It's been almost a month since the Abyss Joust, our first inter-server DOFUS Touch tournament. Now we're putting a spotlight on the winners: Salmissra and Zedaar agreed to answer our questions!
You only played DOFUS PC before the Abyss Joust. What attracted you to this DOFUS Touch tournament?
Salmissra: Xeon and I weren't following news about DOFUS Touch at all. Zedaar is the one who told us about the tournament. Since we like playing together, and all three of us were really enjoying the gameplay, we thought we could give it a shot and try to at least pick up 3rd place, get the chance to come to Roubaix and visit the Ankama offices (that was our main goal).
Zedaar: Mainly the build, which I think is the best one DOFUS has ever seen. I admit I struggle a bit with variants on the PC version. The fact we already had the knowledge needed for this tournament definitely motivated us, and for veteran players like us, the goal of visiting Ankama seemed pretty appealing – to be able to see the place where things are decided, see what's behind our thousands of hours of playtime.
What's your track record in PvP for DOFUS?
Salmissra: I started doing PvP in the 2015 Goultarminator, in which we took 3rd (Xeon and Zedaar were on the same server as me). The next year, we managed to win it. Together with Xeon, we also won or scored well in a number of amateur tournaments. More recently, I made it to the DWS Summer final with Millenium. Sadly, we didn't succeed in repeating that achievement in the second year (we placed 5th), but at least we still qualify for the next one in the summer!
Zedaar: As for me, I haven't done many amateur tournaments. I was 3rd in 1001 Claws in Lomme with the team UlettZer, 1st place in Goultarminator 646, and most recently, I won the Abyss Joust.
How does it feel playing an older build? On mobile, no less!
Salmissra: It's nice not having to think as much! With the variants in DOFUS PC, there are so many possibilities now – gives you a headache. We had a lot of fun, though we really struggled with the interface at first (laughs): we kept tapping next to the cells we wanted to target.
Zedaar: It's incredible how many memories it brings back. During the group phase, we must have spent at least three or four nights remembering the good old days. And as an aside, when Frigost 3 came out, I skipped a week of classes by faking sick so I could try hard on the bosses.
What was the Abyss Joust like for you overall?
Salmissra: It was really nice! We didn't feel under pressure. Most of the time, we would drink and snack during our fights.
We were pleasantly surprised by how it was organized – very professional for a first tournament. If the few major bugs still in the game are fixed, I definitely think more and more people will get interested in future tournaments.
Zedaar: The tournament was managed extremely well, with very few delays and a really active team of organizers. The atmosphere was really good. I'm completely satisfied with the overall outcome. The only negative part was a few small bugs, which I'm sure will be quickly resolved.
What do you think made the difference for you to win this competition?
Salmissra: Our choice of classes definitely played a role – that was one of the biggest things we could do, with the restrictions in place. But it was especially the harmony within the team and our experience, I think, that allowed us to go so far.
Zedaar: Our experience and group cohesion. Experience allowed us to know the strengths and weaknesses of each team, and to adapt accordingly; our cohesion and familiarity with playing together did the rest.
What advise would you give players who want to start doing PvP?
Salmissra: Try varying the lineups you play to have a more comprehensive view of the game, and don't get discouraged if you keep losing at the beginning. Generally speaking, you learn less from a win than from a loss.
Zedaar: Give it a try! It's an exciting game mode, no matter your level. You always learn new things, and there's never a fixed strategy.
Any parting words?
Salmissra: This is the most fun I've had in a tournament, and we had a great time, so thank you for letting us take part. If there's ever a second one, I think we'll join in!
Zedaar: I'll take this opportunity to make a declaration: Lusoline, will you marry me?