I didn't go into details over why I don't like strive (mainly because this is a porn game forum, so I didn't want to talk about frame data, block stun, neutral, set ups and all the other things that go into talking about fighting games.) So I'm not gonna get "annoyed" over you thinking I hate the newest fighting game entry. Cause that's not true. I liked Tekken 7, I liked DOA 6 (though I would say 5 was better), I obviously liked Xrd when it came out which would have been the newest entry after accent core. I like Blaz Blue Central Fiction and though I find it unlikely I would like a sequel. I don't hate a game just because its new. And I always hate this argument, as obviously people who hate newer games played the previous games. And most cases those people probably wanted a sequel. Especially if they bought the new game and played it
I tend to not like a newer game when that newer game has added features or makes changes that I don't particularly enjoy. A more detailed explanation is I don't like how Chip and Ramethal play in Strive. And just to make this clear its not because these characters are considered low tier, as Ramethal is considered a top tier by most people (myself included, unless thats changed since I've played) and that her new play style makes her a stronger character. I just don't enjoy playing her in strive. I get bored.
I don't think this game is the worst new entry in a series, I was being a tad hyperbolic as Strive isn't nearly as bad as other fighting games I dislike. Like Soul Calibur 5. Soul Calibur 6 is fine imo. Its at least better than SC5. And while I didn't enjoy SF5 I think its a fine game, I also didn't enjoy SF4. But I'm also not nearly as bothered by these games. I put them in the same catergory as Netherrealm fighting games. I just genuinely don't enjoy them and it not because of something they did that bothers me, I just don't like the play style. I tend to enjoy arcsystem games and play them exclusively.
Now I know you don't want to touch on the Bridget drama, but since I've already written a mini essay, I might as well talk about it. Less someone wants to over simplify my feelings on this as well. My issue with Bridget is the story surrounding them being trans now does not really work. And just like how I will criticize CoC2 for bad writing. I'll criticize strive for bad writing. I know FG's tend to be considered weak in that department, but it doesn't mean people can't enjoy them. Brig in Strive seems like they are regression in character, as they supposedly came to terms with their gender in XX and was looking for something to do in Accent core. It also ignores the fact that in the previous game their brother went missing. All of that feels undone or like it didn't matter in strive.
I really like FG stories. As characters like Lui Kang and Ken have some of my favorite stories in gaming. Lui Kang being a monk who believes that its possible for people to find redemption, so he spares the series villians, only for them to comeback and kill him due to his altruism, and had he simply killed them we possibly would have avoid armagedon. (Hate the new Lui Kang though cause all that personality is gone imo.) Liked Ken because he's this character trying to juggle being a fighter, while also being a responsible husband/father and running his families company. We see in SF6 that it's not going so well now, and we don't know if he's gonna get back together with his wife, since its taking place after SF3.
For all the positives Strive has, I'm more annoyed by the things that I consider flaws. (Positives of Strive I like the soundtrack. I like Baikens Story. Visually I like the graphics. Though I don't like the UI in matches. The overly big numbers, while they don't distract me, the seem a tad excessive. I'm assuming its to make it seem more impactful for when you get big combo's. I still find it excessive. Couple other postives. But for me the flaws outweigh the strengths.)
Edit: I don't dislike a game because "back in my day video games were good." Or because they made a character Trans. Other wise I'd be complaining about Testament(but Testanment changes are somewhat supported by what we already knew about the character), or I wouldn't be in a forum for a game with Femboi's, Futas, or characters who can turn themselves/the player character into another gender. I don't like Strive because I don't think its a particularly strong entry into the series. Much how I don't like this game because I think its predecessor was stronger.
