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Post by zdude69closedrofl on Jul 3, 2016 18:33:35 GMT -5
I've given it some thinking courtesy of this thread... and I've come to the conclusion that you guys are actually right about Nagano's way out being good.
I mean think about it. He could have been like Mr. SASUKE in saying "Hey wait! I can do better! This is worth my patience and time, I'll prove that I'm still hip!" and constantly having close calls in Stage 1 and then failing over and over. But he just showed one last time that he's not crap and that he still has the ability, but that the prime just isn't there. Good for Nagano. I give Shingo and Takeda until Sasuke 35.
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Post by Badalight on Jul 3, 2016 19:13:44 GMT -5
I really, really, loved it.
I hated it. But I loved it.
I think it's something we can all relate to, in some way. Definitely the most frustrating Sasuke I've ever seen (minus maybe 19). But I haven't felt so passionate about a Sasuke tournament in YEARS.
The results and weather were frustrating. Some people are pissed at the editing. But the fact that it made me so emotional just proves how much I love this show, especially when I was starting to think I didn't care anymore. Hell, I didn't even realize the broadcast was coming up until I saw the timer at the top of the forums.
Another thing of note. Honestly when I heard of Nagano's retirement (a whole 12 hours before the broadcast) I didn't really think much of it. Maybe it's because I'd been disillusioned by every other time we've heard of an all-star retiring only to come back (whether it was or wasn't on their terms). I thought to myself "that's unfortunate, but what can you do?" However, when it came time for Nagano's actual run - I really did start bawling. I was more emotional during that run than I've been watching Sasuke in a looooooooooong time. I think what really got me is when it cut to Shingo and even HE was crying. SHINGO. I think if Takeda burst into tears I would've had a heart attack. Nagano cried on camera too, which isn't too normal. His wife was crying BEFORE HIS RUN STARTED. God that got to me. And I really think his result was great. I was worried there'd be some poetic justice in him failing the Warped Wall on both his first and last ever Sasuke runs. There's that saying that the greatest never goes out on top. But no... Nagano beat that wall and the only thing that held him back was time - which is just poetic as hell given how time/age has been holding him back. He didn't get wet or fail an obstacle. He was able to look back at the entire stage from the finish line. Awesome.
Sure I can complain about certain things (and no one here is wrong for complaining), but personally I'm astounded we've made it to 32 at all. Here's hoping for a 33~
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Post by jfeathe on Jul 3, 2016 20:08:14 GMT -5
What I absolutely loved about Nagano's run is that he saved his very best for the very end. Somehow, someway, he bolted up the Lumberjack Climb in a way only Nagano could - agile, light as a feather, and with amazing athleticism. It was like the pure essence of Nagano all bottled up in that single, final climb. As much as I would have liked to have hit that button, I think it's fitting that he finished his Sasuke career on top of the first stage tower, having failed nothing, waving down to his friends and fans who have nothing but admiration and respect for him.
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Post by Badalight on Jul 3, 2016 20:11:16 GMT -5
Also, I know people get annoyed at the celebrity contestants, but Sasuke has always had those. At least with a lot of the current ones they seem to have some respect for the show and get advice from the New Stars.
But can someone explain to me that tall dude in the blue shirt with the bowl cut who had the tiny... girlfriend? Is he a celebrity? They both seemed incredibly beat up that he failed, and it didn't seem phoned in (I'm looking at you Yamada, rofl).
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DonalM
Nakata Daisuke
Posts: 953
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Post by DonalM on Jul 3, 2016 20:31:47 GMT -5
That was Geoff and another woman (not Kacy). Wait who? Jessie?
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Post by TCM on Jul 3, 2016 20:57:28 GMT -5
Also, I know people get annoyed at the celebrity contestants, but Sasuke has always had those. At least with a lot of the current ones they seem to have some respect for the show and get advice from the New Stars. But can someone explain to me that tall dude in the blue shirt with the bowl cut who had the tiny... girlfriend? Is he a celebrity? They both seemed incredibly beat up that he failed, and it didn't seem phoned in (I'm looking at you Yamada, rofl). That was Wataru Mori, he's an actor. His wife is Tomoko Kaneda who is the voice actress of Chiyo from Azumanga Daioh. She competed last year but failed the Rolling Hill (has no business competing really). He's competed in Sasuke a couple times before but nothing of note. He's trained with the STQ'ers at Arashida Park and is a former winner/perennial contender of the spiritual successor to Sportsman, Sports Danshi Grand Prix (I like to call it discount Sportsman because they've straight up taken Monster Box for their own. His best Monster Box performance was 20 boxes. So he takes the opportunities he gets regarding these things seriously. Hence their emotion when he timed out at the end.
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Post by Alzy on Jul 3, 2016 21:10:11 GMT -5
To be honest I'm not completely sure what I think of this tournament, I both loved it and hated it.
Stage 1 could have done with 1 or 2 more new obstacles but in saying that it was unpredictable and exciting to watch
Stage 2 was rubbish, if your not going to put in any new obstacles at least cut the time a bit so its not a stroll to the finish
Stage 3 was pretty good (although again I would have liked a couple of new obstacles), the rain made the Flying Bar hard and I liked the modification to the Drum Hopper and Sidewinder R. The new cliffhanger wasn't all that amazing to me but leading straight into the Vertical Limit (which has 3 bits now?) is brutal, even top climbers would struggle with that.
I'm glad Nagano beat the wall and it was epic to see him fly up the Lumberjack Climb, I'll miss him but his impact and presence will never be forgotten. I liked seeing the Sasuke Sensei make it to stage 3 and Brent, Drew and Andre all did awesome especially Drew landing the Crazy jump twice considering he'd failed it twice in previous years. Having Kawaguchi and Nagasaki (two of my faves) in the third stage was also cool.
All in all I think this was a pretty good tournament, the editing and some of the stages left a little to be desired but I understand they are on a limited budget and they can't always fit in everything we want to see in 3 and a half hours. I'm already looking forward to Sasuke 33 next year
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DonalM
Nakata Daisuke
Posts: 953
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Post by DonalM on Jul 3, 2016 21:21:54 GMT -5
What a crazy first tournament for me. Having to sneak into the bathroom to watch it without the knowladge of my parents, not to mention at 2:30 in the morning was an insane experience. But honestly kind of depressing too, and shocking to witness the new stars go down one by one. Drew really saved the day. Still angry with Kenji and Kong (again) getting BSed, as well as Wreathy and Tomo. But 10/10 will do again.
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DonalM
Nakata Daisuke
Posts: 953
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Post by DonalM on Jul 3, 2016 21:22:46 GMT -5
And Nagano couldn't have gone out anywhere else. Otherwise, he would have been BSed on the Flying Bar, and getting BSed out is no way for a champion to go.
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DonalM
Nakata Daisuke
Posts: 953
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Post by DonalM on Jul 3, 2016 21:24:16 GMT -5
As for Americans in the next tournament, Drew has to be there, then I'm conflicted between Geoff, Jessie Graff and the last man standing in ANW8.
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arsenette
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Post by arsenette on Jul 3, 2016 21:30:30 GMT -5
Also, I know people get annoyed at the celebrity contestants, but Sasuke has always had those. At least with a lot of the current ones they seem to have some respect for the show and get advice from the New Stars. But can someone explain to me that tall dude in the blue shirt with the bowl cut who had the tiny... girlfriend? Is he a celebrity? They both seemed incredibly beat up that he failed, and it didn't seem phoned in (I'm looking at you Yamada, rofl). That was Wataru Mori, he's an actor. His wife is Tomoko Kaneda who is the voice actress of Chiyo from Azumanga Daioh. She competed last year but failed the Rolling Hill (has no business competing really). He's competed in Sasuke a couple times before but nothing of note. He's trained with the STQ'ers at Arashida Park and is a former winner/perennial contender of the spiritual successor to Sportsman, Sports Danshi Grand Prix (I like to call it discount Sportsman because they've straight up taken Monster Box for their own. His best Monster Box performance was 20 boxes. So he takes the opportunities he gets regarding these things seriously. Hence their emotion when he timed out at the end. Been writing about Mori for a loooooong time. He's an old competitor and Sports Danshi (Discount Sportsman) star. His more famous wife is the Japanese voice for "So excited so exited ONE MONTH TO GO!". Also old on my site.
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Post by evan19121 on Jul 3, 2016 21:40:04 GMT -5
Just my personal thoughts on this tournament:
As for the editing I really didn't see any issues, however that may just be because I was hyped up that a new Sasuke was on. My only major complaint was giving celebrities too much backstory/ fluff piece time instead of some of the top competitors. As for stage 2, while it felt only 5 min long, I understand why they edited the that portion the way they did. I think it would have been redundant to show clear after clear after clear.
Now as for the course/ results themselves:
Stage 1: This was actually one of my more favorite 1st stage since 28. It was very unpredictable unlike previous tournaments, and i generally like the lower stage one clear rates, so with 8 finishers I felt that it did a great job in a renewal tournament.
Stage 2: There definitely needs to be an obstacle change/time change here. I enjoyed it this tournament merely because it only added to the unpredictability from stage 1, it was crazy to see all 8 pass. But there needs to be either a drastic time change or some new obstacles.
Stage 3: I really liked the lineup of obstacles in this stage. It gave me that same feeling when Sasuke's 25 3rd stage was revealed, that "Is this is even humanly possible?!?!?" feeling. Drew's run was incredible and gave me the chills just watching. It was also great to see Brent back there as well. The rain did disadvantage some competitors in both stage 1 and 3, however it only added a dramatic effect for me.
While some of you may disagree, this was one of my favorite tournaments as of recent. Aside from focusing too much on the celebs the editing doesnt really bother me, Im just glad that we got to see another tournament no matter how bad things could be. Nagano's ceremony at the end was a perfect way to end his Sasuke career and his last run was epic to watch. Heres to a Sasuke 33!!!
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Post by SasukeForever on Jul 3, 2016 21:45:41 GMT -5
As for Americans in the next tournament, Drew has to be there, then I'm conflicted between Geoff, Jessie Graff and the last man standing in ANW8. POTENTIAL ANW8 spoiler knowing the Vegas results this year, I loled at this
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DonalM
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Post by DonalM on Jul 3, 2016 21:52:21 GMT -5
As for Americans in the next tournament, Drew has to be there, then I'm conflicted between Geoff, Jessie Graff and the last man standing in ANW8. knowing the Vegas results this year, I loled at this idk Vegas results but based on ur comment alone its Drew isnt it?
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Post by SasukeForever on Jul 3, 2016 21:56:09 GMT -5
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Post by StrykerX7 on Jul 3, 2016 22:08:09 GMT -5
My 2¢:
First off, chat was noticeably more carcinogenic this year compared to last year. I really did enjoy my time being in the stream chat last year, but it was really annoying seeing the comments from the vocal minority who were whining and really had no good reason to do so— stream issues, competitors, ANW footage, ads, etc.
As for Nagano's final run, he put up an explosive one, which was surprising because of his age, and although he timed out at the last obstacle, he didn't get eaten up by the water. Considering how well he did this year and how close he was to clearing 1st Stage, he could come back next year to redeem himself, but his Sasuke 32 run was the best way out for him imo. I see a lot of similarities between Nagano's retirement from Sasuke and Kobe Bryant's retirement from professional basketball. Both were in a performance slump these past several years, which is normal for any aging athlete, but the way both champions performed on their final day in their respective sports was just incredible (for context, Kobe dropped 60 points on his final game).
Besides 2nd stage, which was way too easy imo (replace reverse conveyor w/ a balance obstacle and now we're talking), I have no other problems with the course's overall design. I think the show could have had been managed better especially considering how drenched everything was. They should have anticipated weather conditions such as intense humidity, and they should have acted immediately on the course's change of conditions when it became apparent that it was affecting the performance of some of the competitors.
Despite this, I hope Sasuke comes back for tournament #33. Glad to see Nagasaki back in the 3rd Stage. The dude is still pretty young and he has immense potential to make it to the Final Stage again. Wreathman was spectacular yet again, but his body type is making it hard for him to make it through 3rd stage. I'm glad Drew is the last man standing, and I really do think that if he keeps up this amazing performance, he can make it to the top of the Final Stage within the next couple of tournaments. Also, I really want to see Morimoto back in action for a chance to further his legacy as well as Geoff Britten if next year's ANW schedule permits.
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Post by narcissus1916 on Jul 3, 2016 22:48:08 GMT -5
Going off of the comments and wiki, they added 15 seconds to Stage 2?! Why in the world would they do that.
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SuperTiger
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Post by SuperTiger on Jul 3, 2016 22:50:11 GMT -5
Going off of the comments and wiki, they added 15 seconds to Stage 2?! Why in the world would they do that. My best guess is production wanted to ensure we saw a lot of Stage 3 due to all the modifications on it.
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Post by supernovamaniac on Jul 3, 2016 22:52:25 GMT -5
Going off of the comments and wiki, they added 15 seconds to Stage 2?! Why in the world would they do that. I think because of conveyor belt. I do think that it was too much, especially since the competitors just sled through (I'm not sure if it was because of water but I did see some people sliding and maybe using the kneepads for that?), while for one of the runs the belt was stopped completely. Of course, if I'm wrong, correct me (since I was not at the venue, and above is all based on my personal observation).
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arsenette
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Post by arsenette on Jul 3, 2016 23:02:26 GMT -5
Going off of the comments and wiki, they added 15 seconds to Stage 2?! Why in the world would they do that. I think because of conveyor belt. I do think that it was too much, especially since the competitors just sled through (I'm not sure if it was because of water but I did see some people sliding and maybe using the kneepads for that?), while for one of the runs the belt was stopped completely. Of course, if I'm wrong, correct me (since I was not at the venue, and above is all based on my personal observation). I was the one that said the extra 15 seconds btw. And yes they stopped the conveyor in latter stages. It was obvious they were having tech issues with it and a couple got injured - most notably Tomo which is why he was sitting in the chair during Drew's run. We had no idea he was going to try the 3rd stage because he wasn't walking so hot after he got caught in the conveyor. Also.. whoever is editing the wiki.. "Drew wasn't used to transferring between the ledges of the Cliffhanger and Vertical Limit".. that's not what he said. He said he wasn't used to "no breaks" between them. There's a difference in those statements.
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