Input Reading Woes: The Bane of Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1 Players

Of all the flaws a fighting game can have, input reading issues are undoubtedly among the worst. This problem has plagued not just one, but two huge titles in the genre this year – Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) and Street Fighter 6 (SF6). Players from all around have voiced their concerns about these issues, both in online discussions and through video documentation.

These flaws can be exasperating for players who put their heart and soul into mastering the game. While I can’t personally attest to the troubles of MK1, as I haven’t had the pleasure of playing it, it appears that both games may suffer from the same ailment – SF6 specifically an overly generous buffering window. This buffering window, designed to make execution easier, can end up making it feel like the game is second-guessing your inputs.

SF6, at the very least, offers an alternative to mitigate this issue through Modern controls, which have a more forgiving buffer window. But for traditionalists like myself who prefer Classic controls, the frustration is palpable. Classic controls are where the essence of old-school gameplay is preserved, and it’s painful to see them marred by this issue.

One potential solution that could alleviate this problem is shortening the buffer window, perhaps to the timing seen in Street Fighter V (SFV). SFV’s timing strikes a balance between leniency and accuracy, making it easier for players to execute moves with precision. Incorporating this timing into SF6 could be the key to enhancing the gaming experience.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that, despite the idea that players should overcome a game’s shortcomings, input reading issues aren’t so easily surmountable. Even the most precise inputs seem to be misread, and this inconsistency can be a significant source of frustration. When grand prizes are totaling into the 7 figures, these kind of issues can hinder the best possible competition.

Now, one might wonder if this issue is a mere bug or if it’s something more deeply rooted. It’s possible that the input reader is too lenient, making it hard for the game to distinguish between intended and unintended commands. While the easiest solution might be to switch to SF6’s Modern controls, not everyone is onboard with that change. As an enthusiast of Classic controls, I understand the reluctance to make the switch. The authenticity and nostalgia that come with playing games as they were originally intended should not be dismissed.

While there are potential solutions, it’s essential for developers to strike the right balance between leniency and accuracy to ensure a satisfying gaming experience for all players. Until then, we might just have to “deal with it” and continue to improve in our gameplay, despite the challenges posed by these input reading flaws.

This is a game with a 2 Million Dollar Prize Pool and a majority of the qualifiers are online. Why is the game not registering my inputs in this game state… #SF6 #StreetFighter6 pic.twitter.com/Lo9osFz0Jl

— sonicsol (@sonic_sol) October 9, 2023

About Author