Things to consider before playing SSF4

SSF4 is 2 weeks away from where we are now. Most of us will be diving right into it but take some time after to analyse the game. You could wait for others to do it as well but having a take on the issue will give you more insight into the problem. Definitely continue to keep abreast with what other people are saying as well, it accelerates the learning curve.

I'm going to list out some things you should check up on in practice mode once you get the game.

1. How has your main character changed from SF4?
You need to re-familiarize yourself with your main, in this case Abel. While getting buffed, his style might change drastically to the extent you might want to main someone else. With 10 new characters, I don't blame you and I'll surely be having a secondary character in SSF4.

2. Analyse each character's moves
With over 30+ characters and 2 ultra's for each, this could take some time. But it will be worth it. How does a player's fighting style differ from using a different Ultra? What juggles into Ultra and what doesn't? Identifying this is vital to knowing the match-up later on in this game. Same goes for each character's moves.

3. Old move properties and uses
Have old moves changed properties (e.g. COD less frame disadvantage)? Do some moves now go through fireballs? Properties of EX moves, spacing, etc. should be experimented with.

4. Normal moves
Similar to number 3, each characters normals would have changed from SF4. Knowing and discussing about the new character's normals would help with future discussions and make practice matches more meaningful.

5. Damage, stamina, stun, dash, jump data
Damage for some moves might have been increased, at least know if the damages on your main have changed. Stamina and stun levels have surely been rebalanced so it's good to know each characters stamina too. Dash and jump data is harder to analyze but you can do a rough qualitative check on this to see if a character floats like Chun Li or comes down fast like Gen.

6. Try and memorize every move in the game
Shouldn't be too hard for the old cast, I expect either minor changes or a few add-ons. The 10 new characters will be harder since they are all new. Again, you might not use them but memorizing each move + their properties asin number 3 will improve your match-up knowledge.