Shinhan Proleague 2008/2009 Allstar Match Coverage by Riptide, Heyoka and Pangshai
This weekend, we're all going to the circus. Please note that by circus we don't mean a small town clown and cream pie kind of affair. We mean the Shanghai Circus, with a seemingly unlimited amount of gymnasts crawling out of a four foot barrel, and eight motorcycles going full speed inside a metal sphere. We mean The Circus, with fire eaters and lion tamers - the full monty, for only that could even begin to describe what we're going to have on our hands this weekend.
As modern Starcraft fans, we are treated on and off to two very different styles of play. For most of the year, we get to watch the likes of Jaedong, Bisu, Fantasy and Calm go for it at the very top. Then, once a season or two, we get to see the legends step up and face each other like they did in Heritage. What is rare, however, is to see the likes of Lim Yo Hwan and Hong Jin Ho walk across the silver stage with Lee Jaedong and Kim Taek Yong.
This is one event you're going to want front row tickets for. Even if it's just for the lol factor.
It is always a very exciting time when a tournament hosts a combined group of top players, perennial fan favourites, and up-and-coming stars, duking it out for pride and glory. Yes folks, prepare the popcorn and start warming up those seats, as KeSPA is treating us to another round of Proleague all stars, bringing an end to the slump of September, as well as starting off the 09/10 season on a high. With the conclusion of fan voting and a subsequent nomination of 1 player by each team, 18 players have been singled out to compete in this event, which will consist of 1v1s, a 3v3 and a unique new game: The Relay Match.
There are those who will try to downplay this event of course - calling it an exhibition match or a mere publicity stunt. Certainly, this isn't the OSL finals, or a Proleague playoff match. What it is, though, is a chance to see our favourite players have some fun. No in game chat bans, no KeSPA rules, just game after game of friendly banter and good mannered trashtalk. Thus, as we step through the scheduled games and talk about what we can expect, don't forget to keep a sense of humour about you. Yes, we know ESPORTS is usually srs bznz. This weekend in Seoul though, it's just going to be a lot of fun.
Coach vs Coach
When Park / Cho met at the PL finals, the SKT T1 coach set the stage with some stellar trash talk. Challenging his counterpart to a bet by saying that the losing coach should shave his head, Park put his team on their way to victory with his verbal skills.
When these ring masters met before, there was certainly no love loss between them.
Now, at Allstars, they meet again leading two equally balanced teams, and one has to wonder whether Coach Cho has anything planned in return. To be on the safe side though, make sure you have a translator on hand if you plan on watching these games live - if there are any pre-match interviews, things could prove quite interesting.
A class act, the opener of this time's Allstars clearly draws inspiration from US EAST. With the team of Boxer, Baby, and Iris up against Calm, Upmagic, and Yellow, going head to head on The Hunters in a classic 3v3, you'd be foolish to miss this showdown. Since pro 3v3s usually end after an early game clash of tier 1 units, it's hard to think of a better way to start off Allstars with a bang than to put 3 Terrans vs 2 Zerg and a Terran in a match in which rushes are all but guaranteed.
One of the few 3v3 games of recent years ended with Firebathero trying to form a heart with depots and SCVs as marines and lings rampaged into his base. We're predicting a similarly short, fast-paced game filled with early action, although with Boxer at the helm of the triple Terran team, you can never know what's coming. Get out the crackers boys and girls, because this just might turn into a cheese buffet.
If the first 3v3 was general gymnastics, this set is easily the trapeze event. Run as a Relay War, it begins as a standard 1v1 on Andromeda, except at 4 minute intervals, players will be switched, and thereby take turns playing it. It will be interesting to see what race each team picks, and how players will fare with their offraces.
TL's favourite Sea, seen here practising hard for the Relay War.
KeSPA seems to be really trying its best to spice things up for the fans with these unique game styles, we must say we're looking forward to this set. While the teams which are set as Reach / Luxury / Sea and Free / Leta / Great should make for some interesting games, the match format alone is sure to be a crowd puller.
Moving on in to 1v1 land, we're presented with a showdown between Savior and Flash on Outsider. Having been in usage for most of the 08/09 proleague season and a couple of starleagues, Outsider has played host a huge to a number of matches, including some great TvZ games like Jaedong vs Fantasy in day 1 of the proleague finals. With a double gas expansion safely tucked behind the mineral expansions, zerg can play a standard macro game, powering hive tech off of 4 gas, although drop play is also not out of the question, as we've seen Jaedong demonstrate. More interestingly, is what Flash will opt for -- 2 port wraith, mech, mm, are all options that have been successfully performed by terrans previously. Given the form of both players, we anticipate Flash taking the game, but counting Savior out prematurely would be rather silly as he has a propensity for performing well in showmatches.
Mystery Match - Because everybody loves surprises. ? <Heartbreak Ridge> ?
Being rabid fans of oldschool rivalries, we're hoping that Boxer and Yellow get to play. Hopefully Coach Park and Coach Cho will indulge the fans and just pit these two long time foes against each other. It's what you want to see, it's what we want to see, let's just admit it, and move along.
In all seriousness though, this is probably the coolest part about the event. If KeSPA doesn't bungle it by bringing out CuteAngel and Lomo, and to be fair with their track record they just might, this game could turn out to be pretty awesome.
Moving on, we have Fantasy vs Stork on Neo Medusa, a rematch of ro8 of WCG korea. After the release of the Neo version of the old TvP imbalanced Medusa, Terrans have seen a significantly improved win ratio against Protoss. While Fantasy's dropship play has been successful for him in the past, we're personally hoping that he'll spice things up with something unorthodox like a mid game marine medic/tank attack that catches Stork with his pants down. The coverage team imagines Stork will choose either an aggressive build like 10/15 gate or try to get away with a 12 nexus, both strategies possibly leading to a very promising micro showdown between the two. We're going to go out on a limb here and say that Fantasy is going to take this game, having returned to practise from the post proleague victory celebrations and eager to pay Stork back in kind for stealing his spot as a representative in WCG Korea.
The next match is probably what everyone is looking forward to. Mr. Hoon has done an excellent translation of the fomos report here, and you should definely take a look at it. With Jaedong and Bisu featuring in the top 5 of power rank, and playing at peak form, this match is, indeed, a clash of progaming giants, as the top players of each respective matchup face off on Destination, the proverbial impenetrable shield meeting the unstoppable spear.
We predict a heavy chance of nerd rage with mild scatterings of Bonjwa calls.
The last time they met was in a rather unfortunate game on Heartbreak Ridge where Jaedong accidentally cancelled his spire and subsequently lost in a one sided game due to this tragic error, but given the history between the two, both players are going to be giving a 100%, and this game is expected to be fantastic. Not even going to try predicting a victor for this one, but for sure, the fans will be treated to a good PvZ show. And by fans we mean rabid sand monkeys from outer space, for with the fan base of these two players that's exactly what you should expect.
Now, on to some complaints. While seeing Boxer vs Yellow in a 3v3 is fun, we'd have much preferred them in a 1v1. Here's hoping they make the mystery match. Also, while seeing Luxury and Leta in team games is alright, the PL coverage team feels that pushing Calm to a 3v3 slot was a little uncalled for. Those are minor gripes though, and all in all we're pretty psyched about seeing these games go down.
In under two weeks, a gruelling, year long, five days a week Proleague season is going to start. The players are going to be tired, the fans are going to be tired, and history tells us that we, as the coverage team, are going to be plenty exhausted ourselves. Allstars, in a way, is last chance hotel for us to ride the off season lull and have a laugh and see Broodwar's best have a great time themselves. Whether you're tuning into watch an old favourite play, or are eagerly awaiting the penultimate or final game, we hope that this weekend you'll be rewarded with some really fun Starcraft. On the other hand, if you're unsure of whether to catch these matches, we'd encourage you to give them a go. After all, thanks to our dedicated streamers, and the awesome new VOD page, getting ringside tickets has never been this easy. Good games, everyone!
Following up iplaything's post, my hype is dwarfed. However, the news post is fantastic and really gets me hyped for this. I haven't watched SC since the proleague final and this is going to pull me back.
OMG! This is better than sex! Things start with a nice foreplay in the form of a 3v3 featuring 2 legends to get aroused. Then spice things up with new creative tricks : relay! (though on a side note, I don't support it as far as sex is concerned). Smooth transition into something classic and reliable that is sure to deliver and should provide lots of screams and moans. Now the pace is set, it is time to turn on the heat with something unexpected, and maybe a little unconventionnal. Preparing for the grand finale is a remake of what was the best show in the last months, that should leave everyone panting, sweating and on the edge of exploding. Then comes the final blow, the epitome of epicness, digital climax, where all the pressure is released, our heads explode from pleasure, and everyone is left speechless in pure extasy. Better than sex, I tell you. God, I am so pumped for this. Just hope Maestro vs Monster does not end in a turndown though.
The 3v3's rushes are sure to be a spectacle. Boxer's marine control has been the subject of many a youtube video, and it'll be interesting to see it go down in a 3v3.
This looks amazing... Whoever wins from Bisu vs Jaedong should be publicly proclaimed as Bonjwa. And manStork vs fantasy... go Stork... i never liked the uncool nerd fantasy.!
The nice thing about E-Sports is that these guys more than likely won't injure themselves by playing it (see NBA, NFL and just about every other all-star game in existence)
That being said, it might be the funniest thing evar is someone pulls a hand muscle or something during this.
KESPA delivers this time, seriously i dont remember the last time i was anticipating single event so much. Boxer in 3v3 and possible 1v1, omfg Bisu vs JD, sweet mother of god~ + Show Spoiler +
We're going to go out on a limb here and say that Fantasy is going to take this game, having returned to practise from the post proleague victory celebrations and eager to pay Stork back in kind for stealing his spot as a representative in WCG Korea.
How's that been working out for ya. Stork murdered him last time, and he's going to do it again!
for the 4 min switchoff, will the players not playing be obsing? or watching a fpview? how will they know of what's currently going on? because if they obs, once they go in they can take out any hidden expos and such
On September 24 2009 04:33 dhe95 wrote: for the 4 min switchoff, will the players not playing be obsing? or watching a fpview? how will they know of what's currently going on? because if they obs, once they go in they can take out any hidden expos and such
it's possible they'll be in an obs mode designed for this event, where they'll only have vision of one player.
Savior v Flash seems like a pretty weak matchup to me, they definitely could have picked someone better for flash and put savior in with boxer and yellow. I know there are a ton of savior fans but come on...you're putting flash v savior next to stork v fantasy and fucking JD v bisu! Here's to flash making it interesting.
Boxer v. yellow would be awesome for the mystery match, but when I first read the overview, my immediate reaction was "oh, the coaches are going to play". I still think this'd be cool to see - especially if a shaved head is riding on it =p.
Nice match but it would be stupid to asume that if JD wins then JD>Bisu or Bisu>JD... its just a showmatch... they dont win money for this (maybe a little). But I hope they play somehow serious.
For me I just want to see Storm Zerg vs Emperor on the surprise match.
LOL Boxer, baby, Iris are going to triple bunker rush. Boxer will rush Yellow, Yellow will cry, Yellow's out. Baby and Iris are going to bunker rush Calm. Then its 3v1.
On September 24 2009 06:02 Vasoline73 wrote: Why not just do team melee instead of the relay race? lol. I guess relay will be fun to watch, but team melee is so cool .
And why does everyone want to see Calm so bad ? I'm not really a huge fan, although I guess Calm v Flash is more interesting than Savior v Flash. Hmm
And JD v Bisu will be fun, but Destination seems like Bisu will get crushed, so I'm not putting too much thought into it either way.
exactly what I've thought, Jaedong will make Bisu look average on Destination, but lets wait and see. Its too early to start with the map excuses
my mystery match guess: iloveoov vs Nada (that's why Baby was picked by WeMade)
Also you're gonna hate this, but I'd rather have seen Jaedong vs Fantasy. Jaedong and Bisu seem to just be rivals to see who's #1, while Jaedong and Fantasy seem to legitimately not like each other.
I just wished this will be a 3-4 hour 7 matches event. 3v3 is good idea but the 3v3 relay is just a waste of players.
SPL Host: "Congratulation (P)Reach / (Z)Luxury / (T)Sea / (P)free / (T)Leta / (Z)great you were all picked for the All-Star Event." Everyone: "Yeah!!" SPL Host: "But since you six are not as good as the Flash, JD, Bisu, etc; you wont be playing 1v1, and not even 2v2." SPL Host: "Instead we are putting you guys on a relay of 1v1. rofl." Everyone: "FFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUU"
This is what I think should be done in the 4 min switch off: The game will start with Team Melee mode (3 players, 3 players, 2 slots Terran obs lift), but only 1 player is allowed to touch the keyboard and mouse at one time. And once 4 min is up, the second person will just take over in that split second. So there will have no pausing, change player, un-pausing.
but i think jd's gonna take it because he is more motivated to do so because of revenge for PL (both the finals and their previous encounter) and because bisu doesn't seem to do too good against top-tier zvp on destination
Riptide's just itching to write news? And I love it, the hype is hyped, the stars will shine, and I'll be looking forward to more coverage once the leagues start up again!
I am most excited for the Relay War XD sounds very interesting. Are they pausing at each 4 minute interval, or are they going to just jump off the chair and switch?
On September 24 2009 03:17 Uraeus wrote: OMG! This is better than sex! Things start with a nice foreplay in the form of a 3v3 featuring 2 legends to get aroused. Then spice things up with new creative tricks : relay! (though on a side note, I don't support it as far as sex is concerned). Smooth transition into something classic and reliable that is sure to deliver and should provide lots of screams and moans. Now the pace is set, it is time to turn on the heat with something unexpected, and maybe a little unconventionnal. Preparing for the grand finale is a remake of what was the best show in the last months, that should leave everyone panting, sweating and on the edge of exploding. Then comes the final blow, the epitome of epicness, digital climax, where all the pressure is released, our heads explode from pleasure, and everyone is left speechless in pure extasy. Better than sex, I tell you. God, I am so pumped for this. Just hope Maestro vs Monster does not end in a turndown though.
Haha you know what those korean organizers were thinking. As much as the JD vs Bisu will be epic, I'm really looking forward to the special events! + Show Spoiler +
Stork is going to slap fantasy all arround! Though I feel like if Fantasy started typing somethin Stork would stop playing and just text msg fantasy the rest of the game ;_:
excited to see the relaywar & whom comes out at the mystery match, pretty sure both teams will go protoss on the relaywar. such a nice event packed with some stars and great ideas.
OMGGG. I'm so excited for this. The 3v3 relay match sounds like it would be fun to play. haha. I might do that with my friends sometime. lol. Bisu vs Jaedong!!! Whooo!
This is perfect. Exactly what I'll need after my quantum exam friday. So for the relay war do they all use different computers or just trade off on the same one? I think the latter could lead to some funny moments
WOW this is gonna be fucking awesome. that baton relay thing looks quite interesting too. i think that the main player should play second, at the 4-8 min mark (depends what race, though). i hope they play r v r.
On September 24 2009 11:20 JMave wrote: I'm a bisu fan boy but I really think that Bisu's play has been quite bad recently. I hope he can pick up his game again.
are they going to pause the game every 4 minutes and have the players switch in and out of the booth, or are all the players in the booth giving advice to one another?
Can somebody point me into the right direction on more information about this event. My sister will be in Korea over the next week and a half and was thinking about watching a live Starcraft Progaming event.
-Where will this event be held? -Will it be free to attend? -How many people will be able to attend? -What's a good amount of time to get there early to lineup? -Is it typically difficult to obtain a seat?
whoever organized this really blew it. you gather all the most popular progamers in one place then assign 6 of them to a stupid 3v3? im sure the 3v3 wont even last more than 10 minutes
On September 25 2009 11:24 iamho wrote: whoever organized this really blew it. you gather all the most popular progamers in one place then assign 6 of them to a stupid 3v3? im sure the 3v3 wont even last more than 10 minutes
You seriously want to see 1v1's all the time? We've seen 1v1's between all of these players in proleague or other specials events, why not let them have some fun? They don't get to play much 3v3 so its probably a refreshing break from their practice? A team of 3 terrans led by Boxer, aren't you at least a tiny bit excited for that?
This is going to be so awesome. Bisu vs Jaedong never fails to give me a hard on. Savior and Flash will be very interesting to see, if Savior's promises hold up. Stork and Fantasy always deliver some epic PvT. I'm sure Boxer has as ace up his sleeve for the 3on3, and the relay match will most likely be hilarious. Good thing they made it with short 4 minute intervals, this ensures that at least one change of players is going to take place, most likely more than one.
OMG most epic Starcraft event ever! I think that its really good that some crowd-pleasers are thrown in from time to time to just make it more interesting Just imagine, a TvZ team mele game with Boxer for micro, oov for macro and FBH for BM, against three equally legendary zerg players (Im a terran so I dont really know the equvalent). Of course the winning team does a ceremony to celebrate, and Starcraft just rises in popularity (and interest factor) ten times over.
I dislike where they put their players... The 3 1vs1 should be Jaedong vs Bisu, Flash vs Stork... And Fantasy vs Calm... The 2 best from each race, each accomplishing something this season, the zergs got OSL and MSL, Flash with Gom, Bisu with WCG... Fantasy owning Proleague, and making best Bo5 of the season... And well theres no other Protoss, so Stork gets it. I think the 3v3 Hunters should have all the old timers.
On September 24 2009 11:20 JMave wrote: I'm a bisu fan boy but I really think that Bisu's play has been quite bad recently. I hope he can pick up his game again.
what? are you nuts? :D he won wcg this month ~~
WCG korea... not that big deal if you are seeded in to ro4 and the best player in the world (JD) doesnt train for the event and the two others (Lux and Stork) have been playing bad for a season.
On September 24 2009 11:20 JMave wrote: I'm a bisu fan boy but I really think that Bisu's play has been quite bad recently. I hope he can pick up his game again.
what? are you nuts? :D he won wcg this month ~~
WCG korea... not that big deal if you are seeded in to ro4 and the best player in the world (JD) doesnt train for the event and the two others (Lux and Stork) have been playing bad for a season.
He beat Flash and Free to make it to the ro4, he wasn't seeded in. Plz don't make up random bullshit to make a player look bad.
EPT![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/pachi/banner/rtp.png)
Shinhan Proleague 2008/2009 Allstar Match Coverage by Riptide, Heyoka and Pangshai![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/riptide/proleague200809/pl_allstar_draw.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/riptide/tlfe/tlfe_sktpl_openingceremony.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/riptide/proleague200809/pl_allstars_seafootball.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/riptide/proleague200809/pl_allstar_bisujaedong.jpg)
? I'm not really a huge fan, although I guess Calm v Flash is more interesting than Savior v Flash. Hmm
