Perfect Legend in Conversation: Mortal Kombat , Tekken 8 & Project L

Catching up with Perfect Legend on the current state of fighting games.

Perfect Legend, a 3x EVO champion and four-time fighting game world champion from Toledo, Ohio.

Since 2005 he’s made a name for himself winning tournaments, pushing the limits of the game; but more recently he’s the author of "Game Fu: Way of the Digital Fist," a guide transcending “how to play” individual fighting games but instead emphasizes shared fundamentals applicable to every title, no matter what your favorite game is.

His journey commenced at the age of 17, securing championships in Dead or Alive 4. He later reached Mortal Kombat 9 EVO top 8 three times, cementing his status as one the game's greatest champions.

Perfect Legend excels in diverse titles such as Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Street Fighter, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Tekken, and Dead or Alive. He wears many hats, serving as a teacher, coach, streamer, commentator, organizer, and content creator; featured on platforms like IGN, DirecTV, Spike TV, and G4TV.

We got a chance to catch up with Perfect Legend to discuss the current state of fighting games and what he’s most excited about in Mortal Kombat 1. 

Arcade Press: Greetings Perfect Legend! How’s it going?

Perfect Legend: Hey Ram, it's going pretty well. Thank you for asking.

AP: Let’s jump right in. I know you've been doing a ton of analysis on Mortal Kombat 1—what excites you most about that game?

PL: The combat system. It's a revamped MK9 that takes the best mechanics from their most recent games and remixes them into something fresh. I'd say it's the best roster we have had in the history of the franchise. The stages look awesome, characters are bright and vibrant, and the music fits well.

AP: Based on the entire roster for MK1 so far, who do you think will be on your team?

PL: On the main roster?

Liu Kang
Kung Lao
Shang Tsung
Scorpion
Raiden
Shao Kahn
Sub-Zero
Reptile
Smoke
Homelander
Omni Man

Kameos

Kano
Motaro
Kung Lao
Scorpion
Sektor

AP: I feel the same way!

.. We've gradually been getting more to see on Tekken 8—what are your impressions on the reveal of Dragunov, Raven, Leo, Yoshimitsu, Kuma, etc.?

PL: I'm glad they are all back. I haven't been able to play 8, but in my opinion, there has NEVER been a bad Tekken. It's always good, so I look forward to its release. I was excited to see Steve back. Hopefully, we get Devil Jin.

AP: Totally agree. Tekken has always been great!— Can you give our readers an introduction to your book "Game Fu: Way of the Digital Fist"?

PL: "Game Fu: Way of the Digital Fist" is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in mastering the art of fighting games. It's designed to take players from beginners to experts, offering insights into fundamental game mechanics, psychological strategies, and advanced techniques. Whether you're a casual player or aiming to compete at a professional level, this guide provides the knowledge and training you need. In addition, it serves as an excellent resource for spectators who want to understand the intricacies of fighting games better. It explains how and what to watch for during matches, making it an invaluable tool for both players and fans alike. It's not just a book but a mentor for those looking to excel in the world of virtual combat, offering tips on character selection, combos, tournament preparation to enhance the overall gameplay and spectator experience.

AP: Have you had a chance to play Project L? What are your thoughts on that game?

PL: I have yet to play the game. I don't have any thoughts from that perspective, unfortunately, but it has a lot of potential from what I've seen & considering who’s involved with the game.

AP: How do you see the current state of fighting games right now? I know that you've mentioned before that many things have changed over the years; Esports has its ups and downs...

PL: I think the current state of fighting games is great. Tournaments happen every day online from the comfort of your home. There is still room for big in-person events too, but the netcode is the best it's ever been, so growing the player base has never been easier. That and crossplay being a regular feature for fighting games helps player retention because there is always someone to play. I think there should be more qualifiers to play in invite-only tournaments, though. But that is on the organizer of the event. I feel like there is no better time than now to play fighting games.