Going to start posting again soon - Should I play more games?

I've been really slacking off with my Starcraft 2 blog; I am thinking of incorporating other games as well but that is currently undecided.

The games would include whatever I am currently playing - for example right now I am playing HoN, GTA IV and Starcraft 2 mainly. Thinking of getting into RIFT but unsure about that.

So much has been happening in the community that I am sad that I have not been keeping up to date with it. Especially with the NASL and GSL underway - there is a ton of stuff to cover.

MLG Pro Circuit Tickets on Sale Today!

The open-tournament will be 256 player, so you'll have a chance to compete with the pros and move onto the 16-player live tournament.

Link:
http://store.majorleaguegaming.com/

Bracket Style:
http://media.mlgpro.com/site/files/PoolPlaySimulated.htm

GSL Season 5 Code S starts today

GSL Season 5 Code S is starting today. Going to be some good games:

(T)IMMvp vs oGsHyperdub(T)

(Z)ST_July vs oGsMC(P)

No one vs TSL_Clide(T)

(Z)oGsZenio vs ZeNEXExcrement(T)

Stream Link

Updates: Jinro wins Showmatch - North American Star League!

Jinro wins the Showmatch vs. IdrA 4-2, it was an interesting series where I don't think IdrA showed his capabilities. Many blunders from the Zerg player, such as not getting baneling speed in the last game. Regardless, it was entertaining to watch!

And onto the big announcement that was promised at the end of this series; there is now going to be a new Starcraft League, the: North American Star League (NASL)

http://www.nasl.tv/ is the link, check it out!

Clash of the Titans Showmatch! IdrA vs. Jinro - Feb. 21st

The epic show-match between IdrA and Jinro is coming tomorrow at 2pm, Feb 21st. $1500 is on the line!

Watch the Stream:
http://www.justin.tv/iNcontroLTV

Teamliquid thread:
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=191583

See you there!

Pony Tails #3 - A Magazine from Teamliquid.net

I just read through it, it is effing hilarious! The artwork is also amazing :)

Link:
http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/disciple/PX/PonyTalesWinterFinalVersion.pdf

Thread:
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=190453

MLG Dallas & SlayerS_BoxeR joins team Razer & New Maps for GSL!

The next MLG information has been announced, it is taking place in Dallas April 1st-3rd. Tickets to attend go on sale March 2nd. Get them while they're hot!

Tickets:
http://store.majorleaguegaming.com>

- AND -



SlayerS_BoxeR joins team Razer! They've updated their site, I suggest you check it out. I personally think it's about time Razer got a solid player on their team.

http://team.razerzone.com/slayersboxer/

GSL Code A - March Lineup

The march Lineup has been released; I am REALLY praying that LiquidHuk makes it to the finals. We need more USA blood in the top tier of the GSL!


Go HUK!

- 21 Feb -
1. IMLosirA vs SlayerS_LegalMind
2. ST_August vs WE.LonerPrime
3. ST_Curious vs LiquidHuk
4. ST_Posh vs ZeNEX_ButterflyEffect

- 23 Feb -
1. ST_Virus vs FOXMoon
2. GanZi vs LiquidHayprO
3. ZeNEX_Coca vs ST_Ace
4. SlayerS_YuGiOh vs LeenockfOu

- 25 Feb -
1. TSL_Rain vs Yeah
2. mOOnGLaDe vs ZeNEX_Destination
3. IMJunwi vs SlayerS_Alicia
4. MvP_Dog vs MakaPrime.WE

- 28 Feb -
1. oGsSuperNova vs ST_Squirtle
2. TSL_Alive vs oGsCezanne
3. SlayerS_CchapSeungEu vs LiquidRet
4. TSL_Killer vs oGsjookTo

Source: http://esports.gomtv.com/gsl/community/view.gom?mbid=2&msgid=7452

Starcraft + WoW themed amusement park in China - WHAT?!

Apparently, China has been constructing an amusement park themed by popular Blizzard franchises, Warcraft and Starcraft. It does not appear that they have any affiliation with Blizzard, so it is technically copyright infringement however in China these kinds of laws do not apply.

Oh and guess what it's called; JoyLand.......

Construction is to be finished May of this year. Here is their main website for more photos and such: http://joyland.ccjoy.com/main.html

Starcraft:


Warcraft:


Further reading:
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=52948

More Pictures:

TeamLiquid Open! - Day9 Casting RIGHT NOW! 11k Viewers!

What better way to spend your Saturday, than to watch an awesome tournament and have Day9 cast it live! 11k Viewers so far, these are amazing games:


Free video chat by Ustream

Bracket:
http://www.teamliquid.net/tournaments/admin/?action=bracket&id=841&round=5

Video Of The Week - Nukes, Clanwars, and more!

Weekly I will post replays and videos which I believe are worthy of your attention; this is because they contain highly insightful information or generally entertainment worthy. So, onto the video.

This is a replay from PsyStarcraft, covering the recent clan-war between ROOT and vile. It is an amazing PvT, which includes: NUKES! An ability I do not see often enough especially in high level play.



Subscribe to PsyStarcraft and watch his tutorial videos on Zerg, I have learned more from him than any other player!

GSL Code S Finals - Winner Announced

Videos: http://www.gomtv.net/2011gslsponsors1/vod/60500

1SET Scrap Station - IMMvp
2SET Metalopolis - IMMvp
3SET Xel'Naga Caverns - IMMvp
4SET Blistering Sands - IMMvp

IMMvp defeats MarineKingPrime.WE 4-0 to become the Code S Finals winner. The TvT series was average, not a whole lot that really screams "OMG THAT WAS AMAZING" nonetheless, a well deserved win.

GOMTV Announces New Maps for the GSL!

Looks I can stop reviewing the "upcoming" GSL maps and start summarizing the ones which are now official!

1. Crossfire SE


2. Tal'Darim Altar


3. Crevass


4. Terminus RE



These new additions bring the map pool to this:

Crevass, Crossfire SE, Tal'Darim Altar, Terminus RE.

*They are still keeping some of Blizzard's ladder maps in the pool:
 
Lost Temple, Metalopolis, Scrap Station, Shakuras Plateau, Xel'Naga Caverns, *

(Note: You can play these new GSL maps "GSL" when you create a custom match online. Better get practicing, I would not be surprised if they added a couple of these to Blizzard's ladder.)

GSL Map #2 GSL Biohazard II 1.1

I like this one, it's nicely sized with an interesting mid-field setup.



- 1 Xel'Naga watchtower in the middle, closely surrounded by Line-Of-Sight brush.
- Easily defended natural expansion

Around the corner after leaving your natural expansion, you can follow a somewhat large causeway and find a gold expansion which does not have any geysers at it.

Just next to the Gold minerals there is a blue expansion. At first glance it seems like there is only one entrance: the way you came in; but there is a small mouse-hole covered by Line-Of-Sight brush that units can sneak through. (Best to keep that walled off ASAP unless you have map control)

Other then that, the map is quite basic. There aren't many changes in eleveation apart from your main bases. The expansions throughout the map are surrounded by natural walls which I believe can have units dropped on them for easy harrassment. Regardless of how basic this set-up is, I think it will bring about some interesting gameplay with these large open spaces, natural walls everywhere combined with a lack of elevation differentials.

GSL Map #1: Legacy of the Void

The first map I will be evaluating is GSL Legacy of the Void.



This GSL map seems to not be following the recent trend of having no gas with your gold minerals. I am not sure what to think of this, so far I have no opinions for or against having gas geysers at gold minerals. I'll talk about that later, now back to the map:

- 1 Xel'Naga, directly in the middle of the map. Has view of the two gold expansions = high value target.
- 2 somewhat evenly spaced natural expansions, both have multiple ramps that access them. The furthest-away natural expansion only has 1500 gas in each geyser, which will.
- 2 more blue mineral expansions, with destructible rocks. 2500 in the geysers.
- 2 Gold expansions on east and west side of the map, parallel from the middle. Both guarded by destructible rocks.

The map seems pretty basic, normal amount of cliffs / ramps, nothing too special or different obscure. It is continuing the trend of these new GSL maps by having large open spaces and larger ramps, something I hope will continue (as a Zerg player, I love open spaces and large ramps)

The New GSL Maps

The GSL has produced a variety of new maps and claim that some of these maps will be used in their tournaments. It's about time! Ever since Starcraft 2's release I have been ranting about the style of maps blizzard produced for its ladder. In my opinion the maps were lackluster compared to those we saw in Starcraft 1.

I am just now joining a 'King of the Hill' game from channel /v/koth (subsidiary of channel /v/) where they seem to be rotating through the GSL maps. This is my first time seeing these maps. I will go through each one 1 by 1 as we play them and critique them.

Stay tuned for more!

Starcraft 2 Daily Introduction

This is the first entry in my new blog, Starcraft 2 Daily, which will encompass all things Starcraft 2.

Whether you are a Casual or Pro-gamer, Starcraft 2 Daily will be a great resource for learning about the latest news, public tournaments, and more!

Stay tuned fore more.