I've said it many times before, and I'll never tire of saying it. This league may be my creation, but without all of its members, it is nothing. The real life people that take the time to play each and every day are the real life blood of the SFCCL. I am just the caretaker of it!
Weeks 1 thru 3 = 136 matches (prior to European Region)
Weeks 4 thru 8 = 326 matches (including Prize Matches)
Weeks 9 thru 10 = 142 matches (including Ryder Cup I tournament)
Weeks 11 Fall Brawl = 135 matches
Weeks 12 thru 16 = 377 matches (including Ryder Cup II tournament and Prize Matches)
Weeks 17 thru 20 = 254 matches (including Prize Matches and interrupted Week 20 by PSN 'disruption')
Week 21 = no matches official scheduled since PSN outage prevented anyone from playing
SUPER BRAWL II tournament = 71 matches scheduled
Total number of matches scheduled for the second season of the SFCCL = 1,441 matches
Season two did surpass the first season by a total of 41 matches. Note, season one did play a full 25-week schedule, but started off much smaller. Season two was supposed to have 25 weeks as well as carrying more members. Despite the season being cut short by 5 weeks due to the PSN outage and the pending release of SSFIV:AE, season two proved to me much more successful in every way over season one. As I said last year, un-f’n-believable! You guys really need to get another hobby! In all seriousness, thank you.
My next blog (which I hope to post by this Saturday) will discuss the Future of the SFCCL, specifically, the full details of season three. Stay tuned!!! I've contacted our resident graphics artist ShinNagakure from England to begin working on new art for the new season. His work from this past season is featured throughout this Reflections blog.
PS - don't forget that the soft deadline for 2nd Round matches for Super Brawl II is this Saturday, June 11th. As of this blog, 5 matches remain open. Please play ASAP! Good luck to the remaining fighters.