While the version of the game at PAX was still considered “Internal Alpha”, it didn’t stop a massive line from forming in front of the multiple monitors with a playable build of the game running on them. The fans reaction to the game was overwhelmingly positive with the general agreement of what was available simply being described as “it just feels like Star Craft.”
But this isn’t to say that SC2 is simply a rehash of a good game. From speaking with Blizzard, the game itself has undergone many large changes since the original display in Korea months ago. Some of the more notable changes include large game play changes to new units such as the Protos Mothership, which is now a support unit. Its offensive power was heavily toned back and it was given the ability to “teleport” the Protos army making it an effective support unit, but hardly the game unbalancing offensive power it was originally shown to be. Also the Zerg Queen is being redesigned as a super defensive unit that is effective on the Creep, however far less effective when it leaves the Zerg base. Essentially the super units are no longer the final word in games of Star Craft 2, but instead effective units that are designed to blend with their armies more effectively.
Another issue that i inquired about was the potential for a monthly fee for “BattleNet” (Star crafts online system). At the moment it was undecided if there would be a required monthly fee for use of BattleNet, however they were quite excited to talk about the large number of new features that would be built into the new version of BattleNet. Amongst them included Online profiles, stat tracking, an official tournament system (as well as player created tournaments), support, and a far improved matchmaking system that would use the previously listed items. They were quick to state that if there is a charge for BattleNet, it would be well worth the players money not only for the improved community functions, but the online support that it will provide.
On the note of BattleNet, one of the functions they listed was the community support. The primary being the ability for users to have a centralized means of uploading new maps for other players to download. In addition to maps, Blizzard reps made mention of the potential for players to have user created skins for their army, and possibly the potential for editable end movie sequences including using user created skins to be applied to the end movie sequences and user dubbing of the voice acting and sound. Once again, this ties in to the new BattleNet system where player created mods and add-ons will be available for upload and download to its users, justifying the potential cost of the new BattleNet System.
At the moment however, they did not have a definite answer on the question of a monthly charge for BattleNet, or if a monthly charge will even be required, or a release date. Considering that the build was called “internal Alpha” meaning it is not even in Closed Beta yet shows it might be some time more. However, if what i played is only considered an alpha build, then i can only expect good things in the future for Star Craft 2.
Chris Hori
Tags: Star Craft 2
