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30/08/07 - Smatt Man Interview
We caught up with Smatt Man at the World Cyber Games and discussed Halo 3, his time playing Halo, how long he's been competitive and what his secret is to not getting into verbal arguments with other players! FTF: - Can you tell us, for those that don't know, your full name?
Smatt: - Yeah sure, Matthew Rowan Hart. Haha, bit or trivia for ya!
FTF: - And where abouts you're from?
Smatt: - I’m an SA boy!
FTF: - This interview is taking place at Luna Park in Sydney for the World Cyber Games, what reason are you here? What event are you taking part in?
Smatt: - I’m here competing in the Gears of War 4v4 part of these years WCG. My third World Cyber Games!! Woooo I think that puts me equal most with Solvent for console gamers.
FTF: - How have you gone/how do you think you're going to go?
Smatt: - Well we just came third, sadly we were looking at a top two finish on the first day of competition but Death by SUS, the second place team really turned it up. Ahh it was fun anyway so that’s cool.
FTF: - This is an interview for a Halo website, so we'll try keep it Halo related! Firstly, How long have you been playing Halo for? It was back in the Halo: CE era correct?"
Smatt: - Yeah, I bought my Xbox at the start of 2003. The 2003 WCG Halo 1 South Australian qualifier was my first lan with people I didn’t know, I came fourth. That’s where I was first introduced into the SA Halo 1 scene.
FTF: - What do you honestly prefer? Halo: CE or Halo 2?"
Smatt: - Hmmmm, to be honest I can’t really choose. Both are fantastic games, Halo 1 never gets boring though!
FTF: - The verbal bashing (shit talking) that occurs within Halo is not something you're known for taking part in. You're one of the modest, cool, calm and collected players within the community. Is there a secret to keeping yourself so contained or is it just the person you are?"
Smatt: - Haha, well I wouldn’t saw I’m always the calmest player but yeah shit talking isn’t really apart of my game. I guess I would rather concentrate on my team and myself. I would rather be on everyone’s good side at the end of the day to tell you the truth.
FTF: - What is your greatest memory of Halo? This can include either the Halo: CE or Halo 2 era.
Smatt: - Well I would have to say the 2004 WCG Halo 1 South Australian qualifiers. It was nearing the end of the round robin and it turned out that the top four players were Inky, Fungus, Solvent and myself. We all had one game left, Solvent vs Inky and Fungus vs me with the winners of these two games moving to the finals. Wizard would be the map for Fungus and myself, he ran out of the gate with an iron grip on the power ups and put me down 8-0. I started to fear my WCG road would stop here in SA. Somehow, I can’t even remember how I managed to regain control. I ended the game 15-8 and went on to play Solvent in the SA finals.
FTF: - Halo 3 is now less than a month away, from the information we've been supplied by Bungie and taking part in the beta, how do you think the game is shaping up?
Smatt: - From what I can see Bungie is trying to add way too much, I mean adding two extra grenade types! Why!!! The beta looked promising even though the only decent map was Snowbound, and that’s not good! The weapons do seem better balanced than in Halo 2 and with so many teams in Aus now I should think the Halo 3 experience will be something everyone will want to be apart of.
FTF: - Let's be honest, you miss your three shot pistol right?
Smatt: - Dam straight! When you get on a run in Halo 1 you feel like a god! The TSK just adds to that.
FTF: - Have you sorted out your clan details? Who can we expect to see Smatt teaming up with in Halo 3?
Smatt: - At the moment it looks like I’ll be teaming with Nuke and Pave. Teddy Joe, Woaheddie, Wise and myself.
FTF: - I know you're good friends with Solvent, what's he doing with himself? Is he going to make an appearance at all in Halo 3?
Smatt: - Last I talked to him about Halo 3 he wasn’t planning on getting a 360. I hope he changes his mind but I guess we will have to wait and see if he likes Halo 3.
FTF: - Boomtang is the known LAN source from where you're from, are there any big plans for Boomtang in Halo 3 that you are aware of?
Smatt: - Boomtang happens bi-monthly and judging from what happened with Halo 2, Halo 3 should bring plenty of SA gamers. Boomtang will be the training ground for SA finest and hopfully Australia’s best.  Above: Smatt Man Playing Halo! (We Hope)
FTF: - Not many people would know better than yourself (playing a solid role in both Halo: CE and Halo 2 communities). Who do you believe will be the top 3 teams within the first six to twelve months of Halo 3?
Smatt: - Tough to say, I think there are a lot of teams that will be putting in the time to be at the top. I would image that the top teams will be made up of the top Halo 2/1 players. We know what it takes!
FTF: - For people who are just joining our community, who are the individual players to look out for? Who's going to make an impact on the community once Halo 3 launches?
Smatt: - Again it’s hard to say, there will be so many good players. This site should have a big impact and along with forums like Halofoum.net the community has a good start.
FTF: - Let's play a guessing game just quickly. When and where do you think the first Halo 3 tournament will be?
Smatt: - Game 1? From what the talk is here at WCG Game 1 should be getting the thumbs up from MS as the premier Halo 3 event.
FTF: - Can you describe for us, the perfect Halo 3 tournament in Smatt's eyes?
Smatt: - Firstly it should be here in SA!!! Several days of pure Halo action with FFA, round robin and double elimination. Dam! I knew ACL should have been in SA!
FTF: - From the information Bungie has supplied us, which Halo 3 map are you most looking forward too and why?
Smatt: - None of the Halo 3 maps have really peaked my interest. I guess if I had to choose I would say the lockout remake, Guardian.
FTF: - Can you recall your highest ever kill/death ratio? What was it, and what map was it on?
Smatt: - Oh man, that’s a hard one. So many years of Halo to pick from. Well this weekend we went to Jooney’s house for some Halo 1 NTSC action. I think it was something like 103-35 on Hang em High flag.
FTF: - Finally, the hard question - Many, many players have respect and look up to you, who is it that you have alot of respect for whether it be a player or contributor to the community?
Smatt: - Through the years I have met so many top players and great contributors to the community. Sars, Phenomenon, Jooney, Starks to name a few organisers. As for players Bamazing was one of the most modest players I have ever had the pleasure to team with. Killself also is a great contributor and I don’t think I have ever heard him talk himself up.
We really appreciate your time Matt! Good luck with your team, Boomtang and any events you enter in Halo 3! |
