Starcraft 2 Review

After more than 10 years from the first original Starcraft, Blizzard finally published its sequel, Starcraft 2. 

Starcraft 2 was one of the most anticipated strategic games of 2010.

Since 1998 when the original Starcraft was published, game got its reputation as one of the top strategy genre games of all time. Starcraft was played at LAN-parties all over the world. What does bring the sequel, Starcraft 2? Through the last decade Blizzard got its reputation as the leading developer for RPG games (World of Warcraft). Starcraft 2 is not only an upgrade from its predecessor but also a standalone project which has taken gameplay, graphics, story-line presentation and soundtrack to a whole new level.

Here is a quick review of the most important aspects, that players are facing in modern PC games:

Story:

Those who are not familiar with the original Starcraft, do not need to worry. Storyline is presented altogether from the beginning through the beautiful videos and voice messages. Videos really add up to get an unique playing experience. Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty is focuses on the Terrans, human exiles from Earth. There may be some disappointment that you are unable to play the Zerg's and Protoss but do not worry, two expansions packs are coming soon: Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void which will focus on the Zerg and Protoss. Both are coming in the near future somewhere in 2011. Storyline develops through the game and it is basically the same as in the original Starcraft.

Graphics and design:

The game is very well designed and its art is gorgeous, I could almost say that Starcraft 2 has a Blizzard feel.

Those who play World of Warcraft will found some resemblances with post realistic environment which suits the genre of the game perfectly. Units, are well distinguishable and so is the environment, very well detailed. Lightning and other special effects especially in the combat when firing weapons are awesome.

Graphics and design both contribute to the atmosphere of the game.

Gameplay:

Gameplay is something Blizzard gave a lot of mind to. Factions are well balanced which really makes single-player fun and tricky. Game also includes many side challenges which really exclude the straight-forward effect.

You gather resources and currency, build units, buildings and defenses, research the map, gather minerals and vespene gas and attack your opponent.

There is a ton of side-challenges which will distract you but are vital for some armory upgrades. Game also lets you upgrade your trops and hire mercenaries.

Menu is very realistic and it sometimes gives the feeling you are in a first-person game. Swarming enemies will also get your adrenaline going.

Soundtrack:

Beside the realistic battle sounds, there is also the soundtrack of story-line videos. You can see right away that Blizzard tried very hard to bring realistic atmosphere, using experienced and "Hollywoodly" actor voices.

Negative rumors:

Where ever there is a bright side there must be a dark side. Many players report that the game is too short for its value. But that is a total nonsense!

Game is short if you play to win objectives and finish the missions using straight-forward tactics. But the game has much more to it, there is a ton of side challenges and locked upgrades which are sometimes very hard to unlock. A whole other world is Starcraft 2 Multiplayer which uses built in ladder system where you can post your achievements and update other player on your success. Multiplayer is fun and intense and may hook you up for couple of months at least.

Summary:

If you love strategy games or even if you are familiar with the original Starcraft, this must be your next purchase. Blizzard created another great PC game and it is offering great support for all new players. We would recommend it to all Blizzard, RPG and single-player, online multiplayer fans, who loved games as: Age of Empires series, C&C Red Alert series and a ton of other strategy games.