The Masked Carnie

I've been watching a lot of Hikaru no Go lately.  I was initially really hesitant to watch it, even more so than how I felt about Yu-Gi-Oh way back when it was new.  An anime about a game, and an extremely non-symbolic game at that?  I figured the only way they'd be able to make it interesting would be to make the various shapes appear as some kind of creatures, and when it turned out to actually what it sounds: an anime about a guy playing a classic, abstract board game, I initially concluded it would be no good.  Actually, all that really drew me in was that in a small spot of the first opening, Hikaru's made to look literally identical to Shuichi Shindo in the Gravitation OVA. I've watched 58 total episodes out of 75 (sometimes I really hate that rule of 75).  Needless to say, I'm in love with it.  I'm experiencing a phenomenon watching this that I normally only experience when playing Street Fighter.  When two pro players go up against each other, both at v

When Super Street Fighter 4 was released, I committed myself to getting Zangief's new Siberian Blizzard down enough that I could use it consistently when I needed it, and only then would I decide whether it was worthwhile.  It turns out that was time well-spent, as I swear by it in over half the matchups.  Of course, I've had one heck of a journey identifying where it's appropriate and where it's not.  Believe me, it was a journey full of surprises. UPDATED!   Arcade Edition details follow the other general uses.  Also added Juri... I don't know how I missed her the first time.