Life Lessons Learned from Fighting Games

Having grown up playing fighting games, I realized now that many of life's answers can be found by playing them. I bet you'll find a use for most, if not all of them in the real world.

• Before doing anything else, check your freakin' controller settings. Why go into battle unprepared?
• Doing the same thing over and over again is not a sound strategy for success.
• Pick a style that suits who you are. Everybody may play a Shoto, but it doesn't mean you have to.
• Just because you can do that 15-hit combo, doesn't give you the right to show it off repeatedly (unless somebody asks you to). Do it only at the right time, when it actually makes sense to do so.
• If you see the opportunity to do that special move or combo, DON'T HESITATE.
• If you do commit to that high-risk move, and it MISSES, accept the consequence of your action (i.e., your opponent kicking your face in), you have no one to blame but yourself.
• There will be situations where not doing anything is the best option.
• Accidental motions will occur, and sometimes they work to your advantage.
• Some people like joysticks, some people like gamepads. Don't be a jerk and just accept it.
• Not every match is do or die. Some days, you just want to play for the sake of playing.
• How you play arcade mode at home tells a lot about who you are.
• A loss is more important than winning in helping improve your game. That guy who beat you probably lost a thousand times more than you did.
• Don't insult weaker players by giving them an indiscreet mercy round. Patronizing them shows how little respect you have for others. There is room for dignity and refinement in this world.
• You can read that strategy guide or FAQ a thousand times, but it won't guarantee you can pull off that high level technique without getting your hands on the controller.
• When visiting another player's house / arcade, make sure you know the house rules.
• Yes, people who use exploits / glitches to win are idiots. Don't stoop to their level.
• No matter how awesome you think you are, there is always someone ready to kick your butt.
• Playing online is neat, but nothing beats playing with someone you can trash talk and mess with physically.