EPT
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/SilverskY/TSLReplay.jpg)
There were some interesting replays sent to me, some with tense battles, all with relatively high entertainment value. However, there can only be one winner, and for a replay contest, the winning play should be something that would make Boxer himself blush and giggle. With that in mind, the choice was clear.
Congrats Ninja4ever. on your stupendously clever build!
The Replay: http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/FakeSteveTPR/TSLNinja4_vs_leetchaos.rep
The Breakdown: A seemingly standard Terran opening deviates from the norm immediately after the Barracks is complete. The protoss, ignorant of the savage beating forthcoming, opens with a staple build of PvT, with a fast expansion and ranged Dragoons.
![[image loading]](http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/3586/scscrnshot030110165947.jpg)
Seems innocent enough!
![[image loading]](http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7768/scscrnshot030110170127.jpg)
Okay, maybe not. Acad at 16?
Ninja's sense of style forces him to build an Academy after his barracks. A curious move, with a factory in progress and no sign of additional barracks. Academy and Factory finish, and two key upgrades begin research: Mines, and Optic Flare. Yes, Optic Flare. I'm sure you see where Ninja's going with this. So did I. I've seen a few replays of a FD or 2fac being supported by Optic Flare, but always with poor execution, or an approach to build order timings on that borders on reckless abandon. Let me tell you, I was in for a treat.
Seeing the factory complete, many scenarios ran through my head. The protoss chose a build that gave him a slightly delayed Observer. In time for a FD, no doubt, but this wasn't Gate-Core-Robo. One could expect a stronger push before expansion with the help of Optic Flare, or simply a safer expansion against Dragoon aggression, while opening Vulture for map control and harassment. How clever!
![[image loading]](http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8602/scscrnshot030110170156.jpg)
Speaking of clever...
Ninja's plan became more complicated as a Starport began construction. Is that... a Dropship? It is! Loading up with three Vultures and two Medics with critical new technology, Ninja flies out to the ignorant Protoss' base and the havoc begins. Ninja uses scan and Optic Flare to put Observers out of commission at a critical timing, allowing his Vultures to place mines in the Protoss base, forcing probe movement and frantic defense. Probes and Dragoons alike are fodder for an unbeatable army that a single Dropship can carry.
![[image loading]](http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/2103/scscrnshot030110170309.jpg)
Mayhem ensues, Protoss panics. You cannot fight what you cannot see! Unless it unburrows and skitters toward you for a violent explosion.
What's especially interesting about this build is that Ninja is experienced with it, and it extends beyond the early game. Ninja has crafted this build to extend into midgame at an advantage, for a lategame win if the initial drop doesn't force an outright KO. Here's what he had to say:
Ninja4ever. wrote:
If you manage to prevent any obs from entering in your main and manage to scout the forge and robo, most of the time you'll be able to snipe both (forge first so he can't spam canon in all his expand), giving you a big window where the toss has no obs (because you sniped them) and too few canons. you then proceed to abuse this fact and kill a ton of workers with cloak on.
that's why the +50 mana first is important, as it gives an even bigger window to abuse.
Then you abuse wraiths mobility to snipe forge and robo the most possible and you switch to bio/mecha if gets corsair.
If you manage to prevent any obs from entering in your main and manage to scout the forge and robo, most of the time you'll be able to snipe both (forge first so he can't spam canon in all his expand), giving you a big window where the toss has no obs (because you sniped them) and too few canons. you then proceed to abuse this fact and kill a ton of workers with cloak on.
that's why the +50 mana first is important, as it gives an even bigger window to abuse.
Then you abuse wraiths mobility to snipe forge and robo the most possible and you switch to bio/mecha if gets corsair.
This replay showed me something I have never seen before, which is exceedingly rare twelve years into the game's development.
Scoring:
Creativity: 5/5
The only replay to score full marks on creativity. Kwark's submission using a Dark Archon rush to mind-control an overlord and bash a lurker force without robo tech comes close, but since it's an invention of GARIMTO (for the same purpose, in fact) & has been widely discussed here on TL, it's not enough to grab full marks. Ninja's build offered a completely fresh take on using Medics in TvP, something that all Terrans dream about, but oftentimes simply don't have the stones to expend so much resources in place of a FD or Siege CC build. I know I don't. Adding a dropship and hitting a timing window that is deceptively broad, with a complete follow-up plan, is the pinnacle of inventing your own ridiculous strategies.
Execution: 5/5
With Scans on point and Optic Flare shutting down Observers long enough for Ninja's Vultures to deliver a swift deathblow, there was little room for improvement in how Ninja handled his build order. Both harassing and defending the inevitable Protoss Panic Counter (registered trademark of Scared Protoss Girls, Ltd), Ninja saw this through from start to finish, and it makes me wonder why there isn't a StarCraft replay exhibit at the Louvre.
Entertainment Value: 8/10
It seems strange to punish Ninja simply because his opponent fell apart faster than a cartoon rabbit in a terrible Disney cartoon featuring a bobcat and a fat white guy with police badges. Kudos if you have any idea what I'm talking about. While I was certainly giggling my heartiest giggle, the game's a little short. However, the build itself is satisfactory in bridging the gap between this and a longer replay with more back-and-forth action. I want you to imagine T1 sends out Boxer against Stork in a Winner's League match tied at 3-3. Imagine seeing this build on TV, watching it unfold and kill a Protoss. That'd be a game to remember, and so is this. I strongly recommend downloading this replay and showing it to all your friends who think they are clever. I personally guarantee that Ninja4ever is the clevererest.
Some other choice replays:
KwarK's replay, which I mentioned earlier. GARIMTO-esque Dark Archon rush, and the game itself is highly entertaining. Kwark prefaces this replay by saying his execution is poor by B standards, however, the game is wildly entertaining. Features a mystery opponent of great strength! Download it!
http://repdepot.net/download.php?type=rep&id=25351&name=TSL)Mondragon( vs TSL-KwarK.rep
iNcontroL... well, just watch it. His opponent is Fenix, and iNcontroL's play makes me want to kill myself as a sacrifice to the Terran God so this never happens again.
http://www.repdepot.net/download.php?type=rep&id=25808&name=Tsl-Fenix vs TSL-iNcontroL.rep
I like to rag on MorroW as king of the all-in, and boy howdy, does he ever live up to the title in this one. I can't help but chuckle at the end.
http://repdepot.net/download.php?type=rep&id=25330&name=TSL-EG.Louder vs TSL-mOrrow.rep
Here's a replay from wishbones. Archive this under "Disruption Web" and ask yourself why you aren't messing around with this tremendous spell.
http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/FakeSteveTPR/wishbonesmanyou.rep
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