The confrontation between the Saiyan and the powerful artificial being represents a pivotal moment in the Dragon Ball GT series. This battle showcases a significant power dynamic, highlighting the challenges faced by even seasoned warriors when confronted with novel abilities. The core of this conflict lies in the absorption capabilities of one combatant against the established might and resilience of the other.
The relevance of this engagement stems from its demonstration of the ever-evolving power scaling within the Dragon Ball universe. It illustrates how previous victories and training might not always guarantee success, necessitating adaptation and the discovery of new strategies. Furthermore, it reflects a broader narrative theme: the potential dangers associated with advanced technology and the unforeseen consequences of scientific manipulation of power.
The subsequent analysis will delve into the specific techniques and strategies employed, examine the power levels involved, and ultimately assess the strengths and weaknesses exhibited by each individual participant during their encounter. This exploration seeks to provide a clearer understanding of the factors contributing to the final outcome and its impact within the saga.
1. Power Absorption
The ability to absorb energy served as a defining characteristic of Super Android 17 and significantly impacted the dynamics of the battle. It shifted the focus from raw power output to the ability to neutralize and redirect an opponent’s attacks, creating a strategic disadvantage for Goku.
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Neutralization of Energy Attacks
Super Android 17 could absorb most energy-based attacks, rendering Gokus signature moves like the Kamehameha ineffective. This forced Goku to rely more on physical attacks, which were less effective against the androids enhanced durability. The ability essentially negated a core element of Gokus fighting style.
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Power Amplification
Instead of simply nullifying the energy, Super Android 17 converted absorbed energy into his own power, thus increasing his overall strength and speed. This meant that Gokus attempts to overpower the android could backfire, making his opponent even stronger.
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Defensive Superiority
The capacity for energy absorption provided Super Android 17 with a substantial defensive advantage. Energy attacks that would normally inflict significant damage instead bolstered his defenses, making him exceptionally resistant to conventional methods of attack. This required Goku to find alternative methods to bypass this protective ability.
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Psychological Impact
The realization that his energy attacks were futile likely had a psychological effect on Goku. Knowing his signature moves were ineffective could have led to hesitation and a change in tactics, potentially disrupting his usual combat flow. This psychological aspect of the power absorption ability could not be ignored as it shaped Gokus decision-making during the fight.
In the confrontation, this power absorption shifted the advantage away from direct confrontation and towards strategic adaptation. The fight highlights the need to assess an opponent’s specific abilities and tailor tactics accordingly, a crucial lesson underscored by the androids capacity to turn Gokus own energy against him.
2. Goku’s Stamina
Goku’s stamina, a critical attribute in most of his battles, became a significant factor during his confrontation. Its fluctuating state influenced his ability to effectively combat the android, highlighting how physical endurance, or lack thereof, can impact even the most powerful fighters.
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Energy Depletion from Super Saiyan 4
Maintaining the Super Saiyan 4 transformation required a considerable amount of energy. The prolonged use of this form during the battle against Super Android 17 gradually drained Gokus stamina reserves. The high energy consumption characteristic of Super Saiyan 4 played a crucial role in weakening his overall fighting capacity as the fight progressed.
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Cumulative Damage Impact
While Super Android 17 possessed the ability to absorb energy attacks, Goku still sustained damage from physical blows. Over time, these accumulated injuries contributed to a gradual decrease in his stamina. Each successful strike by the android chipped away at Gokus endurance, further compromising his combat effectiveness.
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Strategic Implications of Stamina Management
Recognizing his diminishing stamina, Goku had to carefully manage his energy expenditure. He could no longer afford to launch indiscriminate attacks or engage in prolonged exchanges without considering the potential consequences. This forced him to adopt a more strategic approach, focusing on conserving energy and identifying opportunities for decisive strikes.
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Vulnerability to Android 17’s Strategy
Super Android 17s fighting style exacerbated Goku’s stamina issues. The android could withstand many of Goku’s attacks and consistently counter with powerful blows of his own. This resulted in Goku having to exert more effort in both offense and defense, accelerating the rate at which his stamina reserves were depleted. This put Goku in a disadvantage as the fight drew on.
The declining state of Gokus stamina served as a significant handicap. The strategic decisions he made, the tactics employed by his opponent, and the sheer physical toll of the battle all converged to highlight the critical role that endurance plays in determining the outcome of such high-stakes encounters. This created a turning point, reducing the impact of even signature and reliable moves and emphasizing the importance of efficiency when in Super Saiyan 4 form.
3. Android 17’s Advantage
In the confrontation, Android 17 possessed several key advantages that significantly altered the expected power balance. These advantages stemmed from his unique physiology, advanced energy manipulation techniques, and strategic planning, all of which combined to present a formidable challenge. The success of Android 17 was heavily dependent on these combined factors.
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Energy Absorption Capabilities
Android 17’s ability to absorb energy attacks nullified a significant portion of Goku’s offensive arsenal. This forced Goku to rely on physical attacks, which were less effective against the android’s enhanced durability. Furthermore, the absorbed energy amplified Android 17’s own power, creating a strategic advantage that few opponents could counter. This shifted the battle from one of pure power output to one of energy management and tactical adaptation.
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Enhanced Durability and Endurance
Beyond the ability to absorb energy, Android 17 exhibited exceptional resilience to physical damage. This enhanced durability allowed him to withstand numerous blows from Goku, extending the duration of the battle and further draining Goku’s stamina. The combined effects of energy absorption and physical resilience made Android 17 a difficult opponent to overwhelm. Android 17 was a difficult and challenging oppoonent due to the enhanced durability and endurance.
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Strategic Collaboration with Android 17 (Hell Fighter 17)
The fusion of Android 17 with Hell Fighter 17 to create Super Android 17 was a pre-meditated event which was an advantage in itself. Dr. Gero had originally programmed this plan to ensure victory by ensuring his ultimate android would have enough power to destroy the Saiyans. This tactical move was planned beforehand to defeat Goku which gave the andriod and advantage.
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Unpredictable Fighting Style
Android 17’s combat style was characterized by its aggressive and often unpredictable nature. His movements were swift and precise, making him difficult to track and anticipate. This unpredictability made it challenging for Goku to establish a rhythm or exploit any perceived weaknesses. The resulting chaos disrupted Gokus traditional approach to combat and further contributed to Android 17s overall advantage.
Android 17’s array of advantages, from energy absorption to strategic collaboration, significantly shaped the dynamics of the encounter. These factors collectively contributed to the challenges Goku faced and highlighted the importance of adaptation and innovative strategies when confronting such unique and formidable opponents. Ultimately this resulted in him gaining the upper hand.
4. Super Saiyan 4
The Super Saiyan 4 transformation represents a pivotal element during the confrontation. Its strengths and inherent limitations directly influenced combat dynamics and the overall strategic approach employed.
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Enhanced Offensive Power
Super Saiyan 4 provided a substantial increase in offensive capabilities, enabling the Saiyan to deliver more powerful blows and energy attacks. This surge in power was essential for overcoming the android’s enhanced durability and energy absorption abilities. The form offered the necessary power to, at least momentarily, breach defenses that would otherwise be insurmountable.
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Increased Physical Speed and Agility
Beyond raw power, Super Saiyan 4 augmented physical speed and agility, allowing for quicker reactions and more effective dodging. This was critical for evading the android’s unpredictable attacks and maintaining a strategic advantage in close-quarters combat. The amplified speed enabled the Saiyan to respond swiftly to the android’s maneuvers, preventing the opponent from gaining the upper hand.
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Stamina Consumption Rate
The significant drawback of the Super Saiyan 4 transformation was its high energy consumption. Prolonged use of this form rapidly depleted stamina, impairing fighting effectiveness as the battle extended. This forced a careful balancing act between unleashing maximum power and conserving energy to maintain combat readiness. The substantial energy drain imposed limitations on the duration and intensity of assaults.
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Vulnerability Post-Transformation
Following the forced deactivation of Super Saiyan 4 due to energy depletion, the Saiyan became significantly more vulnerable. Without the protective aura and enhanced abilities, vulnerability to attacks substantially increased. This vulnerability could be exploited if the android managed to prolong the fight and force deactivation, turning the transformation into a double-edged sword.
The utility of Super Saiyan 4 during the conflict was a complex equation. Its enhanced power and speed provided a crucial advantage, but its high stamina cost ultimately limited its effectiveness. The need to strategically manage this potent but demanding form significantly influenced the course of the engagement, emphasizing the trade-offs between overwhelming force and sustainable combat capabilities. The battle served as a practical demonstration of both the potential and the limitations of the Super Saiyan 4 transformation.
5. Energy Depletion
Energy depletion serves as a critical factor in understanding the complexities of the conflict. The prolonged struggle and the unique abilities of the opponent contributed to a significant drain on resources, ultimately influencing the outcome of the engagement.
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Super Saiyan 4 Strain
Maintaining the Super Saiyan 4 transformation necessitated a substantial energy expenditure. The constant channeling of ki required to sustain this form placed a significant burden on the user’s reserves. As the battle progressed, the strain of sustaining Super Saiyan 4 became increasingly apparent, diminishing effectiveness.
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Absorption Countermeasures
The opponent’s capacity to absorb energy attacks forced a shift in tactics. The redirection of energy-based assaults not only negated their offensive potential but also indirectly contributed to energy depletion. Attempts to overwhelm the adversary with ki attacks were rendered futile, necessitating alternative, less energy-efficient strategies.
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Physical Exertion and Damage
While energy attacks were often ineffective, physical combat remained a necessity. Sustaining and delivering blows, coupled with enduring the opponent’s attacks, gradually depleted physical stamina. The accumulation of damage and the exertion required for close-quarters combat further accelerated energy depletion throughout the confrontation.
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Delayed Recovery
The intensity of the battle and the sustained energy output left the participant with limited opportunities for recovery. The constant need for vigilance and the absence of tactical pauses prevented effective ki regeneration. The inability to replenish energy reserves during the conflict compounded the effects of depletion, leading to a gradual weakening.
The various facets of energy depletion converged to create a significant challenge during the struggle. The combined effects of transformation strain, absorption countermeasures, physical exertion, and limited recovery opportunities significantly shaped the dynamics of the fight. This illustrates how managing energy reserves is as critical as raw power in determining the outcome of high-stakes confrontations.
6. Coordinated Assault
The concept of a coordinated assault, while not the primary tactic employed, presents a crucial “what if” scenario within the context of the conflict. Its absence significantly impacted the battle’s progression, highlighting the potential benefits of strategic teamwork against a seemingly insurmountable foe.
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Synergistic Attacks
A coordinated assault involving multiple fighters executing synchronized attacks could have exploited openings in the android’s defenses. This tactic necessitates precise timing and understanding of each participant’s capabilities. In the absence of such coordination, opportunities to inflict significant damage were missed, prolonging the engagement and increasing the strain on the primary combatant.
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Diversionary Tactics
Employing diversionary tactics, where one fighter draws the android’s attention while another prepares a decisive attack, could have disrupted the android’s energy absorption and defensive capabilities. Such tactics demand seamless communication and a willingness to assume supportive roles. The lack of coordinated diversions allowed the android to focus its defenses, diminishing the effectiveness of individual assaults.
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Combined Energy Blasts
A concentrated barrage of energy blasts, delivered simultaneously by multiple fighters, might have overwhelmed the android’s absorption capacity. This approach requires a unified focus and the ability to channel energy in a synchronized manner. The absence of such a combined assault allowed the android to manage individual energy attacks, mitigating their potential impact.
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Defensive Support
While offense is important, a coordinated effort to provide defensive support to the primary combatant could have mitigated the effects of the android’s attacks. This involves intercepting blows, creating defensive barriers, and providing tactical cover. The lack of coordinated defense resulted in the primary combatant absorbing more damage, accelerating stamina depletion and increasing vulnerability.
The absence of a well-executed coordinated assault underscores the challenges of confronting a foe with unique abilities. While individual efforts demonstrated considerable power, a strategic application of teamwork could have significantly altered the battle’s trajectory, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome. This highlights the enduring value of strategic collaboration even in situations dominated by individual power.
7. Strategic Weakness
In the context of the confrontation, the presence of a strategic weakness became the linchpin for ultimate victory. The android’s seemingly impenetrable defenses and energy absorption abilities presented a considerable challenge, however, despite the overwhelming power displayed by the android, a critical vulnerability existed in its operational design that could be exploited.
The strategic weakness stemmed from the android’s need to completely halt energy absorption before initiating an attack. This pause, though brief, created a window of opportunity for targeted strikes. Prior to recognizing this vulnerability, direct energy attacks proved ineffective, fueling the android’s power. Once identified, focusing attacks during this interval circumvented the energy absorption process and capitalized on the lapse in defensive capabilities. This tactical shift was key to landing blows that inflicted lasting damage.
Identifying and exploiting this moment was the crucial element of victory. The strategic awareness to recognize the opening and the precise execution to capitalize upon it underscores the significance of calculated strategies, even against opponents with apparent invincibility. The overall struggle emphasized that inherent weaknesses, when properly leveraged, can overcome even the most daunting power imbalances. It also highlighted the need for adaptability and the continual assessment of vulnerabilities in any engagement.
8. Vegeta’s Assistance
Vegeta’s presence and actions during the conflict are a complex issue. His contributions, or lack thereof at certain points, significantly impacted the ebb and flow of the battle. The extent of Vegeta’s direct assistance, and the reasons behind his actions or inaction, contribute to the understanding of dynamics of the fight.
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Delayed Intervention
Vegeta initially observed the battle, allowing Goku to bear the brunt of the assault. This delay suggests a degree of reluctance or perhaps a desire to assess the situation before committing himself. However, the delay also meant that Goku faced an escalating threat without immediate support, potentially exacerbating energy depletion and injury. The reasons for the delay need to be considered to understand Vegeta’s initial state of mind.
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Strategic Support
Despite his initial reluctance, Vegeta did eventually engage the android, providing strategic support and allowing Goku time to recover and assess the android’s weaknesses. This support diverted the android’s attention, creating opportunities for Goku to formulate a counter-strategy. Vegeta’s involvement, even in a supporting role, shifted the momentum and bought crucial moments.
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Ego and Pride
Vegeta’s well-known pride and desire to surpass Goku often influenced his actions. It’s plausible that his initial reluctance stemmed from a desire to see Goku defeated, thereby asserting his own superiority. However, the gravity of the situation eventually compelled him to set aside his ego and assist, demonstrating a capacity for cooperation when faced with a common threat. Vegeta’s pride may be a cause for initial reluctance for assistance in dire situations.
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Final Flash Technique
Vegeta’s execution of the Final Flash technique showcased his power and provided a tangible contribution to the effort. While it did not defeat the android outright, it delivered significant damage, creating an opening for Goku to exploit the android’s vulnerability. The Final Flash served as a critical turning point, demonstrating Vegeta’s capacity to inflict substantial damage and shift the tide of the battle.
The role of Vegeta during the conflict encompasses aspects of reluctance, strategic support, and the eventual application of immense power. While the full extent of his potential impact might be debated, his presence and actions demonstrably influenced the course of the battle, underscoring the complex dynamic between Saiyans and their approach to combat.
9. Ki Control
The mastery and manipulation of Ki, or life energy, represents a fundamental aspect of combat proficiency within the Dragon Ball universe. Its effective control dictates the power, speed, and overall effectiveness of a fighter, and its role during the confrontation was particularly crucial given the unique abilities of the android.
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Efficiency in Energy Expenditure
Refined Ki control enables a fighter to minimize energy wastage and maximize the impact of each attack. Against an opponent capable of absorbing energy, efficient Ki control becomes paramount to avoid inadvertently empowering the adversary. Goku’s struggles during the fight can be partly attributed to the difficulty of maintaining focused Ki output while facing constant pressure.
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Precision in Attack Delivery
Accurate Ki control allows for the precise direction and concentration of energy attacks, enabling a fighter to target specific weaknesses and minimize collateral damage. In the context of the battle, the ability to channel Ki precisely was essential for circumventing the android’s energy absorption capabilities and exploiting momentary vulnerabilities. Imprecise Ki control would have resulted in wasted energy and increased the android’s power.
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Defensive Energy Barriers
Skilled Ki control allows a fighter to create energy barriers, providing a defensive layer against incoming attacks. In this scenario, the ability to erect and sustain a strong Ki barrier would have been crucial for mitigating the android’s powerful blows and preventing cumulative damage. A weakened or poorly maintained Ki barrier would have left the fighter vulnerable to the android’s relentless assault.
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Sensing and Reacting to Opponent’s Ki
Advanced Ki control involves the ability to sense and interpret an opponent’s energy patterns, allowing for anticipation of their moves and quicker reactions. This heightened awareness would have been particularly valuable against the android, whose unpredictable fighting style and energy absorption made him a difficult opponent to read. The ability to anticipate the android’s attacks through Ki sensing would have provided a critical advantage in both offense and defense.
The interplay between Ki control and the specific challenges posed by the android underscores its importance in this conflict. The degree to which combatants could effectively manage and manipulate their Ki directly influenced their ability to overcome the android’s unique abilities and ultimately determine the outcome of the battle. The limitations in Ki control became evident as the struggle progressed, highlighting the constant need for refinement and adaptation in the face of novel threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common points of inquiry regarding the confrontation between Goku and Super Android 17, offering clarity on specific aspects of the battle and its broader context within the Dragon Ball GT narrative.
Question 1: Why could Goku not defeat Super Android 17 with standard energy attacks?
Super Android 17 possessed the unique ability to absorb most energy-based attacks. This capacity effectively neutralized signature moves such as the Kamehameha, rendering them ineffective and forcing Goku to rely primarily on physical combat.
Question 2: What was the primary advantage held by Super Android 17?
The android’s main advantage stemmed from the combination of energy absorption capabilities and enhanced durability. This allowed the android to neutralize offensive energy attacks and withstand a significant amount of physical damage, making the android a formidable opponent.
Question 3: How did the Super Saiyan 4 transformation impact the battle?
While Super Saiyan 4 significantly amplified Goku’s power and speed, it also incurred a substantial energy drain. The prolonged use of this transformation contributed to a gradual decline in stamina, ultimately affecting the fighter’s combat effectiveness.
Question 4: What specific weakness did Super Android 17 possess?
Super Android 17 was vulnerable during the brief interval in which energy absorption was halted to initiate an attack. Targeting attacks during this window allowed for the circumvention of the absorption ability and infliction of direct damage.
Question 5: What was Vegeta’s overall contribution to the resolution of this fight?
Vegeta provided crucial, strategic support that allowed Goku time to recover from the continuous battle and identify the Android’s weakness. In the end, the “Final Flash” technique was essential in creating the opening necessary for Goku’s final, critical attack.
Question 6: Why wasn’t teamwork or a coordinated assault a more prominent strategy?
Although it was not a prominent strategy, the circumstances of the battle and the individualistic nature of the fighters involved did not lend themselves to coordinated tactics. While teamwork might have altered the course of events, it was not the primary approach employed.
The details of this encounter reveal that adaptive tactics and the exploitation of vulnerabilities can overcome even significant disparities in power. The ability to assess an opponent’s specific abilities is essential when it comes to high stakes conflict resolution.
The subsequent section will offer a detailed analysis of the lasting impact of this conflict within the broader narrative.
Strategic Combat Tips
The clash between Goku and Super Android 17 yields valuable lessons applicable to various competitive scenarios, highlighting the importance of adaptability, observation, and strategic exploitation of weaknesses. These tips provide actionable insights derived from the dynamics of the battle.
Tip 1: Adapt to Opponent Abilities. Prioritize understanding your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Goku’s initial reliance on energy attacks proved ineffective against Super Android 17 due to the android’s absorption capability. Adapting to this required shifting the focus to physical attacks.
Tip 2: Exploit Vulnerabilities. Identify and capitalize on momentary lapses in an opponent’s defenses. Goku’s ultimate victory hinged on exploiting the brief pause during the android’s absorption cycle to deliver a decisive blow. Continuous observation is key to pinpointing such openings.
Tip 3: Energy Management is Critical. Sustained high-power output can lead to rapid energy depletion. Goku’s use of Super Saiyan 4, while powerful, quickly drained stamina. Efficient energy management is paramount to maintaining combat effectiveness over extended engagements.
Tip 4: Disrupt the Opponent’s Strategy. Disrupting an opponent’s rhythm and forcing them outside of their comfort zone can create opportunities for exploitation. While not fully realized, disrupting the android’s predictable pattern of absorbing energy then attacking could have yielded benefits.
Tip 5: Prioritize Observation During Conflict. Continuously assess the shifting dynamics of a battle. The ability to observe subtle changes in an opponent’s behavior or technique is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and adapting strategies on the fly. Had Goku not picked up on the Android’s pause, he would’ve kept using ineffective attacks.
These insights, drawn from the “goku vs super android 17” engagement, emphasize that understanding, adaptation, and strategic execution are crucial. Recognizing limitations and capitalizing on opportunities is key to achieving a decisive outcome, and that by studying key moments it is easier to see how the fight could’ve been different.
The following final analysis will emphasize the lasting impact of this fight and its relevance to competitive strategies.
Conclusion
The analysis of “goku vs super android 17” has illuminated several critical aspects of combat strategy. From the android’s unique energy absorption capabilities to the Saiyan’s challenges in managing stamina while utilizing the Super Saiyan 4 transformation, this confrontation underscores the importance of adaptability and the identification of strategic weaknesses. The assessment also highlights the significance of efficient energy management and the potential benefits of coordinated assaults, even in situations dominated by individual power. The final Flash from Vegeta also proved the importance of support in the conflict.
This engagement stands as a testament to the complex interplay between power, strategy, and adaptability in high-stakes battles. The lessons derived from this conflict serve as a reminder that understanding and exploiting vulnerabilities can often outweigh raw power, leading to victory against seemingly insurmountable odds. The fight also highlights, however, that even power is useless if stamina and other factors are not managed correctly. Future analyses and studies are encouraged to consider factors not often discussed such as teamwork and the psychological implications of key strategic factors.
