Hailing from NYC, member of NLBC, smashing people left’n’right with Cervantes… Who may it be, you asked? If you did, I’m quite surprised – I will say such an introduction will be more than enough for you to recognize our today’s guest, EndersJ!
If you had to introduce yourself in three sentences to some SoulCalibur player who didn’t know you, what would you say?
I’d introduce myself as a relatively successful Cervantes player from NYC’s NLBC scene, who through the assistance of the community, the guidance of the experienced vets, and the support of my local scene, learned how to actually be good at a fighting game for once 🙂
What is the origin or meaning of your nickname?
My name is a shameless reference to the titular final upgrade of the Mecha (Jehuty) piloted in Zone of the Enders 1 and 2, named “Enders Jehuty”. So that is what the J stands for. But personally it can stand for anything you want.
How did it happen that you ended up playing fighting games?
I always played them hyper casually (story mode/single player modes only) most of my life. But I always had a special place for calibur in terms of character design and simplicity.
Who do you main in SC6 and why?
I main Cervantes. He’s cool to me aesthetically ( I like pirates, I think guns are cool, and he’s an absolute unit), the fighting style is also aesthetically pleasing. Gameplay wise he’s also a very methodical and slow paced character, which fits my general framework for how I strategize in any game. I’m not really good at super fast paced repeated decision making.
What is your opinion regarding SC6?
SC6 is a great game. It has it’s flaws. But it still has an extremely high level of skill expression while also being simple for people to get into and begin executing. I’m mostly excited for what they can do with the next one since they consider SC6 to be “successful”
If you could change one single thing about SC6 what would that be?
I’d probably want them to have taken bigger risks with stage design, character design, and visual atmosphere. This iteration of soul calibur feels very grounded. Like they were scared to go off the rails and just wanted to try to get back the oldschool fanbase.
What do you consider to be your greatest SC6 achievement and why?
I don’t really have any *one* great achievement to me. For me, every single player I began to beat consistently/semi-consistently in tournament, that initially crushed me and felt like a completely insurmountable wall for me, became their own respective great achievement of mine.
Please answer a single question that you were not asked but you would like to answer!
Rather than answering a question. I just want to impart some advice. After playing for the past 3 years, I feel like what I’ve truly gained out of this game is a group of people that I’ve been able to build friendships and some connection with. The game is great and all, but if you’re deadset on being the best, don’t lose sight of building connections with your community. That’s honestly more fulfilling than winning a tournament will be. At least for me it was.
Thank you for the interview!