Life is known as the youngest SC2 prodigy, winning his first GSL at 15 (just shy of beating his BW counterpart Flash’s record) and going on a tear through every single opponent and tournament for several months afterwards. Though this was at a time when broodlord/infestor was at an all time high and Zergs were winning every tournament, Life surprised everyone with his unique ling-centric aggressive style. His continual ling runbys and his impressive ability to get the most out of a handful of lings defines who he is as a player. To this day, Life always seems to find a way to get lings into his opponent’s base despite tight walls and concentrated effort to keep them out.
Since his debut in WoL, Life has demonstrated that he is very versatile, with his victory at IEM New York being perhaps his highest point. In the finals against Naniwa, Life showed an impressive display of strategies ranging from hydra/queen/nydus to extraordinarily passive swarm host play to very aggressive roach/hydra mid games while setting up a strong ultra/queen push, (even a proxy hatch strategy!). Since then, we’ve seen mostly roach/hydra play from Life in ZvP, with an emphasis on either preventing his opponent’s third from ever going down, or busting it with a powerful mid game timing.
Perhaps the best example of this is a rehashing of his most recent series against Zest at IEM Toronto. Up to the semifinals, both players appeared to be unbreakable (Life remaining undefeated, and Zest only narrowly set back by TaeJa after a close series). With the memory of Life’s unmistakable ZvP prowess close by, there was still a question of whether he could beat Zest, the three-time soO slayer. Although Life soon falls apart and drops three games in a row to lose the series, Game 1 is a striking example of Life’s iconic aggressive play and highlights his uncanny ability to always sneak lings into his opponent’s base.
Life opens with a fairly greedy triple hatch before pool build, playing on his prediction that Zest will play very greedy to start off. His risk pays off, as Zest goes blind nexus first into gateway and cannot punish him. Life adds on gas after securing all three bases and begins zergling speed in anticipation of a ling swell right around 7:00.
No, Zealot, don't do it!!
Life scouts the front of Zest’s base with six lings, manages to pull the zealot out of position, and, true to his reputation, runs in with his lings and gets a full scout of Zest’s base, killing the zealot and a handful of probes along the way. After scouting Zest’s phoenix opening, he adds on spore crawlers and begins to drone up heavily and tech while still keeping a small ling force active on the map. With six more lings, Life nearly kills a pylon and forces out two forcefields. Upon seeing a third base from Zest, Life takes his fourth fairly early at 9:30 and prepares for a powerful mid game assault.
Life’s next wave of aggression revolves around roach/ling pressure while getting up the proper tech at home. After making another wave of lings and a large pack of roaches, he tries to threaten the third base of Zest before a colossus gets out. Unfortunately, the colossus is already out by the time he arrives, so he cannot do any immediate damage. Life very cleverly pivots the utility of his units by immediately swinging over to the backside of the natural and threatening the counterattack, forcing Zest’s attention away from the third base. Again, Life works his magic by somehow convincing Zest that he's backed off, only to finish of the rocks, run in, and snipe an idle colossus before running back out again.
Meanwhile at home, Life is working to zone out the phoenixes with his hydralisks while building his corruptor count. By pushing the phoenixes all the way back behind the main base, he is able to make corruptors only from his front hatcheries and successfully hide the incoming bust entirely from Zest. When he is nearly maxed on roach/hydra/ling with about eight corruptors, Life busts the front, picks off every colossi, void ray, and phoenix, leaving his hydras and roaches to wreak havoc on the Protoss army consisting mainly of blink stalkers and sentries.
Life has banked up nearly 1500 gas with +2 flyer attacks on the way behind this push and switches into mutalisks once all the sentries and expensive units are gone. In this position, even if he fails to win with the timing, he can still follow it up with a devastating muta/ling play to rip apart the Protoss economy. However, in this game, Zest GGs and taps out before any of the mutas ever see the light of day, and Life has proven once again that his aggressive style looks unbeatable.
Predictions
Life mixes his trademark aggro style with several different openings, making him very unpredictable. It’s certainly never a question of if Life will be aggressive, it’s simply a question of when. Whether it’s a 14/14 or a gasless triple hatch opening, it’s up to the Protoss player to figure out exactly when that pressure is coming. Unfortunately, this is Zest’s undisputed strong suit. With nearly flawless decision-making, it’s unlikely that Zest will fall again to the wily tricks displayed in Game 1 of their previous series. In addition, Life’s tendency to avoid swarm host play at all costs in recent months may prove to be a glaring weakness going into the late game. Life is going to have to rummage deep into his bag of tricks and come up with some truly convincing ploys if he wants to win this series. That’s not to say it isn’t possible for him; his flashes of brilliance are indeed some of the best SC2 ever seen, but he’s going to have to be shining brighter than ever if he’s going to want to take down Zest.
Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
It's always a debate ofc but like 1.5 monthes ago, everybody seemed to agree that best Protoss was Rain, and as of today I'm not 100% certain that herO is so far away from Zest...
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
It's always a debate ofc but like 1.5 monthes ago, everybody seemed to agree that best Protoss was Rain, and as of today I'm not 100% certain that herO is so far away from Zest...
Rain was the best Protoss somewhere else than in the August Power Rank? I didn't know that :o No I honestly think Zest went undisputed as the best toss this year. The only Protoss I can see being close to him right now is indeed herO, who seems to have a better PvT, but over the course of the year Zest has shown not only good play but also good and consistent results, something no other toss did, and something only one other player did, soO. I mean come on, 3 GSL Ro8 in a row is pretty insane, especially considering there are a win and a Ro4 in there. He also placed second in what is probably the most stacked foreign tournament of the year (excluding BlizzCon, and I'm not even sure of that).
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
Mvp is still the closest one to be a sc2-bonjwa. His titles and overbearing play in 2011 is (still) unmatched.
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
Mvp is still the closest one to be a sc2-bonjwa. His titles and overbearing play in 2011 is (still) unmatched.
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
Mvp is still the closest one to be a sc2-bonjwa. His titles and overbearing play in 2011 is (still) unmatched.
Wasn't Mvp known to only win when nobody was expecting him to do so? That's quite the opposite of a bonjwa. Also, I'm not sure if Mvp would have won that many GSLs with 3 GSLs a year
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
Mvp is still the closest one to be a sc2-bonjwa. His titles and overbearing play in 2011 is (still) unmatched.
Wasn't Mvp known to only win when nobody was expecting him to do so? That's quite the opposite of a bonjwa. Also, I'm not sure if Mvp would have won that many GSLs with 3 GSLs a year
Mvp was known for winning. People just started to doubt his ability to win for some reason, and he kept winning.
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
No one will ever be as good as Dear was in the month or so of his domination. That was the pinnacle of Protoss play, imo, and since then, no one has really been able to replicate the insane mechanics mixed with sheer genius that Dear had. Zest and herO are pretty good, and they've won a lot of stuff, but their play has never really been inspiring; I almost venture to say that their domination is not because they are so far above the rest of the crowd, but that competition in general has been lackluster.
Also, Mvp is and will always be the greatest SC2 player of all time DONT DOUBT HIM. If his wrists hadn't exploded, he probably would have won a few more titles.
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
No one will ever be as good as Dear was in the month or so of his domination. That was the pinnacle of Protoss play, imo, and since then, no one has really been able to replicate the insane mechanics mixed with sheer genius that Dear had. Zest and herO are pretty good, and they've won a lot of stuff, but their play has never really been inspiring; I almost venture to say that their domination is not because they are so far above the rest of the crowd, but that competition in general has been lackluster.
Also, Mvp is and will always be the greatest SC2 player of all time DONT DOUBT HIM. If his wrists hadn't exploded, he probably would have won a few more titles.
As big a fan as I am of Zest, I do agree with you. There has never been a moment when I have watched Zest play and gone 'WOAH DID YOU SEE THAT?! THAT WAS INCREDIBLE' like I have done with other players I considered great. He impressed me with his solid macro and good mechanics but he doesn't quite blow my mind in all the games I have seen from him, which, granted, aren't really a lot.
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
No one will ever be as good as Dear was in the month or so of his domination. That was the pinnacle of Protoss play, imo, and since then, no one has really been able to replicate the insane mechanics mixed with sheer genius that Dear had. Zest and herO are pretty good, and they've won a lot of stuff, but their play has never really been inspiring; I almost venture to say that their domination is not because they are so far above the rest of the crowd, but that competition in general has been lackluster.
Also, Mvp is and will always be the greatest SC2 player of all time DONT DOUBT HIM. If his wrists hadn't exploded, he probably would have won a few more titles.
Oh yeah I totally forgot Dear. His time of domination was so short though, it's sad that he did not kept being that good. However I don't understand how Zest and herO's competition is lackluster. People generally tend to agree that players are better mechanically now than a few years ago, and I don't see why players would have less genius today than a few years ago. I mean, Protosses like sOs, Rain, Trap, PartinG, Classic, or even Stork, MC or San aren't what I would call "lackluster competition". And concerning Mvp I wasn't really following the scene at the time, so I'll believe you
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
Mvp is still the closest one to be a sc2-bonjwa. His titles and overbearing play in 2011 is (still) unmatched.
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
No one will ever be as good as Dear was in the month or so of his domination. That was the pinnacle of Protoss play, imo, and since then, no one has really been able to replicate the insane mechanics mixed with sheer genius that Dear had. Zest and herO are pretty good, and they've won a lot of stuff, but their play has never really been inspiring; I almost venture to say that their domination is not because they are so far above the rest of the crowd, but that competition in general has been lackluster.
Also, Mvp is and will always be the greatest SC2 player of all time DONT DOUBT HIM. If his wrists hadn't exploded, he probably would have won a few more titles.
I never got aboard the Dear hype train. In fact, in his semis with Trap I actually preferred Trap. What's a series that you think showcased the full extent of Dear's potential?
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
No one will ever be as good as Dear was in the month or so of his domination. That was the pinnacle of Protoss play, imo, and since then, no one has really been able to replicate the insane mechanics mixed with sheer genius that Dear had. Zest and herO are pretty good, and they've won a lot of stuff, but their play has never really been inspiring; I almost venture to say that their domination is not because they are so far above the rest of the crowd, but that competition in general has been lackluster.
Also, Mvp is and will always be the greatest SC2 player of all time DONT DOUBT HIM. If his wrists hadn't exploded, he probably would have won a few more titles.
I never got aboard the Dear hype train. In fact, in his semis with Trap I actually preferred Trap. What's a series that you think showcased the full extent of Dear's potential?
Both of his performances in GSL Season 3 and the Season 3 Finals showcase how insanely good he was. In the Ro16 onwards, he blew through each of his opponents without looking phased at all in all three matchups. He went 3-0 against both Trap and MC in PvP, beat Maru TWICE right after his decisive OSL championship the season before (and when Maru was considered easily the best Terran player), and then stomped both soO and Soulkey, both strong and consistent Zerg players.
I think Dear said it best when he said that he didn't know if he was the greatest player in the world, but he felt like it that day. Those two tournaments are absolutely mind-blowingly stunning, in my opinion. Dear played with the godlike mechanics of Rain but with the strategic genius of sOs, and was, imo, the closest thing SC2 has seen to Mvp since his downfall.
EDIT: Dear vs Maru on Frost, holy fuck was that game amazing.
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
No one will ever be as good as Dear was in the month or so of his domination. That was the pinnacle of Protoss play, imo, and since then, no one has really been able to replicate the insane mechanics mixed with sheer genius that Dear had. Zest and herO are pretty good, and they've won a lot of stuff, but their play has never really been inspiring; I almost venture to say that their domination is not because they are so far above the rest of the crowd, but that competition in general has been lackluster.
Also, Mvp is and will always be the greatest SC2 player of all time DONT DOUBT HIM. If his wrists hadn't exploded, he probably would have won a few more titles.
I never got aboard the Dear hype train. In fact, in his semis with Trap I actually preferred Trap. What's a series that you think showcased the full extent of Dear's potential?
Both of his performances in GSL Season 3 and the Season 3 Finals showcase how insanely good he was. In the Ro16 onwards, he blew through each of his opponents without looking phased at all in all three matchups. He went 3-0 against both Trap and MC in PvP, beat Maru TWICE right after his decisive OSL championship the season before (and when Maru was considered easily the best Terran player), and then stomped both soO and Soulkey, both strong and consistent Zerg players.
I think Dear said it best when he said that he didn't know if he was the greatest player in the world, but he felt like it that day. Those two tournaments are absolutely mind-blowingly stunning, in my opinion. Dear played with the godlike mechanics of Rain but with the strategic genius of sOs, and was, imo, the closest thing SC2 has seen to Mvp since his downfall.
EDIT: Dear vs Maru on Frost, holy fuck was that game amazing.
Just out of curiosity, how would you explain the fact that his domination only lasted one month?
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
No one will ever be as good as Dear was in the month or so of his domination. That was the pinnacle of Protoss play, imo, and since then, no one has really been able to replicate the insane mechanics mixed with sheer genius that Dear had. Zest and herO are pretty good, and they've won a lot of stuff, but their play has never really been inspiring; I almost venture to say that their domination is not because they are so far above the rest of the crowd, but that competition in general has been lackluster.
Also, Mvp is and will always be the greatest SC2 player of all time DONT DOUBT HIM. If his wrists hadn't exploded, he probably would have won a few more titles.
I never got aboard the Dear hype train. In fact, in his semis with Trap I actually preferred Trap. What's a series that you think showcased the full extent of Dear's potential?
Both of his performances in GSL Season 3 and the Season 3 Finals showcase how insanely good he was. In the Ro16 onwards, he blew through each of his opponents without looking phased at all in all three matchups. He went 3-0 against both Trap and MC in PvP, beat Maru TWICE right after his decisive OSL championship the season before (and when Maru was considered easily the best Terran player), and then stomped both soO and Soulkey, both strong and consistent Zerg players.
I think Dear said it best when he said that he didn't know if he was the greatest player in the world, but he felt like it that day. Those two tournaments are absolutely mind-blowingly stunning, in my opinion. Dear played with the godlike mechanics of Rain but with the strategic genius of sOs, and was, imo, the closest thing SC2 has seen to Mvp since his downfall.
EDIT: Dear vs Maru on Frost, holy fuck was that game amazing.
Just out of curiosity, how would you explain the fact that his domination only lasted one month?
I think there's a huge correlation between his team disbanding and him joining a foreign team immediately after winning both of these tournaments. Also, I think the metagame kind of slipped out from beneath him because it tended toward more extremes during the "blink era".
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Y'know, I can kind of get behind this statement, for one very simple reason - Life is one of a handful of players who can turn the dial up past 11 to something like a 15, when the stars align.
It's hard to predict, but honestly, Life on his best day can make anyone look bronze. The only other players I know of that can do the same thing are MarineKing, Bomber, and maybe Parting.
Does that make them the 4 best players on earth? Of course not. But something about the way they play is so utterly go-big-or-go-home that when they lose, they look washed up, and when they win, they look like unstoppable monsters.
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
No one will ever be as good as Dear was in the month or so of his domination. That was the pinnacle of Protoss play, imo, and since then, no one has really been able to replicate the insane mechanics mixed with sheer genius that Dear had. Zest and herO are pretty good, and they've won a lot of stuff, but their play has never really been inspiring; I almost venture to say that their domination is not because they are so far above the rest of the crowd, but that competition in general has been lackluster.
Also, Mvp is and will always be the greatest SC2 player of all time DONT DOUBT HIM. If his wrists hadn't exploded, he probably would have won a few more titles.
I never got aboard the Dear hype train. In fact, in his semis with Trap I actually preferred Trap. What's a series that you think showcased the full extent of Dear's potential?
Both of his performances in GSL Season 3 and the Season 3 Finals showcase how insanely good he was. In the Ro16 onwards, he blew through each of his opponents without looking phased at all in all three matchups. He went 3-0 against both Trap and MC in PvP, beat Maru TWICE right after his decisive OSL championship the season before (and when Maru was considered easily the best Terran player), and then stomped both soO and Soulkey, both strong and consistent Zerg players.
I think Dear said it best when he said that he didn't know if he was the greatest player in the world, but he felt like it that day. Those two tournaments are absolutely mind-blowingly stunning, in my opinion. Dear played with the godlike mechanics of Rain but with the strategic genius of sOs, and was, imo, the closest thing SC2 has seen to Mvp since his downfall.
EDIT: Dear vs Maru on Frost, holy fuck was that game amazing.
I have that game saved on my computer, and watch it almost once a week. Makes me sad templar openers don't exist anymore, and that Dear hasn't regained his form (yet >:D). He (and Trap) are the players that got me back into this wonderful game after my extended hiatus.
On October 19 2014 17:18 Gwavajuice wrote: Well Life at his top would just crush Zest like he's a plat league player, but the times when life was at his top are faraway now.
Sad, cause the competition didn't really get any better -Zest 2014 is not better than sOs 2013 who was not better than Parting 2012- it's just him falling apart...
Have you actually watched a game of Zest this year?
Yeah, watched kespa cup, IEMs GSL and PL.
Ofc he's dominating, but he's not bonjwa-esque by any mean. Life in 2012 was Bonjwa-esque, but didn't last long enough to be called Bonjwa...
I'm pretty sure Zest is showing a skill level that hasn't been shown by many, if any, Protosses before him tbh.
No one will ever be as good as Dear was in the month or so of his domination. That was the pinnacle of Protoss play, imo, and since then, no one has really been able to replicate the insane mechanics mixed with sheer genius that Dear had. Zest and herO are pretty good, and they've won a lot of stuff, but their play has never really been inspiring; I almost venture to say that their domination is not because they are so far above the rest of the crowd, but that competition in general has been lackluster.
Also, Mvp is and will always be the greatest SC2 player of all time DONT DOUBT HIM. If his wrists hadn't exploded, he probably would have won a few more titles.
I agree with John here, 2013 Dear is the pinnacle of protoss play in sc2 so far. He was like an upgraded sOs back in the day. Zest just had lucky brackets that favored his best matchup (pvp).
Now, on topic, great writeup that showcases Life's trademark aggression. We will see more of this at Blizzcon, where Life will get his revenge and furthermore, will ciment his new era of dominance, where he will rise again as the Zerg hope.
I remember watching the minimap during some of Life's games, seeing all these little squad of lings running everywhere constantly, it gave the impression he was actually the Swarm taking control of a whole planet, it was so beautiful...