Code S RO32 Preview: Dark, Dear, KeeN, Trust Text by TL.net ESPORTS Code S RO32 - Group A Preview:

Dark, Dear, Keen, Trust by Mizenhauer



It’s been a trying offseason ripe with uncertainty, but after an interminable wait during which many feared the worst, Code S makes its triumphant return on February 2nd with Dark, KeeN, Trust, and Dear at the forefront.



More info: Code S Season 1 on Liquipedia

Grouped together by GSL points and good ol’ fashioned RNG, the quartet are as different as could be. Leading the pack is



2018 wasn’t as kind to Dark and his ilk. Korean Zergs were humbled last year by



Serral’s rise to power, and the manner in which he dismantled Dark at the



Dark’s multiple finals and the subsequent slide from champion to Kong are a perfect example of how StarCraft II is a “what have you done for me lately” type of game. The community is hungry to divine order from chaos and players are evaluated and re-ranked in the wake of every competitive result. For most it’s an inextricable mire, but Dark’s group-mate Dear has largely defied that maxim.



That’s because



While Dark and Dear have enjoyed the limelight for time unseen



And yet, despite all KeeN’s failings, there are those in the scene who aspire to achieve his relative degree of success. One member of this camp, consistency. Where KeeN has been a persistent present in Code S as of late, Trust has only made two visits since the beginning of 2017. It’s not as if he’s been entirely absent during that period, having emerged victorious in 143 of 298 matches over the last two plus years, but the fact that he hasn’t won a televised offline match during that period is indicative of Trust’s position on the totem pole. Where the community dismisses KeeN due in large part to the visibility of his defeats, there’s probably only a handful of people out there who even cared enough to check Trust’s record since BlizzCon; a woeful



The general consensus is that New Year’s resolutions are a waste of breath, but in StarCraft II, where last year’s WCS points are wiped clean and the road to BlizzCon starts anew, the turn of the calendar really is a chance for new beginnings. With Maru’s dominance a thing of the past, opportunities abound for players like Dark and Dear to replace him at the zenith. Meanwhile, KeeN and Trust have a chance to craft a new image on a new patch. It might seem impossible given the years of middling results, but in esports, where a championship shines so brightly, it’s never too late to change our perception forever.





Credits and acknowledgements



Writers:

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Writers: Mizenhauer Editor: Wax Images: AfreecaTV Statistics: Aligulac.com It’s been a trying offseason ripe with uncertainty, but after an interminable wait during which many feared the worst, Code S makes its triumphant return on February 2nd with Dark, KeeN, Trust, and Dear at the forefront.Grouped together by GSL points and good ol’ fashioned RNG, the quartet are as different as could be. Leading the pack is Dark , one of the most celebrated players of recent years and the most consistent Zerg in the world since the release of Legacy of the Void. soO and Rogue had their moments in the sun, but it was Dark, for the most part, who carried the distinction of “best Zerg in the world” for more than two years. Even in the absence of titles his skill, ingenuity and ruthlessness was never questioned. He’d shown too much quality to be discounted or doubted.2018 wasn’t as kind to Dark and his ilk. Korean Zergs were humbled last year by Serral's overwhelming dominance and a stretch of inadequacy during which the Korean Zerg collective claimed a single Premier event title (Rogue at IEM Katowice ). For years they ranked head and shoulders above their foreign counterparts, but the Finnish Zerg showcased a style and mastery of the race which outclassed that we‘ve seen from Dark.Serral’s rise to power, and the manner in which he dismantled Dark at the WCS Global Finals , casts doubt over Dark’s long established superiority. We’ve long since decided Dark is great. But is it possible he’s a a few rungs below Serral, Maru and even Stats? The fact that he’s one of eight Koreans to qualify outright for this year's edition of IEM Katowice laughs in the face of such a preposterous theory. It boils down to one question. Where does Dark stand among the best in the game?Dark’s multiple finals and the subsequent slide from champion to Kong are a perfect example of how StarCraft II is atype of game. The community is hungry to divine order from chaos and players are evaluated and re-ranked in the wake of every competitive result. For most it’s an inextricable mire, but Dark’s group-mate Dear has largely defied that maxim.That’s because Dear will forever be defined by his peerless late 2013 form. The heights he reached that summer frame him as someone of great potential, but maddeningly erratic. Had he never won GSL and WCS Season 3 in rapid succession it’s quite possible we’d celebrate his four Round of 4 appearances in GSL and SSL. Instead it’s his his two failed qualifications, his combined 14-19 record in the other nine seasons during that stretch, and the manner in which he seemingly can’t help stumbling over his own feet in big matches that cast him as futilely trying to recapture the past rather than someone working towards the future. Despite assembling a 44-17 record since BlizzCon, Dear continues in that role, with his failure to qualify for Katowice only tightening the noose.While Dark and Dear have enjoyed the limelight for time unseen Keen spent much of the last six years toiling away in anonymity until his revival of sorts over the past two years. Just last year he beat soO, SpeCial, and Maru in GSL, reminding us that KeeN’s not exactly awful. Ultimately, the momentary flashes do little to change our opinions of KeeN. After all, failing to qualify for IEM Katowice on four separate attempts is more indicative of a player’s place in the scene than a few isolated victories which amounted to nothing. It’s curious that what KeeN needs most, a period of sustained success, would interrupt a period of stasis which has persisted more than half a decade.And yet, despite all KeeN’s failings, there are those in the scene who aspire to achieve his relative degree of success. One member of this camp, Trust , would be well served to channel some of KeeN’s. Where KeeN has been a persistent present in Code S as of late, Trust has only made two visits since the beginning of 2017. It’s not as if he’s been entirely absent during that period, having emerged victorious in 143 of 298 matches over the last two plus years, but the fact that he hasn’t won a televised offline match during that period is indicative of Trust’s position on the totem pole. Where the community dismisses KeeN due in large part to the visibility of his defeats, there’s probably only a handful of people out there who even cared enough to check Trust’s record since BlizzCon; a woeful 13-17 The general consensus is that New Year’s resolutions are a waste of breath, but in StarCraft II, where last year’s WCS points are wiped clean and the road to BlizzCon starts anew, the turn of the calendar really is a chance for new beginnings. With Maru’s dominance a thing of the past, opportunities abound for players like Dark and Dear to replace him at the zenith. Meanwhile, KeeN and Trust have a chance to craft a new image on a new patch. It might seem impossible given the years of middling results, but in esports, where a championship shines so brightly, it’s never too late to change our perception forever.

Argonauta Profile Joined July 2016 Spain 2862 Posts #2 Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form. Rogue | Maru | Scarlett | Trap

Toua Profile Joined February 2017 Denmark 318 Posts Last Edited: 2019-02-01 12:16:53 #3 On February 01 2019 21:03 Argonauta wrote:

Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form.

2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 2

2018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1



You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?



Edit: Also thanks for the article 2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 22018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?Edit: Also thanks for the article Stats, Dark, Maru <3

Argonauta Profile Joined July 2016 Spain 2862 Posts #4 On February 01 2019 21:16 Toua wrote:

Show nested quote +

On February 01 2019 21:03 Argonauta wrote:

Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form.

2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 2

2018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1



You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?



Edit: Also thanks for the article 2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 22018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?Edit: Also thanks for the article



Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then Rogue | Maru | Scarlett | Trap

Toua Profile Joined February 2017 Denmark 318 Posts Last Edited: 2019-02-01 13:11:20 #5 On February 01 2019 22:08 Argonauta wrote:

Show nested quote +

On February 01 2019 21:16 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:03 Argonauta wrote:

Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form.

2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 2

2018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1



You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?



Edit: Also thanks for the article 2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 22018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?Edit: Also thanks for the article



Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

When did winning a championship have anything to do with form? When did winning a championship have anything to do with form? Stats, Dark, Maru <3

EzioAs Profile Joined September 2017 177 Posts #6 Was waiting for this article. I'm surprised you guys didn't put out any prediction for the group itself. I think KeeN can make it out in 2nd place. Dark will top the group for sure, but KeeN can play vs Protoss pretty well. 花は桜木人は武士

Argonauta Profile Joined July 2016 Spain 2862 Posts #7 On February 01 2019 22:10 Toua wrote:

Show nested quote +

On February 01 2019 22:08 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:16 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:03 Argonauta wrote:

Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form.

2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 2

2018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1



You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?



Edit: Also thanks for the article 2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 22018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?Edit: Also thanks for the article



Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

When did winning a championship have anything to do with form? When did winning a championship have anything to do with form?



With championship form? All With championship form? All Rogue | Maru | Scarlett | Trap

Toua Profile Joined February 2017 Denmark 318 Posts Last Edited: 2019-02-01 14:00:16 #8 On February 01 2019 22:41 Argonauta wrote:

Show nested quote +

On February 01 2019 22:10 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:08 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:16 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:03 Argonauta wrote:

Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form.

2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 2

2018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1



You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?



Edit: Also thanks for the article 2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 22018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?Edit: Also thanks for the article



Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

When did winning a championship have anything to do with form? When did winning a championship have anything to do with form?



With championship form? All With championship form? All

So soO was never in championship form except for the Kespa Cup? So soO was never in championship form except for the Kespa Cup? Stats, Dark, Maru <3

Rodya Profile Joined January 2018 527 Posts #9 Dark and Keen are significant favorites. Banned for saying "zerg players are by far the biggest whiners in sc2 history" despite the fact that this forum is full of such posts about Terrans. Foreigner Elitists in control!

Ej_ Profile Blog Joined January 2013 47288 Posts #10 On February 01 2019 23:01 Rodya wrote:

Dark and Keen are significant favorites.

I'll be happy to ban bet you that Keen will not advance I'll be happy to ban bet you that Keen will not advance "Technically the dictionary has zero authority on the meaning or words" - Rodya

Argonauta Profile Joined July 2016 Spain 2862 Posts #11 On February 01 2019 23:00 Toua wrote:

Show nested quote +

On February 01 2019 22:41 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:10 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:08 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:16 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:03 Argonauta wrote:

Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form.

2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 2

2018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1



You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?



Edit: Also thanks for the article 2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 22018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?Edit: Also thanks for the article



Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

When did winning a championship have anything to do with form? When did winning a championship have anything to do with form?



With championship form? All With championship form? All

So soO was never in championship form except for the Kespa Cup? So soO was never in championship form except for the Kespa Cup?



yes

yes Rogue | Maru | Scarlett | Trap

Fango Profile Joined July 2016 United Kingdom 7762 Posts Last Edited: 2019-02-01 14:43:33 #12 On February 01 2019 21:03 Argonauta wrote:

Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form.

The fact he has like 12 or 13 ro4s/finals since his last championship would suggest it's not his form that's stopping him from winning. The fact he has like 12 or 13 ro4s/finals since his last championship would suggest it's not his form that's stopping him from winning. Zest, sOs, PartinG, Dark, and Maru are the real champs. ROOT_herO is overrated. Snute, Serral, and Scarlett are the foreigner GOATs

darklycid Profile Joined May 2014 1490 Posts Last Edited: 2019-02-01 15:49:47 #13 Wrong thread im dumb.

Toua Profile Joined February 2017 Denmark 318 Posts #14 On February 01 2019 23:41 Argonauta wrote:

Show nested quote +

On February 01 2019 23:00 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:41 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:10 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:08 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:16 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:03 Argonauta wrote:

Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form.

2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 2

2018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1



You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?



Edit: Also thanks for the article 2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 22018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?Edit: Also thanks for the article



Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

When did winning a championship have anything to do with form? When did winning a championship have anything to do with form?



With championship form? All With championship form? All

So soO was never in championship form except for the Kespa Cup? So soO was never in championship form except for the Kespa Cup?



yes

yes

This will be my last response, but i always thought that form is something you talk about before a tournament not after, so in my mind someone who has a championship form is someone who is looking strong and have the skills to take the tournament. Not something we say about people after they already won the tournament, because then we already know that person won

This will be my last response, but i always thought that form is something you talk about before a tournament not after, so in my mind someone who has a championship form is someone who is looking strong and have the skills to take the tournament. Not something we say about people after they already won the tournament, because then we already know that person won Stats, Dark, Maru <3

DSK Profile Blog Joined February 2015 England 1067 Posts #15 HYPE! Might get up early and do the LR for this. Hoping KeeN has some decent games as the only terran but it's going to be a tough one climbing Everest with two hands tied behind his back. **@ YT: SC2POVs at https://www.youtube.com/c/SC2POVsTV | SC2 First-person POV archive of 7,500+ VODs @**

Argonauta Profile Joined July 2016 Spain 2862 Posts Last Edited: 2019-02-01 19:24:43 #16 On February 02 2019 01:23 Toua wrote:

Show nested quote +

On February 01 2019 23:41 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 23:00 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:41 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:10 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:08 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:16 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:03 Argonauta wrote:

Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form.

2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 2

2018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1



You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?



Edit: Also thanks for the article 2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 22018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?Edit: Also thanks for the article



Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

When did winning a championship have anything to do with form? When did winning a championship have anything to do with form?



With championship form? All With championship form? All

So soO was never in championship form except for the Kespa Cup? So soO was never in championship form except for the Kespa Cup?



yes

yes

This will be my last response, but i always thought that form is something you talk about before a tournament not after, so in my mind someone who has a championship form is someone who is looking strong and have the skills to take the tournament. Not something we say about people after they already won the tournament, because then we already know that person won

This will be my last response, but i always thought that form is something you talk about before a tournament not after, so in my mind someone who has a championship form is someone who is looking strong and have the skills to take the tournament. Not something we say about people after they already won the tournament, because then we already know that person won



maybe we have different definitions for it, and thats totally fine. Under yours, I can see how Dark is in a good form but in my mind Dark is that kind of player that everybody speaks about but he never performs.

maybe we have different definitions for it, and thats totally fine. Under yours, I can see how Dark is in a good form but in my mind Dark is that kind of player that everybody speaks about but he never performs. Rogue | Maru | Scarlett | Trap

Shathe Profile Joined July 2017 Hungary 311 Posts #17 Dark is always top dog, he just rarely wins tournaments.

Drfilip Profile Joined March 2013 Sweden 334 Posts #18 On February 02 2019 04:24 Argonauta wrote:

Show nested quote +

On February 02 2019 01:23 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 23:41 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 23:00 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:41 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:10 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 22:08 Argonauta wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:16 Toua wrote:

On February 01 2019 21:03 Argonauta wrote:

Too much credit for Dark, besides 2016 he hasn't been in championship form.

2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 2

2018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1



You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?



Edit: Also thanks for the article 2017 last GSL Season 3 and SSL Season 22018 WESG, GSL Season 1 and Super Tournament Season 1You are telling me, that he was not in championship form those tournaments?Edit: Also thanks for the article



Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

Oh wow I didnt realized Dark won that many! nvm then

When did winning a championship have anything to do with form? When did winning a championship have anything to do with form?



With championship form? All With championship form? All

So soO was never in championship form except for the Kespa Cup? So soO was never in championship form except for the Kespa Cup?



yes

yes

This will be my last response, but i always thought that form is something you talk about before a tournament not after, so in my mind someone who has a championship form is someone who is looking strong and have the skills to take the tournament. Not something we say about people after they already won the tournament, because then we already know that person won

This will be my last response, but i always thought that form is something you talk about before a tournament not after, so in my mind someone who has a championship form is someone who is looking strong and have the skills to take the tournament. Not something we say about people after they already won the tournament, because then we already know that person won



maybe we have different definitions for it, and thats totally fine. Under yours, I can see how Dark is in a good form but in my mind Dark is that kind of player that everybody speaks about but he never performs.

maybe we have different definitions for it, and thats totally fine. Under yours, I can see how Dark is in a good form but in my mind Dark is that kind of player that everybody speaks about but he never performs.

I want to know how you see 'form'. If championships is everything to form, is it always predetermined who will win? I don't see how any definition would make the winner the only one in form.

A close series between Rogue and Maru in the ro8 could mean that they are both in form, but only one can win. Dark making games look easy vs Classic, INnoVation and Trap would indicate that he is in form despite losing to Stats in the semi finals. I want to know how you see 'form'. If championships is everything to form, is it always predetermined who will win? I don't see how any definition would make the winner the only one in form.A close series between Rogue and Maru in the ro8 could mean that they are both in form, but only one can win. Dark making games look easy vs Classic, INnoVation and Trap would indicate that he is in form despite losing to Stats in the semi finals. Random Platinum EU

Waxangel Profile Blog Joined September 2002 United States 29166 Posts Last Edited: 2019-02-01 23:09:42 #19 I think Dark's gameplay at 100% is so impressive that a lot of fans will always put him in the top-tier. Similar to how Rogue can be really awful and seemingly dumb at times, but then he'll just bring his A-game out of nowhere (though obviously, Rogue is better at converting this into actual tournament wins). Administrator Hey HP can you redo everything youve ever done because i have a small complaint?

PanS3rnik Profile Joined July 2018 16 Posts #20 Dark and Dear. Do I have to eat my shoe if i`m wrong? (did anyone that was wrong ate his shoe ?)

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