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Valhalla18444 Posts
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.
Seems innocent enough!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!
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.
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.
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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iNcontroL
USA29055 Posts
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Vatican City State2594 Posts
Downloading now, grats to ninja!
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Congrats ninja4ever, nice ninja tactics.
Yeah entertainment value in games in bw has always been somewhat inversely proportionate to how "good" the game is. Often the most entertaining games are entertaining because the players fucked up enough to allow a unique situation, or the better player fucked up and then spent the next 40 minutes making up for his normally lethal mistake, etc.
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Why did the toss have 1200 minerals <.<
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Screenshots on HBR and replay on python? Wrong link?
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The wishbones vs man_you name is too long. You might want to re host it with a shorter name,
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Gratz!
Kwark vs Mondragon was funny game and intense.
Louder likes to promote suicide :S
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Valhalla18444 Posts
On March 05 2010 08:36 HazMat wrote:
The wishbones vs man_you name is too long. You might want to re host it with a shorter name,
Thanks, renamed & reuploaded.
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On March 05 2010 08:23 avaTar[ wrote:
Screenshots on HBR and replay on python? Wrong link?
Its easy to check :-p (I dont know if replaydepot ever gets the map wrong or not)
And its apparently indeed an other game. A nice one at that nonetheless, TvP with some ninja (:-p) expo into a crazy biomech+wraith push
edit: its replaced already, you guys are missing out :-p
And huge props to all the honorable mentions too, entertainment at its best.
Kwark does not disappoint, crazy push vs Mondragon himself, and great game.
"Do these things have drop?" :DDDDDDD (Kwark "inspecting" a stolen overlord)
+ Show Spoiler +Mondi drops him as an answer :-p
and just wow. I cant believe how did he come back into this game either, let alone win it.
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Valhalla18444 Posts
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Yeah! I wanna see what it is, grats to him indeed it's a fun build.
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United States3824 Posts
Its Bonkers! I'm pro at Disney!
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It's a cute strategy, but that Protoss was just awful. I can't help but feel the game was won in spite of his build rather than due to it; he would have won no matter how he'd have played with his opponent supply blocking himself at 25 and massing 700 minerals.
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I enjoyed the "other" replays very much
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On March 05 2010 10:07 HazMat wrote:Is that a nerve cell?
Scarab?
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Valhalla18444 Posts
Optic Flare 
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United States44352 Posts
On March 05 2010 08:45 538 wrote:Show nested quote +On March 05 2010 08:23 avaTar[ wrote:
Screenshots on HBR and replay on python? Wrong link? Its easy to check :-p (I dont know if replaydepot ever gets the map wrong or not) And its apparently indeed an other game. A nice one at that nonetheless, TvP with some ninja (:-p) expo into a crazy biomech+wraith push edit: its replaced already, you guys are missing out :-p And huge props to all the honorable mentions too, entertainment at its best. Kwark does not disappoint, crazy push vs Mondragon himself, and great game. "Do these things have drop?" :DDDDDDD (Kwark "inspecting" a stolen overlord) + Show Spoiler +Mondi drops him as an answer :-p
and just wow. I cant believe how did he come back into this game either, let alone win it.
My macro was so bad that game 
But looking at it from an outside entertainment perspective it was the "good" outcome that Mondie somehow clawed it back. Was definitely epic, he deserved to win it.
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I thought he was going to blind the mines when I started reading lol
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i feel like a winner! my name's up there
watching!
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United States10774 Posts
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On March 05 2010 10:27 FakeSteve[TPR] wrote:Optic Flare
I'll admit, I'm a shameless toss player. Looks pretty spanky though.
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FREEAGLELAND26782 Posts
Very nice! Congratulations on the win and the new icon.
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Louder to Morrow
"kill yourself trash"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! <3
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France231 Posts
wow, i'm glad.
edit : It wasn't the only game I sent though, since you guys seem to have liked that game I'll probably make a reppacks with every crazy strategies I managed to pull off in the past years ( from masse wraiths pvt to blind/nuke drop tvz and vult/lockdown pvt)
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morrow is the new elky.
that was 100% entertaining.
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Canada9720 Posts
haha optic flare icon, nice.
congrats
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Looking at those replays I'd rather say Mondragon deserves a new icon. With the biggest balls to ever roll our earth on it.
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Congrats Ninja, sleek icon!
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morrow vs louder is funny game
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Kwark's strat was the most innovative thing I've ever seen (recently  )... and his opponent was no chump either.
+ Show Spoiler +Btw, what were the circumstances for upgrading MC? Here's my take on it: you feared mutas cuz you upgraded maelstrom first and had 3 cannons at your main. Then you realized he was going lurkers and you had a large idle army vs a turtle zerg so the fastest way to initiate an attack was to upgrade MC and break in.
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That was a sick strategy. Well done! You truly are a NINJA!
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Russian Federation18 Posts
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On March 06 2010 04:47 AYAYAYAYAY wrote:
morrow replay is best :D
tnx :D
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The Morrow replay was funny, though I think he loses that if the toss doesn't try to expand immediately after being cheesed.
The InControl replay I didn't really get why it was remarkable -- he won with 9pool speed, then finished it by teching straight to lurks. I guess it's funny because his opponent didn't GG after the lings wrecked him?
The web replay...it seemed like the webs didn't do much.
And the MC one was funny, yes, but the DA was more of a one-time tactic than the centerpiece of the game.
And of course congrats to Ninja.
--oberon
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United States44352 Posts
On March 06 2010 01:01 Kuri wrote:Kwark's strat was the most innovative thing I've ever seen (recently )... and his opponent was no chump either. + Show Spoiler +Btw, what were the circumstances for upgrading MC? Here's my take on it: you feared mutas cuz you upgraded maelstrom first and had 3 cannons at your main. Then you realized he was going lurkers and you had a large idle army vs a turtle zerg so the fastest way to initiate an attack was to upgrade MC and break in.
Pretty much. I'd played him a few games in a row and I was noting he was weak to zealotarchon and relying on lurkers. That also swayed my decision.
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France231 Posts
On March 05 2010 10:53 dhe95 wrote:
I thought he was going to blind the mines when I started reading lol
I would have done that if he tried to push with his goons and tried to micro. Sadly he wasn't good enough to do that. ^^
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On March 05 2010 07:49 FakeSteve[TPR] wrote:
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.
Meh, I think if the points were out of 10, it would have gotten 9/10, as opposed to 5/5. Not only have many people thought of this strategy already, but I've actually seen this strategy on randomKo_Orean's thread about testing strategies~
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On March 06 2010 04:47 AYAYAYAYAY wrote:
morrow replay is best :D
Without the dialogue at the end and without his opponent being Louder, it would lose of its salt, but that was the first time I really burst out laughing in front of my computer while watching a replay. Usually I just smile, even when it's hillarious.
What do you do when your cheese fails?
You cheese more. You wouldn't mind a little bit more of this cheddar?
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On March 06 2010 09:28 Biff The Understudy wrote:Without the dialogue at the end and without his opponent being Louder, it would lose of its salt, but that was the first time I really burst out laughing in front of my computer while watching a replay. Usually I just smile, even when it's hillarious. What do you do when your cheese fails? You cheese more. You wouldn't mind a little bit more of this cheddar?
totally the same here
I just started laughing in the end, it was so damn funny this way
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I like ninja, but I didn't like this replay It really didn't show off the build at all, because his opponent was just so bad. I mean, he didn't mine gas for 3 minutes because he sent his probes to his assim too early and he has no concentration lol. So he builds up 500 minerals randomly and then ques up 3 zealots... Sorry, but even if the medics hadn't existed in that game it would have been exactly the same T.T
Kwarks strat is as old as tsunami, but I still need to watch it I think I've done it a few times too if it's what I'm thinking of (thought obviously not against mondragon!)
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hmm, i liked the kwark game best. sure ninja played a fresh strategy, but his opponent was like d-
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That replay really won? I didn't even know it was possible to fail that hard with Protoss.
Evidently "Execution" doesn't take into account if your opponent is pretty much afk the entire game. I literally thought the replay bugged, he supply blocked himself twice and had 600+ minerals like 4 minutes into the game.
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fakesteve: do u have all the replays that were submitted for this contest cos i wanna check out if theres anymore exciting games other than those in OP
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United States44352 Posts
Anyone have a backup of my replay from this game?
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EPT![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/SilverskY/TSLReplay.jpg)
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