Developer Blog - Introducing Rhapsody
Today in our developer blog for Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers, we introduce a new member of the core cast. It's time to meet Rhapsody!
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Rhapsody was more than happy to talk to us, and explain more about them and their life.
Tell us a little about yourself.
"Yeah, cool. I'm Rhapsody. You can call me Rhap, if Rhapsody if it's too many beats for you. If you're my parents and I'm in serious trouble, you can call Majd Al-Bilali. I'm also a bit older than the rest of the group, coming in at 28 years of age. Like a fine wine."
How long have you been playing Fist of Discomfort 2?
"Since release. Actually, a very close friend, who will remain forever in silence, was able to get their hands on an imported Japanese cabinet. So we were able to play months before it was released here. Really gave us the upper hand when tournaments started up."
Are you sure you can't tell us who that person is?
"She would kill me! Oh... I've said too much, and that's all you'll get from me."
Fair. You mentioned tournaments, do you go to them a lot?
"I've been in the tournament scene since 200x. Granted that's even before Fist of Discomfort 1 came out. Started with Street Fighter, oh those days take me back. But I'm not really into competing as much anymore."
Interesting, why is that?
"I'd rather just go and hang out with all my friends and cheer them on. No pressure. No nerves. Just fun. That, and I prefer to cast the matches anyway."
Like announcing? Like you tell people who's up next?
"Nah, that's more the T.O's job. I'm talking like shoutcasting, esports announcer, resident hype person. I sit at a desk and commentate on what's happening in the matches."
How did you get started doing that?
"Well, it was a few years ago. I think the event was "Funplex Rising", or something like that. So hard to keep track of them all, right? The caster they had no-showed and I said "Heck, I know all the moves better than I know myself even! I bet I could fill in and do a decent job." So, I talked to the person in charge, and the rest is history. Now I cast at most tournaments. Starting to make a name for myself too. You might've seen me on various livestreams. ...actually, speaking of that, I need to get going to the next FOD2 tournament. I don't want to be late and I still have a lot of prep to do."
But you're not going to play? You'll be casting.
"That's right. You're starting to catch on, friend. Anyway, it was great talking to you all. See you at the dojo!"