Legions, are the games today practiced in a competitive way and which benefit from media coverage. The Internet, and more particularly the advent of online multiplayer mode, which is increasingly present in the vast majority of games of the moment, has made it possible to lay the foundations for a more than flourishing e-sport scene. Among the myriad of titles, ever more numerous to feed this practice of fierce struggles between seasoned players, a small handful of games, become institutional with time, make resistance and keep a place of choice in the community! A look back at these games which, despite their ages, still unleash the same passion!
Street Fighter 3.3 / Garou Mark Of The Wolves
We're not going to talk about a single game, but rather two, each with similarities in their approach to gameplay. Street Fighter 3rd Strike, more commonly referred to as Street Fighter 3.3 among fans of the genre, is the culmination of many years of development in the fighting game made in Capcom. Third part of the third opus of the famous series (yes, it's necessary to follow!), originally released on the CPS3 arcade system in May 1999, Street 3.3 has a game system that is both ultra-rich and complex. Mastering all the subtleties offered by this title will put your patience and analytical skills to the test. The possibilities offered by the gameplay are more than vast, to such an extent that it was considered the pinnacle of excellence in the field and reserved for a certain elite, capable of taking advantage of all the assets placed at their disposal...
In addition to the fury, EX moves and parry, which require you to know the tight timings on your fingertips in order to be able to execute them, the game offers a "cancel"system of moves, allowing you to feign your opponent or even to make a special chopper. Very demanding, the game is also very spectacular when you watch a confrontation between two professionals. Everyone remembers Daigo's achievement at the 2004 EVO (North American Combat Games Competition) which turned the desperate situation around at first sight, to his advantage.
Street Fighter 3.3 has improved over time and it is not uncommon to discover new possibilities brought about by its gaming system, even today. The title still makes the joy of competitive encounters all over the world, but mainly in Japan where it still has a place in the very popular Tougeki.
Let us move on to the side of competition, in order to discover a game that is fairly similar in substance but which has different and additional mechanisms. Mark of The Wolves, produced by SNK, on the ancient NeoGeo, does not have to be ashamed of the undeniable qualities of Capcom's masterpiece. For the record, SNK and Capcom had their premises in the same district in Osaka at that time (1999). It was not uncommon for developers to meet and exchange ideas around a meal that was often drunk!
However, SNK wanted to stand out from their colleagues and had the brilliant idea of taking over some elements of the modern combat game and adding the luck factor by introducing the TOP bar. This new component allows, among other things, to regenerate the life of your protagonist but also to multiply his attack, while adding new possible moves. Mark Of The Wolves was also the first game of its kind to offer a Guard Crush on all the cast present, thus destabilizing his opponent.
The latest game of the original SNK team, which has been acclaimed by a whole caste of passionate players, is still played competitively and passionately, as evidenced by the multitude of versus organised throughout Japan and around the world.
Quake 3 Arena
We are now going to change the genre and bifurcate on the FPS side, dealing with the case of Quake 3. Technological glass of ID Software which made its mark on PC, in the year of 1999, Quake 3 still arouses the interest of the E-sport scene. Simple, intuitive and fast, the third episode of the Quake saga remains a challenge, thanks to its physical engine that allows spectacular and strategic movements. The strength of this game lies, at the same time, in the knowledge of the arenas in their every nook and cranny, as well as the ability to react to the quarter-turn.
Many hours of training to draw the substantial marrow, are more than necessary to reach a respectable level. Often abandoned in favour of the episodes of Unreal tournament, Quake 3 is still appreciated at its true value, through its free derivative Quake Live, but also by the number of mods that extend its lifespan on the network.
Regular Quakecon meetings, taking place almost every year, Quake 3 remains a sure value in the competitive environment. A community that is still as numerous and responsive as ever!
Fight !
Of course, I could very well have mentioned other titles that would have their place in this article (I'm thinking especially of Starcraft). However, I wanted to highlight these games that are close to my heart. A remarge or a suggestion? Feel free to comment! In the meantime, I hope you'll play some wild games on your favorite games!