First Looks// Starcraft II - Closed Beta

Just like the first game, it's the race you choose to play as that will dictate the strategies you are going to have to use, as well as combating the traits of the race your opponent has chosen.

The Terran forces are still very much the all-rounders, a wise choice for newcomers to the game and anyone who hasn't played the original in some time. The Zerg are still masters of the swarm, with the ability to build an attack force at an alarming rate if not kept in check at all times. The Protoss are masters of warp technology and aerial combat, with a large array of air units at their disposal.

Each race plays a very different game but Blizzard has done a good job of making the three, very unique races balanced. No one race dominates another and there is always a strategy you can use to counter their strengths. Obviously there are a few little quirks at the moment, but that is what beta is for, to find and iron them out.

Finally, let's go over the graphics. Like the impressive BattleNet service, these have had a major overhaul. While this is hardly surprising - it is well over a decade since the original – the excellent new look has been lovingly accomplished.

All the reoccurring units are easily recognisable, the new ones are fully in keeping with their race, and all of the structures look like they belong. You are even able to zoom right in for a close look at your base and units in all of their glory. This, however, is something I suggest you do in playback rather than the main game, unless you want to get an ass-kicking while looking at the eye candy.

However, don't think that all this means you will need to have a hyper-powered gaming rig to be able to play the game. In keeping with Blizzard's ethos when it comes to gaming, it has made SCII as good looking as possible while also making sure it's playable on as many machines as possible. On a lower-spec machine? Just turn some of the settings down and it will run smoothly.

So, what is my overall opinion on StarCraft II in it's beta phase? Well, what I've played so far is excellent!

Smooth gameplay, nice clean interface and good graphics. This game is a joy to play, even when I'm taking a good old fashion ass-whooping. I'm looking forward to Blizzard adding the single player campaign, which promises to be great if this beta is anything to go by.


Now that I have all of my opinion out of the way, I have managed to arrange a treat for you. The guys at Blizzard have agreed to answer some questions about the game for next month.

What makes this different to a normal Q&A is that I have arranged for all the questions to come directly from you, the reader!

That's right - simply email the questions that you want me to ask the team to feedback@spong.com using the subject line 'Blizzard Q&A'. Do this before the 25th of March, and I will send them to the development team to get as many of them answered as possible.

Any questions received after March 25th will not be sent on to Blizzard.

DrunkenGamer is the lead reviewer over at Thirteento1.com