StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty

StarCraft returns with its
latest instillment.

Synopsis:

     Its been 4 years since the events in StarCraft: Brood Wars and the dust has finally settled in the Koprulu Sector. With Zeratul scouring the galaxy in search of Protoss survivors and the Queen of Blades withdrawing her swarm, things have been fairly quiet for the Terran forces. Having been branded a terrorist and traitor to the Dominion by former renegade-turned-emperor Arcturus Mengsk, human hero Jim Raynor has been biding his time and licking his wounds. After the return of an old friend, it isn't long before Raynor and his crew take to uncovering Xel'naga artifacts for the mysterious Moebius Foundation in exchange for money to fuel their efforts of taking down the Dominion. To make things more interesting, the Zerg have come out of hibernation, and fueled by the ruthlessness of Sara Kerrigan, have also set their sights on securing the artifacts for themselves. As events unfold it becomes apparent that an ancient prophecy is at last coming to fruition, culminating in the return of the Xel'naga and the destruction of all life in the galaxy.

     StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty is the latest installment in the StarCraft series, and boasts just as much, if not more reasons to convert new gamers to the growing cult that is Blizzard fandom. Nearly 12 years since the release of Brood Wards, its obvious Blizzard has taken the StarCraft we knew and loved and has evolved it into something entirely better.

Siege tanks are introduced on a level
where ranged firepower is a must

     Featuring a non-linear storyline, players command Raynor's Raiders as they traverse the galaxy; saving colonies and collecting alien artifacts. Each mission unlocks a new unit specially tailored to the mision objectives. On a volcanic planet with steep walls, the cliff-jumping Reapers are introduced, while on an ancient world inhabited by the quick-moving protoss, concussive gernade wielding Marauders are added to the pool of available units and prove to be invaluable.

     WoL is only the first chapter in the three-part StarCraft 2 story, focussing mainly on the Terran race. With plans to release the first expansion Heart of the Swarm in roughly a year and half and the second expansion Legacy of the Void set to make its debut 18 months after that, Blizzard is making sure to tempt and tease fans just as long as they can stand it.

Plot development generally takes
place in impressive cut scenes before
and after each mission.

Appearance:

     One of the best things about a game made over a decade after its predecesor is the amount of new technology available to developers. By utilizing an entirely new game engine than the earlier incarnations, Blizzard was able to deliver both vivid in-game graphics, and detailed cut scenes; effectively killing two birds with one pretty awesome stone. What was once told through two units standing around on a terrain map talking has now become a fully-rendered cut-scene. Its jaw-dropping to think that the same in-game engine that brings a Protoss Nexus to life is also used to show a glass bottle shattering and whisky spraying everywhere in a cantina fight.

The Hyperion as it struggles to make
its way through a Zerg attack

     Like any game worth its bytes on a hard drive, WoL includes several CGI cinematics that are unlocked as the storyline advances. Unlocked cinematics and cut-scenes are then able to be watched again through the review computer located onboard the Hyperion, something that is bound to get plenty of attention. Seeing the Queen of Blades unleash a psyonic storm on Zeratul as they talk about the coming of the Xel'naga is likely to become a cinematic most gamers will want to replay again and again. 

Fans of the original StarCraft will
revel in the revamped appearance
of some familiar units

     Returning units from the earlier StarCraft games have been visually revamped, a nice treat for anyone aware of the familiar but now-outdated critters. Aside from being great to look at, seeing the newly rendered units seems to shed some light on the previous StarCraft incarnations: its now clear what developers intended for things to look like all along. Ultralisks are now rendered with an impressive if not terrifying four frontal blades while Battle Cruisers attack through visually stunning cannon blasts, mirroring fiery rain that crushes just about everything it happens to hit.

One particular level players must drill
through a Xel'Naga temple door as
Protoss assault their base

Game Play:

     As a military RTS, players' major focus is to strategically use units to accomplish varying mission objectives from mining crystals between lava surges, to destroying buildings before the Queen of Blades can get to them. Being a non-linear campaign players will be able to choose which mission they want to complete first but will have to deal with the repercussions. Choosing to ignore a distress call and instead hunt down another artifact will result in players having to eventually answer the plea for help, only this time the refugees they would have rescued are now Zerg zombies that have to be destroyed.

Through completing optional
objectives, players earn research
points that can be spent on an
array of things.

     Between missions, players spend time on the Hyperion, the former flagship of the Dominion liberated during the events in Brood Wars. While on the ship players can spend their time talking to crew members, listening to exclusive StarCraft music, or playing Lost Viking, a Space Invaders-esque arcade game with a StarCraft twist designed to give gamers a sometimes much-needed break from the stress of saving the galaxy. Also available on the Hyperion are the Laboratory, Armory, and Mercenary Contractor, additional ways to customize gameplay through the purchasing of new abilities, structures and units that ultimately turn the tide of a battle.

Units such as the Protoss Colossus
prove to be just another way to
turn up the strategic volume

     With the introduction of new units such as the Terran Hellion or the Protoss Colosus, the tactics available in WoL are limitless. Players will spend hours, if not days and weeks trying to master an all purpose strategy that is destined to change with each encounter.

Don't Change a Thing:
     Blizzard once again has succeeded in releasing a game that truly meets its rigorous requirements. With amazing graphics, jaw-dropping cinematics, and a compelling storyline that will have players on the edge of their office chairs, WoL is just shy of perfection, but still the ultimate taste of nerd nirvana.
     Along with the release of WoL came Blizzard's debut of the new BattleNet system, an online gaming network like none other. With a smarter ranking and quick-match system, compatibility with other Blizzard games, and ability to be linked with social networking sites like Facebook, being a recluse is no longer required to be a dedicated gamer.

A Zerg invasion. Pretty frightening
to behold as it is, gamers can't help
but wonder how it might have looked
as a CGI cinematic

Should Have Spent More Time On:
     While four CGI cinematics would have been more than enough for its predecessors, a game that takes an average of 26 hours to beat could have used a couple extra chucked in, if only to quell our geeky cravings. This would be the only grievance, however. Blizzard took their time to release something that would live up to gamer expectations, and once again has shown us why they are one of the leading names in virtual entertainment.

Just How Homo:

Jim Raynor and Matt Horner
exchange a long glance as they
discuss their next course of action

     With a crew comprised almost entirely of men, Blizzard has done an impressive job of creating a virtual hunk for just about everyone. From the mysterious voodoo using assasin Tosh to the ex-convict Tychus Findlay, most will find a guy they want to see more of. Surprisingly this time around however, the digital stud most likely to have gaymers drooling wont be the story's main protagonist Jim Raynor but rather his trusted second in command Matt Horner. With his smooth voice, chiseled face and piercing eyes, players might wonder why Horner has to be the only crew member decked out in full military garb, and why he can't just opt to wear something with a little less material and a little more form-fitting.

With Achievements for just about
everything, players might find
themselves spending countless hours
in pursuit of the value-less points

Own it or Rent it:
     Own it. Even if it were possible to rent a computer game, WoL is easily worth the money. Blizzard has pulled out all the stops to really push the standards of gaming up several notches. As if the enthralling campaign wasn't enough, players will have the chance to earn achievements in both the campaign and during multiplayer matches on BattleNet, an ingenious way to boost the game's already extremely high replay value. Achievements can then be displayed on gamer's profiles, decorating the page quite a bit and providing a good amount of street cred. The only downside to owning WoL will be the reminder that we still have over a year until we see the latest and greatest from the Koprulu Sector, but its a pain that can easily be repressed by building an armada of battle cruisers and taking it out on some unsuspecting noob somewhere.