Volt Told Me To Do A Power Rank If I Wanted To
by Yakuzaku
Disclaimer: This started of as just a power rank, but I guess since it’s the first it kinda became a little write up of the top 5 as well. I decided to limit it to 5, but all active players have a mention.
Honourable Mentions
Kuro - - - -> Player page @16thSquadS 16thSquadSanseki
Being the production fairy means less time for practice, but with the help of Light and Hotkey Trainer, Kuro’s been making progress.
KatatoniK - - - -> Player page @KatatoniKSC2 KatatoniKSC2
The sole Protoss for the longest time, it’s mind boggling that her best match-up is PvP. Despite the weak PvZ, the acquisition of Voltacus and return of EU practice spells good signs.
Steelmold - - - -> Player page @Steel_Mold Steelmold
Technically active, but very much a caster first and foremost, still though 100% winrate in tournaments is nothing to laugh at.
ChronoS - - - -> Player page @Cranky_ChronoS 퀸스크라운 (sc2_chronos)
Technically active but I actually don’t know much about his play other than that he has some Kata-inflicted DTSD (Dark Templar Stress Disorder). An upcoming vacation from his studies may change that though.
Blisk - - - -> Player page Blisk_
Is still in a forest, but there has been some news for July. (I didn’t really read the message tbh) [Yaku plz...]
Yakuzaku - - - -> Player page @EmporerYakuzaku Yakuzaku1
Needs a new set of eyes.
Now then, the juicy bit.
CranKy Ducklings Top 5
5) PhoenixTears - - - -> Player page @PhoenixTears45 PhoenixTears45
A caster, an admin, a brother, a friend and the second random player of The Cranky Clan, PhoenixTears has proven a versatile practice partner. When he can practice that is, being close to Kuro’s level of busyness.
While not short in the mechanics department, it becomes obvious when PhoenixTears plays against a player such as Voltacus or Light that he certainly seems weaker.
Despite this however, PhoenixTears has pulled off multiple wins in individual tournaments and clan wars, making up for what he lacks in mechanics with his experience and general gamesense, a strength he combines with a generally passive and reactive playstyle to, as we say, “Wreck. House.”
Playing Random, while making him versatile, also meant that he couldn’t focus on the mechanics of one race as much, though he has mentioned wanting to focus on Protoss more, so I guess Kata can feel less lonely in the Protoss corner.
4) Milkncookies - - - -> Player page @Milkncookiessss Milkncookiesss
The first coach of Cranky, the best cook on Twitch, Milk has given more than his skill in clan wars and team leagues, but his time and knowledge to the other members of Cranky.
Having arguably the best macro for the longest time, Milk was the first member of Cranky to win more than one Sea Duckling Open and achieve the first all-kill during the clan war against Ris3n.
Had this been written a few months ago, Milk would undoubtedly be first place, but times change as the saying goes, and real life commitments have limited Milk’s time and practice.
That said however, Milk still stays committed to the VTL and potential future team leagues, not to mention The PondCast, but that’s not really a factor in a power rank. What does factor is his strong macro, and abuse of mech play to make new waifus.
Milk now wears a target on his back, one he should wear with pride and a bit of caution.
3) Light_VIP - - - -> Player page @Light_VIP Light_VIP
The captain, the sponsor, SDO was the brainchild of Light and Kuro, but competing in team leagues very much came from Light’s competitive spirit, one that leaks into the other members and ignites their own competitive flames.
A late-game Zerg, Light has utilised the ever popular Hydra/Ling/Bane transition into Ultra/Ling/Bane to great effect. Throw in a couple of blinding clouds and Light rams his pain train all the way to the victory. He isn’t afraid to mix things up however, whether it be adjusting his unit composition to Corruptor/Ling/Bane or using Pool-first on ace matches, Light has found a way to win where it counts. (Especially when his own prize money is on the line)
That said though, he has a tendency to tunnel-vision and throw, especially when he believes he should have already won, such as when he did a lot of damage early against Clare, but continued to run Hydras and Banelings into Tank lines until Clare counter-attacked and stole the game and series.
Also as a captain, he has the utmost faith in his teammates and their skill and he makes sure they know it, but he keeps discouraging Proxy-Tank and that’s just bad leadership. (It’ll work gaddammit!!!)
2) Voltacus - - - -> Player page @Voltacus Voltacus
The second coach, the imperialist and the show match machine, Voltacus has been a regular practice partner long before he was a Duckling, and a rather high profile pick-up.
Volt is a player with plenty of flash, however he can still back it up with substance. Usually. While I would say that Volt currently has the best macro of the Cranky Terrans, there are definitely times where whilst focusing on his drops and micro, he allows himself to miss a macro-cycle... or two... or twelve...
It was his variety of builds, game knowledge and strategy however that brought him to Masters league before winning an SDO. (rip) Somehow Volt has managed to translate military strategy into Starcraft 2, using real life tactics to eke out wins.
His knowledge, both inside and out, of game sees him excell in his role as coach as well, able to answer most any question about Starcraft 2 and give sound practice advice.
1) Clare - - - -> Player page @ClareSc2 Sc2Clare
MarineKingFanboy, the highest ranked member of Cranky and former semi-pro, Clare has started his resurgence to his WoL strength, starting with getting to Masters with both Terran and Zerg.
Despite not playing much LotV, and thus lacking a bit of game knowledge in newer units and metas, Clare possesses the absolute best macro within the clan.
Allin.Lumiya remarked that in an SDO, Clare’s minerals had never gone above 200 until he was maxed out. Coupled with his aggressive style and micro, influenced in no small part by his favourite player MKP, Clare completely dominated his initial run in SDO.
That’s only half of Clare, as he plays Zerg about as well, or arguably even better, than Terran. While it is often joked that Clare Baneling-Busted his way into Masters(2), Clare excels in Zerg macro as well as having a few strategies that Meomaika would be proud of, after all, one cheese build can only get you so far.
A former GrandMaster, Clare intends to represent Malaysia in the 2019 Ogaming NationWars and WeSG, everyone cheer for our Cranky.Clare!
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