StarCraft II Review – LAN-Unfriendly
Text by Richie Setiawan
Which PC gamer in this world has never heard about StarCraft, one of the most popular real time strategy PC games ever existed? No one, it’s likely. The original version of the RTS game made its way into becoming a global hit all over the world. As a result, countless numbers of PC gamers have been anxiously waiting for the sequel to launch when Blizzard announced StarCraft II some time ago.
It has been a pretty long time – 12 years to be exact – since Blizzard released the prequel to the global PC gaming communities. Therefore, when Blizzard revealed that there is going to be a StarCraft II, the enthusiasms that arouse are very understandable in fact. Besides, the original StarCraft has successfully acquired loads of fans that still play the original game even as this article is being written.
With that being said, most PC gamers must have been expecting a lot to enjoy in the world of StarCraft II. Needless to say, the excitements offered by the original game are some of the things that StarCraft fans will not want to lose. Yet, since there are lots of excitements available in StarCraft II, let’s go through them one after another.
First of all, let’s have a look at the LAN feature. The LAN – short for Local Area Network – feature has always been one of the main strengths that came with the original StarCraft game. As a matter of fact, thanks to the LAN feature, more and more PC gamers happened to try and eventually fell in love with StarCraft. However though, for some reasons known only to Blizzard, the fabulous game maker is not offering any LAN capability in StarCraft II despite the long wait by fans of this particular RTS PC game.
When it was first announced that StarCraft II will not come with LAN capability, Blizzard received a great number of critics and complaints from StarCraft fans. Fans even started petitions. If we do some researches on Google to find out about StarCraft II petitions, countless results will normally appear. So, how does Blizzard respond to this?
In spite of what most people might have thought of, Blizzard does not seem to care even the tiniest bit about it. The company insists on not making it possible for gamers to play on their local network. Instead, if gamers are to play multiplayer mode, they will have to join Battle.net which seems to be the future multiplayer portal of Blizzard games.
Unfortunately, at this point of time, it is not yet possible to merge RealID from WoW – World of Warcraft, also a game by Blizzard – as well as other Blizzard games. This is rather disappointing considering that Blizzard actually revealed that this would be possible. Well, perhaps it will at some time in the near future.
Another thing about Battle.net is that Blizzard will hold all future competitions here. With that being said, gamers will have to give all they have when they play here, even if they simply play in quick match mode. This is because their performances will be ranked against other players globally.
One thing that may sound interesting is that Blizzard currently offers Facebook search function. As its name may have well implied, this function is used to find those of our friends on Facebook who also play StarCraft II – or at least possess the game. OK, enough about multiplayer, LAN and Battle.net. Let’s now check out which clan gamers are to play in StarCraft II.
Well, just like the original version of the StarCraft game, gamers will still be playing the clan of Terran, Protoss and Zerg. However, unlike the original in which all clans can be played within one single game, Blizzard has instead divided the sequels according to the clans.
The currently available StarCraft II is the one entitled “Wings of Liberty”. In this sequel, gamers will be playing only the Terran clan. As mentioned earlier, the next 2 clans will become available for play as soon as Blizzard releases the other 2 sequels.
However, even though there is simply 1 clan to play with, gamers can still expect thrilling and exciting adventures. The story of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty begins with the appearance of Jim Raynor as a gruff alcoholic due to the rebellion process against Arcturus Mengsk. This Mengsk conquers the Terran Dominion. Only, Mengsk is a corrupt emperor.
There are also worth-watching cut-scenes, rewards and amazing voice acting. All these elements add to the appeal of the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. Better yet, there are additional narratives as well. Gamers can choose from dusty building outside Raynor’s starship to Hyperion and more as they explore the amazing world of StarCraft II. Gamers can also explore various areas and talk to numerous characters giving the sensation of RPG games. Also, when gamers complete missions, new units or buildings will be available but this will depend on the mission gamers choose. Of course, upgrades need no questioning.
If all those stuffs can’t even give gamers satisfaction just yet, Jim Raynor can now hire mercenary units. They act as elite versions in battle and may turn out pretty useful. One thing that is interesting about StarCraft is that there are always upgrades and customizations available here and there but more of them are to be found by you as the gamer so as not to ruin the surprises Blizzard has prepared for gamers.
Even though StarCraft II – Wings of Liberty and the other 2 sequels alike – may lack LAN capability, the title is – still – worth consideration indeed especially by those who favor real-time strategy games. One thing is for sure, StarCraft is a legendary title and it may be so once again. Thus, it is worth trying to play the title.
Friday, 1st October 2010
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