Yes that’s exactly it! And the thing is, I’ve realized that I tend to take monsters I enjoy AESTHETICALLY and play them in accordance with the PLAYSTYLE I enjoy – and that this has yet to match up.

When I think about the type of game that I like to play, it’s all about precision, evasiveness, and control. I like to slowly gain momentum by outplaying my opponent through positioning and resource management. And yet, here I am using the Planet Eaters, perhaps the most “throw it all out there and destroy” faction in the game.

When I realized this I started playing Vorgax differently, and started doing well – but still, Vorgax’s style is not my personal style, so my ability to really push him to the limit is, well, limited. I’m constantly having to fight my instinct to fall back and play a more “careful” game.

So, while I love the Planet Eater look and feel, I’ve realized that their particular style may not be the best for me. That’s not to say that they aren’t just as competitive as everything else, but that they’re not as competitive FOR ME.

It may be many sets down the road until I find that perfect match =)

I have a friend who wins consistently with Rakadon, and he seems to support your position in this article…he says he does well with Rakadon because the monster really suits the kind of game he likes to play (lots of attacking with boosted units.)

@Tekkactus. No one is saying you can’t have more than one play style. But it is rare to see a player who excels in more than one style. People have tendencies; right handed versus left handed, for example. Or in a better analogy from MMA, brawlers versus grapplers. People can learn to do both, but they have a natural preference.

I know my favorite place to play is on the other side of them map and I like a durable character to withstand my tactical mistakes. I thought the Planet Eaters were the faction for me. However the Terrasaur units made more sense to me in play. I saw how to use them intuitively and with Tyrannix I had a monster that suited me as well. Now I have my Apes. Ah, my pretty pretty Apes. I can’t wait to see how Tyrannix and Gakura do together this weekend in my first tournament in a couple months.

I highlighted it as a “problem” because folks who aren’t as obsessive as I am may try to limit themselves to one faction. Without game experience, they are likely to pick one that pleases them aesthetically, which may not be the “ideal” army/monster for them playstyle-wise. They play a few games, lose a lot, feel lost, and quit the game without giving other monsters a chance.

I think it is absolutely critical to figure out what play styles your monster can play effectively. Almost as important is the fact that players also need to find their play style. I’m wondering though, do you think it’s possible that a certain monster could have multiple play styles? That would then lead us into a discussion of just what is a play style and what are the ones offered in this game. However, I think there might be some monsters who have been cast away by the community because of playing the wrong style.

@Andrew – do you think it’s more important to use the monster that fits your style or the aesthetics? Or maybe a player should have two armies, one for each? I guess I’m wondering because I know if I didn’t absolutely enjoy my apes demolishing my opponent, I don’t know that I would be as excited to use them. With less excitement, I would likely want to play less. With less game time, I am likely to not become as good with the apes, even if their play style fits me to a t. Thoughts?