N4RRATE on G2's playstyle: "I think G2 are definitely like an EMEA team"
With a brand new roster, Sentinels have looked great during at the VCT 2025 - Americas Kickoff. That is, until G2 Esports handed the team a reality check during their Upper Bracket Final match. Now, Sentinels will have to face off against MIBR where the winner will book the last Americas ticket available for Masters Bangkok.
Following Sentinels' 2-0 loss to G2, THESPIKE was able to speak to Marshall "N4RRATE" Massey. During the conversation, the new Sentinels addition was able to shed some light on what it's been like playing for Sentinels so far, his own versatility as a player, as well as what sets G2 apart in the Americas.
N4RRATE on adapting to Sentinels, playing in the Americas vs EMEA, and the strengths of G2
THESPIKE: You've proven to be such a versatile player. We've seen you on duelists, initiators, sentinels, see you on Omen too. What has it been like for you trying to adapt to the roles Sentinels wants you to play and to a new system in general?
N4RRATE: I wouldn't say it's that hard to adapt to a new system. I feel like I'm pretty good at learning new things and, you know, changing roles and playing whatever. Obviously, it just comes down to the whole team at the end of the day. It doesn't really like come down to me. Like, my performance probably won’t fully change the outcome of the game really. We all need to click as a team to win.
So, as for changing roles, I would say it doesn't really affect me in terms of performance. It's just how we're playing as a team. What's our plan? What's this? What's that? Like, what are we doing in this situation? I would just say that's more of how I would view it. No matter what role I play, it would just be the same player; it just depends on what we're doing. I feel very comfortable playing literally every role in the game. I would just say like I think that's one of my skills, that I'm able to swap roles and swap with players if they want to play a different role, just because I feel like I have a really good understanding of the game.
THESPIKE: Precisely because you're such an adaptable player, do you have something that you would consider to be your ideal role?
N4RRATE: Well, obviously I would say my ideal role is to play duelist. I'm extremely confident in that role just because, I mean, that's just the game style I want to play. I want to be the first guy to make contact a lot. But, I think I'm pretty good at everything.
I would say lurking is probably my worst area, but I don't think it's bad at all. So, I definitely like playing duelist a lot. I like being the one just charging in with the util because I feel like I definitely excel in that scenario. I'd say that'd be my perfect role, but in terms of duelist spots, like, there are a lot of really good duels in the league and people would rather swap since they know I'm very flexible.
THESPIKE: You spent all of last year playing over in EMEA with Karmine Corp. What are some of the most notable differences in gameplay you have found between EMEA and the Americas now that you're over here?
N4RRATE: I'm not really sure... I would say a lot of EMEA teams really focus on macro, and trying to be the best team when it comes to outplaying the enemy and finding the best solution to things. Whereas in NA there is a lot of players who can just have a really good aim and they will challenge you, they will duel you. And there’s a lot of players who are just extremely confident. While in EMEA I think they really try to focus on tactics and trying to outplay their opponent.
But I definitely think the skill level of NA is better at an individual player wise. I think in EU people focus a lot more on macro and fundamentals, and just, like, every little detail like peeking together, you know, perfect flashes, etc. In NA we're definitely more fluid, like, we’re very active. We find solutions on the fly. I think that's every Americas team other than G2. I think G2 are definitely like an EMEA team.
THESPIKE: Speaking of G2, they have looked incredible at Kickoff so far. What would you say are some of the biggest strengths to their gameplay that allow them to come out and look so good?
N4RRATE: I’d say, like, the best thing about G2 is that they definitely play all advantages, like, all advantageous situations, probably the best out of any team. I would say they definitely win most of their advantage situations. They never really have hard throws or anything, and their players are just extremely confident right now. Like, they will take every timing, they will take every peek that is valuable to them; they evaluate the risk of it very well. And I feel like that's kind of it.
I don't think they're like too crazy on like macro or anything, but when your players are all just insane like at some point it just doesn't matter it. And they just play their post-plants perfectly.
_1733455758964.png&w=64&q=75 "VCT 2025 - Americas Kickoff")
Zellsis
Johnqt
JonahP
THESPIKE: How do you think this G2 team measures up to some of the best teams in the world out there?
N4RRATE: I mean, they're one of the best teams in the world. I haven't really been impressed by other teams in other regions. Like, I don't think there's a clear number one team in the world; I definitely think G2 can contend for that spot.
**THESPIKE: After the G2 series, what would you say the team needs to do differently to make sure you book that ticket to Bangkok? **
N4RRATE: I guess the overall vibe is that we just need to be more active at the start of the series. Like, we need to be more vocal. Everyone needs to be hyping each other up. Everyone needs to be super loud and just come into the game ready, like, super hyped up.
Map-specific, I would say... I mean, on Abyss we just kind of got crushed. I mean, I had no chance individually. Our way of defending was just terrible, and we couldn't do anything. And, yeah, we're pretty much playing like 4v5 because I just I couldn't do anything. And then on Pearl we just messed up a ton of post-plants. I mean it's just basic macro stuff that isn't really map specific. We need to be more calm and we need to be more active and be able to listen to people better and just scream and be hyped up. And then, also, we need to just nail the fundamentals down and then we'll be perfectly fine.
THESPIKE: How much would it mean to you to qualify for Bangkok so soon after joining Sentinels?
N4RRATE: Yeah, I mean, it's just the first tournament of the year. Obviously, it'd be awesome to be able to go to Bangkok and play at the tournament. It's definitely the hardest tournament to make of the year, so making it would just be, you know, really nice. And being able to compete on such a high stage so early into the season is always great: you get a lot of experience; you always play a lot of matches. And yeah, I think it's definitely always a pleasure to qualify.
THESPIKE: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us, N4RRATE. Best of luck on your next match.
Note: Some minor parts of the interview may have been edited for the sake of clarity and or brevity.
For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.
Featured Image Source: Tina Jo/Riot Games
Latest News
- NaVi signs chippy as Assistant Coach ahead of VCT EMEA Stage 1Natus Vincere has officially announced Dmytro "chippy" Bychenko as the new assistant coach for its VALORANT roster.
about 18 hours ago - Limited abilities? VALORANT community discusses whether utility should rechargePopular members of the VALORANT community have been discussing how to shake up the current meta.
about 19 hours ago - 2Game was prepared not to include askia in its debut and considered nzrThe organization spoke with nzr, a former MIBR player, to play the first match of VCT Americas 2025, but askia arrived in time.
1 day ago
Comments
vct 2023
For all information about the VCT 2023, check out our VCT Hub. There you will find our FAQ to answer all of your questions and details about the teams, different Leagues, and more.