In the SC2 Bnet, I would like to see both player level and apm (determined over the last x games) for the matter of matching players. Players faking their apm aside (frequency of play - faster), this would help greatly in matching players of equal possibilities. The most important is it would allow players to have fun at their natural pace and not struggle to push up their apm in order to be competitive. http://www.battlereports.com/downloadreplay.php3/33193_overplay.rep?replaynum=33193 Since it's not working well, another new link: http://www.battlereports.com/downloadreplay.php3/33235_overplay.rep?replaynum=33235 Just ignore any first statement about name length, it should download. Here is another one in my long list of arguments pro APM matching. In this replay, I find myself stretching my multitasking capability beyond what I can efficiently control. It proves that you can be more effective overall, but I have to ask myself why I should be forced out of strategy into a click fest? I certainly might be fun trying for those who love it this way, but in the form of having the apm filter on or off!! In this replay, you will see lots of stuff losing direction, like troops hanging around the map, templars not casting storms, storming myself, zealots wasting themselves around a drone block for 6 seconds, inadequate expansion cannoning and the list goes on. I think matching players on apm basis is like matching boxers or weight lifters or judo, etc. based on weight. Like some people said, SC2's APM level will be a lot lower anyway!
There's been a long debate about this and I can tell you that I've gotten into plenty of shouting matches with commentators and Korean players who just basically think I'm crazy. They yell and scream and insist that the game should be more about reflexes and not strategy overall but I truly beg to differ. That's why I'm heralding the coming of StarCraft 2. I think it will effect a shift that will allow the more intelligent player to truly compete. Emphasizing the effect of correct counters and strategic positioning rather than micro and macromanagement. I think we're well on that path. But there's a reason that Korean players are so scared of this game.
Joneagle: You know that post you just said above is brilliant. It just put my mind at ease with an issue I was having over SC 2. And I totally agree with you. I think brains along with micro and macro would be the way to win. Unlike SC where almost any combination at the right place did the job. Now it's the right combination at the right place and right time and then it's not even a guaranteed win. Just a better chance. This makes the game much more involved. Much harder to be a real pro at. And this I really like. A game that is easy (and fun) to play but a pain in the ass to master. +1 rep to you.
