Heart of The Swarm Preview and New Units

Blizzcon!! Blizzcon!! Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm Preview has been revealed. New units for each race are currently being explored and tested. First of all let's have a look at the new HOTS Preview. Check out the new units towards the end.




Zerg  

 

1. Viper 

- Able to detect invisible units. Skill-
1. Pull unit toward (Enemy / Friendly units)- Good against Colossus
2. Cloud ability like Corsair in Broodwar
3. Grant friendly unit to detect invisible units (once)

2. Swarm Host
- Spawn units when burrowed over time.

Other changes
- Banelings can move while burrowed like Roach tunneling claws(...)
- Overseer will be removed replaced with Viper
- Ultralisk with Burrow Charge. Burrow underground and charge at target.
- Hydra Speed upgrade

Protoss

1. Replicant
- Morph into any non Massive units

2. Oracle
- Can freeze minerals
- Reveal what the enemy building is training and upgrading
- Warp building away to prevent your being from being attacked

3. Tempest
- Anti air unit, best against Mutas

Other changes
- Carriers and Mothership will be removed in HOTS
- Nexus with 2 new abilities: Recall (units will be stunned for a few seconds) and Arc Shield (Friendly structure against anti Light weapon) (Eg. Pylon can shoot beams against Marines/ SCVs)

Terran

1. Warhound  (Resembles Goliath)
- Anti Mech unit and with Area of Effect anti air
2. Battle Hellion
- Transformed from Hellion. Higher HP with reduced range. Good against Zealots
3. Shredder
- Defensive unit that can be placed around the map.

Other changes
- Thor will be a Hero unit in HOTS where you can only build 1. Thor's anti air will be replaced by Massive Bombardment (Requires Armory and Fusion Core)
- Battlecruiser with speed boost
- Ghost Cloak ability changed to fixed duration for a mana cost
- Reapers loses ability to deal extra damage to buildings. Replaced with Hp regeneration when not in battle.

To read more
Blizzard
TeamLiquid

GSL October Code S Results

Slayers MMA wins GSL October Code S

Slayers MMA took down three time GSL champion IMMvP to win the first GSL Code S title for his team. MMA beat Mvp with a staggering 4-1 record. Before going into the finals, everyone was expecting MvP to win the match 4-1. 70% of the votes before the finals favours MVP. However, in the end MMA proved that he is the better player with his Bio style against MVP's mech builds. Several of the games went down to base trade where MVP had a huge Terran death ball but without a base while MMA had ongoing bases but could not engage MVP's superior army. This is definitely an very interesting series between two best Terrans in the world currently.

Congratulations to SlayersMMA and Boxer is definitely proud of his child.

 

Semifinals Results

IMMvP our reigning champion is in the finals once again. This is his back to back GSL Starcraft 2 Code S finals tournament appearance. His opponent is none other than Slayers_MMA our MLG Champion. MVP himself has stated that if he managed to make past the Round of 32 he will win the tournament. His proclaim seems to be coming true. Not to mention that MVP defeated IMNestea for the third time. MVP had won all their encounters. He is the only one capable of taking down the Zerg God. It is very likely that IMMvP will be the first player in this game to ever achieve two back to back GSL victories and the first to win 4 Code S GSLs. However, MMA the underdog should never be underestimated for this impressive haressment style. Will David take down the Goliath or will the Champion claimed another victory?

IMMvP 3-1 Slayers_Ganzi

Slayers_MMA 3-1 IMHappy

  

Code S RO8 Day 2 Results

TSL_Clide 2-3 Slayers_MMA

IMHappy 3-0 Slayers_Coca

Code S RO8 Day 1 Results

IMMvP 3 vs 2 IMNestea

Slayers_Ganzi 3 vs 2 oGsSuperNova

GSL October Code S Round of 16 Day 2 Results

IMMvP 2-0 STBomber
IMNestea 2-1 STVirus
SlayersGanzi 2-1 FXOLeenock
DongRaeGu 1-2 oGsSuperNova



GSL October Code S Round of 16 Day 1 Results
Today ends the Protoss run in GSL Code S. The last and sole Protoss, TSLKiller has been knocked out. The rest of the matches will be lots of TvT and some TvZ. T_T

TSLClide T 2-1 SlayersRyung T
SlayersMMA T 2-1 asd
IMLosira Z 0-2 IMHappy T
TSLKiller 0-2 SlayersCoca Z

 

GSL October Code S Results Day 4Protoss players around the world should rejoice and celebrate today as the rise of Protoss. SangHo /TSLKiller the only Protoss hope left managed to sneaked his way through into the round of 16. Thus, the round of 16 will consists of A LOT OF TERRANS, some Zergs and 1 PROTOSS. Previous GSL finalist oGsTop is down into the Up and Down matches. Better luck next time.

Group G
Killer vs Polt / Optimus
DongRaeGu vs Taeja
DongRaeGu vs Killer
Polt vs Taeja
Polt vs Killer

1. MVPDongRaeGu
2. TSLKIller
3. TSLOptimus
4. SlayersTaeja

Group H
Top vs Coca
SuperNova vs Alive
Coca vs SuperNova
Top vs Alive
Supernova vs Alive

1. SlayersCoca
2. oGsSupernova
3. TSLAlive
4. oGsTop




GSL October Code S Results Day 3

Group E
July vs HongUn
Losira vs Ganzi
July vs Ganzi
Losira vs HongUn
July vs Losira


Standings
1. SlayersGanzi
2. IMLosira
3. STJuly
4. HongUn

Group F
Genius vs Happy
Leenock vs Jjakji
Happy vs Leenock
Genius vs Jjakji
Jjakji vs Leenock

Standings
1. IMHappy
2. FXOLeenock
3. Jjakji
4. MVPGenius


GSL October Code S Results Day 2


Group C
MvPKeen vs oGsNada
Nestea vs SlayersMMA
Nestea vs oGsNada
MvPKeen vs SlayersMMA
SlayersMMA vs oGsNada

Group C Standings
1. IMNestea
2. SlayersMMA
3. oGsNada
4. MvPKeen

Group D

Huk vs Virus
asd vs Zenio
Virus vs asd
Huk vs Zenio
Huk vs Virus

Group D Standings
1. FXOasd
2. STVirus
3. EGHuk
4. oGsZenio

GSL October Code S Results Day 1

Welcome to GSL Terran month. 20 Terrans 5 Protoss and 7 Zergs will battle their way through the toughest Starcraft 2 tournament in the world against the best gamers currently in Code S. Will MVP win a back to back crown or will the Legend IMNestea collect his forth title? Whatever the results are, this GSL marks the death of the Protoss race. If you are those who enjoy watching Terran vs Terran matchup, this is utopia for you. For Protoss players like myself, I will be skipping majority of the matches.

Group A
MvP vs Ensnare
Clide vs Noblesse
MvP vs Clide
Ensnare vs Noblese
Ensnare vs Clide

Group A Standings

1. IMMvP
2. TSLClide
3. oGsEnsnare
4. MVPNoblesse

Group B
Ryung vs MarineKing
Puzzle vs Bomber
Bomber vs Ryung
Puzzle vs MarineKing
Bomber vs MarineKing

Group B Standings
1. SlayersRyung
2. STBomber
3. MarineKingPrime
4. SlayersPuzzle

New Protoss unit in Heart of The Swarm

Blizzard had previously released a glimpse of the new Protoss unit in Heart of the Swarm, HOTS. Blizzard is still keeping everyone guessing on what this new unit actually does. But currently nothing has been revealed to the community on the new unit at all except an Image outline of it. Let's take a look.

The first thing that crossed my mind when I first saw this picture is, Holy Cow it looks like some kind of Batman's weapon. Lol. In fact it resembles the weapon or (whatever you call that) that Batman throws.

Let's take another step in analysing the new unit. This new Protoss unit is most likely to be an air unit build
from the Stargate. However, the Lightning energy charge at the front gives kind 'Scarab' from Reaver in Brood war feel. Protoss still lacks a good haressing unit. Maybe it is just me that hopes to see the return of Reavers in SC2 which in turn makes my analysis biased.

Will this be a new unit with a totally new abilities? Is this some sort of new Reaver that flies? Or is this a new air Spellcaster being added into the Protoss arsenal? Who knows.

All the answers regarding all three new units in HOTS will be revealed TODAY at BLIZZCON. Yes everything will be showcased later in the day. Good luck for anyone who is heading there now. Please share any new information that you find.

Cheers.

Fast Chrono Boost on Buildings for Protoss

I guess most of you already know how do Chrono Boost on Buildings but I'll point this out anyway for those who are still having troubles with it. What is meant here is where you can Chrono Boost all of you Gateways as fast as possible. Top Masters and Grandmasters players can Chrono all their Gateways (eg 6) within 1 second. This is essential when you need as many units as possible to hold off pushes or defending against your opponents. If you can master this, you are another step towards winning more of your games.

Fast Chrono Boost
1. Hotkey all your Nexus in one Key
2. Select the key and hold down 'C'
3. Left click all  your Gateways.

You may say everyone can perform this easy task. However the main difference here is high level players can performed it instantly. Let's take a look at this game by ogsHero.

Pay attention to the time 10:47 to 10:48. If you watch the game at a Faster speed, all of the Chronos go time together instantly. This shows you skillful is ogsHero. In fact most high level gamers can do this. If you are not one of them, it is time for you to practice this.

GSL October Up and Down Results

Were finally here again at the GSL Up and Down matches which determines which gamers get the important Code S slots and who stays or drops to Code A for next season. This time, the Up and Down are dominated by a lot of Protoss players. This is the result of Protoss poor performance previously where Terran 1-1-1 all in reign supreme.

We have 3 top Protoss gamers Sage, Puzzle and Genius competing today. However, only Puzzle manage to cling on to his Code S medal. Long time Code S player, Genius is down into Code A. Sage, one of the best Protoss in the world currently failed to make into Code S again. Gumiho and Puzzle gets Code S.

Group A Day 1 Results
Genius vs Puzzle
Genius vs Sage
Zenio vs Gumiho
Zenio vs Puzzle
Gumiho vs Sage
Zenio vs Genius
Gumiho vs Puzzle
Zenio vs Sage
Gumiho vs Genius
Puzzle vs Sage

1. Gumiho 3-1 Code S
2. Puzzle 3-1 Code S
3. Sage 2-2
4. Genius 2-2
5. Zenio 0-4

Group B Day 2
Keen vs Oz
HongUn vs JYP
Keen vs Yugioh
HongUn vs Oz
JYP vs Yugioh
HongUn vs Keen
JYP vs Oz
HongUn vs Yugioh
JYP vs Keen
Oz vs Yugioh

1. Oz 3-0 Code S
2. Yugioh 3-1 Code S
3. Keen 2-2
4. JYP 1-3
5. HongUn 1-3

Group C Day 3

Noblesse vs sC
Taeja vs Lucky
Top vs SC
Noblesse vs Lucky
Taeja vs Top
sc vs Lucky
Noblesse vs Top
Taeja vs Sc

1. sC 3-0 Code S
2. Taeja 3-0 Code S
3. Lucky 1-2
4. Noblesse 1-2
5. Top 0-3

DongRaeGu wins IEM New York

DongRaeGu wins IEM New York SC2 tournament after beating another Zerg gamer, Fruitdealer the first GSL Champion 3-2 in the finals. This is DongRaeGu's second international trophy after his recent Dreamhack win. This tournament had clashed with the MLG. Thus, it only managed to capture a relatively small amount of viewers within the Starcraft 2 community. IEM NewYork will best be known as a Zerg dominated championship with top 3 players being all Zerg.

 

Credit goes to Teamliquid for such an awesome photo.

Final Standings
1. MVPDongRaegu (Z)
2. Fruitdealer (Z)
3. Killer (Z) (The Zerg not the Korean Protoss)
4. Gatored (P)

5th to 8th
TSLKiller (P)
oGsTop (T)
TTI (P)
Elfi (P)

EGHuk wins MLG Orlando, ogsMC second!!

EGHuk wins MLG Orlando defeating ex teammate ogsMC in the tournament's Grand Finals. Huk was crowned the champion and MC gets the very important GSL Code S spot for next season. What this means is that MC who had been knocked out form Code A into Code B recently is finally back into Code S. Protoss supporters cheered for these awesome news. Huk is the first repeat champion gamer to ever win two MLG titles, where his previous was the first MLG Raleigh event ever hosted against Kiwikaki in the grandfinals.

Never would anyone expect to see a Protoss vs Protoss matchup for the finals in this major Starcraft 2 tournament. MLG is deemed the GSL version of the West and the most prestigious tournament outside of Korea with its huge price money and competition level. Leading off into the finals with a 2-1 lead over MC due to the extended series rules of MLG, Huk only needs to win another 2 games. In the first game, Huk outmicroed MC in a 4 Gate fashion battle on Tel'Darim Altar which is infamous for its 4 Gating heaven or should I say hell. A mismicro from MC failing to target down a very low hp Zealot cost him the game. Game 2 on Xel Naga Caverns had MC lead off with a Cannon rush. However, it was scouted instantly by Huk and a well placed Pylon behind his mineral line thwarts any attempt of incoming cheese. Falling behind, MC
tried his best to recover from the fail cheese. However, we all know what happens next.


Protoss race has been in a declined from major tournament results recently where the finals were always dominated by both Terrans and Zergs. However, time has changed finally at MLG Orlando. Huk is often known to have the top 3 micro in the world and the best foreigner Protoss from the West. MC the Protoss President needs no introduction with 2 GSL titles in his bag. However, since the recent slump of the Protoss race, players playing the race is seen losing matches after matches and being knocked of tournament after one another.People start to doubt on the race itself.

Starting the tournament, Huk and MC was placed within the same group D. Their group consist of 5 Protoss with our Golden Mouse Winner, July Zerg. Does July actually own a Golden Mouse? Huk placed first for this group and earning an entry into the semifinals for the winners bracket against three other Terrans, Bomber, Marineking and ogsTheSTC. Huk defeated MKP and then TheSTC to secure a spot in the grandfinals. MC's journey to the finals is long and difficult route. MC defeated Rain, Ret, long time nemesis EGPuma, Marineking, Idra and ogstheSTC to finally reach the grand finals against exteammate Huk.

This march the third international tournament champion being a Foreigner (If you consider Huk a foreigner) since Idra's win at IEM Guangzhou, Stephano at IPL 3 and now Huk at MLG Orlando. Foreigner continue to put up good fights against the Koreans. The foreigners  are no longer the easy punching bags for the Koreans.

Final Rankings
1. EGHuk
2. ogsMC
3. ogsTheSTC
4. EGIdra
________
5th to 8th
- MarineKingPrime
- ST.Bomber
- HongUnPrime
- EGPuma

Idra performed impressively throughout this tournament. His matches against SlayersBoxer had crowds cheered and even the backstage staffs put down their jobs to have a glimpse of the match between the two legends. The top 4 were dominated by team EG and oGs. Within the top 8, we have 6 Koreans and 2 Foreigners. The Koreans still showed strong dominance in international events. MarineKing was invited thanks to his fellow supporters from Reddit and did not disappoint them. MKP started from the open brackets. Having dominate the open brackets, MKP took down his group with ease. However, his run was stopped by both the eventual finalist, Huk and MC.

Finally, MLG Orlando is one of best tournament to date with great Games, Casters, Streams (Up to 4 - Red, Blue, White and Black streams). The games and matches were really good. The games between SlayersBoxer and LiquidTLO is a MUST WATCH. With this victory, Protoss has finally end the dry spell that spreads from Korea to the rest of the world. We will once again see Starcraft as a game between three races. If you want to be the very best gamer, Korea is definitely the place.

*Just to add if you are a Protoss player, MC's games are must watch. MC vs Puma Game 2 and he did roughly the same strategy against oGsTheSTC game 3 on Dual Sight. Learn how MC Forcefield in layers.

New Units in SC2: Heart of The Swarm

Blizzard has finally gave us another glimpse in the long awaited Starcraft 2 expansion set: Heart of the Swarm. This will be the second installment of the three series of the all time popular online game. Previously Blizzard revealed the campaign play through of HOTS which features on Kerrigan the Queen of Blade's quest in claiming back her Zerg throne against other Overlord's seeking to control over the swarm. This time around, a new unit for Terran and Zerg has been released while the Protoss will be followed soon after. Let's have a peek at the new interesting and exciting new unit image design.

Terran

The Terran new unit in HOTS looks like some sort of transformed Hellion. As for the background, it seems to me that it slightly resemble the Marauder. Is this an unit that is merged between the Hellion and a Marauder? Who knows. The main claim by Blizzard is that this unit is intended more towards the Multiplayer game. This very likely to indicate a strong unit that can create some oomph for Terran in huge battles. Whatever it is, this is a very exciting sneak preview of the new unit. Is Blizzard watching too much Transformers Movie?

Zerg

Ahh Hahh. The first thing that cross my find when I first saw this picture was LURKER IS BACK. This is just my personal assumption but I am seriously confident that this unit closely resembles the Lurker from the Brood War days. Pay attention to the face of the unit which is the face of the Hydra. As we all know, Lurker is transformed from Hydra. This is definitely a LURKER. With the Lurker back, this unit will fill the hole of the Swarm being lacking of a good and strong invisible type unit like the Dark Templar and Banshees from the Hellion. 

Protoss
The new Protoss unit will be released on the 17th October.

Finally all that are released at this point are just the images and drawings of the new concept units. The new units and all their abilities will be fully revealed during Blizzcon on the 21st and 22nd October 2011. They will be tested and previewed to the general public and SC2 fans.

GSL October Code A Results

Finals


Curious from team Startale wins GSL October Code A and earned his Code S spot for next season.


STCurious 4-0 FXOz

GSL October Code A Semifinals Results

Match 1
STCurious Z vs FXOGumiho T
3-0

Match 2
NsHoseoSage P vs FXOoz P
1-3




GSL October Code A Results RO 8
sC 0-2 FXOGumiho
SlayersYugioh 0-2 ST_Curious
JYP 0-2 FXOoZ
NsHoseoSage 2-0 FXOLucky

Top 4 will be Gumiho vs Curious and Sage vs Lucky


GSL October Code A Results Day 2 RO16
Today is a Protoss day indeed. All 3 Protoss players managed to made it through into round of 8 where they are given a change to play in the Up and Down matches. 3 out of 8 are Protoss. Not too shabby.

Fruitdealer 0-2 JYP
Twilight 2-0 Superstar
Dream 0-2 Lucky
Sage 2-0 CheckPrime

 
GSL October Code A Results Day 1 RO16
Patch 1.4.0 is live. 

SC 2-0 Select
FXOGumiho 2-0 Monster
SlayersYugioh 2-1 LiquidHero
STCurious 2-0 Sjow


GSL October Code A Results Day 3 RO32
This is a new record. One out of four Protoss managed to made it through into the round of 16. Tester, Naniwa and newcomer Weekend dropped down into Code B. Only Sage managed to keep the Protoss hope alive. What incredible plays by Sage.

Tester 1-2 MvPDream
FXOLucky 2-0 Naniwa
CheckPrime 2-0 Weekend
Sage 2-1 IMYoda

GSL October Code A Results Day 2 RO32

FruitDealer 2-1 Sase
oGsHero 2-0 Violet
FXOTwilight 2-1 ZenexByun
NsHoseoTassadar 0-2 Superstar (Vampire Man)



GSL October Code A Results Day 1 RO32

Protoss players continue to fall out of GSL left and right. This time we have Protoss President himself, oGsMC and even Slayers_Alicia who is deemed to have the best Protoss versus Terran matchup out of Code A into Code B. How long will this disappointment continue? Watching professional Protoss games are getting boring. 


1. sc (sc is no longer the member for team FXO) T 2 vs 1 TSLRevival Z
2. Slayers_Alicia P 0-2 Select T
3. oGsMC P 1-2 MVPMonster Z
4. ZenexKyrix Z 0-2 FXOGumiho T

5. Slayers_Yugioh Z 2-0 ShiningStar P
6. TSL JYP P 2-0 oGsJookto Z
7. Sniper Z 0-2 STCurious Z
8. MakaPrime T 1-2 Sjow T

How to Scout with Protoss in PvZ when you Fast Expand

I have to clarify this matter to a lot of Protoss gamers out there who claimed that it is impossible to scout the Zerg player if you go for a Forge Fast Expo build. People claimed that Protoss will be playing in total blind when fast expanding. THIS IS TOTALLY WRONG. It is absolutely possible to scout the Zerg when you are fast expanding.

Let's have a look at the PvZ matchup. The most common starting build is basically a Fast Expanding Build and Gateway Expand. Here we are not referring to any one basing all in cheese builds. Why is FFE so commonly seen in high level games? Pro gamers prefer this opening compared Gateway first for its strong economic advantage gained. Having two Nexus with Chrono Boost puts you toe to toe with the Zerg player in terms of worker economic. However, FFE are vulnerable to all in builds such as Baneling bust and Roach Ling all in if left unscouted.

So How do You scout Zerg when you are FFE?

1. With your Probe
This is the most commonly used scouting method previously. You will Scout with your 9/10 Probe after planting down the Pylon. This is to determine the Zerg's opening whether if he is fast expanding or 6 Pooling. If the Zerg is expanding go ahead and Expand yourself or Cannon rush him if your confident. Normally the first Probe will be use to determine how many Zerglings pop up and run it back to your base if being chased by the Zerlings. Your first Probe will not gather you enough information after the Zerglings are out. A SECOND Probe is often times being sent out and hidden somewhere for the next scout. 

2. With your first 1 or 2 Zealots
Scouting with 1 or 2 Chrono Boosted Zealots is getting very common nowadays. These units are able to determine how many units the Zerg have at this point and most likely scout around the Zerg's base for their build. They can be positioned between mineral line for most efficient damage dealing while not being surrounded by Zerlings.

Things to Look For

This is the important parts in scouting what build the Zerg is going with your Zealots / Probe. Every small indication can tell you what the Zerg is doing.

1.Let's start with the basic first. Scout if the Zerg cancel his expansion and any Roach or Baneling Nest if you are able to make it into their base. Pay attention if the Zerg continues to mine Gas. This will indicated a fast tech build. You can scout the third base position of the Zerg.

2. Pay attention to the number of units the Zerg have. If you send over your first Zealot and being intercepted by an abnormal amount of Zerlings or even Roaches, your opponent is very likely to pressure or even all in you. Put down more Cannons and fully wall off. However good players, will hide their Roaches and let the Zerlings kill the scout.

3. Pay attention to the number of Drones.The saturation at the Zerg's natural. Sometimes you can even catch the Drones transferring to third if you are lucky. This is very common.

In the screenshot above, my Zealot is able to walk all the way across the map scouting only 2 Zerglings on its way. This indicate the Zerg is either getting a fast third or teching.

I managed to catch a glimpse of the Drone transferring which means a 3rd base is up.

Some players like Kiwikaki even put down 2 Gateways and Chrono Boost out 6 Zealots sending them to the third.

From the information you have gained, proceed with whatever best feasible strategies that you want. Thus, Zealot scouting is one of the best to exploit the weakness of Forge Fast Expanding and any little information you can gain will put you ahead.

Stephano wins IPL 3

French Zerg Pro Gamer, Stephano wins IPL 3 after tearing apart Korean Zerg gamer, FXOLucky 4-0 in the finals. This is a huge surprise as he is often considered the underdog in the whole Starcraft 2 tournament. What's more, Stephano managed to grab the title amidst facing against some of the Korean best SC2 players present at the tournament. His impressive and smart Zerg strategies and tactics managed to bring the title back to the Westerners. Stephano was previously a progamer from Warcraft 3. This is the second international tournament where foreigners wins another international tournament. The previous was EGIdra's magnificent run at IEM:Guanzhou. Is this the end of the Korean domination? Will the fat price money being siphoned into the Korean economy coming to an end? Let's hope so.

This is the final 32 brackets for IPL 3.

In the top 4 we have France very own Stephano and 3 other Koreans; Lucky, MMA and STC. Stephano's impressive run including beating 4 Koreans from the round of 32. Very few foreigners or nearly none were able to achieve this record at this point.

Group Stages

• 2-0 Huk
• 0-2 Alive
• 2-0 Boxer

Round of 32

• 2-1 Kiwikaki
• 2-0 Voilet
• 2-1 Inori
• 2-1 oGsTheSTC
• 4-0 FXOLucky

Although oGsMC performed magnificently in his group stages where he won 3 matches with a total 6-0 record, MC found himself facing against relatively unknown FXOInori. Their match was decided when MC mismicroed his Warp Prism with 4 Stalkers getting focused down by Inori. We all know what happens next in PvP. Inori proceeded to own EGHuk in another anticlimax PvP fashion. This is another dry Protoss tournament with only 1 managed to make it into the round of 8 before getting man handled by the champion.

Finally, congratulations to Stephano for winning IPL 3 facing against some of the toughest opponents around the world and stopping the Korean invasions in the SC2 international tournament scene. Who says Foreigners can't win international tournaments?

GSTL July Results

GSTL July Finals Results

Team MVP wins GSTL July beating Prime 5 - 3.

MVP 5 vs 3 Prime
Vampire P vs Check Z
Noblesse T vs Check Z
Noblesse T vs Terius Z

Noblesse T vs Creator P
Noblesse T vs BboongBboong Z
Genius P vs BboongBboong Z
Keen T vs BboongBboong Z
Keen T vs MKP T



GSTL July Top 4 Day 2

Our Blizzcon Champion is back. Genius who was once seen as the best Protoss gamer has regained his missing form by claiming 4 wins against some of the best gamers from NsHoseo including Seal, Sculp, Jjakji and team caption Sage. Finals of GSTL July will be between team MVP and Prime.

MVP vs NsHoSeo
Tails vs Tassadar
Keen vs Tassadar
Keen vs Seal
Genius vs Seal
Genius vs Sculp
Genius vs Jjakji
Genius vs Sage
MVP 5: 2 NsHoseo




GSTL July Top 4 Day 1
Prime vs TSL

Prime defeats TSL with such a small margin. JYP from team TSL started the series for his team by taking 3 important wins against his Zerg Opponents. However he soon fell to the hands of MarineKing. Clide then knocked MKP out before CreatorPrime seals the deal by taking 4 straight wins. This is a Reverse All Kill from the Protoss player. If you are a Protoss fan, today was the perfect day to watch Protoss winning so many important matches. Prime will be heading into the GSTL July finals.

1. Terious Z vs JYP P
2. AnnYung Z vs JYP P
3. BBoongBBoong Z vs JYP P
4. MarineKing T vs JYP P
5. MarineKing T vs Clide T
6. Creator P vs Clide T
7. Creator P vs Heart T
8. Creator P vs Revivial Z
9. Creator P vs Alive T

Prime 5: 4 TSL

MVP vs IM


Keen T vs Happy T
GuineaPig P vs Happy T
Genius P vs Happy T
DongRaeGu Z vs Happy T
DongRaeGu Z vs YongHwa P
DongRaeGu Z vs Losira Z
DongRaeGu Z vs MVP T
Tails P vs MVP T
Tails P vs Nestea Z

MVP 5-4 IM

Top 4 of GSTL will be TSL vs Prime and MVP vs NsHoSeo. Stay tuned for more epic matches.



Prime vs Startale

This is the start of GSTL playoff.

Creator vs July
Creator vs Ace
Creator vs Curious
Annyung vs Curious
Annyung vs Squirtle
Annyung vs Bomber
MarineKing vs Bomber

Prime 5-2 Startale
Startale out of GSTL



GSTL Venus Group Week 10 Results

fOu /FXO Korea vs STartale
All kill by ST_Curious
Lucky Z vs ST_Bomber T
Lucky Z vs ST_Curious Z
Inori P vs ST_Curious Z
CHoya P vs ST_Curious Z
asd T vs ST_Curious Z
FXO 1-4 Startale


GSTL JupiterGroup Week 10 Results
F United vs oGs
Moon  vs oGsCazannne
Soccer vs oGsCezanne
Soccer vs oGsLuvSic
Fenix vs oGsLuvSic
Fenix vs oGsTehSTC
Fenix vs oGsMC
F United 4-2 oGs

MVP vs TSL
Clide all kill MVP

MVPMonster vs TSL_Clide
MVPDongRaeGu vs TSL_Clide
MVPVampire vs  TSL_Clide
MVPGuineaPig vs  TSL_Clide
MVP 0-4 TSL


Standings Week 9

GSTL Venus Group Week 9 Results

Zenex vs NsHoseo
1-4
Seal All kill Zenex. 

Byun T vs Tassadar P
Byun T vs Seal Z
Hack T vs Seal Z
Jjun T vs Seal Z
Line Z vs Seal Z


GSTL Jupiter Group Week 9 Results
BBoongBBoong all kill team F United
FUnited vs Prime
0-4
Thorzain vs BBoongBBoong
Fenix vs BBoongBBoong
Lyn vs BBoongBBoong
Moon vs BBoongBBoong

Slayers vs oGs

Boss MC is back!!

2-4
Ganzi vs Cezanne
Ganzi vs SuperNova
MMA vs SuperNova
Taeja vs SuperNova
Taeja vs MC
Ryung vs MC



GSTL Jupiter Group Week 8 Results

IM vs NsHoSeo
IMLosira all kill NsHoseo
Happy T vs Sage P
Losira Z vs Sage P
Losira Z vs Tassadar P
Losira Z vs Jjakji T
Losira Z vs Shuttle T
IM 4-1 NsHoseo


FUnited vs TSL
Naniwa P vs Heart T
Fenix T vs Heart T
Fenix T vs Clide T
Fenix T vs REvival Z
Lyn T vs Revival Z
Thorzain T vs Revival Z
Thorzain T vs Alive T
FUnited 3-4 TSL






GSTL Jupiter Group Week 8 Results

F United vs Slayers
Team F United was All-Killed by Slayers_Taeja. Taeja performed remarkably today with near perfect game plays taking down team F United consists of mostly foreigners and Fox clan members. Taeja defeated Soccer, Moon, Thorzain and even Naniwa with a perfect 4-0 record. Team Slayers are definitely impressed with the performance of Taeja.

Soccer P vs Taeja T
Moon Z vs Taeja T
Thorzain T vs Taeja T
Naniwa P vs Taeja T
F United 0-4 Slayers


MVP vs Prime

The Dong!! DongRaeGu achieved an all kill for team MVP. I have lost count how many times has DongRaeGu performed so well in the SC2 GSTL. DongRaeGu is probably the most fearsome Zerg player in the Battlenet online game ladder in Korea. His performance is remarkable today.

Tails P vs MarineKing T
DongRaeGu Z vs MarineKing T
DongRaeGu Z vs anypro P
DongRaeGu Z vs BBoongBBoong Z
DongRaeGu Z vs Polt / Optimus T
MVP 4-1 Prime

GSTL Venus Group Week 7 Results

Zenex vs FXO Korea / fOu
ZenexHack T vs FXOGumiho T
ZenexHack T vs FXOLeenock Z
ZenexPuzzle P vs FXOLeenock Z
ZenexPuzzle P vs FXOasd T
ZenexPuzzle P vs FXOtheBest T
ZenexLine Z vs FXoTheBest T
ZenexCoCa Z vs FXOTheBest T
Zenex 3-4 FXO Korea/fOu





GSTL Jupiter Group Week 7 Results

Foreigners Team F United's debut match surprised everyone watching GSTL. From the GSL Code A, these foreigners failed to impress anyone with their performances. However, today Thorzain and Naniwa took down the undefeated team MVP with style. Thorzain is definitely the man of the match beating 3 top pro gamers from clan MVP. MVP has been undefeated until today where they lost to the hands of the new team. Naniwa sealed the deal for team F United marching their first win in GSTL. As for the second match between oGs and TSL, team oGs is torn apart by TSLRevival.

F-United vs MVP
Fenix vs MVPWon
Thorzain vs MVPWon
Thorzain vs GuineaPig
Thorzain vs Noblesse
Thorzain vs Genius
FoxSoccer vs Genius
Naniwa vs Genius
F-United 4-3 MVP

oGs vs Startale
oGsVines vs TSLJYP
oGsTheSTC vs TSLJYP
oGsTheSTC vs TSLRevival
oGsNada vs TSLRevival
oGsMC vs TSLRevival
oGs 1-4 TSL



Venus Group Week 6 Results

If there is a 'Best Player in GSTL so far' the title definitely goes to ST.Bomber. Bomber once again shown why he is the most fearsome Terran progamer in Korea by taking down two times GSL champion IMMvp, IMHappy and IMLosira before going down in the hands of IMYongHwa. However, Bomber managed to put his team so far ahead to win against team IM.

IM vs StarTale
IMMvP vs STBomber
IMHappy vs STBomber
IMLosira vs STBomber
IMYongHwa vs STBomber
IMYongHwa vs STCurious
IM 1-4 StarTale



GSTL Jupiter Group Week 6 Results
Slayers vs Prime

Slayers performed below expectation once again. The pro SC2 gaming team seems to be on a slump which if I'm not mistaken 3 weeks of losing streak. Today, Slayers once again feel in the hands of Team Prime. Surprising a lot of spectators and gaming fans, HongUnPrime.we who has always been regarded as a decent but not top Protoss in Starcraft 2 managed to take 3 wins off Slayers putting his team in a very nice and comfortable spot to win. Terius managed to seal the deal in favour of team Prime with an overall record of 4 to 2.

Taeja vs MarineKing
Taeja vs HongUn
Boxer vs HongUn
Ganzi vs HongUn
Ryung vs HongUn
Ryung vs Terius

Slayers 2-4 Prime



GSTL Venus Group Week 5 Results

FXOQXC all killed Team IM. Enough said. QXC performed like a GSL champion taking down all four IM members with incredible performance and even two times GSL Champion IMMvP. QXC has improved so much since their previous showdown where QXC was the only one manage to grab a win for his team FXO. This player has trained extremely hard at Korea grinding match after match to improve his skill. FXO members are extremely proud of QXC doing the unthinkable by taking down the Titans, Incredible Miracles IM. Finally FXO managed to regain the foreigner's pride with their best showdown today after losing match after match in their previous GSTL. Congratulations to FXO and QXC for today's stellar performance.

FXO vs IM
QXC T vs horror Z
QXC T vs BBi P
QXC T vs dreamertt T
QXC T vs MVP T
FXO 4-0 IM

Startale ST vs NSHoseo
Superstar (R/P) vs Tassadar P
Squirtle P vs Tassadar P
Squirtle P vs sculp T
July Z vs sculp T
Bomber T vs sculp T
Bomber T vs seal Z
ST 2-4 NSHoseo



GSTL Jupiter Group Week 5 Results

LiquidHuk claims VICTORY FOR team oGs-TL. When all hopes seem to fade away for oGs-TL and fans began to doubt why even call the team oGs-TL when, Team Liquid member, Huk has never been send out in the Starcraft 2 Team League GSTL by manager oGsSpunky until now. Finally, Huk the beast has been unleashed as the Ace player for his team facing against team Prime. Having fallen behind 3-2 against Prime, all hopes lies in the hands of the Dreamhack and Homestory champion, LiquidHuk. Huk's gameplay and performance today was second to none.

oGsMC was sent out as the first player to face against Hannibal from team Prime. MC grabs an important first victory for team oGs-TL by taking down the Terran player in a long macro game. MC was sent out first in hopes of getting a fast all kill win. However, MC's run was stop cold by BBoongBBoongPrime in a PvZ macro war on Terminus. For your information BBoongBBoong is the sound made when someone releasing their 'Gas'. The Zerg player then outplayed oGsTop with aggressive lings into the mineral lines of the Terran player multiple times when Top's Hellions were out on the map.

oGs-TL is forced to send out the Genius Terran and legendary Brood War Terran, Nada. Nada did his job and took down the Zerg player. Nada's next opponent is Check a former Warcraft 3 turn Sc2 progamer. Check eventually takes down Nada.

It all comes down to who will oGs-TL going to send as their last stance and it was none other than LiquidHuk. Huk's run in GSL July Code S was stopped by teammate oGsMC. However, Protoss vs Protoss is still a very fragile map and it can go both ways.
Huk has learned a lot from MC and his plays has been refined and considered one of the top 3 micro in the world.

Huk's match against Check was excellent with top micros, from Blinks to Storm usage on Tel Darim Altar. A Nexus first by Huk is countered instantly by Check getting his second expansion. Huk started the game with 6 WarpGate Blink Stalker timing push. However, Check is prepared by premaking a ton of Zerglings to intercept the pressure. Huk is forced to get his own second expansion and teching to fast High Templars. The game went back and forth until, Check managed to sneak a large number of Zerglings into Huk's base when Huk is taking down Check's expansion. Huk is forced to abandon his main Nexus and getting another expansion up. Check tech switch from Zergling, Infestors to a large number of Mutas. However, Huk's impressive Psionic Storm manage to grab a win here.

It all comes down to his final opponent MarineKingPrime. MKP has been known for his cheesy and all in strategies. MKP is definitely one of the top Terrans in the world as he has a wide range of strategies. The 3 time GSL finalist's Marine micro is the best in the world. He does not use the name MarineKing for no reason. Before the game starts, Huk seems to be toying with MKP by asking is he gonna do a 3 Barracks all in and MKP replied with a T_T. Hmmmmm.

Huk starts with a 1 Gate expansion build and MarineKing with a 3 Barracks push with Combat Shields upgrade (surprising) instead of Stim on Xel'Naga Fortress. Huk's superior Force Field usage and micro held off the 3 Barracks all in. It all went downhill for MKP from the point onwards. Huk managed to grab the very important 2 wins for his team. Huk's debut matches in the GSTL shown how this player has grown so much in his plays from his training in Korea. Congratulations to LiquidHuk.

oGs vs Prime
MC P vs Hannibal T
MC P vs BBoongBBoong Z
Top T vs BBoongBBoong Z
Nada T vs BBoongBBoong Z
Nada T vs Check Z
Huk P vs Check Z
Huk P vs MarineKing T
oGs-TL 4-3 Prime

GSTL Venus Group Week 4 Results

FXO vs fOu
Match 1: SLOG vs Gumiho
Match 2: mOoNan vs Gumiho
Match 3: Oz vs Gumiho
Match 4: QXC vs Gumiho
Match 5: QXC vs CHoya
FXO 1-4 fOu

Zenex vs ST
Match 1: Byun vs Sound
Match 2: Byun vs Curious
Match 3: Byun vs Ace
Match 4: Line vs Ace
Match 5: Zenex_line vs ST_Bomber
Match 6: Zenex_Puzzle vs ST_Bomber
Match 7: Zenex_Coca vs ST_Bomber


Zenex 3-4 ST



GSTL Jupiter Group Week 4 Results

Slayers vs TSL
Match 1: Slayers_Lot T vs TSL_Revival Z
Match 2: Slayers_Ryung T vs TSL_Revival Z
Match 3: Slayers_Ryung T vs TSL_JYP P
Match 4: Slayers_Ryung T vs TSL_Killer P
Match 5: Slayers_Min Z vs TSL_Killer P
Match 6: Slayers_Ganzi T vs TSL_Killer P
Slayers 2-4 TSL
 

GSTL Venus Group Week 3 Results
FXO vs HoSeo
Match 1: Twilight P vs Seal Z
Match 2: Twilight P vs Jjakji T
Match 3: OptikZero P vs Jjakji T
Match 4: tgun Z vs Jjakji T
Match 5: QXC T vs Jjakji T
FXO 1-4 HoSeo


IM vs Zenex
Match 1: true Z vs Line Z
Match 2: true Z vs Core P
Match 3: Yoda T vs Core P
Match 4: Yoda T vs Byun
Match 5: Yoda T vs Puzzle P
Match 6: Losira Z vs Puzzle P
IM 4-2 Zenex
 

GSTL Jupiter Group Week 3 Results
oGs vs MVP
DongRaeGu did it again. MVP fell behind with a 1-3 record until DongRaeGu managed to even things out and finally winning the final match against oGsCezanne. MVP_DongRaeGu is so good, where his Zerg vs Terran matchup seems unbeatable. However, DongRaeGu is still in Code B of GSL, where he failed to advance in his Code A matches. DongRaeGu is MVP's hope and pillar of support.
 
Match 1: oGsTheSTC T vs MVP_finale P
Match 2: oGsTheSTC T vs MVP_Monster
Match 3: oGsNada T vs MVP_Monster Z
Match 4: oGsNada T vs MVP_Keen T
Match 5: oGsNada T vs MVP_DongRaeGu Z
Match 6: oGsHero T vs MVP_DongRaeGu Z
Match 7: oGsCezanne Z vs MVP_DongRaeGu Z
oGs 3 - 4 MVP



GSTL Venus Group Week 2 Results
FXO vs Zenex
Match 1: moonan T vs Hack T
Match 2: SLoG P vs Hack T
Match 3: tgun Z vs Hack T
Match 4: Oz P vs Hack T
0-4

fOu vs Hoseo
Match 1: Sirius Z vs sculp T
Match 2: Sirius Z vs Sage P
Match 3: asd T vs Sage P
Match 4: sC T vs Sage P
Match 5: Leenock Z vs Sage P
1-4



Jupiter Group Week 2 Results GSTL
With the departure of both founders of TSL, The SCV Life, Trickster/Tester and Fruitdealer from Team TSL, TSL seems to be doing extremely well at the GSTL tournament taking down Prime with ease. Tester a very prominent and probably the best Protoss player during the Starcraft 2 beta online game and together with Fruitdealer the very first GSL winner both decided to leave TSL after having some conflicting issues. TSL_Puma performed the unexpected by clearing out the Prime clan taking down multiple times GSL finalist MarineKing with style.

TSL vs Prime 
Match 1: TSL_Killer P vs LotzePrime P
Match 2: TSL_Killer P vs BBoongBBoong Z
Match 3: TSL_Puma T vs BBoongBBoong Z
Match 4: TSL_Puma T vs MarineKingPrime.we T
Match 5: TSL_Puma T vs OptimusPrime T

TSL 4-1 Prime


Venus Group Week 1 Results
FXO vs StarTale
Match 1: QXC T vs Tiger P
Match 2: Sheth Z vs Tiger P
Match 3: Sheth Z vs Curios Z
Match 4: Twilight P vs Curious Z
Match 5: Twilight P vs Squirtle P
Match 6: MooNan T vs Squirtle P
2-4

Increadible Miracles (IM) vs For Our Utopia (fOu)
Match 1: Happy T vs Nuclear T
Match 2: Happy T vs Lucky Z
Match 3: Happy T vs Gumiho T
Match 4: YongHwa P vs Gumiho T
Match 5: YongHwa P vs sC T
Match 6: Losira Z vs sC T
Match 7: Yoda T vs sC T
4-3

Jupiter Group Week 1 Results
Slayers vs MVP
Match 1: Alicia P vs Noblesse T
Match 2: Alicia P vs Violet Z
Match 3: Alicia P vs GuineaPig P
Match 4: Boxer T vs GuineaPig Z
Match 5: Boxer T vs DongRaeGu Z
Match 6: Ganzi T vs DongRaeGu Z
Match 7: MMA T vs DongRaeGu Z
3-4

Force Field Guide in PvZ SC2

I am still seeing lots of Protoss Force Field wrongly against their Zerg opponents in PvZ. Let's first analyze the Protoss vs Zerg matchup. For Protoss, most people will be utilizing the Stalkers, Sentries and Colossus with probably some Immortals being thrown into the mix. This is the most common unit mix you will be using and facing against in your online game opponents. However, there's some new variations such as Zealots and Archon mix popping up in the metagame currently or Air unit usage such as Phoenix and Void Rays. As for Zergs, we often seen Roach and Hydra mix, Zerlings with Infestors or Mutalisk builds.

Lets stick to the Stalker, Sentries, Immortal and Colossus ball. With this army mix, all your units have a range attack. The correct way to Force Field against Zerg players is to Force Field the front of their armies. Let's take a look at the snapshot taken below between TSLJYP and Dimaga in the recent IEM Guangzhou.

Here we can see JYP Force Fielding at the front cutting a few of the Roaches. The first rule is always try to cut off some army. Why do we do it this way? This is because Sentries have range 5, Stalkers and Immortals have 6. Roaches has 4 and Hydras has 6. With Force Field being thrown at the front, the Roaches will be having trouble to reach your army while your death ball will be dealing their maximum damage to the Roaches. You would always want to create artificial walls so that majority of the Zerg units can't reach your army. The Roaches that are stuck behind are totally useless in the battle. You can always leave a hole between your Force Fields to create a choke. If the Zerg is moving over the choke, cast another Force Field to block it and cut off fully.

Casting your Force Field before a major engagement is essential do dictate how the army engage. You can see lots of top Protoss players such as MC, Huk and Hero cast it preemptively before major engagements. Zerg can either fight the battle or turn around. If you manage to capture some units at the front, you have pretty much taken care of a part of  his army. If the Zerg plans to engage after the Force Field expires, repeat the same process. Force Field is one of the most essential skill in PvZ. Fighting head on against Zerg is the worst possible case scenario.

This way of Force Fields works perfectly against the Roach and Hydra mix. If you are facing against Baneling Bombs, always Force Field the front cutting off all armies. Target those Overlords with your Stalkers and Blinking back at the last second before the Overlord reaches above your Stalkers. This require some micro and do practice it.

The Gracken Wins IEM Guangzhou

Finally, the Western pro Gamers has showed who they are made off by claiming a championship trophy after such a long time since the Koreans broke into the international Starcraft 2 scene. EGIdra, the Gracken has finally reclaim a championship for himself after such a long drought since IPL2. The notorious and infamous Idra placed first out of the 16 invited gamers including 2 Koreans, Puma, Revival and JYP.

Making into the round of 8, Idra took out TSLRevival with a 3-1 record. Next beating teammate EGPuma, the champion for NASL and IEM in the semifinals 3-0 and finally besting Elfi, the Protoss player from Finland in the finals 3-1. Who cares if Idra GG or not. Most important is Idra still has what it takes to win an international tournament.

IEM Guangzhou Standings
1. EGIdra
2. elfi
3. EGPuma
4. HasuObs

Replays can be found here