To all the Pittsburgh/Western PA Brawl players, please read this.

[M@v]

In the weeks leading up to SCS, I noticed a lot of players wondering why I don't do things more often. More importantly, they wanted to make Western Pa a much more active Brawl scene and make it a force to be reckoned with. They keep complaining Pittsburgh's melee scene is fine but don't know why there is a brawl scene.
Now, I fully support this idea, but contrary to what I think some of you believe, I really can't help much in this endeavor. I'm only in Pittsburgh in the summers and December. My area in terms of smash is the State College Smash scene. Basically, if you guys want to make all of this happen, YOU have to do it. The most I can do is give you advice on how to get started.

-First, you need individuals who are capable enough to step up and organize events, such as tournaments and smashfests. In case you don't know, a smashfest is like a tourney, except its simply a huge gathering of friendlies. This is a great way to get the community together and practice without the stress of the tourney environment.

-Running a Tourney isn't hard, but start small if your new. Smash boards and AiB has plenty of info and you can ask me any questions as well.

-In Pittsburgh's case, I think one of the best people to accomplish this is Phoenix Dark. He has more experience than anyone else in that region besides me.

That is the most important part. But it is also important for local players to meet up and play each other. Its not too difficult; use smash boards, phone, aim, whatever.

Once you get regular tourneys(I suggest monthlies) established, and a plenty of people play each other, the community will start solidifying, and you'll start gaining more and more people as time goes on.

Your not going to get a smash community just by saying you want it over and over; you got to take action.

 

[Camalange]

tl;dr

get good Pittsburgh

 

[Phoenix_Dark]

The real question is, is it even worth building a Brawl community here? I understand everyone is new to the game at some point, but all I've seen from Pittsburgh are people that are just bad, and people that don't take the game seriously. If I was to do anything, I'd want to know people are willing and dedicated to actually getting better at the game in a tournament environment. Otherwise, it would just be a waste of time for me.

tl;dr

Are there enough people in Pittsburgh who even care about being competitive in this game?

 

[Deleted member]

pittsburgh was always much better at pokemon than it was at smash.

 

[Camalange]

tl;dr

Everyone should move to Allentown with meh.

 

[Lawz.]

tl;dr

Everyone should move to Allentown with meh.

nobody wants to drive 6 hours to play a Sonic main

 

[Camalange]

Hence why they should MOVE.

 

[Lawz.]

Hence why they should MOVE.

which means they have to drive 6 hours

 

[Darth Waffles]

The irony of Allentown calling out Pittsburgh for not driving over =P

<3

But you will want to drive 4-5 hours (it doesn't take 6) to come to LoCal's Allentown-based tourney!!!
GET HYPED! LoCal presents: ONE GRAB EQUALS ONE STOCK ONE! 1

...We really should get on that

 

[Allied]

I am better than all of you

:3

lol cockiness

 

[Camalange]

I am better than all of you

:3

lol cockiness

MM@NoMaps?

;D

 

[M@v]

In response to phoenix, I can name several people who want to compete, or I see potential in:

-Me and Colaya dont count here since we are always away.

-of course there you Phoenix , the only, I mean, best sonic in pittsburgh.

- Bowz. He still needs to work out some kinks, but he has potential to become a great falco.

-Uzima. He has the potential to be the next me when it comes to fox. He did amazing for his 1st tourney, and his fox is rapidly improving. He got a good marth too. his Fox will probably be as good as mine soon if he keeps it up.

-Space thing. I dont know if he is considering being competitive, but I think he had the most potential out of anyone that was there. He gave philly players a run for their money, and almost beat .com.

- Jarvitz- Hes young and still has a lot to learn, but he is one of the ones who wants to become competitive the most.

- RHCP- Well, yeah, I think you know the story here xD. He wants to be competitive, but got some work to do.

If this did all work and a community did form, a pittsburgh crew might be possible.

 

[_umbra_]

IMO it would also help a great deal if pittsburgh would learn characters that don't suck...

would be nice if we could get some pittsburgh representation at penn state tournaments, give them some practice ^_^

 

[Iceburgh]

Who still plays in Pittsburgh? Considering I know the only scene was pretty much the college guys. My Wii has been at my Ex's for almost a year now so count me as non existent. Brawl destroyed smash for me. .


Oh and LoL HI Mow! I was actually thinking of messaging you on AIM.

Also so everyone knows. I leave for boot camp Monday. So I will be gone from Pittsburgh for good.(Once I get all my stuff lol.)

 

[M@v]

IMO it would also help a great deal if pittsburgh would learn characters that don't suck...

would be nice if we could get some pittsburgh representation at penn state tournaments, give them some practice ^_^

pffft mario and lucas are top tier duhhhhh

 

[jarvitz]

In response to phoenix, I can name several people who want to compete, or I see potential in:

-Me and Colaya dont count here since we are always away.

-of course there you Phoenix , the only, I mean, best sonic in pittsburgh.

- Bowz. He still needs to work out some kinks, but he has potential to become a great falco.

-Uzima. He has the potential to be the next me when it comes to fox. He did amazing for his 1st tourney, and his fox is rapidly improving. He got a good marth too. his Fox will probably be as good as mine soon if he keeps it up.

-Space thing. I dont know if he is considering being competitive, but I think he had the most potential out of anyone that was there. He gave philly players a run for their money, and almost beat .com.

- Jarvitz- Hes young and still has a lot to learn, but he is one of the ones who wants to become competitive the most.

- RHCP- Well, yeah, I think you know the story here xD. He wants to be competitive, but got some work to do.

If this did all work and a community did form, a pittsburgh crew might be possible.

im trying. im probably gonna drop some guys and pick others up. im gonna change a bit

IMO it would also help a great deal if pittsburgh would learn characters that don't suck...

would be nice if we could get some pittsburgh representation at penn state tournaments, give them some practice ^_^

your saying lucas, tl, and zss suck. you dont know am i allowed to say a 4 letter word for poop here? o well you get the idea. picking up 1 or 2 top tiers as well

 

[_umbra_]

lucas is an absolutely horrible character. tl and zss aren't that bad.

i'm not saying you should all ***** mk or anything, just noticing that pittsburgh is the low tier capital of PA lol

 

[M@v]

TL and ZSS are viable tourney characters, but they are tougher than S or A tiers use. They are still capable of winning though; Lucas is not. Lucas is ****. Its true.

 

[jarvitz]

my lucas does pretty good.

i think i might drop tl

ill have 5 guys

lucas, zss, you will find out soon, same as before, like im gonna tell you

 

[Camalange]

Lucas is bad.




Nasty is god.

 

[Sleek Media]

I've considered organizing a smashfest, but there are a few problems:

1) One of my main goals at SCS was to find people who want to smash. I was very disappointed, half the people wouldn't even talk to me (and I found nobody to smash with consistently). I don't really care about the anti-social hardcore, but the fact is, you need a venue for a smashfest, and since I have nothing we could use for free, we'd need a certain number of people to rent a facility and keep costs low.

2) No offense, but a good number of you guys are kids, or just can't get around for whatever reason. You can't have smash gatherings without effective transportation for willing players.

3) Another good chunk of you aren't in the area half the year (or at all). This compounds the "possibly not enough players" problem.

I'd be happy to organize an event if enough of you would be willing to commit. I would select a venue east of the city. What we need to know is this:

1) Would you be willing to pay a venue fee? How much?

2) How many people would you be going with?

3) Do you have reliable transportation?

4) Are you willing to pick up someone without reliable transportation?

5) What days/times are you most available for an event?

Let's get a list going and see where we stand. Naturally, if you can contribute something (such as a venue, consoles, etc) please specify it. If we have the means, we can be organized for next month.

 

[jarvitz]

I've considered organizing a smashfest, but there are a few problems:

1) One of my main goals at SCS was to find people who want to smash. I was very disappointed, half the people wouldn't even talk to me (and I found nobody to smash with consistently). I don't really care about the anti-social hardcore, but the fact is, you need a venue for a smashfest, and since I have nothing we could use for free, we'd need a certain number of people to rent a facility and keep costs low.

2) No offense, but a good number of you guys are kids, or just can't get around for whatever reason. You can't have smash gatherings without effective transportation for willing players.

3) Another good chunk of you aren't in the area half the year (or at all). This compounds the "possibly not enough players" problem.

I'd be happy to organize an event if enough of you would be willing to commit. I would select a venue east of the city. What we need to know is this:

1) Would you be willing to pay a venue fee? How much?

2) How many people would you be going with?

3) Do you have reliable transportation?

4) Are you willing to pick up someone without reliable transportation?

5) What days/times are you most available for an event?

Let's get a list going and see where we stand. Naturally, if you can contribute something (such as a venue, consoles, etc) please specify it. If we have the means, we can be organized for next month.

ill answer these in order.

TOP

1. i hope you dont mean me. we talked a bit and i wanted to play you. i want to smash.

2. i was the only one there that had to have a parent take them and i think i was the only one who couldnt drive.

3. im in the area almost all year, except for vacation.


BOTTOM

1. yes i would, i think $5-10 would be good

2. myself, and maybe 2 other friends

3. yes

4. i am but idk about who is driving

5. probably weekends, any reasonable time of day.

i can usually bring a wii

 

[D20]

Pittsburgh had a very active Melee scene the last three years. We started small and eventually were holding smash events with 20+ people on a weekly basis. I made some of the best friends in my life this way... seriously. All it takes is about 5 or 6 dedicated people to make it happen again. Find some friends... play together... travel together... and host events together. Step it up.

On a related note, most of our core group has grown up, graduated school, and moved on. Takieddine and myself are the only ones of the original crew left in Pittsburgh. However, we still plan on hosting events at Duquesne University every Friday. We play mostly Melee, but feel free to show up and bring Brawl. We would be glad to have you.

Click here for information on the weekly events at Duquesne.

Here is our community thread

~D20

 

[Engel]

On a related note, most of our core group has grown up, graduated school, and moved on. Takieddine and myself are the only ones of the original crew left in Pittsburgh.

I didn't realize I left Pittsburgh... when did that happen?

 

[D20]

Haha! I lose track of people that don't play WoW.

 

[Sleek Media]

Heh, of course I don't mean you, Jarvitz. I remember our matches. You were a good player and a nice person. Thank you for answering the questions on the list. Please, to those who read this, fill out the list so that we can assure attendance and plan an event.

D20, I'm kind of in the same boat. I organized local events in Plum back when Melee was new, so now I'm a little older than most Smashers. In college, I met some of my best friends at some smash fests some students hosted at their apartments. I'm glad to see that you are willing to host both Melee and Brawl at Duquesne. I'm not familiar with that area, but I would consider going if there will really be some Brawlers there. I'll post in your thread.

 

[Phoenix_Dark]

I haven't had an internet connection at my house since before the tournament, so I haven't been able to check up on this. I'm back now though, so I'll respond to those questions.

1) Would you be willing to pay a venue fee? How much?

Of course. I don't know anything about the average fee for something like this. I assume something like, $10 but I guess that depends on how many people will be there. I'm willing to pay though, regardless.

2) How many people would you be going with?

No idea. It could be anywhere from just me to maybe bringing 3-4 people with me.

3) Do you have reliable transportation?

Yup.

4) Are you willing to pick up someone without reliable transportation?

Ehhhh, probably not. It depends I guess. The brawl scene around here seems young, and I'm not about to go pick up kids to play video games, lol.

5) What days/times are you most available for an event?

Not sure really. Later times is are probably better for me. Between Fridays, and Sundays is probably going to be more acceptable to most people.

 

[Sleek Media]

Thanks for posting, Phoenix. If you and Jarvitz brought your friends, we'd be close to a desirable amount of people to keep the costs low. Even so, if I look around, I might find a good enough deal to do it with fewer people. Tell everyone you know to post here and keep us in the loop. Thanks again!

 

[Camalange]

Phoenix Dark is the best *insert character* in Pittsburgh.

 

[Space thing]

1) Would you be willing to pay a venue fee? How much?

2) How many people would you be going with?

3) Do you have reliable transportation?

4) Are you willing to pick up someone without reliable transportation?

5) What days/times are you most available for an event?

1) Yes. 10$ probably, but it doesn't matter much to me.

2) No one, just me.

3) Yes.

4) Probably not, maybe though.

5) Saturdays and Sundays.

 

[Phoenix_Dark]

For people that hate SWF's layout like me, you should join this group on AiB. I'll be sure to keep it updated with things if we get anything going.

http://allisbrawl.com/group.aspx?id=8422

 

[Sleek Media]

TOURNAMENT LISTING REMOVED

However, I'll still leave the man rules up since you guys need 'em so bad.

Rule #1 - Finish with a bang!
Rule #2 - Manliness before victory
Rule #3 - Repeat, don't spam
Rule #4 - Melee over range
Rule #5 - Never attack during a taunt
Rule #6 - Fight your own battles
Rule #7 - No Johns
Rule #8 - Don't take unfair advantages
Rule #9 - Don't touch the hog
Rule #10 - Violations mean death
Rule #11 - Find your own path
Rule #12 - No Marth

If you're confused, or need further explanation, go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwEHUPkJ7lE

 

[takieddine]

Any Melee friendlies?

 

[Sleek Media]

None planned, but we're open to suggestions. This is definitely a Brawl event, though, so I wouldn't expect to find many other Melee players there. Upgrade your game and join us.

 

[Phoenix_Dark]

See, this is why I didn't want to start anything myself. I don't see the point in coming together as a community to play Brawl, when we won't be getting any better at the game. I don't mind playing with items for fun in friendlies, and stuff, but it's still possible to have fun without them.

You're just doing what you hate TO's do to you. You're pushing a rule set on people. But in your case, you're pushing on a rule set that ruins the balance of a game. If the community is expected to get better, than it should be aboard with the rule set put out by the SBR. No one's forced to play to a strict rule set in friendlies, but the tournament at least should be a push toward seeing where the players in the area stand against eachother, and what people need to improve on.

Unless everyone else in Pittsburgh would rather just turn Super Sonic, and wiggle an analog stick all day. If that's the case, I'll just continue along with Wi-Fi, and start traveling.

 

[_umbra_]

LMFAOOOOO

don't turn off healing items, sakurai put them in brawl for a reason, banning things takes away from the game's inherent balance and isn't very manly. Also, a real man plays with fans on. Don't get hit.

At least you didn't ban golden hammers, that would be ********.

 

[Phoenix_Dark]

Umbra just won the thread.

 

[Sleek Media]

Ah. See, you're confused about the purpose of this event. The reason that someone is offering free space to play, and that I am organizing the tournament, is to have fun and introduce new players to each other. See, right there:

I don't mind playing with items for fun in friendlies, and stuff, but it's still possible to have fun without them.

You know it's fun to play this way, and I said we're open to suggestions, so what's the problem? We're not just doing a tournament and calling it quits. You can come and play with whatever rules you want, as long as someone else wants to play with you. Although I'm expecting a somewhat more casual crowd, I also expect many players to be skilled, and I'm sure they'll be interested in improving their game together with you.

The tournament is just a formality. It's a trial, of sorts, to see if we can bring more casual players together and grow the community. If it succeeds, there will be bigger tournaments. Some may have more serious rule sets than the others, but they will not be determined by what a bunch of elite kids on the internet say. Our local players in Pittsburgh who attend the events will decide the rules. The tournament is for them, not for some kind of useless regional ranking system. If they want traditional rules, then there will be traditional rules. If they want items or stages, they will have them. I'm not imposing my will on anyone, so don't toss around accusations so recklessly.

Like I said, if you have suggestions, just post them. Whether or not you get your way, you're welcome to come. I think that even if you disagree with the rules, it would be worth playing. Who knows? Maybe you'll change your mind. If that's too much of a risk for you, then there are plenty of pro-oriented tournaments for you to attend elsewhere.

Once I get some more suggestions and a general date, I'll make a specific thread for the event...waiting to hear from everyone. I don't really expect many serious responses after having talked to many regulars at SCS, but I do hope to hear from Jarvitz and Uzi, at the least.

 

[Sleek Media]

LMFAOOOOO

don't turn off healing items, sakurai put them in brawl for a reason, banning things takes away from the game's inherent balance and isn't very manly. Also, a real man plays with fans on. Don't get hit.

At least you didn't ban golden hammers, that would be ********.

Ah, here's a classy player. Tell me something...are you actually arguing that Brawl is properly balanced with no items and only certain stages permitted? How ridiculous. Do you really believe that there's a difference between grabbing a hammer and chaingrabbing someone for 50%, maybe infinitely? Well, actually is a difference - you can fight back against the hammer! Which is more game-breaking? The item that can go either way, or abusing some aspect of the game engine to prevent your opponent from being able to act? I was hoping players like you would get it when they removed wavedashing, but apparently you still don't understand.

 

[Phoenix_Dark]

You can only grow so far as a community when you stunt their growth by changing an accepted rule set that's used in every other area. The community starts out playing the game with each other to get better. Then they get more people to jump on with them, and possibly make a solid community that can grow with the help of each other. Then they travel to other areas relatively close by to see how far along they've come, and to grow even more with the help of those other communities.

You're ending it at phase 2, and stopping any form of outside play from coming to Pittsburgh, and putting a halt on any progress players would need to go to these other areas to play on the same level with people. In the end, it's your decision. It really doesn't matter to me, because I know I'm a good player, and am capable of playing at a high level without the help of Pittsburgh.

Hopefully, the majority of players that show up to this gathering will have the same intent that I do, which is to get better at the game at the highest level of play. I'm sorry if some of the things I said seem harsh, and maybe even misguided, but I'm just going to put out my view of it now, so there's no confusion later. I still plan on going to this, and I hope there's a good sized crowd to get something started. I don't only look forward to getting better. I also look forward to helping others become better at the game.

Either way, it will be a fun time and I look forward to attending it. If the community doesn't show to me that it wants to take the game to a serious level though, I most likely won't be joining any future endeavors into the growing of a Pittsburgh Brawl community. I can get that same experience from the With Anyone mode on Wi-Fi. Minus the entry fee.

Edit: As for Melee, I'd be more than willing to bring a set up for it, since I know the Melee scene is still dominant here. It would be good just to get more people to show up, and if a Melee set up will help, then count one set up taken care of.