Check out the the SK Planet Proleague on Liquipedia
Championship Quality
The Elephants have come to roost! Err... something like that.
With the eight KeSPA teams finally turning their attention to Starcraft II, TeamLiquid interviewed some of the greatest Brood War talents about the early transitional period to Starcraft II. SKT1's Coach Park, SKT1's Bisu, and KeSPA Team Eight's Jaedong have around a dozen championships between them, and not surprisingly, their words proved to be insightful.
*Special thanks to Blizzard Korea's Jung Seunghyun for arranging these interviews, and helping make all of TL's Korean coverage possible. We couldn't have done it without him!
Head Coach Park
SK Telecom T1
A long-time veteran of the Korean Brood War scene, Park Yong Woon started off at the very bottom. After finding his first coaching gig with the impoverished Pirates of Space, Coach Park stuck it out with his team for several years until they were acquired by MBCGame. He had his first taste of Proleague success when MBCGame Hero won their first and only championship in the 2006 Proleague, an achievement that helped him secure the head coaching position of the prestigious and well-funded SK T1 in 2008. He hasn't had to worry about keeping the position since, as he's brought home two championship trophies for SK T1.
You've been working in Brood War for a while, and now Proleague has become a hybrid league. What do you think of Starcraft II?
PJY: Starcraft II has a lot of new ideas and concepts in it, like warp-gates, colossi, reapers, etc., and I'm looking forward to what will happen with more patches and expansions.
Internationally, there was a lot of talk about how it's an easier game than Starcraft 1, how do you feel about that?
The difference between Brood War and Starcraft II is that there's a lot of automation, and in the world of pro-gamers, it requires less manual dexterity, so I think people feel that it's easier. While there are some similarities between the two games, there are differences as well, and ultimately I don't think you can say Starcraft II is 'easy.' The game can be very fast, and it requires good decision making on a moment's notice, so it's not an easy game.
What's more difficult in Starcraft II?
In terms of units vs units, you always think that 'I can win this battle if I can fight it in this particular way' in Brood War, but maybe because we haven't practiced enough yet, we're having trouble figuring it out in Starcraft II. Also, it's been hard to figure out timings.
What kind of players are finding the transition to be the easiest?
The players who try the most? I mean to say, at a base level, the players who practice the most as obviously the best. And among those players, the ones who can grasp the characteristics of the game quickly, about units, counter relationships, etc., are developing the fastest.
Is there a player on SKT who seems to naturally gifted at Starcraft II?
Right now, Jung Yoon Jong (ID: By.Sun or By.Rain) is very good in practice. To put it shortly, he's our highest ranking player on the ladder right now. He's a player who's played a lot of other games in the past, not even just RTS games, so maybe that's why he's fast to pick up games. Also, he looks at a lot of 'reference material,' and is naturally inclined to do research, so I think his transition was quick.
Did you watch Starcraft II before this official switch? Did you start doing any kind of preparation even before the announcement, thinking you should be ready for any possibility?
Our staff was interested in Starcraft II since the beta, and in my case, I played a lot of beta Starcraft II games with Boxer (when he was on SKT) during the off-season. Also, before the start of the previous, previous season, SKT players played a lot of Starcraft II. The colloquial expression would be “we practiced until we started spitting up blood.” So we had that practice under our belt, before going into the next Brood War season.
SK also switched all of our computers, so that we could play Starcraft II. In the case of some other teams, they were in a situation where they couldn't play Starcraft II even if they wanted because their computer specs were too low, but we had the hardware to play some Starcraft II beforehand.
What's the ratio of practice for this new Proleague season?
Because the format is first half: Brood War, second half: Starcraft II, and ace match: Starcraft II, so statistically Starcraft II has a 66% weight. So we're practicing Starcraft II at a higher ratio than that, at about 80%. In terms of Brood War, the maps are the same as last season, so our practice is focused on going over the same ground.
Mvp mentioned in an interview that it's very hard to play Brood War and Starcraft II at once. Do SKT players feel that way?
I understand what he said in that interview – I played a lot of Starcraft II beta during the off-season, and it was very confusing to play Brood War again, like worker rallying, etc. However, I think it's because no one's practiced specifically for that situation. If you play Starcraft II for a long time and then play Brood War, it's going to be hard. But our players are training to play both games, going back and forth between the two games. When I ask the players how they feel, no one's said that it's difficult, not just yet.
I do think there could be problems in terms of game quality, playing Brood War after a lot of Starcraft II. I don't think Brood War will have quite the same level of quality as before, that problem exists. But the players don't feel like it's extremely tough.
Are you worried a lot about that? Because you play two games, you can't be the best at either game, and you will be stuck showing games that are below top-tier quality in both disciplines?
Yes, it's a concern. The teams and players competing in the GSL focus solely on Starcraft II, and we're playing two games. It's disappointing because it would be possible for us to show better games, but we can't. Still, I think that we'll catch up to the GSL competitors soon. At least, we're going into this league with that kind of confidence (laughs).
If you ask people in the Starcraft II industry about how long it will take Brood War players to completely transition, you get a lot of opinions, from three months to over a year. What's your opinion?
I think it will take until the end of this season. This season ends in September, so it's about five months. After that, and we're heading into the next season, I think we'll be able to stand toe to toe with the top players in the GSL.
Do you think it would have been more convenient to have just switched to Starcraft II altogether?
From a pro-team's perspective, of course it's far more convenient. But that's not our decision; it's based on what a lot of fans want, and what companies/sponsors want, and we have to adapt to whatever happens. Hybrid league is a bit tough, but... In a way it's a unique league in the world, playing two games at once. Working to create games that are fun and emotional for the fans is the best thing we can do.
Of course, a championship is your goal. But considering that this season is so unique and strange, do you feel slightly less pressured to win this season, or maybe that rebuilding and preparing is more important?
All of that has crossed my mind, but because we're professionals, we still believe we must win. This is a peculiar season with a sweeping change, and I think it's more valuable to win in this kind of season. If our players can get together and adjust to something new, instead of doing what they've always done, I think it would be more valuable. We're more motivated to win than during last year's season.
You seem to be going for the plan of being good at both Brood War and Starcraft II. Do you think other strategies are viable as well? Do you expect other teams to use strategies such as focusing solely on Starcraft II, or having certain players that only play one game?
Yes, I think it's completely possible. In particular, I think there's a chance that teams such as Air Force ACE that were having a hard time before could all-in on Starcraft II. I've heard for a fact that certain teams are doing this. They've played Brood War for years now, so they're just planning to get squeeze the bare minimum they can out of Brood War, and focus primarily on Starcraft II.
You must know a lot of ex-Brood War players and coaches who are now working in Starcraft II. Do you talk to them often, or ask for advice?
Yes, they've done a lot of building up to now, and I'm trying to reference a lot of that. I talk to Starcraft II players and staff on battle.net a lot, and we've implemented a few things.
The Heart of The Swarm expansion will probably be out sometime next year. Do you see that as an opportunity, like a kind of “reset” that happened with the release of the Brood War expansion?
I think that will be another turning point in Starcraft II. I've tried it out with the custom maps that have the new units implemented.
I don't think that Terran has much variety in unit composition right now. In Brood War you play bio vs Zerg and mech vs Protoss, and there's a lot of interesting ways to use units like that. I think for there to be more variety, the expansion could help a lot. They should buff tanks! (laughs)
There's a lot of balance patches in Starcraft II, compared to Brood War that hasn't had a balance patch in a very long time. Players in Brood War had to find all the solutions for themselves over years of effort, while Blizzard is taking a more active part in Starcraft II. How do you feel about that difference?
I think it's great that Blizzard is paying a lot of attention to this game. The thing I'm worried about is the timing of patches, with so many leagues in the world. I think communication between Blizzard and the leagues is very important. A patch hitting at an important point in the league would be very bad.
Brood War only became big in Korea, whereas Starcraft II is even bigger internationally than it is in Korea. Is that something you're thinking about as you go into this league?
Starcraft II's the biggest merit is that it's a global game. My heart beats faster when I think about SKT players like Bisu or Fantasy playing on the world stage, and when I wonder if the top Brood War players can reach those positions in global leagues like they have inside Korea. I'm looking forward to them playing great games in front of fans from around the world.
Does SKT plan to specifically target the foreign audience?
Well, that's the front office's job, so I can't really say.
One of the reasons Starcraft II became so big overseas, and one way a lot of foreigners accumulated fans was through personal streaming. What do you think about it?
It has pros and cons – but I haven't seriously thought about it yet. I think it's something that's happening because of how the income model is for players in Starcraft II. If they were busier, I don't think they would be streaming.
The KeSPA teams and Starcraft II federation teams are separate for now. What do you expect to happen down the line?
Well, no one can know the future. But in my opinion, I think that because our starting points were different, we'll go our separate ways for a while. It's possible that in the future we will join together, but it could also end up in a format where we stay separate like an Eastern and Western conference.
A lot of hardcore Brood War fans are very disappointed about the hybrid Proleague. Do you have any comments for them?
I sympathize with how the fans feel, and personally, I feel sad that there won't be a pure Brood War league anymore.
But there's nothing that can be done about that. I think that we must avoid a situation like what happened to Korean pro-volleyball or pro-ssireum (Traditional Korean wrestling). Instead of losing Brood War in a similar fashion, I think it's a lot better to go this way, because at least you can watch the same players. Also, those players can go abroad and gain more fans, which is great as well.
So please don't feel too hurt. Starcraft II is a bit difficult to watch at first, and there are a lot of differences, but we would really appreciate it if you watched us.
Do you think that skill as a coach transfers more easily between games than skill as a player?
I've always felt during my time as a coach – and I always tell this to our coaching staff as well – you must be specialized to your game. I've always done a lot of research and analysis, and I think that's required. Also, the coaching staff has to be on the same page with the players, knowing their characteristics, habits, and styles.
I think the difficulty in switching games is similar for players and coaches. Achieving the requisite level of specialization to be a coach is very hard, and our staff has to manage all the players and also find time to research Starcrafft II. In T1's case, our staff starts work earlier, and leaves later than the players. We don't have that much time, and we need to understand a lot about Starcraft II if we want to talk to our players about it. You need to know as much about the game as the players, or else you can't control them.
Is managing players in Starcraft II very different for a coach? The ladder system is very different, it's easier to scout out your opponent's accounts and see builds, etc.
The system for Starcraft II is very good, but it could be more private. T1, and KeSPA as well, have requested some help from Blizzard in that aspect. Something like a separate server, or some way players can practice with privacy.
Brood War practice was based heavily around internal practice between teammates, but Starcraft II is very ladder-centric. Are you practicing mainly on ladder, or have you already moved on to internal games?
Right now, we think it's best to get a broad range of experience, so we're playing primarily on ladder right now. I think by the middle of the first round, we'll start playing more internal matches.
Could you tell us how well your players are doing on the ladder right now? Like say, someone is GM #....
In the case of our team, we played in the previous Proleague finals and we went to Hawaii after that, so we haven't had that much time to practice, compared to the other teams. The other teams do have some GM players, or so I've heard.
Still, you don't get into GM just because you're good, you also have to play a sufficient number of games. I think we have GM class players, but no one is actually in GM league yet. Most of our players are in the 1000's of Masters League.
Players like Flash, Jaedong, etc., are coming into Starcraft II with huge expectations in the international scene – people seem to almost believe they are just naturally talented at RTS. Why do you think they were so good at Brood War, and do you think they will be good at Starcraft II?
It's true that if you're not talented, you can't reach the very top. So they're all talented at a base level. While I haven't seen Flash or JD up close, if you look at players like Bisu or Fantasy on our team, they combined their talent with an enormous amount of effort. The amount of effort they put in is just on another level from an ordinary pro-gamer. The guys who make it to the top are like that, because they have so many fans watching their games, so they have to put in that kind of effort to show their fans the best games possible.
But for players like that to take the next step, they need the right people next to them, helping them out. If you try to do it alone, you're going to progress slowly. You have to help them out in every way possible, so they they can develop quickly. You need all three: talent, effort, and coaching.
Do you believe then, because the current Starcraft II teams aren't being run in a systematically efficient way like the KeSPA teams, that the KeSPA teams will overtake them in the long run?
Yes, I say this cautiously, but I'm confident that will happen. (laughs)
I've been working with pro-gaming teams for eight years, and I've tried so many different things, different practice methods in that time. Through those efforts, our current methods have become stabilized and refined. With our experience, I think we will be able to step ahead of the current teams.
Any Starcraft II players you like in particular?
JulyZerg.
*Everyone laughs. I don't know why.
Anyone who didn't come from Brood War?
Oddly, I end up mostly watching players who used to play Brood War. They just have so much personality.
I do like players like say, MarineKing, because he has his own unique characteristic, in his case making a lot of marines and using them well.
How about foreigners?
Unfortunately I haven't been able to see that many of their games, because we don't have time to watch Starcraft II during the PL season. I'll try to see more of their games.
A lot of foreign fans are despairing at the idea of 200 more Korean pros joining the scene. Any words of hope?
(Surprised) Despairing? Why?
Koreans are kind of owning them already.
Oh, well then I invite the despairing gamers to try-out for our team. If you play with us, I'm sure that you can compete with the best Korean players. Come to Korea!
So you'd be open to acquiring foreign players, if they showed the talent?
Personally I'm very positive about it, but that's up to the front office in the end. I would enjoy living with foreigners and seeing what they're like. Also, the way they approach games is a bit different from Koreans, so I would like to analyze that difference and find exactly why Koreans become top-class gamers. But I would have to learn English first, I guess? (laughs)
Any last comments?
We've started playing Starcraft II now, but we're still playing Brood War at the same time, and we haven't had much time to prepare yet. So even if our players happen to disappoint in their games, I hope you'll be a bit easy on us for at least this season. This is a first step where were still developing, but by September we'll start showing some proper, entertaining Starcraft II games. As always, thanks for supporting us!
Bisu
SK Telecom T1
Bisu is one of the greatest Protoss players ever, if not the greatest. His break-out tournament was one for the history books, where he defeated the then-invincible Savior by a score of 3 - 0 in the GomTV MBCGame Starleague. Bisu used his revolutionary corsair-dark templar style to win with alarming ease, and almost single-handedly changed a PvZ meta-game that had been stagnant for years. Bisu would go on to win two more MSL titles, and a combined three Proleague championships with MBCGame Hero and SK T1. Known both for his good looks and dizzying multi-tasking ability, Bisu is the face of the defending Proleague champions.
Bisu: (laughs) No, I didn't. I wouldn't be able to, because I don't go to many foreign tournaments.
You've started playing Starcraft II for real now, what do you think about the game?
I feel that I still have some way to go. A long way. I've been practicing for maybe a month now...
We practiced last year, for around two weeks? Back then, I felt that things would go well. But now, maybe because everyone else got a lot better, it's really hard to win. It's still hard.
Some say that it's an easier game because of the interface, what do you think?
I think the interface being simpler and more convenient is nice. Compared to Brood War, it feels like you're playing the game more... fluidly.
A lot of people say your advantage in Brood War was your excellent mechanics and multi-tasking. But with the easier interface, do you think your advantage has been reduced?
The racial balance is a bit different in this game, and the unit counter relationships are totally different. So far, I don't really feel the need for so much multi-tasking with Starcraft II Protoss. So right now, I don't really know what the advantage/disadvantage is of having fast hands.
Does Protoss feel very different from Brood War?
You could try and convince yourself the concept is similar, but I think it's pretty different. Because I have to play both Brood War and Starcraft II right now, I practice under the idea that they're two totally different games. I haven't tried to change the hotkeys for Starcraft II yet, either.
If you keep playing Starcraft II and you find a race that play more closely to Brood War Protoss, or just fits your style better, do you have any inclination of switching races?
Well, I'd have to play Protoss. A lot of people expect things from me, I think it's right that I play Protoss. If I'm bad, then maybe I would change... But I don't know, I guess I have to play Protoss.
What's the hardest difference to adjust to right now, for a single unit?
I think it's a better race than it is in Brood War. If I had to point out something difficult, because the game is 3d, my units won't unload [out of a warp-prism] at the location I want it to. Also, I make some mistakes when I click toward the edges of the mini-map, I'm still getting used to it.
Is there anything you would have liked from Starcraft II in Brood War? Force-fields?
If I had force-fields in Brood War, I'd never lose.
How are you practicing right now?
I'm playing a lot of Starcraft II right now. There's about a week of time left until opening day now, so I'm playing both games. Our understanding of Starcraft II is lacking right now. If we want to show people skilled games on TV, I think it would take at least three months.
Is it tough to practice two games at once?
No, not really. I just think they're two different games. Although, when I play Brood War, I really want to use chrono-boost. Probes build so slowly! So at times like that, I feel a bit annoyed.
You have the nickname “Revolutionary” in Brood War. Do you think you can live up to that name in SC2? Change the entire meta-game, again?
(laughs) It's possible. It's been my style to try out a lot of things, things pro-gamers don't really do. If I find something effective, I might use it in a televised game.
Your use of corsairs and dark templars in PvZ was something that came about after years of Protoss players getting killed by Zerg, without any patch from Blizzard. What do you think about Blizzard patching Starcraft II so often? Is it good? Or do you think it's good for players to just find their own way?
More frequent patching is great (laughs). Protoss seems to get better each time.
In Brood War, Protoss seemed to keep getting worse... I hope Starcraft II is different.
So you think that Protoss is good in Starcraft II?
I thought it was bad at first, when I played last year around September. They weren't that good back then. Then they started getting buffed, with the forge upgrade price change, etc.
Some of your old teammates from MBCGame Hero and SK T1 are playing Starcraft II now. Have you talked to them much about SC2, or practiced with them?
No, I don't really talk to them about Starcraft II. I feel kind of bad asking them for help in that way. They're doing what they can to succeed, and we're trying to catch up after a late start.
How's Starcraft II, purely from a spectator standpoint?
I guess 3D games are right for these times, though I haven't adjusted completely. The fights end so fast, so that's kind of unfortunate, but that has its own merits. It forces you to micro very well. You have to micro in a kind of different way, you have to focus-fire very well... it's a bit tough.
Is there a player you like among the SC2 players? Someone you think is good?
Hmmm... HerO? HerO, he knows what he's doing.
Watching the GSL, how long do you think it will take for you to become a Code S class player?
(laughs) Code S? I don't know, it feels really far away. You have to start all the way from Code B. I don't know yet.
From what we can tell, you're probably going to go MLG Anaheim for a show match against other Brood War pros. You'll be playing in front of a ton of foreign fans –
– I have to play?
You didn't know? It looks like it's going to be a single elim tournament with eight players.
*Groans* Oh no...
Do you think you can look good for the fans by then?
I'll have to come up with a special strategy.
I guess it was tough to practice SC2 because of Proleague finals?
Right, we didn't practice at all until the finals ended. Us and the other finalist KT, we're both having some trouble because of that.
You were invited to Blizzcon last year, where they had the battle.net invitational, and GSL October finals. What was it like?
The foreign fans were really passionate. I was envious of Mvp and MMA. I had no idea there would be so many people.
Are you looking forward to what's to come from the MLG-KeSPA partnership? Getting opportunities to compete abroad and such?
Since a long time ago, I've wanted to play internationally. And this is just a silly dream, but I've wondered what it would be like to get acquired by a big foreign team, like Koreans who play for big teams in the Premier League or the Major League. But that kind of dream, I don't think it's realistic right now.
Yeah, I don't think they have the money. Anyway, who's the best on T1 right now?
I think we're all similar. It's too early to say who's better and who's worse. We were all pros at Brood War, so everyone is pretty good to some degree.
So, Flash was seen beating a foreign pro on the ladder.
Really? He's good....
Do you think there's a lot of carry-over from Brood War skill to Starcraft II skill? Foreigners are pretty excited about the TaekBaengLeeSsang (Flash, Jaedong, Bisu, Stork) playing Starcraft II.
I think there is to some degree. Flash is good, and I've heard Jaedong is good as well. I haven't heard much about Stork, though. I'm confident, too, in my ability to do well.
Players like you and the rest of the TBLS, what do you think your strength is?
Me? My strength is that I practice a lot. It's not that I understand the game particularly well, I feel that it's important to experience a lot of situations, so I focus on practicing a lot.
One quick Brood War question. Can we talk about the Ace match at the Proleague finals? Were you nervous for the ace-match against Flash? You've played in so many finals.
I was really, really nervous, it was crazy. The score was tied 3 – 3, and I was going up against Flash. I still get pretty nervous now. If it's not the ace-match, it's not so bad, but I still get very nervous for Ace matches. But even if I'm nervous, it doesn't affect my skill, I can control it. I've never felt that I've lost because I was nervous – only because I played poorly.
Do you think SKT1 can win this season?
I don't know! (laughs) Because of Starcraft II. If it was just Brood War, I would be confident. But we really haven't been able to play much Starcraft II, and we need to practice a lot. If we do practice, I think we can be good.
Have you faced off against a lot of other Brood War players on the ladder? How are they?
Yes, I don't know who they are exactly, but I've played a lot of them. I feel that I'm lacking right now.
Considering that, do you think it would be better to focus on cheesy strategies for now?
No, I play every style. I think it's good to play long games, because I have to improve my ability at planning from a big picture perspective.
You were eliminated in the OSL preliminaries this season. If this isn't the last OSL, and there's another one after that, what do you plan to do? Proleague would be all SC II by then, but you would really want to win an OSL personally.
As a pro-gamer, I've always wanted to win an OSL. But I don't know if they're going to do Brood War or Starcraft II after this season. If they do Brood War, then I really want to go for it. But even if it's Starcraft II, I don't think it will be that bad.
Brood War will be gone forever from the Proleague in five months. Have you ever thought about that? Not playing the game you've spent so many years with.
No, I thought I'd be playing Brood War until I retired. But time... time is time. We have to follow the trends that fit the age. If I play Starcraft II, I think a lot of people will enjoy that, too.
Do you think you've become more cynical about esports over the years? Or that it doesn't feel the same to you?
All the veterans have retired, so it's not quite as nostalgic.
And these days, all the games are the same. There aren't any strategic victories, people just play towards a safe mid-late game and decide it there. There aren't any games that feel like those of the past.
Starcraft II is kind of that way too, people take expansions safely and play a late game.
Well, Starcraft II, it could be different. It's only been two years, so I think there could be a lot of strategic games. Also, Heart of the Swarm will be out, too, so I have a lot of expectations.
You think you'll still play Brood War occasionally?
Yeah, I think so. After a drink or two.
Alright, any last comments.
If I end up going to Anaheim, please cheer me on even if I don't do so well. I really want to hear the cheers of the foreign audience, so show me what you guys are all about. I haven't been able to go to TeamLiquid that much, but I heard it's a great site for Starcraft II resources, so I'll try to go more often. Thanks for your support!
Jaedong
KeSPA Team Eight
Known as "The Tyrant" in Korea, Jaedong's rule was fearsome indeed. Winning three OSL championships, two MSL championships, and chipping in for a Proleague championship as well, Jaedong was the most feared player of the late 2000's. During this time Jaedong was especially known for his amazing mutalisk micro, winning games using only his trademark unit. When Flash grew from a promising youth into a legitimate championship player, he and Jaedong started one of the greatest Brood War rivalries of all time, culminating in several grand final clashes between the so called 'Lee-Ssang.' Jaedong has carried the banner for Zerg fans for over five years now, and he may very well be his race's greatest player.
How long has it been since you've started practicing Starcraft II? How is it so far?
A little under two months.
It's pretty fun, the process of learning the game after I started was fun. I think it's a well made game, and I think a lot of people will enjoy it. With some more time, I should be able to show a good level of skill.
What do you think the biggest difference between the Brood War and Starcraft II is?
I think Starcraft II is – how to put it – faster? The game feels a lot faster on the whole.
I haven't played a lot yet, so I don't know if this is correct, but I think it's difficult.
When the game first came out, people said the interface would make Starcraft II easier.
I heard that a lot at first, so I was kind of underestimating the game. But after I started playing it beginning at the level of a total newbie, it's been very hard. I've been running up against a lot of walls. Maybe it's because I'm Zerg? I think I'm getting better as I play, though. I've played Starcraft 1 for over ten years, and I've played Starcraft II for just two months, and it's an easy game to approach for someone who's played Starcraft 1.
We asked this to Bisu as well, but both of you were known for your mechanics, and your great multitasking. That helped you a lot in Brood War, so do you think you're at a disadvantage because the interface is easier in Starcraft II?
As I've been playing the game and improving, I've started to get to a stage where I can start taking advantage of those abilities. So I'm getting more confident in that regard. I'm gaining confidence that I can be get much better in the near future. So I think I'm at an advantage in that aspect.
How does Zerg feel to you in comparison to Brood War?
It's similar, but I think depending on the skill of the player, there's a lot of growth potential for Zerg, to maximize its strength. If the Zerg plays very well, then it can be very strong. As I played, I felt that if you can play this race almost perfectly, then it could be stronger than the other races.
In that case, what's difficult right now?
Right now, my understanding of theory is very low; I'm just learning. If I can increase my understanding of the game, I could play a lot better, but I need time.
What aspects of Zerg have the most potential?
I'm not quite sure, you have to do everything well when you play Zerg. It's a difficult race, but it seems strong if you play well.
There's a tendency for Starcraft II games to be more macro-based, more mid to late game oriented than Brood War. What do you think about that?
Because you have to be very careful about committing to fights, there are a lot of games where both players are just eying each other and being tentative. It's hard to see big comebacks, so I think it's difficult. Losing one fight swings the game very severely, which is very stressful as a gamer.
You were a very aggressive player during your early Brood War career, do you find it more fun to play that way?
That's up to individual player taste. Personally I like to attack, so I play that way. Everyone has their own style.
Your were famous for your mutalisk micro in Brood War, but mutalisks are very different in Starcraft II. How's that going for you?
I tried to microing them in the Brood War way, but it wasn't working out. To be honest, I'm getting really stressed out over that part. That micro made me different from everyone else in Brood War, and I won a lot of games on that micro alone. Since that's gone, I'm trying to play Starcraft II with a wide variety of units, so I'm skilled on the whole.
Bisu mentioned that micro is actually more important in Starcraft II than Brood War. Do you feel that it's true?
Yes, I'm finding it hard to micro in big fights. Because I'm just starting out, my hands won't do what I want them to. It's been hard adjusting.
What's your practice ratio like?
I'm focusing very heavily on Starcraft II, around an 8:2 ratio?
Is it very hard to play both games together?
It's kind of hard to play Brood War after playing Starcraft II. The graphics, the micro, you're actually going back in time. But if you play Starcraft II after Brood War, it's fine.
Can you maintain your Brood War skill level at an 8:2 practice ratio?
I'm actually pretty worried about that, but there's nothing I can do about it. I'm trying to just maintain my Brood War skill level, while bringing my Starcraft II skill level up is the first priority.
Would it be easier to just switch completely to Starcraft II?
If you think about just the pro-gamers, it would be more convenient. But there are Proleague, Starleague fans remaining, and if you take them into consideration, I think it's correct to play both games. It's hard, but it's something we've got to deal with.
Some fans think that Starcraft II practice affected your performance in the OnGameNet Dual Tournament [Jaedong was eliminated]. Is that correct?
Well, I don't think you can say so, because I think it's all the same. The person who lost is at fault. We all played in the same situation, so I have no excuse.
There's big expectations for the TBLS in Starcraft II, because of your huge accomplishments in Brood War. People seem to think that maybe there's something innate about you guys that made you special? What do you think?
No, I don't there's anything special about me at all. I just think I'm a little bit better at games than others. Nothing innate. I just practiced harder than others, and because I put in the time, I became skilled.
The players who are playing Starcraft II now, the players in the GSL – I don't think it will be easy at all to overtake those players, and I think we will have to put in a lot of effort going forth.
Do you talk to any ex-OZ players about Starcraft II? Getting tips?
No, not really. I've asked them a few questions online, but I haven't met up with them in real life for that purpose.
It could be the end of Brood War, after this Proleague is over. Have you thought about that at all?
Well, there's nothing that can be done. It's not like anything changes because I have lingering feelings for Brood War. For pro-gamers like me, the wisest thing to do is go along with the situation you are put in. So after this hybrid league, if everything switches to Starcraft II, the best attitude to have is try and adapt as quickly as possible.
Is there anything left in Brood War that you want to achieve?
If I think about it, then I do have a lot of regrets. But I try not to think about it too much. I'm satisfied, and I think feeling that way puts your heart at ease.
How long do you think it would take for Brood War pros to reach Code S level skill?
We're playing two games now, and that's the biggest factor. If we played just Starcraft II, I think we could improve very quickly. But because of the hybrid league, it could take a lot of time .
You think this Proleague carries as much weight as the previous Proleagues? It's very peculiar, and players might not show their best games.
I always feel that the Proleague is very important, every season. Even though it's different this season, I will approach it the same way.
Do you watch much GSL? Or personal streams?
After the announcement of hybrid Proleague, I looked up and watched a lot of VODs.
Is there a player you like?
Yes. Stephano. I really like him.
Watching his games, he execute the plays that I would like to do. The kind of plays that I've drawn up in my mind, he uses them a lot in his games.
Also, he's a foreigner, and that was also very impressive. To think that someone who's not Korean could play like that was fascinating, and I thought it was very attractive.
You've been abroad for tournaments like WCG, and the fans there are a bit different from Korean fans. How do you feel about competing abroad?
I like it a lot. I'm thankful to the fans, and I really like them, but because they're foreigners, it's hard for me to express that to him. And it's not like I'm good at English. I'm so thankful to the fans but I have trouble expressing it, so that's been regrettable.
Are you excited to play more games abroad?
Yes, I've won the OSL and MSL multiple times, but the WCG's I've been to really stick out in my memory. The passion of the foreign fans really left an impression. If I could play Starcraft II abroad, it would be great. I hope people are looking forward to it.
Do you think that the LeeSsang rivalry will stay alive in Starcraft II?
That, I don't know. I think there's a lot of things outside of the actual game that are quite important. I hope we can keep our relationship as friendly rivals, and that we both do well. It would be great if we could play great games in Starcraft II as well for fans to get excited about.
Okay, some quick questions and answers. Who's the best player in the house?
Not me. I would say Ha Jae Sang (ID: Sang) is the best.
Do you play many Brood War pros on the ladder?
If you play ladder these days, it's almost all Brood War gamers.
Any Brood War units you want to see in Starcraft 2? Scourge?
Yes, I think scourge are a big thing. It's taking a while to get used to their absence. I can't deal with medivac harass perfectly yet.
How about the reverse?
Banelings. So you can just blow up marines and medics in one go.
Do you feel that maybe Brood War is almost figured out? Especially with the development of late mechanic in TvZ. Or do you think that with even more time, things could have changed again?
Starcraft 1 has a really long history, and it's changed a lot with the times. One race is strong, then another race finds a way to topple that race, and that cycle has repeated itself many times. Maybe you could think this is almost the end, and that everything there is to do has been done, but feel that if Brood War kept going, there would be plenty of possibilities for the gamers to change the game with their efforts and research. I think it's always open.
Alright, any final comments for your fans?
It's still surprising to think I have fans abroad, and I'm thankful for them. I feel responsible because of that, and I'm confident that I can be as good in Starcraft II as I was in Brood War. I'll do my best to overtake the great Zerg players in the GSL, and I'll show that I am the best player.
No, I don't there's anything special about me at all. I just think I'm a little bit better at games than others. Nothing innate. I just practiced harder than others, and because I put in the time, I became skilled.
Oh, well then I invite the despairing gamers to try-out for our team. If you play with us, I'm sure that you can compete with the best Korean players. Come to Korea!
If only all Brood War fans would read this. It is sad that PL will be SC2 only next season, but they aren't whining or complaining that the end is near. They are looking forward to a new beginning and practicing as hard as they can. As a fan of Brood War, it has started to annoy me the chats that I've had with others about SC2 and how they absolutely hate the game for no apparently, valid reason other than, "It is taking away Brood War" and "there's no skill". Both these guys said that it is a difficullt game to learn and there is a large amount of skill involved to be good. Yes it is different, but maybe now that Brood War stars are playing it we can all enjoy it slightly!
Well, I'd have to play Protoss. A lot of people expect things from me, I think it's right that I play Protoss. If I'm bad, then maybe I would change... But I don't know, I guess I have to play Protoss.
Jaedong seems like a really cool guy (I didn't follow the BW scene, but I watched a few of his games), and it's so cool to read, that he is a fan of Stephano.
OMG THANK YOU! Jaedong's interview was fucking awesome. I love his mindset so much. His question over his OSL and his response was just amazingly awesome about how they both have the same situations so there is no excuse. Ah I hope he can become really good in sc2 as nothing will ever beat his mindset <3 jaedong!
Watching his games, he execute the plays that I would like to do. The kind of plays that I've drawn up in my mind, he uses them a lot in his games.
Also, he's a foreigner, and that was also very impressive. To think that someone who's not Korean could play like that was fascinating, and I thought it was very attractive."
Unprompted, un-leading question, and Jaedong chooses to all-but name Stephano as Best Foreigner and Best Zerg? I like where this is going.
It's so weird hearing them talk like this...They didn't know they had a fan base outside of korea,jaedong looks up to stephano,Bisu likes Hero...So unreal.
On May 22 2012 05:10 GuitarBizarre wrote: "Yes. Stephano. I really like him.
Watching his games, he execute the plays that I would like to do. The kind of plays that I've drawn up in my mind, he uses them a lot in his games.
Also, he's a foreigner, and that was also very impressive. To think that someone who's not Korean could play like that was fascinating, and I thought it was very attractive."
Unprompted, un-leading question, and Jaedong chooses to all-but name Stephano as Best Foreigner and Best Zerg? I like where this is going.
he didnt say he was the best he said Stephano had the playstyle Jaedong invisioned for himself, (very macro based, very swarmy and very aggressive once he gets strong armies)
Oh my god Bisu. Now I feel bad for not buying tickets to Anaheim so I can come cheer him, cause he just seems so sad. We need a Zealot for Bisu project like the Zergling for Jaedong thing.
Also I bet Stephano is gonna feel so awesome when he reads the Jaedong interview.
Jaedong being Stephano fanboy, hahahaha. Simply great interviews! ------------------------------------- Is there a player you like?
Yes. Stephano. I really like him.
Watching his games, he execute the plays that I would like to do. The kind of plays that I've drawn up in my mind, he uses them a lot in his games.
Also, he's a foreigner, and that was also very impressive. To think that someone who's not Korean could play like that was fascinating, and I thought it was very attractive. -------------------------------------------------------------------
So cool that Jaedong likes Stephano. Whish I were Stephano.. Also very nice that coach said SKT1 could be interested in foreigners. Wonder if thats ever gonna happen
On May 22 2012 05:10 GuitarBizarre wrote: "Yes. Stephano. I really like him.
Watching his games, he execute the plays that I would like to do. The kind of plays that I've drawn up in my mind, he uses them a lot in his games.
Also, he's a foreigner, and that was also very impressive. To think that someone who's not Korean could play like that was fascinating, and I thought it was very attractive."
Unprompted, un-leading question, and Jaedong chooses to all-but name Stephano as Best Foreigner and Best Zerg? I like where this is going.
he didnt say he was the best he said Stephano had the playstyle Jaedong invisioned for himself, (very macro based, very swarmy and very aggressive once he gets strong armies)
Because Jaedong isn't trying to play like the best Zerg? I know it isn't outright stated, but come on, its not exactly like its a big logical stretch. Especially considering he said he feels like Zerg could be the strongest race, if played perfectly.
If Zerg are the strongest race, Jaedong wants to play perfectly (a given), and Stephano plays like Jaedong wants to play, I don't see how you can reach any conclusion other than "Jaedong thinks Stephano plays closest to perfectly"
really awesome interviews, especially loved Jaedong pointing out how much he likes Stephano's playstyle, and nice mention of HerO by Bisu
really looking forward to see how they'll do in SC2 after more practicing. at the same time, I hope they'll still continue to play BW after this hybrid league
Funny that Bisu likes hero, since many people think they look alike.
I have more free time than my brother, so I started two different characters in Diablo 3. One is to play solo, the other is to play with him. Whenever I switch characters, there's always a brief moment where I don't know wtf to do. It takes a little time getting used to. I can't imagine playing both BW and SC2 at a high level at the same time.
On May 22 2012 05:10 GuitarBizarre wrote: "Yes. Stephano. I really like him.
Watching his games, he execute the plays that I would like to do. The kind of plays that I've drawn up in my mind, he uses them a lot in his games.
Also, he's a foreigner, and that was also very impressive. To think that someone who's not Korean could play like that was fascinating, and I thought it was very attractive."
Unprompted, un-leading question, and Jaedong chooses to all-but name Stephano as Best Foreigner and Best Zerg? I like where this is going.
he didnt say he was the best he said Stephano had the playstyle Jaedong invisioned for himself, (very macro based, very swarmy and very aggressive once he gets strong armies)
Because Jaedong isn't trying to play like the best Zerg? I know it isn't outright stated, but come on, its not exactly like its a big logical stretch. Especially considering he said he feels like Zerg could be the strongest race, if played perfectly.
If Zerg are the strongest race, Jaedong wants to play perfectly (a given), and Stephano plays like Jaedong wants to play, I don't see how you can reach any conclusion other than "Jaedong thinks Stephano plays closest to perfectly"
no he wants 1STephanos playstyle, with lots of big armies that abuse immobility of other races ,and he wants 2to play zerg perfectly, knowing all timings, having perfect macro, because he believes if zerg is played to perfection its great
These guys are such badasses, they never even complained once in these interviews. They just accept the position they are in and tries to make the best of it
So amazing, the prospect of seeing those guys play SC2 makes HOTS pale in significance. I also like that JD finds Stephano attractive. In fact, both of them are! :D
Excellent interviews as sad as it is to see BW slowly fade, such awesome players moving on and taking on the challenge goes some way to make up for it.
Hahaha, the thing is that Stephano probably doesn't know who the hell Jaedong is (or Flash, or Bisu, or pretty much any BW pro..Or even the game itself xD)
On May 22 2012 05:29 Lasbike wrote: Hahaha, the thing is that Stephano probably doesn't know who the hell Jaedong is (or Flash, or Bisu, or pretty much any BW pro..Or even the game itself xD)
I think the picture on the previous page would indicate otherwise
On May 22 2012 05:29 Lasbike wrote: Hahaha, the thing is that Stephano probably doesn't know who the hell Jaedong is (or Flash, or Bisu, or pretty much any BW pro..Or even the game itself xD)
Haha no stephano is a big jaedong fanboy. Actually who isn't?
Interesting interviews. I think Coach Park's point about the importance of good coaching is especially relevant, and could be a huge factor in the Korean-foreigner gap, since few foreign players have access to the top coaching talent that the Korean players do.
Wow these are great interviews! BW pros have respect for SC2 as a hard game, Bisu dreams of being part of a foreign team, Jaedong likes Stephano and the coach encourages foreign players to come to Korea and join the team :D
I'm getting tingles. I really, really hope HotS improves SC2 a lot, with TBLS and the rest coming in, this game can really explode again as an e-sport.
If we just had a decrease in the massive AOE damage done by all races, the game could be so much cooler...
Wow, epic interview from the coach, really well done. The answers were all thorough and precised, good job. Bisu knows what he's talking about, for him to acknowledge HerO's style is pretty legit. It's also sad to hear that it sounds like Bisu is forcing himself to play Toss in SCll because of his fans. I hope he can find an unique way to multitask with Toss too. Jaedong's interview was nice, Stephano must be pleased with himself after seeing this interview haha. I'm really looking forward to this big transition still.
3 things I have to adress. Bisu 1. -If I end up going to Anaheim, please cheer me on even if I don't do so well. I really want to hear the cheers of the foreign audience, so show me what you guys are all about. I haven't been able to go to TeamLiquid that much, but I heard it's a great site for Starcraft II resources, so I'll try to go more often. Thanks for your support!-
I mean, Like he even has to ask!? If people doesnt screem their lungs out I'd be pist as hell. For one he's one of the biggest Icons of Starcraft.
Jaedong
2.Is there a player you like?
-Yes. Stephano. I really like him. Watching his games, he execute the plays that I would like to do. The kind of plays that I've drawn up in my mind, he uses them a lot in his games. Also, he's a foreigner, and that was also very impressive. To think that someone who's not Korean could play like that was fascinating, and I thought it was very attractive.-
Hope Stephano know's how happy he is!! If Jaedong had ever mentioned my name (not even meaning me) I'd have chills inside out!
Finally, 3. It's still surprising to think I have fans abroad, and I'm thankful for them. I feel responsible because of that, and I'm confident that I can be as good in Starcraft II as I was in Brood War. I'll do my best to overtake the great Zerg players in the GSL, and I'll show that I am the best player.
Please guys, to whomever going to one of these events in the future, please show Jaedong how hardcore Starcraft fans can be!
I laughed so hard at Bisu's reaction to the exhibition tournament in Anaheim. Also, it's always funny (though entirely understandable) how unfamiliar the big BW pros are with their foreign fans. It'll be really exciting as they become more acquainted with the global SC2 community.
Great interviews! I'm really excited to see these guys play SC2.
"Yes, I've won the OSL and MSL multiple times, but the WCG's I've been to really stick out in my memory. The passion of the foreign fans really left an impression. If I could play Starcraft II abroad, it would be great. I hope people are looking forward to it"
We need to let Jaedong know we would kill to see him in foreign sc2 events!
Awesome interviews, love the responses especially from jaedong.
What a lovely interview. Great questions and great insights. Thanks to everyone involved! Looking forward to watch them in the upcoming season and possibly abroad!
On May 22 2012 05:29 Lasbike wrote: Hahaha, the thing is that Stephano probably doesn't know who the hell Jaedong is (or Flash, or Bisu, or pretty much any BW pro..Or even the game itself xD)
I think the picture on the previous page would indicate otherwise
Actually, Stephano learned about Jaedong because of this picture.
On May 22 2012 05:10 GuitarBizarre wrote: "Yes. Stephano. I really like him.
Watching his games, he execute the plays that I would like to do. The kind of plays that I've drawn up in my mind, he uses them a lot in his games.
Also, he's a foreigner, and that was also very impressive. To think that someone who's not Korean could play like that was fascinating, and I thought it was very attractive."
Unprompted, un-leading question, and Jaedong chooses to all-but name Stephano as Best Foreigner and Best Zerg? I like where this is going.
he didnt say he was the best he said Stephano had the playstyle Jaedong invisioned for himself, (very macro based, very swarmy and very aggressive once he gets strong armies)
I like this interpretation better. I read it and was thinking Jaedongs style would be roaches, roaches, and roaches and if that didn't work make more roaches. Opponent goes mass air? Build roaches. But this makes more sense. I hope Jaedong comes with more of an adaptable macro style like DRG.
Fun fact : Stephano never knew who Jaedong was until a german fan made him sign a poster where he was compared to JD himself. I'll try to get more infos and update the LP.
I love how professional Coach Park sounds, even after the translation it comes across as being well thought out and articulated. I love that he has a system that he brings with him to his teams that he's experimented with over the years, I think thats one of the coolest aspects of Korean e-Sport coaches.
Jaedong mentioning Stefano as being a player he likes is just awesome - I think we all can agree Stephano is a really great torchbearer among the foreign pros and there's no doubt he's one of the best Zergs in the world.
If I end up going to Anaheim, please cheer me on even if I don't do so well. I really want to hear the cheers of the foreign audience, so show me what you guys are all about. I haven't been able to go to TeamLiquid that much, but I heard it's a great site for Starcraft II resources, so I'll try to go more often. Thanks for your support!
Great interviews! I hope TL tries to get more interviews with the BW players and managers. In additon, are there any korean interviews about the opening day of PL?
Man, I was smiling irl through-out the entire interview, and I'm not even an old (maybe 1 year) BW fan, and I'm not a Bisu fan except for respecting his incredible skill. Great interview!
I loved the JD one too, but I am a JD fan so of course
Again I have to praise the top quality of the reporting done by TL Staff. The best SC2 coverage there is, and by a very margin (not to offend anyone) but compliments are due.
I'd love to see them switching completely from BW to SC2. It's not that I want to see BW lose all the great players but seeing them all competing SC2 full time would certainly elevate the game to new heights.
Those interviews are amazing. I'm really wishing all the transitioning players the very best for 2012 Also: ZOMG Bisu likes Hero! The theories were true! O_O
A lot of hardcore Brood War fans are very disappointed about the hybrid Proleague. Do you have any comments for them?
I sympathize with how the fans feel, and personally, I feel sad that there won't be a pure Brood War league anymore.
But there's nothing that can be done about that. I think that we must avoid a situation like what happened to Korean pro-volleyball or pro-ssireum (Traditional Korean wrestling). Instead of losing Brood War in a similar fashion, I think it's a lot better to go this way, because at least you can watch the same players. Also, those players can go abroad and gain more fans, which is great as well.
So please don't feel too hurt. Starcraft II is a bit difficult to watch at first, and there are a lot of differences, but we would really appreciate it if you watched us.
On May 22 2012 05:32 HQuality wrote: seems like JD is tired of BW and have good expectations about sc2 ^^ bisu on the other hand is a little bit more "cold" about switching
I'd be pretty depressed too if I had to play Protoss the way it's designed in SC2. Then again, P in BW wasn't much better.
It was always depressing to me that a faction of units with such cool aesthetics and lore could be so poorly implemented in a game.
Edit: Not talking about balance, just the way the race is designed to be played.
I can't imagine new sc2 players hating on TBLS players. They're so humble and talented you jsut gotta hope for them to absolutely destroy the sc2 scene. However long that may take, personally I hope it's soon. One can hope..
On May 22 2012 05:58 neurosx wrote: Okay I didn't follow BW at all but I'm kind of impressed by how down to earth and humble they seem wow .. can't wait to watch them play
Just about every SC:BW pro, no matter what level is very very humble. It's something is really refreshing as opposed to some of the ego's prevalent in sports and even other games. It gets a tad stale though, there's never any drama to be found :p
LS said in his interview: "I think Protoss is imbalanced in the sense that it is mechanically handicapped compared to the other two races and that is a bit unfair in a way. It's also the most forgiving of all races [...]"
Bisu said in this one: "So far, I don't really feel the need for so much multi-tasking with Starcraft II Protoss."
LS said in his interview: "I think Protoss is imbalanced in the sense that it is mechanically handicapped compared to the other two races and that is a bit unfair in a way. It's also the most forgiving of all races [...]"
Bisu said in this one: "So far, I don't really feel the need for so much multi-tasking with Starcraft II Protoss."
Maybe they are on to something here?
I think that's been pretty much an unstated opinion of many pro Protosses since the inception of SC2. However, there is always the possibility of someone like Bisu, back in BW, to explode onto the scene and show everyone the power of corsairs when multi-tasked well.
Probably won't happen in HoTS, but we can always hope for revolution in LoTV.
"Is there a player you like? Yes. Stephano. I really like him. Watching his games, he execute the plays that I would like to do. The kind of plays that I've drawn up in my mind, he uses them a lot in his games. Also, he's a foreigner, and that was also very impressive. To think that someone who's not Korean could play like that was fascinating, and I thought it was very attractive."
thank you tl for those awesome interviews. coach park seems to be a very very cool and intelligent person. i see why t1 is soo freaking good. jd/bisu <3
Damn these guys really are pro's in every sense. Great interviews!
Jaedong repping Stephano, woot, so cool
Good luck BW players! Will be really interesting to see how new rivalries develop between the Kespa and GSL players in the future during crossover tournies or whenever they meet. I hope Korean fans start to enjoy SC2 more.
Aso funny quip about foreign teams not being able to afford to hire Bisu
JD "Yes. Stephano. I really like him. Watching his games, he execute the plays that I would like to do. The kind of plays that I've drawn up in my mind, he uses them a lot in his games. Also, he's a foreigner, and that was also very impressive. To think that someone who's not Korean could play like that was fascinating, and I thought it was very attractive."
Pretty sure Ret is mad with jealousy right now, stephano can't possibly fully appreciate this !
Jaedong sounds more confident about his progress in SC2 - I wonder how it's gonna be in something like 5 months from now (of course I hope 'the elephants' start stomping other players ). Bisu seems so modest and... how to put it - shy? But still I'm his fan and see in him the Protoss' hope :D
The beginning of no old pros (beginning sc2 pros) winning anything starts now. The old brood war players that are coming in now will take over the scene of sc2 as we know it.
On May 22 2012 06:19 SlaverR wrote: OH MY GOD! He just called out HerO! HerO is the Bisu of SCII, they gonna have kids and redicilously sexy children!!11
On May 22 2012 06:22 TidusX.Yuna wrote: I think it's cool that Coach Park is encouraging to despairing foreigners.
They don't wanna see foreigners fail at all contrary to popular belief. They would gladly pick up a foreigner willing to grind those 12 hours a day given they are naturally talented enough.
I'm mainly and sc2 player, but these interviews were amazing, their professionalism is really impressive. More surprisingly I was expecting boring stereotypical answers, but it was really not the case. It almost made me a bit emotional to see the amount of passion they still have for broodwar. We need to give them the time, but with their work ethic and the power of the progaming teams behind them these guys are bound to become amazing players. I really hope they can bring sc2 to its limits.
Oh, well then I invite the despairing gamers to try-out for our team. If you play with us, I'm sure that you can compete with the best Korean players. Come to Korea!
I think with Bisu looking up to Hero, and heros multi tasking protoss style, Bisu can eventually show us a new protoss style. Warp prisms are so underused and unexplored
This feels so unreal, seeing a TL interview with Coach Park, Bisu and Jaedong here. I love how they're so passionate and how they appreciate the foreign community. Really, really great interview.
Maybe the most epic interviews I ever read. JD is so awesome I can't even put in words, it's just really motivating what he has to say and makes you want to try harder at sc2 and rl alike!
It's also great to know all of them are so enthusiastic about the whole foreign scene and that JD likes Stephano I think Stephano likes JD too or?
Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
On May 22 2012 06:46 0neder wrote: Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
On May 22 2012 06:46 0neder wrote: Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
they are not bonjwas.
They also said the exact opposite thing in reference to micro.
Hey Park, we were there all those years... Nice interviews, bittersweet. Park is smart, Bisu is still the whiniest player ever and Jaedong way too cautious.
On May 22 2012 06:46 0neder wrote: Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
they are not bonjwas.
They also said the exact opposite thing in reference to micro.
Jaedong on volatility and boring deathball stalemates: "you have to be very careful about committing to fights, there are a lot of games where both players are just eying each other and being tentative. It's hard to see big comebacks, so I think it's difficult. Losing one fight swings the game very severely [...]"
Jaedong on micro potential: "I tried to microing them in the Brood War way, but it wasn't working out. To be honest, I'm getting really stressed out over that part. That micro made me different from everyone else in Brood War, and I won a lot of games on that micro alone. Since that's gone[...] "
On May 22 2012 06:46 0neder wrote: Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
they are not bonjwas.
They also said the exact opposite thing in reference to micro.
Jaedong on volatility and boring deathball stalemates: "you have to be very careful about committing to fights, there are a lot of games where both players are just eying each other and being tentative. It's hard to see big comebacks, so I think it's difficult. Losing one fight swings the game very severely [...]"
Jaedong on micro potential: "I tried to microing them in the Brood War way, but it wasn't working out. To be honest, I'm getting really stressed out over that part. That micro made me different from everyone else in Brood War, and I won a lot of games on that micro alone. Since that's gone[...] "
dont be an idiot he's talking about MUTALISKS not all units doofus
in regards to micro they both said micro is a lost faster paced and maybe more important and they werent ableto do it verysuccessfully yet
Wow. absolutely great great interviews. CONGRATS!!! I liked all three of them. They were all special in their own regard. JD admiring Stephano. Wow. But honestly, if you watched his first PvZ game (which he lost unfortunately): He played Stephano style mass roaches and was maxed at around 11:30 or something. So. You could truly notice Stephano's influence there. Love it. So, Stephano: if you stay in Korea soon, just visit JD and give him some lessons. I am sure they will pay for it ))
It really sounds like Brood War pros have respect and are enjoying SC2 to some extent at least. At least, KESPA sure is holding a big knife to their throats.
The racial balance is a bit different in this game, and the unit counter relationships are totally different. So far, I don't really feel the need for so much multi-tasking with Starcraft II Protoss. So right now, I don't really know what the advantage/disadvantage is of having fast hands.
On May 22 2012 06:46 0neder wrote: Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
they are not bonjwas.
They also said the exact opposite thing in reference to micro.
Jaedong on volatility and boring deathball stalemates: "you have to be very careful about committing to fights, there are a lot of games where both players are just eying each other and being tentative. It's hard to see big comebacks, so I think it's difficult. Losing one fight swings the game very severely [...]"
Jaedong on micro potential: "I tried to microing them in the Brood War way, but it wasn't working out. To be honest, I'm getting really stressed out over that part. That micro made me different from everyone else in Brood War, and I won a lot of games on that micro alone. Since that's gone[...] "
dont be an idiot he's talking about MUTALISKS not all units doofus
in regards to micro they both said micro is a lost faster paced and maybe more important and they werent ableto do it verysuccessfully yet
Faster paced means you can do less micro in a given battle, which means less differentiation. I'll step away from this thread for now, and just see what happens when HotS comes. It's just frustrating to see the dev team so unresponsive compared to games like CS:GO, where they regularly consult top players and implement improvements on a weekly basis.
Really intelligent guys I must say. They seem to have a very professional view on progaming in general. I was really surprised to find out they have such a hard time learning SC2, but I guess playing two games at the same time have that effect.
Oh and don't worry guys, we will all cheer for you when we finally get to see you live in action. That MLG tournament-thingy they're organizing is gonna be the hypest thing ever.
I lost it at Bisu saying he'd never lose in BW with force-fields and smiled so wide when he said he liked HerO! <3 Amazing interviews, thank you so much for bringing them to us.
thanks, nice interviews. Jae interview, as always, sincere and straight to the point. JD gl in sc2! I liked Stephano games in sc2, though I don't understand chit in SC2, now I see that JD also likes him. Fuck yeah!
"Is there anything you would have liked from Starcraft II in Brood War? Force-fields?
If I had force-fields in Brood War, I'd never lose." Best comment in the entire thing . But seriously, freaking awesome interview from all three, notably: I was relatively surprised that jaedong knew and liked stephano, they all seem like genuinely nice people and I wish the best for them ;o. Why laugh at july? He is the only true GOD OF WAR, his sc2 games are almost as entertaining as the sc1 ones; action packed and very little down time .. !_!
Great interviews! As someone who didn't follow SCBW at all, it's really cool to kinda get to know at least some of the big names Bisu seems like a really cool dude, I think I'll be a fan once I see him play^^
Wow, Jaedong just gave a HUGE compliment to Stephano (similar to what Boxer said about TLO a long time ago). I really hope Stephano takes that as a sign he should stay in Sc2 longer
Thanks a lot TL for those interviews! The coach one was particularly interesting and insightful, he took the time to develop a bit his answers. Gotta love Jaedong mentioning Stephano too!
On May 22 2012 06:46 0neder wrote: Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
they are not bonjwas.
They also said the exact opposite thing in reference to micro.
Jaedong on volatility and boring deathball stalemates: "you have to be very careful about committing to fights, there are a lot of games where both players are just eying each other and being tentative. It's hard to see big comebacks, so I think it's difficult. Losing one fight swings the game very severely [...]"
Jaedong on micro potential: "I tried to microing them in the Brood War way, but it wasn't working out. To be honest, I'm getting really stressed out over that part. That micro made me different from everyone else in Brood War, and I won a lot of games on that micro alone. Since that's gone[...] "
Look I can take things out of context too Bisu mentioned that micro is actually more important in Starcraft II than Brood War. Do you feel that it's true?
On May 22 2012 04:51 Lonyo wrote: Wow, I hope Stephano reads this or gets told about it. Gotta be the most awesome thing ever to be mentioned as someone liked by Jaedong.
Ahah I think he barely knows who is Jaedong, might have just heard of him :p
I find it so good to see them looking up to HerO and Stephano ahahaha, it's like ... awesome. I'd have thought they'd be sadder of the decline of BW, but either they know how to manipulate their answers to please the crowd (I'm sure they do), either they are telling the truth, can't say...
And lol @ Bisu : "we'll have to play at MLG ? ohshit."
Man BIsu and Jaedong are so awesome, both believe that their race is pretty powerful compared to Flash, who thought his race was a little underpowered. Jaedong's so modest too Can't wait for their skills to rise exponentially in the coming months
I'm really happy to see all the positive attitude after reading bunch of negative threads about the new Proleague. Just give them some time guys and witness their fast development. It sure won't be easy road but the future looks exciting. I'm really looking forward to the next MLG with Kespa players even if their games are not of Code S level yet.
I hope reading about how optimistic and enthusiastic these three are will finally hush up the BW elitists or even convince them to join us in SC2. It's a fun game if you give it a chance!
These guys are so awesome, love the optimism and positive outlook. They also expressed their desire to play abroad and that just gives me shivers of anticipation when they do get that chance.
this whole interview, all 3 of them, amazing, their profesionalism, they're passion, they're struggles. i can't wait to see it all come to fruition as time passes, TBLS for life, it should be interesting to see if it holds up. I love that Bisu didn't know he might have to play at MLG Anaheim, and that they both don't realize how much of a foreign fan base they have.
Anyone going to anaheim, we have to represent HARD, and cheer for the BW pros like we cheered for mma, and boxer at previous mlgs. we want to welcome them and make them play the hardest and best for us. woo!
Omg! These were the best Starcraft interviews I have read so far! All three of them! The questions were great and the answers were even better! I really like their personalities and their mindset for being gamers.
I don't remember which thread it was where Kespa people lamented that they should have reached out earlier, but you kind of get those feelings here. You can't help but feel if the Koreans knew how many foreign fans they had things would have turned out differently for BW.
Woah, jaedong and bisu both giving love to us foreign fans? Can't wait to see them after this hybrid league nonsense is over with and they get to devote their time to sc2.
Wow, incredible interview, and to think they are coming here one day, I cannot wait to see the fan reactions as they are live on stage! I hope they clap and applaud for 30 minutes straight!
i splurged for both the bisu/jaedoing interviews. hearing any confirmation that they are going to be at all passionate about SC2 is all i need to hear.
On May 22 2012 06:46 0neder wrote: Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
they are not bonjwas.
They also said the exact opposite thing in reference to micro.
Jaedong on volatility and boring deathball stalemates: "you have to be very careful about committing to fights, there are a lot of games where both players are just eying each other and being tentative. It's hard to see big comebacks, so I think it's difficult. Losing one fight swings the game very severely [...]"
Jaedong on micro potential: "I tried to microing them in the Brood War way, but it wasn't working out. To be honest, I'm getting really stressed out over that part. That micro made me different from everyone else in Brood War, and I won a lot of games on that micro alone. Since that's gone[...] "
Look I can take things out of context too Bisu mentioned that micro is actually more important in Starcraft II than Brood War. Do you feel that it's true?
Yes
Yes both of them said micro and focus firing is harder in sc2
These guys have fantastic attitudes/mindsets, even the coach. Kinda wish more foreigner players had the same strong mindsets of champions instead of being whiney, rude pansies like Idra. I have no doubt these guys will rise to the top of SC2 in the next 6 months. I will be cheering for them.
No, I don't there's anything special about me at all. I just think I'm a little bit better at games than others. Nothing innate. I just practiced harder than others, and because I put in the time, I became skilled.
King badass.
FABULOUS JAEDONG IS FANTASTICCCCCCCCC! <3 JD Fighting.
Also amazing interviews, I'm so happy to see BW players frontpage!
HAH, killed me that bisu is a fan of HerO and Jaedong likes Stephano! I'm so hopeful for their success! I guess everyone is. I can't imagine how the progamers who can't end up adapting to SC2 will feel, it's gotta be hard on them. This will probably drive them to work even harder for success, though.
Oh snaps, Stephano is probably going nuts right now or whenever he reads this interview! Crazy to think that JD is actually watching foreigners play the game the way he would play it. This was a very great article hope to see how else this SC2 scene unfolds in the next coming years...there are going to be some awesome moments.
On May 22 2012 06:46 0neder wrote: Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
they are not bonjwas.
They also said the exact opposite thing in reference to micro.
Jaedong on volatility and boring deathball stalemates: "you have to be very careful about committing to fights, there are a lot of games where both players are just eying each other and being tentative. It's hard to see big comebacks, so I think it's difficult. Losing one fight swings the game very severely [...]"
Jaedong on micro potential: "I tried to microing them in the Brood War way, but it wasn't working out. To be honest, I'm getting really stressed out over that part. That micro made me different from everyone else in Brood War, and I won a lot of games on that micro alone. Since that's gone[...] "
Q: Bisu mentioned that micro is actually more important in Starcraft II than Brood War. Do you feel that it's true?
A: Yes, I'm finding it hard to micro in big fights. Because I'm just starting out, my hands won't do what I want them to. It's been hard adjusting.
I usually root against every protoss player except for MC but I got to admit, i'm liking this Bisu guy already. And of course Jaedong, he will be a much needed addition to the swarm. Also Coach Park seems to be a super intelligent and professional guy. I have to see how this Proleague goes before jumping on any teams bandwagon but with a guy like that as coach you can't go wrong.
On May 22 2012 06:46 0neder wrote: Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
they are not bonjwas.
They also said the exact opposite thing in reference to micro.
Jaedong on volatility and boring deathball stalemates: "you have to be very careful about committing to fights, there are a lot of games where both players are just eying each other and being tentative. It's hard to see big comebacks, so I think it's difficult. Losing one fight swings the game very severely [...]"
Jaedong on micro potential: "I tried to microing them in the Brood War way, but it wasn't working out. To be honest, I'm getting really stressed out over that part. That micro made me different from everyone else in Brood War, and I won a lot of games on that micro alone. Since that's gone[...] "
Q: Bisu mentioned that micro is actually more important in Starcraft II than Brood War. Do you feel that it's true?
A: Yes, I'm finding it hard to micro in big fights. Because I'm just starting out, my hands won't do what I want them to. It's been hard adjusting.
Are you serious?
his first quote has nothing to with micro, and the second section is strictly comparing BW mutas to SC2 mutas in terms of micro, not general micro...are people actually... I don't know what to say, obvious troll?
On May 22 2012 06:46 0neder wrote: Bonjwas confirm the game may be too volatile with less micro potential. Hopefully Blizzard is diligent and responsive to the needs of spectators and to be fulfilling and rewarding to the bonjwas.
they are not bonjwas.
They also said the exact opposite thing in reference to micro.
Jaedong on volatility and boring deathball stalemates: "you have to be very careful about committing to fights, there are a lot of games where both players are just eying each other and being tentative. It's hard to see big comebacks, so I think it's difficult. Losing one fight swings the game very severely [...]"
Jaedong on micro potential: "I tried to microing them in the Brood War way, but it wasn't working out. To be honest, I'm getting really stressed out over that part. That micro made me different from everyone else in Brood War, and I won a lot of games on that micro alone. Since that's gone[...] "
He was talking SPECIFICALLY about the old muta micro. That no longer exists in SC2. Therefore, he became stressed because one of his trademarks was gone in SC2. He never said that there was less micro in SC2, only that there is no longer the same muta micro that he became famous for.
One thing I'm curious about...will skt and slayers merge once the year long restriction between gsl and kespa is over? Will we see the return of the emperor to his kingdom?
thank you wax for asking all of the questions that were on our minds. one of the best interviews i have ever read on any subject. i am so friggin' excited....
I just really hope they dont lose because their ability to play much faster than others wont be an advantage anymore due to starcraft II not requiring as much apm to play just as well
Great interviews! I'm one of the 2nd wave of ESPORTS fans with SC2, though I did play BW back in the day with friends, so I'm really looking forward to seeing the BW pros get better and raise the skill cap for everyone. I need to start watching ProLeague this season!
It's always nice to see Korean pros in these interviews, always with a good and humble attitude. I'm a bit surprised they didn't know they have fans abroad. Man, are they in for a treat!
Also, Bisu giving a nod to Hero and Jaedong to Stephano. Very, very awesome to see
Pretty sure that stephano will be all non-challant and chill at that name dropping moment--but we all know that there's a defiled sock beneath the bed from how organically awesome that was.
I don't think SC2 has fully been explored in reference to how much hand speed can play a part. I mean MKP and Polt have shown just how much it can help with their ability to split marines and nullify banelings. I wonder what else can be accomplished with the APM and precision these guys bring to the table. Hopefully these guys can find out.
whats interesting to me is how humble they are, definitely the opposite attitude of a lot of BW "elitists". I love BW, but I think it's interesting that they think SC2 is so hard coming from a heavy BW back ground. What that tells me is that maybe the elitists were wrong all along? if SC2 was actually the First Starcraft game, I think there would be a lot more appreciation for what it is. But it's because there is years of BW history that people HAVE to relate them and can't help but find flaws.
Bisu's reaction when he learns that he has to play games at anaheim is the funniest part, just absolutely golden. A few of the old standby responses in there but on the whole some nice candid answers thanks for the interviews!
The KeSPA teams and Starcraft II federation teams are separate for now. What do you expect to happen down the line?
Well, no one can know the future. But in my opinion, I think that because our starting points were different, we'll go our separate ways for a while. It's possible that in the future we will join together, but it could also end up in a format where we stay separate like an Eastern and Western conference.
On May 22 2012 10:03 emc wrote: shoutout to stephano from JD? awesome
whats interesting to me is how humble they are, definitely the opposite attitude of a lot of BW "elitists". I love BW, but I think it's interesting that they think SC2 is so hard coming from a heavy BW back ground. What that tells me is that maybe the elitists were wrong all along? if SC2 was actually the First Starcraft game, I think there would be a lot more appreciation for what it is. But it's because there is years of BW history that people HAVE to relate them and can't help but find flaws.
Any person watching both games has to admit that there's a greater emphasis on battle micro in SC2 than in BW, simply because small advantages during those battles are easier to snowball to wins, simply because defensive advantages for any race are few and far between. However, battle micro in BW has greater potential effect per action.
On May 22 2012 10:03 emc wrote: shoutout to stephano from JD? awesome
whats interesting to me is how humble they are, definitely the opposite attitude of a lot of BW "elitists". I love BW, but I think it's interesting that they think SC2 is so hard coming from a heavy BW back ground. What that tells me is that maybe the elitists were wrong all along? if SC2 was actually the First Starcraft game, I think there would be a lot more appreciation for what it is. But it's because there is years of BW history that people HAVE to relate them and can't help but find flaws.
yea from bisu and jaedong, but coach park disagrees
Do you believe then, because the current Starcraft II teams aren't being run in a systematically efficient way like the KeSPA teams, that the KeSPA teams will overtake them in the long run?
Yes, I say this cautiously, but I'm confident that will happen. (laughs)
If I had force-fields in Brood War, I'd never lose.
And so spoke Bisu. So he's playing Protoss after all?
(Psst, Bisu, if you want to come to America you can live at my house. You can have my bed. Like seriously, I'll sleep on the ground. I know New Orleans is kind of in the middle of nowhere, but the offer is there.)
Excellent to hear some thoughts from the players themselves. I have followed SC2 very closely but know very little about the Broodwar scene.Bisu and Jaedong seem like nice guys who are ready to dedicate their talent to a new game. I will cheer for them!
The interview was great, I loved it, especially how humbled and surprised Bisu and Jaedong were about their foreign fans. Nothing makes you want to root for them more than that, just humble hardworking guys who kick righteous ass.
The only thing that seemed off to me was Bisu sounding like he was forced to play Protoss. I understand why, and I'd love to see him try his hand at it, but if he wants to switch in SC2 I feel like it should be his decision.
awww such good interviews and responses. i really want to see these guys get the huge fan cheers they deserve at the foreign stages, and (unfortunately for some) i can't wait for brood war to end so that they can put 100% of their effort into sc2, and yield the best results.
Are you looking forward to what's to come from the MLG-KeSPA partnership? Getting opportunities to compete abroad and such?
Since a long time ago, I've wanted to play internationally. And this is just a silly dream, but I've wondered what it would be like to get acquired by a big foreign team, like Koreans who play for big teams in the Premier League or the Major League. But that kind of dream, I don't think it's realistic right now.
I think it's always cool to hear how big names like Bisu and Jaedong are so surprised about having a lot of foreign fans. I hope the one's who are at Anaheim can leave a huge impression on them ^_^
Are you looking forward to what's to come from the MLG-KeSPA partnership? Getting opportunities to compete abroad and such?
Since a long time ago, I've wanted to play internationally. And this is just a silly dream, but I've wondered what it would be like to get acquired by a big foreign team, like Koreans who play for big teams in the Premier League or the Major League. But that kind of dream, I don't think it's realistic right now.
A lot of hardcore Brood War fans are very disappointed about the hybrid Proleague. Do you have any comments for them?
I sympathize with how the fans feel, and personally, I feel sad that there won't be a pure Brood War league anymore.
But there's nothing that can be done about that. I think that we must avoid a situation like what happened to Korean pro-volleyball or pro-ssireum (Traditional Korean wrestling). Instead of losing Brood War in a similar fashion, I think it's a lot better to go this way, because at least you can watch the same players. Also, those players can go abroad and gain more fans, which is great as well.
So please don't feel too hurt. Starcraft II is a bit difficult to watch at first, and there are a lot of differences, but we would really appreciate it if you watched us.
Damnit Park, just for you.
Just for the pleasure of quoting Coach Park again. <3
Bisu joining any other team except KT would make him a worse player, just based on who he could practice with and the coaches he will have access to. You should not hope he ever joins a foreign team if you're his fan.
This is getting freaking amazing!!!! I'm so excited for bw pros dueling in sc2... been watching them since... 2001? something like that... I can't think about this, otherwise I can't sleep... really! I feel like cursing... i better go =D
loved the interview, great to hear the thoughts of these guys on SC2. i pray that they will remain competitive and accomplish what they have for BW in SC2.
Fantastic. It seems SC2 isn't the faceroll easy game a ton of people said it was.... . That's what i like the most, now BW pros have confirmed it. It is actually difficult in a different way, it's more fluid, it's faster. Awesome. Also love the enthusiasm for the foreign competitions.
If I had force-fields in Brood War, I'd never lose.
And so spoke Bisu. So he's playing Protoss after all?
(Psst, Bisu, if you want to come to America you can live at my house. You can have my bed. Like seriously, I'll sleep on the ground. I know New Orleans is kind of in the middle of nowhere, but the offer is there.)
Very interesting interviews. Cool to see Bisu giving the nod to LiquidHerO and Jaedong to Stephano. Also, Coach Park inviting good foreigners to join SKT1 is surprising, wonder if that would ever be cleared by KeSPA.
It's also quite enlightening to hear their views on how SC2 isn't really so much easier, that it has its own challengers, and that they have yet to learn and practice a lot to be able to compete with current Code-class GSL players or the top-end foreigners.
I hope they get massively cheered on at MLG to let them and their teams see how many passionate foreign fans they actually have, and that that will motivate them even more to become well established in SC2.
I agree. Coach Park best coach, as always! And the rest of his responses are also so mature and professional. I really respect him.
Also, Bisu never losing with forcefields is a funny concept! Humble Jaedong is humble and ambitious. It won't take long for them to ascend in the ranks. Hope they'll play some epic BW in the coming 5 months.
On May 22 2012 08:06 amazingoopah wrote: hope this motivates stephano to go to korea and give it a try... you never know, maybe he'll meet jaedong in code b/code a?
Shouldn't they meet in Anaheim ? Someone better make them take a photo together
Jaedong impressed by Stephano, the ultimate compliment. Overall they seem excited to be learning a new game, especially JD, he seems very confident in his ability to overtake the best players after a lot of practice, Bisu seems very modest as always.
One question was missing: How is it like to know that you might already have lost to a foreigner on the ladder and that your are not as untouchable as in BW? Must be a completely new feeling for them :D
That Jaedong comment about Stephano, that Bisu comment about forcefields. Chills! Can't wait for these guys to show up in big foreign sc2-tourneys and being competetive. To me, that's much more exciting than any expansion release or what ever.
On May 22 2012 04:51 Lonyo wrote: Wow, I hope Stephano reads this or gets told about it. Gotta be the most awesome thing ever to be mentioned as someone liked by Jaedong.
Yeah see Stephano won't care or have any idea who Jaedong is. Before he started playing agaisn't the koreans regurarly he often said in interviews that he had no idea who the korean sc2 players were. Also Stephano came from Wc3 and never played SC.
I think it's kind of interesting that none of the kespa teams have recurited current sc2 pro's to play for them in pro league, if I was running one of those teams I'd just tell my BW players to only play BW and recruit 5-6 sc2 pro's. I suspect that it is probably agaisn't the rules but it's still rather silly.
I think it would blow Jaedong's mind if he knew how little Stephano practices, that 95% of his practice is on ladder against non-Koreans and that he doesn't have a coach or anyone else helping him (directly) come up with builds, unit compositions, etc. Stephano's genius is apparent on its face.
JulyZerg played in SKT for a little, didn't show good results in proleague and left for STX and then raped Best in OSL finals, maybe that' why everyone laughed.
Wow the Bisu interview is sick... so so many thoughts I also had about all of the BW/SC2 thingy. Just he's a lil more positive than me.. xD
Best part to me: "Is it tough to practice two games at once?
No, not really. I just think they're two different games. Although, when I play Brood War, I really want to use chrono-boost. Probes build so slowly! So at times like that, I feel a bit annoyed." hahaha so fucking true. get back to bw after sc2 and you're like "is that probe actually building?"
Really stellar interviews. As a spectator it will be fun to see how much these guys can raise the skill level in SC2, hopefully we'll see them in direct head to head fights with the current SC2 players in not too long
If I end up going to Anaheim, please cheer me on even if I don't do so well. I really want to hear the cheers of the foreign audience, so show me what you guys are all about. I haven't been able to go to TeamLiquid that much, but I heard it's a great site for Starcraft II resources, so I'll try to go more often. Thanks for your support!
MLG fans better bring in the heat.
This is exactly what I was thinking. So sad I can't be there.If you are going to Anaheim, please make sure Bisu hears you!
On May 22 2012 22:21 Krogan wrote: I think it's kind of interesting that none of the kespa teams have recurited current sc2 pro's to play for them in pro league, if I was running one of those teams I'd just tell my BW players to only play BW and recruit 5-6 sc2 pro's. I suspect that it is probably agaisn't the rules but it's still rather silly.
That's not possible for several reasons:
team rosters must be submitted to KeSPA before the season kicks off
players need to have a KeSPA-sanctioned progamer license (that SC2 pros do not possess)
this season of Proleague has the important rule that players must alternate playing BW and SC2 when fielded
You also want your previously BW-only players to get accustomed with SC2 in a live tournament setting, as from next season forward it will be SC2 only.
On May 23 2012 05:14 ProxyKnoxy wrote: When was this interview? I assume before the Opening Day?
Yes, the interviews were made before the opening day of Proleague. There are several hints in the interviews.
On May 23 2012 08:34 whetherby wrote: Couldn't a team like IM just join this league and own everyone since SC2 is the Ace match? They would win 2 - 1 (the 1 loss in BW ofcourse.
Only KeSPA-approved teams (T1, KT, CJ, Khan, Woongjin, STX, T8, ACE) are allowed to compete in KeSPA-sanctioned leagues such as Proleague. Also see the points above regarding progamer licenses and team rosters to be submitted in advance. The obvious political obstacles and fair sportsmanship principles notwithstanding, IM and their players have more to gain in the non-KeSPA leagues (Korean and foreign) which usually also have conflicting schedules.
I didn't watch too many jaedong games, but i'm really curious about his SC2 skills. Zerg players need more good players actually. Thx for the interview, awesome quality. Keep it ! =)
If I end up going to Anaheim, please cheer me on even if I don't do so well. I really want to hear the cheers of the foreign audience, so show me what you guys are all about. I haven't been able to go to TeamLiquid that much, but I heard it's a great site for Starcraft II resources, so I'll try to go more often. Thanks for your support!
MLG fans better bring in the heat.
This is exactly what I was thinking. So sad I can't be there.If you are going to Anaheim, please make sure Bisu hears you!
I'm pretty sure MLG confirmed that last year's MLG Anaheim was their best circuit, so yeah, hopefully it's the same even better this year.
Bisu.... OMG you are awesome like always!!! great interview!! so exciting about the transition from bw!!!
So many emotions cross my mind... Long years watching SC:BW games, great games indeed. Epic moments, the Savio rape by Bisu, Jaedong owning Bisu, First televised game of Flash... Idk, im so happy right now.
really nice interview, happy to hear from some really experienced people in the broodwar scene after all these star2 and BW happenings.
im very curious to see how jaedong and bisu will do in Star2 with their very nice multitasking considering how Star2 seems to not require near as much as in broodwar as of yet (multitasking-wise i mean)
Between this interview and tsl4 my hypemachine is overloaded and may soon explode. Really excellent questions for all three interviews. I felt a much deeper insight into the thought processes behind this type of transition. Thank you so much for this TL staff, seriously awesome!
Jaedong looking absolutely fabulous. The interview is very nicely done, a lot of insight into how BW players feel about this shift into SC2. I am a bit sad that they all accept the fact that BW is dying though
On May 24 2012 13:42 DanceSC wrote: Is there a player you like among the SC2 players? Someone you think is good? Hmmm... HerO? HerO, he knows what he's doing.
Bisu approves of Mini Bisu!!! s('.^)d *nerd chills* :D :D :D :D
And Jaedong approves of Stephano. I lost my shit twice over those two items.
Sexiest content I've ever seen on TL, thank you guys.
On May 24 2012 12:35 neoghaleon55 wrote: Jaedong vs DongRaeGu please! There can only be ONE TRUE DONG!!!
Lame. Jaedong has been the true DONG since way back, while DongRaeGu was just a nobody. There is no competitor to the DONG title as Jaedong has claimed it long ago.
Excellent interviews. I haven't been interested in SC2 but transitioning BW icons interests me. Now I have to watch the shit out of Proleague to send out BW off with respect.
Interesting, i agree with about 90% of their statements. But the ones that i felt were the best:
Bisu wouldent lose in bw with forcefields and he tries to chronoboost nexus in bw (same shit for me :D).
JD says bw after sc2 is hard but sc2 is easy after bw. For some reason i feel the same way... And i also always think of stephano when asked about "favorite zerg" :D.
Great read, I find it pretty hilarious how people read these interviews with pros and immediately jump to conclusions about race balance based on their short answers.
Love the interview though and I think it's awesome that he likes stephano as well :D Jaedong is indeed a true hero!
I know there is a wallpaper out there with that jaedong picture saying something like "jaedong zerg queen", does anyone maybe have it? Also thanks for the interviews.
Fantastic interview! I'm glad to see that all of them are fairly positive about the future, and I certainly look forward to seeing them rise to the top of the world.
Jaedong's humility is saint-like. His mind set and approach to the game are inspiring as always. "Yeah I'm not talented, I'm just a hard worker, sc2 will take the same amount of effort and time to master.[sic]" Yeah, says the greatest zerg player of all time.
Bisu's interview was by far my favorite. He was very articulate and seemed to come across very intelligently. It says a lot about nature vs. nurture too. Hard work for the win!
On May 22 2012 04:51 Zaphid wrote: I giggled like a little schoolgirl while reading the Jaedong interview
On May 22 2012 04:51 Lonyo wrote: Wow, I hope Stephano reads this or gets told about it. Gotta be the most awesome thing ever to be mentioned as someone liked by Jaedong.
I don't think that Terran has much variety in unit composition right now. In Brood War you play bio vs Zerg and mech vs Protoss, and there's a lot of interesting ways to use units like that. I think for there to be more variety, the expansion could help a lot. They should buff tanks! (laughs)
So humble, so badass. Thanks for the awesome interview! Also I was a bit surprised on all the mentions on how SCII is hard with all the brood war elitists claiming otherwise. It might be just good PR to not diss the new game, but mmeh. Also, soooo jealous of stephano :o
Nice read, glad to see that TL got the chance to talk to some of the most famous people in Korean esports currently. now I just have to meet them myself...
EPT
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