Pandemic Legion
Pandemic Legion is the most decorated tournament competitor still in existence, having won three consecutive Alliance Tournaments (VI, VII and VIII) during 2009 and 2010. Prior to that, they were semi-finalists in Alliance Tournament V and losing finalists in Alliance Tournament IV.
In their impressive tournament history, their worst performance was better than most teams’ best – having been eliminated on the penultimate day of Alliance Tournament IX in 2011 by perennial champion-slayers DarkSide. Last year’s Alliance Tournament X saw their title hopes stopped by the seemingly unstoppable Vargur-based setup of HUN Reloaded, who were subsequently beaten in the final – to the surprise of many – by Verge of Collapse.
Pandemic Legion‘s performance this year has been impressive, but somehow less convincing than their obvious nemesis, HYDRA RELOADED. It is perhaps part of their charm that they seem somehow more cavalier, more fallible, than their mechanically successful opposites.
In a sci-fi showdown mash-up, Pandemic Legion are perhaps the charismatic but flawed Captain Kirk to HYDRA RELOADED‘s more measured, steely Captain Picard.
In any case, if any team has the capability to stop HYDRA RELOADED, it is probably Pandemic Legion, but saying that is to dismiss the other competitors. Last year’s competition showed us that the unstoppable can be stopped and favourites can be beaten by unknowns.
First Pandemic Legion have to face THE R0NIN, who have already collected some impressive scalps.
THE R0NIN
Despite being the underdogs based on previous tournament performances (their best showing was in Alliance Tournament VIII when they made it to the final 16), THE R0NIN have proven their worth this tournament, surging through a tough field by putting to the sword (okay, katana) strong contenders such as Rote Kapelle, Curatores Veritatis Alliance and YOUR VOTES DON’T COUNT.
Their Day 4 performance against the formidable Rote Kapelle gives good measure of what The R0NIN are capable of. They were fearless, attempting to seize the initiative straight away with a bold early strike. They rode their luck and adapted well to challenges on the fly as the pace and direction of the match shifted. They were merciless in the execution of their strategy and showed that the little guy can still hit hard.
THE R0NIN are worthy of everyone’s respect. Failure to do so will end badly.
NEXT: Exodus. and HYDRA RELOADED
