Interview with ECPL Champion; Michael Lee

Interview with East Pokemon League Champion; Michael Lee

Me: Welcome to the show Mr. Lee.
So how fairs the ECPL champion?

Michael: Eh well, it's kinda slow you know? There are some gym challengers making
serious headway but with two gym leaders out of commission for the time being (You
and Brett unless he got all his stuff back) if they don't have those badges I won't
be seeing anyone anytime soon.

Me: Saw do you feel there's a legitimate threat to your reign as champ?

Michael: I feel that any challenger that makes it to the top is a potential threat.
Robyn's kicking ass with only 5 pokes and speaking of Robyn there's this rivalry thing
between her, Kevin, and David. (Quinn) It's fun to watch. Like I said, any of these
challengers could easily dethrone me if they put their minds to it.

Me: Lol ok so how did to first join ECPL?

Michael: Mmm well it all started a couple years ago *cue flashback warble noises* I
met Adam at a local community college we were both attending and he lit the spark that
returned me to Pokemon and eventually made me into a competitive player. Soon after
all of those little lessons he told me about the ECPL, I joined, and the rest you know.

Me: Ah yes, my cousin, the poison GL. We actually became gym leaders at the same time.
So what's your championship team? The team that took you to the top?

Michael: The team that took me to the top was a dual weather team that premiered a
Pokemon that quickly became a favorite of mine, Castform. Though I didn't use it
much it came in handy sometimes. The other eight Pokemon were Ninetales, Politoed,
Nidoking, Greninja, Sharpedo, Sableye, Kangaskhan, and Meowstic. Here's the trainercard link,
I have no secrets:
http://ecpl.orgfree.com/trainercard/cardviewer.php…

Me: Hmmm heavy on the water type I see. Who was the first and who was the last gym you fought?

Michael: The first gym was Ian mainly because he helped me a lot with this team.
Took me 6 tries and a Meowstic to win. Ask him, I really could not win until I had my
Meowstic. My last Gym was Adam. I wanted the man that got me back into Pokemon to be
the last badge I acquired

MeL Awesome. Who would was the hardest gym?

Michael: That's a long long list. Brett's dual drought strategy taught me and crafted
my abilities to use weather, Steve's Surf wall was one of the most nerve-wreaking, and
most frustrating, Pokemon battles I've had to date and then there were the gyms like
David, Aaron, Ian, and Orvie that just stopped me time after time.

Me: .....i noticed that bug wasn't in there. That's cool though....*sniffle*.
So what's your favorite type?

Michael: Darryl, buddy, pal, amigo, if it makes you feel better you and Ian are my
biggest, and most favorite MK rivals. Now favorite type...well, when I first got
back in I was all about Flying Types, and granted they still hold a major place in
my heart, but due to past events, and online name changes, Bug is a very solid second place for favorite.

Me: Very nice. By the way, shove down your pie hole. Your D'Vorah will fall as your Ferra/Tor did!
Moving on favorite Pokemon?

Michael: My Ferra/Torr fell you your happy Marksman trigger finger >.>
Favorite Pokemon...hm....if I had to single out one it'd be Emolga. That little
thing's as cute as a button. Going further down the list you'll see Castform,
Accelgor, and Combee rounding out the Top 4

Me: Hmmm definitely an affinity for the bug type here. So at last year's Magfest
you subbed for me as Bug GL. What was that like?

Michael: Hellish. There were back to back challenges. The only respite I got was if
I took off my scarf to go get something to eat or if I was going somewhere and had to
turn someone down. Regardless it was a fun event full of amazing battles and awesome
people, some of which joined the ECPL after MAG. So all in all 10/10 would do forever.

Me: Yeah. I did it last year and man, we kept running out of places for our chargers.
Lol there was lines for days. I went on a 9 game winning streak. Then it was snapped
by a guy wielding Togetic. So any other games besides Pokemon and Mortal Kombat X?

Michael: Over the post few months I've been jumping to and from various titles.
My most frequented were Final Fantasy Type-0, Destiny, and Borderlands 2 and the Pre-Sequel

Me: Haven't tried type-0. Lost love for final fantasy. Destiny I just got rid of
(needed cash for diapers). What class did you play?

Michael: Warlock all day, every day. Fuuun class.

Me: Thank god. I hate titans. I'm a hunter till the day I die. I was basically Kirito'd
my way for a bit till I made a clan. Can't solo raids. Well some people have bit they
have no life. Lol so any games your looking forward to this summer?

Michael: Not in particular since I don't have any preordered and don't know what's
coming out in the summer. Games in general I'm looking forward to though are KH3 and Final Fantasy 15

Me: Ok. What systems do you currently own?

Michael: I currently have a PS3, Xbox 360, a Xbone and a 3DS too but that one kinda goes without mentioning.

Me: True. Yesterday when we were playing mkx you mentioned you have a woman. How long you've been together?

Michael: Joy and I have been together for 2 years so far. 3 in October.

Me: Lol it'll be 3 years with my fiance on the 15th. How'd you meet?

Michael: Remember that community college I talked about earlier? We met there, started
talking and hanging out and poof we got together. Pretty quick too, we had only actually
known each other from some 2 months or so.

Me: Hey, a good woman is a rare thing to find, so when you do find them you snatch them up quick. She play games to?

Michael: Oh yeah, as I mentioned last night she and I play a bit of Minecraft, though
you took that in a different direction. She plays Pokemon as well and is, in fact, a member
of the ECPL. Ever since she showed interest I've been teaching her some things about competitive
Pokemon and she's learned a lot! She successfully earned a few badges at MAGfest, mine included,
and, if we can go, she'll be attending the VGC regional challenge in Georgia with me.

Me: Nice. And hey, we're all adults here. If it would've went that way im sure there
would've been no complaints. Lol so would you consider yourself both a gaming couple?
And if so (as I have asked this of every other gaming couple on here) have you two ever
made any bets via video games?

Michael: I could consider us a gaming couple, I feel that it's safe to say that.
As far as bets there was one time with Mario Kart. Nothing too big though but I ended up winning.

Me: What was the bet? Or is that a personal one? Giggity

Michael: We're going to go with more personal lol. What's said on Facebook tends to stay on Facebook.

Me: Perfectly understandable. Lol moving on. Any siblings?

Michael: Nope no siblings here. I have friends that I treat like siblings but that's as close as I've got.

Me: Ok. Children?

Michael: Nope not yet. Going to wait for a few years on that if it can be helped.

Me: Wise man. I have a 1 year old son and a son on the way in September.
So what do you like to snack on when you game?

Michael: Chips and popcorn typically. Since I moved into my apartment I tend to
eat full meals when I game too xD
And by full meals I mean sandwiches and ramen because college kid budget.

Me: Hey I completely understand. I use to be a bachelor. So what do you drink?

Michael: Hm whatever's in the fridge. I made tea today so there's that. Milk,
soda, juice. Like I said, whatever I can get my hands on.

Me: Ok. Any anime or shows your currently watching?

Michael: Hm. I typically watched what's suggested to me. Recently that's been
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Akame ga Kill, and I just finished one called Another

Me: Hmmm I have another on my watch list. Akame ga kill I haven't gotten the
chance to get into. And jojos is actually getting pretty close to the end in my
opinion. So I just saw a taco bell commercial that was pretty hilarious which
leads to my next question, what was the one gift you got for Christmas that made you spaz out?

Michael: Like spaz out how? Excited spaz out? Electronics do that for me.
Computers, video games, things of that nature.

Me: Yes excited

Michael: Yeah electronics
I'm a hard person to shop for though. Money works for me.

Me: Ok. So you mentioned your currently in school. What you studying?

Michael: Computer Science with a business concentration. Going through finals week
right now and trying my hardest to not think about it lol.

Me: Think of what? Lol greater melee weapon ever?

Michael: Greatest melee weapon ever...hm...maybe a whip? If made right it hurts like
hell and it can help you keep your distance if needed. The best unorthodox melee
weapon...scissors. Like Extase style scissors. Here's what I'm talking about
http://akamegakill.wikia.com/wiki/Extase

Me: Ok..so what other the games what do you do in your free time?

Michael: I'll scroll around on the internet. I frequent sites like 9gag and Memebase.
I'll also goof around on Youtube or I'll be making a video to put on Youtube.

Me: Love YouTube. So you do video editing?

Michael: I do a bit of commentary for Pokemon battles and I have like 2 build videos.
I'm still pretty green when it comes to both of those things but I thought I might as well give it a go.

Me: Lol might have to do one of is with you. Commentary thing. Would that be possible online?

Michael: Over Skype yeah. I use a bit of software called Open Broadcast Software or OBS
for short. It does a really good job of picking voices over Skype and my own.

Me: Wow. Michael I may have a bit of a project for you. Also, would you be interested in a video game podcast?

Michael: A video game podcast huh? Yeah I could be down for that! Sounds like fun!

Me: Sweet. I use to do a podcast called The Next Save Point. It was mainly directed
towards older gamers who deal with everyday life. So I'll get back to you about that
after this. So any other hobbies besides games and video editing?

Michael: Eh nah not really. I'm a pretty boring individual lol. Outside of my computer I don't do much

Me: Hey boring is better then exciting some days. So you and your gf, how do you split time with games and each other?

Michael: Well we tend to play minecraft when she gets off of work but we do see each
other at least once a week. So we either do couple stuff then or we go back to playing minecraft lol

Me: Does the time apart put strain or does it strengthen your relationship in your opinion?

Michael: I won't lie, it's a strain. We only live an hour apart and that may not seem
like much but it does have major downsides. The only being able to see each other once
or twice a week doesn't help but at least we get to have that time.

Me: I've been there. Only difference being that my ex lived only 15 minutes from me,
but never had time for me. Smh moving on, if you become Bug Gym Leader, how will you run the gym

Michael: Hm. I'll probably use the trails to see how I can run it effectively.
To start I'll probably run it like the MAGfest challenge 4v4 doubles. I might make it 6v6 but I'm not 100% sure yet.

ME: Ok. I ran triples. It's a gym that is quite versatile. So are you a game of thrones fan?

Michael: Not really. Haven't watched an episode. I have, however, had it compared to
LOTR + Softcore porn. So that was a funny way to learn about the show.

Me: Lmao I don't know about the porn part. Maybe in the beginning of the series.
You mentioned earlier that your gfs name is joy. Has she ever dressed up as nurse joy? Lmao

Michael: She does have a Nurse Joy hat thing. She's wanted to cosplay as her.

Me: Nice. So how did you feel once you became league champion?

Michael: I was excited. I had taken down all of the gym leaders and stood proud.
Then I realized I didn't have anything to do but to sit and wait for someone else to
show up lol. It's a nice title to have but at this point that's all it is. Just a title.
One that I don't take seriously. I don't and will not ever claim to be a better player
than anyone in the ECPL because, frankly, that's a lie. I made it though the challenge
with luck and persistence, some skill is needed of course, but that doesn't make me better than anyone.

Me: Wow a humble champion. Couldn't ask for a better kind. So if you lose your
championship, you become of the E4. What type will you run?

Michael: I uh...don't know. I don't really know the rules concerning the E4 and
Champion's teams. I was told there were rules being drawn up but...that was a while
ago. Pre-MAGfest actually lol

Me: Ok. We'll cover that a different time. I just recently read a rant from David Quinn
where he basically ripped smogon a new one due to Greninja being banned but not Talonflame.
What are your thoughts on the banning of any Pokemon?
Legendaries aside

Michael: Well, when a Pokemon is banned from a format there needs to be a reason. From a
singles perspective, and correct me if I'm wrong Darryl or anyone reading this, Talonflame
is a one trick pony. Brave Bird. If you aren't pressing the Brave Bird button you're playing
Talonflame wrong. Being a flying type move and with Talonflame's base 81 attack there are a
lot of things that can survive a Brave Bird, not well mind you but they can live. This makes
it to where Talonflame can be controlled in the meta and easily dispatched if one appears.
Greninja is a bit of an awkward Pokemon when it comes to checks. This Pokemon boasts the
ability Protean, changing it's type when it attacks to match STAB, and a colorful movepool.
Add that to a base 91 Attack and a base 103 Special Attack, this thing can hit hard no matter
what set you run it with. The reason that Greninja was banned and Talonflame was not is that
people had to build teams to deal with the high powered and speedy threat that was Greninja.
Sure Talon gets the priority on Brave Bird and sure it's a hard hitter but there were things
in the meta, or things that could adapt to OU to deal with it. Greninja after ORAS....not so
much. If it makes David feel any better though I hear Greninja is one of the least used Pokemon in Ubers.

Me: I personally think its cowardice to ban a Pokemon. But hey that's my opinion. So
are you ready for the rotational tournament tomorrow? And bug gym trials?

Michael: Oh yeah! More so the bug trials. I want to focus on that more buuuut theres this tournament thing.

Me: Lol well best of wishes to you. A few more questions and we can call it a night. So seeing as you're a
destiny player and mkx player, you can understand this question. Arkham night releases next month. The
season pass is boasting to be one of the most priciest seasons passes in memory. What are your thoughts
on this and on games that force you to buy dlc too fully enjoy the game? A few examples, Asuras Wrath required
you to download the final chapter, gears of war 3 so you could play online with friends properly, and last but
not least destiny so you could reach 32?

Michael: I feel that DLC is a way for game companies to have more time to create a game. With how vicious
the video game community is nowadays when something isn't released on time people make a stink about it.
Granted I don't agree with some of their price choices with these DLC but the devs have to make money
somehow. In the instance of Mortal Kombat though I am a bit upset considering most of the characters
they are offering through DLC you fought in the story, but there could be many reasons behind that as well.

Me: I am a tad sore about that as well. And im hoping that'll be more characters other then the four they mentioned.
If you could use any legendary you wanted for competitive play, what would it be and why?

Michael: Competitive play as in VGC or the ECPL challenge/

Me: Both

Michael: I'm content with the amount of legendarys in VGC right now but for the ECPL if there
was one that I could use then it would have to be Volcanion. The Fire/Water mixup has so much
to offer for a dual weather time like mine.

Me: Volcanian? He out yet?

Michael: Negative, but Serebii has a a move list for him and it looks very promising

Me: Hmmm. Patience then.
So which Pokemon are you playing now?

Michael: In general? I've been trying to find some silly stuff that has credit to it.
I recently found myself using Dragalge. That was neat.

Me: K. I'm replaying alpha sapphire since I had to go buy it again. I would love to get
Y again but I don't think I have it in me to go through it one more time. Moving on, if
you met ash Ketchum in real life and battled him, what do you think would be in his team.
Also who would be the weak link and what would be the trump card in his team?

Michael: IRL Ash would probably have the team he currently has in Kalos. That being Pikachu,
Hawlucha, Fletchinder and Frogadier. The weak link on those would probably be his Fletchinder
considering it hasn't learned all it needs to to be a successful win button bird. His trump card
would probably be, as always, his Pikachu.

Me: Pikachu can suck it. Hate that little bastard.
So what was your first Pokemon?

Michael: Ironically enough, since you said that, Pikachu. My first Pokemon game was Pokemon
Yellow when I was five. I remember Quick Attacking Brock's Onix to KO with Pikachu lol. That fight took forever.

Me: Lmao. Shoudve caught caterpie, evolved to butterfree, have it learn confusion.
K last question. Over the years we have seen our variety of legendaries. What typing
would you like to see in the next Pokemon game?

Michael: Hm....Fire/Ice. I want to see that Pokemon from a design aspect.

Me: That would be an interesting one. But didn't they have that in white 2?
Oh wait you couldn't catch him, you could only fight him

Michael: No. The Kyurem forms were all considered Dragon/Ice still
And you could get him.

Me: Never caught him. Should've. Well thanks Mike, you've been a great guest.
Best of wishes to you and the misses.
Also.....that D'Vorah pic was most definitely FOR YOU!!! I'll see you in hell boy!!!!

Michael: I'll save us a table XD

Me: Make sure you get pie. God so help me if you forget the pie.....

Michael: He can't....we'd be in Hell remember?

Me: just get the damn pie Mike!!!!!

Michael:GAH fine.