[2005.07.07 Joongang Ilbo] <LimYoHwan's BattleBattle> Know the enemy and the battlefield...the basics to devising a stratagem
In a battle, victory and defeat are determined by the art of war (tactics and strategy). In Starcraft, it is the same. This is because it is a very strategic simulation game. A sharp strategy is the prime mover to victory, and a strategy with blind spots directly lead to failure. How, then, do these tactics and strategies come about?
지피지기 백전불태(知彼知己百戰不殆) (If I know the enemy's condition and my own condition, then even from a hundred battles I will not be in any danger/risk. Basically, to win, one must know the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, and attack when the odds are in your favor.)
When a pro-gamer devises a certain tactics or strategy, the first thing he keeps in mind is relativity. Depending on who the opponent is, the strategy could be the best or the worst. This is even more relevant in a broadcasted match, or a major match. This is because there is a specific opponent, unlike going up against random people on Battle net. "If I know the enemy and know myself, then of a hundred battles, there is no danger/risk." This saying alludes to the relativity of the tactics and strategy. Only by knowing the opponents' style, will one be able to exploit any openings.
And so, when there are upcoming major matches, the team members work together. One who had previously went against a certain opponent will discuss and give advice. He will take notes of the player's weaknesses or unique habits/characteristics. Also, we will watch the matches saved on the DVD over and over and over again. Through this one has to determine the opponent's strategic mindset.
Accumulation of Strategies
One has to analyze the battlefield as well. This is because the tactics and strategies' effects vary according to the Starcraft maps. A strategy that is powerful in map A could be off rhythm in map B. Therefore, one has to view the entire map and carefully analyze the terrain and rush distance, the locations of structures, the resource scale, etc.
Also, one has to read the map creator's intensions. This is because at times the structures and neutral units, etc, things that were not at first considered could become undesirable variables leading to defeat.
In most cases, pro-gamers will go through hundreds of trials to come up with one kind of a strategy. One will select the same situation and repeat-practice it to increase the chances of success. "A little faster, a little more covertly, a little more destructive." There is nothing that can express the joy when such a planned strategy succeeds in a real match.
Strategy is a double-edged sword
There are times when my strategy will return like a boomerang and hit me. A strategy that I use often could be used by the opponent instead. That is why there is a tendancy for pro-gamers not to use the same strategies after using it once. All tactics and strategies are double-edged swords. One is pointing towards the opponent, and the other towards me. And so, the times of use are very important.
In the matches that the pro-gamers show, there is definitely an intention of a certain strategy. This includes my own matches as well. When my strategies become well-known among my fans, I feel exhilarant. There are also times when a certain strategy will receive praise and criticism at the same time. Starcraft is that much of a strong strategic game. This is why I like Starcraft so much.
On July 16 2005 20:53 Hippopotamus wrote: I like how he rips off Sunzi. I mean really, he could at least phrase it differently instead of taking the guy's exact words.
there werent copyright back 3000 years ago in China im sure :p
On July 16 2005 20:53 Hippopotamus wrote: I like how he rips off Sunzi. I mean really, he could at least phrase it differently instead of taking the guy's exact words.
there werent copyright back 3000 years ago in China im sure :p
I would love to see a 3000 year old person sue boxer. Hell i'd like to see anyone sue boxer. It would be hilarious to see how fans reacted.
On July 16 2005 20:53 Hippopotamus wrote: I like how he rips off Sunzi. I mean really, he could at least phrase it differently instead of taking the guy's exact words.
there werent copyright back 3000 years ago in China im sure :p
On July 16 2005 20:53 Hippopotamus wrote: I like how he rips off Sunzi. I mean really, he could at least phrase it differently instead of taking the guy's exact words.
there werent copyright back 3000 years ago in China im sure :p
And i guess theres no dignity 3000 years later
I know, it's just aweful using a phrase coined by someone else. Oh shit, "coined by" is one of those phrases...
On July 16 2005 20:53 Hippopotamus wrote: I like how he rips off Sunzi. I mean really, he could at least phrase it differently instead of taking the guy's exact words.
there werent copyright back 3000 years ago in China im sure :p
And i guess theres no dignity 3000 years later
I know, it's just aweful using a phrase coined by someone else. Oh shit, "coined by" is a phrase that someone else thought of...
I wonder what is the target group of the newspaper? And actually what kind of newspaper it is: tabloid, something for teenagers (with interviews and photos of celebrities etc), or maybe a rather serious newspaper for businessmen (I dont think so..)
EPT
