In <a href="http://smashbrawl.com/2007/07/07/skillz-part-1/">Skillz: Part 1</a> I discussed the 5 core elements of skill. Dexterity. Timing. Knowledge. Reflex. Adaptation. From these core elements it is easier to understand and discuss other types of skill.
1) Multitasking
2) Mindgames<!--more-->
Multitasking is the combination of Timing and Knowledge. By starting multiple timed events and picking them back up when necessary, the player can do more than one thing at a time. Think of juggling. The juggler must have knowledge of each object to know how they’ll rotate and move in the air. Each object is thrown with a different amount of force that determines what time it’ll drop back down. By alternating the force and objects, the juggler can successfully manipulate many objects at once by only having to catch and throw 2 objects at a time. From this point, it becomes clear how dexterity and adaptation can be introduced into multitasking. Juggling foam balls is one thing, but juggling live chain saws is completely different. In order to avoid needing serious medical attention, a high level of dexterity is needed simply to handle the objects. What happens when an object is tossed a little harder than expected? When this happens, a juggler must adjust everything else by increasing the timing of the other tosses to balance out the routine. This requires adaptation.
Real Time Strategy games like Starcraft are designed around the idea of multitasking. Smash isn’t designed around this idea as much. By tossing and timing items or projectiles it is possible to successfully “juggle” different elements in a match. However, the timing and the number of objects in these events are significantly less for Smash.
Mind games are the core of any fighting game. A mind game occurs when both players are trying to adapt to each other’s play style, and at least one of the players adapts their own playing to lead their opponent into drawing false conclusions. Basically, it’s how you act when you know you’re being watched and you try and throw off the onlooker. In Smash, anything can be used to create a mind game. If you roll from shield a lot, eventually you’re opponent will try and adapt to your style. The moment you think he’s about to counter your roll, you attack instead. This is a simple mind game. Using weak or unexpected moves in certain situations can effectively throw off your opponents.
Here’s where mind games get really complex. What happens when two players are trying to mind game each other at the same time? When each player is waiting for the moment when the other player makes a move, doesn’t the game stand still? Of course not. The player who properly adapts first will know that he’s being set up, and then try to bait the mind game by giving the enemy an “opening.” This can be done by appearing to take the opponents bait. If the opponent believes you’re falling for his trap, he’ll try to counter. But the smart player will already have a counter ready and waiting. One way to create this “set up bait” is through technical ability.
If you have a way of increasing your speed then you can appear to be slow until you break away with a burst of speed. If you know a technique that can do this, then you can “take” an opponents bait and run in as if you were going to attack. Then by using your increased speed you can safely run away and take advantage of your opponents missed attack. The most efficient way of “tripping the bait” is through technical ability. The better the ability, the more complex the technique. The more complex the technique the more dexterous it’s execution.
The faster you can react to seeing your opponent take your bait, the more effective you can counter their moves. In other words, the better your reflexes are, the more efficient your counters become.
The more knowledge you have of your opponent’s attacks, weaknesses, and timings, the more efficient counters you can devise.
When two player mind game each other and their knowledge is equal, eventually one player will lose because of a lack in ability to adapt, execute dexterous moves, or react quickly enough. Mind games are the most versatile weapon, stressing and compressing all the core elements of skill into every strike.
1) Multitasking
2) Mindgames<!--more-->
Multitasking is the combination of Timing and Knowledge. By starting multiple timed events and picking them back up when necessary, the player can do more than one thing at a time. Think of juggling. The juggler must have knowledge of each object to know how they’ll rotate and move in the air. Each object is thrown with a different amount of force that determines what time it’ll drop back down. By alternating the force and objects, the juggler can successfully manipulate many objects at once by only having to catch and throw 2 objects at a time. From this point, it becomes clear how dexterity and adaptation can be introduced into multitasking. Juggling foam balls is one thing, but juggling live chain saws is completely different. In order to avoid needing serious medical attention, a high level of dexterity is needed simply to handle the objects. What happens when an object is tossed a little harder than expected? When this happens, a juggler must adjust everything else by increasing the timing of the other tosses to balance out the routine. This requires adaptation.
Real Time Strategy games like Starcraft are designed around the idea of multitasking. Smash isn’t designed around this idea as much. By tossing and timing items or projectiles it is possible to successfully “juggle” different elements in a match. However, the timing and the number of objects in these events are significantly less for Smash.
Mind games are the core of any fighting game. A mind game occurs when both players are trying to adapt to each other’s play style, and at least one of the players adapts their own playing to lead their opponent into drawing false conclusions. Basically, it’s how you act when you know you’re being watched and you try and throw off the onlooker. In Smash, anything can be used to create a mind game. If you roll from shield a lot, eventually you’re opponent will try and adapt to your style. The moment you think he’s about to counter your roll, you attack instead. This is a simple mind game. Using weak or unexpected moves in certain situations can effectively throw off your opponents.
Here’s where mind games get really complex. What happens when two players are trying to mind game each other at the same time? When each player is waiting for the moment when the other player makes a move, doesn’t the game stand still? Of course not. The player who properly adapts first will know that he’s being set up, and then try to bait the mind game by giving the enemy an “opening.” This can be done by appearing to take the opponents bait. If the opponent believes you’re falling for his trap, he’ll try to counter. But the smart player will already have a counter ready and waiting. One way to create this “set up bait” is through technical ability.
If you have a way of increasing your speed then you can appear to be slow until you break away with a burst of speed. If you know a technique that can do this, then you can “take” an opponents bait and run in as if you were going to attack. Then by using your increased speed you can safely run away and take advantage of your opponents missed attack. The most efficient way of “tripping the bait” is through technical ability. The better the ability, the more complex the technique. The more complex the technique the more dexterous it’s execution.
The faster you can react to seeing your opponent take your bait, the more effective you can counter their moves. In other words, the better your reflexes are, the more efficient your counters become.
The more knowledge you have of your opponent’s attacks, weaknesses, and timings, the more efficient counters you can devise.
When two player mind game each other and their knowledge is equal, eventually one player will lose because of a lack in ability to adapt, execute dexterous moves, or react quickly enough. Mind games are the most versatile weapon, stressing and compressing all the core elements of skill into every strike.