It’s a damn shame they had to take out a lot of the features that 3rd strike had in four =/.

nah its not so much of a shame…i was a bit disappointed by 4 initially..but when i got it home…i began to really be happy that its NOT a rehash of my beloved 3s..

3s isnt going anywhere you can always go back and play it

as for 4..i like the focus system…it can be used as a parry but doesnt have as much of a TECHNICAL learning curve as its 3s cousin…
while its easier to execute..the doors that open up from the focus attack lead to alot of the mental meta game that exists in 3s, its easy to do a FA, but hard to totally implement it into your game…compared to parries which are unncesesarily hard (like memorizing a level in gradius or ikaruga..both games i <3) to execute and then you have to bring it into your play style…

another nice thing about the focus attack as since it doesnt require frame by frame knowledge…it can be enjoyed at the beginner level as well as taken advantage of at high levels of play

PLUS! in todays world of online gameplay, the parry system might fall apart with the slightest bit of lag, whether they intended to or not, the focus attack elegantly handles the situation by creating a tech similar to a parry that wont be as hampered by online connections…

were a long way from in game animation in 3d matching up to the beautiful sprite work of 3s, but the dynamic camera’s during the ultra are a welcome addition. if only theyd add a freaking lobby system already…