After two weeks of skillful dodging on both sides, I finally managed to set up an interview with Code S quarter-finalist, Quantic.NaNiwa. NaNiwa's trademark honesty was on display, and we had a candid talk on wide range of topics: his GSL run, the under-appreciated but extremely important mental game in the GSL, Mvp vs Squirtle, foreigners, and the state of Protoss. I'd like to say that we left no stone unturned, but the interview was already getting dangerously close to "TL;DR" territory (and we'd hate to ban any more of you). I hope you enjoy this interview!
-Waxangel
TeamLiquid: Alright, so it’s been a few weeks since your quarterfinal loss to Mvp. How are you feeling, just in general?
NaNiwa: I feel really bored. If you go out in the round of 8, you have like a month where you don’t do anything. But if you go out in like the round of 16, you play code A, so it’s like, I’m kinda just practicing in general – I don’t have any specific thing I can prepare for.
Practicing in general, is it hard to get motivated for that in comparison to practicing for a tournament?
Yeah, well… I played for a long time, and if I don’t have any tournament, I can’t practice as efficiently I guess. So, I prefer to have tournaments.
I saw you after TSL3, you took that loss pretty hard. How are you feeling after the GSL loss?
It wasn’t the same, though. Like TSL, I still remember, it was 3-1 in my favor, I was winning the game 5, on Crossfire. I had a build planned there and I took the victory out in advance, like way before. Well, I don’t think I should say too much that will disrupt other things, but I felt that I should have won that final 4-1, right then, or at worst I should have won at Tal’darim [in game seven] where I had a huge advantage, then I choked again.
It’s extremely painful, but to lose in GSL… it’s like, I was too nervous to do the proper reactions, and that’s what really really made me angry afterwards. It’s not that I got cheesed or whatever, people might say that I play greedy or whatever, but it’s not true. Like, I made 3 cannons [on Entombed Valley] and he just got lucky. He made a random all-in on Entombed Valley that worked, and that’s it, basically. On Daybreak, I think it was, I just reacted very very bad. I should have just put down a forge, and I would have probably been fine.
So on Entombed, you didn’t know he was coming until he was right there, and your probes were too late, and it’s game over?
Yeah, basically. I couldn’t know if he had a in-base command, or if he had 2 barracks, 3 barracks, 4 barracks, and he couldn’t know if I had more than 1 cannon or whatever because he didn’t scout it. So basically he prepared that all-in way before he saw anything.
So he flipped…
He flipped a coin, but that’s part of the game. It was a tense situation, and in pressured situations, it’s good to throw in the all-ins sometimes for mind games and so on.
Did you expect him to do, like he did 2 base tank builds twice. Did you expect that kind of strategy from him?
I expected it once, yeah. But I think, the first game I was really really nervous, but then it got a bit better, but still, once you get nervous, like really nervous, and you lose, it’s really hard to recover. On Antiga, I felt I was playing normal though again, and it went exactly as I thought it would.
How should have the Cloud Kingdom game have gone, if you had played it better?
I made some really bad decisions, like I saw vikings and tanks, I should have just made a 3rd base, immortal, and immediately switched to archon and a forge. I would have defended his attack very easily if I just played it properly. It’s easy to see it afterwards and say what you should have done and how it would have played out, but I know what I did wrong and all I can do is think about the future, right? There’s not much else I can do.
So after your lost the series to MVP, that was the furthest you ever got in the GSL. So would you say, that even before you played that match, you were kind of satisfied with your run, so you didn’t feel as bad about going out?
No, no no no. I won both of my groups pretty convincingly, I think. So it would be stupid to not aim even further, at least try to. It’s always the same, it’s like, you come to the semifinal of MLG or whatever, and you think, “wow, that’s pretty good.” And then you lose, you’re like, “f***, I could have done so much better. Why did I get satisfied?”
So once you get there, even if you start off with low expectations, they grow as you get further in a tournament.
Yeah, basically, you should have the kind of mindset that even if things have gone well, you still need to go further. So while round of 8 is obviously good, I still feel that I could have done better.
But you said your first goal was to win 1 game.
Yeah, I did not expect to go this far. But, my thoughts about myself were always that I’m a good player, I can beat anybody, and so on. But then I lost in Code A like 3 times in a row, round 1, so I’m like, “perhaps I’m not as good as I thought I was.” But then when everything just fell together, and I could play without getting nervous and so on, suddenly I just kept winning. Perhaps I was right all along with being good.
But you don’t know for sure, it’s hard to tell?
Basically, I placed well and beat good enough players to claim that I am pretty good. And if I don’t have confidence in myself, then no one else will either, so I have to at least, even if I do suck – which I hope I don’t – I have to believe that I’m good at least.
Do you think you got unlucky playing Lucky in Code A that many times, that being around the time that he was one of the best at ZvP?
Hrm, no… Sure he was good, but he wasn’t the best player in Code A. So, as long as you don’t play the best player in Code A, it’s like, I wouldn’t have been able to reach code S anyway, if I played like that. It was hard for me, really hard, but clearly, I have not been as strong against Zerg as I have against Terran and Protoss, so that’s more the reason I think. It’s nerves, and PvZ.
Do you think, in this Code S run, you learned more than you did in the previous 6 months?
Yes, for sure. I learned how to prepare for a game mentally much better, and I just realized a lot of things that I never would have in foreign tournaments or whatever. And I understand why some players do better in the GSL format, and what it takes to win, is basically what I mean that I have learned more about.
What it takes to win?
Like, the kind of dedication, the kind of thought you have to put into it, certain mind games, and just things you need to think about. It’s not the same as playing a MLG or whatever, where you can just play game after game after game after game, and if you get lucky you get further, or whatever. It’s not the same.
So you think Mvp, objectively, in terms of skill, you’re better than him, but he’s a player who knows how to win more than you?
Mmm…. I don’t know if I’m better, if I could make that statement, but… Well, obviously, it would turn out bad for me if I say something like that. I do know how the community reacts.
Let’s just say, the fact that he’s a guy who has experience, and knows how to win, was a bigger factor than his straight up skill at Starcraft?
Yes. I think the real, real top players, like MC and Mvp and so on, they all have that in common. Like, they know how to prepare really, really well for like a best of 5, best of 7, or whatever. And they’re extremely familiar with the mind games that go on. If you’re a player who hasn’t played on that kind of stage – I had never ever come even close to that far in a GSL or whatever before this season – it's not as obvious to me as it is to them how to react, and how to think about everything.
Is it very different in GSL compared to the MLG format? Cause in GSL you have a lot of time to think between matches whereas in MLG you can ride momentum match to match.
Yeah, it’s momentum, but also it’s, there’s a huge audience, and there’s different adrenaline going on and so on. In GSL, it’s more like a battle against yourself. Like, sure you know everybody’s watching, but once you’re there, it’s not such a big audience. It’s just, you can feel that this is the place of the best players in the world, and if you want to prove yourself you have to play your best. But at MLG, it’s like, you can get unlucky in pool play, and there’s extended series and shit like that, it’s just that it’s the premiere league that makes it different I guess.
But you would say the crowd at MLG is an advantage for you? It makes you play better?
Yeah. When there are a lot more people seeing my games, I focus a lot better. It’s like, I know I can’t f*** up when there are so many who are seeing my game, so I have to play as good as I can. Whereas GSL, it was like, eventually it hit me how big it was. It’s like, “wow, the entire StarCraft world is seeing this.” And beforehand, I got emails from my parents and such cheering me on. So the pressure just became too much, I think, for me to handle.
So going into the finals, you said Mvp knows how to win and Squirtle’s a guy who is really good and he only kinda figured out how to win this season. So you would say objectively, Squirtle’s a better player, right?
Yeah, I think so. No, I know so, by far.
But, would you say it’s even, just because you know Mvp has... whatever, the mindgames, the experience… Even? I don’t know. It’s impossible to tell, just because recently Squirtle has done sooooo well. He owned it up at IPL, he went... I don’t know how many games in a row he won. And then he won at GSL, he’s now at the final. So we can’t know where his peak is, or where he’s at. It’s impossible to say. It could be that he reached his best and then maybe it’s an even game, or maybe he’s going to be much better than everyone expected. So, it’s impossible to call right now.
You talk to Squirtle, he’s your teammate and stuff. Do you see him preparing – I’ve heard in recent interviews guys saying they’re preparing for the 'external' part of the game. Not the skill, the mind games, being calm. Do you see that from Squirtle at all?
Well, I know that when he was practicing for playing Hero, he basically didn’t play any games. Like, he was sick a lot of the time, and then when he wasn’t sick, he just focused on the mind game part. Cause, he seems, to be honest, really really confident in the basic skills. I don’t think I should reveal too much of what he said, but he was extremely confident going in to the match, and he won 3-0 so apparently he had it right.
I think a while back TheWind said something like StarCraft 2 or Brood War, skill is less than 50%, “mental” is 50% or more. In Korea, they say this thing, “mental” a lot, which means like confidence, calmness, etc., they always talk about it. Do you agree it’s that big?
Yeah. For sure. In practice, it’s very different. I think if you’re better at controlling it than the other player, it’s like practice skill like this, and if you’re calm, if you get better by the crowd, your skill can go up, even from like your practice level or whatever. But if you’re expecting you can’t handle the pressure, it would be like MarineKing basically, before he won everything. It’s like his practice level was so high, and then he came to a tournament, he’s like only half of what he could be. And everyone still knew he was extremely, extremely good in practice.
Do you think that’s a natural part of the game, the difference between just playing games and doing eSports?
Yeah, I guess you could say that. It makes sense.
Well in terms of competition, some competitions accentuate the mind games part, like GSL. Whereas some tournaments, where you play open bracket in a LAN environment at IPL4 or whatever, are more practice-y. Do you prefer an environment like that?
I prefer the GSL way, because once the pressure is the highest, you can see who’s the best player. It’s not just about knowing the best about the game, it’s everything else too, like handling your emotions, the pressure, all the expectations, and just living up to your own standards and controlling yourself. I think it’s more about the battle against yourself than your opponent.
And you think, a lot of foreigners don’t understand this yet because they haven’t played in Korea at that level? Playing in MLGs all the time, maybe they don’t understand that fully?
You don’t have to understand it to be good at it. Stephano’s personality is really good, because if you don’t give a s***, you won’t get nervous, so he can still play good. But, let’s say that he would suddenly start to care a lot more, then perhaps he would play worse. It’s like, if you spend every single waking moment thinking about the game, practicing the game, then you put these demands on yourself that you have to win, then there are very many players who just crumble.
But you would say that a player who cares, and cares correctly, and doesn’t get nervous, compared to a player who doesn’t give a s***, the player who case is going to do a better job?
Yeah, if he can control it correctly. It’s like, I feel that when I play my best, everything is perfect in my mind, then I know I have to win, but it’s to the extent where I can handle it. Like, my hands aren’t shaking, it’s just my mind is very very clear.
Well Stephano is almost certainly going to get a seed if he wants it. How do you think he’ll do?
Well, everyone said when I got my seed, that I would drop out 0-2, 0-2, so I’m not going to predict his group, I’ll just leave that up to him.
But just pure skill, outside of the mind part, you think he can play in Code S?
Pure skill, Stephano is a good player. He is not worse than many of the Code S players. In pure skill, but that’s not what it’s all about. When you have time to prepare for your opponent, it’s a way different game. And Stephano’s style is extremely easy to counter. If he gets the wrong opponents, he will lose for sure. If he gets the right opponent, I still think he will lose, but… I will probably get hated for it, but whatever, that’s just my honest opinion, and I would love to see him prove me wrong, because it’s always nice when another foreigner does well too.
Up to now, you haven’t really seen the side of him that prepares in this GSL way at all. Well, all I’m seeing is the guy who sits on, playing his ladder games, looking at the timer, making the perfect timings, but what if you just disrupt all his timings? Then you have an average zerg player who sits there and does everything else that the other zerg players do. It’s not like a player like DongRaeGu who knows, “OK, that happens, then *snap* that *snap* that *snap* that *snap* that *snap* that.” It’s a continuous flow of great decision making, and just the correct things to do.
Let’s talk about another foreigner, ThorZaIN, who recently won Dreamhack Stockholm, and everyone made a big deal about it. Now, he’s set to, he mentioned in his EG announcement that he might want to come to Korea and play with SlayerS. How do you think he would do, if he came here?
I don’t know. We went here before and he did pretty well, I think. Like, he didn’t do bad. He certainly did better than me, he won 1 map I think in Code A, against YuGiOh. But, that was a long time ago, and I think ThorZaIN’s skill has dropped compared to other people’s skill going up. That’s just what I see when I see him play. But, clearly he proved me wrong. I would never ever had dreamed that he would ever win Dreamhack. Maybe I’m oblivious about his skill, but when I played him recently, at Red Bull LAN, it felt really easy for me. But, I think TvP is just his worst, and maybe if he gets a TvT he can do something, but then again Polt is Code A too, and ThorZaIN will probably start in Code S, so it will be hard. But, he is good at preparing, so I think he has a good chance.
Yeah, you think he’s one of those guys that knows how to win?
Thorzain? He’s not a born winner like that.
Born winner?
Yeah, I think there are some players who will always rise to the top no matter what, eventually.
But he obviously has the technique down.
Yes, Thorzain is a very good preparer. But, he is not alone. I think Korea is a very big place, where there are a lot of players. It just feels wrong for me to talk down on him or whatever, but we’ll see. I certainly think he has the good playstyle to fit in Korea. Maybe he can do something good if he gets to practice first. In his current state, I wouldn’t say he is good enough, but he has the potential.
Do you care a lot about this best foreigner s***? It’s a thing that goes on, people always want to talk about it. Is it something you care about, or do you just care about playing your game.
I wish I could say I only care about playing my game, but clearly I play this game not for the money, I think I’ve told everyone that several times. I only play to prove that I am the best, or whatever. So of course, if people say that someone is the best foreigner, then I want to prove them wrong. Unless it’s me, obviously. I hope eventually I will play Stephano, and ThorZaIN, and so on, and we can all decide once and for all.
Well, do you think you’re the best foreigner right now?
I don’t know. We’ll see, when Stephano plays Code S I guess.
I see. Let me ask you a few balance questions, just to end it up. So, you say your best matchup right now, PvT?
Yeah.
You think balance, imbalance?
I think super-super lategame, Terran is overpowered, when they have planetary fortresses and like 10 SCVs and lots of orbitals and so on, you can’t really win.
That’s like super-late though, like Daybreak 5 bases.
Yeah, once you max and you have like 3-3 against 2-2, then I think it’s advantageous for Protoss, but only for a while, until they sacrifice SCVs and so on. I will say, it’s probably easier to play Terran. Like, it’s very obvious what you have to do: you have to upgrade, expand, do this at that timing, but I think Protoss has more potential.
Still, even now?
Even now, I think Protoss has way more potential than Zerg or Terran. But, it won’t be displayed yet, it will take a lot of time before it’s perfect, obviously.
You talked about the super late game, does it even matter though? You barely see any games, like no GSL games have gone that phase, I think.
Yes, but it’s a very big factor why people focus on the early game, and the mid game, though.
So that’s why Protoss has to do the timings at whatever.
That’s why they do timings. That’s why MC all ins a lot, cause he knows once it gets to that stage, it’s very hard. But, there is one player who can win there obviously – Parting.
So, PvZ, you said it’s been your worst for a while even though you had your very good run at Providence, and at Winter Arena 1. Up to now, most of the top Koreans you've beat have been Zerg.
NesTea and me are just very similar players. Like, we’re both focusing very much on strategies, like the mental part of the game, but there are a lot of Zergs who are faster than him, they do things better than him, but he has the best game plan. But I am also the same kind of person who has game plans. So eventually, we just cancel each other out, and then sometimes I win, and sometimes he wins. But I seem to be reading him a bit better than he reads me.
You also beat Leenock and DRG.
Um, I lost to DongRaeGu. Oh yeah, at Providence. Yeah, Leenock… I pretty much just had the momentum there. Like, I beat NesTea, and then I played another Zerg, it was like, “OK, I know what to do.”
Outside yourself, what do you think about the matchup?
There are some things I don’t like, like it’s kinda too random, some things. There is some point in the game where you can’t know if they make too many drones and you should commit and punish them, or they don’t make too many drones, and they make units, and they kill you instead. It’s some flaws in the game design I think, but overall it comes down to the maps most though. I think it’s fine, but like Entombed Valley is too good for Protoss, Tal’Darim or whatever is very hard for Protoss lategame cause it’s so big you can’t really do a lot.
But a lot of Zerg players would say the same, like the scouting is hard for them to know what Protoss is doing either.
Not any more.
Oh yeah, that’s true. What do you think of the patch?
It’s f***ing bulls***, haha. It’s like, it removes any possibility of any all in ever working, and that’s not the way it should be. You should have to see signs for it, and now it’s not even possible to mind game it like making a certain amount of gas, or probes, or whatever. They can just fly it straight in, and see everything.
So it’s just 9-minute expansion every game?
That doesn’t really work, you can obviously make a lot more drones than you can make probes. But it’s not… there is recently a lot of new things discovered by Protoss. A lot of sentry/immortal timing and then taking your expansion later, and you force them to make roaches or whatever, and it seems pretty good. So I think I’m too bad at PvZ right now to judge it, but I can beat some really good Zergs right now even, when I play a lot.
And lastly, PvP. It’s the one people have been saying has the most variance, involves the most luck for a long time. But then, I guess recently, Oz was doing pretty well for a while, and now Squirtle’s coming up with a ridiculous record. So do you think certain players having super-high winrates is just them riding variance? Or at a truly high level, the game changes again and it’s not so much luck any more?
It’s not about luck or variance, it’s like, once a player is on fire, it doesn’t matter if it’s PvT PvP PvZ. Like Squirtle is just winning at the moment, whether it’s PvT, PvP is not important. He’s just the best player at the moment, that’s the way it is. But I think PvP, you can choose your own approach to it. You can either just throw the dice every game, sometimes you win sometimes you lose, and then it’s just luck based. But, you can also do it like Oz does, like you choose certain maps, that build will work, that build will work. But a lot of players just choose 4gate – it might work, or I lose. So you can just choose your own way in it, I think.
Do you think Oz’s way is better and people will start playing that way more?
It depends, like Oz’s way will get the most win percentage, by far, and that’s what it’s all about. You can’t win every game.
Why don’t people play his way more? They aren’t confident, so they just want to flip instead?
It’s easier to flip, for one. And if you play the same style against the same player, then it will boil down to more things. Like, Oz has played the style a lot longer than other players, so I think they’re just not, well a lot of players just have the mindset like PvP is luck, why practice it?
Well, you have a very good PvP record. What do you think about yourself?
Uhh, I think I’m extremely good at reading my opponent, as I said like NesTea and so on. I prepare very well, when I played Genius and Puzzle in GSL, I watched every VOD they had played ever in GSL in PvP. And then I saw their traits, like how they scout, and what builds they like to use on certain maps and so on, and then I made my own builds. That’s one way that’s only going to work in the GSL.
That’s true.
It wouldn’t work on like a tournament, or whatever. It was a bit harder for me in Dreamhack, when I beat Genius 2-1. I lost a map, so it was way closer. But for first, I think they underestimated me a lot. I don’t think they prepared at all. For some reason, Genius thought it was a great idea to pick me.
I think the way it was working was, he wanted Maru, but MC convinced him to let him take Maru instead, and I think you’re probably like his top 3 pick maybe, and then he talked to other guys and it ended up that he couldn’t take his #1 pick and you were the highest pick he had left.
I don’t know. You can talk to him someday I hope, and you can ask him about it. I would love to know, haha.
Everyone said they wanted Maru, that’s all I know.
What I think is that he just wanted a foreigner, that’s what I think.
Makes sense.
Back to PvP. What I did was basically make counter-strategies to both players, their styles. Not like their builds, but their styles. I knew that Puzzle, he doesn’t expand. He plays a certain way, so I will do that instead, and it worked out. He did exactly what I thought he would. I was a bit nervous so I still dropped a game, but Genius I had no nerves. It was like, I want to prove myself because he picked me, obviously. I prepared extra for him. It’s like, I saw every VOD of him on Antiga Shipyard (that was our first map), and I saw that he always makes blink stalkers on Antiga, and he did here too. And he attacked me, and he lost his army. I kinda expected him to do that build. And, game 2, I made 4gate, he made 4gate. I started my gas quicker than him, I realized what was going on, and I made probes quicker. Basically, I just played the game that was the best way. He expanded, he took a bit of a risk, and he died, that’s it.
Alright, let's wrap up. Anything you want to say?
Sure, congrats to Sase for finally winning something [NASL Sunday Showdown vs PuMa]. I want to say exactly that, too. Good job beating Puma.
Oh, I had something I wanted to ask you. What’s up with the socks theft thing, with Parting?
Yeah, Parting. OK, so came to the Startale house, and then like apparently, some of the Koreans stole my socks when I was having them washed.
Why did they steal your socks?
I don’t know. I don’t know what happened. We have like a laundry box, and apparently they got mixed in with the Korean players’ laundry. And then I just took some random socks, and apparently they were his. So when I went to the GSL studio, he saw it, and he’s like, “what? You, socks steal!” And he got really angry, haha.
Socks are like the worst thing to steal. They’re like the last thing you care about.
Yeah, not for Parting man.
Ok, shout-outs.
Sase, good job winning something. Thanks to my mom and dad for seeing my games. I want to say that I’m sorry for not living up to my own hopes.
Oh, it’s Mother’s Day today.
I don’t know if that’s in Sweden though. I don’t think so.
Oh, that’s American? Ok, whatever.
I’m not sure. But if it is, then shoutout to my mom, haha.
Happy Mother’s Day, Naniwa’s mom!
And my father.
Also, thanks my team Quantic, and Razer for sponsoring us.
Finally, thanks to all the Swedes that support me. When I was playing this GSL, there were a lot of Swedes there. In the studio, in Korea. I want to say sorry for getting angry at one of them when I lost, haha. He came up to me, and he was like telling me it’s ok, but, obviously it’s not ok for me. But obviously, it’s not his fault. I want to still thank him for his support coming there, cheering me on and so forth. I hope I can do better the next time.
People talk about how Naniwa is a difficult person to deal with, very cold, awkward, anti-social, etc. As a pro-gamer though, it's really easy to root for him because he just wants to win, straight up, no bullshit; he just wants to dominate. I keep liking him because of the same reasons Artosis gave on State of the Game after the EU Blizzcon Qualifier. Naniwa won $5,000 and took second place in an 8 man pool of some very good European talent, but up on the stage, receiving the awards, Naniwa was fucking pissed! He hadn't won, and taking second, despite being an great showing and winning money, it didn't matter! It's really easy to root for someone like that. Maybe Naniwa won't give a shit about a fan like myself since I'm not Swedish, but seeing him win is great. I look forward to his continued success.
Well, you see that Naniwa not raging is quite a person you can get along with. I allways liked his honesty, to himself and the community. He is great player with a great understanding of the game and a great sportive attitude. Therefor I like him and hope he does well in the future. Ah yes and I think he's gonna be right with Stephano and Thorzain, don't expect too much out of them ;(.
So many great Naniwa interviews lately! I really love how he stands out from most of the other progamers with the always politically correct answers. Lots of respect for his honesty <3
I'm gonna write a letter to his sponsors, i don't want them to support a sock stealer. Haha seriously though this interview was amazing! thanks everyone that made it happen edit: damn of course i wasn't in time with that joke edit2: and i think it's absolutely adorable that naniwa have to try so hard not to say anything that will make people riled up, i wonder if if some things got edited out!
Well it's obvious that Naniwa still has a lot of respect for the Protoss President, I remembered a long time ago that he said MC was the player he admired the most. I like both of them, so I hope they make up and be friends!
Naniwa comes off a little more friendly in this interview than in others I have read. Great read though. Stealing socks is still horribly immoral, lol.
great interview, really good to hear how seriously nani takes SC, he wants to win more than most people i think, he has the drive and the dedication thats needed, cant wait to watch him next Code S makes it soo entertaning having a clear player (forigner) your cheering for.
:D I hope the Swedish guy who he got mad at reads this, I thought that was a really sweet thing to do to apologise to a fan. I liked his attitude too, he was honest wtihout being disrespectful. Particularly re. Stephano - being sceptical about player's chances but saying you hope they prove you wrong is a good attitude to have.
I do really like his style of honesty no flittering around issues and no inflamitory statements because he can he just says what he really thinks. I also respect his attitude toward the game. Keep fighting Nani
sometimes i really like what naniwa is doing and talking about, sometimes i dont. as far as this interview goes, go nani! interesting read, good questions and good answers
It's strange that NaNiwa is saying that Stephano is relying on timing when the latter said that he just feels the game. Maybe it was just him being cocky.
Really interesting to hear so much about him "struggling" with the hidden part of the game and how he expects to be a better player, mentally, by his experiences in Korea. Really nice interview!
Awesome interview, thanks for the write up! Also, I hope he's wrong about thorzain and stephano, but I doubt it. I do think that thorzain can become a powerfull player when he's going to korea for a longer time though..
Definitely one of the better interviews out there. He had a lot of interesting things to say about the state of the game and how to approach tournaments. Thanks for doing the interview TL and Naniwa.
This interview downgraded even more my opinion of this arrogant player. Implying that he is better than Mvp is just ...wahoo... so dishonest. No one doubted Mvp's play when he won tournaments after tournaments because he was so dominant. Nani's skills have never been impressive, he is just a solid and well rounded player (average at Korean level). Then later adding that he is better than Stephano and Thorzain because of jealousy?, wrongly stating that Stephano is a timing player (clearly is description of DRG's play apply really well to Stephano as well).
For a time I thought Nani has grown up and mature, clearly I was wrong; he is still full of himself and dishonest.
On May 17 2012 01:43 Sleed wrote: This interview downgraded even more my opinion of this arrogant player. Implying that he is better than Mvp is just ...wahoo... so dishonest. No one doubted Mvp's play when he won tournaments after tournaments because he was so dominant. Nani's skills have never been impressive, he is just a solid and well rounded player (average at Korean level). Then later adding that he is better than Stephano and Thorzain because of jealousy?, wrongly stating that Stephano is a timing player (clearly is description of DRG's play apply really well to Stephano as well).
For a time I thought Nani has grown up and mature, clearly I was wrong; he is still full of himself and dishonest.
I think I agree with his remark that Terran really late game is stronger than protoss when they establish planetary fortresses and are gaining minerals from mules because Protoss army is good for fighting armies but Archons and Colossus are not as good as taking down building as marauders and marines so when they have to attack into a PF it is hard. But prior to that Protoss is a lot stronger than Terran because of all the splash, but splash doesnt help against buildings.
On May 17 2012 01:43 Sleed wrote: This interview downgraded even more my opinion of this arrogant player. Implying that he is better than Mvp is just ...wahoo... so dishonest. No one doubted Mvp's play when he won tournaments after tournaments because he was so dominant. Nani's skills have never been impressive, he is just a solid and well rounded player (average at Korean level). Then later adding that he is better than Stephano and Thorzain because of jealousy?, wrongly stating that Stephano is a timing player (clearly is description of DRG's play apply really well to Stephano as well).
For a time I thought Nani has grown up and mature, clearly I was wrong; he is still full of himself and dishonest.
Dishonest? If anything Naniwa gets all the hate because he is 100% honest. Same thing as Idra. LMAO
People who complain about the infamous tl;dr are just idiots who aren't able to read something for more than 5 minutes... Who cares about the lenght, it was a great interview thanks to smart questions and a socks-thief who can answer without sounding generic and politically correct.
Great interview. Say what you want.. but e-sports needs a player like him. Controversial and speaks his mind. Plain and simple, he keeps us interested.
Well, I must hand it to him for being authentic. He may not be the most politically correct or socially adept, but he speaks his mind and I respect that.
On May 17 2012 01:28 herrmus wrote: hes a sociopath
Shouldn't people get banned for shit like this?
And to anyone who might share this kind of sentiment, you have no clue what sociopath means.
Also great, great interview! i feel almost weird calling it that, it was like a great focused conversation, and i don't mind at all that The interviewers personality was there, to make the 'interviewee' feel more comfortable. Sometimes yes/now questions about real world stuff, with an enormous attention and nitpicking on the answers, can make anyone seem caustic and god knows Nani has been a victim of this tendency.
What a nice guy he seems to be though, hope he rocks next code s!
On May 17 2012 01:32 Otolia wrote: It's strange that NaNiwa is saying that Stephano is relying on timing when the latter said that he just feels the game. Maybe it was just him being cocky.
Anyway good interview.
...He didn't mean timing attacks, he meant timing benchmarks to do X thing like a round of drones or a roach warren.
Waxangel just delivered some of the best eSports questions I've ever seen and NaNi gave juicy answers with a lot of insight. Can one ask for more than that?
On May 17 2012 01:53 diophan wrote: "So you think Mvp, objectively, in terms of skill, you’re better than him"
Wow he didn't take the bait... Nani has learned (a bit).
I personally read his answer as "Yep".
It's unfortunate that community can be so obnoxious about these things if players answer straight up that they have to coat it like this. -_-
Since there's not really an objective way of distinguishing between skill factor and mental factor, it's really just a matter of opinion. We saw his opinion. And he showed 2 good games with MVP, notwithstanding 2 lulzy BO losses.
Great interview. It's interesting to see how he works so hard on his mind to be able to improve as a competitor (does not know if this word exists in English). He has said what he thought, which made me like him.
Really really nice interview. Love the no bullshit answers. And it's really nice to have an in-depth interview with well-thought questions and not just "will you win ? have you prepared ?".
TSL3 was the first pro SCII I followed, and I've been a huge Thorzain and Naniwa fan since. I've never understood the hate for Naniwa. None of his comments have ever really bothered me, although this interview does show how much he's matured over the last year as a pro-gamer.
"but clearly I play this game not for the money, I think I’ve told everyone that several times. I only play to prove that I am the best, or whatever. So of course, if people say that someone is the best foreigner, then I want to prove them wrong. Unless it’s me, obviously. I hope eventually I will play Stephano, and ThorZaIN, and so on, and we can all decide once and for all."
So awesome...... always challenging everyone with a twinkle in his eye Damn... Naniwa is such a unique person in every way, wow, I LOVE HIM :')))!!!! There's no player like him and I guess there never will be.
Additional thoughts: In the end of the day, when all smoke clears our, there is only truth, and I think thats how he lives. He can admit if he's shit, admit protoss is imba on some map, criticize himself in every regard if he knows so, or give credit to anyone where credit is due (regardless what he thinks of the PERSON). I respect that more than anything.
--- Btw, by thanking Swedish fans does not imply saying "fu" to anyone not Swedish... keep that in mind. Do not assume what is not said . I know he deeply appreciates all true fans, not caring where you live, who you are, or what language you speak.
On May 17 2012 22:27 Naniwa wrote: i didnt mean to only thank my swedish fans, i meant in perticular since there was so many of them there at the GSL studio ! i appriciate all my fans
- All other foreingers are basically trash, especially Stephano who is "an average zerg" - Nani is better than MVP, who is a lucky guy - Contrary to popular belief, TvP lategame is in fact easier for terran
So much insight in this interview, he basically just explained why the koreans are better.
"Basically, I placed well and beat good enough players to claim that I am pretty good. And if I don’t have confidence in myself, then no one else will either, so I have to at least, even if I do suck – which I hope I don’t – I have to believe that I’m good at least." is an amazing quote
On May 17 2012 03:12 d00p wrote: Take home message:
- All other foreingers are basically trash, especially Stephano who is "an average zerg" - Nani is better than MVP, who is a lucky guy - Contrary to popular belief, TvP lategame is in fact easier for terran
He is such a brilliant troll. I love it.
Good player too.
Why taking everything he says and make it something completly else: - He says Stephano is extremly good in timing attacks, but is a lot less good when someone messes up his gameplan/timings - He said his raw SC2 skills are about the same level as MVP, but MVP's mental skills/experience make him the better player and that's the reason he lost. - He says REAL late game is in easier for terran in which he says when terrans can donate all their scv's and work on OC's / mules only and spend all other unit size on army... Which makes sense because in those cases Terran good 40food bigger army's then zerg of protoss
Thanks for the interview, that was the best one i've read so far in 2012, it really gives a new perspective on Naniwa, I learnt a lot and gained a lot of respect for Naniwa.
I have always had great troublems accepting naniwa due to his awkward behaviour in interviews, rude comments about other players etc, even though im swedish and should "support him by heard" and all that jazz... But after reading this interview, my respect for him grew quite a bit. GG~ Great interview, keep em coming
On May 17 2012 03:12 d00p wrote: Take home message:
- All other foreingers are basically trash, especially Stephano who is "an average zerg" - Nani is better than MVP, who is a lucky guy - Contrary to popular belief, TvP lategame is in fact easier for terran
He is such a brilliant troll. I love it.
Good player too.
Why taking everything he says and make it something completly else: - He says Stephano is extremly good in timing attacks, but is a lot less good when someone messes up his gameplan/timings - He said his raw SC2 skills are about the same level as MVP, but MVP's mental skills/experience make him the better player and that's the reason he lost. - He says REAL late game is in easier for terran in which he says when terrans can donate all their scv's and work on OC's / mules only and spend all other unit size on army... Which makes sense because in those cases Terran good 40food bigger army's then zerg of protoss
he stated stephano was predictable, the same player who lost with FFE vs the all in builds Leenock did multiple time at the MLG because Naniwa was always doing the same build ? Stephano has a sick sick decision making its not only a perfect timing player at all...
I've never really cared much about Naniwa, purely because he's been off my radar.
But after performing so well and giving such a straight up, honest interview WITHOUT stepping on anyone's toes, I feel like I've been missing out on being a Naniwa fan.
Is he my new favourite player? No, sorry. But he's definitely top 5
(Also, anyone claiming Naniwa sounded arrogant in this interview is stupid, and should stop reading things that aren't said)
This was one long interview, but i hope the best for naniwa. I still think he has alot to work on and maybe going back to korea would help him. i dont think he got enough out of his korean experience for it to be worth it
This has got to be the most insightful and honest interview I've ever read on Teamliquid! This gives an amazing breadth of insight into mental preparation for matches like those in the GSL. Great interview, thanks!
On May 17 2012 02:15 Shardz wrote: To say that Squirtle is for sure a lot more skilled than Mvp is a very bold statement haha. I guess we will see during the finals XD.
On May 17 2012 01:10 elwoodng wrote: Well it's obvious that Naniwa still has a lot of respect for the Protoss President, I remembered a long time ago that he said MC was the player he admired the most. I like both of them, so I hope they make up and be friends!
I think MC stated clearly he doesn't like Naniwa at all.
Great interview. I laughed about his PvT super late game comment though. PF's are the mass spine equivalent for Terran except Terran doesn't have a unit like broodlords to stall for. Orbitals letting you have higher supply is helpful but splash and warpgates still diminish the advantage.
Which reminds me, Protoss players need to spam more gateways/robos late game when they're banking so much money.
I feel like naniwa has a good chance to become flash of SC2. By like mentality, practice scedule and like they both are robots. Naniwa.. I LOVE YOU!!! Never willI I stop and never will I stop believing in you!!
lol @ the super-late game TvP comment. It's like saying Protoss is Imba super SUPER late game when they get 20 Carriers+Mothership. Well no shit, but good luck getting there alive.
Naniwa used to be my favorite, then I find out he's a fucking sock thief?!?!
Haha all kidding aside, I love naniwa and this was a great interview. I feel that he has matured since he did his first interviews, thank you for the awesome interview waxangel!
On May 17 2012 03:12 d00p wrote: Take home message:
- All other foreingers are basically trash, especially Stephano who is "an average zerg" - Nani is better than MVP, who is a lucky guy - Contrary to popular belief, TvP lategame is in fact easier for terran
He is such a brilliant troll. I love it.
Good player too.
Yeah lol sick post!
Well it's the usual bullcrap from Naniwa but hey I'm still a fan at the end of the day :D
Thus far, the extent of my girlfriend's involvement in Starcraft II has been going down to MLG Columbus 2012 with me and she now only knows NaNiwa as, "the guy with the Victoria's Secret pants..."
I agree with Naniwa about almost everything in here, including about Thorzain, and I have been a rabid Thorzain fan from day 1. Prove us wrong, Thorzain!
Great interview Waxangel, thanks to Naniwa for being honest and straight up. Laughed when I read about the swedish fan attempting to console him after his loss in the GSL, pretty sure most people can relate to that sort of situation, too soon!
On May 17 2012 02:32 Sargonian wrote: funny how everyone has been talking about late game PvT overpower and Naniwa just like, nope, orbitals, gg.
There is a difference between late game and super late game.
Yeah, I understood that as a reference to the extreme late game, where both players have tons of bases and the map is getting closed to mined out. In that situation I do think Terran has an advantage since we can mine minerals faster and our core units in the matchup are mostly mineral heavy. Also Terran units tend to be better in small numbers.
The trouble is managing to trade armies evenly enough to get to that point.
Im not the guy that will support a guy just because he's from sweden but I support you Naniwa! It's obvious you just want to be really good at this game for real and I like that, good luck to you.
He stole socks? Let's email his sponsors about it. It's so funny, I actually read the whole interview in NaNiWa voice without even realising :D He is just my favourite e-sport personallity.
On May 17 2012 03:28 decerto wrote: So much insight in this interview, he basically just explained why the koreans are better.
"Basically, I placed well and beat good enough players to claim that I am pretty good. And if I don’t have confidence in myself, then no one else will either, so I have to at least, even if I do suck – which I hope I don’t – I have to believe that I’m good at least." is an amazing quote
Thats indeed an amazing quote. Its something thats as true in SC2 as it is true in everything else in life.
On May 17 2012 00:50 SwizzY wrote: Did anyone else hear Nani's voice reading along with them lol
All of his responses are classic Nani
All this needs is "mmm..." substituted before every one of his answers, and he'll sound exactly like he does in interviews as he does in my head while reading this.
On May 17 2012 05:58 Luepert wrote: I hate how he says squirtle is just way above MVP in natural skill. LOLZ, if he were why did he only now get to finals?
good interviews, mostly the part about the preparation the koreans go through. good insight. although i was like o.O when nani said he doesn't play greedy.
On May 17 2012 05:58 Luepert wrote: I hate how he says squirtle is just way above MVP in natural skill. LOLZ, if he were why did he only now get to finals?
If you would read his post, like 2/3 of this interview is on the importance of the "mentality" aspect rather than pure skill.
Very interesting interview. I really enjoyed it. I'm not a fan of Naniwa, but I like that he doesnt just give out standard responses, like so many other players do, but says what he actually feels, always makes his interviews interesting to read imo.
Jesus.. Very well played thus far naniwa! really. I enjoy watching you play and cheer for you being a swede and all. But you really need to grow up a bit and not take things too hard. Really, flaming someone in the audience? Think, don't just react. Keep putting sweden on the map! Much love!
Naniwa seems alright though he wont last vs Korean players(especially once BW pros come onto the stage) , maybe best foreigner, maybe but not (Korean) S class.
Seems like a jerk too telling off his own fans that came all the way from Sweden. tisk tisk And a sock thief bad decisions mate, need to work on your timing.
ehh...maybe it's just my bias but it seems like he kinda shits on a few top players and came pretty close to calling himself more skilled than MVP in that one question, at which point I would have just lost it.
Everytime I learn more about Naniwa I like him more. This is just like what TLO was saying about having to readjust your goal every time you win; I really respect that.
Not the biggest Naniwa fan, but I think he conducted himself very well in this interview. He got a good balance between honestly and courtesy; said it like it is while not disrespecting anyone. I think overall Naniwa is a much more mature person now, he's got a better mindset and can really focus on his game rather than getting caught up in stupid off field stuff.
I would be more inclined to agree with Naniwa's idea that Mvp is really good at preparing and that's why he wins in gsl if he had not won an MLG and Blizzcon or got 4th in providence coming from the open bracket.
On May 17 2012 09:18 tskarzyn wrote: Life on planet Naniwa. Naniwa's skill level > MVP's "Super late game" favors Terran. Zerg imba after ovie patch. Everyone else is bad, he is good. Oh wait, except Squirtle. Squirtle is the best in the world right now. Whatever he is smoking, give me double!
Surely you are already smoking something far heavier than anyone else in order to extrapolate and exaggerate expressed opinions in such a way to make them untrue and add statements which was not expressed? o_O
Why are people interpreting his words when they're there clear as can be. It's not like a translation from Klingon to English, you have all his answers in clear text. It's like those doing it need to dumb down his speech into something they can comprehend.
On May 17 2012 09:18 tskarzyn wrote: Life on planet Naniwa. Naniwa's skill level > MVP's "Super late game" favors Terran. Zerg imba after ovie patch. Everyone else is bad, he is good. Oh wait, except Squirtle. Squirtle is the best in the world right now. Whatever he is smoking, give me double!
Surely you are already smoking something far heavier than anyone else in order to extrapolate and exaggerate expressed opinions in such a way to make them untrue and add statements which was not expressed? o_O
Naniwa was definitely smoking something during the interview. Mvp beat the best PvT player in the world in Parting, and super late game absolutely favors protoss. I don't know how many games I have watched a terran get a 60 supply advantage and then lose.. But its too many. And the zerg ovie isn't imba, its the queen range thats the problem.. lol
On May 17 2012 05:56 bananajk wrote: He stole socks? Let's email his sponsors about it. It's so funny, I actually read the whole interview in NaNiWa voice without even realising :D He is just my favourite e-sport personallity.
I lol'd. I hope he can repeat his recent GSL performance soon.
On May 17 2012 09:18 tskarzyn wrote: Life on planet Naniwa. Naniwa's skill level > MVP's "Super late game" favors Terran. Zerg imba after ovie patch. Everyone else is bad, he is good. Oh wait, except Squirtle. Squirtle is the best in the world right now. Whatever he is smoking, give me double!
Surely you are already smoking something far heavier than anyone else in order to extrapolate and exaggerate expressed opinions in such a way to make them untrue and add statements which was not expressed? o_O
Naniwa was definitely smoking something during the interview. Mvp beat the best PvT player in the world in Parting, and super late game absolutely favors protoss. I don't know how many games I have watched a terran get a 60 supply advantage and then lose.. But its too many. And the zerg ovie isn't imba, its the queen range thats the problem.. lol
He seems way more humble after the multiple code a losses....its has done him some good I think, because he is inherently confident, and now he has opened himself up to accepting faults or something...he's going to stick around in GSL with that attitude (I hope at least)...
On May 17 2012 09:18 tskarzyn wrote: Life on planet Naniwa.
Naniwa's skill level > MVP's
"Super late game" favors Terran.
Zerg imba after ovie patch.
Everyone else is bad, he is good. Oh wait, except Squirtle. Squirtle is the best in the world right now.
Whatever he is smoking, give me double!
Why? He backed up everything he said with good arguments. He's probably the best foreign sc2 player in the world and he made it to the ro8 in the GSL, don't you think his opinion carries any weight?
I get the impression people just aren't reading the interview. He clearly explains how much he thinks the mindset part of sc2 plays a very important role. He never says thats a bad thing. He even says Nestea isn't the 'fastest' player, but he has the best gameplay and he respects that.
Seriously guys. Don't browse interviews and post moronic comments, its boring.
And for the record, he says 'super late game.' If a Terran can sack all but 10 of his SCV's, don't you think thats going to be hard to beat, even if Toss is 'imba' late game? Hmmm?
On May 17 2012 09:18 tskarzyn wrote: Life on planet Naniwa.
Naniwa's skill level > MVP's
"Super late game" favors Terran.
Zerg imba after ovie patch.
Everyone else is bad, he is good. Oh wait, except Squirtle. Squirtle is the best in the world right now.
Whatever he is smoking, give me double!
Why? He backed up everything he said with good arguments. He's probably the best foreign sc2 player in the world and he made it to the ro8 in the GSL, don't you think his opinion carries any weight?
I get the impression people just aren't reading the interview. He clearly explains how much he thinks the mindset part of sc2 plays a very important role. He never says thats a bad thing. He even says Nestea isn't the 'fastest' player, but he has the best gameplay and he respects that.
Seriously guys. Don't browse interviews and post moronic comments, its boring.
And for the record, he says 'super late game.' If a Terran can sack all but 10 of his SCV's, don't you think thats going to be hard to beat, even if Toss is 'imba' late game? Hmmm?
Um yes its known by most pros that in super late game when terran has very high ghost count (20+) and 40+ army supply from running on mainly mules, with just scvs for gas, it IS terran favoured without a question.
On May 17 2012 09:18 tskarzyn wrote: Life on planet Naniwa.
Naniwa's skill level > MVP's
"Super late game" favors Terran.
Zerg imba after ovie patch.
Everyone else is bad, he is good. Oh wait, except Squirtle. Squirtle is the best in the world right now.
Whatever he is smoking, give me double!
Why? He backed up everything he said with good arguments. He's probably the best foreign sc2 player in the world and he made it to the ro8 in the GSL, don't you think his opinion carries any weight?
I get the impression people just aren't reading the interview. He clearly explains how much he thinks the mindset part of sc2 plays a very important role. He never says thats a bad thing. He even says Nestea isn't the 'fastest' player, but he has the best gameplay and he respects that.
Seriously guys. Don't browse interviews and post moronic comments, its boring.
And for the record, he says 'super late game.' If a Terran can sack all but 10 of his SCV's, don't you think thats going to be hard to beat, even if Toss is 'imba' late game? Hmmm?
Um yes its known by most pros that in super late game when terran has very high ghost count (20+) and 40+ army supply from running on mainly mules, with just scvs for gas, it IS terran favoured without a question.
I think super-super lategame, Terran is overpowered, when they have planetary fortresses and like 10 SCVs and lots of orbitals and so on, you can’t really win.
That’s like super-late though, like Daybreak 5 bases.
Yeah, once you max and you have like 3-3 against 2-2, then I think it’s advantageous for Protoss, but only for a while, until they sacrifice SCVs and so on. I will say, it’s probably easier to play Terran. Like, it’s very obvious what you have to do: you have to upgrade, expand, do this at that timing, but I think Protoss has more potential.
my thoughts exactly (esp on daybreak). i don't know why terrans complain about late game PvT unless they have horrid army control in which case they should switch races.
and I also agree the overlord speed buff completely negates a lot of timings in PvZ while the queen buff makes it impossible to scout various zerg all ins. it won't break the matchup, but it makes it a lot more one dimensional (where fast 3rd is the only viable option, which zerg can metagame by mass droning).
Awesome interview Wax and Naniwa! It always botheres me by how Naniwa is hated by some guy for what he says , just because he's Naniwa. Stephano says way worst thing but it is ok, since he's Stephano...
On May 17 2012 20:51 Milvus wrote: Best interview yet. We definately need more of this, its just so much better than the standardized and low profile korean interviews.
There are tons of amazing interviews in TIG... it's just that they are so long that no one bothers translating them.
I used to, but TL admins took those down (understandably), and I couldn't convince TIG people to let me translate for them, even free of charge. And that was it. T_T
If he gets the wrong opponents, he will lose for sure. If he gets the right opponent, I still think he will lose, but… I will probably get hated for it, but whatever, that’s just my honest opinion, and I would love to see him prove me wrong, because it’s always nice when another foreigner does well too.
What a badass, in a positive way though
Very, very, very good interview. Thanks to the interviewer. Love it.
Great in depth interview. I was surprised he was so dismissive of Thorzain, but I think that Naniwa still harbors some resentment from TSL3 when he got clocked and felt he should have won. Thorzain is better than Naniwa gives him credit for.
he seems socially retarded. I hope Naniwa can mature as a person so he can be a great player and someone who isn't talked down on.
Actually... I understand every bit of what was stated in this interview... If somebody doesn't then probably he's retarded intelectually
Thats not what socially retarded means.. It's not that he cant articulate his thoughts, it means he doesn't know how to interact with others / doesnt fit well into society. Which unfortunately is somewhat true, he has a bad knack of pissing people off by accident, due to doing something that isnt socially acceptable, like calling Nestea an idiot etc.
I think Naniwa just doesn't have a brain "filter" in terms of what he should say and what he shouldn't. Don't get me wrong I think hes a great player, but he does have the ability to be abraisive....
he seems socially retarded. I hope Naniwa can mature as a person so he can be a great player and someone who isn't talked down on.
Actually... I understand every bit of what was stated in this interview... If somebody doesn't then probably he's retarded intelectually
Thats not what socially retarded means.. It's not that he cant articulate his thoughts, it means he doesn't know how to interact with others / doesnt fit well into society. Which unfortunately is somewhat true, he has a bad knack of pissing people off by accident, due to doing something that isnt socially acceptable, like calling Nestea an idiot etc.
I think Naniwa just doesn't have a brain "filter" in terms of what he should say and what he shouldn't. Don't get me wrong I think hes a great player, but he does have the ability to be abraisive....
i never said he was an idiot, i thought his choice of strategy was idiotic. I can not articulate myself in english as well as i can in swedish which leads to some missunderstandings . just because my english isnt perfect doesnt mean im socially retarded for fuck sake. I hate people like you who just try to find something you can bend to make me look bad ^^ I dont mind if people hate me for my personality or my play but atleast dont make up your own lies and then spread them.
On May 18 2012 01:24 Naniwa wrote: i never said he was an idiot, i thought his choice of strategy was idiotic. I can not articulate myself in english as well as i can in swedish which leads to some missunderstandings . just because my english isnt perfect doesnt mean im socially retarded for fuck sake. I hate people like you who just try to find something you can bend to make me look bad ^^ I dont mind if people hate me for my personality or my play but atleast dont make up your own lies and then spread them.
Don't waste your energy on people with a self claimed "Internet PhD in psychology" with their diagnoses on forums over the net - - -
Btw next GSL finals I dont want to see you on stream at first row, you have to be on the center stage!
So nice to see all this media coverage of Nani lately. He's easily my favourite SC2 player, not just for his skill but also for his strong and honest mentality as well as seeing his own areas where he needs to improve. Bra jobbat Johan!
he seems socially retarded. I hope Naniwa can mature as a person so he can be a great player and someone who isn't talked down on.
Actually... I understand every bit of what was stated in this interview... If somebody doesn't then probably he's retarded intelectually
Thats not what socially retarded means.. It's not that he cant articulate his thoughts, it means he doesn't know how to interact with others / doesnt fit well into society. Which unfortunately is somewhat true, he has a bad knack of pissing people off by accident, due to doing something that isnt socially acceptable, like calling Nestea an idiot etc.
I think Naniwa just doesn't have a brain "filter" in terms of what he should say and what he shouldn't. Don't get me wrong I think hes a great player, but he does have the ability to be abraisive....
Yeah, he's awkward sometimes, but I it's some serious overstatement to say that he "doesn't fit well into society"... And it doesn't say anything good about you either, cause it's almost like discriminating somebody due to some personal characteristics of this person. If anything, all this means that people are xenophobic and non-tolerant. For me personally I find Naniwa to be a great personality, very honest, at times very serious about his profession, and quite special. And this makes him so valuable. If you say, that he "doesn't fit into society" because he doesn't behave as most of people then that's fine, cause most of people don't have much to show... Most people are just dull. And I guess "social" in your understanding, cause they "fit well into society"...
Amazing interview! and to the people who dislike his personality, i just want to say.. imagine how much less interesting sc2 would be without outspoken personalities. Ofcourse they might say some things that are not always the best, or that you might disagree with, but at least they are willing to share their honest thoughts with the world, and create amazing storylines, which is generally good for the game.
If i look at post-interviews with soccer players, they are so neutered by media training that you almost never get to hear interesting things.
No humility, disrespects his peers constantly, makes bizarre statements on balance, and just has one of those sour faces that you'd love to throw pies and rotten fruit at. Can't think of an SC2 player i like less.
On May 18 2012 13:21 tskarzyn wrote: No humility, disrespects his peers constantly, makes bizarre statements on balance, and just has one of those sour faces that you'd love to throw pies and rotten fruit at. Can't think of an SC2 player i like less.
More focused than almost any other, disrespected by his peers constantly, hated for honest answers he gives when people ask to interview him, and such awesome hair. Can't think of a foreign protoss gsl ro8 maker I like more.
On May 18 2012 13:21 tskarzyn wrote: No humility, disrespects his peers constantly, makes bizarre statements on balance, and just has one of those sour faces that you'd love to throw pies and rotten fruit at. Can't think of an SC2 player i like less.
lol Does naniwa offrace at all? Protoss late game is weaker than terran? Hes just lost all credibility to me. Well i guess he never really had any in the first place since that time he qqed about protoss on gsl after his 1 base blinkstalker all in failed.
If terran frees up supply and gets planetaries protoss can counter by stockpiling hts and build canons and make a million pylons+gateways not to mention get a lot of colloso and mothership like ...... protoss has the strongest late game its just protoss players have lacked the skill to get there for a long time.
On May 18 2012 07:44 1ManArmy wrote: Amazing interview! and to the people who dislike his personality, i just want to say.. imagine how much less interesting sc2 would be without outspoken personalities. Ofcourse they might say some things that are not always the best, or that you might disagree with, but at least they are willing to share their honest thoughts with the world, and create amazing storylines, which is generally good for the game.
If i look at post-interviews with soccer players, they are so neutered by media training that you almost never get to hear interesting things.
Great interview, good job by Nani showing a much more mature side of himself. Really hope there's a lot of success along this guy's path, because he certainly deserves it.
I've never been a huge Naniwa fan, but his responses here are very interesting and give lots of food for thought. The implication that he may have more raw skill than MVP... well, I find that hard to believe, but if he can prove otherwise, all power to him. His point about the extensive preparation and mind-blowing pre-match decision making of people like MVP or MC was very well taken.
And also I think he's pretty close to the mark on the relative rankings of foreigners. Stephano is VERY good, but doesn't always display the same results against top Code S players (not always, as in, he sometimes wins against them but not with the same degree of consistency he displays against other foreigners). ThorZain is super slick with his decision-making and patience, but I doubt at this stage he can compete as well as Stephano or Naniwa with the top Koreans (although I hope he continues to get there a la Dreamhack).
As for Squirtle being tons better than MVP and maybe the best player in the world? I don't see it. Squirtle has been in total boss-mode this GSL, but until he shows me as good of an affinity for a wide range of Protoss styles over the course of multiple series and seasons as opposed to that LETHALLY timed 2-base Colossus play (don't get me wrong, that shit is TERRIFYING and I dread facing even poor copies of it on ladder), I can't in good conscience say he is better than MVP balanced out over all factors.
On May 18 2012 13:21 tskarzyn wrote: No humility, disrespects his peers constantly, makes bizarre statements on balance, and just has one of those sour faces that you'd love to throw pies and rotten fruit at. Can't think of an SC2 player i like less.
Can't think of anything more annoying on TL than all the hatiwas.
On May 18 2012 13:21 tskarzyn wrote: No humility, disrespects his peers constantly, makes bizarre statements on balance, and just has one of those sour faces that you'd love to throw pies and rotten fruit at. Can't think of an SC2 player i like less.
lol Does naniwa offrace at all? Protoss late game is weaker than terran? Hes just lost all credibility to me. Well i guess he never really had any in the first place since that time he qqed about protoss on gsl after his 1 base blinkstalker all in failed.
If terran frees up supply and gets planetaries protoss can counter by stockpiling hts and build canons and make a million pylons+gateways not to mention get a lot of colloso and mothership like ...... protoss has the strongest late game its just protoss players have lacked the skill to get there for a long time.
On May 18 2012 13:21 tskarzyn wrote: No humility, disrespects his peers constantly, makes bizarre statements on balance, and just has one of those sour faces that you'd love to throw pies and rotten fruit at. Can't think of an SC2 player i like less.
I'm confused. This interview was about Naniwa, not IdrA.
On May 18 2012 13:21 tskarzyn wrote: No humility, disrespects his peers constantly, makes bizarre statements on balance, and just has one of those sour faces that you'd love to throw pies and rotten fruit at. Can't think of an SC2 player i like less.
lol Does naniwa offrace at all? Protoss late game is weaker than terran? Hes just lost all credibility to me. Well i guess he never really had any in the first place since that time he qqed about protoss on gsl after his 1 base blinkstalker all in failed.
If terran frees up supply and gets planetaries protoss can counter by stockpiling hts and build canons and make a million pylons+gateways not to mention get a lot of colloso and mothership like ...... protoss has the strongest late game its just protoss players have lacked the skill to get there for a long time.
yes im sure you know more about it then naniwa
This. Also, didn't Tester write that "all pros know this" ealier in the thread? Do we discount the opinions of pros regarding balance/strategy now? But I'm sure you know better then some scrub that coudn't make it past the round of 8 in gsl.