Gameplay is one where I seem to be a little more nit-picky compared to some other Brood War insights I’ve read. Maybe I’m just a douche bag elitist, I’m not sure. The play of the high level individuals is wonderful and we don’t expect anything less, especially from those who didn’t spend too much time in the world of Starcraft 2. There are just the odd things I catch every now and then where I think “alright, maybe a bit more practice and we’ll see them back in proper 11/10 form”.

Very occasionally, I’ll just see something simple like the odd group of miscontrolled Vultures (including a lack of patrol micro), strange situations where units go astray and die — such as Observers, Arbiters or Science Vessels flying off into a turret which probably could have been avoided.

Along with that, there is a definite division where you’ve got god-tier pros — Flash, Best, etc — who will utterly annihilate a more part-time or “streamer” style player. There’s no doubt an expected differential here; however just be prepared in the opening rounds of a tournament for occasional game where you look and go “what the hell is this?”. Movie vs Terror was a pretty good example of this for my mind, though I feel these kinds of games will be ironed out quickly as more and more talent seeps back into the game.

The matchups aren’t making massive strategy changes just yet, though I’ll note that I was a Protoss so I’m not as knowledgeable of off-race match ups. Protoss and Terran seem to be on top of the three races — ASL Season 1 had a meager four Zerg and ASL Season 2 had eight - but all besides hero and Jaedong been squashed . Veteran Protoss player Shuttle took out season 1 of ASL, and a betting gamer would put cash on Flash of Best for season 2.

Terran vs Protoss: Generally the same as it ever was — we get mech play from T (as much as I love a Deep6), and Protoss tends to favour ye-olde Gateway to Arbiter styles in this matchup. From what I’ve seen (and attempted to play a little of…) Protoss seems to do very well during early-mid as they did in much of the Brood War era. Late-game is still dominated by snaking lines of Tanks and Vultures with Science Vessels for cover, and if the Terran’s movement is good, they’ll do well. Strangely I haven’t seen as much Carrier play in late-game PvT. Worth noting that quicker Arbiters are definitely a popular strategy. For a great example of TvP, check out Flash vs Movie which was some gorgeous work by the Ultimate Weapon. Bisu vs Ample was a rather funny if “subtle” victory for Bisu.

12Nexus in PvT

Terran vs Terran: Generally speaking, TvT has stayed the same as before, though you’ll see Wraiths a little more with the occasional Valkyrie too just for a little giggle. The later portion of this matchup doesn’t have as much mass-Dropship play as it used to it seems. Sharp vs Mind was quite fun to watch.

Terran vs Zerg: This one has shifted a bit, 3hatch Mutalisk has dived in the popularity stakes, as Terrans have been utilising a sexy +1 5rax build. What we’ve seen in reply are some interesting quick-ish Lurker builds from the Zerg, which if not scouted tend to do significant damage. Not an example of this build, but a hilarious ZvT featuring Jaedong and Mind.

Zerg vs Zerg: To be honest this is my weakest matchup in terms of knowledge since my re-entry. Combine this with the fact that there hasn’t been a single ZvZ in ASL S1/S2 — it’ll probably remain that way for a little bit. It’s still heavily paper-scissors-rock for the most part, but the more “modern 2012+” style ZvZ which moves into situations involving Queens/Devourers still make their appearances.

Protoss vs Zerg: This one has always been contentious at the start of the match, as it can seem nigh on impossible for Protoss. Zerg’s 3hatch Hydra is very strong as always, and their late game comps are still quite damaging. With that said, for a brilliant example of Protoss holding the line and evolving into a roaming gateway style, make sure you watch Best vs Jaedong — gorgeous Starcraft from both and well worth a watch.

Protoss vs Protoss: This one is a tried and tested matchup, with extremely similar styles to the old days when you boil it down. Reaver/Shuttle play with many Goons and a few zealots, slowly heading towards Templar for some storm action. Guemchi vs Stork was a great PvP from the Ro16.