Like most individuals, nobody is good at a game without practice and experience.
Even so, these two by themselves do not complete the picture. What is also necessary, is a word of advice from peers furthermore experienced than oneself.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Even so, these two by themselves do not complete the picture. What is also necessary, is a word of advice from peers furthermore experienced than oneself.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
How to get better at FFR!
This is just a guideline created to possibly increase your chances of success on FFR. It is your decision to follow this guide or not.
Keep in mind that not everyone can be the best. There are people who will be better than others, and those who fall behind.
1. You MUST be comfortable with you're finger style. Your finger style is the allocation of your hand in regards to pressing the four keys.
The following graphics shows examples of different methods in which to play FFR.
Spread
This is the most popular style among the FFR community. In this particular image, Left and Down are used for a and s, while Up and Right are used for k and l. Many people use this key configuration, allowing minimum hand-to-hand inteference during gameplay, and comfortable playing.
Refer to my FAQ to learn about key configuration.
Index
The index style consists of both index fingers switching between four keys.
For this reason, it is difficult to play songs consisting of Jumpstreams and patterns which include Jumps.
One Hand
A relatively common style among the FFR community.
This finger style normally occurs for first time FFR players. One hand doesn't just mean three fingers; it can also mean four fingers, or even a two finger approach. One finger is impractical.
Keep in mind of the fact that this style, just like index, comes with small disadvantages such as complex patterns and speed.
Other
It is very pointless to list all other styles I know. The ones I have listed are widely known and used, as well as preferred by a vast majority of users. I personally do not use any of these styles. If you prefer a style of your own choice, go for it!
2. Choose your in-game scroll direction. You can find all the information you will need about scroll directions here. The majority of FFR players stick to default selection known as Standard-scroll. Another popular scroll direction is known as the Reverse-scroll.
Unless you are going unique and selecting a different scroll, compare the two and choose whatever suits your taste.
3. Choose your speedmod! This modifies the rate at which the arrows scroll during game play.
The default setting is set to 1x, with other available options to select from: 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x, 2x and 3x. By selecting 1.5x, the arrows' scroll rate will be 1.5 times faster than the default of 1x. While having the arrows moving faster might not seem like an advantage at first, with a faster speed, the arrows are spaced out further so the patterns still remain in sync with the music. This extra space allows most players to recognise patterns of close arrows better and usually improves in-game performance.
Experiment with the speed settings to find one that works best for you!
As a note, the speedmods may not work for you. By restoring the size of your window, you will have less arrows on the screen at any given time, allowing you to focus on the current patterns. This will reduce the amount of confusion among the incoming arrows. This is known as Screen-cutting. It works on a similar principle to that of Speedmods. The higher the speedmod, the less arrows on the screen. When FFR was in it's early stages of development, this method was necessary. Speed mods didn't exist on FFR. In the case that Screen-cutting really does work for you, use it.
For lazy people:
The Secret?
4. In my years of FFR, I couldn't avoid the fact that I was getting better. As time passed, I noticed that my speed was improving, along with my accuracy and reading skills. Of course, for some people it is not that straightforward.
What I, and a countless number of people would suggest to you, is PRACTICE.
This thread wasn't created so I could just say that. Anyone can tell you that.
The difference between them and what you are reading now, is that I have created a foundation to begin your practice. I have geared you up to be able to play FFR at your peak.
With practice, at the end of the day, you will always be that little bit better. That's what counts.
Something to share.
From my experience, I have accumulated some useful tips which may help you.
Destiny's Tip #1
Sometimes it's not that easy reading some complex patterns on FFR. If you are having repeat difficulties on a certain section of a song, take a screenshot. Open up MS Paint, and press Ctrl+V. From here, you can closely inspect each arrow and rhythmic value, or even practice on your table before you play.
Eg.
Destiny's Tip #2
You may well and truly be able to AAA a particular song, if it wasn't for one or two patterns. My Step #1 will only help to an extent. In these situations, it may be possible to change styles during gameplay. I know it sounds absurd, but it works.
Eg.
For example, a spread player may have difficulty on this type of trill. He or she is then able to change his or her to semi-index, Left middle finger on the Left arrow key, and Right index finger on the Down arrow key. You might have noticed that the ASKL set-up would NOT work here.
Destiny's Tip #3
Play harder songs!
Secluding yourself to one difficulty will not make you significantly better. You must keep pushing yourself on. Take on the next difficulty, or beyond. As the difficulty of songs increase, it will test all your techniques and skills to the limit. Speed will be faster, and notes will be harder to read; more jumps will occur and a larger range of rhythmic values will occur.
In short, playing songs more complex than the difficulty you continue to play, and knowing the possibility of how hard songs can get, will make you better. Who knows, you might surprise yourself; you might even be able to play songs requiring a much higher standard of skill!
Destiny's Final Tip
Have a goal. Seriously, set yourself a target. When I achieved my first few AAAs, I decided to test my abilities. I set myself several goals; reach 50 AAAs, beat my rival in Multiplayer and Full Combo a Very Challenging song.
Without setting a goal, you have less potential to become successful, and a less interested feel to the game.
To this day, I am still setting myself goals to achieve. You will have a better advantage if you have a person you know to play with. Maybe you can try to out-do each other.
So basically, put yourself to the test and see how far you can go.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
That's about it. If you have any questions regarding this topic, or if you would like to know more of my FFR tips, post in this thread or give me a shout through a Private Message. I'm also available on AIM Messenger.
AIM: FFR Destiny
MSN: [email protected]
Happy FFR'ing,
Destiny
Comment