Recently I have been running Round Robin tournaments for Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code (MBAACC) at Japan Arcade in LA near Little Tokyo, and I have to say, it has been an interesting experience thus far. Not only am I running the event, but I am also streaming at the same time. It is busy work, but I am finding it pretty fulfilling.
As to why I am doing this, it is because of a number of reasons.
- I still love to play Melty.
I have grown to accept Melty as my main game. It is the game I have invested a lot of time into, and I, for my moneys worth, accomplished a great deal with this game. I have played with some of the best in the US. I have learned the wonders of victory, the crushing feel of defeat, and the anxiety of the next match, all from this game. I have even traveled to Evo, Final Round, and NEC for Melty. It is definitely a game I will go back to.
- Japan Arcade has the Cabinet.
Japan Arcade had recently obtained the MBAACC Cabinet after Family Fun Arcade (FFA) at Granada Hill’s fell under bad times. Fortunately, the owner owns both FFA and Japan Arcade, so moving the MBAACC seemed possible. I have done driving to FFA in the past just to play the cabinet, so going to Japan Arcade is no problem. It is also much closer to me, which is rather convenient. I like convenience. I’d also much rather play MBAACC on the Cabinet then on PC.
- I want to record match videos.
I have probably been inspired to record match videos after watching several groups record, stream, and post matches on the internet. Overtime, I have obtained several pieces of recording equipment. I also had the opportunity to record matches at FFA. Now I am taking the next step to stream matches, which is another fun little challenge.
- I want to commentate and talk more.
I admit I am probably not the best speaker in the world, nor am I the greatest with people. I feel this is an opportunity to get out there more in the presence of people. I also sometimes have that urge to just go all out with words.
- I want more people to play and improve in Melty.
I am fortunate that there are people who are interested in coming out to play Melty at Japan Arcade. I feel that the best way for people to get better is by doing these events. With these events, players can see everyone play and learn off of each other. Also, recording matches makes it so players can see their own strengths and weaknesses, especially in a tournament setting.
Looking back, I remember when I started attending West Toast. I drove out to those events and played MBAC on the PS2. On my 2nd trip, I unexpectedly got 3rd place. After that, I attended more West Toasts. I’ve made friends, rivals & played people of varying skills. I have also watched my match videos in tournaments and my progression overtime. There was much to learn watching what i did right and what I did wrong from watching my own gameplay, especially in tournaments.
If this does end up making more local stronger Melty players, then…. well… awesome. Just gotta be confident.
And thus ends my long rant. In closing, here is the 2 Round Robin tournaments i ran at Japan Arcade as of recent. I am aiming to do more in the future.
NAI=e 