Mastering Fighting Game Notation: A Beginners Guide

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The world of fighting games can be intimidating, especially for newcomers. One of the biggest barriers to entry is understanding the unique notation system used to describe moves and combos. Fighting game notation, also known as "FGN," is a standardized system that allows players to communicate complex moves and strategies with ease. In this article, we'll delve into the world of FGN and provide a comprehensive guide for beginners.

Why is Fighting Game Notation Important?

Fighting game notation is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it allows players to share strategies and combos with each other. By using a standardized system, players can quickly understand and replicate complex moves, which is especially important in competitive play. Secondly, FGN helps players to learn and improve faster. By breaking down moves into their constituent parts, players can focus on individual components and practice them until they become second nature.

Basic Notation Symbols

Before we dive into more advanced topics, let's cover the basic notation symbols used in FGN. These symbols are the building blocks of the notation system and are used to describe various actions and movements.

• LP or L: Light Punch
• MP or M: Medium Punch
• HP or H: Heavy Punch
• LK or L: Light Kick
• MK or M: Medium Kick
• HK or H: Heavy Kick
• P: Any Punch (LP, MP, or HP)
• K: Any Kick (LK, MK, or HK)
• F: Forward (usually indicated by a direction arrow →)
• B: Backward (usually indicated by a direction arrow ←)
• U: Up (usually indicated by a direction arrow ↑)
• D: Down (usually indicated by a direction arrow ↓)
• DF: Down-Forward (usually indicated by a direction arrow ↘)
• DB: Down-Backward (usually indicated by a direction arrow ↙)

Combining Notation Symbols

Now that we've covered the basic notation symbols, let's talk about how to combine them to describe more complex moves. In FGN, moves are typically written in a sequence of symbols, with each symbol representing a specific action or movement.

For example, the notation c.MP might represent a crouching medium punch. Here, the c. indicates that the move is performed while crouching, and the MP indicates that the move is a medium punch.

Advanced Notation Concepts

Now that we've covered the basics, let's move on to some more advanced notation concepts.

Canceling and Linking

In FGN, canceling and linking are two fundamental concepts that allow players to chain moves together seamlessly.

• Canceling: Canceling refers to the act of interrupting a move's animation with another move. This is usually indicated by a ~ symbol.
• Linking: Linking refers to the act of connecting two moves together without canceling the first move's animation. This is usually indicated by a > symbol.

For example, the notation c.MP > s.LK might represent a crouching medium punch linked into a standing light kick.

Bursting and Charging

Bursting and charging are two advanced concepts that involve performing a move at a specific timing.

• Bursting: Bursting refers to the act of performing a move at the exact moment that a previous move's animation ends. This is usually indicated by a << symbol.
• Charging: Charging refers to the act of holding a button or direction for a specific amount of time before releasing it. This is usually indicated by a > symbol.

For example, the notation c.MP << s.LK might represent a crouching medium punch burst into a standing light kick.

Reading and Writing Notation

Now that we've covered the basics and advanced concepts of FGN, let's talk about how to read and write notation effectively.

Reading Notation

When reading notation, it's essential to break down the sequence of symbols into individual components. Start by identifying the basic notation symbols, such as LP or LK. Then, look for any advanced notation concepts, such as canceling, linking, bursting, or charging.

Writing Notation

When writing notation, it's essential to be clear and concise. Start by breaking down the move into its individual components, and then use the notation symbols to represent each component. Don't be afraid to use advanced notation concepts to describe complex moves.

Conclusion: Mastering Fighting Game Notation

Mastering fighting game notation takes time and practice, but with this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a pro. Remember to start with the basics, practice regularly, and don't be afraid to experiment with advanced notation concepts.

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