Discouraged.

[ScylaX]

Re: Discouraged.

Playing easy files is the trick

[EzExZeRo7497]

Re: Discouraged.

Basically do what Stai says and read through this.

If it doesn't improve at all, it might be due to your keyboard. Some keyboards are TERRIBLE for Stepmania/FFR and it would definitely hinder your skill. Though I'm not sure how often you play SM, so I can't say much.

[Mike Weedmark]

Re: Discouraged.

I was like "wow, really, no one's mentioning keyboards? I CAN BE USEFUL."

Then, Ez goes and ruins it.

Take his advice seriously: I once had a really shitty, squishy keyboard with all kinds of varying latency and uneven response. The INSTANT I switched, I was rattling off AAAs on easy songs (on FFR, mind you) I used to derp like 40% goods on. If you've been playing for 4 years with no real MA/PA improvement, this is probably it.

It doesn't have to be a fantastical gaming one, just one with quick, even key response. I use a pretty basic USB Microsoft clunker that's at least capable of SM AAA's. Quads are something else. I was under the impression than no one aside from a few INSANE MAers on straightforward consistency files ever got any of those.

Also, this might be a REALLY stupid question, but you DID make sure you're not set to like, Judge 7 right?

[Garquillex]

Re: Discouraged.

Are you using a Windows 7 aero theme?

[Jimmymi1]

Re: Discouraged.

PS/2 keyboards is the key to life mang. On other notes, this shouldnt probably come from a noob like me but practise is also key to becoming better.

[Ghakimx]

Re: Discouraged.

Obviously you just have to tense up your anus.

My anus itches.

Sounds like FFR might be the game for you.

but seriously just play very easy songs / easy pad songs and focus as hard as you can on pa/ma until you start noticing a change.

I just feel that such files don't really challenge my skill or capabilities.

Yep, just stay away from the files that require you to focus on hitting the patterns and instead go for ones that you can do easily and try hitting them on time. Should also look into your settings, since I know that some default values actually set your audio/video sync off.

Yeah maybe I should. Speaking of which, I see a lot of ghost notes for some reason.

To be honest, I never see you post any of your SM scores which tells me that you do not play enough for me to know that you actually play the game often.

Perhaps post more and try to find people around your skill level to compare scores with. If you compare yourself with people WAY above your skill level then of course you will get discouraged. Almost every person who can get scores like that have been playing for much longer then 4 years. There are only a handful of players who was able to do that in a shorter amount of time.

Also, I made an improvement guideline to help further your skill level faster. PM me if you would like to have it. It's quite useful.

Please do send me.

Though honestly speaking, I don't really think this is a good score for charts like Silent Voyage to Eternity.

That's a major issue. You may struggle to improve in other areas until you are more consistent in this one.

I would advise checking out the link posted by ilikexd. Perhaps you should try adjusting your scroll speed and see if you would be more comfortable with a slower or faster one. Finally, work on simfiles with basic rhythmic patterns (8th and 16th notes). Focus on playing along with the music.

Best advice:

Sounds like a plan.

This mental state is what holds you back. If you feel that you make no progress and are not proud of your capabilities, everything sits in a negative spiral which will eventually lead to you attempting to quit.

You need to change your mindset before you can improve at all. You need to realize that even in comparison to the greatest, you're nothing short of talented yourself. You're already ahead of where most casual players assimilate to, take pride in what you can do, and be satisfied knowing that progress will come if you keep putting in the effort.

I only feel comfortable saying this (despite not even being close to good at SM myself) because this is the mindset I've had for a long time, and still do. You get over that and you'll find you're already improving and just aren't taking notice of it.

PS: I forgot already who said it, but having fun is also important

Not that I don't have a healthy mindset but sometimes its just that when I can't overcome this pole vault jump I get really depressed because its like all the cool people can do it and I can't. Yeah, that kind of feeling, not so much to say I'm not having fun but just that I wanna be like the cool guys.

Basically do what Stai says and read through this.

If it doesn't improve at all, it might be due to your keyboard. Some keyboards are TERRIBLE for Stepmania/FFR and it would definitely hinder your skill. Though I'm not sure how often you play SM, so I can't say much.

I thought buying a Mac would make me as cool as Leonid?

Are you using a Windows 7 aero theme?

Not when I'm playing on a Mac just like Leonid.

But anyway, thank you all for your posts and concerns. Its really given me more motivation to get back to Stepmania/FFR even with my busy schedule and stuff.