qxc's Thoughts: Archon Mode Text by TL.net ESPORTS by QXC

Everything stated here is my opinion unless noted and/or cited otherwise. As a progamer for several years now, I have a wealth of personal experience and observations to draw upon. With that said, I sometimes have to speculate due to lack of studies/concrete facts.



What is archon mode? Archon mode is a version of 1v1 where two (currently) players operate as one. Imagine a normal 1v1 where each side had two players managing it instead of one.



For veterans of Starcraft, you already know that ‘archon’ mode has been around for years. In Broodwar, it was known as team melee. So, what's the big deal? Team melee was a neat idea that held some people’s interest but eventually faded away. In recent times, we’ve identified some inherent problems with Starcraft’s ladder and archon mode seeks to fill a void in the experience. Starcraft 1v1 ladder is generally a pretty anti-social experience. Archon mode allows players to experience the full competitive beauty of Starcraft (the game is not as balanced/well designed for actual team games) while doing so with a friend. In addition, archon mode allows players of drastically different skills to enjoy 1v1 together.



It is important to note that one of Starcraft’s most defining elements is its incredible difficulty and the amount of tasks that can be done at any time. Starcraft requires a near constant investment in energy and focus from start to finish to multi task all across the map and perform everything required. In 1v1, that means making strategic cuts of attention. As soon as a drop or set of units is doomed, it’s important to look away in order to focus on other parts of the game that can benefit from your attention. In archon mode, players can get closer to doing ‘everything’; perfect macro while maintaining map control and fighting on multiple fronts will be the norm.



So, what’s difference between regular 1v1 and archon mode? Simply put, you have the APM of both players combined as well as the ability to do and look at 2 completely separate things. In order to put that extra attention to good use you want to favor builds that allow 1 of the players to do a lot of heavy micro. Archon mode favors builds that are normally much more difficult to do optimally due to APM constraints such as early tank drops, proxy reaper, disruptor harass, or mass mutas. Any style that can be played with low APM won’t be fully utilizing the capacity of your team so deathball type strategies and heavy macro builds are generally less useful.



Opening fast tank drop in any matchup is a good example of a build with a huge difference in power between archon mode and 1v1. Tank drops are extremely effective when microed, but they have almost no utility if not microed consistently. Left alone, tank drops are similar to mutalisks in that they won’t really accomplish any damage. They are too fragile and expensive to be left alone or to be expended. The real value from tank drops comes from repeated harass and the ability to get a lot of damage done for ‘free’ which requires a huge attention investment. As such, tank drops really shine in archon mode as 1 player can dedicate their APM and attention to maximizing that investment.







While playing vs Vibe/Livibee I focused my entire attention on tank drops which resulted in a huge amount of damage done. In a 1v1, this level of micro is impossible to maintain due to macro requirements at home.



Mutalisk harass is another great example of a strategy that excels in archon mode. Due to their incredible mobility, mutalisks can more easily find and abuse holes in your opponent’s defenses. The problem is that finding those holes is very attention intensive and it’s hard to maintain consistent harass while also macroing back home or defending against drops. While mutalisk harass is obviously viable in standard 1v1, there is so much more potential to deal damage in archon mode because one player can do nothing but micro the mutalisks. Splitting mutalisks into smaller groups is another avenue so far barely explored.







In our game vs TRUE/DRG, a flock of mutalisks managed full time by one of the zergs creates a constant source of pressure while their macro remains as solid as ever.



As the game goes longer and longer, there is more potential to control the map and leverage the fact that you have 2 players capable of moving armies on the map. As more and more units appear, it becomes imperative to coordinate attacks with my partner so that they occur simultaneously on the map. This creates increased logistical strain on our opponents as they must figure out who will defend what attack and with which units.





The other critical difference comes from the fact that your archon is actually two different people. Archon mode requires clear communication so that both players are on the same page strategically as well as in the division of labor. The absolute worst thing to happen in archon mode is when both players try to do something with the same set of units. Those units will tend to walk back and forth and not accomplish either goal.



Archon mode is much easier to manage when players have a clear distinction in who controls what. Generally, one player is set to macro and defense while the other performs the main army control, maneuvering, scouting and map control. There is a significant attacker's advantage in archon mode because it forces the defender to create that clear distinction of control on the fly. It is much harder to split tasks appropriately without a predetermined order.





Tefel & Tomikus have a communication issue which disrupts their game plan. Tefel & Tomikus have a communication issue which disrupts their game plan.



Can one player beat two working together? Up to a certain point, two weaker players won’t have much of an advantage over a higher level player as the two working together still won’t approach optimal play in terms of build order or strategy. I am fairly confident that I could beat two ~mid masters players by myself. That said, as players get better and better it becomes more and more impossible for the single player to win. Playing against two high masters / low gm players might be too much. As the early game attention requirements are fairly low, archon mode doesn’t differentiate itself too much from a regular game in the first ~5-8 minutes. After that point, there's too much potential for multi tasking to overwhelm a single opponent.





Semper, who volunteered to play 1v2, is quickly picked apart as multi pronged attacks from both me and Beasty are executed at the same time. Semper, who volunteered to play 1v2, is quickly picked apart as multi pronged attacks from both me and Beasty are executed at the same time.



Assuming archon mode catches on, it will become a medium for players of different skills to come together and enjoy 1v1. As archon mode is much more similar to actual 1v1 than any other mode currently in Starcraft, it may also be a better gateway for players to enter 1v1 ladder. Archon mode is poised be a more relaxed and social way to enjoy the incredible depth and complexity of Starcraft’s 1v1. While, it will never replace 1v1, there is plenty of potential for archon mode to spawn its own set of tournaments and followers.







Previous installments:

Liberator in Review

On SC2's Social Features

Re-thinking the Ladder





What is archon mode? Archon mode is a version of 1v1 where two (currently) players operate as one. Imagine a normal 1v1 where each side had two players managing it instead of one.For veterans of Starcraft, you already know that ‘archon’ mode has been around for years. In Broodwar, it was known as team melee. So, what's the big deal? Team melee was a neat idea that held some people’s interest but eventually faded away. In recent times, we’ve identified some inherent problems with Starcraft’s ladder and archon mode seeks to fill a void in the experience. Starcraft 1v1 ladder is generally a pretty anti-social experience. Archon mode allows players to experience the full competitive beauty of Starcraft (the game is not as balanced/well designed for actual team games) while doing so with a friend. In addition, archon mode allows players of drastically different skills to enjoy 1v1 together.It is important to note that one of Starcraft’s most defining elements is its incredible difficulty and the amount of tasks that can be done at any time. Starcraft requires a near constant investment in energy and focus from start to finish to multi task all across the map and perform everything required. In 1v1, that means making strategic cuts of attention. As soon as a drop or set of units is doomed, it’s important to look away in order to focus on other parts of the game that can benefit from your attention. In archon mode, players can get closer to doing ‘everything’; perfect macro while maintaining map control and fighting on multiple fronts will be the norm.So, what’s difference between regular 1v1 and archon mode? Simply put, you have the APM of both players combined as well as the ability to do and look at 2 completely separate things. In order to put that extra attention to good use you want to favor builds that allow 1 of the players to do a lot of heavy micro. Archon mode favors builds that are normally much more difficult to do optimally due to APM constraints such as early tank drops, proxy reaper, disruptor harass, or mass mutas. Any style that can be played with low APM won’t be fully utilizing the capacity of your team so deathball type strategies and heavy macro builds are generally less useful.Opening fast tank drop in any matchup is a good example of a build with a huge difference in power between archon mode and 1v1. Tank drops are extremely effective when microed, but they have almost no utility if not microed consistently. Left alone, tank drops are similar to mutalisks in that they won’t really accomplish any damage. They are too fragile and expensive to be left alone or to be expended. The real value from tank drops comes from repeated harass and the ability to get a lot of damage done for ‘free’ which requires a huge attention investment. As such, tank drops really shine in archon mode as 1 player can dedicate their APM and attention to maximizing that investment.While playing vs Vibe/Livibee I focused my entire attention on tank drops which resulted in a huge amount of damage done. In a 1v1, this level of micro is impossible to maintain due to macro requirements at home.Mutalisk harass is another great example of a strategy that excels in archon mode. Due to their incredible mobility, mutalisks can more easily find and abuse holes in your opponent’s defenses. The problem is that finding those holes is very attention intensive and it’s hard to maintain consistent harass while also macroing back home or defending against drops. While mutalisk harass is obviously viable in standard 1v1, there is so much more potential to deal damage in archon mode because one player can do nothing but micro the mutalisks. Splitting mutalisks into smaller groups is another avenue so far barely explored.In our game vs TRUE/DRG, a flock of mutalisks managed full time by one of the zergs creates a constant source of pressure while their macro remains as solid as ever.As the game goes longer and longer, there is more potential to control the map and leverage the fact that you have 2 players capable of moving armies on the map. As more and more units appear, it becomes imperative to coordinate attacks with my partner so that they occur simultaneously on the map. This creates increased logistical strain on our opponents as they must figure out who will defend what attack and with which units.The other critical difference comes from the fact that your archon is actually two different people. Archon mode requires clear communication so that both players are on the same page strategically as well as in the division of labor. The absolute worst thing to happen in archon mode is when both players try to do something with the same set of units. Those units will tend to walk back and forth and not accomplish either goal.Archon mode is much easier to manage when players have a clear distinction in who controls what. Generally, one player is set to macro and defense while the other performs the main army control, maneuvering, scouting and map control. There is a significant attacker's advantage in archon mode because it forces the defender to create that clear distinction of control on the fly. It is much harder to split tasks appropriately without a predetermined order.Can one player beat two working together? Up to a certain point, two weaker players won’t have much of an advantage over a higher level player as the two working together still won’t approach optimal play in terms of build order or strategy. I am fairly confident that I could beat two ~mid masters players by myself. That said, as players get better and better it becomes more and more impossible for the single player to win. Playing against two high masters / low gm players might be too much. As the early game attention requirements are fairly low, archon mode doesn’t differentiate itself too much from a regular game in the first ~5-8 minutes. After that point, there's too much potential for multi tasking to overwhelm a single opponent.Assuming archon mode catches on, it will become a medium for players of different skills to come together and enjoy 1v1. As archon mode is much more similar to actual 1v1 than any other mode currently in Starcraft, it may also be a better gateway for players to enter 1v1 ladder. Archon mode is poised be a more relaxed and social way to enjoy the incredible depth and complexity of Starcraft’s 1v1. While, it will never replace 1v1, there is plenty of potential for archon mode to spawn its own set of tournaments and followers.

swag_bro Profile Blog Joined July 2014 Japan 782 Posts #2 When can we get an article that features swag_bro? They hate us 'cause they ain't us.

intotheheart Profile Blog Joined January 2011 Canada 16855 Posts Last Edited: 2015-07-23 16:59:19 #3 On July 24 2015 01:46 swag_bro wrote:

When can we get an article that features swag_bro?

I would also like to know this information. Maybe you could bully threaten blackmail ask a writer to do it for you.



Nice insights, qxc! I was always a bit curious as to how the games would go, whether they resemble 1v1 or 2v2 more, and it's nice to have that answer. I would also like to know this information. Maybe you couldask a writer to do it for you.Nice insights, qxc! I was always a bit curious as to how the games would go, whether they resemble 1v1 or 2v2 more, and it's nice to have that answer. kiss kiss fall in love

BLinD-RawR Profile Blog Joined April 2010 ALLEYCAT BLUES 45562 Posts #4 On July 24 2015 01:46 swag_bro wrote:

When can we get an article that features swag_bro?

No.



Also good job putting up the right article this time :p No.Also good job putting up the right article this time :p Moderator Woo Jung Ho, never forget.| Twitter: @BLinDRawR

The_Red_Viper Profile Blog Joined August 2013 18784 Posts #5 I absolutely think Archon mode could be what (lower level) players play all the time in sc2 IF (and yes it is really that big of an if) Blizzard actually promotes it a lot.

I doubt that the mode is enough to get player numbers like the big Valve titles, but i totally could imagine it being a huge factor in making sc2 to a pretty big game again.





If we look at the competetive side i think and hope that there will be tournaments and i also hope that Proleague might do one archon set per match. (bo7 here we come??!). Archon mode might be the single most important thing Blizzard did with LOTV so far, i hope they understand the potential and use it. (and yes it is really that big of an if) Blizzard actually promotes it a lot.I doubt that the mode is enough to get player numbers like the big Valve titles, but i totally could imagine it being a huge factor in making sc2 to a pretty big game again.If we look at the competetive side i think and hope that there will be tournaments and i also hope that Proleague might do one archon set per match. (bo7 here we come??!). Archon mode might be the single most important thing Blizzard did with LOTV so far, i hope they understand the potential and use it. BLΛƆKPIИK in your area | IU | SoHyang || There is no God and we are his prophets | For if ‘Thou mayest’—it is also true that ‘Thou mayest not.” | Ignorance is the parent of fear |

BisuDagger Profile Blog Joined October 2009 Bisutopia 17617 Posts #6 I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane. Moderator Ofiicial Afreeca Starleague Caster: http://afreeca.tv/ASL2ENG2

BLinD-RawR Profile Blog Joined April 2010 ALLEYCAT BLUES 45562 Posts #7 On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.

What do I do with all these extra pair of hands? What do I do with all these extra pair of hands? Moderator Woo Jung Ho, never forget.| Twitter: @BLinDRawR

intotheheart Profile Blog Joined January 2011 Canada 16855 Posts #8 On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.

2v2 archon mode?



2 players control one "player" each. Imagine how fun (or not) that would be. 2v2 archon mode?2 players control one "player" each. Imagine how fun (or not) that would be. kiss kiss fall in love

OtherWorld Profile Blog Joined October 2013 France 17332 Posts #9 On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.

Inb4 we get Twitch plays StarCraft2, with thousands of players per team Inb4 we get Twitch plays StarCraft2, with thousands of players per team Used Sigs - New Sigs - Cheap Sigs - Buy the Best Cheap Sig near You at www.cheapsigforsale.com

intotheheart Profile Blog Joined January 2011 Canada 16855 Posts #10 On July 24 2015 02:18 OtherWorld wrote:

Show nested quote +

On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.

Inb4 we get Twitch plays StarCraft2, with thousands of players per team Inb4 we get Twitch plays StarCraft2, with thousands of players per team

Would you not watch that? Sounds like a fantastic idea. Imagine that account laddering. Would you not watch that? Sounds like a fantastic idea. Imagine that account laddering. kiss kiss fall in love

The_Red_Viper Profile Blog Joined August 2013 18784 Posts #11 On July 24 2015 02:18 IntoTheheart wrote:

Show nested quote +

On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.

2v2 archon mode?



2 players control one "player" each. Imagine how fun (or not) that would be. 2v2 archon mode?2 players control one "player" each. Imagine how fun (or not) that would be.

I think it makes the most sense in the 1vs1 environment cause it already is kinda balanced.

Imagine a proleague game where they are playing 4vs4 in archon mode.

KT vs SKT.

Life, Zest, TY and Flash vs soO, Dream, Classic and Innovation

They probably would 2 rax, lol I think it makes the most sense in the 1vs1 environment cause it already is kinda balanced.Imagine a proleague game where they are playing 4vs4 in archon mode.KT vs SKT.Life, Zest, TY and Flash vs soO, Dream, Classic and InnovationThey probably would 2 rax, lol BLΛƆKPIИK in your area | IU | SoHyang || There is no God and we are his prophets | For if ‘Thou mayest’—it is also true that ‘Thou mayest not.” | Ignorance is the parent of fear |

intotheheart Profile Blog Joined January 2011 Canada 16855 Posts #12 On July 24 2015 02:22 The_Red_Viper wrote:

Show nested quote +

On July 24 2015 02:18 IntoTheheart wrote:

On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.

2v2 archon mode?



2 players control one "player" each. Imagine how fun (or not) that would be. 2v2 archon mode?2 players control one "player" each. Imagine how fun (or not) that would be.

I think it makes the most sense in the 1vs1 environment cause it already is kinda balanced.

Imagine a proleague game where they are playing 4vs4 in archon mode.

KT vs SKT.

Life, Zest, TY and Flash vs soO, Dream, Classic and Innovation

They probably would 2 rax, lol I think it makes the most sense in the 1vs1 environment cause it already is kinda balanced.Imagine a proleague game where they are playing 4vs4 in archon mode.KT vs SKT.Life, Zest, TY and Flash vs soO, Dream, Classic and InnovationThey probably would 2 rax, lol

I feel like 4 players controlling one base, like Blind mentioned earlier would be a bit too many people for the amount of stuff that could happen. I feel like 4 players controlling one base, like Blind mentioned earlier would be a bit too many people for the amount of stuff that could happen. kiss kiss fall in love

Fiallach Profile Joined October 2012 France 38 Posts #13 A bit of background: i'm terrible at starcraft. Archon mode made starcraft playable for me. It is actually fun! I don't get this feeling of drowning anymore when i have to handle 200 things at once, especially in the late game. We split micro / macro. When i macro, i focus on the build order , the unit comps my friends asks me to tweak, and getting a perfect production, when microing, i have to look for what the enemy is doing and handle the army and the defense.



At my level, any one of those tasks is doable. I'm still pretty bad, but it doesn't feel physically taxing anymore.



The game is way more balanced like that than in 2v2, and i can try to do stuff that look like what the pros are doing, like microing my reapers, or my drops without the economy collapsing at home!



So, for me, a casual player who stopped playing because starcraft, when you have a stressing life is way too much, archon mode is a 10/10.







I would like to see a serious league for that kind of thing. 2 top players playing together, and who trained to be good at collaboration could blow our minds i think. We're going to need archon observers to see all that's going on!

The_Red_Viper Profile Blog Joined August 2013 18784 Posts #14 On July 24 2015 02:23 IntoTheheart wrote:

Show nested quote +

On July 24 2015 02:22 The_Red_Viper wrote:

On July 24 2015 02:18 IntoTheheart wrote:

On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.

2v2 archon mode?



2 players control one "player" each. Imagine how fun (or not) that would be. 2v2 archon mode?2 players control one "player" each. Imagine how fun (or not) that would be.

I think it makes the most sense in the 1vs1 environment cause it already is kinda balanced.

Imagine a proleague game where they are playing 4vs4 in archon mode.

KT vs SKT.

Life, Zest, TY and Flash vs soO, Dream, Classic and Innovation

They probably would 2 rax, lol I think it makes the most sense in the 1vs1 environment cause it already is kinda balanced.Imagine a proleague game where they are playing 4vs4 in archon mode.KT vs SKT.Life, Zest, TY and Flash vs soO, Dream, Classic and InnovationThey probably would 2 rax, lol

I feel like 4 players controlling one base, like Blind mentioned earlier would be a bit too many people for the amount of stuff that could happen. I feel like 4 players controlling one base, like Blind mentioned earlier would be a bit too many people for the amount of stuff that could happen.

I don't know, i think there is almost no ceiling tbh.

Pros can do stuff very, very fast in succession, but with this they literally can multitask.

Archon mode with a lot of players would acually perfectly show which race has the most potential, kinda exciting if you ask me I don't know, i think there is almost no ceiling tbh.Pros can do stuff very, very fast in succession, but with this they literally can multitask.Archon mode with a lot of players would acually perfectly show which race has the most potential, kinda exciting if you ask me BLΛƆKPIИK in your area | IU | SoHyang || There is no God and we are his prophets | For if ‘Thou mayest’—it is also true that ‘Thou mayest not.” | Ignorance is the parent of fear |

intotheheart Profile Blog Joined January 2011 Canada 16855 Posts Last Edited: 2015-07-23 17:32:37 #15 On July 24 2015 02:29 The_Red_Viper wrote:

Show nested quote +

On July 24 2015 02:23 IntoTheheart wrote:

On July 24 2015 02:22 The_Red_Viper wrote:

On July 24 2015 02:18 IntoTheheart wrote:

On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.

2v2 archon mode?



2 players control one "player" each. Imagine how fun (or not) that would be. 2v2 archon mode?2 players control one "player" each. Imagine how fun (or not) that would be.

I think it makes the most sense in the 1vs1 environment cause it already is kinda balanced.

Imagine a proleague game where they are playing 4vs4 in archon mode.

KT vs SKT.

Life, Zest, TY and Flash vs soO, Dream, Classic and Innovation

They probably would 2 rax, lol I think it makes the most sense in the 1vs1 environment cause it already is kinda balanced.Imagine a proleague game where they are playing 4vs4 in archon mode.KT vs SKT.Life, Zest, TY and Flash vs soO, Dream, Classic and InnovationThey probably would 2 rax, lol

I feel like 4 players controlling one base, like Blind mentioned earlier would be a bit too many people for the amount of stuff that could happen. I feel like 4 players controlling one base, like Blind mentioned earlier would be a bit too many people for the amount of stuff that could happen.

I don't know, i think there is almost no ceiling tbh.

Pros can do stuff very, very fast in succession, but with this they literally can multitask.

Archon mode with a lot of players would acually perfectly show which race has the most potential, kinda exciting if you ask me I don't know, i think there is almost no ceiling tbh.Pros can do stuff very, very fast in succession, but with this they literally can multitask.Archon mode with a lot of players would acually perfectly show which race has the most potential, kinda exciting if you ask me

I agree that it shows potential, but I feel like 4 players might be a bit too many, just with the fact that your base is of finite size, and your army is also finite. I can maybe see 3 players controlling the armies and 1 doing the mining, but at a certain point wouldn't you just get in each other's way? I think Twitch Plays demonstrated that pretty well.





edit: wow my 10kth post. I know what you might be thinking: "dude it's your 12051st post" but this is 10k non-Blizzcon shitposting posts. I agree that it shows potential, but I feel like 4 players might be a bit too many, just with the fact that your base is of finite size, and your army is also finite. I can maybe see 3 players controlling the armies and 1 doing the mining, but at a certain point wouldn't you just get in each other's way? I think Twitch Plays demonstrated that pretty well.edit: wow my 10kth post. I know what you might be thinking: "dude it's your 12051st post" but this is 10k non-Blizzcon shitposting posts. kiss kiss fall in love

BisuDagger Profile Blog Joined October 2009 Bisutopia 17617 Posts #16 I think that 3v3 might be the sweet spot on the archon mode number. Remember that the top ESports right now consist of teams. I find it extremely exciting to cheer for several favorite players at once. Last years SKT team could have had Parting+Rain+Classic on an archon team if this where possible. 2v2 or 3v3 would also cause teams to grow in size needing more players of each race to compete. Moderator Ofiicial Afreeca Starleague Caster: http://afreeca.tv/ASL2ENG2

shin ken Profile Blog Joined October 2009 Germany 602 Posts Last Edited: 2015-07-23 17:51:58 #17 On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.



For really low level players and/or new players this could actually be interesting as you may have just one task to do with so many hands.

I could imagine having fun with players new to Starcraft and RTS games in general this way. There are enough roles to fulfil in a single match.



For example you could do the following split:



The macro guy who just has to focus on macroing and nothing else.

The main army guy who focuses on defending, positioning the main army and doing the big pushes etc.

The harasser who's only job is to be as annoying as possible to the enemy all the time.

And the commander who's job is to scout the enemy, meticulously watch the minimap, formulate stategy and counters, relay the necessary information to others and keep track of everything. For really low level players and/or new players this could actually be interesting as you may have just one task to do with so many hands.I could imagine having fun with players new to Starcraft and RTS games in general this way. There are enough roles to fulfil in a single match.For example you could do the following split:The macro guy who just has to focus on macroing and nothing else.The main army guy who focuses on defending, positioning the main army and doing the big pushes etc.The harasser who's only job is to be as annoying as possible to the enemy all the time.And the commander who's job is to scout the enemy, meticulously watch the minimap, formulate stategy and counters, relay the necessary information to others and keep track of everything.

[UoN]Sentinel Profile Blog Joined November 2009 United States 11241 Posts Last Edited: 2015-07-23 18:36:55 #18 On July 24 2015 02:19 IntoTheheart wrote:

Show nested quote +

On July 24 2015 02:18 OtherWorld wrote:

On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.

Inb4 we get Twitch plays StarCraft2, with thousands of players per team Inb4 we get Twitch plays StarCraft2, with thousands of players per team

Would you not watch that? Sounds like a fantastic idea. Imagine that account laddering. Would you not watch that? Sounds like a fantastic idea. Imagine that account laddering.

I'd actually like to see a game where each player controls a single unit. Maybe throw in some mid-level commanders and a player at the top to dictate strategy.



ZvZ would be fantastic.



In more realistic hopes, I do like the prospect of 3v3 and 4v4 archonmodes, or a 2v2 where each of the four bases has two people manning it. I'd actually like to see a game where each player controls a single unit. Maybe throw in some mid-level commanders and a player at the top to dictate strategy.ZvZ would be fantastic.In more realistic hopes, I do like the prospect of 3v3 and 4v4 archonmodes, or a 2v2 where each of the four bases has two people manning it. http://i.imgur.com/aRzS1zl.png | Après nous, le soleil

AngryFarmer Profile Joined June 2011 United States 513 Posts #19 On July 24 2015 02:48 shin ken wrote:

Show nested quote +

On July 24 2015 02:13 BisuDagger wrote:

I want to see a 3 player maybe even 4 player per team archon mode. That'd be absolutely insane.



For really low level players and/or new players this could actually be interesting as you may have just one task to do with so many hands.

I could imagine having fun with players new to Starcraft and RTS games in general this way. There are enough roles to fulfil in a single match.



For example you could do the following split:



The macro guy who just has to focus on macroing and nothing else.

The main army guy who focuses on defending, positioning the main army and doing the big pushes etc.

The harasser who's only job is to be as annoying as possible to the enemy all the time.

And the commander who's job is to scout the enemy, meticulously watch the minimap, formulate stategy and counters, relay the necessary information to others and keep track of everything. For really low level players and/or new players this could actually be interesting as you may have just one task to do with so many hands.I could imagine having fun with players new to Starcraft and RTS games in general this way. There are enough roles to fulfil in a single match.For example you could do the following split:The macro guy who just has to focus on macroing and nothing else.The main army guy who focuses on defending, positioning the main army and doing the big pushes etc.The harasser who's only job is to be as annoying as possible to the enemy all the time.And the commander who's job is to scout the enemy, meticulously watch the minimap, formulate stategy and counters, relay the necessary information to others and keep track of everything.



I love spectating the game but when I see some units not being micro'd properly I really want to do something about it. If there were 3+ players in archon mode I'd assume some players just want to watch the game unfold but would like the option to help if needed. I love spectating the game but when I see some units not being micro'd properly I really want to do something about it. If there were 3+ players in archon mode I'd assume some players just want to watch the game unfold but would like the option to help if needed.

iamkaokao Profile Joined March 2011 108 Posts #20 tank drops are a joke..

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