There, he proclaimed to the world, “I have attained …enlightenment.”
”I really entered a state of nirvana. I have transcended above all that starcraft can offer”
Though this was an amazingly brazen and shameless remark, Flash was completely serious and composed, without a hint of comedy in his face as he proselytized his reaching of nirvana to those around him as well as thousands of viewers who tuned in to hear the words of the ultimate weapon.
Of course, we had heard something similar to this before. Just a few years ago, a certain programmer said on camera that he now knew and understood everything there was to know about starcraft after hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of hours of practice.
We all know how that ended up. So just what makes Flash’s ascension so different?
A Flash of Insight Flash once mentioned that he learns something new at least three or four times every week – or was it dozens of times every day? Though my memory fails me regarding the specific interval, what I can be sure of is that this experience of learning something new, can’t be much different from the same experience that we all go through as we play starcraft over the years. Just as we deepen our understanding through studying, increase our skills by playing sports, learning new tricks of the trade while playing games, Discovering elegant solutions to complex puzzles as we try the same stage over and over again…
Indeed, all these things may broadly be described as a momentary attunement with the nirvana, a modest enlightenment in our daily lives.
Perhaps Flash’s Enlightenment, then, could be things like…
“Oh, if I want to cheese, it’s better to take 4 scvs rather than 6. Instead, it’ll help me towards midgame if I push my barracks forward a bit more to increase the marine pressure.” “This is the best timing for upgrading siege if I’m going barracks-double command. I can use gas most efficiently if I build an armory at this population mark. “This is the best turret placement to defend against both dt drop and reaver drops simultaneously.” Obviously, all these statements are something that I pulled out of the blue, a mere mortal’s attempt to imagine what goes on daily in Flash’s mind.
Conceivably, the enlightenment that Flash says he achieves dozens of times every day means that he is learning how to become just “that much better” at starcraft each time. In other words, he is learning how to achieve victory in the most efficient manner, continuously aiming for a better tomorrow than yesterday, constantly challenging himself today and relentlessly aiming for those fleeting moments of enlightenment.
And thus tens, hundreds, maybe thousands of such flashes of insight allow him to evolve, to become a better player, to be able to play starcraft just a bit better than yesterday.
He can now play just that much more relaxed than before. He can play just that much more comfortably, just that much faster than before.
Though Flash’s declaration may sound familiar to some of us, his words do not ring hollow like those that came before.
The ambition to become better at starcraft, The lust for victory in any match, If you lack these qualities, then you will fall behind even if you currently sit atop the hierarchy of power.
Flash’s Style
Overpowering the enemy with amazing multitasking and overwhelming hand speed Devastating the enemy with unbelievable control and unforgiving offense Slowly tightening the noose around the enemy’s neck with ruthless decision-making Driving the opponent out of his mind with endless harassment all over the map Playing the opponent directly into your hand with an airtight strategy from the early game to the endgame Striking at the enemy with a surgically precise timing sense, hitting them with unstoppable force and ending the game in one shot
Etc etc
Within the world of starcraft, there are countless variations of obvious and not-so-obvious playstyles unique to every pro gamer. No one style can be said to be any better than the others – but if a player can understand and take into heart even one of these many styles, it can be come a powerful weapon in his arsenal. Unfortunately, if the player does nothing but pursue a single style, the enemy can easily prepare a countermeasure against him. And thus, many players not only train in the styles that they are most comfortable with, but also strive to embody other styles such that they can strike with their most powerful moves the moment they sense an opening.
In starcraft, a style primarily affects the players choice of a build order more than his use of any individual set of units. Thus, a player with mastery of many styles mean that player can easily transition from one build order to the next without entering into uncharted territory.
If ever there is a player that has mastered all styles, that would mean that the player practically has no style – it is the culmination of everything that a player can aspire towards, the ability to execute any build order and strategy with mastery and finesse.
From Guess Hitter to Enlightenment
When Flash first won a star league two years ago, he was derided as one that can do nothing but cheese, The Korean community gave him the nickname, “guess hitter,” for always playing a game by doing the best cheese possible for any given map, then hoping for the best. Though even then, Flash still was one of the top three Terrans in terms of his basic micro and macro as well as split second decision making, but he was primarily known for planning and executing extremely abusive builds that were custom tailored toward the specific opponent on the specific map that was at hand.
Flash was so happy after he succeeded in his cheese during his first televised match
Obviously, this style had several weaknesses that made Flash prone to breakdown whenever things suddenly went out of the “expected,” into the unknown.
For instance, even if Flash prepared an abusive build order that took advantage of openings in what he expected the opponent to play, if the same opponent took out an even more of an “all – in” and threw Flash’s timing off, he would break down like any other B-class player.
Further, if the map was extremely unfavorable towards Terran, it would be difficult for Flash to prepare an abusive build order. This was especially the case when he went against players with same or similar skill level, as they would not easily lend themselves to openings in their play that Flash could take advantage of.
Of course, these weaknesses doesn’t mean “guess hitting” became instantly useless, but it did mean that it was very vulnerable to any sudden wrench thrown into the match, where the prepared build + basic micro just wasn’t enough.
Many players dwell upon whether he should improve his strengths or shore up his weaknesses. Though this doesn’t mean he will completely forsake working on his strengths just to improve his flaws, it does mean that the players have to make a decision on which area he will focus on, which area he will invest the limited time and mentality towards.
A young flash, before he became the child labor terran
Even when he started as a practice partner, Flash was notable for his boundless ambition and persistence. He knew that he was no worse than the top players of the time, and dreamt big, towards world domination. And within just one year after his debut, he achieved his dream by capturing the trophy and proving his talent.
But even Flash’s determination and ability did not give him an easy road in the harsh jungle of individual leagues where bullets flew everywhere. The title of a starleague winner carries with it great honor. Though its benefits definitely outweigh its drawbacks, a starleague title still carries with it the inevitable pressure that comes with the name and paints a big target on your back that all other players aim to overcome.
Flash was completely outplayed by ForGG. Flash was eliminated in the individual league by zergs led by Jaedong. After the title, Flash lost Bo3s against Kwanro, Luxury, and GGplay on his way to another elimination. Once he even failed to survive in a group with 3zergs.
The same was repeated against tosses, with flash losing two games in one day against (then) masters of PvT Stork and Jangbi, and eliminated his team from the playoffs of the pro league with his loss against Kal’s Dt drop.
Of course, Flash still boasted an impressive win rate and remarkable skill, but he often suffered defeat in those critical moments in individual and pro leagues.
A common thread can be seen among these losses. If Flash brought out a pre-determined build, it was countered and he paid the price. If he blocked the opponent’s counter and tried to get it to lategame where his macro could shine, he could not overcome the deficit he suffered during early game and still lost in the end.
Though practically all losses can broadly be attributed to the above two reasons, the fact that someone as skilled and full of confidence as Flash could lose like thus could only mean that either a) his style was being completely seen through by the other players, or b) the loss was simply preventable and Flash did not play his best.
It is simple to improve your skill. You just have to reinforce your weaknesses and maximize your advantages, all the while improving the range and depth of strategic understanding so you can be prepared for any situation that may arise.
Of course, this is much simpler said than done, and hence flash wallowed in the “merely S-level” crowd for over a year.
But Flash has now finally made the impossible, possible.
He. Was. Enlightened.
How Flash Changed
A parody of the Japanese anime, Girl, the ultimate weapon Notice the “Deicide” button down in the right.
The moment of Flash’s awakening can be traced back to his game versus Hero in MSL Survivor. In that game, Flash gave up on the fast factory play and instead aimed for a fast barracks to strengthen his early marine production and eventually hold off, if not completely stop, the mutalisk harass. This strategy is now often called the “Off-rhythm Mamarine push” by Koreans, and can be most easily described by a boxing analogy.
There are a variety of guard moves in boxing, such as blocking, slipping, guarding, ducking, weaving, side stepping, clinching etc.
The ubiquitous Manny Pacquiao, perhaps pound for pound world’s strongest fighter right now
“Blocking” in boxing is stopping the opponent’s attack just before it hits a critical point of your body by putting your own hand or elbow in the way.
The typical Turret placement followed by marine focus fire control can be compared to the “blocking” of zerg’s mutalisk harass.
It was commonly thought that a strong block is the best defense against mutalisk harass, and many strategists more skilled than I investigated different build orders and/or management styles to improve this defense. Fantasy’s fast factory followed by various management styles, a fresh wind in a stagnating TvZ strategy world at the time, was the result of trying to find the most effective way to conduct the “blocking” of mutalisk harass and launch a strong couner.
“Guarding” in boxing means obliterating the opponent’s punch while it is in it’s path, and “pinning” in boxing means realizing that a punch is coming and pre-emptively putting down the opponent’s arms before the punch can occur.
Flash’s “Off rhythm marine push” can most closely be compared to this guarding and pinning skills in boxing.
The basic idea is that rather than suffering through endless amounts of mutalisk harass and letting zerg dictate the pace of the game, why not just pre-emptively destroy the timing window typically available by zerg for mutalisk harass?
As shown in his game vs. hero, the fast marines could intercept the mutalisks in the middle of the map, forcing a trade and acting as “guarding,” or can do a pure stim rush against greedy zergs and destroy the spire, acting as “pinning” movement.
Of course, this strategy isn’t something that’s possible for anyone that attempts it – Flash’s amazing gaming sense, as he himself often mentions, allows him to understand exactly where his opponent’s punch is coming and from which direction, allowing him to switch between blocking and pining moves and setting Terrans free from mutalisk harassment.
Once zergs understood that the trend of fast two gas followed by mutalisk harass during the past 1-2 years just wasn’t cutting hit, they tried to change it up by mixing the original 3 hatch management style and fast lurker styles to differ their attack patterns. However, all except one was destroyed by Flash (I’ll let you figure out who’s the one). Further, letting Flash build up his lategame strength through SK terran management style allowed Flash to reach the endgame in a better position than would be possible had he stuck with factory/tank buildups. There’s really only one zerg out there right now that can still match Flash into the endgame.
Flash’s innovation was not purely limited to TvZ, however. Though the subtlety is difficult to catch with an eye of a D player like me, I can still conjecture three areas in which Flash gained enlightenment in his style of TvP.
One, the optimization of the one Barracks-Double Command, Two, the optimization of the one Factory-Triple Command, And three, as flash himself had mentioned, his understanding of the use of timing rushes with many marines, even against protoss.
Flash isn’t the only one using the Barracks double command build – in fact, many terrans are using this build order right now. The Barracks Double allows terrans to quickly close the gap in resource income if toss goes double nex, and still allows for effective defense against one base tech through optimized bunker repairs. And you can follow this up with a quick two facts, letting you enter the stability of two fact triple command that much faster, or explode with many factories if the rush distance is short and the opponent elected to one base tech. This barracks double command build can be said to be the “new standard” build against the protoss.
The second enlightenment reached by flash is the optimization of the one fact triple command. One fact triple command is a BO most often used in two player maps or Andromeda/Medusa where there’s 2 normal expansions plus 1 mineral expansion close by. One fact triple command allows you to defend against timing rushes with vults/turrets and either a) go for a split map power struggle or b) quickly explode the number of factories and overwhelm the enemy with your cost effective mech.
The third enlightenment reached by flash is the timing rush with fast marines. This strategy seems to be a card that can be used when toss is going for a tech build or 12 nex, and the rush distances are short. It leans heavily on Flash’s ability to distribute damage across the large number of marines, using his micro to keep the terrans in an advantageous position and relying on his world class mechanics to finish the job.
The important thing about Flash’s TvP builds are that all these builds form a complex knot that any toss that faces Flash must solve through. If Flash starts with a forward barracks, he can easily snipe any attempts for double nex, and if toss doesn’t go for double nex he can park 1-2 marines in his choke while researching mines /2nd command center or siege/2nd command center, allowing for easy transition to one factory/triple command center or two factory/triple command center.
If Flash starts with a one barracks double, he can do any one of factory explosion/timing rush, 3/3 push, or 1/1 upgrade timing rush.
If Flash starts with FD with 4-6 marines, he can consistently transition into one factory/triple command center or create more marines and aim for an early timing rush.
On top of all this, toss still has to worry about fast starport management style. The fact that Flash can understand and execute any one of these build orders in any game means that protoss players against flash are almost completely in the dark on what they may face.
Like that deer with 7 forms found in a famous anime, flash has embodied within himself such a huge variety of styles.
Whenever flash introduces a new build order and wins, he answers his interviews like thus:
Q: Isn’t the style you showed today reminiscent of the one Baby used not too long ago? Flash: This is a style that I showed many times before. But if it did not register in the minds of the fans I guess I can’t do much. It’s actually just one of many styles that I have right now.
And the interviewer continues:
Q: Your ability to choose different build orders seem exceptional. Do you think you’ve improved your foresight? Flash: It’s not what you can call a “foresight.” It’s actually a result of making many decisions during every moment. I try to always think more, think further, and think from a higher place than my opponents. I think this is what allows me to be so strong in BoX.
This isn’t something like arrogance. It’s not even a simple result of momentum. To put simply, it’s pure, unadulterated skill.
To reach this level of expertise first required making countless mistakes, gaining hundreds or thousands of flashes of insight, and above all, unbelievably long hours of practice and boundless ambition to improve, to go for a better tomorrow.
At this time, there is no sight to the end of Flash’s reign. Flash still is not satisfied with his current skill. Flash is still reaching ever higher levels of enlightenment.
Flash’s Future
Placido Domingo and Jose Carerras, two of the world’s top three tenors, were both rivals and worst enemies. Domingo came from Spain’s Madrid, while Carerras came from Catalonia – Catalonia was locked in a struggle with Spain to end its colonization. Thus, Carreras refused to stand in the same stage as Domingo.
Meanwhile, Carreras suddenly fell ill with Leukemia. Carerras stopped all performances to cure this illness, but the unbelievable medical expenses led him to near bankruptcy. During a moment of financial, physical, and menetal despair, a ray of hope reached Carerras – one Hermosa Foundation had set up a specialized hospital for leukemia patients in Madrid. Carreras was able to recover from his illness in Madrid, and was soon able to return to the stage that he had only dreamt of coming back.
To repay this debt, Carreras proceeded to try to become a part of the Hermosa foundation, and discovered a surprising truth – The founder of the foundation was actually Domingo. Domingo not only created the hospital to cure Carreras, but he also hid his name from being known as the founder so that Carreras’ pride would not be affected.
Deeply moved, Carreras entered a stage where Domingo was performing. He kneeled in front of the stage, and as the audience was watching, deeply thanked Domingo. Domingo then returned by giving Carreras a strong hug under a thunderous applause.
A few days later, a reporter asked Domingo about why he helped Carreras. His response was simple:
“I did not want to lose his voice.”
Why do I mention this story?
Flash and Jaedong, rivals and nemeses, are nearing the final confrontation in the highest of all starcraft games – the finals of a star league. Perhaps Flash’s greatest motivation may be his urge to win, but Jaedong is also a great impetus for Flash’s life as a gamer.
Jaedong is not only a target Flash must exceed, but he is also an obstacle that Flash must overcome to become the greatest.
Perhaps the most attractive part of watching Starcraft is seeing these players of unbelievable skill aim to become the strongest, the greatest player among all. It is almost beautiful, this struggle, and a fight between the very best truly gets the blood boiling.
With this, I hope that Flash will rewrite the long history of destruction written by Jaedong, the Tyrant. I hope that Jaedong will enter the finals, and Flash will then win it all.
Flash is not afraid of defeat. In any defeat, he always looks for the reason behind the failure and gains a new enlightenment towards a better future. And thus Flash becomes ever stronger.
This is perhaps Flash’s greatest talent.
Flash is getting stronger with every passing moment.
First God, Flash
Basic information from DC Inside Starcraft Gallery. Translating/Heavy editing/formatting/ picture stuff done by me.
You managed to pinpoint the exact moment where the tide turned for Flash. I never understood why he clinged on to mech play in TvZ for so long. His M&M management and macro is sick.
Reminds me of the arrogance that started to take hold of sAviOr as he was dominating. I can't say that either are out of place. If he wins both titles, here soon, the argument for his legend status will be irrefutable. He won't last forever, but he is miles ahead of everyone. For about 6 months he has been on another plane.
edit: How did I not mention how sweet this article was!?!?! Very sorry. I got so caught up in it, and then just commented on the content... I was like under the spell and totally didn't have the oversight to think of the epic nature of the actual article till after I commented. <3
That was a brilliant write up; Flash truly does have an unbeatable combo; he has rediculous game sense, amazing macro, and built his name on microing cheesy builds. Titanium.
Seriously Flash talked so much in this video. It made me wonder why Stork went all speechless and now I know the truth~ Thanks to orgolove for this wonderful article!
incredible article, but less than "god" i consider himself to be a Legend, in the years to come, there will be tales about how flash dominated everyone,
personally I would like for him to win both leagues and then slump and a protoss take the place as Number 1 :D but unfortunatetly flash is too good (or too god) O_O
On May 15 2010 12:26 dan_dark wrote: incredible article, but less than "god" i consider himself to be a Legend, in the years to come, there will be tales about how flash dominated everyone,
personally I would like for him to win both leagues and then slump and a protoss take the place as Number 1 :D but unfortunatetly flash is too good (or too god) O_O
ps. sry 4 bad english
Hypothetically speaking, which toss do you think would/could rise to the occasion?
On May 15 2010 10:57 orgolove wrote: Of course, we had heard something similar to this before. Just a few years ago, a certain programmer said on camera that he now knew and understood everything there was to know about starcraft after hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of hours of practice.
On May 15 2010 12:26 dan_dark wrote: incredible article, but less than "god" i consider himself to be a Legend, in the years to come, there will be tales about how flash dominated everyone,
personally I would like for him to win both leagues and then slump and a protoss take the place as Number 1 :D but unfortunatetly flash is too good (or too god) O_O
ps. sry 4 bad english
Hypothetically speaking, which toss do you think would/could rise to the occasion?
Ah, I like this kind of confidence. I am GOD. ahahahah.
The picture is so cute !!
So great work, thanks for the effort! Really good job doing that God poster.
Actually I won't feel good if flash said :"I am god" in the interview, kinda makes him a vallain. kkk.
But if his fans do it for him, it really work wonders~ Ah, now see God do dual gold. I prefer him being terminator, because he is terran and not protoss.
On May 15 2010 10:57 orgolove wrote: Of course, we had heard something similar to this before. Just a few years ago, a certain programmer said on camera that he now knew and understood everything there was to know about starcraft after hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of hours of practice.
Magnificent article, it really seems like flash has transcended above all progamers, while Jaedong seemed like the final boss of a game, the hardest foe but still possible to slay, Flash does seem more like an unstoppable god.
On May 15 2010 12:35 Crunchums wrote: Can someone sub that video?
I'm gonna liberally leave out unimportant lines coming from the commentators, so just try to follow along the best you can. I'll make a mark when big topic changes occur.
Seriously Flash talked so much in this video. It made me wonder why Stork went all speechless and now I know the truth~ Thanks to orgolove for this wonderful article!
(T/N: They're talking about OSL group ceremonies) flash: me? I think im just gonna go in without any specific person in mind and pick whoever goes at me. As soon as they talk smack to me I'm picking them [to be in my OSL group]. Not anybody who acts up, but those that act up to me. I might get in a fight. ======= flash: Honestly back then I talked alot about Kara, but now all [the girl groups] are so pretty, so I haven't really decided. This time, if I make it to the finals, and I like one of the performers, I will beg one of the PD's to death [to meet her]. (T/N: He's referring to the past OSL where Kara performed but he was too timid to ask the PD's to let him meet Nicole) commentator1: So Flash is already sick of Kara, is this what I'm hearing? commentator2: Yea, that's what im hearing too lol like before he won the OSL, [his object of desire] was Nicole commentator1: So this is why there's a saying that when guys succeed, they become unfaithful and move on flash: no i still like Nicole commentators: HAHAHA pro coverup by flash ======= (T/N: Now I assume they've been talking about how the finals will go if he makes it) flash: I feel that depending on the players' conditions that day, the results will come out accordingly. commentator: It feels like flash has been enlightened [in starcraft] flash: I don't mean to sound cocky, but I really was enlightened... You know how my stats just went crazy all the sudden. That's when I made the big discovery, because back then, I was thinking that my understanding of the game had reached its peak, but I lost the MSL finals. After the loss, I practiced so so hard, and reached nirvana. I really was enlightened. commentator: That discovery, could it be something unexpectedly simple? flash: yea, its something very simple. But then again I say i've been enlightened every week..but this one is the biggest enlightenment Ive reached in my career. ======= (T/N: They've been talking about his enlightenment) commentator: but terrans are always such bastards, [flash] won't tell any of us what that discovery he made actually is! (break in footage) commentator: you did achieve nirvana already (break in footage) flash: I think I realized how to play in real matches. I had always been confident in my performance (The phrase 'Listening Carefully' pops up next to stork's head) flash: While practicing and analyzing replays, and I started to feel more and more like I really 'got it' and at the beginning of this season i felt like I made that discovery but.. (Speech bubble next to stork says 'So yea you still haven't said what that discovery is') flash: but then in broadcasted matches [my performance during practice] wouldn't come out. but then I started winning more broadcasted matches, and then right after I lost the MSL final, and mystically I just made that leap. I think I always said I couldn't show my full potential in broadcasted games, for example during my interviews. but now I can perform at 100% of my skill. I do better than or as well as I do during practice, I don't do worse. stork: that discovery you made, it was something psychological wasn't it? flash: yup, something like that stork: yea, so during practice you have less fear of losing so you're more flexible in your response to your opponent, but in live matches you tense up and go by what you prepared without reacting to your opponent.. but toss can't do that (T\N: lol@stork whining) commentator: How long has it been since your debut flash? flash: It was 3/15/2007 so it's been 3 years now. ======= flash: my hands were really slow, like 290 APM? that was it. commentators: HAHAHA 290? that's slow? stork? stork: I average at 230 T_T I increased it but it's still under 300 all: LOLOLOLROFLMAO flash: well i mean given terran's properties you have to have faster hands. When I started, I was one of THE SLOWEST terran progamers. but then in the process of trying to speed up my APM, I ran into a dilemma, because [moving your hands that fast] wasn't natural to me and I lost a shitton. but then all the sudden my APM jumped by about 100.. Like in recent games I hover around 400. But then I ran into another problem (T/N: He calls it another dilemma, but I thought it was unfitting so i changed it to problem) I couldn't play at those APM's during broadcasted matches. But as I gained more experience in bigger stages, I gained understanding [of how to win] and can now perform as well as I do in practice. It got rid of alot of my problems. ======= (T/N: I think they were talking about who out of taekbangleessang the strongest player is/will be in the near future) commentator: what about you flash? flash: Recently I've been winning alot, and I go to the SC community websites alot. When reading what they say, they say there are periods [of dominance]. It seems to cycle through [different players]. There's never anyone that sucks but there's always one that's the best at any given time. 2007 was stork, 2008 was Jaedong, 2009 was bisu and 2010 it's me, they say, and I really agree with it. commentator: so listening to flash, he's saying that in any case 2010 is his year. flash: I think it's time for me to finally win mvp of the year since i've never won it commentator: Oh, best player award! stork: I've never gotten it either commentator: just wait 7 months for the year 2011 lol flash: I think out of the four jaedong is the only one to have received the award.. honestly he has risen way past us in terms of career awards. We need to catch up, all together, so we go down as rivals of the century, all four of us. We gotta pull through while jaedong is in his mini slump ======= stork: first off, the winner's jynx should be making a comeback, right? all: LOLOLOLROFLMAO flash: but I'm really strong against jynxes. I'm the type that breaks all those jynxes. commentator: yea that's right (break in footage) commentator: after your first OSL win, how did you perform in the next season? flash: I lost in the RO8. stork: it was the RO8 for me too commentator: so the furthest [the past season's winner can get] is RO8? flash: yea... I gotta do well this time ======= flash: I look forward to your quality commentating. commentators: LOL THANK YOU SO MUCH. commentator: don't worry son I got you flash: And please don't love carriers too much, stork is right here (T/N: Kim Carrier, the commentator, is known for his love for carriers and recommending them in every situation, even in situations where it would be the worst decision to make) commentator: okay fine lol... stork don't ever get them they suck all: thank youuu! (lulz ensue)
On May 15 2010 12:35 Crunchums wrote: Can someone sub that video?
I'm gonna liberally leave out unimportant lines coming from the commentators, so just try to follow along the best you can. I'll make a mark when big topic changes occur.
Seriously Flash talked so much in this video. It made me wonder why Stork went all speechless and now I know the truth~ Thanks to orgolove for this wonderful article!
(T/N: They're talking about OSL group ceremonies) flash: me? I think im just gonna go in without any specific person in mind and pick whoever goes at me. As soon as they talk smack to me I'm picking them [to be in my OSL group]. Not anybody who acts up, but those that act up to me. I might get in a fight. ======= flash: Honestly back then I talked alot about Kara, but now all [the girl groups] are so pretty, so I haven't really decided. This time, if I make it to the finals, and I like one of the performers, I will beg one of the PD's to death [to meet her]. (T/N: He's referring to the past OSL where Kara performed but he was too timid to ask the PD's to let him meet Nicole) commentator1: So Flash is already sick of Kara, is this what I'm hearing? commentator2: Yea, that's what im hearing too lol like before he won the OSL, [his object of desire] was Nicole commentator1: So this is why there's a saying that when guys succeed, they become unfaithful and move on flash: no i still like Nicole commentators: HAHAHA pro coverup by flash ======= (T/N: Now I assume they've been talking about how the finals will go if he makes it) flash: I feel that depending on the players' conditions that day, the results will come out accordingly. commentator: It feels like flash has been enlightened [in starcraft] flash: I don't mean to sound cocky, but I really was enlightened... You know how my stats just went crazy all the sudden. That's when I made the big discovery, because back then, I was thinking that my understanding of the game had reached its peak, but I lost the MSL finals. After the loss, I practiced so so hard, and reached nirvana. I really was enlightened. commentator: That discovery, could it be something unexpectedly simple? flash: yea, its something very simple. But then again I say i've been enlightened every week..but this one is the biggest enlightenment Ive reached in my career. ======= (T/N: They've been talking about his enlightenment) commentator: but terrans are always such bastards, [flash] won't tell any of us what that discovery he made actually is! (break in footage) commentator: you did achieve nirvana already (break in footage) flash: I think I realized how to play in real matches. I had always been confident in my performance (The phrase 'Listening Carefully' pops up next to stork's head) flash: While practicing and analyzing replays, and I started to feel more and more like I really 'got it' and at the beginning of this season i felt like I made that discovery but.. (Speech bubble next to stork says 'So yea you still haven't said what that discovery is') flash: but then in broadcasted matches [my performance during practice] wouldn't come out. but then I started winning more broadcasted matches, and then right after I lost the MSL final, and mystically I just made that leap. I think I always said I couldn't show my full potential in broadcasted games, for example during my interviews. but now I can perform at 100% of my skill. I do better than or as well as I do during practice, I don't do worse. stork: that discovery you made, it was something psychological wasn't it? flash: yup, something like that stork: yea, so during practice you have less fear of losing so you're more flexible in your response to your opponent, but in live matches you tense up and go by what you prepared without reacting to your opponent.. but toss can't do that (T\N: lol@stork whining) commentator: How long has it been since your debut flash? flash: It was 3/15/2007 so it's been 3 years now. ======= flash: my hands were really slow, like 290 APM? that was it. commentators: HAHAHA 290? that's slow? stork? stork: I average at 230 T_T I increased it but it's still under 300 all: LOLOLOLROFLMAO flash: well i mean given terran's properties you have to have faster hands. When I started, I was one of THE SLOWEST terran progamers. but then in the process of trying to speed up my APM, I ran into a dilemma, because [moving your hands that fast] wasn't natural to me and I lost a shitton. but then all the sudden my APM jumped by about 100.. Like in recent games I hover around 400. But then I ran into another problem (T/N: He calls it another dilemma, but I thought it was unfitting so i changed it to problem) I couldn't play at those APM's during broadcasted matches. But as I gained more experience in bigger stages, I gained understanding [of how to win] and can now perform as well as I do in practice. It got rid of alot of my problems. ======= (T/N: I think they were talking about who out of taekbangleessang the strongest player is/will be in the near future) commentator: what about you flash? flash: Recently I've been winning alot, and I go to the SC community websites alot. When reading what they say, they say there are periods [of dominance]. It seems to cycle through [different players]. There's never anyone that sucks but there's always one that's the best at any given time. 2007 was stork, 2008 was Jaedong, 2009 was bisu and 2010 it's me, they say, and I really agree with it. commentator: so listening to flash, he's saying that in any case 2010 is his year. flash: I think it's time for me to finally win mvp of the year since i've never won it commentator: Oh, best player award! stork: I've never gotten it either commentator: just wait 7 months for the year 2011 lol flash: I think out of the four jaedong is the only one to have received the award.. honestly he has risen way past us in terms of career awards. We need to catch up, all together, so we go down as rivals of the century, all four of us. We gotta pull through while jaedong is in his mini slump ======= stork: first off, the winner's jynx should be making a comeback, right? all: LOLOLOLROFLMAO flash: but I'm really strong against jynxes. I'm the type that breaks all those jynxes. commentator: yea that's right (break in footage) commentator: after your first OSL win, how did you perform in the next season? flash: I lost in the RO8. stork: it was the RO8 for me too commentator: so the furthest [the past season's winner can get] is RO8? flash: yea... I gotta do well this time ======= flash: I look forward to your quality commentating. commentators: LOL THANK YOU SO MUCH. commentator: don't worry son I got you flash: And please don't love carriers too much, stork is right here (T/N: Kim Carrier, the commentator, is known for his love for carriers and recommending them in every situation, even in situations where it would be the worst decision to make) commentator: okay fine lol... stork don't ever get them they suck all: thank youuu! (lulz ensue)
Saishuu Heiki Kanojo (She, The Ultimate Weapon) is a manga turned anime where the main character is basically transformed into a cyborg (hence, Ultimate Weapon).
Ever since the Ultimate Weapon nick came out, this is the first thing that comes up to my mind. Finally seeing a photoshop of the pinup art makes me giggle =)
Ahhh, this is really good. The references to each and every thing (and the Enei reference in One Piece) really made it good to read.
I hate to say it but Flash is really, really playing at a far higher level than any of the other players, with the exception of Jaedong at his peak, and Jaedong's in a slump right now.
Flash is simply in a league of his own. I can't think of a more fitting transition between BW and SC2 than watching someone with such skill and talent rewrite the book 12 years after the game was released. Even if you don't support him, you simply have to admire him.
good read, however the Carreras- Domingo story is actually completely untrue. You should have added that it is just a rumour, though I see how you could leave it out for dramatic effect.
Flash transcends style. He IS the embodiment of all styles and all strategies. Now he knows the response to everything. The Strategy: Skill and Decision Making merging in one being to form The Ultimate weapon.
Even when he loses, he knows that he lost ahead of his opponent. He is that good.
the article was cool, but seriously people. STOP saying that flash is god. its fucking annoying as hell. And jaedong's not gonna lose in a place as important as msl finals where the stakes are so high. Flash may have a better mindset right now, but Jaedong has the potential to be mentally stronger (his angry mode).
On May 16 2010 06:00 JaedongMidasAction wrote: the article was cool, but seriously people. STOP saying that flash is god. its fucking annoying as hell. And jaedong's not gonna lose in a place as important as msl finals where the stakes are so high. Flash may have a better mindset right now, but Jaedong has the potential to be mentally stronger (his angry mode).
You're the only person in the whole world who thinks it's not appropriate. Sorry if your favorite progamer can't be called god.
On May 16 2010 07:17 Fumi wrote: You're the only person in the whole world who thinks it's not appropriate. Sorry if your favorite progamer can't be called god.
Funny. Flash IS my favorite progamer. Its just ridiculous how people are calling him that. And try to keep your fanboy hormones down to a minimum. It won't do you any good
This is seriously getting out of hand. While I was hoping for a close 3-2 victory for Jaedong in the finals (assuming he makes it past Calm), I'm beginning to wish he would just rape Flash 3-0 so everyone will shut up about with this "Flash isn't bonjwa, he's God herp derp" nonsense. On the other hand, if Flash beats Jaedong 3-0, I'm probably going to stop following progaming simply because I wouldn't be able to tolerate the rabid Flash fanboys anymore.
Of course, we had heard something similar to this before. Just a few years ago, a certain programmer said on camera that he now knew and understood everything there was to know about starcraft after hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of hours of practice.
We all know how that ended up. So just what makes Flash’s ascension so different?
On May 16 2010 07:34 DarkMatter_ wrote: This is seriously getting out of hand. While I was hoping for a close 3-2 victory for Jaedong in the finals (assuming he makes it past Calm), I'm beginning to wish he would just rape Flash 3-0 so everyone will shut up about with this "Flash isn't bonjwa, he's God herp derp" nonsense. On the other hand, if Flash beats Jaedong 3-0, I'm probably going to stop following progaming simply because I wouldn't be able to tolerate the rabid Flash fanboys anymore.
Lol no one is really calling Flash God. It's a hyperbole; a metaphor for absolute pwnage i.e. God is traditionally defined as omnipotent and all-powerful two things you could say describe Flash's dominance in the world of Starcraft currently. The article was a commentary on Flash's psychology and was based on his own interview statements. I thought the God thing was both an appropriate metaphor (given Flash's belief he has achieved some sort of Buddha-like Starcraft enlightenment) and very funny at the same time (the pictures were great!).
On May 16 2010 06:00 JaedongMidasAction wrote: the article was cool, but seriously people. STOP saying that flash is god. its fucking annoying as hell. And jaedong's not gonna lose in a place as important as msl finals where the stakes are so high. Flash may have a better mindset right now, but Jaedong has the potential to be mentally stronger (his angry mode).
I was under the impression we were calling him God because he got that nickname in Korea.
Also korean started to call Flash as GOD Young-Ho.(Young-Ho is flash's real name)
What this means is boxer, nada, oov, savior are four BonJwa, which is used to represent players who dominate for long time, and flash is the first God line.
On May 16 2010 07:17 Fumi wrote: You're the only person in the whole world who thinks it's not appropriate. Sorry if your favorite progamer can't be called god.
Funny. Flash IS my favorite progamer. Its just ridiculous how people are calling him that. And try to keep your fanboy hormones down to a minimum. It won't do you any good
And that's why your nick is Jaedong. Interesting...
On May 16 2010 09:54 Lebesgue wrote: And that's why your nick is Jaedong. Interesting...
Maybe someone already registered the name FlashMidasAction.
On May 16 2010 10:00 JaedongMidasAction wrote: guys, since he's reached enlightenment, WHY DONT U CALL HIM BUDDHA YOUNG HO?
Because we're all in love with Korean Starcraft and that's not what they call him in Korea.
In all honesty, I don't see why you're so offended by the nickname when it's simply just taken from Korea, just like a lot of other nicknames for progamers.
Im sorry....but this whole idea of enlightenment....coming from a progamer....and ascending above all that Starcraft has to offer.....is just plain hilarious to me....I dont think I could look at Flash with a straight face.
On May 16 2010 07:34 DarkMatter_ wrote: This is seriously getting out of hand. While I was hoping for a close 3-2 victory for Jaedong in the finals (assuming he makes it past Calm), I'm beginning to wish he would just rape Flash 3-0 so everyone will shut up about with this "Flash isn't bonjwa, he's God herp derp" nonsense. On the other hand, if Flash beats Jaedong 3-0, I'm probably going to stop following progaming simply because I wouldn't be able to tolerate the rabid Flash fanboys anymore.
Lol no one is really calling Flash God. It's a hyperbole; a metaphor for absolute pwnage i.e. God is traditionally defined as omnipotent and all-powerful two things you could say describe Flash's dominance in the world of Starcraft currently. The article was a commentary on Flash's psychology and was based on his own interview statements. I thought the God thing was both an appropriate metaphor (given Flash's belief he has achieved some sort of Buddha-like Starcraft enlightenment) and very funny at the same time (the pictures were great!).
Say your prayers to Flash haters!
I am aware that no one believes that Flash is literally God, thanks. -_- My point is that calling Flash God, even purely in the context of Starcraft, is incredibly annoying and simply not valid. It seems like a poor way of dealing with the whole "Is Flash bonjwa?" controversy by going down an even more extreme, obnoxious route by declaring that "Flash isn't bonjwa, he's God".
Flash is not the God of Starcraft. It's just that he has an amazing ability to consistently beat players who are clearly below his level (just about everyone besides Jaedong), which is what separates him from Jaedong who is still vulnerable to losing against lesser players (except in Bo5s). He just happens to be an amazing player who is extremely consistent. However, Flash is far from invincible when faced against another S-class player at their peak level (NATE MSL finals, EVER OSL game against Stork). Unfortunately, we are in a period where there really aren't any truly great players with the exception of Flash and Jaedong. What does it say about the current state of progaming when the 3rd ranked player puts up such a pathetic performance in the semi-finals of a starleague? (yes, Flash played amazingly as always but even considering that, does anyone actually believe that Free's performance was anywhere close to acceptable for a 3rd rank player?)
I really don't understand what the basis is behind the claim that Flash has completely figured out Starcraft when he's been almost entirely facing against cheeses and cookie-cutter builds. The only player in recent times who showed a great amount of ingenuity against Flash in a Bo5 was Jaedong, and he beat Flash 3-1. So until Flash stomps over an opponent who is actually prepared with well thought-out strategies and the mechanics to execute those strategies properly (i.e. Jaedong), Flash is nowhere close to being the "God of Starcraft".
The only MU current Flash can be called a god in right now is TvP. He still drops games here and there to no namers and many terrans/zergs can put up a good fight.
On May 16 2010 07:34 DarkMatter_ wrote: This is seriously getting out of hand. While I was hoping for a close 3-2 victory for Jaedong in the finals (assuming he makes it past Calm), I'm beginning to wish he would just rape Flash 3-0 so everyone will shut up about with this "Flash isn't bonjwa, he's God herp derp" nonsense. On the other hand, if Flash beats Jaedong 3-0, I'm probably going to stop following progaming simply because I wouldn't be able to tolerate the rabid Flash fanboys anymore.
Lol no one is really calling Flash God. It's a hyperbole; a metaphor for absolute pwnage i.e. God is traditionally defined as omnipotent and all-powerful two things you could say describe Flash's dominance in the world of Starcraft currently. The article was a commentary on Flash's psychology and was based on his own interview statements. I thought the God thing was both an appropriate metaphor (given Flash's belief he has achieved some sort of Buddha-like Starcraft enlightenment) and very funny at the same time (the pictures were great!).
Say your prayers to Flash haters!
I am aware that no one believes that Flash is literally God, thanks. -_- My point is that calling Flash God, even purely in the context of Starcraft, is incredibly annoying and simply not valid. It seems like a poor way of dealing with the whole "Is Flash bonjwa?" controversy by going down an even more extreme, obnoxious route by declaring that "Flash isn't bonjwa, he's God".
Flash is not the God of Starcraft. It's just that he has an amazing ability to consistently beat players who are clearly below his level (just about everyone besides Jaedong), which is what separates him from Jaedong who is still vulnerable to losing against lesser players (except in Bo5s). He just happens to be an amazing player who is extremely consistent. However, Flash is far from invincible when faced against another S-class player at their peak level (NATE MSL finals, EVER OSL game against Stork). Unfortunately, we are in a period where there really aren't any truly great players with the exception of Flash and Jaedong. What does it say about the current state of progaming when the 3rd ranked player puts up such a pathetic performance in the semi-finals of a starleague? (yes, Flash played amazingly as always but even considering that, does anyone actually believe that Free's performance was anywhere close to acceptable for a 3rd rank player?)
I really don't understand what the basis is behind the claim that Flash has completely figured out Starcraft when he's been almost entirely facing against cheeses and cookie-cutter builds. The only player in recent times who showed a great amount of ingenuity against Flash in a Bo5 was Jaedong, and he beat Flash 3-1. So until Flash stomps over an opponent who is actually prepared with well thought-out strategies and the mechanics to execute those strategies properly (i.e. Jaedong), Flash is nowhere close to being the "God of Starcraft".
So is your logic about why we should call Jaedong "the Tyrant" equally well thought out?
On May 16 2010 10:59 lone_hydra wrote: The only MU current Flash can be called a god in right now is TvP. He still drops games here and there to no namers and many terrans/zergs can put up a good fight.
Flash has claimed that TvP is his weakest MU, and TvZ is his best. I think that says something about current Protoss progamers.
On May 16 2010 07:34 DarkMatter_ wrote: This is seriously getting out of hand. While I was hoping for a close 3-2 victory for Jaedong in the finals (assuming he makes it past Calm), I'm beginning to wish he would just rape Flash 3-0 so everyone will shut up about with this "Flash isn't bonjwa, he's God herp derp" nonsense. On the other hand, if Flash beats Jaedong 3-0, I'm probably going to stop following progaming simply because I wouldn't be able to tolerate the rabid Flash fanboys anymore.
Lol no one is really calling Flash God. It's a hyperbole; a metaphor for absolute pwnage i.e. God is traditionally defined as omnipotent and all-powerful two things you could say describe Flash's dominance in the world of Starcraft currently. The article was a commentary on Flash's psychology and was based on his own interview statements. I thought the God thing was both an appropriate metaphor (given Flash's belief he has achieved some sort of Buddha-like Starcraft enlightenment) and very funny at the same time (the pictures were great!).
Say your prayers to Flash haters!
I am aware that no one believes that Flash is literally God, thanks. -_- My point is that calling Flash God, even purely in the context of Starcraft, is incredibly annoying and simply not valid. It seems like a poor way of dealing with the whole "Is Flash bonjwa?" controversy by going down an even more extreme, obnoxious route by declaring that "Flash isn't bonjwa, he's God".
Flash is not the God of Starcraft. It's just that he has an amazing ability to consistently beat players who are clearly below his level (just about everyone besides Jaedong), which is what separates him from Jaedong who is still vulnerable to losing against lesser players (except in Bo5s). He just happens to be an amazing player who is extremely consistent. However, Flash is far from invincible when faced against another S-class player at their peak level (NATE MSL finals, EVER OSL game against Stork). Unfortunately, we are in a period where there really aren't any truly great players with the exception of Flash and Jaedong. What does it say about the current state of progaming when the 3rd ranked player puts up such a pathetic performance in the semi-finals of a starleague? (yes, Flash played amazingly as always but even considering that, does anyone actually believe that Free's performance was anywhere close to acceptable for a 3rd rank player?)
I really don't understand what the basis is behind the claim that Flash has completely figured out Starcraft when he's been almost entirely facing against cheeses and cookie-cutter builds. The only player in recent times who showed a great amount of ingenuity against Flash in a Bo5 was Jaedong, and he beat Flash 3-1. So until Flash stomps over an opponent who is actually prepared with well thought-out strategies and the mechanics to execute those strategies properly (i.e. Jaedong), Flash is nowhere close to being the "God of Starcraft".
So is your logic about why we should call Jaedong "the Tyrant" equally well thought out?
I generally don't use terms like Tyrant and Ultimate Weapon myself, but the connotation behind the title "Tyrant" is that he is dominant and punishing. On the other hand, based on this thread, the connotation behind the title "God" seems to be that he has completely figured out Starcraft and has transcended to a whole new level of enlightenment. The former is a fairly reasonable title to give to a dominating player, the latter is just plain stupid even when applied to a player as good as Flash.
On May 16 2010 11:15 DarkMatter_ wrote:I generally don't use terms like Tyrant and Ultimate Weapon myself, but the connotation behind the title "Tyrant" is that he is dominant and punishing. On the other hand, based on this thread, the connotation behind the title "God" seems to be that he has completely figured out Starcraft and has transcended to a whole new level of enlightenment. The former is a fairly reasonable title to give to a dominating player, the latter is just plain stupid even when applied to a player as good as Flash.
Well he has. Haven't you read the article carefully?
On May 16 2010 11:25 LunarDestiny wrote: By your standard, then nicknames such as Sashin, God of War, and Perfect Terran are all stupid?
They're just silly terms used to give some kind of marketable identity to players. The problem comes when you read into it too much and start making absurd and silly claims based on them (which is what's happening in this thread).
On May 16 2010 11:25 LunarDestiny wrote: By your standard, then nicknames such as Sashin, God of War, and Perfect Terran are all stupid?
They're just silly terms used to give some kind of marketable identity to players. The problem comes when you read into it too much and start making absurd and silly claims based on them (which is what's happening in this thread).
I don't think anyone is reading too much into it except those who think it's inappropriate lol.
The only time the word "God" showed up in the OP was in the silly comic and captions. As far as the idea of enlightenment, all that's coming from is analysis of what Flash meant when he said it on a TV show.
On May 16 2010 11:38 Drk_ItachiX wrote: I wonder if Flash can dominate just as hard if he switched to either Zerg or Protoss.
I doubt it. And he would set himself years back if he switched.
He probably wouldn't be completely dominant but he'd be pretty good. He plays a really mean protoss. In a showmatch with Best where both players switched races, he completely destroyed Best like a D rank scrub.
Nobody is going to call Flash "God" as a nickname, it's just doesn't sound good, not to mention that it will be offensive to some. Stop making a big deal out of nothing.
why can't there be a protoss player who ascends above all like savior and flash!?! > There's always a zerg or terran that is being unstoppable for a ridiculous long time, 6 dragons was just a brief period compared to the dominance of savior, flash, and jaedong.
ahhh this article musta jinxed flash lol, everytime flash has like a 10 win streak, everyone goes "OMG!!!" and then he losses a match or two immediately afterwards ><. "I have reached enlightenment! then i got sniped by snow
This was fanboyism at its best! I thought it was kind of funny how he lost 2 games immediately afterwards though. Hahahhaa Maybe that's what enlightenment means, being okay with losing!
I, for one, have actually enjoyed watching someone totally dominate the scene again. I'm not exactly a Flash fan but I think he is a nice guy and I like to see him do good. Inevitably, though, players get this huge surge in confidence right before they fall on their face. Look at sAviOr. Look at Bisu. It's almost like one causes the other. The ONLY smart thing about this (saying he is "enlightened") is that it will make his winning both finals at once seem all the more mystical and completely seal him as the 5th legend of BW. (hopefully not the last)
On May 17 2010 06:27 cursor wrote: The ONLY smart thing about this (saying he is "enlightened") is that it will make his winning both finals at once seem all the more mystical and completely seal him as the 5th legend of BW. (hopefully not the last)
On May 17 2010 06:27 cursor wrote: The ONLY smart thing about this (saying he is "enlightened") is that it will make his winning both finals at once seem all the more mystical and completely seal him as the 5th legend of BW. (hopefully not the last)
On May 17 2010 06:27 cursor wrote: The ONLY smart thing about this (saying he is "enlightened") is that it will make his winning both finals at once seem all the more mystical and completely seal him as the 5th legend of BW. (hopefully not the last)
Who are the first four? Boxer Oov Nada Jaedong
yes? is Savior one of the legends?
there's no jaedong
On May 17 2010 08:48 Neptuneajax wrote: Flash is not Bonjwa. Flash is Godjwa.
EPT![[image loading]](http://www.fomos.kr/gnuboard4/data/file/gallery/1888635451_RVpk8Bui_222.jpg)
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There's always a zerg or terran that is being unstoppable for a ridiculous long time, 6 dragons was just a brief period compared to the dominance of savior, flash, and jaedong.
