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Character Battle VII Contest Analysis Crew - Part 2

Master Moltar | Posted 10/16/2008 10:21:23 PM | message detail | #451
tomorrow's match *should* be a dud. Auron's not competing with this pack, but with Sonic - he wants to show that he can outdo Sonic's percentage against Magus and the Bag, and while it's not a fair comparison, if he does I'd say he's reachieved favourite status. the only thing holding him back is Rydia, who I think isn't going to do all that well, but given how Kain performed I'd say that it's possible Cecil held Zack back a bit. so if Auron gets 40% here I'd say he's in great shape.

second place should be Sub-Zero. my concern here is twofold - Scorpion didn't look very good, and Fenix could be stronger on the basis of the Xbox characters doing pretty well this year. that said, I always saw Fenix voters as people who just didn't care about the others too much - he'll get his 15% or whatever, but with a casual draw like Sub-Zero I don't think he'll be much of a threat. he's weaker than Freeman, who Sub beat last year in this format. gotta go with Sub-Zero.

as for Rydia, people keep talking about her picture, but I don't think it even matters. I thought we got over this TJF thing in 2004.

Sandobaggu-kun~
better than lame one-liners
the black wind got owned

transience's prediction:

Auron - 39.78%
Sub-Zero - 26.67%
Marcus Fenix - 18.55%
Rydia - 15%



Ngamer’s Analysis

Oh man, this is one of the most intense nights in Contest history. Magus has blown a 2100 vote lead on Sandy and allowed the Bag to climb out to a 400 vote lead of his own, but now we're into the final two hours and he's attempting an epic Frogish comeback to save everyone's brackets (well not mine, but everyone else's). There was talk of trying to get a Magus rally going, but the trouble is- the boards have died! Only moments before Sandman surged into the lead the boards went down, and no one could post their disgust for about 85 minutes. Then they were back up for like an hour, but 45 minutes ago they passed away again and still haven't returned to life. If they don't come back up soon, and STAY up, this is going to be devastating for the Oracle. Not to mention Crew fans, who obviously will be pulling out their hair because they can't read my writeup before the match starts!

This is so wild that I have to get back to refreshing the boards and poll to see how this plays out, so let's keep this outlook on tomorrow a little bit shorter.

Last Known Values:
Auron - 34.73% (2007)
Sub-Zero - 23.80% (2007)
Marcus - 20.84% (2007)
Rydia - new

Actually a pretty cool match here... or at least potentially it could be. Auron will roll out to an easy win of course, but I don't think he fully cements himself as the winner over Sonic/Sandbag/Magus(?) next round, just based on the percentage he'll pull down. BUT, he's only going to appear to have had a bad showing, when in reality it will just be a matter of having to split some of his votes with Rydia, and actually he'll be in the clear once she's out of the way next round. Speaking of Rydia, I expect a pretty good result from her. Kain impressed us the other day, and I hear that Ry is decently well-liked by FF4 fans as well, which when added to her getting without a doubt the biggest pic advantage of the entire round (seriously, just wow) should spell good things for Miss Mist.
Master Moltar | Posted 10/16/2008 10:21:58 PM | message detail | #452
Unfortunately she was placed in such an unwinnable position. Not only is Sub-Zero a proven upper midcarder, but fighting games have always done well in this format, plus he's the face of the upcoming DC vs MK fighter. Which... might help him a little. Then there's Marcus, another guy who proved himself as legit last year, and this time around the 360 vote has only gotten stronger, plus he's also got an even more hyped release coming right up in Gears 2. When you add the fact that all 4 of these options got awesome pics and that AURON is sharing the poll, I'm afraid I don't see any way for Rydia to stay out of the basement here no matter how much she impresses.

So an Auron win but not really a blowout, with everyone else looking pretty decent as well ought to result in something like...

Auron - 37.09%
Sub-Zero - 24.09%
Marcus Fenix - 21.25%
Rydia Mist - 17.56%

Uhh... sure! *back to mashing F5*

Ngamer Says: Auron > Subby



Guest’s Analysis - BDawg

Well, Round 1 is winding down so it's time for nobodies to step up and help the crew out. Now this match seems pretty straightforward and it probably is, but it's about those darn percentages. With Sonic laying a meh (although really that's nothing new these days SNOIC TEAM) people will be trying to hype Auron. Personally I doubt it can happen but let's get down to THIS match.

Auron: a proven veteran and elite from FFX. Auron has been around the block a few times and has the unfortunate habit of running into FF7 and getting humiliated. And...whoops there's Sephiroth down the road. But anyway, in his proven matches he's looked good, and he's managed to go from nearly 46% on Ganon to 45.5% on Crono. He also looked fine last year in this format, cruising past Ryu and Bowser until Cloud cheap-shotted him and let Ryu sneak past.

Sub-zero: proven midcarder from Mortal Kombat fighters. Subby made his debut in '06 by joining the "I embarrassed Master Chief" club (looking for new members this year.) Last year he looked good hanging with Sonic in round 1, but after the Smash-roids he looked pretty average beating Gordon and losing to SFFed Sora.

Marcus Fenix: low-midcarder from Gears of War. Fenix made his debut last year and managed to get to the 3rd round with a mixture of surprise strength and lucky placement. Hanging around Kefka and pre-MGS4 Ocelet is all well and good, but even a SFFed Auron handled him easily in round 3.

Rydia: newbie alert! The summoner from FF4 makes her debut thanks to the recent remake on the DS. Kain looked pretty decent a few days ago, while Cecil kind of stunk it up in the opening match (but not Jade stench at least). Rydia is probably closer to Cecil if even that (maybe people don't like the paladin pics?) and much like Cecil a more mainstream FF (Zack FEAR) is sitting in the poll with her.

Auron has beaten both Subby and Fenix so there's really no danger for him. Rydia is probably no Kain and Auron might not help her but I think the difference between old/new school Square will be enough to save her from single digits. The only upset potential lies with Sub-zero/Fenix and really it's not too likely. I don't know of much Gears2 hype (whee chainsaw guns?) and Subby just has the better career and no real reason to drop.

Whoops this ran kind of long so after consulting the calculator app I get...
Auron: 38.8%
Sub-zero: 27.4%
Marcus: 22.1%
Rydia: 11.7%



Crew Consensus: Auron > Subby no sweat
DpObliVion | Posted 10/16/2008 10:26:16 PM | message detail | #453
Dp's Unofficial Quick Disappointed Analysis:

****ing Sandbag....oh well, at least the good thing is he was close enough to Magus that you can hope Auron will step up and put an end to him next round before he becomes the next L-Block.

And so, from the character who's surprising success is most pissing me off this year, we go to the character who's surprising success most pissed me off last year.

Seriously, wtf, Marcus.

Unfortunately for Marcus, this time around he gets to face some decent opponents in the first round, including a very mainstream Sub-Zero and a Final Fantasy star in Auron. So, yeah, overrated due to his matchups last year, he sees his advantage wiped, plus Gears of War hasn't had much excitement since last year and MC disappointed greatly.

Question is will Rydia SFF Auron enough to make this interesting, and I say no, because Auron is too strong and FFIV sucks.

Dp's bracket says: Auron > Sub-Zero

Dp's prediction is: Auron > Sub-Zero

Confidence: 95%

Auron - 41%
Sub-Zero - 26%
Marcus - 19%
Rydia - 14%

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NEW YORK GIANTS: SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!
Shea Stadium - My home. You will be missed. 1964-2008
gamer88coool | Posted 10/16/2008 10:56:33 PM | message detail | #454
Mr. Marcus has a surprise for the crew.
AN EPIC WIN!!11!
Ngamer64 | Posted 10/16/2008 11:16:00 PM | message detail | #455
I thought we got over this TJF thing in 2004.

Whoops, apparently not!

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trannyscience | Posted 10/16/2008 11:23:38 PM | message detail | #456
I'll buy an FF4DS boost over a picture. she looks about where i pegged her, maybe a couple points higher. we'll see where she settles.
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xyzzy
http://users.tpg.com.au/112358//85454546braidav.gif
Chaotic Mind | Posted 10/17/2008 12:50:59 AM | message detail | #457
**** SANDBAG.

Ahem. Moltar if no one's called it yet i'd like to be the guest for Wario/Zack/Link/Zidane.
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Proud member of the A1 Steak Sauce Guild
transience | Posted 10/17/2008 12:52:48 AM | message detail | #458
'tis taken.

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/genmessage.php?board=8&topic=45974461
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xyzzy
la la la you're dead la la la la we killed you la la la
Gaddswell | Posted 10/17/2008 12:56:12 AM | message detail | #459
Another Lopen upset comes true?
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sig
Chaotic Mind | Posted 10/17/2008 12:57:04 AM | message detail | #460
Ah. Oh well. I suppose it's too early to call dibs on the Zack/Link/Duke/Altair match?
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Proud member of the A1 Steak Sauce Guild
Master Moltar | Posted 10/17/2008 10:37:20 AM | message detail | #461
Commander Shepard......13.38% 17631
Magus....................................24.8% 32683
Sandbag.............................24.99% 32924
Sonic the Hedgehog........36.83% 48531
TOTAL VOTES...............................131769

What Happened - Shepard doesn't flop, and Sonic doesn't look strong. However, the real story is the battle for second. Magus started out well and pulled ahead with the night vote. By time the ASV rolled around, Magus had a lead of 2100 votes. Surely, he was safe, right? Nope! Sandbag pulled a Master Hand and dominated the ASV, taking second place with a few hours to go. It then held it out for the rest of the night.


Why it Happened - Well, JokeFAQs is in full force, and while Magus didn't just give up in the first few hours, Sandbag had legitimate trends, which made it deadly in the ASV like Master Hand. Sonic looked awful early, but he recovers and doesn't end up looking TOO bad. I mean, he looks to be back at 2007 R1 strength or something, which is low, but it's not like he's fallen drastically. Besides, Sandbag could have snatched some of his support.


What Will Happen - With another Sonic/Sand split in Round 2, Auron is looking great for first.


Crew Prediction Challenge - Yay everyone (except Lopen)!

Yoblazer - 21
Ngamer - 20
Tran - 19
HM - 18
Moltar - 17
Guest - 16
Lopen - 14


Crew Accuracy Challenge - Yo gets the point for Sonic, Ngamer gets the point for Sand and Shepard, and Tran gets the point for Magus

Yoblazer - 23
Ngamer - 23
Moltar - 21
HM - 20
Tran - 16
Lopen - 14
Guest (War, KP (2), Dp, Justin, greatone, Ngirl (2), gamer, satai, Klennex, Luis) - 12
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Moltar Status: augh
Auron/Marcus/Rydia/Sub-Zero - Bracket: Auron > Sub-Zero - Vote: Auron (89/116)
LeonhartFour | Posted 10/17/2008 6:51:29 PM | message detail | #462
I'll buy an FF4DS boost over a picture.

Then what in the world happened to Cecil? If FFIV DS is able to do this, then Cecil should've beaten Wario.

And don't give me Zack/Cecil SFF either! Auron's here with Rydia to sap support away, too.
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Squall Leonhart's Path to the CBVII Championship
Round 1: 1st place, 57296 votes, 45.06%
KleenexTissue50 | Posted 10/17/2008 6:55:07 PM | message detail | #463
Maybe Cecil was SFF'd! Maybe Rydia's getting SFF'd too. I bet she'd beat Sub-Zero without Auron here!
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CB7 Score: 92/116
http://www.rosebride.com/lyn/otakon2k6/chronotrigger.jpg || http://64.81.113.250/a-kon-12/000177.jpg
trannyscience | Posted 10/17/2008 7:16:43 PM | message detail | #464
ever played FF4? I imagine Cecil is unrecognizable to a lot of people with that name and picture.

I dunno.
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xyzzy
http://users.tpg.com.au/112358//85454546braidav.gif
Ngamer64 | Posted 10/17/2008 7:16:48 PM | message detail | #465
Yessss, every day brings us closer to that long-awaited Ng Crew Dual Championship.

I, for one, can't wait!

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LeonhartFour | Posted 10/17/2008 7:17:54 PM | message detail | #466
Yeah, I've played FFIV. I wondered if the pic and the last name would throw everyone off before this contest started.

Besides, who likes Paladin Cecil anyway? Dark Knight is where it's at!
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Squall Leonhart's Path to the CBVII Championship
Round 1: 1st place, 57296 votes, 45.06%
Master Moltar | Posted 10/17/2008 10:12:19 PM | message detail | #467
Division 8: Round 1 - Match 31 – Nana vs. Ratchet vs. Sephiroth vs. Tifa Lockheart

Moltar’s Analysis

Nana
Game/Series Known From: Ice Climbers
2007 Results: N/A

Brawl Character #28…or 27.5, Apparently, Popo isn’t popular enough

Ratchet
Game/Series Known From: Ratchet and Clank
2007 Results: 4th Place in Round 1 vs. Ganondorf, Vergil and Thrall

Because some people like watching Ratchet get slaughtered

Sephiroth
Game/Series Known From: Final Fantasy VII
2007 Results: 1st Place in Round 1 vs. Meta Knight, Peach and CATS
1st Place in Round 2 vs. Fox, Meta Knight and Wario
1st Place in Round 3 vs. Mario, Big Boss and Fox
2nd Place in Round 4 vs. Link, Mario and Vincent
4th Place in Round 5 vs. Link, Cloud and Samus

First Snake, now Samus, I love Seph losing to characters weaker than him

Tifa
Game/Series Known From: Final Fantasy VII
2007 Results: N/A

Oh wow, I forgot she was snubbed last year. Guess her and Aeris take turns or something

Usually I’m not a fan of stupid upsets (see: this contest), but if Tifa actually manages to lose here, that would be hilarious.

Anyway, Sephiroth had a weak four-pack last year, so this is nothing new to him.

“But Moltar!” You scream, “Tifa isn’t weak!” Yeah, I know that, but she’ll seem weak since she’s stuck with Sephiroth. We all know the GameFAQs voters would choose an effeminate guy with silver hair and a long “sword” over a hot chick with huge boobs. She’ll suffer from SFF, however, the question is if she’ll suffer enough so that Ratchet or Nana can sneak by her.

I don’t think so. Ratchet is horribly weak, and Nana…is Nana. Yes she’s in Smash, but it’s not even Ice Climbers. It’s just “Nana”. That will get some votes, but enough to beat an SFF’d Tifa who is most likely going to pull over 20% (can’t see Nana getting half that)?

So yeah, Seph dominates and Tifa gets by. This should be a good indicator of Kratos/Ocelot (believe) chances next round.

Moltar’s Bracket Says: Sephiroth > Tifa

Moltar’s Prediction is: Sephiroth: 52% - Tifa: 25% - Ratchet: 13% - Nana: 10%



Heroic Mario’s Analysis

Not much to talk about today -- Sephiroth dominates, Tifa takes an easy second, and Ratchet/Nana end up with whatever is left to them. The only thing to worth seeing here is how bad Sephiroth SFFs Tifa. If she can't even manage 20% here, I'd say she's in trouble come round 2. Similarly, if for whatever reason, Sephiroth can't even manage 50% here I'd say he's looking pretty bad, though it matters a lot less with him. More than likely, both of them will meet expectations, making for a pretty boring match.

ideally sephiroth ends up below 50% and tifa ends up below 20% snake over cloud and ocelot over tifa here we come

Prediction: Sephiroth - 54% ; Tifa - 24% ; Ratchet - 12% ; Nana - 10%
Bracket: Sephiroth > Tifa
Vote: Sephiroth



Yoblazer’s Analysis

In terms of results, this match is a cinch. In terms of final percentages, this match is pretty darn complicated. The first place winner is 100% certain, the second place winner is about 99.5% certain, but how they finish in relation to each other is up in the air. The range here is immense, and it's liable to do a number on our Oracle predictions even if it doesn't burn our brackets. Let's dissect this interesting little scenario in more detail.

Our competitors today are Nana (Ice Climbers, Smash), Ratchet (Ratchet & Clank series), Sephiroth (OMGFINAL FANTASY VII), and Tifa (OMFG CHESTIES). Sephiroth is the obvious winner, Tifa is the clear runner-up, and the other two are doomed to hilarious failure.
Master Moltar | Posted 10/17/2008 10:12:45 PM | message detail | #468
Board 8 nominated Nana en masse with the general assumption that it would be absolutely hilarious. This confused me at first, and really annoyed me when I found out she made the cut over characters like Rikku, Yuna, and Darth Revan (yes, mother ****ing DARTH Revan). Well, you guys got your wish, and I hope you spend the next 24 hours laughing yourselves silly! Unlike some of our more accomplished joke entrants, Nana will perform as the name entails. She won't get any rofl support; rather, she'll simply be seen as a Smash character no one cares about. Of course, she is the only Nintendo option and her picture is rather colorful, so she'll nibble on a few crumbs.

Ratchet also doesn't have much hope. The likable little lombax is proven fodder, but he should be stronger than Nana. Like her, he stands out amongst the competition, but he's a lot cooler and should have more of a core fanbase than Nana (because, seriously, I mean really and honestly and seriously let's not even argue this).

The true intrigue of today's match rests with Sephiroth and Tifa and their amorous dance of death. We all know Sephiroth will win, but none of us have any idea by how much. I can see Tifa doing well enough to avoid the doubling, Sephiroth unsheathing the Masamune and busting a tripling, or anything in between. We can only look to the past for some measly clues.

Seph himself usually holds up well against Cloud, although he folded to him badly in this format last year. Likewise, Tifa is a hero while Seph is a villain, which gives off the impression that she won't be SFF'D so badly, but we all know that Seph is usually the exception to all villain rules. We don't have much concrete info to roll with here, so I just went down the generic route and gave Sephiroth a doubling. Of course, I'm giving Tifa a bit more credit than most others are, but I think she may hold up surprisingly well. Voters seem to be getting smarter or more strategic about this format, as the top dogs aren't dominating in the same manner they did last year, so Tifa may benefit from that. In addition, she received an absolutely beautiful picture, and that could really aid her in a match this loaded with SFF. I know I was deciding between Seph and Tifa, and that picture has put me squarely in Boobs McGee's corner.

This one is still largely a guessing game, though, so let's just sit back and see who guesses best.

Nana - 9%
Ratchet - 13%
Sephiroth - 52%
Tifa Lockheart - 26%



Popo’s Analysis

WHY THE **** AM I NOT HERE **** YOU NANA

Popo’s Picks: Sephiroth - 12%, Tifa (aka my new nana god i’d do anything to her) - 78%, Ratchet - 10%, ***** who betrayed me: Death



Transience’s Analysis

this is a match that is unpredictable despite the winners being completely obvious. the main question here is, how badly does Sephiroth beat down Tifa?

the answer is tough. we've seen Sephiroth beat down Vincent pretty good, but that was a match with Mario and Link - this is Nana and Ratchet. some people entertained the idea of a Nana upset, but seeing regular Brawl characters bomb hard and Lucas pull in an epic 1.91% update I expect Nana to bomb pretty hard. it might be some weird board 8 joke (why?) but it's not going to appeal outside of board 8. it's like the Midgar Zolom redux.

as for the Seph/Tifa split... I guess a 70/30 split seems reasonable. Seph did that to Auron and Vivi if my memory is correct, and while Tifa's stronger than pre-KH2 Auron, she's also closer related to Sephiroth than Auron is. Sephiroth should come out of this looking gold just because he's up against a lesser entrant from his game and two pieces of big-time fodder. people will probably use this as an argument against Snake but, like when he went up against triple-SFF in round 2 last year, it'll be heavily misleading.

why's Nana in this
where's Aeris, who's got some strength?
on Sephiroth's sword
Master Moltar | Posted 10/17/2008 10:13:37 PM | message detail | #469
transience's prediction:

Sephiroth with 50.59%
Tifa with 25.96%
Ratchet with 13.89%
Nana with 9.56%




Ngamer’s Analysis

What a weird year... Ryu Hayabusa explodes with the Day Vote to easily pound Zero, but now Marcus Fenix and Master Chief can't even use it to hurt FF4 characters? Maybe you could make a case for Xbox acceptance being on the rise, but only in terms of having a greater ability to attract noncommitted voters who in years past would have apathetically supported the Nintendo option they were most familiar with. If that's the case it could explain this bad result from Marcus today- between FFX and TJF and awesome nostalgic ninjas there are plenty of good choices for the casual voter here, which might have hurt his case. But MC was facing a toaster-wearing character who was barely above the fodder line last year, a FF4 character (without TJF), and Professor Layton. There's just no excuse for flopping with the casuals against competition like that, and combined with today it has me seriously wondering if more than 25-30% of the site actually cares about supporting the 360.

And now its time for... well, quite possibly the dullest match of the round, to be perfectly frank. After the excellent polls we've enjoyed the past week though, you can't be too upset about this small lull! Let's see what kind of dirt we have on these four.


Last Known Values:
Sephiroth - 49.25% (2007)
Tifa - 41.01% (2006)
Ratchet - 13.12% (2007)
Nana - new

Still stunned me a moment ago when I realized that Tifa missed the bracket last year. Well, at least she's here for '08 so we can finally get some questions answe- oh wait she's stuck with Seph. GRRRRR. On the plus side at least we get to make a Tifa/Vincent comparison, as Seph shocked me last season by scoring 76% of the vote directly on VV in their one matchup. Granted the presence of Link and Mario must have worked to push Vince further down, but regardless, I see Tifa withstanding SFF way better in this one. The thing to watch for will be if she's able to hold up well enough to seriously threaten against Ocelot or Kratos in the second round. My money is obviously on "no", but heck, the way newer Square has been performing this season I don't want to count anything out. Come on jugs, keep Tifa... afloat!

As for Sephiroth, well... he scores about double whatever Tifa gets, which ought to be about 70% of the votes in the match. Next!

As for Ratchet... ugh, just ugh. Next!

Call me crazy, but I'm expecting to see something decent from Nana tonight. Yes the casuals haven't been clinging to Nintendo as in years past, but when the only other options in the poll are Final Fantasy 7 and a PSX action star that's pathetically weak even BEFORE taking into account any possible Sony SFF, where else can those voters turn? This is the same kind of "sore thumb" argument I'm going to be making for Kirby against MC/BB/Raiden- there's a huge advantage to being the only cutesy/colorful/eye catching/Nintendo option in a room full of mature/Sony choices, and unless your name is Ness you've got to be able to capitalize on that. Now I'm not crazy enough to think this gives Nana any kind of shot at Tifa (Melee/Brawl/bright and colorful can only do so much for someone this incredibly weak normally), but I do see her destroying Ratchet with impressive ease. How does a doubling sound? Eh, that's a bit much... but a 60/40ing doesn't seem out of the question.

So if FF7 eats approx 3/4 of the votes here, and Seph eats about double Tifa's, and Nana like 3/5 Ratchet's, then...

Sephiroth - 50.59%
Tifa Lockheart - 25.16%
Nana - 14.11%
Ratchet - 10.13%

That looks sooooo good.

Ngamer Says: Sephiroth > Tifa
Master Moltar | Posted 10/17/2008 10:14:14 PM | message detail | #470
Guest’s Analysis - Scott_Pilgrim

Because other predictions are for pansies and women, THIS is Scott "Balls Out" Pilgrim's on the fly contest analysis.

First up we have Nana. Wait a minute, take it back now yall. Nana? Seriously? Seifer was just chomping at the bit to get in here and you guys nominate Nana? Well Nana's from Brawl, but from the ways things have been going her Melee appearance is probably more important here. Not that it matters a damn lick because it's Nana and she's going to suck up the house.

Nana gets 6.15%, and a part of me dies for each one.

Next up is Ratchet, stalwart hero from the excellent series of platformers bearing his name...and some other guy named Clank who is a robot. Now, I'm a fan of the Ratchet and Clank series, but I can't see its hero doing all too well in this match. First he's up against two characters from FF7, which is the contest equivilant of being dropped in a vat of acid twice. Second, he's up against two characters from FF7. I don't think Ratchet would be that weak against opponents at his level, but this is FF7 here, and the poor guy doesn't stand a chance.

Ratchet ekes out 14.62%

Sephiroth is next, and this pack is as good as his. The man's the main villain of FF7, and looking at how Cloud looked in his match the FF7 support is alive and well. Sephi has looked beastly in every contest he's been in so I don't even need to explain this one. Sephiroth wont do as well as Cloud thanks to having some SFF in the match, but he's still going to take this 4 pack with ease.

Ira vehementi Sephiroth, 50.23%

Finally is Tifa, also from FF7 and a lock for second place. Tifa is what's going to weaken Sephiroth here, taking away some of his FF7 vote while also getting a sizeable vote of her own. Tifa looked great in 2006, especially against against Samus, so I can see her doing very well here too. While Sephi will drain a lot of her votes I have enough faith in her strength to give her a pretty high percentage. No chance of her upsetting the big man though.

Tifa with a respectable 29%.

For more like this, go to your local library.



Crew Consensus: FF7 wins, Seph > Tifa
ZFS | Posted 10/17/2008 10:17:15 PM | message detail | #471
Time for Ocelot

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kept you waiting, huh
DpObliVion | Posted 10/17/2008 10:36:28 PM | message detail | #472
DpOblivion's Unofficial Quick Analysis:

Hehe, Marcus in last. This pleases me. Let's not bother nominating him next year now.

So, basically, this match comes down to how much ass Sephiroth kicks, especially Tifa's. Could he SFF Tifa enough to drop her out of second, even though she should be miles ahead of the other two in strength?

That probably depends on how strong the joke votes come in for Nana (because Ratchet won't do ****). Nana not only has the advantage of being a joke vote, but she also has the advantage of coming from SSBM/B.

However....it's ****ing Nana. She's not gonna get much of a boost from SSB, because who cares about Nana, and I don't she'll get a great joke vote either. But maybe this is more my refusal to accept joke characters in this contest.

Either way, I say Nana finished 2nd or 4th. If she's strong enough to beat Ratchet, than she's got the following she needs to beat Tifa. That or she completely flops.

Dp's bracket says: Sephiroth > Tifa

Dp's prediction is: Sephiroth > Tifa

Confidence: 80%

Sephiroth - 51%
Tifa - 20%
Nana - 13%
Ratchet - 16%

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NEW YORK GIANTS: SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!
Shea Stadium - My home. You will be missed. 1964-2008
Lopen | Posted 10/17/2008 10:38:22 PM | message detail | #473
Lopen's quick late analysis

Some people are hyping the defeat of Tifa here. Well... look at the garbage she's fighting. Save the hype for next round, please. Even if Tifa only gets 20% of the Tifa/Seph split vote... she's still going to hit like 15%, which is more than these other two jokers can achieve. Ratchet is a guy who's lucky to nab 10% against much of anything in this format. Nana... well hell, okay, think Lucas. Now... remove half the popularity because you've got half the character. Who has played “Ice Climber” anyway? I will enjoy watching her fail utterly.

Personally, though, I think Tifa holds up better than Vincent did against Seph. Vincent is basically Seph lite as far as appeal goes, whereas Tifa has a different character archetype going for her. SFF is more than just what game you're in.

Meanwhile... Sephiroth... this match will be banned in several countries, I think. This may be the most he ever rises in the 4 way format. A little girl, small animals... and the lovely Tifa to take every last inch of his SFF... in one mighty thrust. His... long... throbbing vote bar... quivers in anticipation with the onset of the match... it may start out slightly weaker than expected, but... but soon, it will extend to lengths unseen. As always, he will need a lot of time to erect his strongest performance due to anti voting from the board... I advise you to protect the children, cover their eyes beforehand.

And I can't believe there was a rally to get Brawl character #27 in. Good lord... worst, rally, ever.

Screw you, Popo!

Lopen's prediction:
Sephiroth – 62.69%
Tifa – 22.11%
Ratchet – 10.02%
Nana – 5.18%
---
Master Chief's quest to defeat Cloud: Round 2 - Raiden/Big Boss/Kirby.
Target: 48%. Kain Stronger than Kirby & Big Boss!?!? Believe
transience | Posted 10/17/2008 10:40:29 PM | message detail | #474
whoaaaa Popo
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xyzzy
la la la you're dead la la la la we killed you la la la
Lopen | Posted 10/17/2008 10:44:07 PM | message detail | #475
What's up with the Sephiroth conservativeness.

It's NANA and RATCHET.
---
Master Chief's quest to defeat Cloud: Round 2 - Raiden/Big Boss/Kirby.
Target: 48%. Kain Stronger than Kirby & Big Boss!?!? Believe
KleenexTissue50 | Posted 10/17/2008 10:47:42 PM | message detail | #476
lopen you so silly
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CB7 Score: 92/116
http://www.rosebride.com/lyn/otakon2k6/chronotrigger.jpg || http://64.81.113.250/a-kon-12/000177.jpg
Ngamer64 | Posted 10/17/2008 10:55:42 PM | message detail | #477
Yes, but this is anti-favoriteFAQs. Seph's so obvious for first here than I can't help but see him underperforming on the level of Link/Cloud/Mario/Snake/MC. (Well, not MC, but still.)

Regarding Nana... we just saw the purest form of SSB pull in 25% of the vote against some pretty strong competition. I can't see how Nana could only manage 6-8% after that. I mean yes, Lucas only did 6, but if you think he wasn't destroyed by Kirby, another guy who looked like a Brawler, and a funnier Nintendo joke option you're crazy. The SSB voting base is perhaps smaller this year, but it appears to be remaining loyal; in no poll this year has the "SSB option" fallen under 20% of the total votes. Even when giving up massive amount of votes to L-Block/Dog/WCC, DK and Meta Knight managed to pull in 20, and even when doing awful and getting hurt by Isaac (maybe?) Lucario still managed 20.

I mean, 20 isn't going to be happening for Nana tonight of course, but still, to count her out entirely against Ratchet seems a major mistake.

---
Check out the '08 Guru Site! http://thengamer.com/guru/
Other Hot Content: thengamer.com/xstats | board8.wikia.com
Fayt_Esteed | Posted 10/17/2008 11:06:58 PM | message detail | #478
Fayt's Quick and Unofficial Analysis

What's inarguably the most boring match in all of Round One is coming up! The contenders are...

In the sword corner *cue Ominous Latin Chanting*, Sephiroth!!!
In the Lombax corner, Ratchet!
In the Smash corner, Nana!
In the boobs corner, Tifa!!

Whoa at Marcus Fenix phailing to steal 3rd from Rydia XD

Completely obvious results here: Sephiroth dominates, Tifa takes second, and Ratchet and Nana are totally screwed.

Nana is a Smash character (or better yet, half of one). Too bad it ain't worth jack here.

Ratchet may be from popular games (and he can hold up well to opponents on his level), but this is FF7 (and two characters from it, at that, which should be the equivalent of getting smacked with Lion Heart twice), so he's outta here!

The story here is all about how much Seph gets over Tifa. Sure, she's getting SFF'd, but SFF doesn't mean jack when your opponents are so weak they can't even take advantage of it.

That aside...Ciao! *proceeds to jam to DMC3 A&R battle music*
---
Isaac and Princess Kumatora for SSB4! SSBB Mains: Zelda, Peach, Lucas, Ness
Now we must duel, like two gleaming banjos on a moonlit stoop! -Dimentio, SPM
Ngamer64 | Posted 10/17/2008 11:09:11 PM | message detail | #479
Sephiroth with 40% of the vote at the freeze. For comparison's sake he was already over 43% 5 minutes into his R1 match last year- and that was when he was competing against the all-time Champ of the first 5 minutes, CATS.

Like I said, anti-favoriteFAQs.

---
Check out the '08 Guru Site! http://thengamer.com/guru/
Other Hot Content: thengamer.com/xstats | board8.wikia.com
transience | Posted 10/17/2008 11:22:59 PM | message detail | #480
looks like Ngamer and I should get the point today with epic 50.59% predictions.

62% no thanks
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xyzzy
la la la you're dead la la la la we killed you la la la
BDawg | Posted 10/17/2008 11:45:57 PM | message detail | #481
Well, at least my Auron and Subby percentages were not terrible. I'll be back next year, next yeeeeeaaar. Or the games contest I don't know when that was supposed to be.
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Should I start running now?
Lopen | Posted 10/18/2008 12:29:29 AM | message detail | #482
In a just world Seph would have 62%

What is this nonsense.
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Master Chief's quest to defeat Cloud: Round 2 - Raiden/Big Boss/Kirby.
Target: 48%. Kain Stronger than Kirby & Big Boss!?!? Believe
transience | Posted 10/18/2008 2:14:16 AM | message detail | #483
Lopen'd
---
xyzzy
la la la you're dead la la la la we killed you la la la
satai_delenn | Posted 10/18/2008 5:49:03 AM | message detail | #484
Damn you, Lopen...! Everything you predict refuses to happen!

Okay, here's what we're going to do. For Monday's match, you predict the following:

Wario - 65%
Link - 25%
Zack - 5%
Zidane - 5%

That way, Zack and Zidane will tie for first with like 40% each and it'll be great.
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Attention, all yoctograms! (It's x2) DIE!
MASNAR50 | Posted 10/18/2008 7:09:32 AM | message detail | #485
Yup, seems like Ratchet is unlucky enough to be put in an uneven spot against TWO Final Fantasy characters. Just like Akuma was last year. >____< On the other hand, the FF4 cast has seemed to be lagging behind. Maybe cause everyone's playing favorites with newer games. Also, I always thought Nana was the guy Ice Climber and that Popo was the girl. One more thing, can anyone tell me where Tifa's pic is from?
Master Moltar | Posted 10/18/2008 11:03:26 AM | message detail | #486
Auron....................39.5% 50759
Marcus Fenix....16.14% 20745
Rydia..................17.48% 22461
Sub-Zero...........26.88% 34544
TOTAL VOTES..............128509

What Happened - Well this was kind of boring. Auron wins easily, and Subby comes in a distant second. Both did about as expected. However, most didn't expect Fenix to lose to Rydia. Even the day vote couldn't put him over her.

Why it Happened - Nothing unexpected with Auron and Subby, Fenix looks to have dropped since last year. Gears 2 hype isn't big, so it's probably why he wasn't able to look too good. As for Rydia, well, we saw FFIV surprise with Kain, so I guess Rydia is pretty decent as well. Even with Auron here, she was able to beat Fenix. Still...what about Cecil?


What Will Happen - Sonic/Sand/Auron/Sub, Auron got what he needed in order to go into Round 2 as the favorite.


Crew Prediction Challenge - Yay everyone!

Yoblazer - 22
Ngamer - 21
Tran - 20
HM - 19
Moltar - 18
Guest - 17
Lopen - 15


Crew Accuracy Challenge - Tran gets the point for Auron and Sub, Lopen gets the point for Marcus, and Ngamer gets the point for Rydia

Ngamer - 24
Yoblazer - 23
Moltar - 21
HM - 20
Tran - 18
Lopen - 15
Guest (War, KP (2), Dp, Justin, greatone, Ngirl (2), gamer, satai, Klennex, Luis) - 12
---
Moltar Status: augh
Nana/Ratchet/Sephiroth/Tifa - Bracket: Seph > Tifa - Vote: Nana (93/120)
Steiner | Posted 10/18/2008 11:53:36 AM | message detail | #487

MASNAR50 (#485)
Yup, seems like Ratchet is unlucky enough to be put in an uneven spot against TWO Final Fantasy characters. Just like Akuma was last year. >____< On the other hand, the FF4 cast has seemed to be lagging behind. Maybe cause everyone's playing favorites with newer games. Also, I always thought Nana was the guy Ice Climber and that Popo was the girl. One more thing, can anyone tell me where Tifa's pic is from?


Ratchet wouldn't have advanced from any 4 pack in this contest and the FF4 cast has been way overperforming, so




what
---
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Steinershocker/Bacon.png
Can you trust this man to run your site? No.
XxSoulxX | Posted 10/18/2008 7:31:26 PM | message detail | #488
Alright, just sent you the write up.
---
Good Times,
Great Memories
Master Moltar | Posted 10/18/2008 10:13:56 PM | message detail | #489
Division 8: Round 1 - Match 32 – Heavy vs. Jill Valentine vs. Kratos vs. Revolver Ocelot

Moltar’s Analysis

Heavy
Game/Series Known From: Team Fortress
2007 Results: N/A

Insert words here

Jill
Game/Series Known From: Resident Evil
2007 Results: 3rd Place in Round 1 vs. Cloud, Ocelot and Midgar Zolom

Ocelot vs. Jill Round 2 - The REmatch

Kratos
Game/Series Known From: God of War
2007 Results: 1st Place in Round 1 vs. DK, Marth and Prince of all Cosmos
1st Place in Round 2 vs. L-Block, Kirby and DK
3rd Place in Round 3 vs. Solid Snake, L-Block and Riku

He will send you back to the depths of Hades

Ocelot
Game/Series Known From: Metal Gear Solid 4
2007 Results: 2nd Place in Round 1 vs. Cloud, Jill and Midgar Zolom
3rd Place in Round 2 vs. Cloud, Marcus Fenix and Kefka

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7315/ocelotpartycd1.gif

Previously, Cloud, who was bored of the annual Character Battles, found something to relieve him. He found a notebook labeled “Contest Note” which allowed him to gain control over the results of the Character Battles. Cloud then promised to restore order to the Contests and become god of this new era of Character Battles.

2: Power

The Setting - Cloud’s home, in his room

Cloud: It’s the final day of Round 1, and so far, everything has gone according to the notebook. With these final two names, I have successfully determined all of Round 1.

???: Hey there.

Cloud: Holy **** who said that?

*Cloud turns around to see a winged creature behind him. He jumps out of his seat, frightened.*

Cloud: Who are you…and what are you?

???: My name is Allen, and I’m a Contestgami.

Cloud: A contestgami? Doesn’t that mean Contest God?

Allen: I guess so, if you want to be all literal like that. *floats over to the notebook* Wow, I see you’ve been writing a lot of names down.

Cloud: You know about the Contest Note?

Allen: Know about it? I’m the one who dropped the notebook into this world.

*Cloud’s eyes lit up after Allen spoke*

Cloud: So you’re the one responsible for giving me this power!

Allen: Well, I didn’t really mean to give it to you. I just dropped it in some random spot, and you were the first to find it.

Cloud: You dropped it?

Allen: Well, I could go into this whole thing about there being a realm above your world where Contestgamis live, and how we all have Contest Notes, and how we’ve all grown bored to writing names in the notebooks so hardly anyone does it anymore, and how I was so bored I decided to drop this Notebook into your world, but I’ll save you the torture.

Cloud: I see…

Allen: So, you’ve realized that this is the real deal, yet still continue to use it?

Cloud: Yeah. *Cloud then picks up the notebook and flips through the pages* I’ve learned a lot about this Notebook over the past month. First, there’s the rule that states ‘The name of the character written in this notebook will lose.’ That’s self-explanatory, as is the rule that states that the character will lose 40 seconds after I write their name down. However, there’s some other additional things about the notebook. The character who I write first loses first, and the character that I write second loses second. Also, I can’t control who takes first or second between the two winners of the match.

*Cloud then puts the notebook back down*

Cloud: I already decided the results for every match in Round 1. I did research on all the competitors, and chose the losers according to that. I also threw in a few surprise upset losers, to keep things unpredictable, but nothing too wild. I even let some of those damn joke characters live, but I will finish them off later.
Master Moltar | Posted 10/18/2008 10:14:25 PM | message detail | #490
Allen: Very impressive. However, you’re missing a few other things about the notebook, such as the fact that once you touched it, it became yours, and now you are binded to it unless you relinquish ownership. Also, touching that notebook allows you to see me.

Cloud: Then why couldn’t I see you before?

Allen: I just got to your world.

Cloud: Oh, well then, can anyone else see you?

Allen: Not unless they touch the notebook. Therefore, I hope it’s okay if I travel around with you.

Cloud: Not a problem. Anyway, it’s been a long day, and Round 2 starts tomorrow, so I’m going to head to bed ear-

Announcer: *from the TV* This just in, we’ll be having one final bonus match to celebrate the end of Round 1. It will be a four-way match between Aeris, Yuna, The Dog, and Jinjo!

Cloud: Ugh, this is pitful. Two joke characters who got it over two legitimate characters worthy of being in this contest. It’s not a problem with this notebook though.

*Cloud opens the notebook, writing down ‘The Dog’ and ‘Jinjo’*

Cloud: It was predictable they lose, but I just want the satisfaction of giving them no choice but to bow to the superior characters.

*40 seconds later, The Dog and Jinjo stop fighting, allowing Tifa and Yuna to defeat them with ease. Immediately after the result, the broadcast stops. The video is replaced with a still moving picture with the letters “El” on it*

???: Greetings world, I am El. I am broadcasting all throughout the world to everyone watching the Character Battle.

Cloud: what is this i don’t even

El: I am informing you, the viewers and participants, that someone or something is manipulating the results of this tournament.

Cloud: No way! How does he know?

El: I am assuming this because of the results of that last match. Before the match, I informed both Aeris and Yuna to lose on purpose, and I told The Dog and Jinjo both to defeat their opponents and to never stop moving. However, what you saw was the opposite.

Cloud: Dammit, a set-up!

El: This has been happening all throughout the tournament after reviewing the footage. The two losers would freeze for a moment, allowing the other characters to defeat them. Then, in the battle for first, that fight would proceed normally. That is why I believe that these results aren’t legitimate. Still, I urge everyone to continue to watch the tournament and fight as if you want to win. If this message doesn’t scare off the thing responsible for all of this, then they will certainly soon be caught, and punishment will be dealt to them for defiling the spirit of these Contests. This thing…who I will deem “Killa”, will be found and justice will be served.

*The broadcast then returns back to the stadium*

Cloud: …

Allen: Well then, looks like someone is on to you already. What are you going to do now.

Cloud: *with a cold glare in his eyes* This El…he thinks he can find and stop me? He says I’m defiling the spirit of the Contests? He threatens to show me justice? What a damn fool. I’m the one restoring order to these contests! I’m the one giving justice to those who deserve it! El, by threatening me with that message, you have become my enemy. Once I find out who you are…you’re done.

~*To Be Continued*~

Well, this should be easy. Kratos should be stronger than all these other characters here, and Heavy is weaker.

The battle for second is between a MGS4-boosted Ocelot and a growing more irrelevant until RE5 comes out Jill. Last year, we saw them face off, and Ocelot won. This year, the margin should only be wider. Hell, I’d consider Ocelot > Kratos before I would Jill > Ocelot.
Master Moltar | Posted 10/18/2008 10:15:04 PM | message detail | #491
So let’s consider Ocelot > Kratos. I want to believe on this upset so badly, but I don’t think MGS4 has boosted Ocelot that high. Kratos not only is pretty darn strong, but has had a PSP game that…actually sold well (c’mon psp games don’t usually sell you know this). This means Kratos may receive a boost himself.

Still, Ocelot MADE MGS4, so don’t count him out!

Moltar’s Bracket Says: Kratos > Ocelot

Moltar’s Prediction is: Kratos: 35% - Ocelot: 30% - Jill: 20% - Heavy: 15%



Heroic Mario’s Analysis

Last match of the round finishes off with a bang -- or hopefully does. Before Big Boss's showing against Kirby, there wouldn't be many considering Ocelot upsetting Kratos here, but it in combination with Liquid's match against Luigi make this one interesting, if the MGS4 boost is as real as it looks. I don't think too many on the Crew are going to bite on it, but Ocelot should be making a match of it in most predictions.

And realistically, Kratos should be favored here -- there's a steep gap between he and Ocelot, one that even a significant MGS4 presence would be hard pressed to make up, and Kratos didn't miss a beat with the switch to this format last year. Add to that Ocelot's poor contest history (losing to Pac-Man, Marcus Fenix last year who just got beat by Rydia damn you breasts) and it should be a no-brainer to most.

thankfully i'm not most and when it comes to metal gear i do love to spin spin spin

If there's one character we're going to be able to judge the MGS4 boost on, it'll be Ocelot. To most people, MGS4 is very much his. Not only is his role on equal footing with Solid Snake (a first even for Ocelot -- who's been in every MGS game), but his many show stealing moments are some of the best in the game ('guns of the patriots' imho). Personally speaking, I know I was as impressed by Ocelot as I was with Snake -- no small feat with how much I liked Snake in this game.

Ocelot has always been one of my favorites, but MGS4 took him from someone who'd get my vote most of the time, but not against stiffer competition -- of which I'd consider Kratos -- to second only behind Snake. I'm sure it was similar for many people -- MGS4 raised opinions on Ocelot, likely by significant amounts. Not even Raiden's makeover is in competition here. Then again, it could not do as much as I'm anticipating, as Ocelot is still a guy who once lost to Pac-Man. I'm bankin' on it being big, though.

With the exception of Snake, who 'only' did well, every MGS character has impressed in this contest. Big Boss nearly matched Snake's percentage against Kirby, Liquid was within 7% of Luigi and looks like a clear favorite to win his round 2 match, Raiden looked against Master Chief, and now it's Ocelot's turn. There's a definite pattern there -- and while Ocelot winning is a stretch, it's not impossible. If nothing else, we're going to see how much the site has moved to the Metal Gear, win or lose.

I mean really people is there even a choice to be made here -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIf50BFFReY

c'mon gamefaqs don't let me down mgs4 game of the forever

Prediction: Ocelot - 36% ; Kratos - 34% ; Jill - 17% ; Heavy - 13%
Bracket: Kratos > Ocelot
Vote: "You're pretty good"


Yoblazer’s Analysis

The final match of Round 1 may look a bit more up in the air than it did a month ago, but I still don't think it'll be too bumpy a ride. Rounding out the longest lap on this two month long race are Heavy (Team Fortress II), Jill Valentine (Resident Evil series), Kratos (God of War series), and Revolver Ocelot (Metal Gear Solid series). Like many other matches we've seen, the two winners are very certain, although their order is less so.
Master Moltar | Posted 10/18/2008 10:15:29 PM | message detail | #492
Like his compatriot Spy earlier in the contest, Heavy has no chance at actually placing. However, his stylishly dressed buddy surprised many people and scored in the mid teens, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if Heavy managed something similar.

Unfortunately, Jill Valentine, one of my favorite characters ever (whom I affectionately refer to as my little Jillybean), also doesn't stand much of a chance at advancing. Resident Evil preeminent diva couldn't defeat Ocelot last year, and that was despite a picture advantage and a weaker Revolver. This year, Ocelot has very likely received a healthy boost, and it's Jill who has the weaker looking picture. It's totally unfair for one of gaming's greats, but sometimes the cards just aren't dealt your way. I hope Jill has some kind of role in the upcoming Resident Evil 5, so that she may return to us soon with renewed enthusiasm and a sizzling new character model. You've got my vote, Ms. Valentine.

Of course, the big confrontation today is between Kratos and Revolver Ocelot. This was a relative no-brainer before the contest started, as Kratos has always been a lot stronger, and last year was no different. However, throughout the past month, Metal Gear Solid characters have been putting on clinic after clinic. From Liquid to Big Boss to Raiden, the MGS representatives have been upstaged only by cream-of-the-crop joke characters in 2008. Judging by the way fans gush over how Ocelot "was" Metal Gear Solid 4, it's very possible that he got the biggest boost of all. As much as I love the sadistic bastard, I find that hard to swallow. He may have been prominent in the game, but Ocelot is still an old man first and foremost, and as such, is probably limited in his general appeal. I understand I may sound smug for voicing this despite not even playing the game, but hey, call it a hunch.

While I think Ocelot will do well (maybe a bit too well - it doesn't seem right predicting him to finish this close to Kratos), I don't expect him to challenge for first place. Despite his overall losing record, Kratos has never really had a bad match. The guy did very well against Alucard and Ryu as he learned the contest ropes, and he had a fine 2007 that probably would have looked better if not for a certain Mr. Block. The way he beat Riku despite sharing the poll with Snake (something Ryu Hayabusa couldn't do) was very impressive to me. Like Ocelot, Kratos also has a reason to boost, although not nearly as much. Chains of Olympus, his most recent release, may only be a PSP game, but it has been received well and has put up over a million sales. It's not MGS4, but intrinsically, this may be the strongest we've ever seen Kratos. Color me surprised if he doesn't win.

Jill Sandwich

Heavy - 14%
Jill Valentine - 22%
Kratos - 34%
Revolver Ocelot - 30%



Lopen’s Analysis

Or as I like to call it ARIES!! vs I'M A MEMBER OF STARS vs I love reloading in battle... uh, I dunno, dude. Gotta love how much Jill Valentine was wasted here, being put against Ocelot who she lost against last year pre MGS4.

Not a terribly interesting match. Kratos SHOULD still win, though I've been hearing talks about this Ocelot > Kratos hype train that I'm tempted to get on right now. I mean, man, did you see how Tidus decimated Donkey Kong? He beat him as badly as Kratos did with DK in there, almost. Did you see how Riku disappointed? How Kirby disappointed? Kinda makes you wonder how strong Kratos really is.
Master Moltar | Posted 10/18/2008 10:16:21 PM | message detail | #493
Meanwhile, MGS people not named Solid Snake (BRAWL DEBOOST) have been on an absolute tear. And while I don't think Liquid Snake impressed that much (my expectations were higher than most) it stands to reason that Ocelot would be more in the league of Raiden as far as a MGS4 gain goes than Liquid. Meaning Ocelot could be quite beastly, here. Plus, I don't think Ocelot really had a chance to spread his wings last year: MGS/FF7 SFF is a very real problem, and Cloud was hawking over him the whole time.

Let's see, Jill nabs 20%, Heavy nabs 15%. That leaves 65% for Kratos and Ocelot. No doubt Ocelot does better in this format than Kratos in my eyes. Kratos is casual bait, whereas Ocelot has the more hardcore following. The problem is, I think the casual bait needs weaker competition to truly thrive... Jill and Heavy should take enough of his support. Do I think Ocelot has a large enough fanbase to get 32.5%+? *looks towards Liquid Snake/Luigi and Raiden/MC match*

Yes, yes I do. Time to analyze against my bracket again whoo. Maybe it'll work this time.

Lopen's prediction:
Revolver Ocelot – 34.61%
Kratos – 32.02%
Jill Valentine – 18.02%
Heavy – 15.35%



Transience’s Analysis

I'm really looking forward to this one. here we've got two up-and-coming characters -- Kratos and Ocelot. Kratos is one of our fastest-growing characters, the next PS3 icon behind Solid Snake, and coming off a PSP game that sold almost a million copies and was very well-received. Kratos looks to be right on the edge of the high midcarders and, when God of War 3 comes out, will likely be up there with Dante in strength. he's one of our most underrated characters because he hasn't had a chance to shine (see also: Leon Kennedy, who everyone was floored by last week).

and then we've got Ocelot. Ocelot has never been all that strong, losing to Pac-Man, getting rocked by Bowser and losing to Marcus Fenix last year. however, we've since had Metal Gear Solid 4, and Ocelot is Metal Gear Solid 4. he's front and center, he's the guy you're chasing the entire game, he's cool and kicks your ass left and right from beginning to end, he's got awesome lines and cinematics, and a great design.

who does that sound like? oh, right. Sephiroth.

when you talk about boosts, Ocelot should have the single biggest one this year. Liquid Snake went from losing handily to Yuna to winning entire hours vs. Luigi -- something Yuna couldn't do the year before despite Ganondorf being in the same poll. if Ocelot benefits like everyone seems to expect - and there's no doubt about who's who with that MGS4 picture - then this could be a very close battle. I'm gonna side with Kratos because I think he's up there with Luigi and Ocelot probably isn't above Liquid pre-MGS4, but I can't wait to gauge MGS4 based on this. if Ocelot rocks Kratos, the MGS4 super-boost is very real, Liquid's beating Luigi and Bowser, Big Boss might advance despite Raiden and oh god the world is ending Snake over L-Block what is going on

as for Jill, RE has looked pretty good, but I think a lot of Chris's success was there two kiddie characters and Tim. she'll probably do decent but not great. Heavy will also do decent, the same as Spy will - my understanding is that he's the face of the game while Spy is the fan favourite. shrug.

Liquid Ocelot
Metal Gear's best character
destroys Solid Snake

transience's prediction:

Kratos with 35.55%
Ocelot with 32.32%
Jill with 18.55%
Heavy with 13.58%
Master Moltar | Posted 10/18/2008 10:16:48 PM | message detail | #494
Ngamer’s Analysis

Impressive hold from Tifa today; this certainly makes things more interesting for Round Two. If she had really crumbled under Seph, say to around 20% or so, I think it would have been reasonable to count her out against Kratos, but as is that result has become a straight toss up in my mind. Man, aside from the one poll that L-Block ruins, this is going to be such a great second round.

But there's one more for R1 before we move on, so let's talk about it! Actually this poll could have some intrigue of its own... Is the MGS4 boost legit, and if so could it potentially be enough to lift Kratos into first? Is the all-things RE boost legit, and if so could it potentially be enough for Jill to reverse her narrow '07 loss to Ocelot? Let's take a closer look!


Last Known Values:
Kratos - 27.44% (2007)
Ocelot - 20.21% (2007)
Jill - 19.96% (2007)
Heavy - new

First off Kratos- one of the many very weird performances we witnessed in 2007. The guy looked all-world in demolishing DK twice, but then against it's Donkey Kong, and plus he was assisted by Marth one time and Kirby another. Is his true strength closer to the one we saw in R3, when he was so badly badass-SFFed by Snake that L-Block killed him and Riku nearly matched him? If so he'd better be on his guard, as it wouldn't even take THAT much of a MGS boost for Ocelot to knock him back to earth. Personally I feel we'll be seeing something more along the lines of R2 Kratos though; clearly this is a guy who thrives on the casual vote and the ASV, and he ought to be able to lap it up against these three, none of whom have much casual/TJF/pic factor appeal and all of whom I would peg as Night Vote characters.

Ocelot's the wild card of the group. He impressed me last year by standing up to the FF7/MGS "something fishy factor" better than I had expected against Cloud, so clearly the guy's got a devoted fanbase that's going to be backing him no matter what. The question is how much additional appeal MGS4 can grant him- apparently he's the real star of the game storyline-wise and has a number of really cool cut scenes. That's nice, but frankly I'm not buying into the hype just yet; I don't doubt that plenty of people played all the way through MGS4 to feel the full effect of his awesomeness, but how many of those DIDN'T already vote for him last year? Maybe I'm just being silly in ignoring the apparent boost for this series after what Liquid and Raiden showed us... so heck Ocelot, go ahead and prove me wrong by beating Kratos! I'll reward you by picking Liquid to advance past Bowser if you can pull it off!

I really wanted to pull the trigger on the Jill > Ocelot upset here but just couldn't bring myself to do it... RE5 releasing during the Contest probably would have been enough to tip my hand, but as is I have trouble seeing her improve on her '07 margin against Revolver. That being said, I'd be surprised if he blew her out of the water here, but we've already covered my doubts regarding the MGS4 boost, so moving on to... The Heavy! Well, I expect him to be a decent bit stronger than his partner The Spy just because of his more iconic look and higher playrate, both in TF2 and TFC. Also it should help that he doesn't have to split the PC vote, as Spy did with Arthas. Overall though he probably doesn't have a shot at upsetting Jill unless he starts pulling down the joke vote, which doesn't seem likely- he's just too much of a character for that. Shouldn't have any problem putting up a respectable showing overall though.

So yeah, even though I wouldn't be shocked to see Ocelot pull out to an early lead in this one, and possibly even keep it competitive all through the dead of night, I'm fully expecting Kratos to work those Day Vote muscles of his and turn this into a fairly comfortable win. And if Jill and the Heavy likewise have good turnouts relative to expectations, we'd be looking at
Master Moltar | Posted 10/18/2008 10:17:50 PM | message detail | #495
Kratos (God of War) - 34.29%
Revolver Ocelot - 27.96%
Jill Valentine - 21.74%
Heavy - 16.01%

That looks... marvelous!

Ngamer Says: Kratos > Ocelot




Guest’s Analysis - Soul

Heavy Weapons Guy Vs. Kratos Vs. Jill Valentine Vs. Revolver Ocelot

Past Stats
Heavy - New
Kratos - Beat DK/Marth/Prince of all Cosmos, L-Block/Kirby/DK, Riku. Lost to Alucard, Ryu, Snake/L-Block.
Jill Valentine - Beat Kirby, Bomberman, Sheena Fujiyaka, Midgar Zolom. Lost to Link, Squall, Ryu Hayabusa, Peach, Cloud/Ocelot.
Ocelot - Beat Nemesis, Dr. Wily, Jill Valentine/Zolom, Kefka. Lost to Bowser, Pac-Man, Cloud, Cloud/Fenix.

Going over this match, I'm having a tough time deciding who comes in first here. Will it be Kratos, the star of God of War and it's sequels? Will it be Ocelot, some character from MGS? Or will it be Jill, the forgotten heroine of Resident Evil?

HA! All of you are dead! Cry some more!

Wait a second, I knew I was missing someone...

I am Heavy Weapons Guy, and this... is my weapon.

Yes, I know what you're thinking. "Soul, there's no way you're picking Heavy to come in first here." Well, actually, I'm pretty sure no one who knows me will think that. But yes, I am picking Heavy in first place. I'll explain why in a bit, but first, I want to talk about the other three opponents, starting with Jill Valentine.

Jill Valentine is the star of Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3. She also appeared in Umbrella Chronicles, and in the movie Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Besides Leon Kennedy, she is the second strongest RE character, but will most likely be passed by Chris Redfield really soon, if not already. If you think about it, she has no chance of winning this match. She lost to Ocelot last year, and Ocelot has MGS4 on his side this year so he's only going to get stronger. Pretty much, she's finishing in last place.

Kratos is the star of God of War, it's sequel, and one or two PSP games. He's shown a little bit of strength in these contests, but I'm not convinced. Let's look at his past wins. He beat DK, but DK was held back by Marth. He beat Kirby, but he was held back by DK. He beat L-Block, but this was before the Block went on his huge run. His other win was against Riku, and judging by Riku's last match, it's not that much of an accomplishment. I figure that Kratos will be similar to Riku. A chance to prove himself here, but will fail and look weaker then anticipated.

Finally, there's Ocelot, who should be thought of to be the favorite in this match after what Big Boss did. But if you think that way, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Big Boss is pretty much Solid Snake, and he gained a whole hell of a lot of votes because of so. Ocelot has already proved that he's not that strong after losing to Pac-Man and Marcus Fenix. The only decent win Ocelot has is against... Jill Valentine. Yikes. Or maybe Kefka, if you're like many board 8ers who thinks Kefka has any sort of strength in these things.

You say Ocelot is the main villain of MGS4 and should gain a noticeable boost this year? Well, Heavy has a secret weapon of his own.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb2iolbIlWc

Fear the Sandvich! It has new meat. OM NOM NOM NOM!

Some people think they can outsmart me. Maybe, maybe. I've yet to meet one who can outsmart bullet.

Heavy - 37.59%
Ocelot - 27.73%
Kratos - 22.28%
Jill - 12.40%



Crew Consensus: Kratos > Ocelot is the consensus. Lopen (and HM) Upset Special is Ocelot > Kratos, and Soul has Heavy > Ocelot...wat
Big Bob | Posted 10/18/2008 10:22:09 PM | message detail | #496
Gogogo Soul
ZFS | Posted 10/18/2008 10:24:07 PM | message detail | #497
Liquid Ocelot
Metal Gear's best character
destroys Solid Snake


Whoa there

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six bullets. more than enough to kill anything that moves.
transience | Posted 10/18/2008 10:27:14 PM | message detail | #498
the hell soul

sabotagin' the guests
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xyzzy
la la la you're dead la la la la we killed you la la la
transience | Posted 10/18/2008 10:27:40 PM | message detail | #499
there's a reason everyone's boosted but snake this year
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xyzzy
la la la you're dead la la la la we killed you la la la
ZFS | Posted 10/18/2008 10:28:28 PM | message detail | #500
damn you tripping

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six bullets. more than enough to kill anything that moves.
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