On rare occasion, a player reaches a level of skill, knowledge and achievement that allows them properly to be described as an expert. Today, we are delighted to announce that we have recognized another such player in
Phoenix', who has been promoted to the status of
Expert Player for
Kane's Wrath. GameReplays has had the opportunity to speak to the newest addition to the Kane's Wrath expert family.
Phoenix' (aka. SteveNash#13) was nice enough to sit down with us for a
Player Spotlight feature back in July 2014, which you can
check out here.
GameReplays:
To start things off, what singular aspect of your play do you feel has improved the most over the last few months?Phoenix': Well, I still have many flaws, but I think my attitude and overall mindset has changed. For example, I used to put so much pressure on myself back in the day, but now I've come to grips with the fact that it's just a game and that I need to relax and enjoy myself.
GR:
Do you feel that people treat you any differently now that you’re consistently winning tournaments (or coming very close to it)?Phoenix': No, not really. I've always been known as a fairly decent player, but I decided to change my sleeping pattern recently. By taking naps throughout the day prior to a tournament, I'm able to wake up at 4am before the event rather than staying up all night like I did in the past.
GR:
Do you feel any pressure now to perform well in comparison to the earlier days? If you do, do you find that adds to the experience or just stresses you out?Phoenix': Yeah, I still feel pressure, but I've gradually improved my ability to handle it. I believe that contributes a lot to my improvement over time.
GR:
What, if anything, do you do differently when playing in tournaments in order to find success there?Phoenix': I don't do very much differently. I just try to practice and get some sleep, I suppose xD.
GR:
What two factions do you find the hardest to play and why?Phoenix': I guess that depends on the matchups. For example, Scrin vs. Traveler-59 is very difficult (me as Scrin) because Scrin doesn't really have any reliable answers to countering cultists. The 2nd faction / matchup would have to be Steel Talons vs. Traveler-59 (me as ST) simply because ST's only form of EMP to counter the hexapod is shockwave artillery. Plus they don't have any viable rushes vs. T-59 on bigger maps to deny or stall the tech production. But I'm sure most will agree with me on these matchups =d.
GR:
Do you have a favorite map and if you do, why is it your favorite?Phoenix': I'd say my favorite map is Twisted Rift (1.02+). Although I'm not the best on it, I find it to have little to no early game "poker" involved. It's also a big, open, and flat map which produces faster paced games as well as punishes campy play-styles.
GR:
Of the current player-base, who do you feel gives you the best games (as in closest and/or most intense matches)?Phoenix': I'd have to say
BikeRush,
Masterleaf, and
Wookibert without question. Those 3 are very talented Kane's Wrath players and give me the toughest games all around.
GR:
Do you have any tips for newer players to help them improve?Phoenix': For starters, I'd recommend learning to use hotkeys as well as how the units interact with each other and the faction balances. Aside from that, just practice productively, study the top players, and stay motivated.
GR:
Do you have any final remarks for the community?Phoenix': To start off, I'd like to say that I'm very honored to be receiving an expert badge. I know Kane's Wrath is a fairly small community, but in order to keep the game alive and enjoyable, I encourage people to try to get along and show respect to one another so that Kane's Wrath may continue to be fun. On top of that, I'd like to thank everyone that helps keep this game alive; it's very much appreciated.
GR:
Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us, and congratulations again on the promotion!
