Alter Ego and Dewa United talk about their new lineup and their stellar debut in MPL Indonesia Season 13
Alter Ego and Dewa United, two of the most exciting new lineups in MPL Indonesia Season 13, secured their win convincingly in their debut. Both teams are currently in the top half of the league after their stellar performance in the first week of the premier league in Indonesia's MLBB.
Alter Ego destroyed EVOS Glory in a 2-0 trashing courtesy of their newest addition, Tazz, brilliant performance. Dewa United proves that recruiting veteran Drian bolsters their campaign for the championship in their second year in the league.
We sat with both of them in the winner's interview and discussed their current lineup and how it differs from their previous iteration.
Alter Ego adamant they are more disciplined and critical than before
Alter Ego has undergone a massive change coming into Season 13 of the prestigious MPL Indonesia. The departure of Udil and Caesius initially concerns their fans. However, the arrival of the duo Tazz-Cr1te from EVOS and recruiting Aldo prove to be a great solution.
Pai described the current lineup as more disciplined than the previous roster. However, he also notes that this is still the beginning of the season and asks us to stay tuned for their next performance.
"Yeah, we are more disciplined. However, this is still the beginning. Please stay tuned for our next performance."
Aldo, Alter Ego's current analyst, joked that disciplining the current roster was difficult but still doable for him. This interaction gives a glimpse of their good relations.
Pai also mentioned that the current lineup is more critical regarding gameplay, especially regarding what is possible and what isn't. He recalls that the previous roster was more lenient and just did as they were told to do.
The current lineup also tries very hard to dissect and question every decision made regarding gameplay.
"The difference is that we are now more critical. If we have a move that doesn't connect, we try very hard to dissect and question it. We were not critical in the previous iteration and just did what was told."
Speaking of gameplay, Tazz said that the key to maximizing using Assassin Jungle in the current meta is not to face Pai as an opponent.
"(The way to maximize Assassin Jungle) is not facing Pai as an opponent."
The New Dewa United and Drian's Conviction
One of the most exciting and anticipated debuts was Drian's with Dewa United. The ex-ONIC Esports roamer is joining former teammate Watt as the experienced player in the young roster of #ANAKDEWA (Dewa United's title, which means God's Child).
And Drian's debut didn't disappoint. He is the MVP of Dewa United's series against Rebellion Esports in a convincing 2-0 win. His performance reminded the league about the monster roamer that brings MSC glory to ONIC Esports.
Regarding his departure from ONIC Esports, Drian said the decision was long-thought-out and difficult. He also notes that many told him not to stay too long in his comfort zone. That talk made him think for a while before he decided to leave the team, trial with Dewa United, and join them.
"I was thinking for a long time back in ONIC and hadn't played that much. Many said don't stay too long in your comfort zone. It made me think the other day, and then I decided to go on trial at Dewa and got accepted."
Speaking of the new lineup, Drian said that he couldn't say too much about the chemistry as they are still new. However, he did mention that he felt that they hadn't found their best chemistry, so they just let things flow first and played freely.
He also states that, currently, there isn't any advanced plan for gameplay.
"I don't know; we are still new. Actually, if you ask if we already have chemistry, I think we haven't (had chemistry) yet, so we just let things flow and play freely. There's no advanced plan for us, currently."
On the topic of gameplay, Caesius said that he couldn't force his gameplay on the player, or it would make them robotic, and he wouldn't be able to connect with them. He notes that every player has their own style of play.
"Every player has their own style of play. Take, for example, the last game (against Rebellion Esports). I can't force my gameplay on them, or it will look like a robot and can't connect with them."
He also added that he chose to adapt with the player first as they are a new team.
