VIDEO GAME HENCHMEN: PC GAMEREVIEW: STARCRAFT 2: WINGS OF LIBERTY

PC GAMEREVIEW: STARCRAFT 2: WINGS OF LIBERTY

Blizzard's acclaimed PC RTS game Starcraft 2 came out in case anyone hasn't noticed. So let me give you a nice breakdown on what I think are the key points of the game if you are thinking of buying it or not. The world of Starcraft revolves around the often tense and action packed interaction of three factions/races notably: The Terrans (Humans), The Zerg (Ravenous, Hiveminded Beasts) and The Protoss (Technologically advanced but dwindling race). The storyline is packed with enough twists and turns to make you think that it was an M. Night Shyamalan movie. (Only better.) The review will be cut into two sections for readers to skip towards. First section will be for those who are going to buy for the single player aspect and the second section will detail the multiplayer aspect. So. Let's get on with it shall we?

~~Single Player~~

Let's begin when you first look at the game. Graphic wise, if I can describe it with one word. Spectacular. This game in terms of graphics is interestingly detailed for an RTS game. Little tweaks of showing building construction or the detail of the marine suit give it a nice engaging look into the world of Starcraft. The cutscenes almost seem action movie material and the interesting part was that there is a small short movie introduction into each mission that you go into. The environments on the map give off a wonderful ambient glow or gloom specific to the weather systems that appear in the map too. Rain, Lava, Strong Winds, Space and ambient environments give off an interesting look as to the colorful locations on where the engagements occur and the way the environments make it doubly interesting with the physics engine turned on.

SDCC: SCII Panel of Voice Actors

Sound wise, well what can I say about the sound and music system. It gets you pumped. They have some very nice orchestral scores, and monk chanting (starwars-esque style) although the songs are not the type to be incredibly catchy that you'd hear yourself humming yourself to it but I think it's a very appropriate collusion of graphics and sound. I say collusion because I believe it's illegal to be this perfect. Just saying. The voice actors in the game are believable, and they do a top notch job presenting emotion to the role they are playing. Which gives this game so much more depth.

Meet your new BFF.

The main thing that separates single player game play from multiplayer game play is the interesting instances of unique rules that are set upon you in the current map. Let me explain. There is one stage where you hold out until time limit comes. BUT WAIT. You need to go out of your way and expend minerals to create soldiers to RUN OUT OF YOUR BASE and save the remaining soldiers that are popping out. That's one example and I don't want to give out anymore for I find that the most enjoyable parts of the game is simply seeing the situation you're put in and trying to find a working strategy. This installation shows you what happens after the Brood Wars with the Queen of Blades and the Protoss Dark Templars and all of the missions are in the view and eyes of the Terran Jim Raynor. The missions are well thought of and give you rewards most notable new units and money and research points to upgrade units and get new units and etc. The game has a total of 26 missions where 1 is a hidden mission which I have yet to find (CURSE YOU HIDDEN MISSION) and 3 choice missions where you get to choose which path you go but this changes the rewards that you are stuck with. After the missions you can do versus ai matches where you get to pick from the maps that the game provides you as well as choose your own race to play as you like. The ai is prone to rushing you like a madman but any starcraft player worth his salt will learn from his past mistakes and find that the A.I. will soon be easier and easier to predict.

Sadly I believe that the single player is a one way experience. You finish it. Say wow that was great. But after a while you will tire of it and constantly fighting the ai in mock skirmish games will also get tiring. Low replayability for Single player.

~~Multiplayer~~

Now an RTS isn't meant for too much of an engaging graphics engine and there is little to be said about the multiplayer graphics that I haven't said in single player. Beautful and artful animations of each race and interesting unit design. If you've played Starcraft I would believe that you would really notice at least a subtle difference to the units, structures and even separate death animations as well. Very nice touch in big battles. Although I wouldn't be watching my units die too often. I hope.

This is the real meat and bones of any RTS game. No one wants to get stuck playing against predictable AI. Starcraft 2 is very balanced in the way of multiplayer. One race can easily counter the other but it isn't plain rock paper scissors kind of countering. If you are one of the people who think that RTS' are all about massing up in one small corner of the map and creating tons and tons and tons of units of one kind and steam rolling over your competition then I believe RTS' are not the game genre for you. That kind of play will get boring and in starcraft 2's case easily counterable by a good player. I do have to agree that the skill levels of a newbie to the series to that of a pro is fairly large in difference. The game is both Micro and Macro intensive and many variables are put into place which makes for an interesting game. Matches range from 1v1 to 4v4's and Blizzard has actually placed in leagues so that you are paired with people of almost same skill. The only thing I suggest for any new players out there is put down your pride because you are going to get smashed around. You will lose games. You will lose games continuously. That and try not to keep yourself in practice league. Practice league trains bad habits which will keep you from getting better. If anything try the 2v2 coop with ai with a buddy or a friend. But all in all, Thumbs up Blizzard for one of the most finely tuned RTS game created.

Where to start. This game is made for multiplayer. It's balanced and tweaked and pushed to the limit to be a great RTS that will replace the former. New strategies and ingenious plays leave for nail biting moments. However the game also lets out some of the cheese as some go for the quick early game kills but I believe these are viable tactics too. Advantage is where the adaptable are. Up till now I'm itching to see that new play and fine tune the build order to surprise the next person who I'm going to get matched up with. Replayability high for Multiplayer.

Spectacular. Epic moments happen. Story is interesting to say the least. Most importantly, This game has by far in my opinion lived up to the hype it's given. It took Blizzard quite awhile but it gave out one heck of a RTS gem when it finally released Starcraft 2. The Battle.net service is also beautifully done which results in low wait times as well. I would like to add though that achievements are earned and you get portrait rewards when you get achievements sometimes. The only bad thing I think the game has I believe is that to install the game, YOU NEED TO HAVE AN INTERNET CONNECTION.

I repeat. YOU NEED TO HAVE AN INTERNET CONNECTION.
If you will only play single player just connect. Install. Go on offline mode and play single player. But you need to have an internet connection to simply install the game.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? StarCraft II has been in the making for almost 5 years, since the announcement back in 2005. Compared to the predecessor, Blizzard has upgraded all of the texture maps, character scaling, and environmental effects.

HOW DOES IT SOUND? With the orchestral score, and the pro voice acting it makes this game worth to have. Mass Effect 2, it looks like you have a little bit of competition.

HOW DOES IT PLAY? RTS fans should enjoy all the new features Blizzard has added with this game. It promotes ease, as well as factoring skill while playing the game. Single player is lackluster sometimes, and while the story line is very linear, it leaves room at the end for you to want more. Multiplayer on the other hand, gets you competitive with a world wide selection of games that you can choose as well.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? Single player campaign takes at least 16-20 hours to finish. Multiplayer, well that will probably be the thing that will keep you playing this game.

HOW IS IT PRESENTED? RTS Fans rejoice!, this might be the best RTS out in the market right now.