<!--quoteo(post=1670747:date=Feb 17 2008, 04:13 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lolfighter @ Feb 17 2008, 04:13 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1670747"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->What is the definition of an "action?" He's doing almost seven of them each second. I can hardly click that fast.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It means any action including keystrokes. So if you selected your SCV to build a Barracks, thats 4 actions already. (Selecting SCV, pressing B, pressing B again for barracks and then clicking on the ground to place it). Having said that, 400 is still very crazy, pros average 200-300.
Also, at the start of the game when theres little to do, you might see the players spam loads of pointless actions. This is just to warm themselves up!
<span style='color:#000000;background:#000000'> Jaedong > Nada Much > Nada Much > Boxer Much > Jaedong Jaedong > Boxer Boxer > Nada
Disappointing, <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> No Terrans qualified from this group. </span>
Never fear my friends, Group C is tomorrow at the same time.
VODs of Group A (played yesterday) are <a href="http://gsi.gomtv.com/vod/" target="_blank">here</a> VODs of Group B (today) are not up yet.
<i>Note on VODs: I personally can't get the damn things to work on IE or Firefox but lots of others have. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> They are also not downloadable</i>
I will write another crappy little intro to tomorrow's group sometime in between my revision for my exam tomorrow <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />.
<!--quoteo(post=1670795:date=Feb 18 2008, 02:47 PM:name=Zor2)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Zor2 @ Feb 18 2008, 02:47 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1670795"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--><i>Note on VODs: I personally can't get the damn things to work on IE or Firefox but lots of others have. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /></i><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Adobe Flash Player 9
nuff said <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="wink-fix.gif" />
<!--quoteo(post=1670796:date=Feb 18 2008, 08:49 AM:name=Faskalia)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Faskalia @ Feb 18 2008, 08:49 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1670796"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Adobe Flash Player 9
nuff said <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="wink-fix.gif" /><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I tried downloading and reinstalling the latest Player but that didn't work either. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> I don't know if they maybe restricted VOD access to US and Asia only.
For those who can't get the videos from the official site to load can click on the youtube <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gomtv+star+invitational&search_type=" target="_blank">link</a>.
<b>stork</b> - <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->PROTOSS<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img09.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> stork is currently amongst the top 5 SC players of the world. In the various leagues over the past year, he has consistently shown incredible form. He is particularly renown for his PvT and PvP match-ups so he must be confident after being placed in the only Zergless group. Watch out for this guy's late-game macro, it is unstoppable.
<b>IriS[gm]</b> - <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->TERRAN<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img03.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> A personal favourite. When playing at his best, Iris can cut through the opposition like no other. Consistency is unfortunately something that continues to elude him. However, watching him play is always entertaining as this guy has big balls(!) - he is never afraid to try some crazy Boxer-esque strategy.
<b>Hwasin[S.SIR]</b> - <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->TERRAN<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img05.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> Last quarter, Hwasin looked like <i>the</i> best Terran on the planet. However, he has suffered a significant slump to his form since December. His TvZ is particularly notable with his TvT coming a close second. Look out for his occasional jaw-dropping micro.
<b>free[gm]</b> - <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->PROTOSS<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img11.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> Another inconsistent performer. Free has solid micro and macro like the rest of the guys here but has yet to show any truly dominating form. Don't know what else to say about this underachiever :S.
<b>Game 1: stork (P) >> IriS (T)</b> Assuming Iris doesn't try some off the wall early marine rush, stork should comfortably take this game.
<b>Game 2: Hwasin (T) > IriS (T)</b> Both players are a bit dodgy at the moment, but I'm going for Hwasin due to his better TvT history.
<b>Game 3: Hwasin (T) > free (P)</b> Really hard to call. Both are on pretty equal form. The map is blue storm so I'm expecting a relatively long game with both players clashing at the middle.
<b>Game 4: stork (P) >> free (P)</b> If stork remembers to upgrade his dragoon range in this latest PvP, then he shouldnt have too much of a problem. For spectators: try to look out for the spinning white circle on the Cybernetics Core in the early game. Stork has lost two crucial PvPs because of this careless error.
<b>Game 5: stork (P) > Hwasin (T)</b> I think Hwasin would have warmed up enough against free to give stork a run for his PvT money. With twice your minerals and gas at the starting location on this map (Baekmagoji), I think stork will win this with his recently trademarked super-fast tech to carriers strat versus T.
<b>Game 6: IriS (T) >>> free (P)</b> I just get the feeling Iris will execute one of his crazy strats and cheese the crap out of free... with DROPSHIPS!
<i>A lot more random guesswork this time around as I'm not as familiar the players. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> Hope you all tune in tomorrow! Thanks for reading.</i>
<!--quoteo(post=1670852:date=Feb 18 2008, 02:49 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lolfighter @ Feb 18 2008, 02:49 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1670852"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Fiddle a little with makeup and Hwasin could pass for a woman. In fact, is he wearing lipstick?
By the way, what meaning does cheese carry in Starcraft? To my knowledge it's a dairy product, but apparently it carries other meanings here.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The same thing it means in any other context when it's not used to mean the food*: something that is cheesy is a cheap trick, sort of underhanded. It's not really playing the right way. You're just exploiting something or whatever.
*It can also be used thusly: "Cheese it, the cops!" This is my favorite way.
<!--quoteo(post=1670852:date=Feb 18 2008, 03:49 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lolfighter @ Feb 18 2008, 03:49 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1670852"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Fiddle a little with makeup and Hwasin could pass for a woman. In fact, is he wearing lipstick?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yeah, I never get the feminine boy look either. But, those Korean girls sure dig it.
<!--quoteo(post=1670852:date=Feb 18 2008, 03:49 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lolfighter @ Feb 18 2008, 03:49 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1670852"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->By the way, what meaning does cheese carry in Starcraft? To my knowledge it's a dairy product, but apparently it carries other meanings here.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Tycho is right. Generally speaking, cheese = rush tactics in SC, which generally = do or die builds.
E.g. a Zerg 4 pool rush where Z makes zero drones and goes straight for Spawning Pool --> Zerglings. If the opponent doesn't scout this or doesn't wall off his choke, he's normally toast. However, if the 4 pool fails, the Z is so economically behind that it's gee-gee.
You can also probably call slightly longer-game strats "cheese". E.g. Protoss super fast DT rush or proxy Barracks/Gateway/Reaver tech push etc.
Dark Templar rush (those perma-cloaked Protoss infantry units which can kill workers in 1/2 hits). Normally used PvT, Protoss basically hides his tech buildings from T and goes straight for DT tech. As soon as he's built them he sends them over to T base. With a little luck and if done right, T won't have any detection up (units or buildings which can see cloaked units). The T then dies an incredibly frustrating death as the DTs wreak havoc and any attempts to get detection up will probably be too late.
Proxy barracks/gateway. Used by T or P respectively, a barracks/gateway is made in a spot relatively close to the enemy's base but slightly hidden away to avoid being scouted. The player acts like he's playing a standard game and tries to deny any scouting in his main base (as otherwise the opponent may suspect something is up if there is some deviation from the standard build order due to the resources being spent on the proxy). When the time is right, the opponent suddenly finds twice or three times the number of units that he would expect early game and cries. Boxer is infamous for his proxies.
If you watched the last game today versus Nada, that was a classic proxy Factory play by Boxer. He built too hidden factories while denying the scout into his own base. Nada, thinking nothing was unusual proceeded to tech normally with only one factory. By the time Nada realised something was wrong, Boxer had 3 factories pumping Vultures into Nada's base versus Nada's one factory. GG.
<b>Bisu[Shield]</b> - <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->PROTOSS<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img10.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> The Revolutionist. Apart from the last month of last year, 2007 will be remembered in SC history as Bisu's year. He shot to the top spot shortly after defeating Savior (Group A Zerg, now out), in a <i>major</i> upset in the finals of a Starleague. His nickname comes from the fact that he revolutionised the PvZ game by coming up with an early-game build order that allowed Protoss to fast expand on most maps against Zerg. You'll now see the "Bisu-build" used in virtually every PvZ, where P goes Forge --> Cannon(s) --> Fast Nexus into either fast Corsairs or fast Templar tech.
Of course, build orders alone won't keep you Number 1 for very long and Bisu has solid macro and top-notch micro to back it up. He can use the full range of Protoss units extremely effectively though he is probably best known for his Reaver/Shuttle harass. His form was very bad over the last two months but recent wins seem to have rebuilt his confidence. Definitely a contender to win the whole tournament.
<b>Sea[Shield]</b> - <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->TERRAN<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img06.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> A slightly boring if not very solid Terran player. Not known for much flair but he seizes opportunities from his opponent's weaknesses and hammers the advantage home. This guy is also pretty consistent across all match ups.
<b>GGPlay</b> - <!--coloro:#8B0000--><span style="color:#8B0000"><!--/coloro-->ZERG<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img16.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> I won't lie, I don't like GGPlay. Whether it's just because he's a Zerg, or because he looks weird, I don't know. I have to admit he's a pretty damn good Zerg, although his current form is a shadow of what it was a year ago. Watch out for his aggressive style and Defiler play.
<b>Light[aLive]</b> - <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->TERRAN<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img08.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> Not thought much of until recently, Light has been on good form the last few months. He's not afraid to try unconventional builds which makes him particularly entertaining to watch. Match up wise, TvT and TvZ is particularly notable..
<b>Game 1: Bisu (P) >> Sea (T)</b> I believe Bisu will pull off some of his trademark DT/Reaver harass to win this quite comfortably.
<b>Game 2: GGPlay (Z) << Sea (T)</b> I think Sea is the better player at the moment and this will show through.
<b>Game 3: GGPlay (Z) << Light (T)</b> Seeing as it's Blue Storm, GGPlay will probably go for a fast Mutalisk Harass against Light's fast expansion. Light should be able to defend it and quickly seal the game before Defiler tech is researched.
<b>Game 4: Bisu (P) >>> Light (T)</b> Goddamn imba map. As if going up against Bisu wasn't enough, we can expect the almost carrier-autowin strat from Bisu. I'm guessing Light to try something wacky but Bisu's omniscient scouting will nullify it.
<b>Game 5: Bisu (P) >>>>> GGPlay (Z)</b> I'm placing my rape-card for this game. Bisu's legendary PvZ will be a joy to watch...
<b>Game 6: Sea (T) < Light (T)</b> Both players are solid TvT. Hopefully they both don't go for mirror strategies to make for an interesting game. Being the more adventurous, I'm guessing Light to go with the increasingly popular Wraith/Tank combo v. Sea's standard Goliath/Tank. Light to win.
<i>Hope you all tune in tomorrow! Thanks for reading.</i>
SpoogeThunderbolt missile in your cheeriosJoin Date: 2002-01-25Member: 67Members
I just started playing SC at the beginning of the year (yeah, I know: OMGNEWBNEVERPLYDSCOMG!!11) and I have to say that watching these games has been inspiring. I've been watching the replays while I work and though I don't get most of what's going on, there's enough to help me grasp some of the strategies.
However, the non-stop lip smacking by that gonad commentator is enough to put me in a fury after a minute or so. I get that he's solo and green but seriously, put a bib on or something.
Thanks for the links Zor2 <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
<!--quoteo(post=1670988:date=Feb 19 2008, 05:46 PM:name=Spooge)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Spooge @ Feb 19 2008, 05:46 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1670988"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I just started playing SC at the beginning of the year (yeah, I know: OMGNEWBNEVERPLYDSCOMG!!11) and I have to say that watching these games has been inspiring. I've been watching the replays while I work and though I don't get most of what's going on, there's enough to help me grasp some of the strategies.
However, the non-stop lip smacking by that gonad commentator is enough to put me in a fury after a minute or so. I get that he's solo and green but seriously, put a bib on or something.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Fantastic to hear that you're enjoying the tournament! Please feel free to ask any Qs over the games! I am always willing to procrastinate with anything remotely SC related...
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Unrelated Note on the VODs<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u> If anyone is having difficulty viewing the official replays on the official site. 1) Install latest Flash player. 2) Uninstall Realplayer if you have it installed. There's a conflict with one of the features of Realplayer which results in the video never loading.
Just in case you guys were wondering, the Group Stages are now over! Some excellent games in Group D. (Check out Bisu's games in particular)
The quarterfinals start next Monday 25th February same time (9:00 GMT). If you're interested, you can view the schedule <a href="http://gsi.gomtv.com/match/" target="_blank">here</a>
I'll probably do some small intro/predictions for the games, though I am definitely in need of a new crystal ball.. :[
Yeah, I've been following the matches and it's been surprisingly enjoyable watching so far. Can't wait for the next rounds to start and see how the final will turn out. Definitely need more of this and not just for SC.
Man, I LOVE starcraft tourny play. Can't stand playing the game myself, but it's a GREAT game to watch being played by the best players. I wish the commentary was a little more in depth, it's nice to learn about the advanced strats a little rather than just quickly have them mentioned, but it's still a really great watch.
<b><!--sizeo:5--><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->GOMTV Star Invitational Quarterfinals<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></b>
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->General Info<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u> All games will be BO3 (best out of 3). Maps will be the same as before (sadly), namely Blue Storm, Katrina and BaekmaGoji. (I am not sure which order they will be played though) All the quarterfinals will be played one after the other. Same times. Broadcast will be probably 0900 GMT - 1400 GMT.
<div align="center"><img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img07.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->(TERRAN)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Flash <!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> -V- <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Jaedong<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> <!--coloro:#8B0000--><span style="color:#8B0000"><!--/coloro-->(ZERG)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img14.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div> Definitely, the most anticipated match-up of the lot. Flash has had the (mis?)fortune to draw up against the monster Jaedong <i>in every single </i> major tournament this year. Of these games, the ratio of wins is 4:3 in favour of Jaedong. Although, only two days ago, Flash knocked Jaedong out of a major Starleague.
On Blue Storm expect relatively standard strats on both sides. Jaedong will tech to quick Mutalisks and harass Flash's natural expansion. The mutalisks are unlikely to finish Flash off, so expect Lurkers (mid) and Defilers (late)game. Flash is likely to proceed with the most popular strat TvZ called "SKTerran" on this map. This mid-late game strategy involves minimal Seige Tank usage in favour of fast Science Vessel production via two fast Starports. If Flash can build up enough Science Vessels, he will be able to Irradiate* everything in sight and in particular those pesky Defilers.
On Katrina, Flash may opt for an abnormal mech-build** as this has been successful against Jaedong on this map twice before. This involves teching straight for factories and pumping out Goliaths and a few Seige Tanks. I'm pretty sure Jaedong will have learned from his defeats from this strat and will have prepared an effective counter strategy, probably in the form of defilers.***
Overall, Jaedong is probably the favourite here especially as two of the maps (Blue Storm and Katrina) favour Zerg. But no matter who wins tomorrow, all the games are guaranteed to be nail-biters.
<div align="center"><img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img13.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->(PROTOSS)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Much<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> -V- <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Anytime<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->(PROTOSS)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img12.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div> The last time these two players faced each other in a major tournament was last October where Much beat Anytime. However in a recent PvP versus Bisu, Much looked very mediocre, losing both games by a margin. Anytime, on the other hand, has won his last 3 major PvPs.
PvP is very difficult to predict (as with any mirror match-up) as it depends a lot on build orders. Early-mid game, expect a fast expand with Dragoons being pumped on both sides. This is normally followed by some cute Reaver/shuttle micro by both players. In a standard PvP, if a player manages to take out the other's Reaver early on, while saving his own, that player normally wins.
I'm just glad one of them will go out, as there are too many Protoss-es already!
<div align="center"><img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img03.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->(TERRAN)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Iris<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> -V- <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Bisu<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->(PROTOSS)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img10.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div> I'm expecting Bisu to take this quite comfortably as he is simply in another league compared to Iris. In their all time-stats, Bisu is up 2-1 against Iris. Bear in mind also that the only loss was due to cheese by Iris which is unlikely to be repeated on the maps today. Iris is always prone to try some crazy strategy however, but against one as solid as Bisu, anything like that will fall flat on its face.
All the maps are imbalanced towards P late-game.**** Expect fast Carrier or Arbiter tech by Bisu and a do-or-die timing push by Iris to cripple Bisu before the Protoss air becomes operational.
<div align="center"><img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img06.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->(TERRAN)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Sea<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> -V- <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Stork<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->(PROTOSS)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img09.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div> Both players are on hot form right now. If Sea plays at his peak, then it should be pretty close. Stork has a great history against Sea with a 5:1 win ratio. 5 of those games are very old (2005) however.
The same map considerations apply. Stork loves fast carriers v. T so we can expect even more clouds of interceptors <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />
<i>Sorry for the shorter and shorter summaries for each game. haha. I will update the *s later if I have time. Hope you tune in tomorrow!</i>
-------------------Update.
*Irradiate is a Science Vessel ability which gradually reduces the health of a unit and those around it over a (20 second?) period of time. It can kill Mutalisks with one use making it a great counter to Mutalisk harrass (if you can research the ability in time). It can also kill Lurkers/Defilers in one use, making it essential in late game TvZ. Look out for a sudden green cloud around a unit. Rarely used against Protoss as it cannot be used against most of their units.
**Generally Terrans can go for either a bio-build (marine, medics, firebats) or a mech-build (vulture, tank, goliath). This is because you have to research separate upgrades for bio and mech so focusing on one type will make the upgrades more cost-effective. 95% of the time, TvZ will be biobuild and TvP will be mech-built, therefore it is very exciting to see mech in TvZ or bio in TvP.
***The reason mech-builds are used rarely in TvZ is mainly due to the threat of late game Defiler-abuse. Defilers can cast Dark Swarm (that huge brown dust cloud) which makes all units within it <i>immune</i> to ranged attack. This nullifies every single mech unit that Terran has. Secondly, Defilers can cast Plague (the area of affect red crap over units) which lowers all units' HP down to 1-5hp. A successful plague is always devastating but a bio-build can quickly recover via medics and short unit pumping times. A mech-build on the hand will get completely screwed as it costs and takes far longer to replace or repair all those tanks/goliaths/vultures.
For completeness sake, the <i>bio-build</i> is rarely used Tv<i>P</i> because of Protoss' ability to slaughter marines and medics with area of effect damage using Reavers or Psionic Storm. Of course, Reavers and Templar only come in mid-late game, so that is why if you see a bio-build TvP, it is 100% dependent on an early timing push before that tech comes in.
****The maps are thought to be imbalanced TvP due to numerous ridges and map artifacts on it. Goliaths are normally the only effective counter to Carriers once they are up. However, even with upgraded range, Goliaths are still outranged by Carriers. A Protoss player can therefore position his Carriers behind ridges and artifacts to stop Goliaths getting within range. They are then free to pummel the crap out of the expansions ==> GG. Additionally, the map structure of Katrina makes it very easy for Carriers to attack a T's natural expansion and second expansion while simultaneously making it extremely hard for T to defend as the time it takes for the Goliaths to walk between the two is far longer than for Carriers to fly between them.
Thanks for putting this up Zor. I never really took a deep interest in competitive RTS games, but those VODS taught me otherwise. They are fun to watch, especially when you have a good commentator.
AbraWould you kindlyJoin Date: 2003-08-17Member: 19870Members
<!--quoteo(post=1671375:date=Feb 24 2008, 07:42 PM:name=Faskalia)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Faskalia @ Feb 24 2008, 07:42 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1671375"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->[...]especially when you have a good commentator.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yeah...
"Man, I just drank SO MUCH WATER!"
"Wow, I was just about to choke on some ######ing peanuts!!"
"Looks a' like something is a'happening on the map!"
"In the start, it is important to get out units quickly!"
Nah, hes fine, just tripped over those <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" /> It's all good. Is' just giggles.
PulseTo create, to create and escape.Join Date: 2002-08-29Member: 1248Members, Constellation
<!--quoteo(post=1670997:date=Feb 19 2008, 05:47 PM:name=Zor2)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Zor2 @ Feb 19 2008, 05:47 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1670997"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Fantastic to hear that you're enjoying the tournament! Please feel free to ask any Qs over the games! I am always willing to procrastinate with anything remotely SC related...
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Unrelated Note on the VODs<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u> If anyone is having difficulty viewing the official replays on the official site. 1) Install latest Flash player. 2) Uninstall Realplayer if you have it installed. There's a conflict with one of the features of Realplayer which results in the video never loading.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> I've been watching the VODs up to game 4 of group B and I've noticed the conspicuous absence of a few units, namely ghosts, battlecruisers, valkyries, scouts, dark archons and devourers. Do these have a place in league play? It'd be a shame to find out that most of my favourite units are useless to the pros.
<!--quoteo(post=1671391:date=Feb 24 2008, 07:14 PM:name=Pulse)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pulse @ Feb 24 2008, 07:14 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1671391"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I've been watching the VODs up to game 4 of group B and I've noticed the conspicuous absence of a few units, namely ghosts, battlecruisers, valkyries, scouts, dark archons and devourers. Do these have a place in league play? It'd be a shame to find out that most of my favourite units are useless to the pros.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> They just aren't as cost effective as other units, thus in an all-out fight the time can't be spared to produce a unit that is not the absolute best use of minerals.
<!--quoteo(post=1671391:date=Feb 24 2008, 07:14 PM:name=Pulse)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pulse @ Feb 24 2008, 07:14 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1671391"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I've been watching the VODs up to game 4 of group B and I've noticed the conspicuous absence of a few units, namely ghosts, battlecruisers, valkyries, scouts, dark archons and devourers. Do these have a place in league play? It'd be a shame to find out that most of my favourite units are useless to the pros.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Xyth is basically right. Cost-effectiveness is definitely a reason why some of the units in your list aren't used much in pro-games. These units simply aren't good value for money. The scout is the best example. They cost an absurd amount of minerals and gas especially for their weak air-to-ground attack and average air-to-air attack. Corsairs are infinitely better against air units and you're better off using something else against ground units.
<b>Battlecruisers </b>are very common but only in very late-game TvTs. This happens when both sides reach a deadlock over the maps and secure themselves so well that any offense is suicidal (think seiged Seige tanks + Missile Turrets/goliaths everywhere). The easiest way to break such a deadlock is by slowly massing a group of normally 20 BCs. Of course, the other T is thinking that too, so normally these 40 minute-ish games end with an almighty clashing of BCs with lots Yamato eye-candy everywhere. Very pretty and 'epic' to watch - if you manage to withstand the 25 minutes of gameplay where both players do absolutely nothing exciting while building up their BCs.
BCs are not used in other match-ups because they aren't very effective apart from in massive groups which takes a lot of time to build up. And in any other match-up, you don't ever get such a safe time and secured resources.
<b>Ghosts </b>are a treat if you ever see them in pro-games. They are used rarely: normally either to humiliate a player with nuke-drops or in a crazy attempt to counter Carriers PvT. Boxer is known for his legendary mass Lock Down play when he locked-down a group of ~10 Carriers in the space of about 2 seconds with a handful of ghosts. The big problem with ghosts is that they are 1) very specialised late-game tech (need full tech tree + time to research abilities), 2) very micro-intensive (the fragile little things need to be cloaked with care and their abilities involve lots of precise clicking). <b> Dark Archons </b>are used sometimes in very late game PvZ. Mind control is rarely used. However a successful Maelstrom + Psionic Storm is a pro-gamers wet dream. (Maelstrom is an ability that holds units in their place and those units can take damage while frozen. Very much like Lock Down, except its an area affect ability and doesn't last half as long). It's used late game PvZ normally vs. a Ultralisks heavy strategy by Z. <b> Devourers</b> are realllllly rarely used. I'm not too familiar with the unit myself but it's basically not cost-effective at all as it attacks incredibly slowly.
<b>Valkryies </b>are also used by some of the more adventurous Terrans. You need a critical mass of them however before they are worth anything. Only seen TvT (to counter mass wraiths) or TvZ (to counter mass Mutalisks).
The root cause of why these units aren't used more is that they haven't been balanced well enough. Hopefully, Blizzard live up to their often-made promise of ensuring that every single unit in SC2 will have a particular role. (That's a different debate though.. so please no one derail on that point...!)
Some really exciting games today. A lot more cheese than I anticipated.
If you're short on time, make sure to watch Flash v. Jaedong and Iris v. Bisu first.
Unfortunately, I won't be doing any more write-ups for the semi-finals and finals as I'll be on holiday!... (damn these real life interruptions <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />...) I hope some of you have found my posts informative. My only hope is that I have helped to show the incredible depth of SC and why it is still going so strong in Korea 10 years after it was made.
Comments
It means any action including keystrokes. So if you selected your SCV to build a Barracks, thats 4 actions already. (Selecting SCV, pressing B, pressing B again for barracks and then clicking on the ground to place it). Having said that, 400 is still very crazy, pros average 200-300.
Also, at the start of the game when theres little to do, you might see the players spam loads of pointless actions. This is just to warm themselves up!
RESULTS
<span style='color:#000000;background:#000000'>
Jaedong > Nada
Much > Nada
Much > Boxer
Much > Jaedong
Jaedong > Boxer
Boxer > Nada
Disappointing, <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> No Terrans qualified from this group.
</span>
The videos I mean.
-.-
I would of liked to watch. lol
Starcraft Voyourism haha
VODs of Group A (played yesterday) are <a href="http://gsi.gomtv.com/vod/" target="_blank">here</a>
VODs of Group B (today) are not up yet.
<i>Note on VODs: I personally can't get the damn things to work on IE or Firefox but lots of others have. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> They are also not downloadable</i>
I will write another crappy little intro to tomorrow's group sometime in between my revision for my exam tomorrow <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />.
Adobe Flash Player 9
nuff said <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="wink-fix.gif" />
nuff said <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="wink-fix.gif" /><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I tried downloading and reinstalling the latest Player but that didn't work either. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> I don't know if they maybe restricted VOD access to US and Asia only.
Teehee, I overlooked that page.
/me goes watching
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->The Players<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u>
<b>stork</b> - <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->PROTOSS<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img09.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
stork is currently amongst the top 5 SC players of the world. In the various leagues over the past year, he has consistently shown incredible form. He is particularly renown for his PvT and PvP match-ups so he must be confident after being placed in the only Zergless group. Watch out for this guy's late-game macro, it is unstoppable.
<b>IriS[gm]</b> - <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->TERRAN<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img03.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
A personal favourite. When playing at his best, Iris can cut through the opposition like no other. Consistency is unfortunately something that continues to elude him. However, watching him play is always entertaining as this guy has big balls(!) - he is never afraid to try some crazy Boxer-esque strategy.
<b>Hwasin[S.SIR]</b> - <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->TERRAN<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img05.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Last quarter, Hwasin looked like <i>the</i> best Terran on the planet. However, he has suffered a significant slump to his form since December. His TvZ is particularly notable with his TvT coming a close second. Look out for his occasional jaw-dropping micro.
<b>free[gm]</b> - <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->PROTOSS<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img11.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Another inconsistent performer. Free has solid micro and macro like the rest of the guys here but has yet to show any truly dominating form. Don't know what else to say about this underachiever :S.
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Predictions<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u>
<i> More ">" means more rape</i>
<b>Game 1: stork (P) >> IriS (T)</b>
Assuming Iris doesn't try some off the wall early marine rush, stork should comfortably take this game.
<b>Game 2: Hwasin (T) > IriS (T)</b>
Both players are a bit dodgy at the moment, but I'm going for Hwasin due to his better TvT history.
<b>Game 3: Hwasin (T) > free (P)</b>
Really hard to call. Both are on pretty equal form. The map is blue storm so I'm expecting a relatively long game with both players clashing at the middle.
<b>Game 4: stork (P) >> free (P)</b>
If stork remembers to upgrade his dragoon range in this latest PvP, then he shouldnt have too much of a problem. For spectators: try to look out for the spinning white circle on the Cybernetics Core in the early game. Stork has lost two crucial PvPs because of this careless error.
<b>Game 5: stork (P) > Hwasin (T)</b>
I think Hwasin would have warmed up enough against free to give stork a run for his PvT money. With twice your minerals and gas at the starting location on this map (Baekmagoji), I think stork will win this with his recently trademarked super-fast tech to carriers strat versus T.
<b>Game 6: IriS (T) >>> free (P)</b>
I just get the feeling Iris will execute one of his crazy strats and cheese the crap out of free... with DROPSHIPS!
<i>A lot more random guesswork this time around as I'm not as familiar the players. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />
Hope you all tune in tomorrow! Thanks for reading.</i>
By the way, what meaning does cheese carry in Starcraft? To my knowledge it's a dairy product, but apparently it carries other meanings here.
By the way, what meaning does cheese carry in Starcraft? To my knowledge it's a dairy product, but apparently it carries other meanings here.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The same thing it means in any other context when it's not used to mean the food*: something that is cheesy is a cheap trick, sort of underhanded. It's not really playing the right way. You're just exploiting something or whatever.
*It can also be used thusly: "Cheese it, the cops!" This is my favorite way.
Yeah, I never get the feminine boy look either. But, those Korean girls sure dig it.
<!--quoteo(post=1670852:date=Feb 18 2008, 03:49 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lolfighter @ Feb 18 2008, 03:49 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1670852"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->By the way, what meaning does cheese carry in Starcraft? To my knowledge it's a dairy product, but apparently it carries other meanings here.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Tycho is right. Generally speaking, cheese = rush tactics in SC, which generally = do or die builds.
E.g. a Zerg 4 pool rush where Z makes zero drones and goes straight for Spawning Pool --> Zerglings. If the opponent doesn't scout this or doesn't wall off his choke, he's normally toast. However, if the 4 pool fails, the Z is so economically behind that it's gee-gee.
You can also probably call slightly longer-game strats "cheese". E.g. Protoss super fast DT rush or proxy Barracks/Gateway/Reaver tech push etc.
DT rush? Proxy barracks?
DT rush? Proxy barracks?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Sorry!
Dark Templar rush (those perma-cloaked Protoss infantry units which can kill workers in 1/2 hits). Normally used PvT, Protoss basically hides his tech buildings from T and goes straight for DT tech. As soon as he's built them he sends them over to T base. With a little luck and if done right, T won't have any detection up (units or buildings which can see cloaked units). The T then dies an incredibly frustrating death as the DTs wreak havoc and any attempts to get detection up will probably be too late.
Proxy barracks/gateway. Used by T or P respectively, a barracks/gateway is made in a spot relatively close to the enemy's base but slightly hidden away to avoid being scouted. The player acts like he's playing a standard game and tries to deny any scouting in his main base (as otherwise the opponent may suspect something is up if there is some deviation from the standard build order due to the resources being spent on the proxy). When the time is right, the opponent suddenly finds twice or three times the number of units that he would expect early game and cries. Boxer is infamous for his proxies.
If you watched the last game today versus Nada, that was a classic proxy Factory play by Boxer. He built too hidden factories while denying the scout into his own base. Nada, thinking nothing was unusual proceeded to tech normally with only one factory. By the time Nada realised something was wrong, Boxer had 3 factories pumping Vultures into Nada's base versus Nada's one factory. GG.
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->The Players<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u>
<b>Bisu[Shield]</b> - <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->PROTOSS<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img10.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
The Revolutionist. Apart from the last month of last year, 2007 will be remembered in SC history as Bisu's year. He shot to the top spot shortly after defeating Savior (Group A Zerg, now out), in a <i>major</i> upset in the finals of a Starleague. His nickname comes from the fact that he revolutionised the PvZ game by coming up with an early-game build order that allowed Protoss to fast expand on most maps against Zerg. You'll now see the "Bisu-build" used in virtually every PvZ, where P goes Forge --> Cannon(s) --> Fast Nexus into either fast Corsairs or fast Templar tech.
Of course, build orders alone won't keep you Number 1 for very long and Bisu has solid macro and top-notch micro to back it up. He can use the full range of Protoss units extremely effectively though he is probably best known for his Reaver/Shuttle harass. His form was very bad over the last two months but recent wins seem to have rebuilt his confidence. Definitely a contender to win the whole tournament.
<b>Sea[Shield]</b> - <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->TERRAN<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img06.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
A slightly boring if not very solid Terran player. Not known for much flair but he seizes opportunities from his opponent's weaknesses and hammers the advantage home. This guy is also pretty consistent across all match ups.
<b>GGPlay</b> - <!--coloro:#8B0000--><span style="color:#8B0000"><!--/coloro-->ZERG<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img16.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
I won't lie, I don't like GGPlay. Whether it's just because he's a Zerg, or because he looks weird, I don't know. I have to admit he's a pretty damn good Zerg, although his current form is a shadow of what it was a year ago. Watch out for his aggressive style and Defiler play.
<b>Light[aLive]</b> - <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->TERRAN<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img08.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Not thought much of until recently, Light has been on good form the last few months. He's not afraid to try unconventional builds which makes him particularly entertaining to watch. Match up wise, TvT and TvZ is particularly notable..
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Predictions<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u>
<i> More ">" means more rape</i>
<b>Game 1: Bisu (P) >> Sea (T)</b>
I believe Bisu will pull off some of his trademark DT/Reaver harass to win this quite comfortably.
<b>Game 2: GGPlay (Z) << Sea (T)</b>
I think Sea is the better player at the moment and this will show through.
<b>Game 3: GGPlay (Z) << Light (T)</b>
Seeing as it's Blue Storm, GGPlay will probably go for a fast Mutalisk Harass against Light's fast expansion. Light should be able to defend it and quickly seal the game before Defiler tech is researched.
<b>Game 4: Bisu (P) >>> Light (T)</b>
Goddamn imba map. As if going up against Bisu wasn't enough, we can expect the almost carrier-autowin strat from Bisu. I'm guessing Light to try something wacky but Bisu's omniscient scouting will nullify it.
<b>Game 5: Bisu (P) >>>>> GGPlay (Z)</b>
I'm placing my rape-card for this game. Bisu's legendary PvZ will be a joy to watch...
<b>Game 6: Sea (T) < Light (T)</b>
Both players are solid TvT. Hopefully they both don't go for mirror strategies to make for an interesting game. Being the more adventurous, I'm guessing Light to go with the increasingly popular Wraith/Tank combo v. Sea's standard Goliath/Tank. Light to win.
<i>Hope you all tune in tomorrow! Thanks for reading.</i>
However, the non-stop lip smacking by that gonad commentator is enough to put me in a fury after a minute or so. I get that he's solo and green but seriously, put a bib on or something.
Thanks for the links Zor2 <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
However, the non-stop lip smacking by that gonad commentator is enough to put me in a fury after a minute or so. I get that he's solo and green but seriously, put a bib on or something.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Fantastic to hear that you're enjoying the tournament! Please feel free to ask any Qs over the games! I am always willing to procrastinate with anything remotely SC related...
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Unrelated Note on the VODs<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u>
If anyone is having difficulty viewing the official replays on the official site. 1) Install latest Flash player. 2) Uninstall Realplayer if you have it installed. There's a conflict with one of the features of Realplayer which results in the video never loading.
The quarterfinals start next Monday 25th February same time (9:00 GMT).
If you're interested, you can view the schedule <a href="http://gsi.gomtv.com/match/" target="_blank">here</a>
I'll probably do some small intro/predictions for the games, though I am definitely in need of a new crystal ball.. :[
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->General Info<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u>
All games will be BO3 (best out of 3).
Maps will be the same as before (sadly), namely Blue Storm, Katrina and BaekmaGoji. (I am not sure which order they will be played though)
All the quarterfinals will be played one after the other.
Same times. Broadcast will be probably 0900 GMT - 1400 GMT.
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->The Games<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u>
<div align="center"><img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img07.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->(TERRAN)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Flash <!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> -V- <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Jaedong<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> <!--coloro:#8B0000--><span style="color:#8B0000"><!--/coloro-->(ZERG)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img14.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div>
Definitely, the most anticipated match-up of the lot. Flash has had the (mis?)fortune to draw up against the monster Jaedong <i>in every single </i> major tournament this year. Of these games, the ratio of wins is 4:3 in favour of Jaedong. Although, only two days ago, Flash knocked Jaedong out of a major Starleague.
On Blue Storm expect relatively standard strats on both sides. Jaedong will tech to quick Mutalisks and harass Flash's natural expansion. The mutalisks are unlikely to finish Flash off, so expect Lurkers (mid) and Defilers (late)game. Flash is likely to proceed with the most popular strat TvZ called "SKTerran" on this map. This mid-late game strategy involves minimal Seige Tank usage in favour of fast Science Vessel production via two fast Starports. If Flash can build up enough Science Vessels, he will be able to Irradiate* everything in sight and in particular those pesky Defilers.
On Katrina, Flash may opt for an abnormal mech-build** as this has been successful against Jaedong on this map twice before. This involves teching straight for factories and pumping out Goliaths and a few Seige Tanks. I'm pretty sure Jaedong will have learned from his defeats from this strat and will have prepared an effective counter strategy, probably in the form of defilers.***
Overall, Jaedong is probably the favourite here especially as two of the maps (Blue Storm and Katrina) favour Zerg. But no matter who wins tomorrow, all the games are guaranteed to be nail-biters.
<div align="center"><img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img13.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->(PROTOSS)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Much<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> -V- <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Anytime<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->(PROTOSS)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img12.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div>
The last time these two players faced each other in a major tournament was last October where Much beat Anytime. However in a recent PvP versus Bisu, Much looked very mediocre, losing both games by a margin. Anytime, on the other hand, has won his last 3 major PvPs.
PvP is very difficult to predict (as with any mirror match-up) as it depends a lot on build orders. Early-mid game, expect a fast expand with Dragoons being pumped on both sides. This is normally followed by some cute Reaver/shuttle micro by both players. In a standard PvP, if a player manages to take out the other's Reaver early on, while saving his own, that player normally wins.
I'm just glad one of them will go out, as there are too many Protoss-es already!
<div align="center"><img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img03.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->(TERRAN)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Iris<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> -V- <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Bisu<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->(PROTOSS)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img10.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div>
I'm expecting Bisu to take this quite comfortably as he is simply in another league compared to Iris. In their all time-stats, Bisu is up 2-1 against Iris. Bear in mind also that the only loss was due to cheese by Iris which is unlikely to be repeated on the maps today. Iris is always prone to try some crazy strategy however, but against one as solid as Bisu, anything like that will fall flat on its face.
All the maps are imbalanced towards P late-game.**** Expect fast Carrier or Arbiter tech by Bisu and a do-or-die timing push by Iris to cripple Bisu before the Protoss air becomes operational.
<div align="center"><img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img06.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <!--coloro:#4169E1--><span style="color:#4169E1"><!--/coloro-->(TERRAN)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Sea<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> -V- <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Stork<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->(PROTOSS)<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> <img src="http://gsi.gomtv.com/img/player_img09.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div>
Both players are on hot form right now. If Sea plays at his peak, then it should be pretty close. Stork has a great history against Sea with a 5:1 win ratio. 5 of those games are very old (2005) however.
The same map considerations apply. Stork loves fast carriers v. T so we can expect even more clouds of interceptors <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />
<i>Sorry for the shorter and shorter summaries for each game. haha. I will update the *s later if I have time. Hope you tune in tomorrow!</i>
-------------------Update.
*Irradiate is a Science Vessel ability which gradually reduces the health of a unit and those around it over a (20 second?) period of time. It can kill Mutalisks with one use making it a great counter to Mutalisk harrass (if you can research the ability in time). It can also kill Lurkers/Defilers in one use, making it essential in late game TvZ. Look out for a sudden green cloud around a unit. Rarely used against Protoss as it cannot be used against most of their units.
**Generally Terrans can go for either a bio-build (marine, medics, firebats) or a mech-build (vulture, tank, goliath). This is because you have to research separate upgrades for bio and mech so focusing on one type will make the upgrades more cost-effective. 95% of the time, TvZ will be biobuild and TvP will be mech-built, therefore it is very exciting to see mech in TvZ or bio in TvP.
***The reason mech-builds are used rarely in TvZ is mainly due to the threat of late game Defiler-abuse. Defilers can cast Dark Swarm (that huge brown dust cloud) which makes all units within it <i>immune</i> to ranged attack. This nullifies every single mech unit that Terran has. Secondly, Defilers can cast Plague (the area of affect red crap over units) which lowers all units' HP down to 1-5hp. A successful plague is always devastating but a bio-build can quickly recover via medics and short unit pumping times. A mech-build on the hand will get completely screwed as it costs and takes far longer to replace or repair all those tanks/goliaths/vultures.
For completeness sake, the <i>bio-build</i> is rarely used Tv<i>P</i> because of Protoss' ability to slaughter marines and medics with area of effect damage using Reavers or Psionic Storm. Of course, Reavers and Templar only come in mid-late game, so that is why if you see a bio-build TvP, it is 100% dependent on an early timing push before that tech comes in.
****The maps are thought to be imbalanced TvP due to numerous ridges and map artifacts on it. Goliaths are normally the only effective counter to Carriers once they are up. However, even with upgraded range, Goliaths are still outranged by Carriers. A Protoss player can therefore position his Carriers behind ridges and artifacts to stop Goliaths getting within range. They are then free to pummel the crap out of the expansions ==> GG. Additionally, the map structure of Katrina makes it very easy for Carriers to attack a T's natural expansion and second expansion while simultaneously making it extremely hard for T to defend as the time it takes for the Goliaths to walk between the two is far longer than for Carriers to fly between them.
<a href="http://gsi.gomtv.com/match/" target="_blank">http://gsi.gomtv.com/match/</a>
Thanks for putting this up Zor. I never really took a deep interest in competitive RTS games, but those VODS taught me otherwise. They are fun to watch, especially when you have a good commentator.
Yeah...
"Man, I just drank SO MUCH WATER!"
"Wow, I was just about to choke on some ######ing peanuts!!"
"Looks a' like something is a'happening on the map!"
"In the start, it is important to get out units quickly!"
Nah, hes fine, just tripped over those <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" /> It's all good. Is' just giggles.
<img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/asrifle.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="::asrifle::" border="0" alt="asrifle.gif" />
<u><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Unrelated Note on the VODs<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></u>
If anyone is having difficulty viewing the official replays on the official site. 1) Install latest Flash player. 2) Uninstall Realplayer if you have it installed. There's a conflict with one of the features of Realplayer which results in the video never loading.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I've been watching the VODs up to game 4 of group B and I've noticed the conspicuous absence of a few units, namely ghosts, battlecruisers, valkyries, scouts, dark archons and devourers. Do these have a place in league play? It'd be a shame to find out that most of my favourite units are useless to the pros.
They just aren't as cost effective as other units, thus in an all-out fight the time can't be spared to produce a unit that is not the absolute best use of minerals.
Xyth is basically right. Cost-effectiveness is definitely a reason why some of the units in your list aren't used much in pro-games. These units simply aren't good value for money. The scout is the best example. They cost an absurd amount of minerals and gas especially for their weak air-to-ground attack and average air-to-air attack. Corsairs are infinitely better against air units and you're better off using something else against ground units.
<b>Battlecruisers </b>are very common but only in very late-game TvTs. This happens when both sides reach a deadlock over the maps and secure themselves so well that any offense is suicidal (think seiged Seige tanks + Missile Turrets/goliaths everywhere). The easiest way to break such a deadlock is by slowly massing a group of normally 20 BCs. Of course, the other T is thinking that too, so normally these 40 minute-ish games end with an almighty clashing of BCs with lots Yamato eye-candy everywhere. Very pretty and 'epic' to watch - if you manage to withstand the 25 minutes of gameplay where both players do absolutely nothing exciting while building up their BCs.
BCs are not used in other match-ups because they aren't very effective apart from in massive groups which takes a lot of time to build up. And in any other match-up, you don't ever get such a safe time and secured resources.
<b>Ghosts </b>are a treat if you ever see them in pro-games. They are used rarely: normally either to humiliate a player with nuke-drops or in a crazy attempt to counter Carriers PvT. Boxer is known for his legendary mass Lock Down play when he locked-down a group of ~10 Carriers in the space of about 2 seconds with a handful of ghosts. The big problem with ghosts is that they are 1) very specialised late-game tech (need full tech tree + time to research abilities), 2) very micro-intensive (the fragile little things need to be cloaked with care and their abilities involve lots of precise clicking).
<b>
Dark Archons </b>are used sometimes in very late game PvZ. Mind control is rarely used. However a successful Maelstrom + Psionic Storm is a pro-gamers wet dream. (Maelstrom is an ability that holds units in their place and those units can take damage while frozen. Very much like Lock Down, except its an area affect ability and doesn't last half as long). It's used late game PvZ normally vs. a Ultralisks heavy strategy by Z.
<b>
Devourers</b> are realllllly rarely used. I'm not too familiar with the unit myself but it's basically not cost-effective at all as it attacks incredibly slowly.
<b>Valkryies </b>are also used by some of the more adventurous Terrans. You need a critical mass of them however before they are worth anything. Only seen TvT (to counter mass wraiths) or TvZ (to counter mass Mutalisks).
The root cause of why these units aren't used more is that they haven't been balanced well enough. Hopefully, Blizzard live up to their often-made promise of ensuring that every single unit in SC2 will have a particular role. (That's a different debate though.. so please no one derail on that point...!)
If you're short on time, make sure to watch Flash v. Jaedong and Iris v. Bisu first.
Unfortunately, I won't be doing any more write-ups for the semi-finals and finals as I'll be on holiday!... (damn these real life interruptions <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />...) I hope some of you have found my posts informative. My only hope is that I have helped to show the incredible depth of SC and why it is still going so strong in Korea 10 years after it was made.
P.S I added the * footnotes in the above post.