DAMN!! Now I know what Jeff meant by it's too much unless you've already been into the game before. 
 
First off there's a million characters (AWESOME!!). Then there's 3 types of styles for each character, then all these combo moves that you can pull off with one or both of them on screen with you. 
 
Like i said... WHAT!!??  
 
Believe me, i'm not bitching about the game being ridiculous, I think that's what it's meant to be (in a good way). But it is WAY too much for a beginner. But, good game and good luck to everyone else.

You should let the game take you for a ride

HAHA. I dont' even know where to get on man!

Man, I know how you feel. I was really excited about buying it, after reading some reviews and having a few friends recommend it. This game is crazy. I'm finally starting to get the hang of it now, but I feel like I really need an arcade stick.

" You should let the game take you for a ride "

" Pick your favorite characters and go from there, pick the recomended assist types and get going.  Gameplay wise, get into practice mode and learn what your two assist characters do when you press the assist buttons, and then apply them appropriattely in a real match. Get to grips with your main dudes moves and away you go. "

I'm new to all this aswell, but I'm suprised how quickly I picked up the feel for it, after reading Jeff's review I was a little worried that this game would be serousily awfull, due to my lack of playtime in the genre, but as I said was happily suprised, I don't play all that much online, but I still don't know how to change  character mid fight ¬_¬

Spam the assist triggers

go through single player alot. like i mean non stop.
 thats all i did with the dreamcast and now when i go online i rarely lose.