The Protoss Point of View

Just finished reading this. Looking at PvT from the Toss point of view has even taught me something. I have never known that vultures do full damage to the dragoon's shields, I only knew that it took lots of vulture shots to kill them. It has somewhat perplexed me when I see good players shoot the goons when in for a early push (well... I knew vultures were better in receiving damage, as they are more easily replaced and cheaper). Having many vultures ahead of tanks makes your army even very dangerous.

What about reavers? Do vultures do full damage only to their shields? What about buildings? If I could hazard a guess, I would say yes to both.

Maybe I could start working on having vessels in my attacks. The matrix shield and EMP can be more helpful than I've realized.

Watched a replay of a D Protoss and I. I was vulture harassing and thought it would be better to shift-click each probe so they won't go for a goon or cannon if one is attacking. I noticed that whenever I did it, they'd all shoot at one at the same time, again and again. It was as if there was really only 1 vulture there. And so, if there are no goons or cannons, use stop... sometimes I can be just out of range of the cannon. If there is a cannon thats going to hit no matter what, shift-click. These small things can go a long way :-)

Not Enough Supply Depots

Rarely does a game bring me to such trembling. I went into it knowing I could definitely lose as he was Protoss with little over 2800 points. Man, I was sooo close! I went in with the mentality of spending all my minerals and having enough buildings... didn't do such a bad job of that.

Check it out!!! (Click)

In the end, there was no 'gg'. No big deal, most of my wins don't have a 'gg'.

I haven't looked at the replay, because I already know what I could have done differently. At least, I think so... if I went for another expo as I pushed (the mineral only spot), I would have had a stronger reinforcement. Also, more mine laying would have been helpful.

Hope you like it. If you first look on bwchart, you may think I never had a chance. But I did, oh I did.

Weak MU

Looking into why I'm not C- yet, my TvP doesn't look good at all. I currently have a 27.3% win ratio (6-16) compared to 64% (16-9) in TvZ. It's simple to explain. I've playing almost 100 games straight of TvZ after all. As much as it may pain me to think of, I may have to do the same in TvP's. There's a dark feeling looming in the back of my mind in each game. My army constantly feels so vulnerable. In TvZ, I've gotten used to waiting for the right time. When I finally get a vessel, a tank or two, and explode my way across the map, up their ass. Lots of zergs will be completely overwhelmed, but things are different now. I'm getting out-macroed and out-microed by guys with lower APM and EAPM than me. And it's hard to believe because in 20 minute games I'd have produced almost 300 units.

Dragoons, in mass, are currently giving me reason to become emo. The positioning of my tanks and mines aren't so great. There's one thing I can do about that :-)

Oh, and I've been playing a bit of Python. Most people don't play it on account of it being overplayed, but I've never really played it that much. I've probably played on Destination more than Python by now (just checked my replay folder, and I have). It's a good map for guys like me, nicely balanced and simple.

Just Playing

Now is a good time to write a blog. My right hand is strained, reacting from excessive mouse work. It's time for a two-day computer break. 31 games have been played in the last 5 days... but I continue to play even with an 8 game losing streak.

Only one this on my mind. Get the timing down perfectly.

In TvP, I believe it would do me wonders to find a guy and have micro battles. Him using goons or whatever else. Me using vultures mainly. Maybe switch up the variation of units.

I just go from one game to the next. I don't look at replays, I don't want to over-analyze. Maybe it's the 3 cups of green tea I drink, the punch of caffeine is perfect for staying alert, but calm. Or maybe it's because I've looked at some of the latest gameplay videos of Starcraft II and became so excited at how well it looks and feels, I can now overlook any shortcomings I have of Brood War... and just play because I know I'll be playing SC II a lot. I'll play a lot even if it turns out shitty. Soon after I saw the TvZ with the rain and lighting, I fell in love. Though the big ass Ultralisks made my blood boil... Pure terror.

Goddamn Starcraft

Battle Report Pet Peeve

I absolutely can not stand trying to follow a game when there is only scrolling from one area to another. Just click the mini-map for crying out loud. Put the obs mode in the hands of a pro for crying out loud. Since macro is such an important mechanic, how about focusing more on that? Show us the expansions, show us vital defenses and positioning of the most relevant units.

Poll

My poll "Which would you rather have" has finally closed. I've had it up for maybe 8-9 months, so sure that the beta or a release date would be presented before it closed.

I'm rather disappointed in the results, hoping "Brood War: Revamped" would take it over. I believe a Brood War: Revamped would be more interesting than Starcraft 2. As long as it keeps the basic mechanics of Broodwar (I've mentioned things like this before). You'd have all the cool features that have been talked about in Starcraft 2, it would make the game fresh for another eight years. Unit pathing would be better... Protoss probe's hotkey will be closer to the left side of the keyboard, replay features, and so much more. You also don't have to worry as much if the gameplay is balanced. With a game like starcraft 2, I believe it won't be long for the hardcore players to find a mechanic exploit that will turn everyone away from any serious play, the possibility is greater than it would be in a revamp.

Well, whole new and larger crowd will come to play Starcraft 2. If it hits big, it could last longer than Broodwar and spark something amazing in America, I wonder if it's possible for it to become a popular sport as it is in Korea. Blizzard knows there is a lot of money to be made too, they've implemented ways to make more money, and will probably surprise us with something that we have to pay for, maybe a map or feature that will make the game more pleasurable. They will explore every way possible to make money, but will make it just so people don't believe it's too unreasonable.

What are your thoughts?

Also, I should add that I've not been playing starcraft, as a matter of fact I've been playing Halo: Odst, and I love it. For starcraft, you have to invest so much time to learn it right!

Sorry for anyone that reads my blog, it would be much more interesting if I were a dedicated gamer. My mojo has been lost... at least for Broodwar....