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Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty | 
| From: Blizzard Entertainment
Category: Video Games
List Price: $59.99
Buy New: $49.99
as of 7/31/2010 11:29 EDT details
You Save: $10.00 (17%)
New (28) from $49.99
Seller: Marius Stene
Rating:  653 reviews
Sales Rank: 1
Format: DVD-ROM
Platforms: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X
Genre: real_time_strategy_games
ESRB: Teen
Media: Video Game
Edition: Standard
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Operating System: Windows XP
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.3 x 1.6
MPN: 72838
Model: Starcraft II: Wings
UPC: 020626728386
EAN: 0020626728386
ASIN: B000ZKA0J6
Publication Date: July 27, 2010 (New: This Week)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Fast-paced, hard-hitting, tightly balanced competitive real-time strategy gameplay that recaptures and improves on the original game | | • | Three completely distinct races: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg | | • | Units and gameplay mechanics distinguish each race | | • | 3D-graphics engine with support for visual effects and massive unit and army sizes | | • | Full multiplayer support, with competitive features and matchmaking utilities available through Battle.net |
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| Accessories:
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Starcraft II PC
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 653
 There Might be a Unicorn Inside this Game July 27, 2010
JamesA
118 out of 173 found this review helpful
Here you go. By now, I'm sure there are two types of people reading the WoL reviews:
1) People who are legitimately seeking to examine the product; or
2) People looking to bash Blizzard for facts and knowledge that they were aware of (or should have been) nearly six months ago
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Multiplayer:
The core truth is that Wings of Liberty, after several hours under my belt, does not seek to break any innovations in multiplayer. The isometric view is back and you really feel much of the time like you are playing a souped up, incredibly detailed version of the first blockbuster game. That being said, for those of you who haven't played SC1, great painstaking detail has been made to accentuate the "counters" of each race, and Blizzard has easily put as much intelligence into balancing SC2 as they did in SC1. If you're not aware, SC1 is regarded as such a complex, deep, and balanced game that tournaments still regularly occur overseas in countries where E-sports are more readily accepted, such as South Korea. It is true that Blizzard requires access to their Battle.net system to play online, but this was announced months prior. Aside from people who seem to be still playing on 28.8 modems (which could surprisingly play SC1 fluidly...), this shouldn't be much of an issue. Maybe you might need to make sure to have a switch with enough ethernet ports for your pals, but it's not a gamebreaking problem.
That being said, this isn't your daddy's B.net. Blizzard has made efforts to make the new Battle.net a one-stop hub for gaming. With just a click of a button a player can switch to multiplayer, open the map editor, play campaign, or chat with friends even on other Blizzard games, or if you just want to brush up on some knowledge you can even review tech trees and in-B.net help files. It's very much like Steam in its fluid integration with each of its features, but far more focused and easier to get to (as you're not dealing with hundreds of games here, just a select few).
The standard map modes are available, custom maps which offer more flexibility than ever introduced before (there are first-person shooter maps already...), an intricate ladder system which aims to place you against like-skilled players, and non-competitive play if you don't want to play in a ladder game.
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Single-Player (Campaign):
It's been known for over 3 years that Blizzard intended for this to only be the Terran story. While some may consider this a money-grab as it's unlikely that the additional games would add much perhaps beyond a few extra units (they are, after all, mini-expansions in their nature). However, while Blizzard admittedly stated they haven't intended to innovate their multiplayer which was already known across the world, the single-player campaign has been altered incredibly. The story is engaging and voice-overs are done expertly. In-engine cinematics occur between every level and offer the opportunity of the player to even talk about things outside of the campaign; for example, in an early mission while protagonist Jim Raynor and his old friend Tychus Finley are inside of a dusty bar, a player may click on Raynor's old badge for a snippet of character information, a picture where they detail zerg "hunts" for sport, or even change the jukebox tune. These "hubs" change often throughout the game and offer different features, such as unique upgrades which are available solely to the single-player experience from the minor to the major, from adding to the range of units in a bunker to even dropping building requirements for the unit's production.
While disappointing to a point, certain units from SC1 (or new) appear specifically in the campaign. Stated to be removed for "balance reasons," it may knock off veteran SC1 players' socks off to see that in campaigns the Medics are still functioning. These models are just as slick as the "official" multiplayer units, and offer incredible fodder for the creative people who create Blizzard custom maps.
That being said, the single Terran campaign is non-linear, offers far more features and hours worth of gameplay than any previous StarCraft campaign. Just from a sheer numbers perspective, not only is this campaign fundamentally better by virtue of the increased polish/story/detail, but it is over two and a half times long in the "required" missions (26). This is not a money-grab. To merit a full Protoss and Zerg campaign of this length could increase the installation from its already sizeable 12gb to the 30+ range, a size which would even dwarf many World of Warcraft installations, and be worth far more than the oft-protested $60 range.
Oh, also there's an offline mode. A few negative reviews have made it their point to get the point across that there isn't one so they can't take their laptop on the road and play campaign and against the AI and yadda yadda. There is. This just seems to point to me that many of the reviews that are low are disingenuous, merely trying to skew numbers based on some perceived shortfall that in truth was explained sometimes years ahead of time.
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Common Elements:
Okay, so maybe this isn't a DX11 game using incredible tesselation, but it's a game that should work on computers that were top of the line at least within a few years. The graphics seem even better than they did during the closed Beta period and carry the spirit of the original game beautifully. Void Rays look like a work of art with their focused lasers, the crisp animation of a furious Zergling are beautiful, and even the lowly SCV is overhauled and worth zooming in on more than one time. You'll be a week into online play when you notice how incredibly unique every death animation is, and even be floored by the change from SC1 when you see that there are visual changes to units upon certain upgrades (for example, when the Zerg "Roaches" gain the ability to tunnel underground, sharp spikes protrude out of their flesh).
The audio, OH THE AUDIO. Blizzard has always been known for incredible in-house composers, and this is no exception. From the building introduction screen to the race-specific songs which always seem to queue up at proper times, they truly get the player in the right mood, be it exploring his secret wish to be a scavenging space cowboy or a sanctimonious, disciplined alien. It's beautiful, it's monumental, and it almost makes me wish I paid the $40 for the collector's edition just for that soundtrack (not to the mention the art book which I'm sure is amazing, based on my prior experience with other Blizzard art books).
Cost:
Okay, I'm sure this is buzzing around like a bee up a few people's skirts, but here's the skinny. This pricing is, unfortunately, on par or less than what console players enjoy. In addition, the price was likely altered based upon the issue of Korea, a staunch supporting country of StarCraft, wherein players do not pay for the software but instead may purchase a lifetime subscription for the price of the software, or game-time based plans so they may play in internet cafes. While I'll admit, yeah, I'm cheap, and yes, I winced a little when I was handed my receipt knowing that I'd not be going out to eat for awhile to make up for it. However, I also knew that this was one of those rare gaming situations where I knew I would be playing this game for years; far more gameplay than the average game these days offers without snippets of unsatisfying DLC.
The pure issue is that many people feel privileged, and if you truly want this game I don't think $10 is going to stop you. Those who rally against the cost come off to me as particularly elitist; there is far more in this package than you'll see in much else this year.
Conclusion:
In truth, StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty is honest gamemaking at its best. Blizzard Entertainment hasn't set out to break the multiplayer mold: no one has been able to follow their breed of gameplay for over 12 years since the first StarCraft, so why ruin a good thing? The campaign is incredibly deep for being part of a RTS, and I'd argue is one of the best stories being told in gaming today with a competent bevvy of voice actors, artists, and overlords watching over it from deep within the Blizzard blockbuster-factory.
StarCraft 2 is like the recent trend of car manufacturers to take old muscle cars and rennovate them for the 21st century. You're going to be able to recognize it, sit in the seats, and get that same feeling of pure enjoyment from when you were a kid and sat in it for the first time, but when you turn on the engine it's clear that it has a whole new bag of tricks.
-James A.
Don't listen to the haters. Worth every penny. July 30, 2010
CollinsAx
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I played SC/Brood Wars off and on since it was released and I've been looking forward to SC2 for years. I played the multiplayer beta for months and have been doing the campaign pretty much non-stop after work until 3am every night since it was released. SC2 has met and gone beyond every expectation.
The missions are detailed, interesting, and as difficult as you want to make them. The achievement system is challenging and drives you to jump in and explore the whole new system and world Blizzard has created. It has expanded from just building up an army and blowing things up, to following story lines, choosing your missions and unit/tech advancement that make the campaign a totally different experience than the multiplayer.
Speaking of the multiplayer, the new [...] is incredible. The matching engine has been phenomenal. For me at least, it always finds a challenging yet equal leveled player. Even when you lose you think, "had I just done a couple things differently I could have won." Those kinds of experiences are great for learning and as you play you get better and try out and see different techniques. The leagues and ladder system is an incentive to play and get better and is fun to watch yourself climb the latter and join higher leagues. I love to view and compare my opponent's statistics and see their achievements. The built in replay system is another major improvement. It's extremely helpful to have replays of all your matches and be able to review them to study the timing and tactics. The changes in [...] would have been worth the $60 alone.
I've only heard 3 complaints: no LAN, lack of chat rooms (there are lots of personal and party chat features), and the game feels incomplete without equal campaigns for Zerg and Protoss. How many LAN games have you played in the last 5 years where you didn't have access to the internet? I can personally think of 3 and when you recognize the benefits of having everything connected to an online system that tradeoff isn't even a question. To invest tons of more time and effort into supporting that you lose time and energy to put into the game details itself. I say leave it out. 2. Lack of chat room in [...]. I personally found the chat rooms to be annoying, but others liked them, I'd be willing to bet it gets a patch to include them before years end. The last item is one I read a lot about and can't understand and that's people feel somehow ripped off by not having the other 2 campaigns. It's simple there is enough material and experience in this one game than both SC and Brood Wars combined. We have no idea what Blizzard is going to release with the next 2 games, I'm confident though that if it's the same cost, they will include enough to make it worth it, if they don't, it won't cost as much as the current one does. I don't think even Blizzard knows how much it's going to cost or include. So why freak out about it now? Bottom line, the campaign is enough to cover a stand alone game. Expecting that kind of detail X3 would be like asking someone to build you a house and then ask if they can build it 3X larger for the same amount of time and money.
When you figure people spend $10 for 2 hours at the movie theater, $60 is a small price to pay for the hours, days, and years of entertainment this game will offer. Worth every penny and I'm excited to see what Blizzard has up their sleeve for the next 2 installments.
StarCraft 2 is a full game, no matter what whiners say July 30, 2010
Rory
[...]
Don't take the word of the 50+% of people complaining about a game they haven't even PLAYED - read from ArsTechnica - they're a wonderful tech-news blog.
I love this game!!! July 30, 2010
Danisme (Culver City, CA)
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
I am enjoying this game so much. I haven't been engrossed in many games recently, but I can't stop playing this one. Everyone is complaining about [...], but I like the system, it allows me to talk to my friends who play World of Warcraft. Call me crazy, but this is a great feature, because I don't have to log into a game I'm sick of to talk to my friends. Also, I can chat with my closest friends, the ones who I allow to have my e-mail address. I don't have a problem with that at all.
The game itself is so fun. I'm surprised that I'm finding myself going back and playing the missions on different levels of difficulty. That is something I almost never do. They've pieced together the story very well, so it's actually engaging and progresses. I'm finding it to be interesting in that it sort of teaches you how to play the game a bit at a time, to prepare yourself for the online matches. Rather, I'm probably not prepared, because I'm sure I'll get pawned.
I can't say enough good things about this game. It's starting to make me a Blizzard fanatic, after World of Warcraft. Now they've created two games that have become sinkholes for my time, but I appreciate the quality of their efforts.
Perfect! July 29, 2010
Aaron Martin (Ridgecrest, Ca, USA)
7 out of 12 found this review helpful
Never in my life have I seen so many whiny little bitches!! How many of you "one star" reviewers actually played the game? How many of you actually verified the things you've been hating on, not just copy and pasting what others have typed?
I HAVE played the game and it's amazing. The amount of time the team took to balance the factions, polish the graphics, and keep the feel of the original Star Craft has really paid off. Even the haters who have played the game can agree on this much.
That being said, my thoughts on the major complaints being launched at what really is the best RTS out on market right now:
No Spawn: People are actually complaining that they can't give free copies away to friends! Seriously how absurd of a complaint is this? I didn't know how easy a game is to steal factors into its rating.
No LAN: Anyone who has actually set up and played with their friends on a single internet connection knows that not only does the game run just fine, but we also get personalized rewards and such that gets saved to our own profile. How many people who have tried getting a group together really, I mean REALLY, feel that this makes the game unplayable?
Not The Full Game: People have it in their heads that Blizzard had a finished game that was chopped into thirds at the last minute in order to get three times the amount of money. First off: Was anyone who bought the game caught off guard by this; it was announced more than a year ago! Second: What if instead of the above mentioned scenario, SC2 was actually a FULL GAME with two kick ass expansions? Is there really a SC fan who is pissed the game is now three times longer than expected!!! Oh, and who can prove that the expansions are going to be $60? And if they are, who can prove that they're not going to be worth it? How about we just rate the game for what it is now? Crazy, I know!
Battle Net Woes: Was the Battle Net process really that difficult to sign up for? It took me 2 minutes while my game was installing. Let's take a second and think of all the other horrible PC DRM crap we had to slog through the last few years to play the games we love. Think of the shady programs that other companies have forced us to install that keep tabs on us in the background. BNet really isn't that bad is it? And for those reviewers who are comparing this to STEAM: Really now? I'm not going to take the time to get into this one; it really is that dumb of a comparison.
Pay Extra For Maps and Units: Rating the game for something that's not even out yet, again. All I have to say is if people are willing to pay more money for extra things like these, then it just goes to show how GOOD the game is! Make sense?
Blizzard's Greedy: How long have they been working on this game? Can anyone else think of another game that deserves to be $60 considering the amount of money that went into this? After such a large investment, isn't it reasonable to try get back what you put into it? If this game came out six years ago, is there anyone who doubts it wouldn't have made a ton of money? That's what Blizzard would have done if they truly were greedy after all!
Can't Play Offline: Yes you can. You wont be able to sign in your online account (duh!), but you can still play the game offline.
Well that felt better. If you're a gamer, buy SC2. Don't miss out on the best RTS ever made because of trolling, internet sheep. See you on the battlefield!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 653
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