Interview with pro gamer Teru Rock! [Arcade Controller Travelogue, Part 1]

At Akihabara Base Camp,Arcade Controller Travelogue"A new project has been launched.
This is the first timeCOMP Official Supported Pro GamerWe spoke to Teru Rock of the company.
We spoke to him about a variety of topics, including his stance on gaming (he frequently hosts events), his title as an official support pro gamer, and his preferences for the arcade sticks he uses as a gamer active on the front lines.

※A photo taken before the interview. With an overseas-sized monster (it looks completely tea-like)

What is COMP's official supported pro gamer?

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"]Thank you for your time today. [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="Teru Rock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] Thank you very much. [/chat]

[chat face=”abc-icon.jpg” name=”ABC” align=”left” border=”yellow” bg=”none” style=”maru”] First of all, I want to ask you a question.COMP Official Supported Pro GamerWhat is that like? [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="Teru Rock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] Originally, I liked COMP as a product and used it regularly.It's super convenient and great!I was just telling people around me that.
However, I wanted to promote it more properly, and I was vaguely thinking that maybe they could sponsor it, when I had the opportunity to talk to a manufacturer. At that time, Shiorojika and I were both working hard on DOA5LR, so I said,We are doing these activities! Please support us!That's how it all started.
COMP's corporate philosophy is "Support your passion" COMP is a platform that supports people who have jobs or hobbies that they want to pursue even if it means sacrificing sleep and food, and I thought it would fit that perfectly. This is just a coincidence though (lol) [/chat]

[chat face=”abc-icon.jpg” name=”ABC” align=”left” border=”yellow” bg=”none” style=”maru”] Last year (2019), you wrote an article about the DOA6 World Tour. [/chat]

[chat face=”icom_teru001.jpg” name=”TeruRock” align=”right” border=”red” bg=”none” style=”maru”]That’s right.
It wasn't in return for supporting the trip, but they asked me to write an article.
However, it's not like we signed a firm contract and were told to do this or that.The activities were relatively relaxed.[/chat]

[chat face=”abc-icon.jpg” name=”ABC” align=”left” border=”yellow” bg=”none” style=”maru”] Are there any contractual agreements that say you can’t do this, or you have to do this locally? [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="Teru Rock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"]There were no particularly strict rules, so I also※ 1) I was also free to do whatever I wanted (lol)[/chat]

(※ 1) Shiologica...Like Teru Rock, he is one of the strongest players in the DOA world and is one of COMP's officially supported professional gamers, having even reigned as world champion.

Reasons for continuing offline events

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] You, Teru Rock, have held many events other than DOA, but you don’t hold any restrictions on the titles you are hosting, right? [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="TeruRock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] Yes, I'm interested in it.Hold an event in a game you want to playThat's all.
"Why are you holding an event?" That part hasn't changed since before, and with DOA I wanted to compete, so it seemed quicker to create a place where I could compete myself.
The quickest way to compete in a fighting game is to face each other face to face.
Online is fine, but you're bound to end up with lag at some point, right?
There are people in the place, and Red Bull (※ 2) There are convenient places like this, and if there is a place you can use,It's good to do it there" So we're holding events like this.
If you try it and it doesn't work, then that's it (lol)[/chat]

(※ 2)Red Bull...Red Bull Gaming Sphere Tokyo in Nakano. It is a facility specializing in hosting gaming events.
Anyone can hold a gaming event even if they don't have any equipment, as long as they apply in advance.

*His motto is to enjoy the games he loves in the way he loves.

Professional gamer Teru Rock's recommended arcade sticks

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] Now, as this is the purpose of today's post, let's take a look at the arcade controller recommended by Teru Rock. [/chat]

[chat face=”icom_teru001.jpg” name=”Ku Rock” align=”right” border=”red” bg=”none” style=”maru”]Victrix Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick (V2)'That's right.'
It has a touchpad and is the latest model from Victrix.[/chat]

* Recommended by Teru Rock: Victrix Pro FS. A high-end arcade stick that costs as much as a PS4 Pro.

[chat face=”abc-icon.jpg” name=”ABC” align=”left” border=”yellow” bg=”none” style=”maru”]Do you do any customization? [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="Teru Rock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"]This is a carryover from what I used before, but I changed the four main buttons used in "DEAD OR ALIVE" (hereinafter "DOA") toMade by GamerFingerI'm exchanging it for this one. [/chat]

[chat face=”abc-icon.jpg” name=”ABC” align=”left” border=”yellow” bg=”none” style=”maru”] Looking closely, it’s certainly true. What else? [/chat]

[chat face=”icom_teru001.jpg” name=”Teru Rock” align=”right” border=”red” bg=”none” style=”maru”]Then, the leverMuteIt has become. [/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] Can you replace the lever?! If you look closely, it's a special customization. [/chat]
*Due to the structure of the old Victrix Pro FS, there were lever units that could not be installed.

[chat face=”icom_teru001.jpg” name=”TeruRock” align=”right” border=”red” bg=”none” style=”maru”] It’s possible to make it quiet by simply flipping a switch inside.
If you go into detail, they're actually different. There are dedicated silent actuators and guides available. Sanwa Electronics said in a previous interview, "Actually, they're a little different from the standard ones."
In other words, you can make it quieter by simply turning on the silent switch. [/chat]

*Customized detachable lever and silent unit. The guide is also a custom order item.

Why we made the arcade controller quieter

[chat face=”icom_teru001.jpg” name=”TeruRock” align=”right” border=”red” bg=”none” style=”maru”] I used to use Sanwa’s silent buttons, the ones before they were made out of the current elastomer, and silent levers.
I think the trigger for that change was the first DEAD OR ALIVE FESTIVAL.
In the final,XCaliburBladeZ(※ 3) and lost to him.
At that time, it was BBoy Dragon... I forget.
"He hears the sound of the arcade stick, so he recovers.(※ 4)You'll be found out if you do it. It's the norm overseas.'
I was like, "Seriously?" So I suddenly became interested in noise reduction, and tried out the noise reduction lever and button.
The silent lever has also been upgraded twice.
At first it felt a bit soft and uncomfortable, but it didn't bother me much, and now I've changed it to the latest high-resilience type.
Sanwa's silent buttons originally had something like cushioned rubber inside them, which made them quieter. They were certainly quieter than regular buttons, but in exchange, the button stroke changed.The discomfort I felt when I pressed it was incredible.。[/chat]

[chat face=”abc-icon.jpg” name=”ABC” align=”left” border=”yellow” bg=”none” style=”maru”]Does it feel like the impact of the hit comes back? [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="Teru Rock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] No, it's the thickness that's the problem. The feeling until it turns on is different, and when I use the Leifan, the OH(※ 5) is a rhythm game (laughs).
It's a rhythm game, but if you press a different button, the rhythm until it turns on changes.Silent buttons react too quicklyI found it really hard to get used to it.
However, at the time, there were places to play both arcade and home consoles, so I wanted to get my body used to being able to play either as much as possible. I used the Silent version, but I also wanted to feel comfortable using the regular Sanwa buttons, so I struggled at the time. The buttons were different from those at arcades, and the lever was also a little different.That was something I was worried about, so I didn't go all out in customizing it.[/chat]

[chat face=”abc-icon.jpg” name=”ABC” align=”left” border=”yellow” bg=”none” style=”maru”] Should we keep the buttons and levers as unchanged as possible? [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="Teru Rock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] As minimal as possible. I play on silent, but I wonder if it's really okay to keep it silent... But I can still play. [/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] So back then, you weren't doing much customization of the input section, etc.? [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="TeruRock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] Most arcades use Sanwa levers and buttons, right? That's why I was a little hesitant to make it quieter, but...If I'm going to play against guys from overseas in future tournaments, I'll have to keep the sound quiet., and it seems like it's pretty bad for people to hear the noise.
In DOA5, you can tell whether you're recovering or not by the sound of the lever click. You can tell that you're trying to hold it because you're not recovering. That's why I started messing around with it. [/chat]

(※ 3) XCaliburBladeZ...A powerful DOA player living in the US. He has always placed highly in DOA tournaments, including winning.
(※ 4) Recovery...This is what is known as the lever-snap recovery technique in fighting games. It can shorten the time you are unable to control your character after receiving an attack from your opponent.
(※ 5) OH... Offensive Hold. One of the skills in DOA. It allows you to launch a throw while nullifying the opponent's strikes.

About the new Victrix

[chat face=”abc-icon.jpg” name=”ABC” align=”left” border=”yellow” bg=”none” style=”maru”]What do you think of the new Victrix? [/chat]

[chat face=”icom_teru001.jpg” name=”KiRock” align=”right” border=”red” bg=”none” style=”maru”] I didn't even know there was a new model coming out.(※ 6).
I knew there were Chun-Li and Ryu models, but I didn't know that a mass-produced model of them would be released and that the top panel would be changed.Ah, a new one came out" [/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] What do you think after trying it out? [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="TeruRock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] I actually quite like the original shiny look, but the matte finish on the tabletop gives it a much more subdued look (laughs).
We were all talking about how this might feel less cold, but there was no way to verify it.
The manufacturer also said,That's right. I don't know why, but this one seems less cold.(laughs) I don't know how much the actual surface that you touch will change, though.
One thing that bothers me is the width.Obsidian(※ 7)', so you may be concerned about stability when placing it on your lap. [/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] It seems like the silver thing next to Obsidian is so narrow it takes up almost all of its space. [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="TeruRock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] The good thing about it is that you can store the lever, and also, although it's not an official one, the cable is stored inside. You can just wrap it around outside, but I don't want it to get caught when you take it out, so I was thinking about forcing it in, and then Rabi-san (※ 8)but"This is how it should be." I said, "Oh, that's good" I put it inside, and then all the levers and cables are inside, so it's easy to handle. [/chat]

*The levers and cables are all inside, making it easy to carry.

(※ 6) I didn't even know that a new model was coming out... Mr. Teru Rock was one of the first people to bring Victrix arcade controllers to Japan.Advertise" It seems that there was talk of a new model, but no information about the new model has been released. Why?
(※ 7) Obsidian... I'm talking about the Qanba Obsidian. Many people may know this as the stick used by pro gamer Tokido. It's a high-end stick with excellent operability, stability, and price.
(※ 8) Rabi-san...the goddess who supports TeruRock with both yin and yang. She's a sweets terrorist, so it's dangerous to check her timeline when you want something sweet.

Arcade controllers recommended for beginners

[chat face=”abc-icon.jpg” name=”ABC” align=”left” border=”yellow” bg=”none” style=”maru”] Akihabara Base Camp is also aimed at beginners, but when I look at other blogs, I see thatリアルアーケードPro"And"リアルアーケードPro.N HAYABUSAI've seen that " is good, but which model do you think is good as a first one?Granblue Fantasy VersusI think that's why many people start playing fighting games. [/chat]

[chat face=”icom_teru001.jpg” name=”TeruRock” align=”right” border=”red” bg=”none” style=”maru”] If I had to say something to people who are just starting to play fighting games,I don't think you need to go out of your way to buy an arcade stick.
First try it with a pad, and if you just can't get what you want, and you think you can do it with an arcade stick, then I think it's worth trying. I don't think you should just spend 4 yen straight away.
The first arcade stick I bought was a RAP (※ 9) but it was about 14,000 yen, which was a pretty good price at the time. I was really hesitant, wondering what to do. Up until then, an arcade stick would cost around 5000 yen. The most expensive were around 10,000 yen, soIt's over 1 yen, seriously?!But it felt good to touch, just like the ones in the arcade... so I bought it.
In the end, I could say that if you're going to a game center, you should buy an arcade stick, or that you should use Sanwa's lever and buttons, but instead,If you're just starting out as a home game, there's no need to go out of your way to buy an arcade stick.[/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] Even tournaments are mainly held on PC or PS4. The use of arcade cabinets has also decreased recently. [/chat]

[chat face=”icom_teru001.jpg” name=”TeruRock” align=”right” border=”red” bg=”none” style=”maru”] Maybe the background at the start is completely opposite.
I want to do the things I do at the arcade at home.andStart fresh at homeThat's not true.
Speaking of which, a lot of players overseas use gamepads. That's because there aren't any arcades, and even though Mortal Kombat is popular overseas, there are some people who use arcade sticks, the overwhelming majority of people play it with a gamepad.
Beginners often say, and I think it's a misunderstanding, "If you want to play fighting games, you have to buy an arcade stick," but I think the answer is "No, no, no, that's not the case, so there's no need to force it." I think there are some people who think it's a good idea, but there are also people who end up regretting it. It's a waste if you end up making a wasteful purchase, or you end up not really needing it, or it doesn't suit you, or it's not fun. I would like to tell them to try playing with a pad for now. But thisI recommend Victrix (lol).。[/chat]

(※ 9)RAP...HORI Real Arcade PRO. A standard arcade stick. It can be easily purchased at electronics retailers and game shops. It's reasonably priced and easy to obtain.

A conversation between guys who are addicted to arcade controllers

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] It feels like Victrix's arcade sticks have finally found a place where they can settle down! [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="Teru Rock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] That's probably what shocked us when we first saw it at EVO. It has this function, this function, and this too? I was happy that it had it all. The designer said that if he was going to release it, he wanted to make the best arcade controller he could imagine, and that's why he created this shape. That's why the lever is removable and the cable is designed like this. [/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] It's also nice that the cable terminal is USB Type-C. [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="TeruRock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] You don't have to check the front and back every time (laughs). Even if the cable gets damaged, you can just use a generic cable. Wow, that's amazing. If you're going to use it for a long time, the detachable feature makes it convenient to carry around and makes it easier to participate in various events,If you can find your own benefits in Victrix's features, I highly recommend it.That being said, it's not a price you can just drop on it, so if you're not sure what to do, I'd say talk to a fighting game fan near you.
There are definitely some extra arcade sticks.I think it would be best to let me touch it. [/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] That's true. There must be at least two. [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="Teru Rock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] I don't even know how many I have. I have an Xbox 360 one, a PS4 one, and a Panthera. I gave them to a friend so I don't have any more, but I have a Noir (※ 10) I got one as a prize at a competition.
I also have two Victrix.
People who have been playing fighting games for a long time definitely have it, so it's a good idea to borrow it.
Ask to borrow it or let me touch it.
Fighting gamesOkay, let's do it." I don't think it's good for it to become a hurdle, but I think there's probably a desire to try it. Like the arcade sticks used by people who play fighting games. I think there are a lot of people who want to try using an arcade stick, but don't have to. There's nothing bad about trying it. It's best to do it casually. If you go too far, you'll suffer serious consequences if you give up. I don't recommend forcing yourself. [/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] People who own multiple arcade sticks use them because they understand this. [/chat]

[chat face=”icom_teru001.jpg” name=”Teru Rock” align=”right” border=”red” bg=”none” style=”maru”] I like this place so much that I end up buying it. [/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] Other people wouldn't notice. Even if they just thought, "It looks a little different" (lol). [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="Teru Rock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] So, what's different is that it's a little easier to use. The gap between the lever and the button is wider, making it easier to use.hmm, something like that. [/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] This one would have been fine too. [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="TeruRock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"]It hasn't changed that much.No no no no。[/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] It's not, if you get into the details. [/chat]

[chat face="icom_teru001.jpg" name="Teru Rock" align="right" border="red" bg="none" style="maru"] This distance doesn't exist. Those who understand this will immediately understand, that (Victrix FS) Viewrix (※ 11)But it's about the same distance as Noir, I think.
The other day when I took it to EVO Japan, someone said, "It's a Viewlix, but it's far away." I don't really get it, how can this person understand so quickly? [/chat]

[chat face="abc-icon.jpg" name="ABC" align="left" border="yellow" bg="none" style="maru"] There are a few serious arcade controller players out there. [/chat]

[chat face=”icom_teru001.jpg” name=”TeruRock” align=”right” border=”red” bg=”none” style=”maru”]I really think so (lol)[/chat]

(※ 10) Noir...One of the lever and button layouts on the control panel of an arcade cabinet. This is the lever and button layout of Bandai Namco arcade games such as Tekken and Gundam.
(※ 11) Viewlix...This is the lever and button layout that is more popular than Noir. There are also more arcade sticks with the Viewlix layout than Noir.

※At the end of the interview, we took a photo with the matching arcade stick. Thank you.

Arcade controller travelogue, future plans, etc.

This time we spoke with Teru Rock, COMP's official supported professional gamer.
There were some parts where the conversation got a little nerdy, but I think we got a glimpse of Teru Rock's passion for games and his arcade sticks.

Now, at Akihabara Base Camp,Arcade Controller TravelogueWe hope to continue hearing from various players in the future under the title "."
Our policy is to reach out to you first, but we also welcome inquiries from those who fit the following criteria.
・I love arcade controllers and keep modifying them
・He even made his own arcade stick.
・I have a lot to say about arcade controllers
See you in the next arcade controller travelogue.

The Victrix Pro FS (V2) introduced today is now available for purchase in Japan.
Available on Amazon on March 31, 2020!
To purchase →Victrix Pro FS

↓Click here for a review of the Victrix Pro FS (V2)

https://akihabara-bc.jp/victrix_v2/

↓If you want to modify it, why not start with the buttons?

https://akihabara-bc.jp/akekon-kaizou/