StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Preview

Once my Barracks was complete I accessed its build menu to start queuing up some Marines for defense but this is where I got my first real surprise. While the Marines were available to purchase, I noticed there were several other units that (of course) required upgrades and new building to access. The surprising part was two add-ons available to build on the Barracks itself. One allowed me to produce two of the same units at the same time while the other offered the ability to build a new, second unit. Admittedly, this is a wonderful strategic choices and at such an early point in the game. The trick, of course, is that you are only allowed one add-on per building. So, your play style and strategy can be different right from the get go, even when playing against the same faction.

Most of your other buildings hold similar little surprises as well. While this was very overwhelming for me at first, as I was franticly trying to digest what these new additions would do for me and my plans, I was hoping my opponent was in the same boat, thereby buying me some precious time to build up defenses. I muddled through the best I could, cranking out Marines, Siege Tanks, Bunkers and a few missile turrets just in case of an air borne attack. By a stroke of good luck I had chosen the correct upgrade and got access to the mighty walking Thor mech (for lack of a better term). No sooner had I put two Thors out at the edge of my base did a swarm of Zerglings come rushing up the ramp to my right followed by a small herd of Hydraliysks as well. Luckily, my bunkered Marines and Thor were able to shred the small rush but I had to start repairs before I could pat myself on the back.

Keep off the grass, will ya!

Sure, it's always about the money, isn't it?

After a few minutes a small troop of what looked like slightly off colored and misshapen marines came into my base. I had no idea what they were and was unable to target them. They quickly scouted my base and few moments later burst into piles of goo. This was not good. As I tried to improve my defense suddenly a swarm of flying Zerg swooped in and began picking apart my ground defenses. Long story short, (and to be frank it was not long) my base was a flaming wreck. All that was left was for him to come in and mop me up. The game gave us the usual summary and I realized that I had forgotten another hallmark of StarCraft: build fast, expand quick or die (Aye, from I heard, that's completely true - Vader). I had done a miserable job. I would like to put the blame on this being my first match in the multiplayer Beta but I knew what the real answer is: I have grown lazy playing RTS games over the last 10 years. Put the blame on me or on the watered down, lackluster releases that have been put out, but it's clear, Blizzard is once again, not pulling any punches.

Other games followed but I am now more pumped than ever for the release of the game. While multiplayer is one aspect that I have always enjoyed with StarCraft, I also really enjoyed the single-player missions. And since not all the units from the single-player game are in the multiplayer component, it should only extend that experience all the more (until the inevitable patch or expansion to enable them of course.)

The Beta is currently showing that it will end on June 27th so this gives us about another month to explore the new features and try to hone some skills before StarCraft II ships. Of course, patches, updates and changes are still coming on a regular basis so even if you do not get a chance to participate in the Beta, don't think you'll be too far behind the 8 ball come July 27th. In the meantime, the excitement builds as the clock counts down.