EPTThis was the year when the team finally broke that curse and we who follow their exploits were finally brought into the light of day, to feel the golden rays of the sun and the world surrounding Kong Mountain.
Although we can now pronounce this curse officially dead, 2012 was nonetheless a roller-coaster year for Startale and by extension its fans.
It started off strong. Parting was turning heads whenever he played and whenever he was interviewed. Squirtle was demolishing the competition. The first generation of Startale S-caliber Startale players were starting to fade and falter. Virus, July and Ace would all make Code S appearances, but would appear less frequently in team matches and in general. Bomber, who was supposed to carry the team to multiple championships was floundering for most of 2012 and showed that his most devastating matchup was Bomber v. Fan Expectations. Parting showed a lot of gusto but could not make any real headway in terms of the GSL after his Season 2 Round of 4 showing. Squirtle fought his way to 3 silvers before the halfway point of 2012, but sputtered into inconsistency for the rest of 2012. The GSTL regame scandal in Las Vegas didn’t help much either. I swore to never buy another item from Primezzang after that debacle, and to this day I haven’t given Prime another one of my cents or won.
Things changed in the second half. The absorption of Zenex led to an infusion of new blood, most importantly the “enfant terible” Life. Life would break the Kongtale curse three times just for good measure before the end of the year. The last championship, the Blizzard Cup he would win over his own teammate Parting. Parting chipped in two more championships, although arguably of lesser quality than Life’s. By the end of 2012 things were looking up for Startale. Squirtle was back in Code S and appeared to be strong mentally. Bomber traveled the world playing very well and picked up two silvers in 2012, but showed some magnificent (T v P and T v Z) performances by the end of the year. Parting seemed poised to win everything in 2012 simply so he could say crazy shit during the interviews afterwards.
But 2013 has started off terribly for Startale. The Brotoss Front Line of Parting and Squirtle both left the team, under depressing but amicable terms. The best Protoss Front Line in SC2 for 2012 are suddenly gone and Startale now begins the year under a cloud of uncertainty. There much debated mantle of being the strongest team in terms of depth has taken a severe pounding. As a fan of Startale, and so much of a fan that I even have a tumblr (startalefan.tumblr.com) dedicated to them, I have gone from dreaming of the halls of golden championships to projecting misery and disappointment for the coming year.
A look at there remaining lineup still gives me hope however. Bomber looks to be strong. Not as cocky as he once was. You can only throw away so many already won games before it starts to temper your flame. Curious is hoping to build on his reputation as a Code S detector. He looked vulnerable on the way back to Code S, but I am hoping that 2013 is his chance to make it past the Round of 16. Life is still scary and crazy and has proven that he is no one hit wonder. Hack had a very strong 2012 and was my choice for most underrated player. He made it to Code S twice and has shown flashes of brilliance, mixed in with some Bomber like inconsistency.
The biggest setback is their lack of strong Protosses. Through Zenex they have several young possibilities in Brain, Treme and Avenge. They also have they old Master of Ceremonies Ace, who everyone who knows how to make gifs is hoping will return to the GSL. Secretly I am hoping that Legend will switch to Protoss and surprise everyone by winning the first Heart of the Swarm GSL.
As I sit here typing this, sipping a Red Bull, and waiting for Startale hoodies to go on sale, I am still hopeful for Startale in 2013. Code S Round of 32 begins next week. Bomber, Curious and Life are all playing. I will be cheering for them as loudly as I can and with as many Live Report posts as possible.
