18 March 2015 - 13:44 EDT
So I used to do something like this when I played CS 1.6 a while back and I'd like to give it a go with NS2. To start off, don't be offended by my predictions - I'm doing this for fun but I'll keep them realistic and entertaining. I know there's already the predictions thing, but I don't think most people look at them in the first place. I'm only going to be doing Division 1 (since that's what I'm playing in), but it would be cool for other people to step up and do it for the remaining divisions. I don't know if I'll be able to do them every week, but I'll try my best. Each week, I will highlight one match as the "Match of the Week" and try to elaborate more on it specifically. Without further adieu, here are my predictions:
loMe's Division 1 - Week 1 Predictions
Map: Biodome (FIXED) and Tram
Brief: I'm glad were starting off the season with the bread and butter maps. Who doesn't like these two maps? They're the dust2 and inferno of NS2. What we'll see on Jambi is a lot of marine pressure to natural RT's like Oxygenation and Bay Wing while Aliens focus on defending those RTs and trying to break through lanes, using vents and pack-play to harass RTs. The Marine base is arguably one of the hardest bases to crush mid-late game, but is pretty vulnerable early game. Also, look for some gorge play early game, since it can be difficult to hold naturals at the start for Aliens. Tram is also a fairly balanced map, but Marines will have an easier job laning, harassing, and holding RTs early-mid game before Fades come up. Tram is also pretty gorge friendly since there's a long stretch of naturals on the north side that are vulnerable to early marine harassment. One thing you'll see often mid-late game is Arc Factories to take down Cargo hive and the Ore Processing RT. If marines can win most early game engagements, I tend to give them the slight favor on Tram. (IGNORE JAMBI STUFF)
SHAFT vs tau-9
Prediction: 3-1 tau-9
I don't think SHAFT has quite gotten it all together yet. tau-9 has some very good shots and a bit more experience, though I would still question some of their play calls. This will be a good first match for both teams but for different reasons. For tau-9 this match should set the tone for where their strengths and weaknesses are, while for SHAFT this is sort of a reality check; if they don't sort out their problems quickly this could be a preview for the rest of the season. I understand the difficulties for SHAFT since they are a team with people in very different time zones, but I think they have the potential to become a stronger team this season.
DoctorsWithoutGorges vs el'pheer
Prediction: 4-0 DoctorsWithoutGorges
I really do expect this to be pretty one-sided. I don't think there's a team that trains and practices more than DoctorsWithoutGorges currently. They've also picked up some really strong players recently to add to their lineup, though I don't know who they plan to start. el'pheer on the other hand I haven't heard too much about recently. I've seen a couple of them active in gathers, but I don't know how often they practice as a team. This should be a fun match to watch nonetheless. I'm interested in seeing what kind of strats Doctors will be doing.
Yggdrasil vs Katy Perry Fanclub
Prediction: 3-1 Yggdrasil
Unless the izO votekick succeeds (b/c we always want to vote kick izO), Katy Perry Fanclub is gonna have a hard time dealing with Ygg's lineup. I know both these teams practice, but my money is on Ygg. There is just a significant skill difference between the players on these teams, however, I think KPF could steal a round for them if they play it right.
Do it yourself vs ryan mitchell
Prediction: 4-0 Do it yourself
Will ryan mitchell show up to play? Do they even exist? Will it matter? Nope. One way or another this is going to end up in a G.S.O. 4-0.
Lucky Chams vs Titus Gaming
**Match of the Week**
Prediction: 4-0 Lucky Chams!!!!
I'm always predicting were winning 4-0 cuz we on dat level bruh. In all honesty though, this is a showdown between the top two NA teams, so I hope everyone tunes in this Thursday. Both of our teams have been scrimming a bit more often lately, though as far as I can tell, neither team has worked out all the kinks or brushed off all the rust. In the PCWs between Titus and Lucky Chams, Titus usually takes 3 games of every 4 played, though we've had to rely on mercs for nearly every scrim. Both teams' comms are very aware of everything happening on the field. It'll be hard to do significant base harassment for both teams, and on alien side, you should see both comms out on the field soaking up bullets for the rest of the team (WEEEE Virsoul straight lining skulk!). Both teams will need to be very careful with their lifeforms because of the skilled players on each side that can win tough engagements. These rounds will come down to which team can take advantage of moments of weakness by the other team.
Handwashers vs HBZ
Result: 2-2
Dang these mofo's already played. As they are Euro's I've only played with them in Gathers. Both teams have some talented members. I thought that Handwashers would come out on top, but it seems like HBZ didn't want to let that happen (wheres EvilB0t when you need him).
There's Week 1 for you. Good luck to all the teams playing this season. Looking forward to the games to be played.
loMe's Division 1 - Week 1 Predictions
Map: Biodome (FIXED) and Tram
Brief: I'm glad were starting off the season with the bread and butter maps. Who doesn't like these two maps? They're the dust2 and inferno of NS2. What we'll see on Jambi is a lot of marine pressure to natural RT's like Oxygenation and Bay Wing while Aliens focus on defending those RTs and trying to break through lanes, using vents and pack-play to harass RTs. The Marine base is arguably one of the hardest bases to crush mid-late game, but is pretty vulnerable early game. Also, look for some gorge play early game, since it can be difficult to hold naturals at the start for Aliens. Tram is also a fairly balanced map, but Marines will have an easier job laning, harassing, and holding RTs early-mid game before Fades come up. Tram is also pretty gorge friendly since there's a long stretch of naturals on the north side that are vulnerable to early marine harassment. One thing you'll see often mid-late game is Arc Factories to take down Cargo hive and the Ore Processing RT. If marines can win most early game engagements, I tend to give them the slight favor on Tram. (IGNORE JAMBI STUFF)
SHAFT vs tau-9
Prediction: 3-1 tau-9
I don't think SHAFT has quite gotten it all together yet. tau-9 has some very good shots and a bit more experience, though I would still question some of their play calls. This will be a good first match for both teams but for different reasons. For tau-9 this match should set the tone for where their strengths and weaknesses are, while for SHAFT this is sort of a reality check; if they don't sort out their problems quickly this could be a preview for the rest of the season. I understand the difficulties for SHAFT since they are a team with people in very different time zones, but I think they have the potential to become a stronger team this season.
DoctorsWithoutGorges vs el'pheer
Prediction: 4-0 DoctorsWithoutGorges
I really do expect this to be pretty one-sided. I don't think there's a team that trains and practices more than DoctorsWithoutGorges currently. They've also picked up some really strong players recently to add to their lineup, though I don't know who they plan to start. el'pheer on the other hand I haven't heard too much about recently. I've seen a couple of them active in gathers, but I don't know how often they practice as a team. This should be a fun match to watch nonetheless. I'm interested in seeing what kind of strats Doctors will be doing.
Yggdrasil vs Katy Perry Fanclub
Prediction: 3-1 Yggdrasil
Unless the izO votekick succeeds (b/c we always want to vote kick izO), Katy Perry Fanclub is gonna have a hard time dealing with Ygg's lineup. I know both these teams practice, but my money is on Ygg. There is just a significant skill difference between the players on these teams, however, I think KPF could steal a round for them if they play it right.
Do it yourself vs ryan mitchell
Prediction: 4-0 Do it yourself
Will ryan mitchell show up to play? Do they even exist? Will it matter? Nope. One way or another this is going to end up in a G.S.O. 4-0.
Lucky Chams vs Titus Gaming
**Match of the Week**
Prediction: 4-0 Lucky Chams!!!!
I'm always predicting were winning 4-0 cuz we on dat level bruh. In all honesty though, this is a showdown between the top two NA teams, so I hope everyone tunes in this Thursday. Both of our teams have been scrimming a bit more often lately, though as far as I can tell, neither team has worked out all the kinks or brushed off all the rust. In the PCWs between Titus and Lucky Chams, Titus usually takes 3 games of every 4 played, though we've had to rely on mercs for nearly every scrim. Both teams' comms are very aware of everything happening on the field. It'll be hard to do significant base harassment for both teams, and on alien side, you should see both comms out on the field soaking up bullets for the rest of the team (WEEEE Virsoul straight lining skulk!). Both teams will need to be very careful with their lifeforms because of the skilled players on each side that can win tough engagements. These rounds will come down to which team can take advantage of moments of weakness by the other team.
Handwashers vs HBZ
Result: 2-2
Dang these mofo's already played. As they are Euro's I've only played with them in Gathers. Both teams have some talented members. I thought that Handwashers would come out on top, but it seems like HBZ didn't want to let that happen (wheres EvilB0t when you need him).
There's Week 1 for you. Good luck to all the teams playing this season. Looking forward to the games to be played.
