Mid Match Analysis: A Quick Primer on Manila Cup 2015
Manila Cup is well underway and things are getting all kinds of crazy. The country’s first and largest international gathering of fighting game competitors drew attention from all over the Philippines and the world. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the notable things you need to know about Manila Cup 2015.
The Competition
From the young blood to battle hardened veterans, everyone came to test their mettle against their fighting game brethren. New challengers appeared out of nowhere while some of the older members came out of retirement for this once in a lifetime event. Players came in prepared, hungry to be the best and beat back the hordes all vying to be champion. If you’re looking for top level play in your favorite fighting game title, this is definitely something to watch.
The International Players
It was announced that Manila Cup would be hosting international talent and so far, they didn’t disappoint. They got top players representing France, Hong Kong, China and Japan – to name a few – that joined to test the local competition and give tips to our players on how to improve their game. The reception to these foreign challengers have been nothing short of positive with everyone wanting to hang out and play with their favorite overseas top players.
left to right: Jonny “Humanbomb” Cheng (Hong Kong) and Kevin “Saunic” Soovanheuane (France)
The Side Events
While competitions were definitely intense, side matches and exhibitions helped keep up the hype apart from the main events. People were calling out on each other left and right. At one moment everything was relatively silent, then you turn and look again and see a 5 on 5 team exhibition match in Mortal Kombat X, or a local player challenging one of the international visitors to a first to three in Street Fighter. There was always something going on to keep everybody in the crowd on their toes.
The Sense of Community
Despite everyone coming in hungry ready to beat the living daylights out of one another in their respective games, it doesn’t mean there’s no room for socializing. It’s true that you never know what’s gonna happen in a tournament and that includes the people who you’ll meet.
Whether you’re there for one game or to spectate several, there is always someone to talk to. It wasn’t strange to see someone from the Super Smash Bros. community talking to members of the BlazBlue community about each other’s games. Local scenes came with open arms and had a genuine desire to share something they love to anyone who shows the slightest bit of interest. The result was a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. People came to compete, but they also came to have a good time and have fun.
Be sure to stay tuned as we enter the final day for Manila Cup 2015 on September 6.
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