Post by FFAxPostal on Jan 4, 2010 12:52:28 GMT -5
Ladies and gentlemen, 2009 has come to a close, and despite all of the nay sayers claiming that TA was doomed, we're still around, and some top level games are still happening.
So of course we have to discuss the random happenings of 2009 in full before we delve into yet another year of TA, as no doubt this vicious cycle of us playing this game will continue.
Naturally, to avoid bias, I will exlude myself from all the categories you'll all just have to nominate me in your comments if you feel I am deserving of a title.
This year's list also includes two new categories that were absent from last years, helping give credit where credit is due.
So with all of the messy details out of the way, I present to you the best of 2009
Best TA Player of 2009: RVD
Well I think this is now three years running. But for the past few months he's been a bit of a shadow, he still has the speed clicking irishness that brought him to the top years ago. Earlier this year he was again proving that he still is deserving of this title.
Honorable Mentions: Andy, Med, Tiptushi, Jackson
Andy has always been lurking, and has always been good, he made a good showing this year in the tournament.
Med still is the TA king of France, even though I've seen more French activity this year than the year prior.
Tiptushi has heralded his triumphant return to TA by winning this years Christmas tournament. His unorthadox style and brilliant command of the game enabled him to claim victory against some serious smurf power.
Jackson was also around, and as such was still winning games.
Best TADRS Reviewer of 2009: Molloy
What is TADRS without Abe? I fear it is a shell of itself. Plus the myriad of problems that TADRS has been experiencing over the past year make it difficult for the reviewers to share the games with others. That doesn't mean reviewing wasn't happening. And this year's winner is that other Irish guy: Molloy. I didn't think the Irish would be sweeping the awards this year...
Honorable mentions: Downside, Vapor, Tiptushi
I think these are the only other people who reviewed in 2009. Downside makes a good effort and produces some quality work.
Most Improved TA Player: Pyromathic
Remember that silly newbie that would always pick Core and then get steamrolled by everyone? I'm not talking about me, I'm talking about the latest rise from newbiedom: Pyromathic. I haven't played enough games with him myself to have seen first hand, but I've heard that he plays with a new sharpness, and actually 1v1s. I've also heard he's dutch, taking the Dutch crown from the absent Aprox.
Honorable Mentions: Machine, Golix, Bloodeyes
Machine has truly improved, learning how to bomb, and buidling well. Unfortunately he has shirked the noble art of 1v1, but he still remains a formidable force in the team games, capable of holding his own and turning the tide.
Golix made a surprise showing in the tournament this year. I actually haven't played him to know too much about him, but I know that he made it to the semi-finals, and has been playing some decent TA.
Bloodeyes, one of the aspiring Brazilians, also makes the list, by virtue of the fact that I know who he is, and I played some 1v1s with him and I have noticed a new resolve and a stronger ability to play from him.
Best Random Team 3v3 Player: TaC
TaC knows how the game works in 3v3, he's focused and driven in games, and knows how to work as a team, even with random newbies. While this category doesn't mean much, It's still the shout-out category.
Honorable Mentions: Rules, Aero, Boogie...
Fun games, good times.
Best Flamer/Insults of 2009: Vapor
The king of flaming once again reclaims his throne with some brilliant posts this year, proving that when it comes to delivering the finest in verbal jabs there is none better. While the pickings were slim this year, Vapor's reviews in combination with his forum posts win him this title.
Honorable Mentions: Venom, Forceflow
Forceflow tried... Really that's the best I can say.
Venom still delivers when he decides to. No one has incurred the ire of our next winner like him.
Best Map Maker of 2009: NLJ
Along with hosting a tournament for the first time, NLJ also has been delivering the finest of maps. His style involves a combination of additional features, and a focus on aesthetics. Some of his earlier works lacked balance, and had huge pathfinding issues, but his more recent works have been geared toward making good maps for top players to test thier mettle on. Now if only he included a [NLJ] in front of the map name so we could sort them easier.
Honorable Mentions: Pigfish, Safeway
These are names who haven't gotten recognition in the past for thier map making contributions. so I figured while they may not have had any output this year, it would be good to note that their maps have seen a recent explosion in play.
Best Host of 2009: Aero
This category focuses on those who have stepped up and bothered to foward that one port so that they can host games for others to play on. Not only have his contributions to TA Universe been significant, his ability to be a good host is unmatched. He picks good maps, isn't afraid to kick anyone for being obnoxious, and helps people get into those team games at obscure hours of the night.
Honorable mention: Pita
I can't think of any other names off the top of my head to toss in here, but Pita hosts well and keeps things hoping.
So with that I present to you this years winners according to me. Naturally you can disagree, or pose your own list below the more the merrier.
So of course we have to discuss the random happenings of 2009 in full before we delve into yet another year of TA, as no doubt this vicious cycle of us playing this game will continue.
Naturally, to avoid bias, I will exlude myself from all the categories you'll all just have to nominate me in your comments if you feel I am deserving of a title.
This year's list also includes two new categories that were absent from last years, helping give credit where credit is due.
So with all of the messy details out of the way, I present to you the best of 2009
Best TA Player of 2009: RVD
Well I think this is now three years running. But for the past few months he's been a bit of a shadow, he still has the speed clicking irishness that brought him to the top years ago. Earlier this year he was again proving that he still is deserving of this title.
Honorable Mentions: Andy, Med, Tiptushi, Jackson
Andy has always been lurking, and has always been good, he made a good showing this year in the tournament.
Med still is the TA king of France, even though I've seen more French activity this year than the year prior.
Tiptushi has heralded his triumphant return to TA by winning this years Christmas tournament. His unorthadox style and brilliant command of the game enabled him to claim victory against some serious smurf power.
Jackson was also around, and as such was still winning games.
Best TADRS Reviewer of 2009: Molloy
What is TADRS without Abe? I fear it is a shell of itself. Plus the myriad of problems that TADRS has been experiencing over the past year make it difficult for the reviewers to share the games with others. That doesn't mean reviewing wasn't happening. And this year's winner is that other Irish guy: Molloy. I didn't think the Irish would be sweeping the awards this year...
Honorable mentions: Downside, Vapor, Tiptushi
I think these are the only other people who reviewed in 2009. Downside makes a good effort and produces some quality work.
Most Improved TA Player: Pyromathic
Remember that silly newbie that would always pick Core and then get steamrolled by everyone? I'm not talking about me, I'm talking about the latest rise from newbiedom: Pyromathic. I haven't played enough games with him myself to have seen first hand, but I've heard that he plays with a new sharpness, and actually 1v1s. I've also heard he's dutch, taking the Dutch crown from the absent Aprox.
Honorable Mentions: Machine, Golix, Bloodeyes
Machine has truly improved, learning how to bomb, and buidling well. Unfortunately he has shirked the noble art of 1v1, but he still remains a formidable force in the team games, capable of holding his own and turning the tide.
Golix made a surprise showing in the tournament this year. I actually haven't played him to know too much about him, but I know that he made it to the semi-finals, and has been playing some decent TA.
Bloodeyes, one of the aspiring Brazilians, also makes the list, by virtue of the fact that I know who he is, and I played some 1v1s with him and I have noticed a new resolve and a stronger ability to play from him.
Best Random Team 3v3 Player: TaC
TaC knows how the game works in 3v3, he's focused and driven in games, and knows how to work as a team, even with random newbies. While this category doesn't mean much, It's still the shout-out category.
Honorable Mentions: Rules, Aero, Boogie...
Fun games, good times.
Best Flamer/Insults of 2009: Vapor
The king of flaming once again reclaims his throne with some brilliant posts this year, proving that when it comes to delivering the finest in verbal jabs there is none better. While the pickings were slim this year, Vapor's reviews in combination with his forum posts win him this title.
Honorable Mentions: Venom, Forceflow
Forceflow tried... Really that's the best I can say.
Venom still delivers when he decides to. No one has incurred the ire of our next winner like him.
Best Map Maker of 2009: NLJ
Along with hosting a tournament for the first time, NLJ also has been delivering the finest of maps. His style involves a combination of additional features, and a focus on aesthetics. Some of his earlier works lacked balance, and had huge pathfinding issues, but his more recent works have been geared toward making good maps for top players to test thier mettle on. Now if only he included a [NLJ] in front of the map name so we could sort them easier.
Honorable Mentions: Pigfish, Safeway
These are names who haven't gotten recognition in the past for thier map making contributions. so I figured while they may not have had any output this year, it would be good to note that their maps have seen a recent explosion in play.
Best Host of 2009: Aero
This category focuses on those who have stepped up and bothered to foward that one port so that they can host games for others to play on. Not only have his contributions to TA Universe been significant, his ability to be a good host is unmatched. He picks good maps, isn't afraid to kick anyone for being obnoxious, and helps people get into those team games at obscure hours of the night.
Honorable mention: Pita
I can't think of any other names off the top of my head to toss in here, but Pita hosts well and keeps things hoping.
So with that I present to you this years winners according to me. Naturally you can disagree, or pose your own list below the more the merrier.