Saturday, August 4, 2012

My Broodwar Story

It's been a long time since I last posted here. Been almost a year! This time, I'm going to be emotional, just this once.



The Era ends... on August 4

The game that I had loved for more than a decade is finally closing the curtains. As the successor finally rising at its peak, the legend becomes memories.


While we are waiting for the final showdown between the almighty Toss, Jangbi and the terrorist Terran Fantasy, let's do a time travel... back to the glorious part of Starcraft Broodwar.



I got hooked to the game when I was I think 10-11 years old. My cousin played the game first as an alternative to the boring CnC Red Alert 95 and I find it fascinating because of the cheats(believe me or not, by the time I started I only know "Show me the money"). Since there are three factions: the Protoss, Terran and Zerg, I overlooked the balance of the game thinking that Protoss would be the best to use in that game. I liked how the Protoss came to have quality units and didn't like the Zerg for its creepy appearance and difference in mechanics.

Yeah I find the Carriers amazing at first.

The game itself has a balance on it's own. Before I used to think that Protoss can own Terran while Terran own Zerg then Zerg own Protoss. Then I thought about the boring strategy that I used in Red Alert: defend, camp, produce and attack. It is successful but I find it boring until I played the game and ended up losing about 4 minutes because the AI zerg's early attack. After my first LAN game with somebody, I realized that you've got to think of a strategy.

Art of 4pooling: cheapest way to win

Then I went on a spree on the PC Bangs(internet cafe in our terms) and even was known in our area as "The Starcraft boy" due to knowing all cheats and bringing down most of the ace players. I even thought more on the game than my studies! The term "comsat" in our games actually rose due to me calling those players looking at the other players screen while playing. 

Then online gaming era came to the Philippines. Despite of the majority playing Ragnarok Online and the like, I still sticked with BW due to the level of competitiveness is somewhat different from those games. I realized that I can play BW online and started an account with 12W 49L for the first month(that was in Asia Channel). I even played some custom games on it! 

One of the best Protoss plays ever
When I started watching videos in Youtube that I realize that although BW is an old RTS game, there's still people who loved the game. The first BW video that I saw is Reach owning IloveOov with a Mine Daebak. 

While I was checking other youtube videos, I saw the 2004 pimpest plays #1 Arbiter Reloaded(It was 2005). I ended up not satisfied because it only showcased the end part. So I checked the SCLegacy website and I discovered the existence of TeamLiquid. Since then I watched out the best BW games in my life, discussion on the strategy and "PROGAMING". I even dreamt of being a progamer but my work killed that dream. Since my interest for those gamers namely NaL_rA, Boxer, Reach, Kingdom, Gorush, Yellow, Julyzerg and IloveOov(I thought this player sucks ending up victim by Reach and Boxer, but hell, I was really wrong) 


The younger generationdefinition of Terran, Protoss and Zerg


The time has passed and another era of Broodwar progaming had dominated the scene, the TaekBangLeeSsang era. The younger version of the aforementioned players. These players sparkled the awe of the audience in Korean and international Starcraft fans by dominating the tournaments. I am merely spectator that time due to work and seldom tried playing like these guys but heck, even a local can beat me to it.


I stopped playing after the last PC bang that has BW closed down. Even the SC2 release, I find myself loving the BW. and the passion of the game is still burning, if I get the chance to play the game, i'll enjoy every minute of it.


Today's "Last Starcraft Broodwar" will include the legends, The Emperor Boxer and the Storm Zerg Yellow. Be sure to watch it!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Time travelling stopped

Oh my god, I never had thought I will be missing my time travelling for about a month. Been busy to my schedule and shit... and I missed this.

I have upcoming works lately. I'm doing the Gatecrashers story and the Legend of Twin Princesses story as well. I might be doing some cosplay and photography stuffs as well so I might suspend the time travel in the present time.

see ya~!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Time Travel log - My Gaming Life part 1

I'm a hardcore gamer I admit. From NES up to PS1, From brick games to PSP, from old school fighter plane games to virtual racing, you name it.

Let's travel back in time why I got hooked up to gaming, what games I loved, and why.

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Early 1994 - The Era of NES/ Famicom(At least from my part)

I was 6 years old that time. Having an NES means entertainment if you got good grades at school and something you can play on your own on weekends. Playing NES with friends are fun too. With the joystick or a virtual gun in hand, the fun does not stop when the screen says "Game Over".


This is the first game that created the single most hated character in video game history.

Duck Hunt is one of our favorites. We take turns of who will be the first to complete the round without missing the targets. We always laugh loud when one of us misses and we see that dog. If you pass, you move to another angle and try to shoot the targets again. This game is plain and simple, no storylines to follow, no distractions(just that dog) and fast paced gameplay.


The first Metal Slug? Heck no.

If it happens we get bored on getting to shoot up the screen, then we play this game next. In this game, we shoot up the bad guys. Anybody still remembered how to do the 30 lives cheat here? I bet you have forgotten already.

Each of us will take turns if the character we control dies. 30 Lives on 2 characters must be a long time to enjoy. After we exhausted the 30 lives, we have to start up from scratch.


At first, nobody of us knows how hadouken is done in joystick.

Sometimes, we do duel, this time not by shooting up bad guys or ducks, but on this game: Street Fighter. Like the caption says above, nobody knows how to do those super moves(and heck the most useful characters that we thought was E.Honda, Blank and Sagat). And believe it or not, we're not able to follow the movelists in a gaming magazines.

---1996 to 1999. introduction to arcades

on weekends, my family goes to mall shopping. While my mom goes on a shopping spree, I go to arcades. Since I learned how arcades work, I began "home invasion" on some arcade places in our town, some recognized my skills and some hated it. I also developed some friendship in that town because of it.



Samurai Aces - the very first jet fighter I began to like due to my fondness in samurai culture. From the OST then the characters' storylines, I believe this is the best. This game also emphasize patience, because if you get full power and shoot aimlessly, you'll get depowered at no time.


King of Fighters 96

KoF 96. This is the start of my journey for the fighting games. I'm still a newb that time for the movesets and the like. Most of the time, I rely on hit-and-run tactics with basic moves only. They call me annoying but that's the way I play.

I also discovered my interest in drawing since I like their characters.


Ouch that hurts
King of Fighters 97(KoF 97) - this is the time when I first learned the movesets in arcades. From here, I began to further improve by utilizing tactics. No more "same moves" necessary.



Street Fighter Alpha. Since I discovered how the movesets done, I also enjoyed this one. Especially the graphics are better than the old-school version.



Speaking of my obsession to the samurai culture, I got interested in Samurai Shodown 4. That action-pack series can get a newb defeat an experienced one or turn the tide of the battle for some tricks. Strategy is also observed on this game because you can't just attack recklessly.

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This is how I will end the first part of my time travel folks. I'll tell you more interesting stories and games once I use my time travel device again.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Let's Travel Back in Time! - TAGCOM

Alright, I know I haven't posted the Ozinefest yet. I feel soooo lazy to get back to that time to describe to you what happened on that event. But this event is the best one so I'll focus more on this one instead.

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May 22nd

We have some issues before the day of the event. First, the making of Gatecrasher Aruiko's props and the whole costume itself. Luckily, for the costume part, it's already been done. For the props, we need to focus. With a struggling budget and time, Aruiko passed the buying of the tools to me which took a little time due to availability(i.e "Anong Greco glue ba yun?", "Wala na po bang maliit na PVC pipe?", "Magkano Rubber Sheet?"). We're fortunate to have some items and save money. Aruiko's able to get the items done and was able to finish it after a week.

Second, Gatecrasher Kirael's status is not good at all. Though, he first claim that he can come, he later took it back and mentioned that he will not be available. A lot of people missed him as other people told me. Anyways, there's always a second chance. See you at the next con brother.



That day, I thought it could be a failcon due to the fact that it's a three-day free event. I was wrong. I enjoyed it the most.

I didn't expect many will come on day 3. There's lots of people around!

And since I thought that my brothers will not come aside from Aruiko, we will have to get along with the other people.


What a big family indeed. NYAKO and Gatecrasher Aruiko


And another big family friend, Philippine Anime Otakus

As we wandered around, here's what I saw some new faces and the recent cosplayers I know. Too bad I haven't seen my favorites there.

The best of the event so far is that, I was able to get some photoshoots done for my friends there. Finding a good place is really hard, especially if you have other people tailing to your models.

Here are some of the photoshoot pictures:






Will not upload most of the pics though. But looking at these, you sure know we had a great day indeed.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

White ,Red and Black

I don't have much idea to write down these days. Too bad, my ozinefest albums are not yet completed so I have to delay that write up. This is a random post. You might be just familiar about this...


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What does the color white mean? For some, this is the color of purity, healing, light, peace and the good. It's purity at heart. White means, it's clear of any weakness. It's absolutely powerful. For ones, white is the one who stands above all colors.



a powerful combo = Death Note + 2 members of Xlaws.

Though white is 80% connected to the law and righteousness, it is not necessarily good. There are times white is being used for lies. White can be charismatic and can be used for luring any other colors' weaknesses. White can be devious and if it's powers used recklessly, could result into disaster.

With this color, it's capable of any changes. It can befriend other colors, can strengthen their mystical energies, yet can stand alone strong and steady.


Alone?

or with them?


White can create a stunning aura around. They can easily get the attention of others. Imagine wearing white in a stealth mission? Imagine walking alone in a dark street? Imagine you lost your cellphone with white LCD? See how the arrancars look in Bleach? White can be a double edge sword in physical, mental and magic fortitude.

Red. When we look at something red, what comes up your mind? Blood, Destruction, Fire, Rage, and Lust. While White follows law, Red follows instinct most of the time. Persons in Red tend to be hasty, sometimes causing destruction to themselves. They eliminate the use of thinking, and the promote use of instincts.



Red can be destructive at times, but sometimes it seeks love. Ever wonder why the hearts are red? they represent love and at the same time, lust. Red can be associated with other colors as well but it picks who to join and who to avoid. They hate personalities who uses complicated thinking, they love people who love fun, they like those who love them as well.



Red also is associated with speed due to its hasty tendencies. Ever wonder why in sentai series, always the first is the red ones? In magics, the fireballs are easy to cast. In Street Fighter, Ken Master wears a red gi and is faster than Ryu. For Red, it means getting a job done as soon as possible.

in the end, getting to be friends with Red can end in various ways. As long as you keep loving, you will receive love from that color.



Black, the color which is misinterpreted by many. Black is often thought to be the color of darkness, evil, power, loneliness and hell. Most of the time, White is the good and Black is the evil. As I mentioned earlier, White is not entirely good, same thing with black. Black does not necessarily means evil.



This color as opposed by White and Red, best to work alone. It's Intent is the source of strength that other colors lacks. It does not need somebody to depend on(There are times that it isn't). It deals it's own problems. For black, getting somebody to help results more chaos and chances of failing it's mission.

Black might be selfish, but it does not want to drag somebody else in its failure. It resorts to violent tendencies but unlike Red, it may also choose unethical ways. It will choose to cheat rather than surrender. It will use sacrifice for greater goals. For Black, failure means defeat.

If ever Black will choose to have any allies, it prefers to have those colors that are not bound to laws, but not bound to instincts as well. It prefers to be hidden if possible. It will choose those who can act on their own without putting themselves into shame. It likes personalities who are sane yet unpredictable.



Black might not be friendly... it needs to build up trust first...


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That's all folks. I missed my blog, really. Hopefully, my Ozinefest project will be finished soon. I might discuss other colors as well in the near future.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Grand Chase = ELISIS vs AlL




Okay, it appears it's going a little bit early for me to create this post. But I'll be posting all of my experience of using Elesis as Spear in Grand Chase before I forget.

Why Spear?
I prefer Spearman than all other Elesis jobs because it's suits my gameplay, safe and midrange attacks

How can you say 'safe gameplay'?
I prefer to play defensively.

How cheap you are using spearman!
Yeah, and good luck when we meet in PVP.

PROS:
Spearman has an advantage in range unlike other melee fighters(Except Asura and Warlord). All of her attacks from Basic to Skills are ranged. Spearman has devastating combos. Spearman can evade dangerous situations

CONS:
Her dash sucks. Because of this, she can't keep up with the 'runners'.
Spearmen aren't very powerful damage-wise in Dungeons on early levels, because they often hit by 5-50 by regular attacks.


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Moveset:

Everything located here: http://grandchase.wikia.com/wiki/Spearman


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The Matchups:

In general - the basics of a spearman revolves on abusing the range. The speed can be the biggest disadvantage due to her inability to run. Spearmen can use aggressive attack skills, like combo attacks and furious jab-and-throw attacks and can also carry out quick multiple attacks with grace, despite their cumbersome appearance.

VS ELISIS(SWORD) -
one can really look up this match very easy in spear's favor but no it isn't. There are some Sword Elesis players are able to par with the spear using their speed(especially with the doubledash skill). My own experience shows that by carefully doing dash attacks(which is actually a sweep) might be able to stop her abusive hit-and-run tactics. Also, staying on the bottom platforms is a good idea due to their range can hit them on the above. You'll only need to be aware about their surprise level 2 skills.

VS ELISIS(SPEAR) - the best player who abuses the range wins

VS ELISIS(SWORDMASTER) - forget about their giant swords. The spear has the longer range than them. Plus, Swordmasters does not have much attacks that you need to be afraid of.

VS ELSIS(SAVIOR) - it's just the first job with additional sword. Now, they can do double attacks in air. it's a no joke since Spears can only do an attack once. To counter these double attacks, simply do a dash attack.

VS LIRE(BOW) - now fighting range combat. this could be a pain if the Lire is a mobile one(especially with the Skill Stree Air Dash). Press the attack. If the berserk activates, you'll have chance to approach that lucky player.

VS LIRE(CROSSBOW) - this could be difficult. Crossbows are able to dish out damage much stronger than bows and they're more mobile too. They are able to pass through you by their dash. Fortunately, you do not flinch when you get hit so you can still press the attack.

VS LIRE(ARCH RANGER) - they can fire straight and fast(in three successions). Luckily for you, they are vulnerable in the air. If you pressure them they might as well give up.

VS LIRE(NOVA) -
the problem with this class is that they do have some issues with close combat. be aware about their charging shot(Lv1). Just like the other ones, press the attack.

VS ARME(Mage) - Mage are the toughest enemy of Elesis(or if in case other Melee classes). Their fireball can dish out large damage output than arrows(Not unless you have the skill Fireball Defence) and with the help of the skill tree, they are dangerous foes in close combat with their Stone Curse(lv2). Try to get a high ground to approach. Be aware that when she dashes she can either pass through you or grab. If you're mindful enough about where's she's going, you can beat her to pulp.

VS ARME(Alchemist) - I can't tell much about this. But since their update, they can only throw bombs while airborne and perform melee attack when on ground. Their Cloud Kill(Black lv2) can be dangerous. Approach her with caution.

VS ARME(Warlock) - not much experience fighting this one, but this should be easy as hell. They're offensive capabilities got a little weaker than before and they have to call out spirits before they can throw anything.

VS ARME(Battle Mage) - Avoid staying on the low ground if she's on the high ground. Just like Mage, the fireball can dish out much damage. Be aware that when they are in close combat, their combo can deal much damage. And when given a time that she could cast the Big impact(Black Lv3), you're doomed. Since your spear has a longer range, you should not have much issues about catching her.

VS RONAN(Magic Knight) - This should be same as Elesis(sword). He might have the magic bolt, but that can be avoided. Also all you need to do is to get some distance and surprise attacks.

VS RONAN(Dragon Knight) - Slightly longer range due to their Glaive and Dive Attack, you're in danger unless you keep him on your sights. Your advantage is the jump attack.

VS RONAN(Aegis Knight) - this might give you a headache due to their shields. They can run AND defend causing you a stun when you attack. It's not always good to catch a running Aegis Knight. Their jump attack may also hurt but can be countered by the Spear's dash attack. Be watchful also with their Rune Flair.

VS RONAN(Abyss Knight) - luckily they have their shields removed. However, an array of magical attacks may hurt. Be watchful on their jump attack.

VS RYAN(Druid) - Despite of his low attack rating, Ryan can be very dangerous(I can't help it. Call me biased because I use it but that's the way I beat other Spears as well). Their jump attack like Aegis Knight can hurt, especially Druid's can do double attack in the air(Hit and dive attack). They can heal themselves, they can leech HP from others(Lv1 Poison Spore), and can wall to give them some time of their plans. Don't let them wall out. Though they have advantage due to their skill Air Dash, you can still catch him from the ground. Your advantage is the ground attack range, though little damage, can destroy him. Avoid getting hit with their normal combo because they damge stronger than you expect. By the way, don't panic if they transform into a wolf, you can deal with them easier than the druid himself

VS RYAN(Sentinel) - Their weapon can be dangerous minus the range. You can still survive by abusing their range. Be aware about their Soul Impact(Lv2).

VS RYAN(Viken) - Their scythe can par with the spear range. however, they cannot transform. With proper abusing of your range, you should be able to take him out.

VS RYAN(Vanquisher) - it is like fighting a Lass(Thief) with a larger range than him if he's using the Storm Blades. Take note of his Storm Blade skill Gatling Spiral(lv1) can dish out much of your HP if you get hit.

VS LASS(Thief) - Thief can be easy if you know what you're doing. They can spam kunais which will activate your beserk, giving you time to approach the enemy. They can leap to escape but they don't have airdash. Also don't get hit of the kunais from above to avoid being grabbed. Watch for their Raven Walker(Lv3 Skill Tree) and Fatal Fury(Lv2).

VS LASS(Assassin) - They just don't have dash, they have double dash~! Always pressure him by doing the dash attacks. His range is short so abuse yours. The Splash Explosion can kill by the way.

VS LASS(Dark Assassin) - Most of the DAs I have encountered abused their vertical dash. Unfortunately they don't phase like the Arme's vertical dash in which you can hit them with jump attacks. The only thing that bothers me would be the Invisible State(Lv1) which adds 30% damage on their first hit after they have themselves invisible. Worry not, you can track their moves if they still use their dash if they do so.

VS LASS(Striker) - this version of Lass is the very painful. They can disappear and appear at your back. Their dash attack and jump attack can hurt lots. Most runners abuse the double dash. Pressure him. If you notice he disappear , face your back. They can initiate Rage Cutter fast so it's not always a good idea to face him head-on.

VS AMY(Dancer) - I haven't fought much Dancers. They have the advantage of buffs by changing their stances. They can throw their Chakrams which you can defend but they do a follow up dive attack. To avoid this situation you can spam attacking the air when you get hit with the chakram to hit her with the jump attack instead. They can do dash and double jump so by watching where they go, you'll be able to pressure her. Watch out for the Shy Shy Punch(Lv1) followed by the Ditzy Rush(Lv2).

VS AMY(Muse) - Muses are rare, I haven't fought any muses lately. All I know is that they do basic range attack in their Muse Mode(That can't be blocked unfortunately). Beware about the Flying Spin(Lv1) which can be followed with a Grab. They still retain their dash and double jump so try keep up using the jump and the dash attacks.

VS AMY(Siren) - Same thing with dancer, jump attack + dive attack. To avoid spam attack in air will help. Their Pretty Virus(Lv1) can be annoying as well.

VS AMY(Starlet) - Take note: Amy's trademark mobility and double air attacks. You know what to do. Take it easy but watch out for the Jack Knife(Lv1).

VS JIN(Fighter) - take it easy when he's not charging chi. You have the range you can use...

VS JIN(Tonfa) - same thing with the fighter. Avoid getting hit with their combo. Watch out because they can roll.

VS JIN(Asura) - This pose an imminent threat. Their range matches the spear, plus the speed. Their jump attack can deal the first hit too. To avoid this, use the dash attack. Don't let him get MP because you'll get dealt with their skills.

VS JIN(Deva) - You can't just attack... you have to be mobile a bit before attacking due to their exploding fists. And they do a stance change, don't position yourself above him.

VS SEIGHART(Gladiator) - this looks like the male version of Elisis(sword). Do not engage him in the air because of their double attack. Try using the dash attack or a simple attack.

VS SEIGHART(Warlord) - this is the spear version of Seighart. Watch out for their dive attack. Also avoid getting cornered because they have speed. Also don't get caught with their skills.

VS SEIGHART(Duelist) - male version of Elisis(Savior) Once again, watch for their double attacks in air. Note that when he's on the stance change, avoid directly confront him. Use cunning and range.

VS SEIGHART(Prime Knight) - Swordmaster's counter part. Their speed is their primary asset together with the JF. Don't let them hit you the first part of the combo or you'll suffer more damage.

I haven't had much fights with the MARI characters. Will update as soon as possible

Friday, March 25, 2011

Untitled

Today, I'm so out of ideas so I'm thinking about getting to create a post for one of my favorite cosplayers...

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You are a flower in full bloom,
As if, through a mist, a first loom;

You are a fine line that holds beauty

So fragile it seems, yet so pretty.


When I first met this girl, there's something that separates her from the rest of the cosplayers that day. Her smile, her looks and most likely her efforts of portraying the character she had chose to imitate.



I can't believe my eyes at first. But yeah what I see is the first cosplayer who did Oichi in Samurai Warriors 3

I thought at first that it's her debut to cosplay and she could be lucky that she got noticed. After my friend introduced her to me(through Facebook), I was shocked. She is really a big-time cosplayer.

Of life, you are much of a mirth
As if the joy that welcomes birth,

A beauty personified in earth
A locke of immeasurable worth.

Beauty is just skin deep they say, but she proved it wrong. While earnestly studying for her future, she never forgets her friends, she never had forgotten her smiles. No wonder, she's been recognized by some even she's not at cosplay. She is open for everybody and her outgoing personality melts the hearts of her shy admirers and fans

Well, she might be famous but like some other cosplayers I know, she maintains a low profile. I don't know if she participated in a catwalk alone, but yeah I was thinking positively that she will be the next rising star if she went to do it.


Best Alisa cosplayer ever.

Despite cosplaying popular anime and game characters, she prefers the a sexy or a cute character. She also had done at least two characters that hasn't been cosplayed before(as far as I know) in the Philippines. Look at how she is determined to be the first to do it. Her dedication indeed to cosplay is very strong, she can be the next cosplay legend.

She even said this:

i enjoy cosplaying, it is already a part of my world, and if im too old for this,

i'll have my child in the future continue on doing it XD

You are the reason why now I write
These simple lines so soft and lite.
Yet, no amount of art can, e’en for a while
Describe the true beauty bestowed on your smile.


A short blogpost indeed, but I believe I poured my heart and soul on this first blogpost for a dedication to one of the best cosplayers: Jen Hime