COMEX 2011: Toshiba Qosmio Challenge with PMS*

In Singapore, there are a few Sales that we can't miss. The Great Singapore Sales, The Christmas Sales, and of course the IT Show Sales. In addition to our queuing for KOI, adding lah to the end of every phrase, or begging our friends to buy back an extra Prada from Milan, you're only truly Singaporean if you know what 'tissue chope' is, and what this picture stands for:



Come tomorrow, the COMEX 2011 Show, dubbed the Biggest IT & Consumer Technology Exhibition will be on at Suntec Singapore (levels 1-6). In addition to some 830 exhibitors and lots of eye-candy (cheap deals, check; booth babes, check) to explore, you'll also have the opportunity to game against two of our lovely ladies who will be flaunting their skills on the red-hot, latest and greatest Toshiba Qosmio F750 2D/3D Glasses-Free Gaming Laptop. And we want you to join us!


The Qosmio F750 is not just good looking, but also built for power and hardcore gaming.

With a 15.6-inch Full HD lenticular screen that can display 2D and 3D simultaneously in separate windows, an Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia Geforce GT540M graphics, "distortion-free" Harmon Kardon speakers, a BDXL drive, plus a USB 3.0 port and two of the USB 2.0 variety, you'll find more than you can ask for, all at a really competitive price.

Considering how DotA2 and Diablo3 are launching soon, I may just invest in one to enjoy the superior graphics on this powerful and portable (it's only 3.2kg!) new gadget.

More on the official Toshiba Qosmio site.

And anyhow because all of us need visual reminders, myself included, here are the two PMS* girls representing the team on the first two days (Thursday, Friday):


MsJovial* and yan* will show you how looks can kill.

Saturday will see yan*, kimchi* and zhEn.chEwy* stealing the show, while on Sunday our current main roster will be down to have some fun of our own.

So don't miss the Toshiba Qosmio Challenge with PMS* at COMEX. Level 4, Suntec Convention Hall, booth 8143/8130 this weekend.

While slots last!

The New Face in PMS*

It's always a joyous occasion in the family when a new member arrives. So here it is, the new guy that we've been talking about!!

As of September 2011, PMS* is proud to announce that Michael "AltaGrave" Khoo will be coming on board officially as Manager and Webmaster.

So of course we will still be having an all-girls roster. (That's the PMS* spirit!)

And of course there is going to be some jealousy because Michael is going to be working closely with all of us, for the 2012 rollout. (It's going to be nothing short of exciting!) :P


Can you spot him? We can't.

When asked how is it like to be part of PMS*, Michael enthuses.

"I want to thank them for welcoming me to the team, in their own unique way (bullying.. ahem..) and I hope to use my expertise to help the girls cover new terrain in eSports. Feels like I've found myself a new family of sisters..."

Here are some vital stats on the Man-Boy.
Game, and non-game related.

Name: Michael Khoo
Handle: AltaGrave
Team Nicknames: loincloth*, snowflake*
Role: Manager, Webmaster
Games Played (current): WorldofWarcraft, Dragon Nest, Fruit Ninja (XBox Kinect), Age of Empires Online
Favourite Number: 7
Favourite Colour: Turquoise
Memorable Activity: Sings in the shower
Memorable Achievement: Managed to squeeze a WHOLE prawn out of its shell once
Memorable Quote: "Actually snowflake was a given name cos I always wanted to be different, unique." (Yes we're sure you'll be.)

Michael is currently working at GX.com.sg, a gaming portal powered by SingTel as an Online Editor and spends way too much time on his own GX Facebook wall, chatting with his community. In his free time, he hangs out with multiple circles of friends at all sorts of places (that he can't remember exactly - we believe he just ends up having and hangover and can't remember what happened). He also goes to the gym.

And what do the girls think about having him as part of the team?

furryfish* says

"Michael is a great addition to the team - not just because he's capable and passionate, but also because he helps take the excess energy off the girls by good naturedly letting them bully him."

yan* says

"He's abit too short to protect us but he said he'll make it up by singing to the whole team during our trainings, so I am happy. Can't wait to see how this works out!!"

Just as every successful man has a woman behind them, every successful team - a good manager. Glad to have you on board!


Michael Khoo, Available Now at pmsasterisk.blogspot.com. Candy, anyone?

First Guy Joins PMS*

This is not a joke.

PMS* has accepted into our ranks, the first guy ever in our long records of sisterhood. To find out more about who this guy is and what role he will be playing in the team, stay tuned to the announcement this weekend...

Meanwhile, here's a hint of what he looks like:

What are Singapore gamers doing wrong?

It's Sunday at Gamescon 2011. Scythe.SG prepares to face China giants EHOME in a fight that could take them to the much coveted USD1 million at the inaugural International DotA 2 Championships. Millions across the world are tuned in on the stream at DotA2.com. Veteran game casters slesh and tobiwan keep the crowd's adrenalin high with their soccer-like commentary.

Back home in Singapore, eager fans and friends gather at Colosseum, Iluma with team PMS* to watch the game. When Scythe.SG takes the first game, the crowd goes wild. The girls cheer and the guys grin in silent pride. And even though Scythe eventually falls to be placed third, taking home USD150,000, everyone felt that they had done a good job -- in a face-off that pit the world's top 16 teams against each other.


Watching the game at Colosseum, Iluma.

And then there was silence. As DotA gamers around the world congratulated each other and international sites covered the event's finale most of Singapore was sleeping on without an inkling that five guys - who had trained hard for weeks out of the public's eye - had made Singapore proud in international eSports. They are arguably more famous, more well respected and more well received in countries like China and Germany than in their own country.

When PMS* was crowned the Iron Ladies champion in 2010 January and took home two trophies and a cash prize, the only ones who celebrated with us were our family, friends and fans (with only a handful of Singaporeans). One of the PMS* members even ran into a conflict with her lecturer (despite being officially excused from school) over why she was unable to hand in an assignment due on the day of our homecoming flight. We were more publicised in China, Shanghai and Beijing, than in our own homeland (they covered us in magazines, newspapers, online and even on television).

Aerial Phirkan's emotive and eloquent note on Facebook rouses similar sentiments. He discusses how countries like Korea, China, Germany and even Thailand have not only recognised eSports as an official sport, but have already started treating gaming as a professional career. Phirkhan also brings up another issue - that the media in Singapore frequently brands gaming in a bad light just because of a few black sheep. As there are corrupt politicians, there are going to be gamers with issues.

In addition, as our very own Tammy "furryfish" Tang mentioned in her blog yesterday, it is typical for Singapore gamers who have qualified for regional or international events to be unable to attend because of a lack of funding and support. And we as seasoned competitive gamers who travel yearly for our events can attest to this -- that all the events that we have travelled for so far has never been subsidised by anyone else but our own sponsors (who are ironically based in the United States) and ourselves.

So what is it that Singapore gamers are doing wrong? Why are we not winning the affection of a country that prizes merit? And with local-bred, locally grown up talents.

Gamers and likeminded organisations have banded together with a petition on Vision 2030. Calling for the support of Singaporeans who we know, have not yet had the opportunity to voice out for the cause either because they were unaware, or were misled to think that gamers are a social ill.

It is time. We competitive gamers deserve the recognition we get for the blood, sweat and tears that we put in. And the awards and worldwide trophies we bring back for the country.

We are ready, but is Singapore ready for us?

Rally to the cause. Vote now for eSports in Singapore!

[ PHOTOSHOOT ] Team Wallpaper Release!

Hello everyone! Even if you've missed the hints about a team surprise which was coming up, I'm sure you saw the earlier post where we mentioned we'll be giving away LIMITED QUANTITIES of our posters.

We've printed out some, and the FIRST 3 people who come up to us tomorrow and say "ASTERISK ROCKS" will get an autographed copy.

Here's the downloadable copy, click to expand then save it. =D

Share the screen shot of your desktop after you put it up, on our facebook page!

1920x1080.

[ EVENT ] Watch The International DOTA2 Championships with PMS Asterisk*!

YOU'RE INVITED!

$1million USD

16 top teams, Scythe.SG for Singapore!

Breaking News: Scythe.SG just won EHOME, breaking their zero loss, and are through to the top 4!!

Join us this Sunday (21 August) from 4pm til late at Colosseum, Iluma (7th floor) as we watch the grand finals of the first-ever DotA 2 International Championships.

We're obviously rooting for Scythe.SG to win this, but it doesn't matter if you're supporting another team. Come join in the fun and excitement!

.

Other than screening the matches on the huge, wall to wall screen, we've got other activities lined up for everyone!

FREE PLAY
20PCs will be set aside for ANYONE to play DOTA

11am-3am on Saturday and Sunday (20-21 August 2011)
*This will be given out on a first come first serve basis


SPECIAL RATES
All other PCs will be charged at $2.50/hr (member rate) instead of non-member rate of $3.50/hr for anyone playing DOTA on sat and sun

PMS | Asterisk* GUEST APPEARANCE

Limited autographed posters

(from our latest photoshoot!)
Team matches can also be arranged for Saturdays when we train

WALL OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR Team Scythe.Singapore
Participants can take a polariod (while stocks last!) and leave words of encouragement to the competing teams.

Post-its will also be provided for those who do not want to take a photo.
Will be mounted on a board and displayed at Colosseum.

We'll also be taking a photo of it, so look out for it on our facebook page, and tag yourselves there!

DotA 2 - Day 3 Predictions

It's been a long time since I've been this hyped up about DotA (and written on our blog).

I'm loving the improvement in graphics which weren't overdone to the point where the game was just irritating to watch/play! And Puck's voice is so cute now! I'm especially loving the new courier, it's a flying horse now hahaha! 

Though I don't understand why some heroes look like aliens now....... I do think that the map needs to be brightened up though, feels kinda depressing without the colours like in DotA 1. I can't wait to play DotA 2!

After an exciting Day 2 of The International DotA 2 Championship where teams Scythe.SG, EHOME, iG, and Na'Vi secured their places in the Top 8 of the competition, Day 3 seems to be full of interesting match-ups.

Here are my predictions for 4 games which you shouldn't miss on Day 3!

I've always enjoyed watching Trust's games as they always seem to be having loads of fun playing while competing. But I'm predicting that TyLoo will take this match, though I'm hoping that it'll be a close match. I would say the skills of both teams are at the same level, however Trust's performance has not been stable in this competition. With TyLoo's well-trained teamwork and play, I'm sure Trust would have a hard time taking the game from TyLoo. 

All eyes will be on Mineski.Infinity today as they take on M5 after their surprise win on OK.Nirvana.cn yesterday. Morale of Mineski will be at its highest and that might make a lot of difference. However, M5 has shown that they are a force to be reckon with with their games in Day 1 and 2. With ex-members of Virtus Pro, M5 has more experience as compared to Mineski. This will definitely be an interesting game to watch and I think there will be a lot of kills from both sides. M5 will take this game, but I'll be rooting for Mineski!

I'm a patriotic girl, so I will be cheering on for Scythe to break EHOME all-win streak in this competition. But I am guessing EHOME to be the winner of this match with their almost robot-like game play and teamwork. This will be the only thing Scythe needs to worry about EHOME. As compared to EHOME, Scythe has inconsistent teamwork as seen in their games from the previous days. Teamwork is playing a huge part in DotA now as the new versions are focusing more on ganks and engagements and instances of 1 versus 5 are rarely seen anymore. However, Scythe is definitely stronger in terms of skill and always have new tricks up their sleeves, so I'm expecting Scythe to give EHOME a hard time in early/mid game. 

Go Scythe! 

My most anticipated match up for Day 3. I'm predicting that this will be a close match with iG taking the game. Both teams have very different styles in gameplay, iG being the defensive type while Na'Vi favours more ganking and interesting strategies. I can't wait to see how the 2 teams will play against one another. After the amazing comeback from iG against OK.Nirvana.int yesterday, I'm convinced that iG will be the one to break Na'Vi's winning streak. Na'Vi will have a hard time trying to break iG's cautious and defensive play.


That's all for my predictions and I hope I'm spot-on! :D
Do "like" us on Facebook and join in the live discussions during the games later!

DotA2 Fever!

I didn't think I would be so fired up by DotA2.

Before Gamescon and DotA2 kicked off yesterday with a stunning 80+ (or was it 90) minute game where EHOME battled it out with iG, my reaction towards DotA2 was kinda lacklustre. It bordered between a "oh okay it's tomorrow" and "where's mika baby, here kitty kitty".

The changes in platform (Garena - RGC) and switching of games (LoL, HON) have been causes for my diminishing interest.

DotA (when I am not training with the girls) is for me at least, a social game, anchored on who you play with and how much fun you get out of it. With the awful lag issues in RGC sometimes, the "vouched and non-vouched" issues and the halfhearted migration of the Garena-SingaporeClanWar community, playing the game has somehow lost its silver lining.

So I haven't exactly been bothering. Not much.

And then DotA2 happened.

Admittedly, I was a little apprehensive at first. Is it going to be another Starcraft2, where the improvements in graphics and addition of new units/skills/items whittled down the more enjoyable aspects of the game? Another Heroes of Might and Magic where the gameplay is lost in the fireworks?

I would really hate for that to happen to my second favourite game of all time (my first being the one, the only Diablo franchise!).

And then I watched The International DotA 2 Championships. And surprisingly it looked and felt just like DotA! Aside from the improved graphics (which imo were not overdone to the point they occluded the gameplay), and the very pretty lady heroes now (my favourite is Drow, she's so cool!) it felt exactly like the game I've always loved and enjoyed. I hope that when I get down to playing it, it will be just as I thought it would be.

Oddly I haven't seen some of the more popular heroes like ShadowFiend and Bat Rider being picked - are they even in the taverns? And I can't wait for the games today - starting at Singapore time 1600 with EHOME facing off TyLoo.

Here are my predictions, a little biased, from the games I saw yesterday. (So take it with a pinch, huge pinch of salt!)


I'm predicting that EHOME will take this game. Haven't seen TyLoo play, but EHOME's calibrated and cautious play makes them a difficult opponent to take down for any team. Unless TyLoo can seize the early game and throw EHOME's momentum off it is going to be difficult. A close game.


When OK.Nirvana.int bulldozed through Nirvana.cn yesterday I was alarmed at how well they have gotten their act together in DotA2. But iG is going to give Nv.int a run for their money. Despite playing difficult odds (against EHOME) iG did surprisingly well in capitalizing their opponent's mistakes, so even though I think this game may have a few surprises, iG will win this.


The only game I have seen MYM play was against m5, which they lost with a single digit in kills. The same went for Scythe who fell to Na'Vi at midnight (GMT +8). In terms of individual skills, I would say Scythe has a bit of the upper hand with Singapore's three heavyweights iceiceice, hyhy and xy. But MYM's strategist and commander Maelk, as well as Misery on carry and Mania's really awesome support are also to be reckoned with. Hard to say, but I'm rooting for Scythe to pick this one up!


I am a Na'Vi fan. Ever since they were DTS I have really admired them for their awesome teamwork, surprising strategies and camaraderie. So it's a no-brainer really that I think they will win this. M5 hasn't been slack either, in the way they showed MYM who's boss, but yeah *sheepishsmile Na'Vi is going to nail this.

So that's all for this post!

Do follow us on our Facebook and join in on the live discussion during the games later on today!

See you all!

[Day 5] Photoshoot Picture Launch - PMS | furryfish*

We're rounding off with our last individual shot, and tonight, as everyone knows by now, is none other than myself - PMS|furryfish* aka Tammy Tang. 

It's a little strange writing about myself, so I'll leave you with 2 quotes instead.

In case the subtle hints didn't work - we've got a little surprise coming up - so look out for our announcement!

 

Leading is not just about telling people what to do.

More often than not, you've got to get your hands dirty too.

It's gets lonely up there, so make sure you're supported by wonderful teammates!

***

You'll never get better if you just sit around and whine, or if you keep blaming others.

Work towards your vision, taking small steps;

it will be less daunting and more fulfilling that way.

 ***

It's been a great 5 days for us, we hope you've enjoyed it as much as we did!

[Day 4] Photoshoot Picture Launch - PMS | pinksheep*

Dawn Yang, better known as PMS | pinksheep* when she's online, is one of the founding members of Asterisk* who has stuck around since the start. What comes with this status are repeated setbacks and disappointments -

which she has weathered because of her perspective :

In life, there's no gg-rm, save-load. So define your focus, take aim, and go in for the kill.
And if you fall, try again.
For sometimes when you fall, you fly. =)
GLHF!

***
We're flying now, and we're aiming to fly higher!

[Day 3] Photoshoot Picture Launch - PMS | kimchi*

We're mid-week, and there's only 2 more days to go. Who better to represent the bridge between teammates than in-game commander/first point engager PMS|Kimchi* aka Kimberlyn See. Always aware of where everyone is on the map, Kimchi is usualy the one who orchestrates our most coordinated ambushes!

Her philosophy goes something like this :

Never lose the passion in gaming; no win matters if you don't enjoy the game.

Most importantly, be humble as there will always be someone better than you.

***

[Day 2] Photoshoot Picture Launch - PMS | w4ndeRz-*

Day 2 features one of the oldest (I don't mean age!) members of the PMS Asia competitive division.

Cynfully sweet PMS|w4ndeRz-* (aka Cynthia Rose) lights up anyone's day with her smile, but if you mess up in game, she won't hesitate to roar extremely loudly at you.

As Cyn likes to say :

Looks can be deceiving.

Never underestimate your opponents; play your best and feed on their weaknessess.

It's only then that you achieve extreme ownage.

***

[Day 1] Photoshoot Picture Launch - PMS | yan*

We're going to be launching one photo a day from our photoshoot with Platform S, starting from... now.

Its a celebration of how similar, yet different we all are from each other, and how we're all working towards a common goal as Asterisk*.

First up is Ng Huayan aka PMS|yan* our lovely commander and strategist.

This is what Huayan has to say to everyone :

Here's to how gaming relates to the supermen(and women) in us!

Play the game for more than you can afford to lose, only then will you learn the game, and more.

Continue pwning! And getting pwned people!

***

PMS|Asterisk* would like to thank Platform S once again for the photoshoot.