I think the main problem with GP4 and up is that the traditional input reading style of CPU native to the genre is particularly unfun in a game designed in this way, in a way it seems that using the basics well against the CPU isn't as good as just finding what most succesfully lames them out.
Like dragon based arms seem to cause them to struggle since they'll instantly be reacting to the initial punch and then the almost random way you can have the beam pop out trips them up.
The intricacies of the game are under-explained even in the extra tutorial modes, I'm still not sure what some of the elements do for instance, they could do with explaining more about what causes charging and its overall benefits for new players and much more.
Thing is the game can be really damn fun, after my first dire matches this evening prompting my initial post against overly evasive foes with tripe shot weapons and gimmick maps that basically dump on the game (seriously Snake park is just WHY?!) I got some matches in the simpler arenas against opponents using more standard Arms and it's then that I'm like "wait, this IS fun!".
Basically the core here is fun, just that situations like the CPU in general and situations where you feel like you just can't do anything or so high on the anti-fun meter it's enough to make me forget the strengths. (there's also the issue where getting whupped is a slower inevitibility than other fighters where if you're outmatched you just get swiftly stomped into oblivion, ARMS by comparison extends the pain just like the arms themselves).
edit: and just like that, back to facing captain evasion, followed by a three way match on snake park where no joke, I've got two Ninjaras including captain evasion where he runs and hides and despite me trying to bring the fight to both the other ninjara exclusively focuses on me all match long, I genuinely just put the console down and gave up.
I didn't think of it that way, with the CPU not adapting well to this style of fighter and it makes complete sense. I think I'll use your hint on the dragon arms (thank you) and cheese my way through GP4 and then just keep it as a strictly MP experience.
I think it's honestly abysmal that there isn't even a tutorial or practice mode that explains all the really nitty gritty aspects of the game that are almost a requirement for such a medium difficulty. People should not have to piece this all together from hear say and collaborating on forums such as this just to understand the main crux of the games systems. Or is this just par for the course with fighting games and I'm out of the loop?
And you're totally right. Where as on something like Tekken or SF will just straight up hand you your ass in 3 seconds, ARMS is a long drawn out loss that just adds to the frustration. I really wish there was a restart option in the menu's too for the GP. If you've dunked me 4 times with easy throws on the basketball mini game, I'd prefer to just restart then have to hang around and be dunked again.
I felt that way about the game until last night when everything clicked.
What type of controls are you using? I noticed that using motion I just can't help but accidentally flicking my wrists in a direction when I mean to just punch straight. I seriously have a problem just hitting someone directly in front of me, you have to remember to keep your wrists straight to do that. So I went with the Handheld/Pro Controls and have been having a much easier time - just making contact.
What character are you using? I think before jumping into GP 4 practice a lot with one single character and learn how to use their special ability effectively and often.
Are you charing your punches? Always keep a charge going as much as you can.
Are you remembering to throw? This is a double edged sword. Don't do it too much, but also don't forget to do it at all. I think that alone helped me a lot when making the jump to GP 4 is not forgetting about using throw. It does the best damage and looking for situations to do it safely (opponent has thrown out both arms and is exposed) is going to make that jump against the CPU.
... I think its already been echoed in the thread. Try to have fun. Don't rush trying to "level up" your game. Just take your time and do GP 3 a couple more times, do Party Mode, and just give yourself time to learn a character and which ARMS you like using.
I dunno, that's what's helped me "click" with the game in the past few days. I didn't really enjoy it that much on Day 1 or 2, but I stuck with it and tried to take it easy... I played against my daughters, 9 and 5 - and just practiced dodging their stuff and not trying to KO them and working on punching through their grabs. Little stuff like that, helps.
Since the start I picked Pro Controller and it felt pretty comfortable. Tried motion controls but, much like yourself, I got endlessly frustrated with my misplaced swings and ended up just going back to the Pro Controller fairly quickly. As a side note though, I find that even with the Pro controller, I'm having a harder time then I feel I should be making contact with all my punches. I assume it's just the CPU being great at dodging/maneuvering, but I also wouldn't put it past my terrible aiming being a root cause of my terrible play.
I've been using Spring Man exclusively since I got the game yesterday. I was told he was the best all rounder, and the best for someone coming into the game to get a feel for the movement. I usually have the stock glove on left and the tri-glove on right, as this atleast gives me a chance with the follow up hook to land with the tri. Is there someone else I maybe should try with an easier learning curve? I do see Min Min gets a lot of love, but I was also told on Reddit that Min Min is an advanced character, so maybe not?
I found out about charge attacks late in my run of GP3, but I've been terrible at getting Spring Mans deflection/blue bounce to actually work as intended and block peoples incoming attacks. I usually end up just dash spamming as I find that if I slow the fight down, I'm just leaving myself open to more punishment at the hands of the CPU. At least if I keep the dashing up, I stand of chance of maneuvering my way out of incoming attacks at least a good percentage of the time. Are there any characters abilities that are more conducive to my dash style of play?
And I think you're right. I'll knock back to GP3 tomorrow and just run the gauntlet again. Just worried that I'll end up grinding, slamming my head against a skill wall that I can't cross, get frustrated and give up. I must say, I'm jealous you have your own personal sparring partners to help you improve. Probably much more fun then fighting the CPU