Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty

 PC
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3772 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,975 out of 3772
  2. Mixed: 410 out of 3772
  3. Negative: 387 out of 3772
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  1. ChristianS.
    Jul 30, 2010
    9
    While disappointed in the fact that the other two races were not included in the first game and that the price was high, I like playing from Jim Raynor's perspective. And while not a huge departure from the first, it is so polished and smooth that I find myself rather enjoying it.
  2. OndrejD
    Jul 30, 2010
    9
    Great game, best RTS since original Starcraft. Only bummers are region lock and optimalization on Mac (had to use bootcamp to play it reasonably), but hopefully this will be fixed soon. Campaing is great, multiplayer is for me the best online experience ever.
  3. ChrisE.
    Jul 30, 2010
    9
    As old Blizzard RTS-"fan-boy" (since Warcraft I) I was of course anticipating this for many years. And now, it has finally arrived: A great game, but unforuntately with some flaws which hurt me a little bit. The Multiplayer is withouth doubt, great fun. The Singleplayer offers very good mission design, great cinematics and a very interesting story mode in between the missions. The graphic As old Blizzard RTS-"fan-boy" (since Warcraft I) I was of course anticipating this for many years. And now, it has finally arrived: A great game, but unforuntately with some flaws which hurt me a little bit. The Multiplayer is withouth doubt, great fun. The Singleplayer offers very good mission design, great cinematics and a very interesting story mode in between the missions. The graphic design is good (as far as I only play on my netbook, it should not be any better anyway :)) The weakness of the singleplayer mode, is unfortunately, the one thing that Blizzard could best in the past: THE STORY. Starcraft I had a great story with many surprising twists. Warcraft III had very great characters and a very interesting Story. But all the SCII story does is fullfilling clichees with boring and unemotional characters... But still: it is a great game worth its money, and the best RTS you can get at the moment.… Expand
  4. ARanly
    Aug 1, 2010
    9
    CJ Henry, that may be true, but there's no doubt that this game has polish and refinement written all over it. Original and innovative in improving the same old formula, yet uninspired in overhauling the foundation, its what Blizzard does best.
  5. NjoiF.
    Aug 1, 2010
    9
    Yes this is without a doubt an amazing game. An amazingly crafted campaign and extremely well balanced multiplayer make this the best rts experience this year. The only problem with this game is that blizzard had to compromise on the graphics in order to have a game that will run on almost any pc. Fortunately you can compensate for not so great graphics by playing it in stereoscopic 3d, Yes this is without a doubt an amazing game. An amazingly crafted campaign and extremely well balanced multiplayer make this the best rts experience this year. The only problem with this game is that blizzard had to compromise on the graphics in order to have a game that will run on almost any pc. Fortunately you can compensate for not so great graphics by playing it in stereoscopic 3d, like i do.… Expand
  6. BenF
    Aug 2, 2010
    9
    The good of the Old, The Spice of the new, but -1 on the score because the macro manage has not been made easier after so many years. it all comes down to keyboard & MVP it seems. Albiet a fun way to micro macro! no other game makes me want to learn how to use a keyboard with RTS as much as SC2.
  7. nwhaxyz
    Aug 4, 2010
    9
    Excellent single player campaign - there are some really nice levels, which can be replayed multiple times in different ways and difficulty (if only to get the achievements). The "secret level" is here -again . Kudos to Blizzard for not concentrating only on multiplayer. Though some missions in the later stages of the game, lack balance due to upgrades and units you buy - depending on the Excellent single player campaign - there are some really nice levels, which can be replayed multiple times in different ways and difficulty (if only to get the achievements). The "secret level" is here -again . Kudos to Blizzard for not concentrating only on multiplayer. Though some missions in the later stages of the game, lack balance due to upgrades and units you buy - depending on the way you progress and the choices you've made, these can make your life really easy on the hard difficulty. Very little about the missions that can be criticized. Some occasional crashes and slow-downs (a vivid example is the last mission with Zeratul). also some low-res textures in the cinematics and the only minus in the sound section worth mentioning IMHO, is that simply Tricia Helfer is not Glynnis Talken (the difference here is very notable and not in the right direction).… Expand
  8. AParsons
    Aug 5, 2010
    9
    Dont listen to the total haters out their its clear that they have something in their bonnet with either Blizzard or SC2 and having played all the single player I would say these people have not really played the game much or at all. What you get with SC2 is a great but shortish single player campaign where you play from the Terran side or miore exactly Jim Raynor's Rebels. The story Dont listen to the total haters out their its clear that they have something in their bonnet with either Blizzard or SC2 and having played all the single player I would say these people have not really played the game much or at all. What you get with SC2 is a great but shortish single player campaign where you play from the Terran side or miore exactly Jim Raynor's Rebels. The story line is fun though with a lot of humor and a few bits of cgi thrown in the rest of the story cut scenes are from the games engine. Again people claiming billion of hours of cgi really are miss informing you. The other two races single player stories are going to be covered in the next two expansions so you will have to buy too expansions to complete the whole story line. However SC2 main strength is not the single player campaign its the multiplayer where the true strengh of the game really lies and that side of play is really good fun you get split into different leagues after taking part in 5 placement matches so you will be facing people of your own skill level. The multiplayer is very fast paced with all the races being fairly well balanced yet playing in totally different fasions, matches can range from 1v1 roo teams of 4v4 or even Free for all matches and with the quick find functions of B.net you will be quicky to find a match most the time. You have too remember that SC1 is concidered a national sport in Korea and SC2 looks like it will replace its aging brother so expect a very high level of play in the top leagues. With players being able to earn upto a six figure sallary this game really can be concidered Pro Gaming. The down side of all this is that SC2 requires you to have internet access in order to play even the single player which can be a real downer if Battle.net is down for whatever reason because you will not be able to play the game at all. Also you can not lan this game at all. Still all in all this is as good as an RTS gets at the moment.… Expand
  9. JoeM
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    Lake of LAN play, no new race, and no Zerg or Protoss campaign bring the score from a 10 down to a 9. However I didn't know it was possible but they took the original Starcraft and made it MORE fun to play. The game is VERY fun. Lots of new units and strats. People that rate the game low are just bitchy because they have slow computers or think the few problems I mentioned above Lake of LAN play, no new race, and no Zerg or Protoss campaign bring the score from a 10 down to a 9. However I didn't know it was possible but they took the original Starcraft and made it MORE fun to play. The game is VERY fun. Lots of new units and strats. People that rate the game low are just bitchy because they have slow computers or think the few problems I mentioned above should drag the score down more.… Expand
  10. JustinG
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    The game is every bit worth they hype and although some elements are missing that you might know from other RTS games, it brings a fresh revitalized feel to the whole RTS genre and it is true to Starcraft. You have to have a really great state of the art video card to play the game at the highest resolution and detailed settings, it also takes 12GB of install space.
  11. PelleS
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    Solid, quality next-gen Starcraft. Tactics are solidly upgraded over the first version (i.e zerging isn't rewarded as much as before), it looks beautiful, and remains as intense and well-balanced as ever. For all those whining about frame rates and graphics...get a computer that doesn't suck.
  12. LoganR
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    Let me say right off the bat that I'd been one of the many beta testers for this game. As such, I've made myself very familiar with the game's balance and design decisions, so I know what will be in the game in future patches and what won't make it. I'm suprised at the few hyperbolic low scores here... the game has been out for one day, and some of the problems Let me say right off the bat that I'd been one of the many beta testers for this game. As such, I've made myself very familiar with the game's balance and design decisions, so I know what will be in the game in future patches and what won't make it. I'm suprised at the few hyperbolic low scores here... the game has been out for one day, and some of the problems are on the user end, it seems. Additionally, people seem to think that this is 1/3 of a game... however, the campaign is just as long as that of a full game, and is much more robust than the original and most other current gen strategy games. Rest assured that it is not short on content. This is a fun game, and a challenging one at that. Some people might feel that Blizzard didn't depart from the original enough, but this is intentional (i.e. don't break what isn't broken and don't alienate the eSports community). The current level of balance between the races is good, but Zerg are a little under the weather (though my favorite). Chat channels and clans are coming, so don't fret too much about their current absence. Keep in mind that most games (PC) ship with many bugs and balance issues to work out, especially one with so much weight in multiplayer. The first Starcraft was no different, and was relatively light on graphics cards and servers. Give this game a month or two and it will be at full force. Until then, enjoy a very good game.… Expand
  13. DonL
    Jul 31, 2010
    9
    Power overwhelming! This game rocks. Rather than attempting some kind of high-concept, new style of RTS, Blizzard has stuck to their roots and changed virtually nil from the original Starcraft. Just added a few new units, a much improved campaign, and one extra dimension. The third one, that is. As in 3D. I don't mean we get to visit another dimension. Don't let me give you that Power overwhelming! This game rocks. Rather than attempting some kind of high-concept, new style of RTS, Blizzard has stuck to their roots and changed virtually nil from the original Starcraft. Just added a few new units, a much improved campaign, and one extra dimension. The third one, that is. As in 3D. I don't mean we get to visit another dimension. Don't let me give you that impression. Because we don't. And talk about beautiful! It's gorgeous and gritty. I was afraid, and I'm sure many of you have shared the same apprehension, that the Blizfags in all their stupid wisdom would adopt Warcraft's cartoony visuals for the Starcraft sequel. But let me assure you: not really. I mean, it's sort of cartoony. Like, the medics have these huge medic shields that don't really make any sense, but for the most part it's perfectly fine and adult-looking. If your girlfriend looks over your shoulder, you won't be embarrassed. That is, if you have a girlfriend. Which you don't. Anyways. Great game! What happened to the Sunken Colonies and Lurkers? I mean seriously. . . WTF happened to the Sunken Colonies and the Lurkers? Instead of the Sunken Colonies, the Zerg get some kind of huge, giant, flapping dildo-tentacle that snaps ground units in the face. You heard correctly. Ground units. . . get bludgeoned in the face. . . with a giant peeney-weeney. I guess that is kind of an incentive to stay away from their base, though, isn't it? Who wants to rush the Zerg base only to get cock-slapped? Fuck that dildo-slapping tentacle bitch. Great game, though! Dark Templars have Darth Maul scythes. There's a unit called the Omegalisk which is basically four-and a half Ultrulisks in one. You can't make it. There's a Jamaican Witch Doct. . . I mean, Ghost. Raynor shoots a huge, beautiful plasma TV that probably cost a few grand with his revolver like a dumbass. The Xel-Naga are a playable race. Just kidding.… Expand
  14. JoolzL
    Jul 30, 2010
    9
    To CJ Henry, That an unfair rating and you know it. And if you don't then here's why, that's not a game rating. Thats a personal bitch because it doesn't delivery on YOUR expectations. The gameplay is fluid and familiar, the races are individual and unique from one another. The interactive menues (aka The Hyperion) add a great element to the story. You can skip the non To CJ Henry, That an unfair rating and you know it. And if you don't then here's why, that's not a game rating. Thats a personal bitch because it doesn't delivery on YOUR expectations. The gameplay is fluid and familiar, the races are individual and unique from one another. The interactive menues (aka The Hyperion) add a great element to the story. You can skip the non essentials completely or explore them to be rewarded with a deeper look atthe characters. There is SO much good in this game. To rate it low because it doesn't support your favored play style (LAN) or because it has a story instead of empty fighting for the sake of fighting is simply petulant. Also so say this game is "supposed" to be a tournament game is just shortsighted. It's an RTS with a deep history and massive following, the fact that it's developed into a mass passtime doesn't define it. For me this game has been well worth the wait, brilliant… Expand
  15. SamE
    Aug 1, 2010
    9
    This game is absolutely amazing. It delivers everything that is promised, from an epic campaign, to engaging multiplayer that will keep you hooked for a long time. Although with or without this review, you already know if you're buying it or not. Also, to those naysayers, they all seem to be made their computer can't run it or hold personal vendettas against Activision. Facebook This game is absolutely amazing. It delivers everything that is promised, from an epic campaign, to engaging multiplayer that will keep you hooked for a long time. Although with or without this review, you already know if you're buying it or not. Also, to those naysayers, they all seem to be made their computer can't run it or hold personal vendettas against Activision. Facebook integration in fact does not mean it updates your facebook with what you're doing in StarCraft 2. It just means it's easier to find your friends who have Battle.net accounts. Do a bit of research before you whine and complain.… Expand
  16. TimM
    Aug 2, 2010
    9
    Blizzard aimed to topple the original as the gold standard for RTS and succeeded admirably. Great graphics and stellar sound. Although "Wings of Liberty" provides a story-based single player campaign for the Terran faction only, that campaign is rich and deep, with some non-linear elements and considerable replayability. The single player campaign is comprised of 29 story missions, up to Blizzard aimed to topple the original as the gold standard for RTS and succeeded admirably. Great graphics and stellar sound. Although "Wings of Liberty" provides a story-based single player campaign for the Terran faction only, that campaign is rich and deep, with some non-linear elements and considerable replayability. The single player campaign is comprised of 29 story missions, up to 26 of which may be included in each play through (based on the player's decisions). Mission variety is superb, as each mission offers unique goals and obstacles, including some genuinely original and exciting scenarios. Rounding our the single player options are a series of "Challenge Modes", 9 stand-alone levels designed to teach advanced RTS tactics and test experienced players' acumen. Multiplayer components are both familiar and engaging. Starcraft 2 debuts Blizzard's "Battle.net 2.0" online functionality, with built in matchmaking, leagues, statistics, and chat. Smartly, Blizzard has included Facebook integration to allow players to easily add online friends to their in-game friends lists for multiplayer. Gameplay consists of the same 3 classic factions from the original, with many units from the previous game returning with new abilities alongside a host of new units. Balance is excellent, although the early game focus (known online as Blitzing and Rushing) may frustrate newer players. If Starcraft 2 has faults, they are likely to be found deep in the pedigree itself. Starcraft 2 remains an "old-school" RTS, with plenty of base building, resource gathering, and hands-on unit control. The trappings of modern RTS's are not present, and players accustomed to the features of newer strategy games may find themselves fustrated by the level of micromanagement the game demands. While faction balance is nearly flawless, the multiplayer relies on an elaborate structure of so-called "hard counters": units which trump specific other units. Slow build times and deep tech trees can mean that, at all but the highest levels of gameplay, even if you see a particular attck coming well in advance you may still be helpless against it. Adding to the frustration, the aforementioned Rush and Blitz strategies predominate competitive multiplayer, forcing both players to go "all-in" within the first minutes of a match. Despite these minor annoyances, Starcraft 2 remains one of the best RTS games available today. This is a must-have for any fan of the genre.… Expand
  17. MatthewH
    Jul 27, 2010
    9
    Looks at all the evolutions of the RTS (which I also love) and says "Actually, Starcraft was good enough then and it's good enough now". Throw in some counter related tweaks and you have some great gameplay coupled with great presentation. Sure, I'll miss my squad based commands (looking at you DoW and CoH) but I can accept that Starcraft is simply a different type of game and Looks at all the evolutions of the RTS (which I also love) and says "Actually, Starcraft was good enough then and it's good enough now". Throw in some counter related tweaks and you have some great gameplay coupled with great presentation. Sure, I'll miss my squad based commands (looking at you DoW and CoH) but I can accept that Starcraft is simply a different type of game and all are thoroughly enjoyable.… Expand
  18. Michael
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    People with complaints about balance have a baseless argument since patches will fix it. People with complaints about performance can turn settings down. People with complaints about how it's 1/3 of the game clearly don't that its multiplayer experience has near endless replayability. The only valid concerns are the prices (and yes, the expansion prices as well) and the lack of People with complaints about balance have a baseless argument since patches will fix it. People with complaints about performance can turn settings down. People with complaints about how it's 1/3 of the game clearly don't that its multiplayer experience has near endless replayability. The only valid concerns are the prices (and yes, the expansion prices as well) and the lack of LAN play, since there IS and offline mode if you can't connect to the internet.… Expand
  19. AlexK
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    I played the original and never finished the single player due to its high difficulty. I
  20. JeffW
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    Really, really good... I wish you could give 9.8, but oh well! Doesn't quite get the full 10 from me, I would have liked to have seen maybe a little more innovation and new material, otherwise it has a flawless interface, engaging strategy, and just hard enough on normal to satisfy!
  21. JoeE
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    Simply amazing. I was in both phases of the beta, and the finished release version is just awesome. The level of detail in the single player game, so many hidden little bits of awesomeness, is astounding. Issues with RealID, lack of LAN play, lack of battle.net chat channels aside, the Game here in SC2 is damn good. And this is just the first of 3!
  22. BLB
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    Great game. Don't understand what people are complaining about "not getting a full game". They get 30 missions in singleplayer and MP to boot. In the first Starcraft, you had 30 missions total between all the factions (10 each). This time around, you're going to get 30 in each expansion to come. I'm loving this game. I wonderful return to the classic game, with a new twist. Great game. Don't understand what people are complaining about "not getting a full game". They get 30 missions in singleplayer and MP to boot. In the first Starcraft, you had 30 missions total between all the factions (10 each). This time around, you're going to get 30 in each expansion to come. I'm loving this game. I wonderful return to the classic game, with a new twist. Great buy if you love new RTS games that play like a classic. Wonderful!… Expand
  23. RodM
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    This is the ultimate RTS game. Period. Out of all the negative comments there is one stating the only reason why I won't give this game a 10: Lack of LAN play. Horrendous decision. Also ugly to deal with BNet for anything multiplayer, but other than that, the game is very well balanced, tweaked, detailed and thought out. Definitely a worthy successor of the legacy.
  24. BlazeN
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    I played the original when it came out, and I gotta say i'm loving the sequel. I havent played online, but I have heard of some online balance issues, but that'll likely be fixed in short order like all of Blizzards RTS'. I gave it a 9 though because the Vulture was replaced by that god awful hellion. That may seem like a minor gripe, but I looooooove the Vulture.
  25. NikE
    Jul 29, 2010
    9
    People who have been calling out the balancing: No, you're just awful if you think the game has bad balance. Terran Mech is slightly OP but overall the game IS VERY VERY well balanced ( trust me, I'm a random Diamond league player, I know what the f*ck I'm talking about), there is a good reason blizzard spent so much time with the beta. Also to anyone complaining that the People who have been calling out the balancing: No, you're just awful if you think the game has bad balance. Terran Mech is slightly OP but overall the game IS VERY VERY well balanced ( trust me, I'm a random Diamond league player, I know what the f*ck I'm talking about), there is a good reason blizzard spent so much time with the beta. Also to anyone complaining that the multi-player is too Micro-based apparently you have never heard of IdrA, the Macro King. Guess what: he does JUST FINE in SC2 and already has a few 1st and 2nd place finishes in slew of different tournaments. Storyline is quite pathetic, but then again the plot in nearly every video game are simplistic, awful or cringe-worthy melodramatic.… Expand
  26. TheNoise
    Jul 31, 2010
    9
    With companies ruining the RTS genre by taking RTS elements out of gameplay a la Dawn of War or Company of Heroes (expansions), Blizzard comes out with what even the RTS purists would call a perfect strategy game. First and foremost this is a multilayer game, it is not for the weak as you will be crushed online. So be prepared to lose. But if you are prepared to learn and practice you With companies ruining the RTS genre by taking RTS elements out of gameplay a la Dawn of War or Company of Heroes (expansions), Blizzard comes out with what even the RTS purists would call a perfect strategy game. First and foremost this is a multilayer game, it is not for the weak as you will be crushed online. So be prepared to lose. But if you are prepared to learn and practice you will have the time of your life with this one. Multilayer retains all the qualities of the original Starcraft while polishing the interface even more. This is a perfect competitive RTS game. I have two gripes with the game though which is why it doesn't get the full 10 from me. Lack of LAN support may not be such a big issue except that because of the segregated region launch it is impossible to play the game with people from other continents. This limitation could have been resolved had blizzard included the LAN option (by use of a VPN or Ethernet bridge). For a game that is supposed to be the end all be all competitive RTS game it is a pretty serious omission to exclude LAN play. I understand the decision was motivated by the rampant piracy on PC but not including LAN does more to hurt paying legit customers then it will do to combat piracy. The other issue has to do with the privacy. Once you are on Battle.net there is no way to hide your gaming habits from your friends/family. If you invite someone to your battlenet messenger you can't go invisible. It is a pretty basic feature Blizzard failed to implement. Because you can only have one character on Battlenet you are pretty much forced to buy another game if you want to play ranked matches anonymously. I think $60 is a fair price for this game as it has a potential of providing countless hours of entertainment. Even the solid single player campaign, challenge system and achievements offer many hours of game play. The game lives up to the hype! For any RTS fan or a hard core gamer this game is a must have, despite it's issues which I hope will get resolved by Blizzard.… Expand
  27. steven
    Aug 6, 2010
    9
    I had a chance to watch someone play this game and it looks amazing. Blizzard did not make the mistake of overhauling gameplay for the next chapter in the story. An upgrade in graphics, engaging storyline and the introduction of new units is plenty to spike the interest of a RTS fan.
  28. Luki
    Aug 11, 2010
    9
    Not many games made me spend so much time there - this does. Single player is really nice, mult really much fun. Only bad thing is high price but well, blizzard know how to make profit...
  29. Googoo24
    Aug 12, 2010
    9
    It kills me when people promise an objective review, yet slap the work in question with a 0. But I digress. The title in question, SC II, is a superlative piece. Is it revolutionary? No. However, if you were even remotely interested in this product before its release, you probably already knew this. What you get is a refined game that gets a lot of things right, and is unapologetic aboutIt kills me when people promise an objective review, yet slap the work in question with a 0. But I digress. The title in question, SC II, is a superlative piece. Is it revolutionary? No. However, if you were even remotely interested in this product before its release, you probably already knew this. What you get is a refined game that gets a lot of things right, and is unapologetic about retaining an established format. Is this a bad thing? In my humble opinion, no. It's refreshing to play a strategy game that isn't desperate to skew its perspective, or mimic other recent RTS', for the sake of innovation. Is it safe? Perhaps. But the product is so refined, who cares?

    In regards to the campaign, it gets a lot of things right. This is what the original DoW II campaign should have been like. The missions are diverse, the story is strong (albeit cheesy at times), and the experience, as a whole, is very entertaining. The productions values, per usual Blizzard, are excellent. The game world is vibrant and detailed.

    MP, per usual, is good. However, unlike a majority of games that toss fresh meat into the fray with no support, SC II goes out of its way to accommodate inexperienced players; even assigning them to specific leagues. Is the absence of LAN or chat a big deal? I didn't care, but maybe some one else will. Also, the game ships with a intuitive map editor that is fun to toy around with, even if you aren't creating anything. I can only imagine the works art members of the community will present in the near future.

    The big question is the game worth $60! YES! Rarely do games come this refined and bug free.    … Expand
  30. nvnick
    Aug 12, 2010
    9
    Really 'effin polished. Great strategy, I always wanted to start starcraft but was never motivated as everyone was so good and I hated the graphics. Now SC2 is the only game I'm playing. You don't need to play the first but check the summary of the story if you want so that you'll understand the story more for the second. Better than average cinematics, solid gameplay and lots of onlineReally 'effin polished. Great strategy, I always wanted to start starcraft but was never motivated as everyone was so good and I hated the graphics. Now SC2 is the only game I'm playing. You don't need to play the first but check the summary of the story if you want so that you'll understand the story more for the second. Better than average cinematics, solid gameplay and lots of online fun. Polished to hell, no bugginess! What a relief.… Expand
  31. Oberon
    Aug 13, 2010
    9
    Starcraft 2 started out a bit slow but picks up the pace very quickly. Game play is pretty much exactly the same as Starcraft with just a few new features and improvements for the most part. The game feels very balanced and the single player campaign has a host of different difficulty settings for amateur to hardcore players. Soundtrack is great and the game really feels like starcraft andStarcraft 2 started out a bit slow but picks up the pace very quickly. Game play is pretty much exactly the same as Starcraft with just a few new features and improvements for the most part. The game feels very balanced and the single player campaign has a host of different difficulty settings for amateur to hardcore players. Soundtrack is great and the game really feels like starcraft and not simply a pretender. Story is excellent continuation of the saga although some of the dialogue is a little "action movie" like, this is what you would expect from a terran only campaign. The new features such as the ability to move around on your command ship and speak to characters, different mission choices which influences some of the sub plots and overall cinematic feel really add something extra to the game from the previous one. The game isn't perfect though but it is a great continuation of the starcraft series and a worthy sequel. Now there is only one frustration left. When is Heart of the swarm coming out?!… Expand
  32. Snippy
    Aug 14, 2010
    9
    This game is fun. Plain and simple. Sure there's no LAN for all the crybabies, sure, and I did hear it was rehash-y (StarCraft, the original, doesn't work on my computer). But come on! It's a good game. It's well designed and generally entertaining. Also, the people complaining about the expansions are plain stupid. Expansion packs are fun! No one's forcing you to buy it! So, I ask youThis game is fun. Plain and simple. Sure there's no LAN for all the crybabies, sure, and I did hear it was rehash-y (StarCraft, the original, doesn't work on my computer). But come on! It's a good game. It's well designed and generally entertaining. Also, the people complaining about the expansions are plain stupid. Expansion packs are fun! No one's forcing you to buy it! So, I ask you people to stop being wet blankets and embrace what Blizzard has given us.… Expand
  33. LarryMay
    Aug 14, 2010
    9
    One thing about this game is that the balanced nature of all the sides. With so many sides competing on such a large scale, man o man. Starcraft 2 strategies are formed by the minute. I am currently taking professional help at http://starcraft2-strategies.com
  34. bigdaddy84
    Aug 17, 2010
    9
    Now I don't understand people CONSTANTLY whining about "$60? omgwtf??" and "its the same game with better graphics". I agree LAN is important and with it this game would have been a 10/10 but why the whining about the price? If you can't afford it, don't buy it and shut up. If you havent noticed, everything and everyone in this world is driven by profits. It's that simple. And yes, theNow I don't understand people CONSTANTLY whining about "$60? omgwtf??" and "its the same game with better graphics". I agree LAN is important and with it this game would have been a 10/10 but why the whining about the price? If you can't afford it, don't buy it and shut up. If you havent noticed, everything and everyone in this world is driven by profits. It's that simple. And yes, the gameplay is a lot like SC1 but its not the same game. There are many new units which completely change the old strategies, upgrades, and a pretty impressive campaign (compared to most of the RTS games out there). SC1 was a great game and I bet if they had made a totally different SC then these same people would have been whining "They destroyed StarCraft QQ". What do really want from SC2? Bikini clad girls jumping out from the screen and into your laps? If you havent played this game please do not give it a low score and then justify your stupidity by saying things like "I gave it a 0 to offset all the 10s" .. Bottomline - SC2 is a fun RTS game and blizz has done a great job with BNet 2.0. Yes it may not deserve a 10 but its certainly not a game worth "0" points. Get a life.… Expand
  35. medun412
    Aug 18, 2010
    9
    The years of waiting worth it all the way.Everything is just the way a gamer,loving the first version.Starcraft 2 is the right successor.The cinematics,the way they are part of the game,not the boring motions we are used to watch,tapping the Esc button for them to stop getting us bored.No other words from me.Complete 10,just like the good old Starcraft.
  36. fuwaneko
    Aug 19, 2010
    9
    Polished, balanced and very detailed game. Everything is just good. The only problem is that SC2 is very repetitive and old-school. Nothing really new comparing to the first game. Anyways, it's a new cybersport discipline for a long time now. That is what Bliz aimed for. If you're nostalgic - buy w/o thinking. If you're SC1 multiplayer fan - buy w/o thinking. Others probably will bePolished, balanced and very detailed game. Everything is just good. The only problem is that SC2 is very repetitive and old-school. Nothing really new comparing to the first game. Anyways, it's a new cybersport discipline for a long time now. That is what Bliz aimed for. If you're nostalgic - buy w/o thinking. If you're SC1 multiplayer fan - buy w/o thinking. Others probably will be disappointed. I would prefer something where more thinking and less clicking required.… Expand
  37. Bonisaur
    Aug 25, 2010
    9
    There's a reason why renowned critics have given universally favorable reviews for Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty. It is simply one of the best PC gaming experiences out there, ever. With the "selling out" of many games to the more popular console system, there are very few companies left which truly devote the resources which the PC deserves above a console game. Blizzard, along with aThere's a reason why renowned critics have given universally favorable reviews for Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty. It is simply one of the best PC gaming experiences out there, ever. With the "selling out" of many games to the more popular console system, there are very few companies left which truly devote the resources which the PC deserves above a console game. Blizzard, along with a few other developers such as Sid Miers, are the last standing frontier of PC gaming out there.

    The campaign from Wings of Liberty throws thirty-some missions at the player, with several additional mini-games or challenges thrown in the mix. There are a plethora of achievements. Although some users might complain that it's not "complete" since it only features thirty missions, the story and plot come to a climactic close, not just some cliff-hanger to sell the next expansion.

    Graphics are good, but not anything great; Blizzard, for most part, caters to hard core gamers, except here, where they allowed WoL to run on a range of specs. Music and sound effects are grade A, it doesn't sound recycled from the past game and the sounds as well as voices are unique to the units and the characters you meet throughout your adventures.

    Multiplayer is what truly caters to the needs of the hard-core. It's been intensively balanced, and has a new style of match making as well as a revamped Battle.net 2.0. Leagues and points systems attempt to ensure that players play against those of equal skill level or so, with the chance to play greater skilled opponents in order to promote into another league. Starcraft 2 has a great community; as of now, much of the DotA company (rude and mean) has not moved over into Starcraft 2. There are many new players who picked up the game who were dedicated WoW fans, but generally, they are mannered. The forums, as well as spin-off fan sites, offer a plethora of ways to communicate with the community. A rising phenomena is the commentary of the Pro-gaming series, as well as novice and amateur commentary of one's own replays, or replays of friends. After the release of Starcraft 2, there was an increase in scamming and phishing attempts however.

    As for cons, there is no LAN, but fortunately there is offline play. You can have guests play on your computer, but only one battle.net account is allowed from a CD-Key. Zerg is never handled by the player; this leaves many new players playing Terran in multiplayer. You cannot change the set-up of the default keys (but there are four different sets including the original Broodwar setup) , but this is mainly to ensure an equal gaming environment.

    In the end, if you are a PC gamer, it's almost unlikely that you've never heard of Starcraft. I suggest any PC gamer play this game, as it truly is the sequel to the best RTS of all time.    … Expand
  38. Achtung
    Sep 1, 2010
    9
    very good game.
    one of the best RTS games I played lately. It is designed for players whp like fast action RTS games. I'm a turtle player but still like the game. The graphics and sound are good. The single player story is good. The missions are fun to play and have divers goals (not every time kil everything on the map). The multiplayer is as good as the original.
  39. Seraph
    Sep 5, 2010
    9
    An Amazing game that fans of the first game will love. The game plays very similarily to the first one but with a wide array of new features and units. Amazing story and cinematics as is to be expected from blizzard is always a plus. 9/10 for an amazing come back to one of the greatest games ever made.
  40. chris999
    Sep 9, 2010
    9
    Finished this game right down to all 3 achievements per mission - point is I really played this game. And the verdict? PROS: Excellent game and a worthy successor to Starcraft 1. It retains enough of the original Starcraft 1 look and feel so as to make you feel comfortable - and yet it is still different enough to be challenging and exciting. Graphics are bigger, more detailedFinished this game right down to all 3 achievements per mission - point is I really played this game. And the verdict? PROS: Excellent game and a worthy successor to Starcraft 1. It retains enough of the original Starcraft 1 look and feel so as to make you feel comfortable - and yet it is still different enough to be challenging and exciting. Graphics are bigger, more detailed and sparkle, especially if you have a good video card (I use a 9800GT). There are 29 missions overall and they are balanced excellent, always challenging, and the achievement system makes for great replay. Also, many new units added for all races, other units have evolved, lots of new stuff to learn. And you can rotate the game left and right a bit by pushing Insert & Delete buttons - definitely a much more 3D look to the game. Loved the plot, loved the cinematics. A lot of work put into this title - the usual Blizzard level of quality. CONS: Why I didn't give a ten is because of the need to always be online to play this game. I think maybe Blizzard has gone overboard in its efforts to stop piracy. Playing this game is like when you play a game thru Steam. Warning: If you are playing the game and Battle.net goes down, be aware that you can only get achievements if you are connected to Battle.net. And I wish they had allowed LAN play, but you can still play with friends or someone else at home thru Battle.net, you just create the game non-public and you each need your own battle.net account. Hoping the next installments to this title won't be too expensive, and am sure they will be excellent campaigns also.… Expand
  41. RMW_Critic
    Nov 19, 2010
    9
    I love this game. It has all of the fundamentals of an RTS while still keeping originality. Multiplayer is totally epic and the single-player campaign is even more brilliant. It's one of those games that you just have to pick up whether you are or are not an RTS gamer. It got me into RTS games and I recommend it to everyone. My only gripe is the battle.net 2.0. It is region locked so, as II love this game. It has all of the fundamentals of an RTS while still keeping originality. Multiplayer is totally epic and the single-player campaign is even more brilliant. It's one of those games that you just have to pick up whether you are or are not an RTS gamer. It got me into RTS games and I recommend it to everyone. My only gripe is the battle.net 2.0. It is region locked so, as I have, if you buy a game from overseas then you will have to connect to the overseas battle.net. Also no LAN support which got me really angry. Other than that, a great game.… Expand
  42. drbo
    Sep 29, 2010
    9
    While all turn based games lack the big adrenaline rush you get from 1st person shooter types, in its category Starcraft II lacks nothing. The missions are challenging, some very much so, and the growing stockpile of mercenaries and weapons allow for multiple and variable solutions to each episode. The story line is compelling and the action is moved along by the A.I. fluidly. Once playWhile all turn based games lack the big adrenaline rush you get from 1st person shooter types, in its category Starcraft II lacks nothing. The missions are challenging, some very much so, and the growing stockpile of mercenaries and weapons allow for multiple and variable solutions to each episode. The story line is compelling and the action is moved along by the A.I. fluidly. Once play begins you are engrossed in completing the mission(s) and the hours slip by unnoticed. This is an extremely satisfying game.… Expand
  43. bloodyjackel
    Oct 8, 2010
    9
    A great game, another great product made by blizzard.I wish the solo campaign was longer but it just makes me want the next one even more. Be prepared to constantly multitask when playing online matches, I would advise reading up on strategies and watching videos on you tube it helps. There is a custom made game for anyone online.
  44. theshonen8899
    Apr 19, 2011
    9
    If you loved the original Starcraft, I have no reason to believe you won't be amazed by Starcraft II unless you're really nitpicky. Starcraft II's new multiplayer is absolutely addicting and the new battle.net makes it fun to gather all kinds of achievements. The campaign might Terran only but it has enough content to justify a $50 price tag. That's where the problem comes in. The retailIf you loved the original Starcraft, I have no reason to believe you won't be amazed by Starcraft II unless you're really nitpicky. Starcraft II's new multiplayer is absolutely addicting and the new battle.net makes it fun to gather all kinds of achievements. The campaign might Terran only but it has enough content to justify a $50 price tag. That's where the problem comes in. The retail price is $60 (I believe is $50 now on Amazon as of this writing) and the online authentication is absolutely annoying. There is also no LAN, which isn't a problem for me because unfortunately my friends don't play anymore but I can see how it would be an enormous problem. I'm hoping these are just changes wrought by the Activision side of things (seeing as how they raped Infinity Ward). Nonetheless, this is an absolutely fun and addicting game which belongs in any Starcraft lover's hands.… Expand
  45. Bobaganoosh
    Oct 12, 2010
    9
    Tries too hard to be better than the 1st one and the multiplayer doesn't really do it for me. Don't get me wrong, i think it's a great game and I gave it a 9, but as a sequal, the multiplayer was a little dissapointing. They took away most of my favorite units and replaced them with less powerful units. The single player is fantastic, i really like how they set it up, so that reallyTries too hard to be better than the 1st one and the multiplayer doesn't really do it for me. Don't get me wrong, i think it's a great game and I gave it a 9, but as a sequal, the multiplayer was a little dissapointing. They took away most of my favorite units and replaced them with less powerful units. The single player is fantastic, i really like how they set it up, so that really saves them for my score, but the multiplayer just doesn't seem as fun for me as the original...which is the only reason i docked a point. i'd give 8.5 if i could though.… Expand
  46. ThoughtsinChaos
    Nov 19, 2014
    9
    All I could have asked for out of StarCraft 2, it has given me over the last 4 years.

    It gives me the same rush I had when playing the original and/or other classic RTS games from the 90s and early 2000s, but in a more refined engine where you're not having to fight the UI or able to exploit the game with turtling tactics. The skirmish multiplayer encourages you to be more aggressive    All I could have asked for out of StarCraft 2, it has given me over the last 4 years.

    It gives me the same rush I had when playing the original and/or other classic RTS games from the 90s and early 2000s, but in a more refined engine where you're not having to fight the UI or able to exploit the game with turtling tactics.

    The skirmish multiplayer encourages you to be more aggressive than previous iterations where strong defenses would win, meaning the game moves at a faster pace. This is perfect for people looking for a quick game that's also fun and requires some intuitiveness. The custom game/modding scene has also become more robust now, with 'slower' game options available like tower defenses and rpgs.

    Mind you, I would have immensily enjoyed SC2 even if the single player was a disappointment, but I know some people are more geared for the solo experience. SC2 does a much better job than the average RTS, giving the most cinematic experience possible and having story driven missions. Blizzard was ambitious as they possibly could have for the single player campaign.

    My only disappointments are very minor, like some missions not favoring creativity (especially on brutal mode), and the sound design not being as superb as it was in the original StarCraft. Lore buffs may also be able to poke fun at the "Blizzard cliches" that are used.

    If you are an RTS buff this game should be in your collection already. I've heard that some have avoided SC2 for psuedo-political reasons. It requires an online connection, which may be a nuisance to some, but LAN play in multiplayer games has pretty much been dead for a while. I applaud Blizzard however, for doing just about everything else right in regards to accommodating the player - updating the UI, improving the chat system, playable in multiple regions, balancing the game at a much faster rate than even the original. I don't always agree with the decisions they make, but if you're in StarCraft for the long haul like I am, you can trust that they will support this game until nobody is playing it (you can still even play the Battle.net 1.0 games).

    Try the Starter Edition and see if you like what you see.    … Expand
  47. WolfAngelFT
    Oct 14, 2010
    9
    Ok so Starcraft 2 Wings of Liberty aint anything new for RTS but hell do any of you know what it takes to creat flawless gameplay? I mean you all got to remember Starcraft was and still is one of their best works there wasn't a real need to change much. The graphics alone is what people wanted out of Starcraft and Broodwar. And not to mention Blizzard sets standards to the highest andOk so Starcraft 2 Wings of Liberty aint anything new for RTS but hell do any of you know what it takes to creat flawless gameplay? I mean you all got to remember Starcraft was and still is one of their best works there wasn't a real need to change much. The graphics alone is what people wanted out of Starcraft and Broodwar. And not to mention Blizzard sets standards to the highest and makes games that don't need tons and tons of patches. All those that give the game less than a 7 need to realize you put your standards too high. Why recreate the wheel on this beautiful game? ALL RTS's are just about the same no matter what. Look at all the Diablo games not much changed from Diablo to Diablo 2 or that matter of Diablo 2 LOD. Diablo 3 is going to be just about the same just better graphics, new characters, and maps. Starcraft 2 Wings of Liderty should get at least a 7 but I give it a 9 for the fact its beautifuly made flawless and the few new things it brings to the table for other RTS's out there need to compete with. Blizzard is the best company out there hands down and I barely play anyother games out there from other companies. In fact I want to work for Blizzard once I get out of collage because I want to set a new bar with RPG's/MMORPG's. Blizzard themselves ARE THE BEST!… Expand
  48. UsedRugs
    Oct 24, 2010
    9
    SC2 is the best multi-player RTS game out today. If you are looking for a fast strat game look no farther.
    It beats the socks off of C&C 4 which is a only half a game.
  49. Kaizoku2793
    Feb 14, 2011
    9
    Over 10 years ago I was introduced to Warcraft II. Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty is one of the best RTS money can buy but that doesnâ
  50. BubblegumImp
    Nov 26, 2010
    9
    After years of development, it's finally here. The visuals are sharp, the sound is punchy and the plot at the heart of the single player campaign does a fine job of setting the scene for the next installment in the planned SC2 trilogy. The multiplayer aspect of the first game remains one of the most highly competitive RTS titles in history and Blizzard saw fit to craft a sequel whichAfter years of development, it's finally here. The visuals are sharp, the sound is punchy and the plot at the heart of the single player campaign does a fine job of setting the scene for the next installment in the planned SC2 trilogy. The multiplayer aspect of the first game remains one of the most highly competitive RTS titles in history and Blizzard saw fit to craft a sequel which measures up to the lofty standards set by its predecessor. Fast, fun and functional... the only issues stem from some minor balance issues pertaining to the weakness of the Zerg species. However, Blizzard has already released numerous patches to address this issue and looks to continue supporting SC2 for the forseeable future. Starcraft 2 is here... and it's about time!… Expand
  51. Rosstickle
    Nov 25, 2010
    9
    Starcraft 2 is just the starcraft 1 on speed. That in itself makes it an awesome game, but after more than a decade I was hoping for something a bit more. I lost interest after about a month, mainly due to the fact i'd done it all before.
  52. Prosthetics
    Dec 24, 2010
    9
    Blizzard continues to astound with their support for the PC platform, and seem to have the exact opposite feelings held by their parent, Activision (Blizzard). It is nice to know that Blizzard still cares about quality of their products, and will take the amount of time necessary to ensure they release a great product. Sad that they feel that this game needs 2 expansions (likely to goBlizzard continues to astound with their support for the PC platform, and seem to have the exact opposite feelings held by their parent, Activision (Blizzard). It is nice to know that Blizzard still cares about quality of their products, and will take the amount of time necessary to ensure they release a great product. Sad that they feel that this game needs 2 expansions (likely to go for $40 in of themselves) to tell a full story, but at least this release is very well done.… Expand
  53. Omegamon
    Jan 2, 2011
    9
    I was a Starcraft nut when the first game came out and a number of years after. I used to play it all day with my buddies. So it is pointless to say that i had high hopes for this one. Also I cannot help but compare it to the original Starcraft. Gameplay: The gameplay is good, I think it's actually harder then the first one. A lot of variety and build choices. Speed seems to be theI was a Starcraft nut when the first game came out and a number of years after. I used to play it all day with my buddies. So it is pointless to say that i had high hopes for this one. Also I cannot help but compare it to the original Starcraft. Gameplay: The gameplay is good, I think it's actually harder then the first one. A lot of variety and build choices. Speed seems to be the governing attribute in terms of player qualities required to be proficient at the game, sometimes to the detriment of creativity. This makes established builds dominant especially in the early game, leaving experimentation valid only against weaker players. There seems to be a number of hard counter units in the game which make the rock-paper-scissors aspect of the game more visible. I wish game designers would grow out of this, as rock-paper-scissors is not a good base for strategy games, being a game of luck and all. Story: The single player story sucks big time, it's a generic, "I'm the good guy, the establishment is bad" kind of deal, which wouldn't be that bad by itself though. However the dialog sinks the whole thing as all characters pretty much spew banalities and talk to the camera. To me, the story is what seals my impression of the game. I guess this is what happens when professional writers have to come up with stories for games they are not nuts about. Also speaking of the single player campaign, it is very rigid and consists almost solely of "against the clock" missions. In my book, the single player campaign should allow the user to waste some time and "smell the graphics" and leave the time pressing aspects to the multi-player. Graphics: They are decent, functional, not over the top. Conclusion: Good game, but could use some help with the story which pretty much transforms it into a Hollywood "Pearl Harbor" kind of production.… Expand
  54. TastyOishi
    Jan 3, 2011
    9
    An extremely well polished experience. While lacking in some areas (Campaign). The online is something else, while fustrating as hell if you're new to playing online. I keep coming back for more.

    A really well rounded experience, which is fun too!
  55. Rael
    Jan 17, 2011
    9
    I think you should give three ratings of a game: one right away, one after 20 hours of play and one 6 months later. The average of my votes is 9, as you can see.
    StarCraft II delivers a great gaming experience, with some minor flaws (and I'm talking about the lack of LAN play and some online features) but great content anyway. Graphics are really notable, even if the system requirements    I think you should give three ratings of a game: one right away, one after 20 hours of play and one 6 months later. The average of my votes is 9, as you can see.
    StarCraft II delivers a great gaming experience, with some minor flaws (and I'm talking about the lack of LAN play and some online features) but great content anyway. Graphics are really notable, even if the system requirements are way too high right now: I would really like to see a new low-rez version of the client, because if you don't have a fairly decent (at least Intel Core Duo or AMD equivalent) processor and 4 gigs of DDR2 RAM, well, it's unplayable.
    Music is another really good point: the band performing the Terran soundtrack features Tony Levin and Jerry Marotta, two fairly known and very good musicians.
    As for the gameplay side, this games really is influenced by the eSports system, making it least complex and slow, and much more fast-paced, quick-thinking (HUGE battles take 10 secs at maximum), which may be either really good or really bad, but what I think is that this is good indeed!
    An absolute must-buy, but try to avoid paying 60 â    … Expand
  56. Gratson
    May 20, 2011
    9
    Fun game, and I don't even enjoy multiplayer RTS. I just played through the campaign, which I enjoyed a lot. The only complaint I have is that the campaign wasn't longer. It was well done, but it could have been longer. That's why I give it a 9 instead of a 10.
  57. Comradepinko
    Jan 27, 2013
    9
    This is easily my favorite RTS of all time, and I've played most major RTS games released in the past 20 years. All three races are very well balanced while still being extremely different, and as an E-sport this game is amazing to watch other people play. On top of a well balanced and entertaining multiplayer experience the single player campaign is also very well done. Choosing missionsThis is easily my favorite RTS of all time, and I've played most major RTS games released in the past 20 years. All three races are very well balanced while still being extremely different, and as an E-sport this game is amazing to watch other people play. On top of a well balanced and entertaining multiplayer experience the single player campaign is also very well done. Choosing missions and customizing your own forces gives an RTS campaign some of the feel of an RPG experience. On top of a great out of the box experience tons of player designed maps are available through Battlenet, providing players with an endless supply of additional content at no extra cost. As long as you enjoy RTS games this is a must have, and is a worthy successor to what I previously considered the greatest RTS of all time.

    The one downer is the lack of LAN play, which can be a pain for many players and ought to have been included to tournament play and for friends at LAN parties who shouldn't have to experience lag when playing against each other in the same room.    … Expand
  58. Coldspyros
    Mar 11, 2011
    9
    Very fun game. The online play is great, requiring a lot of skill and constant effort to actually get anywhere. The graphics are great, and all of the animations are very smooth. The game play is amazing, although I wish they could've added more units to online play, such as Black Archons, Medics, Dragoons, etc etc.

    Still, amazing game.
  59. thirdspaced
    Mar 15, 2011
    9
    Another great game from Blizzard! The story is engaging from start to finish. The character interaction between missions add to the immersion of the story. To criticize this game as not having evolved enough, is not giving this game any credit. I think many modern RTS games are just trying to reinvent the wheel in an attempt to prove they are different. They are adding features thatAnother great game from Blizzard! The story is engaging from start to finish. The character interaction between missions add to the immersion of the story. To criticize this game as not having evolved enough, is not giving this game any credit. I think many modern RTS games are just trying to reinvent the wheel in an attempt to prove they are different. They are adding features that are not always better. It is like if a company came alone and tried to improve basketball by making four hoops and three balls the standard.… Expand
  60. nopistons420
    Apr 19, 2011
    9
    this game is the real deal. its what a pc game should be; tons of user content, long and challenging single player experience, ranked competative online play, pushes the limits of even the best computers, highley tuned and tested, i was in the beta for over 7 months

    there is a reason blizzard is king of pc gaming
  61. LordOFlibertY
    Jul 8, 2011
    9
    StarCraft 2 must be in every single top 10 strategy game of all time or else the writer is lying. Now what makes this game so great? Balance.
    That's right, not graphics, not gameplay (though they are pretty good) but it is Balance that makes StarCraft 2 the most greatest strategy game. Unfortunatly my only critique is the lack of races to play in Campaign and no LAN option.
  62. Hoooooooar
    Jul 6, 2011
    9
    SC2 is rock solid, there is nothing more you can say about it. The gameplay is fun, the mods coming out are great, b.net is fantastic (although it is populated by a bunch of mutes, b.net use to be the true internet hate machine) I deducted one point simply because the story-line and graphics have been all asianed up. I think the jap animation graphics and story are hideous, was reallySC2 is rock solid, there is nothing more you can say about it. The gameplay is fun, the mods coming out are great, b.net is fantastic (although it is populated by a bunch of mutes, b.net use to be the true internet hate machine) I deducted one point simply because the story-line and graphics have been all asianed up. I think the jap animation graphics and story are hideous, was really hoping it wouldn't turn out looking like world of warcraft or warcraft 3, but it did. I suppose Korea is where their money and base is, so whadya gona do. Still gets a 9.… Expand
  63. Aodecim
    Jul 30, 2011
    9
    A worthy successor to the Starcraft series....The single-player campaign uses a new system that offers development and individual gameplay style progression with caters to RPG fans and RTS fans alike. The story was slightly drab but the mission scenarios were enough to keep the game entertaining. Combined with Blizzard's infamous map editor tools, this game's multiplayer functions areA worthy successor to the Starcraft series....The single-player campaign uses a new system that offers development and individual gameplay style progression with caters to RPG fans and RTS fans alike. The story was slightly drab but the mission scenarios were enough to keep the game entertaining. Combined with Blizzard's infamous map editor tools, this game's multiplayer functions are almost as limitless as Minecraft's creativity.… Expand
  64. Olivrar
    Sep 17, 2011
    9
    Starcraft II, where to begin? I've been reading all these negative and mixed reviews and they all go along the lines of something saying "Too many counters, unbalanced, too competitive, segregates community, pro's play pro's, newbies stay bad". My response to that? You're bad and you will stay bad.

    The multiplayer segment of Starcraft II isn't like any other RTS. People can cry all day    Starcraft II, where to begin? I've been reading all these negative and mixed reviews and they all go along the lines of something saying "Too many counters, unbalanced, too competitive, segregates community, pro's play pro's, newbies stay bad". My response to that? You're bad and you will stay bad.

    The multiplayer segment of Starcraft II isn't like any other RTS. People can cry all day saying how a unit or race is overpowered but they really aren't. When a unit is deemed overpowered, it quickly gets nerfed as metagame changes. This isn't some bullshi*t RTS where you get the super unit and you win, this is a game of pure wits and pure logical thinking, no one strategy or one unit will let you win. The time for passive RTS is over, Starcraft II brings thinking in an RTS to a whole new level.

    Furthermore, the way some of these negative reviews begin to post slander saying that "baddies stay bad, pro's stay pro" is pure nonsense. I bought this game about a month ago and this was the second RTS i've ever played, first being Age of Empires II many years ago. I eagerly did my ladder games and got placed into bronze. After many hours of dedication and hardwork, I worked my way up all the way to platinum. Newbies who join the game will not stay bad, Pro's will not stay pro. If you have a fickle mindset and can't be bothered to work at anything, you'll suck at this game and pretty much anything in life.

    It's harsh and it's true. Starcraft II multiplayer requires 100% mental focus and an extreme desire to play it in order to get better. Don't fool yourself into thinking you can get to a high league without work!    … Expand
  65. Hamez07
    Sep 25, 2011
    9
    Starcraft 2 is not anything new. It's not revolutionary. It's not new, it's not the first RTS. But it is the same as the last one. Starcraft was amazing and Starcraft 2 has shown that a game doesn't have to be any different to the last one to be amazing. The gameplay of Starcraft 2 is amazing, but not new. Blizzard have taken everything they did right in Starcraft and just improved on itStarcraft 2 is not anything new. It's not revolutionary. It's not new, it's not the first RTS. But it is the same as the last one. Starcraft was amazing and Starcraft 2 has shown that a game doesn't have to be any different to the last one to be amazing. The gameplay of Starcraft 2 is amazing, but not new. Blizzard have taken everything they did right in Starcraft and just improved on it for Starcraft 2. The game is amazing. The game does have its downsides though, The cut scene aren't very action pack and can be quite boring after a while as it is just talking but when you turn the pc graphics up to the highest, your PC will explode but in those few second where its just on fire you can see the beauty of this game. This game is so good, I cannot express that enough. The storyline is beautiful and it's full of amazing characters. The gameplay is amazing and so fast pace when you want it to be. This game is amazing and now Blizzard needs to get going with the next one, Heart of the swarm because one of these games every decade is not enough. I need more starcraft...

    Or Diablo 3...    … Expand
  66. MLGArcane
    Nov 18, 2011
    9
    I'm going to write a fair review... Something nobody on this site does. If you come to metacritic... DO NOT judge a game based on user reviews. Come for the critic reviews because I swear half the people on this site have no idea what they are talking about and give unfair reviews.. You can't take off 4 points because you thought the color of the grass wasn't green enough.. ANYWAYS, myI'm going to write a fair review... Something nobody on this site does. If you come to metacritic... DO NOT judge a game based on user reviews. Come for the critic reviews because I swear half the people on this site have no idea what they are talking about and give unfair reviews.. You can't take off 4 points because you thought the color of the grass wasn't green enough.. ANYWAYS, my honest opinion of this game is a 9.0. The campaign is very entertaining and well written. If you were a fan of SC1 campaign, no doubt you will enjoy this one as well. But, the reason why I bought this game was for online. This game is no doubt one of the best RTS games out there. The online is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had. The type of strats that people come up with always makes the game entertaining. I'm currently a diamond player, and I never get games that I don't feel challenged because the ladder system is very good at placing people around your skill level. The ladder system is by far one of the best ranking systems I've seen introducing an MMR and stigma system that properly ranks people where they should be. Starcraft 2 is just one of those game that any RTS fan MUST play. Even if you've never played an RTS, now it the time to start!… Expand
  67. killzon32
    Jun 11, 2012
    9
    One or if not the best rts games of this generation and will be so for a very long time.
    The story is pretty good single player is fun, Online is where it shines being one of the most competitive games of Esport's. This is the Juggernaut of Esport's.
  68. Kirase
    Jan 1, 2012
    9
    Release Date Jul 27, 2010 and i just take notice that i finished the campaign only one single time in this one and a half year and still do not feel like starting a second round. Honestly a bit unusal for a blizzard game. Anyways if you like rts just go and get it. Rts sure doesnt get much better than this. Problem about this game most likely only is that its standing in the huge shadow of SC1.
  69. Wargizmo
    Dec 1, 2011
    9
    Great game, played through the campaign twice now and would play again, the plot is fairly linear but the great characters, voice acting, gameplay and upgrade system more than make up for it. The multiplayer is extremely well polished with leagues and ladders and it's really easy to find a game. Then there are all the custom mods which add thousands more hours of gameplay. If I had to findGreat game, played through the campaign twice now and would play again, the plot is fairly linear but the great characters, voice acting, gameplay and upgrade system more than make up for it. The multiplayer is extremely well polished with leagues and ladders and it's really easy to find a game. Then there are all the custom mods which add thousands more hours of gameplay. If I had to find a flaw with the game it would be that some of the multiplayer features from other Blizzard RTS titles seem to have disappeared in this game, for example clan support and automated tournaments... The only people I would not recommend this game to are those who absolutely hate real time strategy games no matter what, for everyone else it's a no brainer, play it.… Expand
  70. doodles613
    Dec 6, 2011
    9
    This game is amazing. Unlike a lot of the troll complaints, the story is awesome, far advanced from the previous one, and much more advanced then I've ever seen from an RTS. I had to play through the story mode the first day I got it becuase I had to know what happened. I love how they worked in the unit customization so I was not forced to just use whatever new unit they gave me, and IThis game is amazing. Unlike a lot of the troll complaints, the story is awesome, far advanced from the previous one, and much more advanced then I've ever seen from an RTS. I had to play through the story mode the first day I got it becuase I had to know what happened. I love how they worked in the unit customization so I was not forced to just use whatever new unit they gave me, and I could use a consistent strategy throughout the maps. I also like how they worked in doing protoss missions, and the last protoss mission was an epic level, probably one of the best in the history of any RTS ever. This game has everything going for it, but I give it a 9 for being a bit choppy still online. I was in the beta testing, and it worked fine, but when the full version came out, it was not working as well anymore, so they have to add more servers or something to compensate for the amount of players on B-net.… Expand
  71. dionissos
    Dec 31, 2011
    9
    An excellent strategy game with a excellent gameplay and mechanics and a fantastic story. Blizzard has never done a revolution to the genre but he know hot to create a game.
  72. namDa65
    Jan 31, 2012
    9
    Warcraft 3, and Starcraft 1. Starcraft 2 surpasses both in every aspect from the campaign to the balanced multiplayer to map editing tools. The amount of custom game types that can come out of the custom map tools is simply staggering. One can lose thousands of hours in this iteration of starcraft. Buy it if you are a true pc gamer!
  73. Fugazi
    Dec 2, 2012
    9
    Was what I expected: good story, good gameplay... New battle.net is good I think, press button, wait awhile and enjoy game. Looking forward to HotS and continuation of story line.
  74. Miheil
    Feb 1, 2012
    9
    This is NOT just Starcraft with better graphics.
    Blizzard spent the time to innovate new units and making old units better. A great new gameplay from Brood war.
    Only let down is the slight imbalanced between the races in which Blizzard has fixed up quite a bit.
    Hopefully HOTS will fixed up the balanced issues.
    The story line of this game is also very intriguing if not a bit cliche at times.
  75. Krepost
    May 7, 2012
    9
    The epitome of all strategy games. The rush of the online gaming experience is unmatched in any other game period. The community is awesome. The graphics are awesome. The balance is awesome. If you even think you might like RTS games a little bit, shell out the money for this game. It never gets old, and never loses its shine. The trouble is that SC2 has a 90 degree angle learning curve,The epitome of all strategy games. The rush of the online gaming experience is unmatched in any other game period. The community is awesome. The graphics are awesome. The balance is awesome. If you even think you might like RTS games a little bit, shell out the money for this game. It never gets old, and never loses its shine. The trouble is that SC2 has a 90 degree angle learning curve, it takes a very long time to become good at it, so don't expect to be a pro in a week, if you want to become an expert, it will take time, or you can just be like me and fool around in team games in the gold league, nice and casual. There's a niche for everyone here, so I would say go and grab the game. It's awesome.… Expand
  76. Kosheus
    Feb 28, 2012
    9
    Technically the best classic RTS now. Best custom game platform too.
    But it lacks SC1 atmosphere=(. Also there is very stupid campain (storywise) with very interesting (IMHO) custommaps-like missions.
    Anyway, this is the state of art classic RTS.
  77. ChoicestGames
    Mar 3, 2012
    9
    Blizzard have taken the usual "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach and even though the graphics and gameplay haven't changed much, the epic and immersive sci-fi story more than makes up for it. Bring on the expansions (hopefully at a decent price)!
  78. Boltwork
    Mar 6, 2012
    9
    Very highly enjoyable. Even at low levels of play, each match is an intense battle of wits and speed. Not much needs to be said about the actual gameplay itself. One thing that still stands out to me to this day is just how clean and well developed the UI and controls are. It makes playing the game a pleasure.
  79. ElPitooo
    Feb 6, 2014
    9
    Blizzard did again awesome job. They done awesome strategy game with great storyline, which is one of the best in sci- fi genre. But thats not only thing which Blizzard did awesome. Awesome is soundtrack, where you listen classic country and rock music with epic tones in cutscenes. But there is other things, which are great, but that things I not going to tell, cause you must play thisBlizzard did again awesome job. They done awesome strategy game with great storyline, which is one of the best in sci- fi genre. But thats not only thing which Blizzard did awesome. Awesome is soundtrack, where you listen classic country and rock music with epic tones in cutscenes. But there is other things, which are great, but that things I not going to tell, cause you must play this game, for better understanding.… Expand
  80. selenta
    May 23, 2012
    9
    I wasn't that excited for this game when it first came out, I expected to play the single player and maybe a few coop games with friends and be done with it. I've now been playing it for over a year, and I still play it regularly. I probably watch more than I play these days, which is certainly a first for me with any game, in a good way.
  81. gruese
    Jun 13, 2012
    9
    A truly great game that still suffers from a few shortcomings. First off, Starcraft 2 is no doubt one of the most competitive multiplayer games ever. Blizzard supports this with good matchmaking and a ladder system that I have no qualms about. Due to the great editor that comes with the game, the community is heavily involved in making maps and custom games, and I have probably spent asA truly great game that still suffers from a few shortcomings. First off, Starcraft 2 is no doubt one of the most competitive multiplayer games ever. Blizzard supports this with good matchmaking and a ladder system that I have no qualms about. Due to the great editor that comes with the game, the community is heavily involved in making maps and custom games, and I have probably spent as much time playing fan-made content as I have playing content made by Blizzard. Although there is much arguing going on about this, my personal opinion is that the three races are very well balanced while being almost completely different. If the game was exclusively multiplayer, I think it might be close to perfect. I have rated it 9 out of 10 points because of the single player experience, which I found enjoyable overall, but the characters and the story are just a little bit too cheesy and stereotypical. All in all though, my money was very well spent on Starcraft II and I am looking forward to the expansion sets.… Expand
  82. Zegu
    Jul 21, 2012
    9
    I am amazed by all the negative reviews saying it is similar to the first.. OF COURSE IT IS, its a sequel. I enjoyed the single player and have probably sunk about 40ish hours into it, but remember this is primarly not a single player game. Community made content (UMS games) kept the first starcraft alive and Blizzard actually did an alright job showcasing user made games. Ladder gamesI am amazed by all the negative reviews saying it is similar to the first.. OF COURSE IT IS, its a sequel. I enjoyed the single player and have probably sunk about 40ish hours into it, but remember this is primarly not a single player game. Community made content (UMS games) kept the first starcraft alive and Blizzard actually did an alright job showcasing user made games. Ladder games have kept me coming back to this over 2 years, any game that can do that has done a good job. It looses a point because blizzard seems a bit over zealous wit no LAN, but it is way more free than Diablo, mainly because (my opinion) this was made before activision got their hands in the pile. Good game, great multyplayer, huge player base, 3 different yet equal races, and an amazing community.… Expand
  83. faceless-1
    Nov 24, 2013
    9
    Starcraft 2 is really a great game. Story mode is really great and multiplayer is old Starcraft with better controls. I was really hoping for some new race, but in the end it does not matter and old races are enough.
  84. Mordread
    Oct 10, 2012
    9
    Just what I wanted from the sequel to Starcraft, this installment is basically the old game with new graphics and a few minor improvements. The campaign isn't that great but the multiplayer is good fun especially if you got friends who play. The worst part about this game is the terrible match making and ranking system... as with all Blizzard games your rank means nothing and hidden matchJust what I wanted from the sequel to Starcraft, this installment is basically the old game with new graphics and a few minor improvements. The campaign isn't that great but the multiplayer is good fun especially if you got friends who play. The worst part about this game is the terrible match making and ranking system... as with all Blizzard games your rank means nothing and hidden match making value is all that matters which is annoying. The ranking system promotes time played and not skill as with all Blizzards games unfortunately. Still a good game though but I am very much against the multiple releases for the different campaigns and am not so sure if I will get the expansions. The campaign is not really worth the cost of the game. If multiplayer is not your thing, there are much better games then this for you.… Expand
  85. BlackAkatosh
    Apr 7, 2013
    9
    Old school Real Time Strategy at its best. RTS gamers certainly enjoy it.
    Despite the fact that the player can't control hero units, experience gained by units is almost meaningless, and a group of units are not arranged and they get all together without formations, it's the perfect game.
    Good graphics for a RTS, Very interesting campaign, perfect gameplay and enough variety between each    Old school Real Time Strategy at its best. RTS gamers certainly enjoy it.
    Despite the fact that the player can't control hero units, experience gained by units is almost meaningless, and a group of units are not arranged and they get all together without formations, it's the perfect game.
    Good graphics for a RTS, Very interesting campaign, perfect gameplay and enough variety between each of the 3 races to keep you playing it over and over again. Skirmish matches provide limitless game experience, so a gamer can play it almost for ever!
    But that is expected. I still play Warcraft 3, after almost 10 years, and that's what I expect to be the time I'm going to play SCII.    … Expand
  86. Eddard
    Nov 28, 2012
    9
    Starcraft 2 is the sequel of the greatest RTS game in the world. The Expectations on Blizzard were very big. But thes did their Job very well und created the new Star at the RTS-Heaven. I only give 9 of 10 because i don't like the Story-Mode. Starcaft is a Only-Multiplayer-Game
  87. UnderTheSun
    Dec 8, 2012
    9
    Outstanding game, my only complain would be that the campaign is raher short. I'm looking forward the expansion(s). Multi-player gaming would justify the buy on its own.
  88. sancco
    Jan 13, 2013
    9
    I've sunk hundreds of hours into this game and I still love it. Most of the haters on here are fanboys from the original series who aren't happy with the game going mainstream.
  89. Wonder_Boy
    Mar 5, 2013
    9
    Sweet game. Almost as good as Brood War. The ladder functionality is nice and polished and works well. You get value from their online service but you're still able to play offline if you want to. The game play is fun, entertaining and smooth. I've got Heart of the Swarm on pre-order now.
  90. ktamlyn
    Mar 17, 2013
    9
    This game is great from almost every perspective. Multiplayer, single player, and the story is fairly engaging. Its incredibly hard to pull off 3 different balanced races in a multiplayer strategy game and truly make them different. If you are looking for something truly new though, this is not the game.
  91. ZeratulofAiur
    Jun 26, 2013
    9
    The several year-long wait for this game has gotten me impatient, but it's a great game. The storyline could be better and is not as good as HotS storyline, but is a great one still. The game its self does need some tweaks (what game doesn't), but the reason I switched from BW to SC2 was because the BW graphics were killing me. Drones the same size as siege tanks!? It's a great game withThe several year-long wait for this game has gotten me impatient, but it's a great game. The storyline could be better and is not as good as HotS storyline, but is a great one still. The game its self does need some tweaks (what game doesn't), but the reason I switched from BW to SC2 was because the BW graphics were killing me. Drones the same size as siege tanks!? It's a great game with plenty of hours of gameplay and epic cinematics that will keep you loving it for a long time.… Expand
  92. lxliNsAniTylxl
    Jun 2, 2013
    9
    Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty. Where to begin. I love the campaign, even though it's really really really really long, but worth it in the end. Then you have to get Heart of the Swarm. The arcade games are fun too. So, I will give it a 9 because in squad td, you can't really do much after getting to prestige 15
  93. makan8
    Sep 22, 2013
    9
    Absolutely amazing, The best RTS ever made!
    Awesome cinematics, Cool story, Intense gameplay, A bit outdated graphics but great particle effects and AMAZING sound design and music :D
    Nuff said, Best RTS ever made!
  94. Plasmaneedle
    Mar 15, 2014
    9
    This is the best RTS game I have played. The gameplay is amazing with the best SP of any RTS game I have played. The multiplayer is also very good with the three different races that play differently and unlock a whole lot of strategic potential. It is very fun, satisfying and rewarding to learn to use all three. The plot is very well done and the characters are great and there is lots ofThis is the best RTS game I have played. The gameplay is amazing with the best SP of any RTS game I have played. The multiplayer is also very good with the three different races that play differently and unlock a whole lot of strategic potential. It is very fun, satisfying and rewarding to learn to use all three. The plot is very well done and the characters are great and there is lots of humor in this game.… Expand
  95. zombiechan
    Sep 29, 2014
    9
    A really good game, a sequel to my favorite rts, they kept the competitive feel while adding more features making the game a lot better than the one in my past. It's probably the only game from Blizzard that I had zero issues with.
  96. Tomle1202
    Jul 10, 2021
    9
    StarCraft II is a masterclass real-time strategy game that rightfully deserves all the attention given to it.
  97. Darium
    May 27, 2015
    9
    This game is pretty good. The game is very hard to get a hang of, with many different mechanics. But it still rocks as a strategy game and beats all the iPad ones. Stuff like Clash of Clans and Total Conquest falls to the side with this, a perfect strategy game. The games visuals still hold up very well, and the game is worth a look.
  98. Robb-Fury
    Jan 12, 2015
    9
    Well then where do I start? Do you like StarCraft? Do you like Blizzard? Do you like RTS? Are you korean? Are you human? If you answered yes to any of these questions then buy this game right away! It takes everything the original Starcraft did and cranked it to 11. The graphics while not Crysis are still stunning the gameplay runs smooth as silk, even if you average 400 APM. The story isWell then where do I start? Do you like StarCraft? Do you like Blizzard? Do you like RTS? Are you korean? Are you human? If you answered yes to any of these questions then buy this game right away! It takes everything the original Starcraft did and cranked it to 11. The graphics while not Crysis are still stunning the gameplay runs smooth as silk, even if you average 400 APM. The story is magnificent. the multiplayer is still a god amongst games. (Even when you get pwned by Koreans). There isn't much I can say about this game that hasn't been said, sure there are a few balance issues (Brotoss, Marauders etc..) that should just add to the challenge and make you get good. In conclusion to this short review i would say buy it because it is probably one of the best games in the world right now this review has been made short purely because I wouldn't do this game any justice, just play it and see what I mean.… Expand
  99. mulv81
    Feb 3, 2015
    9
    Great RTS game. I spent months training to get better at this game and still couldn't make it to Master league. There's a single-player compagin too, but I never saw it myself, I just bought this game to play the best multiplayer RTS available today.
  100. lexblow
    Dec 11, 2016
    9
    Never played the multiplayer, im not that skilled. But i simply loved the story of it and all expansions. Very good story telling, and the campaign is great too.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PC Game of 2010
2
#2 Most Discussed PC Game of 2010
5
#5 Most Shared PC Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 82 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 82
  3. Negative: 0 out of 82
  1. PC Zone UK
    Jan 18, 2011
    95
    "Quotation Forthcoming"
  2. Video Game Talk
    Jan 18, 2011
    90
    If you are into real time strategy in any form, it's hard to ignore Starcraft II.
    Read full review
  3. PC Format
    Dec 24, 2010
    93
    Perfectly balanced multiplayer with old school elements intact, and rich and dynamic single player campaigns. [Issue#244, p.102]
See all critic reviews »