Week 1: REFLEX
Zigsta said:
I'll throw out the first question, then:
Why is Dodrio your favorite Pokemon?
Well, first off, I really like the ability of flight, and in that, especially birds. To me, they always appear to be such majestic creatures in that. That, and they're quite cute, at least, generally speaking.
The obvious response is, "But Dodrio can't fly!" Technically, that's not what the Pokémon games say! Still, I'm pretty sure it's just done by running really fast, which I'm perfectly okay with, too. If I had a Dodrio in real life, I'd ride it from place to place like a Highway Star! That aside, it's the "bird" in it, rather than flight that gets me. Plus, there's a lot to think about here...A lot of this is coming from the Pokédex, so, bear with me.
Three heads means that there's three brains. According to the Pokédex, they're fairly smart individually, and they can think up complex plans as a result. I can appreciate teamwork and intelligence. Along with that, the fact that they're set on specific emotions makes me wonder if they ever have trouble getting along, heh. It's interesting to me.
Also, they have three sets of hearts and lungs, which means that its endurance must be astounding compared to the average runner. I've always wanted to get myself better at that sort of thing, so I can admire such stamina. If Dodrio was in Brawl, it wouldn't have a stamina timer, hah.
Timothy2035 said:
Reflex what drew you to choose Pokemon Trainer in Brawl? Were you excited when it was announced, or was it that you started playing around with the character after you got the game?
What made you want to stick with the charcater in particular?
I was initially excited, certainly. Pokémon is arguably my favorite game series (though I would probably say WarioWare is, which is also why I originally cared to main Wario), so seeing Pokémon Trainer was really awesome to me.
I was more concerned with Wario at the time, and I just couldn't make PT work well the first few times I played (Japanese) Brawl, but I kept trying.
I wasn't good with Wario, either--In fact, my "BYE" tag comes from the fact that we once did a tournament in Tourney Mode, where we had a Kirby with a 200% handicap slapped onto him, and we used that tag to represent a bye in the tournament. The second time we did it, we had eight players, so I used the tag, saying I may as well be a bye, hah...
Eventually, my secondaries switched around a lot, because I would switch and find a character interesting, but get bored quickly. After I "learned the real game," Pokémon Trainer kept my interest because of the fact that three different characters allowed for three different styles, which never felt like I was doing the same few things every match. The fact that the metagame was pretty untapped at the time also made me want to learn more. That's one of the reasons I was stuck on Bowser in Melee, too. I liked that, and I like it to this day, which is probably why PT has never felt boring to me. I've tried almost every character in the game and have become bored with it, but there always seems to be something new to discover about all three Pokémon.
o-Serin-o said:
Why do you **** my D3 so hard? ;_______;
Because the matchup is about even. Ivysaur goes 45-55 against Dedede with platforms around, and Squirtle has a slight advantage. I need to work on my Charizard, but I imagine it's not worse than 40-60 there, either.
PokemonmasterIRL said:
Luis which tier do you think each pokemon is in individually and then PT as a whole and why? I know this is requires and indepth answer but I am just curious as to how you view each character and their options or lack of options in comparison the the rest of the cast.
Squirtle? A Tier, easily. Lots of options, fantastic air game, nice grab range, and plenty of tricks to go around. He can camp if he needs to, which helps, and the "stats" on his rolls are similar to Diddy Kong, though he doesn't go as far. Amazing combo game, and air control is key in many matchups, which he has plenty of. He has plenty of wonderful tools, but nothing truly busted to put him over the edge into S Tier. Maybe with some more work on the hydro-ish stuff...?
Ivysaur? D Tier, I think. The recovery isn't so bad when you have decent moves to throw most opponents off, like D-Air and B-Air. Just aim high with your DI! That being said, Ivysaur has good spacing and nice power on many moves, and certain moves go a long way in making matchups solid for her. The bad horizontal aerial momentum is troublesome, but at least her aerials can keep the opponent from just doing whatever they want (mostly), which is more than Charizard can say when the opponent can approach over Flamethrower. Bad grab, good throws.
Charizard? Maybe C Tier, but I can't imagine being very high in that. Could even be D Tier. At this point, I feel that I have more trouble using Charizard than Ivysaur in many situations. At the same time, there are a lot of very basic things that put Charizard where he is. Nice range, power, and relatively quick moves add up to nice things, but Charizard's aerials are all rather situational, and he's juggled so easily. Ground game is solid in short-hopped aerials, Flamethrower, and grabs, but he's just massacred in the air. Good grab, bad throws.
Vermy said:
Reflex, what do you think each pokemon's heaviest asset? And each pokemon's worst matchup?
Squirtle's mobility in general. The fact that he can keep moving while doing almost anything goes a long way, both offensively and defensively. Shellshifting and unexplored territory in hydro-ish stuff should make approaching and avoiding opponents a breeze when players master it. RAR'd Back-Airs, U-Air juggles, solid edgeguarding, nice camping ability...They all make for a very solid, intimidating character to use, and that stuff gets its "power" from Squirtle's mobility.
As far as worst matchup goes, I would probably say that it's Marth. Stupid grab stuff and crazy range is a major issue, but it's hardly an impossible matchup.
Ivysaur's would be tough to call. I want to say the many weird/extreme properties of her moves. N-Air spike, D-Air properties, Bullet Seed range/damage, various Up-B things, crazy range on B-Air/F-Smash, many multi-hit properties, with the last one probably being the most important. Hitting twice with B-Air or D-Tilt and a bunch of times with N-Air can really throw off some people and allows for lots of shield poke opportunities, which is very important with Ivysaur.
Ivysaur's worst matchup is Meta Knight, because there's really no proper spacing you can maintain. Used properly, his moves just beat yours, plain and simple.
Charizard's is hardest to judge. In fact, let me sleep on it.
MaTa said:
While watching you play reflex, does moving like your the pokemon help you play better? When you F throw with charizard you throw your head too and you kinda jump around playing squirtle.
Technically, yes. The movements aren't directly linked to making me play better, but I'm at my best when I'm having fun, and doing the animations in real life certainly helps in that. I'm sure a lot of people laugh at me for it, but I don't care, really.
Steeler said:
also what is the most awesome KO you've ever gotten with each of the poogymans?
I'm not really sure about Squirtle and Ivysaur, honestly. They both do a lot of crazy stuff sometimes, but I'm not sure about it.
I have the New Age Lava Combo with Charizard on Norfair, though. It's been a while, but it's on Kismet's Wii from about half a year ago. It was something like, "Back-Throw -> bounce off lava wall -> F-Air -> bounce off lava wall -> F-Smash." I'll give it a look sometime and see if that's what it is. Hell, I might even get the video up on YouTube.
BigLøu said:
I got a question.
How do I beat you?
Pick up a character with better horizontal aerial mobility and outspace me.
Either that, or get rather good with Meta Knight or Marth.
Good luck with the first one, though--You'll need it. I'm pretty awesome.
Toby. said:
I enjoy reading Reflex's posts.
As for my question: how's life treating you these days?
=)
Things have been winding down lately. I haven't had as much time to play Brawl, but I try to make time for it. Winter Break has been nice to me, but I need to buckle down for next semester's college classes, since I'll have a full load of them, and my GPA has been less than great lately.
I haven't been able to find a job since I got laid off last summer, which is rough, but I'm somewhat spoiled and I can usually make decent amounts of money with in-state Brawl tournaments and various odd jobs. I wish I had more spending money, though, honestly. That aside, I'm trying to save my money, too. I left a moderate hole in my savings from Genesis and a trip to Boston for SNES, and I haven't filled most of it yet.
As it is, I'm just a lazy college student doing lazy college things, sans-drinking/partying stereotype, and things don't change a lot. Most of my days are spent playing DS (usually Pokémon Platinum), going to Barnes and Noble, walking near the river or Idle Hour Park, and playing Pump It Up at the local arcade. While I enjoy company with friends, I really enjoy my alone time, and I've had plenty of time to appreciate it.
Zigsta said:
Got another one for you, Reflex: Why is Freezepop your favorite band?
Well, to start, I had no interest in music at all until about the 7th grade, and the only reason that came about is because I started playing Dance Dance Revolution. Before that time, I only really cared about video game soundtracks, and that's because listening to them gave me the enjoyment that came from the games themselves.
After that, I started to pay attention to the music I heard in various places--Stuff on the radio, or stuff my older brother or my friends listened to...Still, for every gem I found, I was left disappointed in the rest of the album, it seemed. I had various tracks that I enjoyed, but they were few and far between. There weren't any artists that I was familiar with that I could say that I enjoyed virtually all of their tracks.
Eventually, I was at a close friend's house, and my close friend showed me his brother's music collection, which was absolutely massive. He showed me some of his favorite tracks, and we started listening to some stuff on shuffle. Eventually, we got to a remix of Stakeout (Donnerschlag Remix, if anyone cares), which is a Freezepop song. I really liked it, so I decided to check what other Freezepop songs he had. All he had was another remix (Bike Thief - Tubeway Remix), and though it was okay, it wasn't nearly as good as the Stakeout remix.
As a result of how much I was intrigued by the first remix, I decided to look up a few songs the next day. Most of the robotic sound was only present in the remixes, but I was left with wonderful keyboard work, simple-but-pleasant lyrics, and the unenthusiastic singing of Liz Enthusiasm, the singer of Freezepop. I thought it all went together really well, and while there were a few songs that I wasn't completely crazy for, I could definitely say that I thoroughly enjoyed a large majority of it, and it's the first band that I could ever say that about.
That being said, I listened to their work a whole lot, especially since I didn't have a lot to choose from, but I was okay with that. I found myself appreciating many songs only have some time, but songs that I didn't initially love are some of my favorites now.
The main appeal of Freezepop to me is based on raw emotion. Most of their songs are either simple and whimsical or convey strong emotion, despite Liz Enthusiasm being very soft-spoken throughout the songs that don't involve rocking out, heh. There isn't a lot to think about. It could be about how nice it is to be with your sweetheart, or wanting to sleep in, or going out and having a good time. It could also be about stealing bicycles, being on Wheel of Fortune, or even drinking Sprite, hahah. I've found that I can associate a Freezepop song with just about every major event in my (later) life, and to have such memories associated with them makes them very special to me. No matter how I'm feeling, a Freezepop song can always make me smile. I don't have to think about it--Simple and fun lyrics with simple and fun vocals mixed in with some lovely synth sounds can easily get me feeling upbeat and excited.
Magik0722 said:
Do you pay attention to any other pokemon trainer mains, watch their videos, and learn from them?
No, although it's something I've been meaning to start doing. I hardly ever watch videos, and it's been that way since my years with competitive Melee, but it's not for a lack of enjoyment. I usually enjoy a match or a combo video when it's put in front of me, but I usually don't feel much motivation to put it in front of me, hah.
Also, I'm going to watch your matches soon and tell you what I think, I promise.
Dre. said:
What are you studying Reflex?
I'm a Psychology major (MINDGAMES). I'm not exactly sure what I want to do with it, but the human mind fascinates me greatly, so I enjoy learning all I can about it. I'm thinking about becoming a counselor, perhaps.
Zigsta said:
If it was possible, would you replace one of the Pokemon with Melee Bowser?
I love Melee Bowser. I would gladly trade Charizard for Melee Bowser. I was upset when I found out that Brawl Bowser is so much slower in his movements, but the fact that Charizard was somewhat faster than that made me focus on him more than Brawl Bowser. Rock Smash is great and all, but there are so many tricks I have with Melee Bowser that would make him a lot more fun to use for me.
T-block said:
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment with Pokemon Trainer?
Are there ever times when you feel like dropping him for another character?
Helping the metagame grow as much as it has is probably what I take the most pride in. It's certainly a group effort, and having others that see potential and learn from each other is something that gives me the motivation to keep going and improving. It's not a small, single event, but seeing a character really grow in the hands of capable players makes me smile. I think the character still has a long way to go, and I hope we can really take Pokémon Trainer even higher.
I've never felt that dropping Pokémon Trainer would be a good idea. That goes for my tournament record and my enjoyment of the game in general. I've never been bored with Pokémon Trainer, and that keeps me motivated, too. While I've certainly wondered if getting other characters to dual-main or secondaries to help with tough matchups will work well (and I'm sure it would/will), I still see a lot of potential in Pokémon Trainer. I think he is competitive-viable, and I intend to prove that.
Kith said:
Why do I often times feel that Ivysaur is better than Charizard o.O
Because that's the case in at least a fair amount of matchups, I think; at least, one does as well as the other, and so if your preference is Ivysaur, that will show.
I think they're pretty close together as far as how good they are, so it's just bound to happen, I guess. I quite prefer Ivysaur, myself.
Zigsta said:
Who would win in a battle: Metaknight or Metagross?
Metagross, unless Shuttle Loop gets flinch hax every time.
Bomber7 said:
Reflex, can you make Zigsta make the OP more colorful?
I can try, and that would answer the question.
Apparently, color would be pleasing to the eye in the OP.
Bomber 7 said:
who is your role PT role model?
Never had one. I just like the character a whole lot. I hardly ever watch videos, so I didn't really have anyone to look up to. I learned most things from scratch.
StarGalaxy777 said:
Do you ever try to go on wifi and show PTs some combos
basically demonstrate on how to properly use PT?
I go on WiFi once every couple months thinking, "It's not -that- bad, is it?" Then, I'm frustrated and disappointed and get off quickly.
Just watch videos if you want a visual component. It's the most reliable way if you don't have a fellow PT main to show you stuff.
Zigsta said:
I can't believe I hadn't asked this yet:
How did you come up with the name "Reflex"?
Dre. said:
Where did you get the name 'Reflex' from?
It's really not so spectacular; in fact, it doesn't even make that much sense. The idea comes from the fact that I learn and adapt to things very quickly; so quickly and without stress that it almost seems like a reflex.
TheReflexWonder (no spaces) is an extension of that. I think it sounds cool. It's almost like a superhero name, hah.
And, if anyone cares, my physical reflexes aren't particularly good unless I'm really focused on the cause of them. I guess I'm a fraud.
StarGalaxy777 said:
What's a good match up against Diddy Kong, and what can you do about those dreaded bananas
Squirtle and Ivysaur both have glide toss shenanigans, but because Diddy can run circles around Ivysaur (and wreak havoc with bananas). Squirtle's rolls and Diddy's rolls have the same frame data on them, so it's good to note. Diddy makes the game very frustrating to play. I just jump around on platforms and make him come to me. Wait for the bananas to get out of his control or jump around on a platform and make him come to you. Abuse Squirtle's fast moves a whole lot in this matchup--That's the only way PT really stands a chance, I feel.
StarGalaxy777 said:
reflex, what do you think PT's hardest matchups are? what do you do to get around them, whether it be with PT or with another character?
Meta Knight, because Mach Tornado does stupid things to all three, Squirtle is outranged heavily, Ivysaur is pretty hopeless here, and Charizard can't do much to get in and is edgeguarded very easily. I tend to go Wolf in that matchup, because the Down-B invincibility and great aerial mobility go a long way in dealing with Meta Knight's silly dominance. Sticking with Squirtle and keeping excellent spacing with Charizard are your best bets, though it's definitely an uphill battle throughout.
Marth, because he can keep all three Pokémon outspaced with his F-Air and N-Air alone, Squirtle is outranged heavily and gets screwed by grab release stuff, Ivysaur can't do much of anything to a Marth that spaces well and is thrown off so easily, and Charizard loses badly in the air, gets juggled to hell, and Up-B beats most of his staple tactics. I don't really have a solid counter to this; you can try to camp the hell out of him if you get a lead. DON'T GET GRABBED AS SQUIRTLE, and be very patient; you can do it if you don't run into stuff. Using a character with a great camping game works well as a secondary for this if you need to (once again, I like Wolf, as he can do just about everything [except for recover >:/ ).
Outside of that, it's probably personal preference. I hate fighting sword characters, so Toon Link gives me trouble; once again, I go Wolf and try to outcamp. I don't really mind Dedede, Falco or Snake so much anymore.
Zigsta said:
I find the Alabama Brawl scene to be a very interesting one. There's particular characters on your power rankings--Bowser, anyone?--that are hard to find anywhere else. There's been 4 newcomers to the PR, one of whom took 5th. How would you evaluate your state when it comes to Brawl?
There have definitely been a lot of changes lately. Billy (the current #5 spot) was a top contender in GA until he moved to go to school in Auburn, so it's not surprising to see him gain such a high spot. His Sheik (and, recently, his Falco) has shown lots of improvement, and I actually expect him to continue to move higher. Sadly, though, a lot of spots have been lost simply because former ranked players have stopped playing Brawl, either mostly or entirely. That being said, I'm glad and excited to see the enthusiasm of newer players. elev8 recently picked up Ice Climbers, and they're looking to be pretty nasty. DanGR is still looking for suitable characters to play, but he's respectable for what he knows and has a great understanding of the game. He should have more faith in his Olimar--Despite all the trouble he has to deal with, he's pretty skilled with him, and Olimar does well against some important characters. I really wish that I got to see more of Will_, George, and Munkus, but it never seems to happen nowadays, so I don't know what's up with that.
Honestly, though, it seems like I still rule the in-state tournament scene with an iron fist, but Billy and elev8 are really coming into their own, and Will_ may have gotten better since the last time I've seen him play, so only time will tell if I'll eat those words or not.
T=block said:
Also, I wanted to ask Reflex this as well, so Reflex if you wanna answer this too:
What's your favourite stage for PT? Is there one you default CP to?
It varies, really. Generally speaking, I like platforms, and I prefer to simply outplay an opponent on a stage without gimmicks if I can help it, so Battlefield is probably my favorite against most characters.
At the same time, I generally don't mind gimmicks, so if someone decides they want to take me to Rainbow Cruise, that's fine. What I like is having a place to move around, and platforms usually make it easiest to do that, so I usually find myself banning Final Destination.
i need to work on that.
