Hmm, I think this new Mad Catz pad is a little weird. The jab button works but feels "wrong." Maybe I just need to get used to it.
I love SF4, but I still don't like that Ultras are in the game. I never will, and that's a fact. They're just stupid, too easy to build meter for, and too effective as punishments. I literally enjoy every aspect of SF4 EXCEPT the Ultras. I even like the FA system way more than the parry system in 3, but still.
I'm not the biggest fan of Ultras either-- Not because I think they are too effective as punishments, just that they are too damn powerful and in some cases FORCE you to play defensively or even turtle to avoid them. It's annoying having to change your play style midway through a match because of a certain character's ultra priorities. I would love it if ultras were gone or just toned way down. In fact I would LOVE to see a Street Fighter without ultras -or even supers- EX meter is enough; maybe change the system a bit so that half an EX meter or a whole meter acts more like a super/ultra and lets the character go through projectiles (like how a well-timed Chun-Li ultra does).
Once you get more of the game down, some of the more annoying ultras can be punished, like Blanka's. If I time it right, I can knock him out of it or ultra him myself, for example.
Lyte, I think when I get a 360, I'm gonna try and save as much money as possible (getting the Arcade most likely, gonna wait to find like a used HDD), and in lieu of a stick I'm gonna try a pad out. Is the MadCatz one the best available?
Mad Catz is the only pad I have tried; the only other real option is Hori. As long as you get a pad that WORKS, you'll be good. Keep in mind that regular Mad Catz sticks go for like $20 more than the pads do, although I have read that the quality isn't the greatest, hence why people replace the parts with better ones like Sanwa.
Ultras don't work well as punishers if you play fairly safe -- the wind-up is way too long. The problem I have with them is that they're extremely useful for some characters and damn near fucking useless for others. If it's balanced out a little more in Super, I'll be happy.
And with all the changes they are making, plus second ultras for everyone, perhaps that will be likely! I'm really happy with what I've read that they've done to Chun. Switching to Kikoken ultra most likely. And I think I will go with one of the new characters as my new alt. Maybe Dudley or Ibuki.
