ikodomo
Well-Known Member
"Just keep playing even if you've hit a wall to get better. Walls will eventually wear out and you'll be even happier by then."
- DestructionBomb
Coming off a recent Top 8 finish at this year’s Defend the North Tournament, I was able to get a hold of New York’s own DestructionBomb. One of the upcoming stars coming out of New York, DestructionBomb discusses his own character, Akira, his history with the game and where his future lies within the DOA competitive scene
Name? Gaming alias?
Chris Caamano. I go by the name DestructionBomb as the game alias. (Or DB for short as people would call it.)
Country of Origin?
Was born and raised in NY within the Bronx borough. Hispanic Latino
If I were a tourist and wanted to visit New York, what are the restaurants, sites and landmarks you recommend me traveling too?
I'd say taking a trip to Times Square in Manhattan, or maybe even Staten Island. Food is pretty common with Pizza spots just about almost anywhere. Not a tour specialist so I can't really answer that.
How did you come up with the name DestructionBomb?
I went by the name DestructionBomb as a clever name idea I picked up from watching a movie. Not quite sure what movie it was because it was such a long time, but it was definitely a movie where the plot was based on a super bomb that would wipe out an entire city. At first I wanted to use my name Chris but most of the stuff I had in mind was taken so I went with DestructionBomb.
Who is your main character in DOA5LR?
My main character is Akira.
Not many people in the US main Akira besides you and Sly Bass. However, I've seen plenty of Japanese players use Akira well. IMHO, he's a character people need to pick up and learn. He's very deadly in my eyes. How about you? What makes Akira more interesting to you than any other character in the DOA5LR roster? What are his pros and cons?
I do believe Akira is pretty deadly. I always considered him (Just my personal opinion of course, not to be taken serious.) as a top 5 character, perhaps the very bottom of the 5. I do wish people would play him more because this guy is a fantastic character.
I like all the characters but Akira just hit the nail to say "Yeah, this is my favorite character right here" - the character basically clicked for me because he has things other characters do not have as a reward. Advantage on moves where you can provide a solid offense, GB advantage and GB that leads to guarantees such as the GBoD. His approach to the game just clicked on how I want to perform in a game.
Well besides the obvious tracking situations as a con, I don't see it as a huge huge issue since most step situations is usually based on a read. He's not very string heavy either with added details that he's really hard to use. I still think he's the hardest character to use in the game but of course, that's just me. As for pros? lots of epic rewards and fun to play. << Well that one is just a personal thing lol.
Since you use Akira, have you tried Akira in the Virtua Fighter series?
I played some of the games within the VF series but I wasn't super good at it. Most of the previous versions I rented and just played casually due to playing other games besides fighting games at the time. The latest one (VF5FS) was pretty cool. It's a pretty deep game and couldn't have the time to actually sat down to play. It's a pretty fun game
It looks like your friends with Java Curry Akira *JC Akira* Can you explain your relationship with him? Do you guys share intel with each other? How did you react when you saw him OCV Team Gaijin at the DOA Festival?
We didn't interact much due to language translation issues and twitter word limit (I'd say we only talked about once or twice.) but we did talked before about tech via twitter. Some responses were shared and favored without a text response so I assumed he liked it or couldn't find a way to write properly in English in feedback for me to understand. Our relationship hasn't been made yet but he seems rather friendly with sharing and favoring posts I made there. I even tagged him in a post about having late night sessions at NEC to which he favored as well. Perhaps I made another foreign friend? who knows, but he definitely seems friendly and that's great.
Was rather happy actually. (No offense to US) But I always wanted an Akira to win something. See here's the thing, If Java was not there I would of rooted for US. Since Akira is my main character, I have to give support to that character. Deep down, I wanted that character to win. Behind that stream screen, I was smiling like a true bad guy. It's like a guy who betrays his countrymen because his goal is the same as the other individual, so I support it. Don't get me wrong, US for the win, but if it's Akira.....Go Akira! - So if Java is reading this, that was cool and congrats, hope to see you in person for epic Akira matches.
How long have you been playing DOA? Casually? Competitively?
Well to start, DOA2 was my first DOA game which was back on the Dreamcast (This console was epic by the way.). At the time fighting games were kinda of a side thing for me back then because I was mostly interested in Action/Adventure/Roleplaying/Hack N Slash genre kind of guy so I was casually just playing the game. I remember buying a Sega Dreamcast for the sole purpose of playing Sonic Adventure (Which came bundled with the console.) Jet Set Radio and Shenmue as a purchase too. Right after that, the console also included a demo disc with DOA2 in there. (A disc with many demos such as Power Stone etc.) That's basically how I found out about DOA.
I started playing DOA competitively not too long ago. I'd say around the beginning of DOA5 Ultimate is where I wanted to head out and see if I can find people to play with locally in a area. To which of my surprise, there was already a NY group so I dropped in a post on the thread on FSD for NY casuals. This is where I met Lewis Amparo (Spslick,) Dr.Snipe, Tenryuga, Hold Junkie, Bboy, and so on. These guys are cool and showed me around the place since I have never been there. I've heard of the place but never actually went there.
If you were to describe your play style in 3 words; What would they be?
Movement, reads and pressure. (Maybe throwing in defensive since I generally tend to sit back and watch what's going on, this usually varies by players for this.)
Is there any weaknesses in your game that you would like to improve on?
I ask myself this question a lot and the answers could have so much possibilities to where I have no idea on the areas I need to improve on, but I definitely lack something or some sense of balance on reading opponents and how to approach them. Sometimes I have a habit of sitting there blocking more often than I should because this X opponent is different than the other so it varies on my situation and mood. Maybe I need to relax more and not over think of a scenario that can cost a match. But I still dig into this a lot and finding ways to better myself as a player. Maybe it will take months or years, who knows...could be just a human thing I guess. Even being under pressure gets to me greatly because I overthink and screws me over.
What's your typical routine when preparing for an upcoming tournament? Do you have any players you spar with for an upcoming tournament?
I try to get the most I can with games at casual sessions because the feel there is different than what you are playing with at home. Making sure I don't drop stuff, making sure I am getting stuff done. Practicing there basically. As for players to spar with, it's been rather shifty due to the console change and time schedule of players which wasn't like DOA5 Ultimate, but I spar with CJ (Requiem) Codemaster (But he swapped consoles so it's been awhile.) and Something-Unique. These guys helped me out a lot to up my game and develop myself as a player during my progress on my way to DOA5LR.
Right before the tournament starts, what do you normally do? Do you concentrate and listen to music, chat with friends, or just want to be alone and zone out everything around you?
I chat with people a lot. It's more like a personality thing and having fun with them. There is a nervous factor there at times, so concentration can be broken in and out but not so much.
Congrats on getting Top 8 in the Defend the North Tournament. What are the other tournaments you have attended? What were those results you had on those tournaments?
Ahh thanks, it was a good run and more for the experience factor. The other tournament I entered was ECT, was still in pools at the time and was using Raidou. Needed one more game for a Top 8 spot. Unfortunately Raidou didn't exactly click on me as a character but he had some stuff I thought I can use for surprises, until the moment I realize and completely forget that the game has characters that can blow you up with a jab button. Have to be committed to making reads with Raidou and be prepared for anything. But hey, I had fun.
When I was watching your performance at the Defend the North tournament, I was really impressed with your movement. Not many players move the way you do. Any tips on how to move the way you do?
I move by making a slide on my thumb within the 214 and 236 area. I slide by flicking my finger in a upward+left motion towards the left and upward+right motion towards the right. I use to move a bit more precise with a fight pad I own for the PS3. (No dualshock.) Unfortunately it no longer works and it wouldn't work on a PS4 regardless I believe.
Any upcoming Tournaments you will be participating in the near future?
Oh yeah for sure, NEC since I got a room ready with Katsu, Lewis, Sly Bass, Jaegar and D Glock. As for future ones? most likely. Would like to go to AB to play against Manny and so on.
How do you think you will do in this year's NEC?
I think I will do alright. Granted that so many people are going so who knows really and majority of them have a lot more experience. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery." - Bill Keane - This doesn't apply strongly because NEC is not tomorrow but I'm using it as a sample to say who knows really.
A couple of international players are coming to this tournament such as Teru_Rock, Gehaktbal and Java Curry Akira. How do you think they will perform?
I am unsure, but I've seen Gehaktbal before in previous streams so he's high possibility. I think everyone from foreign lands really. But who knows.
Which version of DOA do you hate the most? Why?
The Vita version of the game (DOA5+). I always felt that the game was just simply pointless as a portable. The Vita pad is just too rigid and too small, a versus mode in 1st person view for who knows why etc.
Any players you enjoy watching or would like to play against?
I do enjoy watching Master, Something-Unique, Emann, and Requiem play. Players I would like to play against? likely Master and foreign players.
How is the New York scene? Can you tell us more about your scene and the players you have over there? Are there any ways you can think of improving your scene and its growth?
The NY scene is pretty moderate and growing. They are always try to get some games even at friends house just to improve and have fun. Lewis (Spslick), Dr. Snipe and Hold Junkie have been playing the game a lot while getting people to play with.
For improving the scene and growth? wish I knew the answer to that. I feel that real life issues such as work or school come into play and making schedules tight on meeting up. To expand for more people to play? I am not sure, but we try to get the group together to play and whoever comes in to watch us play can freely join up and play the game with us.
Who are the players need to be aware of in the New York?
Probably xCalibur Bladez, he is from NY after all. Also myself and RenderingStar too since he's taken an interest to come to Next Level Arcades for some casual gaming there.
Do you have a personal tier list on DOA5LR?
Aghh tier lists, the area of complications and debates that usually never ends. Not that there's anything wrong with tier lists, but I prefer to avoid that one ahaha.
Any other games you play for fun or competitively?
I play different games outside of DOA for fun. Buying them for story to pass the time and just overall enjoyment.
DOA6. What year do you think it will come out?
I am going to expect 4-5 years from now. I see a lot of posts about people asking for a DOA6 and honestly, I always felt it's too soon to make one for the upcoming year or year after, that's just me. That's basically rushing a game to finish it. If TN is developing a DOA6, I want them to take their time with it so that the game will have the best resources and overall just making it better and truly feel next-gen with updated graphics and game changing to where it feels brand new.
If DOA6 were to happen and Akira does not return, what happens next?
I've been asked about that before. Chances are he may not come back, and I won't exactly know until a DOA6 shows the roster. Hope more guest characters come if DOA6 were to happen.
If you could create a DOA character from scratch for DOA6, How would you make that character? Gender? Martial Arts? Default Costume?
I would make that character very similar to Akira (Not exactly Kokoro as she is only paying homage to Akira as a sign of respect for Baji Quan, but in comparison, she plays nothing like Akira at all) When I mean by similar, I mean a character who has GBs that guarantees damage, frame advantage almost in similar to Akira. Basically a DOA spiritual successor to the VF character but literally playing the same like him. A character that makes you feel like you are right at home again because of how it's almost the same as Akira. Gender does not matter to me. Could be female or male.
DOAX3 is coming out soon. What do you think of the game? Are you going to get it?
Not entirely sure. I have played previous DOAX games but wasn't really hooked on to it. Some of the stuff there was cool, I do hope they expand the game a bit bigger by adding like a chess game with two of the characters playing chess or pool & bowling.
If you could give an advice for the aspiring competitive DOA player, what would you say?
I would say to keep playing the game and enjoy on what makes you happy with improving Just like everyone else, I started playing online in vanilla of DOA5 so we all started somewhere.
Do you have a Twitter, Facebook or Youtube channel people can follow you on?
Yeah I do.
Twitter: DestructBomb
Facebook: Chris Orange
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/destructionbombx
Any last messages? Shoutouts?
Sure. Shout outs to all the NY players and out of state players for having games with me and playing at a NY event. It was fun and wouldn't mind playing again.
- DestructionBomb
Coming off a recent Top 8 finish at this year’s Defend the North Tournament, I was able to get a hold of New York’s own DestructionBomb. One of the upcoming stars coming out of New York, DestructionBomb discusses his own character, Akira, his history with the game and where his future lies within the DOA competitive scene
Name? Gaming alias?
Chris Caamano. I go by the name DestructionBomb as the game alias. (Or DB for short as people would call it.)
Country of Origin?
Was born and raised in NY within the Bronx borough. Hispanic Latino
If I were a tourist and wanted to visit New York, what are the restaurants, sites and landmarks you recommend me traveling too?
I'd say taking a trip to Times Square in Manhattan, or maybe even Staten Island. Food is pretty common with Pizza spots just about almost anywhere. Not a tour specialist so I can't really answer that.
How did you come up with the name DestructionBomb?
I went by the name DestructionBomb as a clever name idea I picked up from watching a movie. Not quite sure what movie it was because it was such a long time, but it was definitely a movie where the plot was based on a super bomb that would wipe out an entire city. At first I wanted to use my name Chris but most of the stuff I had in mind was taken so I went with DestructionBomb.
Who is your main character in DOA5LR?
My main character is Akira.
Not many people in the US main Akira besides you and Sly Bass. However, I've seen plenty of Japanese players use Akira well. IMHO, he's a character people need to pick up and learn. He's very deadly in my eyes. How about you? What makes Akira more interesting to you than any other character in the DOA5LR roster? What are his pros and cons?
I do believe Akira is pretty deadly. I always considered him (Just my personal opinion of course, not to be taken serious.) as a top 5 character, perhaps the very bottom of the 5. I do wish people would play him more because this guy is a fantastic character.
I like all the characters but Akira just hit the nail to say "Yeah, this is my favorite character right here" - the character basically clicked for me because he has things other characters do not have as a reward. Advantage on moves where you can provide a solid offense, GB advantage and GB that leads to guarantees such as the GBoD. His approach to the game just clicked on how I want to perform in a game.
Well besides the obvious tracking situations as a con, I don't see it as a huge huge issue since most step situations is usually based on a read. He's not very string heavy either with added details that he's really hard to use. I still think he's the hardest character to use in the game but of course, that's just me. As for pros? lots of epic rewards and fun to play. << Well that one is just a personal thing lol.
Since you use Akira, have you tried Akira in the Virtua Fighter series?
I played some of the games within the VF series but I wasn't super good at it. Most of the previous versions I rented and just played casually due to playing other games besides fighting games at the time. The latest one (VF5FS) was pretty cool. It's a pretty deep game and couldn't have the time to actually sat down to play. It's a pretty fun game
It looks like your friends with Java Curry Akira *JC Akira* Can you explain your relationship with him? Do you guys share intel with each other? How did you react when you saw him OCV Team Gaijin at the DOA Festival?
We didn't interact much due to language translation issues and twitter word limit (I'd say we only talked about once or twice.) but we did talked before about tech via twitter. Some responses were shared and favored without a text response so I assumed he liked it or couldn't find a way to write properly in English in feedback for me to understand. Our relationship hasn't been made yet but he seems rather friendly with sharing and favoring posts I made there. I even tagged him in a post about having late night sessions at NEC to which he favored as well. Perhaps I made another foreign friend? who knows, but he definitely seems friendly and that's great.
Was rather happy actually. (No offense to US) But I always wanted an Akira to win something. See here's the thing, If Java was not there I would of rooted for US. Since Akira is my main character, I have to give support to that character. Deep down, I wanted that character to win. Behind that stream screen, I was smiling like a true bad guy. It's like a guy who betrays his countrymen because his goal is the same as the other individual, so I support it. Don't get me wrong, US for the win, but if it's Akira.....Go Akira! - So if Java is reading this, that was cool and congrats, hope to see you in person for epic Akira matches.
How long have you been playing DOA? Casually? Competitively?
Well to start, DOA2 was my first DOA game which was back on the Dreamcast (This console was epic by the way.). At the time fighting games were kinda of a side thing for me back then because I was mostly interested in Action/Adventure/Roleplaying/Hack N Slash genre kind of guy so I was casually just playing the game. I remember buying a Sega Dreamcast for the sole purpose of playing Sonic Adventure (Which came bundled with the console.) Jet Set Radio and Shenmue as a purchase too. Right after that, the console also included a demo disc with DOA2 in there. (A disc with many demos such as Power Stone etc.) That's basically how I found out about DOA.
I started playing DOA competitively not too long ago. I'd say around the beginning of DOA5 Ultimate is where I wanted to head out and see if I can find people to play with locally in a area. To which of my surprise, there was already a NY group so I dropped in a post on the thread on FSD for NY casuals. This is where I met Lewis Amparo (Spslick,) Dr.Snipe, Tenryuga, Hold Junkie, Bboy, and so on. These guys are cool and showed me around the place since I have never been there. I've heard of the place but never actually went there.
If you were to describe your play style in 3 words; What would they be?
Movement, reads and pressure. (Maybe throwing in defensive since I generally tend to sit back and watch what's going on, this usually varies by players for this.)
Is there any weaknesses in your game that you would like to improve on?
I ask myself this question a lot and the answers could have so much possibilities to where I have no idea on the areas I need to improve on, but I definitely lack something or some sense of balance on reading opponents and how to approach them. Sometimes I have a habit of sitting there blocking more often than I should because this X opponent is different than the other so it varies on my situation and mood. Maybe I need to relax more and not over think of a scenario that can cost a match. But I still dig into this a lot and finding ways to better myself as a player. Maybe it will take months or years, who knows...could be just a human thing I guess. Even being under pressure gets to me greatly because I overthink and screws me over.
What's your typical routine when preparing for an upcoming tournament? Do you have any players you spar with for an upcoming tournament?
I try to get the most I can with games at casual sessions because the feel there is different than what you are playing with at home. Making sure I don't drop stuff, making sure I am getting stuff done. Practicing there basically. As for players to spar with, it's been rather shifty due to the console change and time schedule of players which wasn't like DOA5 Ultimate, but I spar with CJ (Requiem) Codemaster (But he swapped consoles so it's been awhile.) and Something-Unique. These guys helped me out a lot to up my game and develop myself as a player during my progress on my way to DOA5LR.
Right before the tournament starts, what do you normally do? Do you concentrate and listen to music, chat with friends, or just want to be alone and zone out everything around you?
I chat with people a lot. It's more like a personality thing and having fun with them. There is a nervous factor there at times, so concentration can be broken in and out but not so much.
Congrats on getting Top 8 in the Defend the North Tournament. What are the other tournaments you have attended? What were those results you had on those tournaments?
Ahh thanks, it was a good run and more for the experience factor. The other tournament I entered was ECT, was still in pools at the time and was using Raidou. Needed one more game for a Top 8 spot. Unfortunately Raidou didn't exactly click on me as a character but he had some stuff I thought I can use for surprises, until the moment I realize and completely forget that the game has characters that can blow you up with a jab button. Have to be committed to making reads with Raidou and be prepared for anything. But hey, I had fun.
When I was watching your performance at the Defend the North tournament, I was really impressed with your movement. Not many players move the way you do. Any tips on how to move the way you do?
I move by making a slide on my thumb within the 214 and 236 area. I slide by flicking my finger in a upward+left motion towards the left and upward+right motion towards the right. I use to move a bit more precise with a fight pad I own for the PS3. (No dualshock.) Unfortunately it no longer works and it wouldn't work on a PS4 regardless I believe.
Any upcoming Tournaments you will be participating in the near future?
Oh yeah for sure, NEC since I got a room ready with Katsu, Lewis, Sly Bass, Jaegar and D Glock. As for future ones? most likely. Would like to go to AB to play against Manny and so on.
How do you think you will do in this year's NEC?
I think I will do alright. Granted that so many people are going so who knows really and majority of them have a lot more experience. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery." - Bill Keane - This doesn't apply strongly because NEC is not tomorrow but I'm using it as a sample to say who knows really.
A couple of international players are coming to this tournament such as Teru_Rock, Gehaktbal and Java Curry Akira. How do you think they will perform?
I am unsure, but I've seen Gehaktbal before in previous streams so he's high possibility. I think everyone from foreign lands really. But who knows.
Which version of DOA do you hate the most? Why?
The Vita version of the game (DOA5+). I always felt that the game was just simply pointless as a portable. The Vita pad is just too rigid and too small, a versus mode in 1st person view for who knows why etc.
Any players you enjoy watching or would like to play against?
I do enjoy watching Master, Something-Unique, Emann, and Requiem play. Players I would like to play against? likely Master and foreign players.
How is the New York scene? Can you tell us more about your scene and the players you have over there? Are there any ways you can think of improving your scene and its growth?
The NY scene is pretty moderate and growing. They are always try to get some games even at friends house just to improve and have fun. Lewis (Spslick), Dr. Snipe and Hold Junkie have been playing the game a lot while getting people to play with.
For improving the scene and growth? wish I knew the answer to that. I feel that real life issues such as work or school come into play and making schedules tight on meeting up. To expand for more people to play? I am not sure, but we try to get the group together to play and whoever comes in to watch us play can freely join up and play the game with us.
Who are the players need to be aware of in the New York?
Probably xCalibur Bladez, he is from NY after all. Also myself and RenderingStar too since he's taken an interest to come to Next Level Arcades for some casual gaming there.
Do you have a personal tier list on DOA5LR?
Aghh tier lists, the area of complications and debates that usually never ends. Not that there's anything wrong with tier lists, but I prefer to avoid that one ahaha.
Any other games you play for fun or competitively?
I play different games outside of DOA for fun. Buying them for story to pass the time and just overall enjoyment.
DOA6. What year do you think it will come out?
I am going to expect 4-5 years from now. I see a lot of posts about people asking for a DOA6 and honestly, I always felt it's too soon to make one for the upcoming year or year after, that's just me. That's basically rushing a game to finish it. If TN is developing a DOA6, I want them to take their time with it so that the game will have the best resources and overall just making it better and truly feel next-gen with updated graphics and game changing to where it feels brand new.
If DOA6 were to happen and Akira does not return, what happens next?
I've been asked about that before. Chances are he may not come back, and I won't exactly know until a DOA6 shows the roster. Hope more guest characters come if DOA6 were to happen.
If you could create a DOA character from scratch for DOA6, How would you make that character? Gender? Martial Arts? Default Costume?
I would make that character very similar to Akira (Not exactly Kokoro as she is only paying homage to Akira as a sign of respect for Baji Quan, but in comparison, she plays nothing like Akira at all) When I mean by similar, I mean a character who has GBs that guarantees damage, frame advantage almost in similar to Akira. Basically a DOA spiritual successor to the VF character but literally playing the same like him. A character that makes you feel like you are right at home again because of how it's almost the same as Akira. Gender does not matter to me. Could be female or male.
DOAX3 is coming out soon. What do you think of the game? Are you going to get it?
Not entirely sure. I have played previous DOAX games but wasn't really hooked on to it. Some of the stuff there was cool, I do hope they expand the game a bit bigger by adding like a chess game with two of the characters playing chess or pool & bowling.
If you could give an advice for the aspiring competitive DOA player, what would you say?
I would say to keep playing the game and enjoy on what makes you happy with improving Just like everyone else, I started playing online in vanilla of DOA5 so we all started somewhere.
Do you have a Twitter, Facebook or Youtube channel people can follow you on?
Yeah I do.
Twitter: DestructBomb
Facebook: Chris Orange
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/destructionbombx
Any last messages? Shoutouts?
Sure. Shout outs to all the NY players and out of state players for having games with me and playing at a NY event. It was fun and wouldn't mind playing again.
