Gweedo888
03-24-2011, 10:09 AM
These are previews of pool play for that of halo this coming season
The arrival of Pool Play is a welcome change to the MLG tournament format, as it�s both more entertaining and a more precise way of determining a Champion. It won't be doing the teams in Halo: Reach�s Pool A and favors, though. Arguably the toughest pool by far, Pool A features some of the game's brightest stars, alongside some of its most intriguing prospects.
At the head of the class is your 2010 National Champions and Number 1 seed, Final Boss. With a maelstrom of team changes occurring around them, FB made the unusual decision to keep their roster fully intact. And why not? After reeling off three consecutive victories to close out the 2010 Season, Final Boss are definitely the team to beat at Dallas. While it's difficult to say how they will transition to the new game, the chemistry they've developed during the past Season will benefit them greatly, especially considering the shuffling of Halo 3's other top teams. Fearitself, Victory X, Ogre 2, and Pistola have the enormous advantage of familiarity with one another. Couple that with the highest caliber of skill, and it's hard to not envision them making a huge splash at Dallas�though the specter of the early Halo 3 Final Boss, who failed to sustain their success from Halo 2, must still be lingering in their minds.
Second in the pecking order in Pool A comes the Number 8 seed, Classic. Featuring Chig and Soldier187, formerly of Carbon, Team Classic hopes to rebuild the image they created in the early days of Halo 3, and carve out a niche for themselves in Halo: Reach. Joining Chig and Soldier are Sypher and Cpt Anarchy, two players who know what it takes to compete at the highest level. Cpt Anarchy has been somewhat of a journeyman player on the Pro Circuit, and could be ready to re-establish himself as a top player in 2011. On Puckett's Picks, Chris Puckett recently featured gameplay of Cpt Anarchy that makes it appear he's ready to do just that. Classic have their work cut out for them in th highly contentious pool, but expect this solid cast of tournament veterans to be ready to spring an upset.
Perhaps the most intriguing team in the entire tournament is the 9th seed, THO Impact. Featuring three of the winners of the 2010 Dallas Halo: Reach Event, and one secret weapon, Impact is a team that is not to be trifled with. Lxthul�already a two-time Halo: Reach Champion�along with up-and-comers Amish Acorns and Adrenaline, join forces with Neighbor to create a phenomenally talented quartet. Neighbor's departure from Triggers Down seemed inevitable; the real surprise came when he decided to team up with such a relatively inexperienced bunch, though their lack of seasoning can probably be negated by their skill. It will be very interesting to see how this team performs as a unit. Lxthul, Acorns, and Adrenaline are being thrown into the deep end of the pool; if they come up swimming, they could be a force to be reckoned with all Season long.
The 16th seed belongs to tournament staple Carbon, who hope they can rise from last Season's ashes and reclaim their former glory. Led by longtime MLG staple Walshy, Carbon is comprised of Championship Bracket newcomers Scarvayn3, Russo, and Life-Style. On paper, it would seem like a titanic undertaking for them to steal a series from the top teams in Pool A, but Reach could be anyone's ballgame. Walshy is on record as saying he was not as motivated during Halo 3's tenure on the Pro Circuit. Perhaps a new title, and a group of young talent that he can mold, is just what the doctor ordered.
Along with these four teams, the highest ranked undefeated Open Bracket team will join the fray to complete the pool. Pool A is a terrific snapshot of players with varying credentials and should serve as a useful barometer for gauging the effectiveness of Halo 3's top teams in Halo: Reach. Should the pool be dominated by incumbent champs Final Boss, it might be wise to expect Halo 3's elite to remain on top. But if they can be conquered by one of the others, consider the Halo: Reach crown entirely up for grabs.
On Friday, we gave you the scoop about Halo: Reach�s stacked Pool A lineup. Today we fill you in on all the storylines, off-season roster changes and pre-season expectations surrounding the equally intense Pool B.
(2) Instinct (Tsquared, Roy, Lunchbox, Totz)
The headlining off-season roster change for Instinct was the addition of none other than Pro Circuit veteran Tsquared. The transfer marks an end of an era as Tsquared bids adieu to Str8 Rippin, one of Halo's founding franchises. Throughout the years, Str8 Rippin stood as a perennial competitor for top honors at tournament after tournament. From Zyos spamming sword swings on the back balcony of Gemini in Halo 2's lone slayer-only tournament, to an epic 2008 Season that culminated in a National Championship title, Str8 Rippin provided endless entertainment for Pro Circuit fans. But enough with the trip down memory lane; Tsquared has newer and bigger feats to achieve.
Joining Tsquared is none other than his neighbor, Totz, whose 2010 Season saw him logging frags for Final Boss and Triggers Down. Totz is a player brimming with confidence and enthusiasm, and he lays claim to one of the best LAN setups in the Western Hemisphere. Totz's competitive drive has helped Instinct to become the most well-prepared and practiced team approaching the Dallas Season opener. With no fewer than five pre-tournament LANs, Instinct are sure to have a leg up on opponents who have predominantly only experienced Halo: Reach's mechanics via Xbox Live.
Instinct's returning members include powerhouse duo Roy and Lunchbox. The twins have been a constant force among MLG's top ranks since their debut with 5K in 2007, and they consistently receive praise for their solid shooting and intelligent communication. The convincing back-to-back Pro Circuit victories that opened the 2010 Season had fans and pundits whispering about the possible arrival of a new Halo dynasty. While those whispers were silenced by the return of the MLG dynasty, Final Boss, 2011 stands as a fresh opportunity for Instinct to reassert their dominance over all things Halo. If pre-season LAN results are any indication, Instinct are back to their face-taking ways. A cumulative LAN score of 65 to 23 against top-seeded Final Boss has led many fans to hand Instinct the title of "pre-tournament favorites." Grab your spot on the bandwagon now, as seats may be hard to come by if Instinct roll into Columbus with one piece of Halo: Reach hardware already in the trophy cabinet.
If Instinct do win Pool B, they'll face off against the winner of Pool C (whose frontrunners include Status Quo and Dynasty) in the Winners Bracket Semifinals. For more coverage of Instinct's preparation and thoughts heading into Dallas, jump on over to Instinct's vlog .
(7) Warriors (Robbie B, ElamiteWarrior, Strongside, Snake Bite)
A name like Warriors evokes certain images. For some, visions of 1979's cult classic film come to mind. For others, perhaps it�s the 2005 Rockstar video game incarnation. But if you're an MLG fan, however, you'll likely think of this. Goosebumps, every time.
One of 2010's breakout teams, Warriors are a franchise known for owning the title of underdog and playing with a brazen disregard for their opponents� reputations. Their 2010 Season was jam-packed with spirited and epic matches, as they threatened to upset the Pro Circuit's top squads round after round. What did they get for their efforts? 5th Place in Columbus, 5th Place in Raleigh, and 5th Place in D.C. Bold prediction for Dallas 2011: Warriors to finish 5th.
In addition to an off-season's worth of practice, the Warriors' 2011 roster adds some excitement in the form of Strongside and Elamitewarrior, who replace BRAKE and NocturnalKernal. Although Stongside's overall Halo 3 performances didn't match the success he achieved in the Halo 2 era, he remains wildly popular among fans for his "keep on fragging till they unplug the Xbox" attitude and marathon training sessions. He played a large part in putting Status Quo on the map, and will have to square off against fellow former Status Quo shooter Totz when Warriors play Instinct in their Pool. Strongside's raw talent is likely to be rewarded by Halo: Reach's more individually skill-intensive gameplay, and Warriors appear to be a perfect fit for both his playstyle and personality.
Warriors� second roster addition, Elamite, also has several Pro Circuit titles to his name. He has been a fixture on top ranking squads since 2007, and has won titles with both Str8 Rippin and Instinct. In the Dallas Pool, he will face former teammates from both of those Championship teams. His veteran leadership and knowledge of Tsquared, Lunchbox and Roy's playstyles should provide an edge in what will surely prove to be an incredibly challenging Pool Play match against 2nd-seeded Instinct.
The returning members from Warriors' successful 2010 roster include Robbie B and Snake Bite. Both players were instrumental in Warriors' numerous victories over higher-seeded opposition. Additionally, Robbie B has been amassing a growing fan base with his frequent gameplay streams and lighthearted commentary. All things considered, Warriors appear to have a perfect mix of veteran talent, individual skill and a never-say-die attitude. If they keep putting up stellar results, they may not be able to call themselves the underdog for much longer.
(10) Ambush: (GunShot, Monster, Aries, InSaiyan)
In 2010, Ambush were nothing if not consistent. Their 2010 finishes included 15th Place in Orlando, 13th in Columbus, 11th in Raleigh and 16th in D.C. However, none of that may hold any relevance in Dallas, as Ambush now consist of an entirely overhauled roster playing the newest installment of the Halo series.
The last time we saw Ambush battling it out on the Pro Circuit, they were represented by I Frosty I, IceVayne, Superstr8Sick, and SneakEBeaver. The new squad holds connections to the 2010 team in name only, as none of the four aforementioned players will be wearing Ambush jerseys in Dallas. Instead, fans will see GunShot, Monster, Aries and InSaiyan carrying the Ambush torch. Thus far, the team appears to be fairly under the radar despite their 10th seed. With fans' Dallas predictions placing Ambush predominantly in the 13th-16th region, the stage is set for Ambush to exceed all expectations.
(15) Gimme My Money (Elitest, Mikwen, Reliable, Twin Savior)
Gimme My Money enter Pool B as the 15th seed, and will look to build upon 2010's performances. The team's accomplishments last Season included 18th- and 20th- place Halo 3 finishes in Raleigh and Columbus respectively, and an 8th Place finish in the Dallas Halo: Reach Exhibition Event. Elitest and Mikwen remain from last year's roster, and they've added the talents of Reliable and Twin Savior to round out the squad. Although the team is largely an unknown quantity to many Pro Circuit fans, Gimme My Money will look to seize upon the opportunity provided by Halo: Reach's Pro Circuit debut. With any luck, the team can follow the blueprint established three years ago by Classic in Halo 3's debut tournament and make a deep run through Dallas' bracket.
2nd-Ranked Undefeated Open Bracket Team
The fifth and final team competing in Pool B will be determined in Dallas by the results of the Open Bracket competition. Of the four teams who emerge undefeated from the Open Bracket, the second-highest ranking team will be placed in Pool B. Once there, they'll run the gauntlet against Gimme My Money, Ambush, Warriors and Instinct.
Overall
Although Instinct stand as the clear favorites to win Pool B, each of their competitors has tremendous potential. Warriors hope to improve upon their successful 2010 formula by adding world-class talents Strongside and ElamiteWarrior. Both Ambush and Gimme My Money are largely unknown quantities, but that could certainly play in their favor. Each start of a new Pro Circuit title leaves the door open for budding talent and dedicated players to climb the ranks and assert their claim as the new face of MLG Halo. Who will it be this time? Get a spectator pass and come find out for yourself!
Over the past week, we�ve brought you two previews of the highly anticipated Pools for Halo: Reach at MLG Dallas. With Pools A and B already in the books, let's take a look at the field for Pool C.
(3) Status Quo (Flamesword, Ace, Enable, Assault)
When it comes to team names, these days it's hard to find one more fitting for its roster than Status Quo. This SQ roster has been together longer than any other top-tier team. Having said that, what's even more important is the team's placement trends over the last few years. All throughout 2009, SQ were considered a Top 12 team�a team that all opponents knew were capable of big upsets, but one that found themselves in a constant struggle to break into the Top 8. Fast forward to 2010 and the team was now regularly placing Top 4 at Event after Event. If one thing's for certain, it's that sticking together for such a long time has paid off.
Heading into Reach, SQ is looking stronger than ever. At a recent TheLanNetwork practice LAN, the team bested top teams Instinct (2), Triggers Down (4), Impact (9), and Darkest Hour(12) in a decisive and highly impressive fashion. With Enable snagging a prestigious Red Bull sponsorship, Ace having outplaced his big brother Elamite at the Halo 3 National Championship, and Flamesword and Assault having taken the Best Leader and Most Underrated categories in last season's Stride Pros' Choice Awards, things are looking nowhere but up for the young, talented squad. Will Dallas be the Event where they finally make it to the top?
(6) Dynasty (Destin, Ghostayame, Tizoxic, Snipedown)
Not all team names can be as fitting as SQ�s. Dynasty, with a roster that has just come together in recent weeks, are seen by many as somewhat of an odd assortment of players, or one that's come about largely as a result of the massive sea of changes that defined the 2011 off-season. If one thing's for sure, it's that this roster isn't lacking anything at all in terms of individual prowess. Destin and Ghostayame are two of Pennsylvania's best players, and each of them has proven time and time again their ability to successfully adapt and re-adapt when faced with roster changes. Tizoxic and Snipedown are two of the League's flashiest players and best snipers. With Reach's sniper rifle proving to be the most lethal of the entire Halo franchise, there's no doubt that all eyes will be on these two for game-changing plays.
What's most important to keep in mind with these four players is their dissatisfaction with their finishes during the last Season of Halo 3. Tizoxic and Snipedown failed to break Top 4 with a talented Believe the Hype squad, and Destin�with an equally impressive Dynasty roster�walked away with a mere 6th Place. Perhaps worst of all was Ghostayame, a player who's been regarded without question for years and years as one of the world's best Halo players, failing even to secure a Top 8 seed for the National Championship. Will the looming specter of another disappointing finish drive them to surprise everyone right from the start come Dallas?
(11) UoR Invictus (Watch, Calm, Swift Kill, Ninja)
All throughout the 2010 Doritos Pro-Gaming Combine, one thing all fans and spectators came to expect at each Event was a solid showing from Victorious Secret. While VS's lineup saw a number of variations throughout 2010, the team's core roster of Watch, Calm, and Swift Kill remains intact for the 2011 opener. While the team looks and feels in every way like the Victorious Secret many have come to know and love, perhaps in the spirit of the changing of the season a few slight adjustments have been made to the team's persona. Most notably, the infamous Victorious Secret namesake has been dropped for the fresh yet familiar mantle of Invictus. Furthermore, Ninja, a player who since Reach's launch has proven that he has the drive to secure a seat amongst the game's best, has been added to round out the roster.
If we take a step back and take a brief survey of the new roster, we see a veteran player in Watch, whose event attendance dates back to the Halo 2 era, two Combine Winners in Swift and Calm, and a determined up-and-comer with unlimited potential in Ninja. When it comes to living up to one's name (Invictus derives from the Latin for �unconquerable�), these four most certainly have their work cut out for them in April.
(14) Second Nature (Goatsi, Trigga, Fear, Entry)
With last season's Reach Exhibition Event determining the 9th-16th seeds for the opener, we were bound to see groups of lesser known, yet highly ambitious players catapult themselves from obscurity to the brink of Pro Status. Just as with many of the players making up some of the lower-seeded teams in Pool A and Pool B, Goatsi, Trigga, and Entry fall right under this category. While teaming with Hot N' Mild at the Exhibition Event, Goatsi and Trigga shocked the entire venue with a surprising 6th Place finish. Similarly, Entry of Gimme My Money placed 8th, making the fusion of these three players a fitting trio for the opener.
To round out the roster, long-time Halo 3 veteran Fear has decided to throw his hat into the ring once more for Reach. Three years ago at the first-ever Halo 3 Pro Circuit Event, he and Classic stunned everyone on the competitive Halo scene, storming past the competition en route to a surprise 2nd Place finish. At the time, Fear was still one of the League's under-the-radar top ranked players, but that most certainly didn't stop him from coming close to winning the Event. With the stage set, could the MLG fanbase be in for a bout of d�j� vu?
3rd-Ranked Undefeated Open Bracket Team
The fifth team competing in Pool C will be determined in Dallas by the results of the Open Bracket competition. Of the four teams who emerge undefeated from the Open Bracket, the third-highest ranking team will be placed in Pool C. Check out the community's Dallas Open Bracket Discussion Thread for more info and to pick out favorites of your own.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to Pool C, Status Quo are the heavy favorites to take the cake. Not only did the team finish 2nd at last season's National Championship, but they've been together longer than any other team of their caliber. Dynasty is undeniably top tier in terms of individual skill, but they are a relatively new team, and how they'll come together and perform at a live Event and in a new game still can't be determined for certain.
As for the underdogs, UoR Invictus and Second Nature, there is little consensus among the community about both teams� potential. Many comments on behalf of pro players have been made in recent weeks claiming that Invictus has the potential to become a Top 8 team, while many of the Open Bracket's ambitious up-and-comers will tell you that Second Nature are the team to keep an eye on for upsets.
Out of all this, one thing's for certain: Pool C is set to be an exciting group to watch, and there's absolutely nothing that's going to change that. Be sure to cast your vote for who you want to watch face off on Friday night at MLG Dallas!
The arrival of Pool Play is a welcome change to the MLG tournament format, as it�s both more entertaining and a more precise way of determining a Champion. It won't be doing the teams in Halo: Reach�s Pool A and favors, though. Arguably the toughest pool by far, Pool A features some of the game's brightest stars, alongside some of its most intriguing prospects.
At the head of the class is your 2010 National Champions and Number 1 seed, Final Boss. With a maelstrom of team changes occurring around them, FB made the unusual decision to keep their roster fully intact. And why not? After reeling off three consecutive victories to close out the 2010 Season, Final Boss are definitely the team to beat at Dallas. While it's difficult to say how they will transition to the new game, the chemistry they've developed during the past Season will benefit them greatly, especially considering the shuffling of Halo 3's other top teams. Fearitself, Victory X, Ogre 2, and Pistola have the enormous advantage of familiarity with one another. Couple that with the highest caliber of skill, and it's hard to not envision them making a huge splash at Dallas�though the specter of the early Halo 3 Final Boss, who failed to sustain their success from Halo 2, must still be lingering in their minds.
Second in the pecking order in Pool A comes the Number 8 seed, Classic. Featuring Chig and Soldier187, formerly of Carbon, Team Classic hopes to rebuild the image they created in the early days of Halo 3, and carve out a niche for themselves in Halo: Reach. Joining Chig and Soldier are Sypher and Cpt Anarchy, two players who know what it takes to compete at the highest level. Cpt Anarchy has been somewhat of a journeyman player on the Pro Circuit, and could be ready to re-establish himself as a top player in 2011. On Puckett's Picks, Chris Puckett recently featured gameplay of Cpt Anarchy that makes it appear he's ready to do just that. Classic have their work cut out for them in th highly contentious pool, but expect this solid cast of tournament veterans to be ready to spring an upset.
Perhaps the most intriguing team in the entire tournament is the 9th seed, THO Impact. Featuring three of the winners of the 2010 Dallas Halo: Reach Event, and one secret weapon, Impact is a team that is not to be trifled with. Lxthul�already a two-time Halo: Reach Champion�along with up-and-comers Amish Acorns and Adrenaline, join forces with Neighbor to create a phenomenally talented quartet. Neighbor's departure from Triggers Down seemed inevitable; the real surprise came when he decided to team up with such a relatively inexperienced bunch, though their lack of seasoning can probably be negated by their skill. It will be very interesting to see how this team performs as a unit. Lxthul, Acorns, and Adrenaline are being thrown into the deep end of the pool; if they come up swimming, they could be a force to be reckoned with all Season long.
The 16th seed belongs to tournament staple Carbon, who hope they can rise from last Season's ashes and reclaim their former glory. Led by longtime MLG staple Walshy, Carbon is comprised of Championship Bracket newcomers Scarvayn3, Russo, and Life-Style. On paper, it would seem like a titanic undertaking for them to steal a series from the top teams in Pool A, but Reach could be anyone's ballgame. Walshy is on record as saying he was not as motivated during Halo 3's tenure on the Pro Circuit. Perhaps a new title, and a group of young talent that he can mold, is just what the doctor ordered.
Along with these four teams, the highest ranked undefeated Open Bracket team will join the fray to complete the pool. Pool A is a terrific snapshot of players with varying credentials and should serve as a useful barometer for gauging the effectiveness of Halo 3's top teams in Halo: Reach. Should the pool be dominated by incumbent champs Final Boss, it might be wise to expect Halo 3's elite to remain on top. But if they can be conquered by one of the others, consider the Halo: Reach crown entirely up for grabs.
On Friday, we gave you the scoop about Halo: Reach�s stacked Pool A lineup. Today we fill you in on all the storylines, off-season roster changes and pre-season expectations surrounding the equally intense Pool B.
(2) Instinct (Tsquared, Roy, Lunchbox, Totz)
The headlining off-season roster change for Instinct was the addition of none other than Pro Circuit veteran Tsquared. The transfer marks an end of an era as Tsquared bids adieu to Str8 Rippin, one of Halo's founding franchises. Throughout the years, Str8 Rippin stood as a perennial competitor for top honors at tournament after tournament. From Zyos spamming sword swings on the back balcony of Gemini in Halo 2's lone slayer-only tournament, to an epic 2008 Season that culminated in a National Championship title, Str8 Rippin provided endless entertainment for Pro Circuit fans. But enough with the trip down memory lane; Tsquared has newer and bigger feats to achieve.
Joining Tsquared is none other than his neighbor, Totz, whose 2010 Season saw him logging frags for Final Boss and Triggers Down. Totz is a player brimming with confidence and enthusiasm, and he lays claim to one of the best LAN setups in the Western Hemisphere. Totz's competitive drive has helped Instinct to become the most well-prepared and practiced team approaching the Dallas Season opener. With no fewer than five pre-tournament LANs, Instinct are sure to have a leg up on opponents who have predominantly only experienced Halo: Reach's mechanics via Xbox Live.
Instinct's returning members include powerhouse duo Roy and Lunchbox. The twins have been a constant force among MLG's top ranks since their debut with 5K in 2007, and they consistently receive praise for their solid shooting and intelligent communication. The convincing back-to-back Pro Circuit victories that opened the 2010 Season had fans and pundits whispering about the possible arrival of a new Halo dynasty. While those whispers were silenced by the return of the MLG dynasty, Final Boss, 2011 stands as a fresh opportunity for Instinct to reassert their dominance over all things Halo. If pre-season LAN results are any indication, Instinct are back to their face-taking ways. A cumulative LAN score of 65 to 23 against top-seeded Final Boss has led many fans to hand Instinct the title of "pre-tournament favorites." Grab your spot on the bandwagon now, as seats may be hard to come by if Instinct roll into Columbus with one piece of Halo: Reach hardware already in the trophy cabinet.
If Instinct do win Pool B, they'll face off against the winner of Pool C (whose frontrunners include Status Quo and Dynasty) in the Winners Bracket Semifinals. For more coverage of Instinct's preparation and thoughts heading into Dallas, jump on over to Instinct's vlog .
(7) Warriors (Robbie B, ElamiteWarrior, Strongside, Snake Bite)
A name like Warriors evokes certain images. For some, visions of 1979's cult classic film come to mind. For others, perhaps it�s the 2005 Rockstar video game incarnation. But if you're an MLG fan, however, you'll likely think of this. Goosebumps, every time.
One of 2010's breakout teams, Warriors are a franchise known for owning the title of underdog and playing with a brazen disregard for their opponents� reputations. Their 2010 Season was jam-packed with spirited and epic matches, as they threatened to upset the Pro Circuit's top squads round after round. What did they get for their efforts? 5th Place in Columbus, 5th Place in Raleigh, and 5th Place in D.C. Bold prediction for Dallas 2011: Warriors to finish 5th.
In addition to an off-season's worth of practice, the Warriors' 2011 roster adds some excitement in the form of Strongside and Elamitewarrior, who replace BRAKE and NocturnalKernal. Although Stongside's overall Halo 3 performances didn't match the success he achieved in the Halo 2 era, he remains wildly popular among fans for his "keep on fragging till they unplug the Xbox" attitude and marathon training sessions. He played a large part in putting Status Quo on the map, and will have to square off against fellow former Status Quo shooter Totz when Warriors play Instinct in their Pool. Strongside's raw talent is likely to be rewarded by Halo: Reach's more individually skill-intensive gameplay, and Warriors appear to be a perfect fit for both his playstyle and personality.
Warriors� second roster addition, Elamite, also has several Pro Circuit titles to his name. He has been a fixture on top ranking squads since 2007, and has won titles with both Str8 Rippin and Instinct. In the Dallas Pool, he will face former teammates from both of those Championship teams. His veteran leadership and knowledge of Tsquared, Lunchbox and Roy's playstyles should provide an edge in what will surely prove to be an incredibly challenging Pool Play match against 2nd-seeded Instinct.
The returning members from Warriors' successful 2010 roster include Robbie B and Snake Bite. Both players were instrumental in Warriors' numerous victories over higher-seeded opposition. Additionally, Robbie B has been amassing a growing fan base with his frequent gameplay streams and lighthearted commentary. All things considered, Warriors appear to have a perfect mix of veteran talent, individual skill and a never-say-die attitude. If they keep putting up stellar results, they may not be able to call themselves the underdog for much longer.
(10) Ambush: (GunShot, Monster, Aries, InSaiyan)
In 2010, Ambush were nothing if not consistent. Their 2010 finishes included 15th Place in Orlando, 13th in Columbus, 11th in Raleigh and 16th in D.C. However, none of that may hold any relevance in Dallas, as Ambush now consist of an entirely overhauled roster playing the newest installment of the Halo series.
The last time we saw Ambush battling it out on the Pro Circuit, they were represented by I Frosty I, IceVayne, Superstr8Sick, and SneakEBeaver. The new squad holds connections to the 2010 team in name only, as none of the four aforementioned players will be wearing Ambush jerseys in Dallas. Instead, fans will see GunShot, Monster, Aries and InSaiyan carrying the Ambush torch. Thus far, the team appears to be fairly under the radar despite their 10th seed. With fans' Dallas predictions placing Ambush predominantly in the 13th-16th region, the stage is set for Ambush to exceed all expectations.
(15) Gimme My Money (Elitest, Mikwen, Reliable, Twin Savior)
Gimme My Money enter Pool B as the 15th seed, and will look to build upon 2010's performances. The team's accomplishments last Season included 18th- and 20th- place Halo 3 finishes in Raleigh and Columbus respectively, and an 8th Place finish in the Dallas Halo: Reach Exhibition Event. Elitest and Mikwen remain from last year's roster, and they've added the talents of Reliable and Twin Savior to round out the squad. Although the team is largely an unknown quantity to many Pro Circuit fans, Gimme My Money will look to seize upon the opportunity provided by Halo: Reach's Pro Circuit debut. With any luck, the team can follow the blueprint established three years ago by Classic in Halo 3's debut tournament and make a deep run through Dallas' bracket.
2nd-Ranked Undefeated Open Bracket Team
The fifth and final team competing in Pool B will be determined in Dallas by the results of the Open Bracket competition. Of the four teams who emerge undefeated from the Open Bracket, the second-highest ranking team will be placed in Pool B. Once there, they'll run the gauntlet against Gimme My Money, Ambush, Warriors and Instinct.
Overall
Although Instinct stand as the clear favorites to win Pool B, each of their competitors has tremendous potential. Warriors hope to improve upon their successful 2010 formula by adding world-class talents Strongside and ElamiteWarrior. Both Ambush and Gimme My Money are largely unknown quantities, but that could certainly play in their favor. Each start of a new Pro Circuit title leaves the door open for budding talent and dedicated players to climb the ranks and assert their claim as the new face of MLG Halo. Who will it be this time? Get a spectator pass and come find out for yourself!
Over the past week, we�ve brought you two previews of the highly anticipated Pools for Halo: Reach at MLG Dallas. With Pools A and B already in the books, let's take a look at the field for Pool C.
(3) Status Quo (Flamesword, Ace, Enable, Assault)
When it comes to team names, these days it's hard to find one more fitting for its roster than Status Quo. This SQ roster has been together longer than any other top-tier team. Having said that, what's even more important is the team's placement trends over the last few years. All throughout 2009, SQ were considered a Top 12 team�a team that all opponents knew were capable of big upsets, but one that found themselves in a constant struggle to break into the Top 8. Fast forward to 2010 and the team was now regularly placing Top 4 at Event after Event. If one thing's for certain, it's that sticking together for such a long time has paid off.
Heading into Reach, SQ is looking stronger than ever. At a recent TheLanNetwork practice LAN, the team bested top teams Instinct (2), Triggers Down (4), Impact (9), and Darkest Hour(12) in a decisive and highly impressive fashion. With Enable snagging a prestigious Red Bull sponsorship, Ace having outplaced his big brother Elamite at the Halo 3 National Championship, and Flamesword and Assault having taken the Best Leader and Most Underrated categories in last season's Stride Pros' Choice Awards, things are looking nowhere but up for the young, talented squad. Will Dallas be the Event where they finally make it to the top?
(6) Dynasty (Destin, Ghostayame, Tizoxic, Snipedown)
Not all team names can be as fitting as SQ�s. Dynasty, with a roster that has just come together in recent weeks, are seen by many as somewhat of an odd assortment of players, or one that's come about largely as a result of the massive sea of changes that defined the 2011 off-season. If one thing's for sure, it's that this roster isn't lacking anything at all in terms of individual prowess. Destin and Ghostayame are two of Pennsylvania's best players, and each of them has proven time and time again their ability to successfully adapt and re-adapt when faced with roster changes. Tizoxic and Snipedown are two of the League's flashiest players and best snipers. With Reach's sniper rifle proving to be the most lethal of the entire Halo franchise, there's no doubt that all eyes will be on these two for game-changing plays.
What's most important to keep in mind with these four players is their dissatisfaction with their finishes during the last Season of Halo 3. Tizoxic and Snipedown failed to break Top 4 with a talented Believe the Hype squad, and Destin�with an equally impressive Dynasty roster�walked away with a mere 6th Place. Perhaps worst of all was Ghostayame, a player who's been regarded without question for years and years as one of the world's best Halo players, failing even to secure a Top 8 seed for the National Championship. Will the looming specter of another disappointing finish drive them to surprise everyone right from the start come Dallas?
(11) UoR Invictus (Watch, Calm, Swift Kill, Ninja)
All throughout the 2010 Doritos Pro-Gaming Combine, one thing all fans and spectators came to expect at each Event was a solid showing from Victorious Secret. While VS's lineup saw a number of variations throughout 2010, the team's core roster of Watch, Calm, and Swift Kill remains intact for the 2011 opener. While the team looks and feels in every way like the Victorious Secret many have come to know and love, perhaps in the spirit of the changing of the season a few slight adjustments have been made to the team's persona. Most notably, the infamous Victorious Secret namesake has been dropped for the fresh yet familiar mantle of Invictus. Furthermore, Ninja, a player who since Reach's launch has proven that he has the drive to secure a seat amongst the game's best, has been added to round out the roster.
If we take a step back and take a brief survey of the new roster, we see a veteran player in Watch, whose event attendance dates back to the Halo 2 era, two Combine Winners in Swift and Calm, and a determined up-and-comer with unlimited potential in Ninja. When it comes to living up to one's name (Invictus derives from the Latin for �unconquerable�), these four most certainly have their work cut out for them in April.
(14) Second Nature (Goatsi, Trigga, Fear, Entry)
With last season's Reach Exhibition Event determining the 9th-16th seeds for the opener, we were bound to see groups of lesser known, yet highly ambitious players catapult themselves from obscurity to the brink of Pro Status. Just as with many of the players making up some of the lower-seeded teams in Pool A and Pool B, Goatsi, Trigga, and Entry fall right under this category. While teaming with Hot N' Mild at the Exhibition Event, Goatsi and Trigga shocked the entire venue with a surprising 6th Place finish. Similarly, Entry of Gimme My Money placed 8th, making the fusion of these three players a fitting trio for the opener.
To round out the roster, long-time Halo 3 veteran Fear has decided to throw his hat into the ring once more for Reach. Three years ago at the first-ever Halo 3 Pro Circuit Event, he and Classic stunned everyone on the competitive Halo scene, storming past the competition en route to a surprise 2nd Place finish. At the time, Fear was still one of the League's under-the-radar top ranked players, but that most certainly didn't stop him from coming close to winning the Event. With the stage set, could the MLG fanbase be in for a bout of d�j� vu?
3rd-Ranked Undefeated Open Bracket Team
The fifth team competing in Pool C will be determined in Dallas by the results of the Open Bracket competition. Of the four teams who emerge undefeated from the Open Bracket, the third-highest ranking team will be placed in Pool C. Check out the community's Dallas Open Bracket Discussion Thread for more info and to pick out favorites of your own.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to Pool C, Status Quo are the heavy favorites to take the cake. Not only did the team finish 2nd at last season's National Championship, but they've been together longer than any other team of their caliber. Dynasty is undeniably top tier in terms of individual skill, but they are a relatively new team, and how they'll come together and perform at a live Event and in a new game still can't be determined for certain.
As for the underdogs, UoR Invictus and Second Nature, there is little consensus among the community about both teams� potential. Many comments on behalf of pro players have been made in recent weeks claiming that Invictus has the potential to become a Top 8 team, while many of the Open Bracket's ambitious up-and-comers will tell you that Second Nature are the team to keep an eye on for upsets.
Out of all this, one thing's for certain: Pool C is set to be an exciting group to watch, and there's absolutely nothing that's going to change that. Be sure to cast your vote for who you want to watch face off on Friday night at MLG Dallas!