The new MvC2 demo sure does look nice in 1080p on that high-def TV, doesn't it?  But beware!  All that glitters is not necessarily input-lag free.  The game itself runs with NO input lag, of course, but there's a distinct possibility that your television isn't kind enough to do the same.

So, if you're playing the demo today, here are a couple of things you should keep in mind if you want to get the most out of it:

1)  If you're playing the demo on an HD TV, make sure to check and see if it has a "game" mode.

A lot of fancy, modern TVs operate with added input lag, which can really throw your timing off (especially if you've spent a lot of time playing the game in lower, lagless resolutions).  Thankfully, many modern TV manufacturers are aware of this problem, and so they sometimes include a "game" mode, which can lessen or eliminate the lag altogether!

2)  If you're playing with a joystick or other non-standard controller, watch out for input lag caused by your converter.

Even the best converters introduce at least 1 frame of input lag, and many add 2, 3, 4, or even more!  Coupled with lag from an HD television, this can seriously impact your ability to play the game.  If you're using a stick, it's best to use one that was designed for the PS3, rather than using a converter.

3)  Watch out for character differences!

The six characters available in the demo - Ryu, Chun Li, Strider, Wolverine, Spiderman, and Ironman - are all iconic, famous characters...but most of them don't see a lot of tournament play, especially not when compared to the likes of Magneto, Storm, Sentinel, and Cable.  Remember that the characters are slightly different sizes, so some strategies that are easier on taller characters (for example) may be more difficult on the shorties, or may not work at all.  Practice, practice, practice!

[If you're new to this blog series, try starting at the beginning.]

Q:  What is a combo?
A:  Any series of attacks that cannot be blocked (or otherwise evaded) if the first hit connects.

The above video is an amazing example of some of the combos possible in Street Fighter 2.  Note that, once the first hit connects, every successive hit is also guaranteed to connect.  This is true regardless of who the opponent is, or what buttons they press.  Remember:  there is no escape from the combo if you get hit!

Combos are powerful because they allow you to get the most out of a successful hit.  Think about it this way:  if two players are equally good, but one knows combos and one does not, who will win?

Well...if the two players are equally skilled, they'll get to hit each other an equal number of times.  However, the player doing combos will do much more damage with every hit than the other player will.  Result?  The player who knows how to do combos will win.  Usually in a fairly spectacular fashion.

The key point to making combos work for you is being able to land that first hit.  Generally, this is done either by poking at the opponent during the course of the fight, or by performing mixups.  Mixups are one of the best ways to land combos, and these two things taken together form a large part of high level play.

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