Review [Issue 33] StarSeries Season III End-of-Season Update

hogree · March 24, 2015

Well, what a season! For all of us who have been following it, it's been an absolute pleasure. Surprises all round and an upcoming final which is sure to keep us gripped to our seats! In this month's update, we have a rundown of the second half of Season III, a summary of how each clan's season went and predictions from some Generalissimos!

SEASON SUMMARY

And there we have it. The league stage of StarSeries Season III has been completed. After two months of bombing it out, the positions have been decided and the battles have concluded. For catch-up purposes, let's run through the events of the last month and remind ourselves and those who were unable to follow the battles of the season climax.

We gave a mid-season update last issue detailing the situation of each of the teams and the best matches of the campaign so far. If you didn't read it or feel like catching up with the beginning of the season, have a look over here. At time of writing last month, the table read like this. One thing we can say - the top was wide open.

As March began, the teams started to realise that every match was getting more and more important as the games started to run out. As most teams had battled each of their opponents at least once and had certainly been watching their opponents several times on the live stream, the tactical side of things was becoming more evident as leaders begun to take information from their previous match-ups of the weaknesses of their opponents.

As All In begun to catch up on the games they had in hand on those around them, a clear surge begun to appear attacking the top 4 of DoW, Arcade, Can't Stop and Psychos. The question is - who would crunch first if any of them?

As March began, one of the best match-ups of the Season between Arcade and Arm Pride took place where the holders showed their ability to win it, even while having it tough. Anyone thinking they were going to crunch were being sent a clear message. Another statement was made by a top four contender with Dawn of War holding out to a crucial victory over fellow-top-4-contenders, Can't Stop during the early battles in March as points became more and more valuable.

At the bottom, the stand-out performer was Wood's as they held eGuards for an entertaining 2-2 draw early in March before annihilating Armada for the second time in the season. Clan leaders around them were starting to see their games against Wood's as a serious challenge and spend more time preparing for them. For Armada and Chaos, it wasn't improving. They were splitting from the pack down at the bottom with a lack of points becoming more and more evident - relegation was looming.

It was around this time in the season that action was taken by the multigaming company, GGWP as they saw their clan show no signs of improvement near the foot of the table. They split ways with the team, formerly Scorpions, and immediately moved their sponsorship deal to Can't Stop, a risky move as the European clan was going through a rough "mid-life mini crisis" with a couple of disappointing results as the business end of the season approached. As a result, GGWP renamed themselves to Husky, whilst Can't Stop assumed the name of "GGWP.PRO" as part of the sponsorship deal. The question was: would they buckle under the pressure of a sponsorship like Husky did or would it encourage them to perform better?

As the games started coming thick and fast, All In were beginning to close in on the top 4 with two fantastic victories over Psychos and Arcade putting them right into the mix. A&D continued to smash the relegation candidates but struggled against the big boys whilst eGuards and Arm Pride, on the other hand, were regularly showing potential against those above them but struggling to piece together a run of any length. The gap was stretching from the top 5 to the rest of the pack.

As the penultimate week began, the top 5 began to realise every game was vital to their efforts for the season. Dawn of War faced matches against GGWP.PRO and All In on two consecutive days - whilst grabbing a draw with the latter, they were obliterated by the newly-invigorated GGWP side. It didn't bode well for the Ukranians and they were slipping away quickly - a disappointing defeat to Arm Pride the following day left them in need of results to go their way as well as making sure they won their games to reach the finals.

Elsewhere, Chaos received their first points of the campaign in a draw with Armada, both clans already knowing that relegation was looming. Arcade, GGWP and Psychos were battling hard for their top four positions with a 3-0 crushing of Dawn of War sealing the Ukranian team's fate before an incredible 4-0 victory over Arcade crowned off Psychos' season in style. The inconsistency of Arcade was starting to worry their fans, although they had already collected enough points for safe qualification.

The final week began - the important positions had already been decided. All In, GGWP.PRO, Psychos and Arcade were on their way to the finals whilst Armada and Chaos were going straight back down, with Husky and Wood's facing a play-off with two teams of the Pro Series to defend their right to stay in the Star Series. Armada valiantly fought out their last two battles in the StarSeries with victories over an All In side already preparing for the finals and a disappointed DoW team, but it was too little, too late.

And so, the league was sealed. Positions decided. Although the picture below shows the table with some of the results left out currently, none of the games would affect the outcome of the positions, bar Husky and Wood's switching positions. To view the table if it is updated, click here.

And now we await the finals. Predictions from a number of high-ranked StarSeries followers and clan players are below with the planned date of the Final battles currently Monday 13th April to Saturday 18th April. Now, however, it's time for a quick overview on each of the teams and the ins-and-outs of their performances, successes and disappointments this season.

HOW DID THEY DO?

All In
Last Season: 8th
This Season: 4th (Pre-Finals)

"An impressive season from the Russian outfit. After a testing season last time out, not only skilfully but also emotionally after the death of one of their stalwart players Do_Marshala, the team have re-grouped and on many occasions produced over and beyond the level of gameplay that they were known for after making it to the final of StarSeries Season. Albeit struggling against their top-four contenders bar a well-earned victory against Arcade, their consistent victories against the teams beneath them have gained them a finals-position their performance has warranted. With a team that has quickly become a unit, including possibly the youngest player in StarSeries, green, they have thrived this season with a consistently solid line-up. However, not all is bright for the group after Starladder just recently announced that their long-term leader barrs_s had admitted to being involved in betting against his own team and was henceforth banned for a year from all forms of SLTV - news that has once again dismayed their fans. With the finals approaching fast, let's hope that All In can show the same resilience that they showed after their grief last season to continue their impressive performances into the final stage."

Season Rating: 8/10

Angels & Demons
Last Season: 3rd
This Season: 6th

"A&D came into this season with a simple goal in mind - reaching the finals for the second season running. After a successful campaign last time out and holding onto the large majority of their team from the previous season, they had high hopes for reaching the top four again. However, with the exit of one of their stalwarts Rendi.Orton and the vulnerability of a longer campaign, they have come unstuck, particularly against the high-flyers they were challenging for a position with. Although they have not put their StarSeries status at risk, they will be disappointed with a finish that ends up with them 12 points off 4th position."

Season Rating: 5/10

Arcade eSports
Last Season: 1st
This Season: 2nd (Pre-finals)

"Arcade came into Season III clear favourites. Far and away. After successfully defending their title in an unbeaten Season II, they came in with their hopes high for another victory. Although their acclaimed Wasp, TomRedl, did not take part, the season was still expected to be a breeze. Reality checks came immediately after they succumbed to Can't Stop and were held by eGuards but their experience and squad depth enabled them to recover with 10 consecutive victories. However, three late defeats in the campaign including two brutal hammerings from Psychos and Dawn of War have left Arcade fans worried about the seriousness of their challenge this season. Although they have comfortably qualified for the finals, this is the first time they have not taken top spot in the league and doubts are well-voiced. Some still believe that Arcade will pull it together like they have done in the past, but is it time for their top spot to be taken away? The lack of commitment and strangely inconsistent performances suggest we could be in for an upset."

Season Rating: 6/10

Armada
Last Season: Pro Series (Winners)
This Season: 11th

"After promotion to the Star Series for the first time last season, Armada's aim was simple - to avoid finishing in the bottom two and automatically dropping straight back down. Although against the odds, their domination of the Pro Series the previous term showed potential and their squad contained some well-known names, leading many to predict their survival. However, it's been a rough season for the newcomers whose weaknesses have been shown up on many occasions, most obviously by fellow newbies Wood's who annihilated them in both of their battles. Although they managed an impressive victory over Arm Pride during the season and a surprising couple of victories in their last two battles, their weaknesses have been shown and it appears, after relegation, they are back where they belong."

Season Rating: 4/10

Arm Pride
Last Season: 6th
This Season: 8th

"After a fantastic previous couple of seasons and running their top-4 chances right to the wire both times, Arm Pride saw this season as a great chance to eventually reach the finals. After bringing in Hell.Rider and 96Lyov69 from Dawn of War among others and bolstering the strength of the squad, their intent was obvious. However, a rough start for the Armenian team would sum up their season. Unable to claim a victory in any of the opening five battles, including a draw with newbies Wood's, it didn't bode well. Although they managed to demolish top four contenders, All In, as well as run Arcade right down to the wire, their potential was not made evident through their results and they finished a disappointing season just outside the relegation play-off spots. With their StarSeries position safe for next term, they will hope that they can put this behind them and build on what is a promising team."

Season Rating: 5/10

Chaos
Last Season: 10th
This Season: 12th

"After scraping their way to safety by the skin of their teeth in both previous seasons, Chaos intended to secure their place in the next season of Star Series in more comfortable fashion as they prepared for the coming season. However the loss of a couple of key players including Image and OgapeHHblu did not set them up well and they could not have got off to a worse start. Damaging losses to both promoted sides within the first few weeks left them in a vulnerable position, and from then on it seemed they no longer cared about their safety. Although they honourably turned out in each of their battles, it was in vain largely, with their only point recorded after a mind-boggling nineteen consecutive defeats. Their good spirits, typified by joking with each other on call even whilst losing, was not enough to give them any chance of safety and a dreadful season led to inevitable relegation into the Pro Series where they will hope to halt their freefall."

Season Rating: 2/10

Dawn of War
Last Season: 4th
This Season: 5th

"Dawn of War's fantastic previous season set them up with a hope that they would be able to play in the Finals this time after finishing fourth in the previous term but being unable to travel to the "LAN Finals" due to financial reasons. This time out, with the news that the Finals would be Online, promised the hope that they would be able to battle for money this time if they successfully reached the top four again. With a line-up boasting a large amount of big names including the famous smoky The_Best_Boy imported from Husky, many put Dawn of War down in their predictions for the Final spots. After getting off to a fabulous start with a 4-0 thrashing of A&D, their let-down was inconsistency as they were unable to keep a run going for long enough. With damaging defeats to eGuards and All In proving their downfall, DoW's massive potential epitomized in their hammering of Arcade was not enough to give them the top four spot they longed for. A worthy effort but not consistent enough."

Season Rating: 6/10

Epic Guards
Last Season: 2nd
This Season: 7th

"The brilliant performance by eGuards in Season II of StarSeries made them strong contenders for the title the following season. After being able to hold on to many of their squad, the hope was that they would be able to take revenge on Arcade after their heartbreaking defeat in the final round of the Final last time out. However, the season was to be disappointing for the players and many fans of this promising team. With the 5-Hunter-lineup giving them problems near the beginning of the season, their defence was found out on regular occasions. They ditched the Viking that had been so effectively used by oficer777 in previous seasons and were unable to get a consistent run of anything more than a couple of wins. In addition, their line-up fluctuated as the captain, Holy_hero_alexxxx seemed to favour allowing all his players a turn rather than forming a solid team. Although their class was shown on occasion, the evident weakness in defence meant that their points tally was nowhere near enough to get them into the battle for the top four."

Season Rating: 4/10

GGWP.PRO (Formerly "Can't Stop")
Last Season: 5th
This Season: 1st (Pre-Finals)

"After being unable to reach the top four the previous season and only reaching the finals due to Dawn of War pulling out, the powerful force of Can't Stop were set on gaining a top spot fair and square. With an experienced team led by MyLife-MyRules and featuring big names including Fer-legend and Aguer-o with the addition of KOT-9 later in the season, the odds were in the favour of Can't Stop. After getting off to an unbelievable start including breaking Arcade's lossless-streak early in the season, the outfit showed their class on several occasions before a dodgy middle period including a loss to fellow-top-4 candidates, Dawn of War made fans unsure of whether they had the stomach for it. However, they came out of it in flying colours with ten straight victories giving them a catapult into the finals and putting them in a deserved Number 1 Spot in the league. Not only that, but with their fantastic performance, they were able to sign a contract with the eSports company GGWP and now have the support of a sponsorship deal behind them. After their stunning performances, many expect this to be their season. And with Arcade stuttering, who knows?"

Season Rating: 9/10

Husky (Formerly GGWP)
Last Season: 9th
This Season: 10th

"After the disappointment of Season II, GGWP looked to get straight back on track with a challenge for the top four once again and proving the value of the sponsorship deal they had been given. Although they lost a number of players, like they did after Season I, they managed to recruit a couple of promising faces and hope was in the camps they would be able to contend once again. However, their season dismantled quickly with the spine of their team suddenly disappering - KOT-9 leaving for Can't Stop; Drop.Dead and NILATAC being unable to play, and their term was summed up when they lost their sponsorship deal, re-naming themselves to Husky. A major shift was needed as a new relatively unknown leader, vixus, was put in with the hope things could turn around. Although they were able to stay out of the automatic relegation-places due to the quality of their line-up, they face the prospect of facing relegation play-offs - another bitterly disappointing season for such a famous clan in Tanki Cybersport."

Season Rating: 4/10

Psychos.pro
Last Season: 7th
This Season: 3rd (Pre-Finals)

"Psychos came into Season III with followers expecting the best they could aim for was a hopeful half-hearted challenge for the top four and security from the bottom. After a successful second season leading them to mid-table security, hopes were that they could continue that trend. In reply, Psychos came out all guns blazing! A stunning 4-0 hammering of Dawn of War stated their claims against the big boys and they quickly solidifed their position in the top four. Players waited to see whether they would fall apart but the solidity of the team including the only girl in Season III, Hormony, battled through it all. An incredible season was crowned off by a 4-0 walloping of Arcade as the season ended. Albeit underdogs, they will be scrapping for everything in the Finals and boy will they be up for it after smashing their way into the top four.

Season Rating: 9/10

WooDPeckers
Last Season: Pro Series (2nd Place)
This Season: 9th

"Wood's were the second of the promoted sides this season and to be honest, the general consensus was that they didn't stand much of a chance. With a relatively unknown line-up and a seemingly weak squad, the odds were against them. But they weren't prepared to give in without a fight. A promising beginning where they managed to grab a draw with Arm Pride after running Can't Stop and Dawn of War to the wire showed signs of their capabilities, before they successfully did the double over both relegation-battlers Armada and Chaos. Although they still remain to have a chance of going down as they now face the relegation play-offs, their performance this season has been admirable and are a great example of how practice makes improvement. A season that any newbies to StarSeries would be pleased with."

Season Rating: 8/10

PREDICTIONS FOR THE FINALS!

And so the finals await us. Before we go any further, let me just run through the set-up. Take a look at the image below to accustom yourself with how it will work.

This is what is known as a "Double-elimination" bracket. Each team has to be defeated twice before being fully eliminated, giving them a second chance if they have a mishap. The winner of D will go into the Final with a "1-0" score advantage to the winner of E due to being victorious in all their battles. It is interesting to note, as well, that the Finals will be played online this season instead of in real life. This means that lag could play a part. However, it also means that the games can be spread out nicely, as we can see by the planned schedule of Monday 13th to Saturday 18th April. All the rules for the Finals currently can be viewed here. So let's hear what a few Generalissimos replied when asked what they predicted for the Finals then.

@Lankbouv: For me Psychos have been a good clan this season and they've finally made the breakthrough to being good, however they had a disappointing loss against (I can't remember who) which to me shows they're not ready to win. However we could be surprised. I think we know that they are rubbish in red alert but pretty good in bridges, so we'll see. All In had an epic season, beating arcade being the jewel of it, however recently they got thumped 3-0 by arcade so I'm pretty certain they're not contenders to win overall. For me it comes down to Can't stop (GGWP) vs arcade. Arcade suffered losses vs DoW and All in recently, not to mention bring crushed by can't stop earlier in the season, however they have returned the favour more than once to every clan. They're certainly capable of beating all the clans. For me, Arcade aren't the force they used to be, other clans have been getting better, whereas they lost their king wasp, TomRedl. Arcade will win it in my opinion but not as far away as previous years. Can't stop will give then a good run for their money, but who knows, the curse of the brand GGWP could strike for the second time, taking them down like it did Scorpions.

@Adequacy: By closely looking at the clans' performance in this season, I can surely say that GGWP (ex CS) is the one I would put my bet on. Psychos started the season brutally, but in the end they got defeated several times and lost their hope and the will to fight for the first place. And All In was doing just fine in this season. It got defeated by the clans which are positioned above him on the ranking table, but didn't leave a chance for the rest of the clans.

Many people think Arcade is the same unbeatable clan which never gave a chance to its opponent, but during the break after Season II the members of Arcade started playing another game - Dota 2 and completely forgot about trainings and stuff, and we can see the result of that - 4 losses in this season.

I think we'll have All In on the 4th place. This clan did not do anything extraordinary in this season. The reason it became 4th is that the other clans weren't prepared enough. Next, we'll have Psychos.PRO on the third place. A cold-hearted clan which crushed almost every opponent it met on its way. It's very likely that Arcade will be on the second place. It has become the winner of the previous seasons, but without trainings one cannot go too far. The clan which had the highest level of preparedness - GGWP.PRO will be the winner. This is my humble opinion based on careful analysis.

: I think the Finals will finish 1st Arcade 2nd All in 3rd GGWP.Pro 4th Psychos.Pro. Arcade will win again, because it is the most experienced team and their burning desire to win cant be extinguished! All in is one of the teams with best general accuracy and I see some of their players training daily in maps like Zone, But they are not good enough to beat the legends from Arcade! GGWP.Pro is by far a better team than Psychos, GGWP owned Psychos with a 4-0 in last match, Psychos got ambitions, but not enough to beat the perfect teamwork and individual skills from GGWP.

@legenddestroyer: I predict Arcade to win the StarSeries Season III Finals due to the fact that they aren't training like usual. They are focused on Dota 2 ( or so I hear) and I doubt they would just give up the easy cash that they could win. Arcade will most likely prepare for the finals and be ready to face Any of the other top clans winning the entire tournament.

@canadarules: Well as we know GGWP.PRO , Arcade, All in and Psychos have all clinched a Season Finals spot. If I had to predict who will make it to the finals it would be Psychos and GGWP.PRO. In the end, i think that Psychos would win because of them having to work so hard to even get into the finals. Last year they were not one of the top teams and they scratched their way up the ladder to top status. So i really rate them as the Champions but obviously if their egos get in the way they won't win because you have to stay humble to win anything and always want to win.

@hogree (Me): Well, after a season full of skill on display, each of these teams have done absolutely fantastically to make it all the way to the Finals. Personally, this picture shows my predictions for what will happen this season.

I believe GGWP have the ability and the team to defeat Arcade this season. They have not shown any signs of letting go of full throttle since they signed the contract and with a team that has gone from strength to strength against a stuttering Arcade side, they have my full support. Although Arcade are definitely going to improve, I just don't think they'll be able to pull through again. As for third position, Psychos' first team has proven itself time and time again this season so I think that their fantastic season will be crowned off with the bronze medal.

Well, people, make sure you don't miss what promises to be an intense finale! All matches in the Final will certainly be streamed on the Russian Twitch Channel - however, almost all of the battles will hopefully be streamed on the English Twitch Channel. Stay tuned to the Tanki News and Social Media to ensure you don't miss any of it!
Missed any games? Just head over to the Russian Tanki Starladder Youtube Channel to catch up with Highlights or even the Full Match! Also, it may be worth checking the English Tanki Starladder Youtube Channel as well in case there was English Commentary on the match!

Well, bring on the Finals! Who are you cheering on to victory? Next month, we'll have a Review on the Finals as we eventually find out who the Champions of StarSeries Season III will be!

Edited July 30, 2017 by Hexed

Lankbouv · March 27, 2015

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