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Staredit Network -> Games -> Newspaper collumns by SlayerS_`BoxeR`
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Staredit.Net Essence on 2005-07-17 at 01:40:12
Again, these were not translated by me. I'll go ahead and post all of what he wrote:

******#1******




Hey, guys...I recently found out that Boxer has his own column in one of the Korean newspapers, the "Joongang Ilbo," or in English, the "Daily Central." His column is called "LimYoHwan's BattleBattle".

Keep in mind that Korea and several other countries acknowledge Starcraft as e-sports, so reports of the games and related topics are published in the newspaper. Apparently Boxer started writing for one of the columns, I think since June of 2005, once a week.

This is from July 14, 2005. I translated it to English the best I could (sorry if you can't understand some parts).

===========================================
2005.7.14. Joongang Ilbo (Korean Newspaper)
<LimYoHwan's BattleBattle>
Astonishing ability to multiply and maneuver...Zerg is terrifying

One of the three races of Starcraft, the image of the Zerg is very unique. The incredible ability to breed and quick movements are its weapons. From small units to monstrous buildings, the looks are disgusting. But out of Terran, Protoss, and Zerg, the one race that senses the most basic vitality is Zerg. As a Terran user, this is how I view Zerg.


Astonishing ability to breed

The Zerg units' origin is the larva. The larva is produced from the building called Hatchery, and it is produced one by one. The Zerg metamorphs the larva into a drone or an attack unit and advances. As the number of larva increases, the ability to multiply becomes an incredible source of power. Especially as hatcheries continue to expand and collect resources, they can become increasingly threatening to the Terran. The hatchery is Zerg's most important unit, and Terran's #1 target.


Ability to maneuver quickly, a step ahead (of the enemy)

The Zerg's strength is definitely the ability to maneuver quickly. In an instant, it can determine the position of the enemy through units such as overlords and zerglings to scout in many directions. The zergling and the mutalisk can rush at terrifying speeds. The characteristic "hit and run" tactics are sufficient to shake the enemy's base. I fear more of the Zerg users that control these two units skillfully. Truthfully, I am more nervous when facing against a Zerg. It is because just a slight absence of mind will rush in guerilla-type attacks alerted by the spies.


Excellent Zerg users

"Storm Zerg" Hong Jinho (Yellow) will scout the enemy's positions through zerglings and mutalisks and shifts accordingly. Even if there is a very slight opening, he will edge in without a second thought and strike here and there. As this storm lashes through heated attacks, the fans cheer to no end in the arena. It wouldn't be a lie to name him as the originator of the attack-type Zerg.

"God of War Zerg" is the nickname for Park Sungjun (JulyZerg). He is one whose skills are to be desired. He is the player that broke the commonly accepted idea that Zerg is weak against Terran. His zergling and lurkers are especially deadly. It is to the point where the Terran user cannot block, even while knowing what will happen. Moreover, his respected mutalisk control is more than enough to dishearten the Terran user. Even in an official match, his control and offensive spirits are incredibly fierce. There was a time when I went against him in the last MSL (MBC Game StarLeague). It was a game that I won solely by defending for forty minutes. He is a Zerg user that attacks to no end like a rising tide, to the point where all I had time for was defense.

In the same team as I, Park Taemin(GoRush)'s nickname is "Magician of management". His hand movements are very composed and quiet. It's as though he is mocking the Zerg users with flashy hand movements. When I watch him practice, I cannot hear the sounds of his pressing the keyboard. This is how calm and cool-headed he is. If one is to defeat his high level of understanding and use of the units, the Terran user has to have an ace card(play) to use. If he does not, he can only face defeat to his ability of management.



Pro-gamer Lim Yohwan








******#2******




[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.


Pro-gamer LimYoHwan
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