From: inkblot@leland.Stanford.EDU (Thomas Calvin Cannon)
Subject: Re: BALROG: Three fist method
Keywords: survey
Organization: DSG, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 93 22:19:35 GMT


The following is an analysis of Eu-Ming's 'three fist' method for playing
Balrog.  For those late on the subject, Eu-Ming suggests holding down the
three punch buttons nearly continuously.  The advantages of such a system is
that Balrog is continuously charging a turn-around punch, etc.  Balrog can
still use the kick buttons for normal attacks.  IMHO, this is _almost_ the
only way to reach the higher power levels of the TAP.

However, Using Eu-Ming's method takes away the strong punch button, which I
think is the best button to have when playing Balrog.  In losing this button
you lose...

1) A _consistant_ defense against jumping opponents
2) At least 2 combos (where strong punch is the middle hit)

Obviously, it would be great to use a method similar to the three-fist, but
which still allows use of the strong button.  If you want to use a punch
button, then your only choice is to hold down three kick buttons, which isn't
so easy. =)  The beauty of the T-F method is that you can TAP very quickly
just by letting go of 1 button, so holding the kicks down with the palm of 
your hand isn't a viable solution.  So, without further ado, here's the
'Three-foot' method for playing Balrog. (this is complicated, so bear with me)

             ring    ring 
       ___    ___    ___
      /   \  /   \  /   \  These are the finger positions for the T-F Balrog
      \___/  \___/  \___/  method.  Using your pointer, index, and pinky
       ___    ___    ___   fingers, hold down the three kick buttons.  The
      /   \  /   \  /   \  ring finger takes care of the strong and fierce
      \___/  \___/  \___/  buttons.  You smart ones will realize that this is
    'pointer'  |   'pinky' five buttons for four fingers, but if you place
               |           your other three fingers correctly, your ring 
             index         finger should be midway between the two buttons,
                           making each accessible.  Now then, hold your 
fingers in the correct position, cause here's how it works.    (this is very
similar to Eu-Ming's T-F method)

Sliding straight: Charge, hit forward and press either ring finger button
Sliding uppercut: Charge, hit forward and release pointer finger (short button)
TAP:              release pointer finger

Ta da.  You now have axess too several more attacks than with the T-F method,
yet you still have the quick, easy TAP and sliding attacks.  BTW, this didn't
just pop into my head.  I've spent some time at my local game room perfecting
this.  It will work, but it's a bit uncomfortable when starting out.  Below
is a self appraisal of the system

           ADVANTAGES                                  DISADVANTAGES
       -------------------                        ----------------------
       o  Use of strong punch button              o  A bit awkward when first
          allows greater variety of                  learning the system
          play.  Combos and defense
          is improved.                            o  After about 4 rounds of
                                                     continuous use, your
       o  Quick, easy TAP, ability to                hand starts to hurt. =)
          TAP at any moment gives you a              (hand-stretches 
          psychological edge. (scars the             between matches highly
          sh*t out of your opponent)                 recommended)

       o  Easy sliding punches

       o  CAN be used by cross handed 
          players. (use index finger to
          hit punch buttons)


Any questions/comments?

Happy playing
---
Tom Cannon
Newsgroups: alt.games.sf2