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. AustinS.
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    Firstly, all the people giving out the common complaints, no LAN, one campaign, $60, etc. are idiots, plain and simply. LAN only enables people to play without paying, thus rendering a lower profit and lower incentive to make the game. Yes, it's one campaign, but it's a full game's worth. You have to be a complete moron to think that Blizzard would put out 1/3 of a game. Firstly, all the people giving out the common complaints, no LAN, one campaign, $60, etc. are idiots, plain and simply. LAN only enables people to play without paying, thus rendering a lower profit and lower incentive to make the game. Yes, it's one campaign, but it's a full game's worth. You have to be a complete moron to think that Blizzard would put out 1/3 of a game. They are putting out three games, all with full and entertaining campaigns. On the $60 price point, games have cost $50 for over a decade; since then, the production cost has increased, and the value of the dollar has decreased. $60 now is less than $50 was when games started charging $50.… Expand
  2. Derek
    Aug 2, 2010
    8
    Felt that the game lost some of it's draw over the decade in-between sequels. A lot has happened since then, making it tough to go back and play an old school RTS without some disappointment. The game does what it wants to do with excellence, but falls short of the greatness that the original achieved.
  3. MartinP
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    I'd rather give this game 100 points out of 10 for reasons I'll come back to after my review. My review can be short, enough people already said it: - The game still has the exact same base principles which made it the best RTS of all times back in 98. - I personally believe the game has even better controls - The challenges and achievements just work really good - The campaign I'd rather give this game 100 points out of 10 for reasons I'll come back to after my review. My review can be short, enough people already said it: - The game still has the exact same base principles which made it the best RTS of all times back in 98. - I personally believe the game has even better controls - The challenges and achievements just work really good - The campaign has an epic story so far (saying otherwise makes me believe you didn't pay attention to it or haven't played the campaign yet). Brilliant CGI to support it too! - Addition of specialization trough research and improvement through hiring mercenaries and buying better hardware work great too. These are the reasons I'd give this game a 10. But I would like to give that score 9 times more to make a 100 out of ten just because I read reviews like: - "People beat me big time in multi-player, lame: score = 1" -- If you can't play it's your problem, don't blame the game for it... - "It's an ok game, but not the best ever. Score: 1" -- So you give good games a score of 1? You mean you want to give it a 5 or 6 but because so many people do like the game you feel like giving it a 1 so the game will get a lower score just like it should have in YOUR eyes? - "Too expensive, especially for only one campaign. Score: 0" -- You get allot more in this game than you'll get in most other games. It's well worth the price. Also only stating the high price and giving 0 points means the same as thinking every other aspect of the game you can think of is just fine but doesn't earn points for the game. Just a couple of reviews I can really get agitated about and made me want to rant. Reviews are opinions, but if you scale the score of your review down (or up like I'd really like to do here since it feels like I need to) your trying to shape the average opinion towards yours instead of generating a fair average opinion.… Expand
  4. Anon4800
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    A genius game, best RTS for a long time. If there is supposed to be a minus is that I will have a lack of sleep I belive :P Great graphic, great gameplay, amazing music, amazing story.
  5. MichaelT.
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    An absolute must have for any gamer. The story is epic in scale. Even if you don't enjoy RTS games, this may be the one game that changes your mind. Blizzard has once again delivered, and I will be looking forward to the next two entries.
  6. AndreasG
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    StarCraft 2 builds on the strenght of the core gameplay experience that made games such as SC1 and WC3 top RTS games. Solid strategy, balancing of units and level design have always been Blizzards forte along with engaging story line and mouthwatering cinematics. But this game has so many additional layers on top of the usual features. The hub between missions is spectacular, offering StarCraft 2 builds on the strenght of the core gameplay experience that made games such as SC1 and WC3 top RTS games. Solid strategy, balancing of units and level design have always been Blizzards forte along with engaging story line and mouthwatering cinematics. But this game has so many additional layers on top of the usual features. The hub between missions is spectacular, offering permanent unit upgrades and research options as well as additional story elements. Value for money is excpetional.… Expand
  7. ChrisR
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    The game is so massive and deep that it will take most players months to wade through all the content. The wait was well worth it judging by the polish of the final product. The three races are well balanced, each having their relative strengths and weaknesses. Online play is more fun than ever! I've had many games where my starting base gets wiped out, but I have an expo that I can The game is so massive and deep that it will take most players months to wade through all the content. The wait was well worth it judging by the polish of the final product. The three races are well balanced, each having their relative strengths and weaknesses. Online play is more fun than ever! I've had many games where my starting base gets wiped out, but I have an expo that I can turn into a main. "Hell, its about time."… Expand
  8. NickJ
    Aug 3, 2010
    10
    Okay. I'm getting a bit sick of complaints...So rather than give a true review, I'm going to just address them all. 1) No LAN: Who cares? Who uses LAN anymore? I don't know anyone that does, honestly, and almost all my friends are gamers. 2) Battle.Net: Okay, yeah. It's a bit silly needing to always be connected, but they do have the guest account. You just can't Okay. I'm getting a bit sick of complaints...So rather than give a true review, I'm going to just address them all. 1) No LAN: Who cares? Who uses LAN anymore? I don't know anyone that does, honestly, and almost all my friends are gamers. 2) Battle.Net: Okay, yeah. It's a bit silly needing to always be connected, but they do have the guest account. You just can't earn achievements when playing it, but it does allow you to play offline. But still, if you (like me) have a dedicated internet connection (I'm a WoW player after all), then it's not a problem. I happen to like BNET and all its features, except for Real ID, which is easily turned off through parental controls. 3) Only One Campaign: There's only one campaign, but it's the size of all three campaigns from SC1 put together. 30 missions. 4) Unbalanced Units: I played the beta and it's one of the most balanced games in multiplayer I have played in a looong time. I just suck at it. 5) Graphics Are Choppy: I played on high settings (with most on ultra) and I play on a laptop. It ran really smoothly, probably around 30 FPS. If you're looking to get 60, then yeah, you might not be able to, but when the human eye only detects 26, why bother with more than 30?… Expand
  9. LarryF
    Jul 28, 2010
    8
    A few nice features but overall the single player was underwhelming. The script felt lacking in places and in others thrown together, some voice acting wasn't on par with what I was expecting from a game developed by Blizzard, not to mention all the sub-plots just seemed tacked on with no real dept. Also, the game as a whole felt like it was taking me by the hand, step-by-step, A few nice features but overall the single player was underwhelming. The script felt lacking in places and in others thrown together, some voice acting wasn't on par with what I was expecting from a game developed by Blizzard, not to mention all the sub-plots just seemed tacked on with no real dept. Also, the game as a whole felt like it was taking me by the hand, step-by-step, leaving little to the imagination. Even parts in the campaign made me feel like the game was made with eight year olds in mind where the protagonist(Jim Raynor) would repeat what objective he had to do and exactly how he was going to do it. Great animations, great quality overall but, again, the single player could have had more of a story to tell and felt more "epic", more "complete" without tacked on side quests with no real value other than to contribute to gimmicks such as aquiring cash for armour or new units. I'm hopeful the community will put together some good custom maps ala WarCraft III in due time, however. Single Player gets an 8/10 from me. Story just wasn't all that and some parts simply felt thrown together. Multiplayer, in time, should prove to be a good experience but i'm not liking the popularity listings of custom maps. Honestly, if you want to play it for custom maps stick with WarCraft III for now, if the SC2 competitive RTS is what you're realling looking into then go for it(WC3 and SC are very different). Again, single player could have been better.… Expand
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. JensJ
    Jul 28, 2010
    8
    While this game certainly is well made, I still can't understand why it took so long to make. There really is no big difference between the old StarCraft and the new StarCraft. Graphics is better, there is a new storyline with beautyful cutscenes, but still the gameplay is exactly the same as the first one. Not much new has been added and that is why I can't give this more than an 8.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. DaveC
    Jul 28, 2010
    8
    Love the graphics. The plot is interesting enough to keep me playing. The missions are split in such a way that I can play one or two, and feel like I accomplished something, while also knowing there's a long way to go. Unit and Tech upgrades are a nice addition that allows you to cater to you playstyle. Multi matchmaking is quick and painless. Achievements are a great addition that Love the graphics. The plot is interesting enough to keep me playing. The missions are split in such a way that I can play one or two, and feel like I accomplished something, while also knowing there's a long way to go. Unit and Tech upgrades are a nice addition that allows you to cater to you playstyle. Multi matchmaking is quick and painless. Achievements are a great addition that makes you pay attenion to details you might otherwise ignore. Autosave is intelligent, and the interface is beautifully polished. Only a couple of complaints. I don't feel like I'm playing a new game much as replaying something I've beat before. I guess that's one way to create a sequel, and it was probably the safest path for Blizz, but I was hoping for a bit more innovation. Rumor has it that each races single player campaign will be sold seperately? I'm not sure I believe it, but that would fall in line with past decisions by Blizz, and the general trend of the modern market. Shipping without campaigns for multiple races lost it a point though. Last complaint is mostly concern about multiplayer micro. Either you've mastered it, or you lose. That's it. It's razor-fine balance that makes multi unenjoyable for casuals. Overall, worth $50. $60 seems a bit much, but I bought it so it must be close.… Expand
  16. IanH
    Jul 28, 2010
    8
    Well looks like im going against the grain, i dont think its either perfect (score of 10) or worthless (score of 0). Its a very polished RTS, if you didnt like starcraft 1, you wont like this one either. Its bascially the same game. Its an 'old-fashioned' RTS in the same vein as command and conquer. Nothing wrong with that, but dont expect anything different, like the cover Well looks like im going against the grain, i dont think its either perfect (score of 10) or worthless (score of 0). Its a very polished RTS, if you didnt like starcraft 1, you wont like this one either. Its bascially the same game. Its an 'old-fashioned' RTS in the same vein as command and conquer. Nothing wrong with that, but dont expect anything different, like the cover system in Company of Heroes, or the trading system in Battleforge etc. This is a traditional very polished RTS. Multiplayer seems stable, the single player story line is excellent. But as an overall game there are better RTS's in my opinion.… Expand
  17. DavidD.
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    Amazing game. Campaign was hard but awesome and you can play with countless other people online based on your skill level. Not to mention, you have years of replay value due to custom games. My only complaint is that there's no chatrooms, but that's okay.
  18. AlexL
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    To Gary K from the love of God upgrade your video card ! Game is simply amazing, on the negative note I waited so long for this sequel that my reflexes are not what they used to be
  19. MarcG.
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    Incredible game. I have been waiting for this for 12 years and now being through the campaign I can safely say it has been worth the wait! Best of the Starcraft Single Player stories and online is pretty fun too.
  20. DanB
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    Absolutely fantastic! Multiplayer will keep me coming back for quite some time, and the single player is leaps and bounds better than any RTS I've ever played.
  21. ArthurI
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    I've waited 4,502 days for this RTS game from Blizzard to come out. I've bought a new computer just to enjoy it in its full glory. I've played thousands in the first game and hundreds in the beta to prepare for this mammoth of a title. Well, I'm more than glad to say that not only has StarCraft 2 match the hype that it has been given, but it surpasses it to levels I've waited 4,502 days for this RTS game from Blizzard to come out. I've bought a new computer just to enjoy it in its full glory. I've played thousands in the first game and hundreds in the beta to prepare for this mammoth of a title. Well, I'm more than glad to say that not only has StarCraft 2 match the hype that it has been given, but it surpasses it to levels unknown. There are so few games nowadays that take us back to our childhood bliss, so few that make us want to take a day off work just to enjoy. Starcraft 2 is that game.… Expand
  22. ChrisK
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    So far, this game fantastic. I rarely (and I mean very rarely) play RTS because there hasn't been a real classic RTS with a really distinct set of characters, races, and not to mention the ludicrous amount of content that the game offers. IM sort of new to the Starcraft universe, so playing this is really a treat. Fantastic graphics, great story, amazing set pieces (with such detail So far, this game fantastic. I rarely (and I mean very rarely) play RTS because there hasn't been a real classic RTS with a really distinct set of characters, races, and not to mention the ludicrous amount of content that the game offers. IM sort of new to the Starcraft universe, so playing this is really a treat. Fantastic graphics, great story, amazing set pieces (with such detail in the environments and everything else, it is quite astounding), this game is definitely a GOTY contender. I'm bought the game for campaign, and am loving it. Totally worth the purchase, and the fact that there is no subscription fee is totally awesome! Starcraft 2, so far in my opinion, is probably the best game I have ever played on a PC (I'm actually on Mac, and it works and plays just as good). It is definitely a very pleasant surprise and I highly recommend it. And just FYI Gary, make sure you tone down the settings. All computers can't handle Ultra settings.… Expand
  23. BrianI.
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    Most of the 0's are because peoples computers suck, or they don't have good internet, its like saying Ferrari's suck because the roads around here aren't developed. Sucks for you, but don't give a 10 game 0's because of it.
  24. BradS
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    I find it hilarious that so many people are giving this game a 0 out of shear spite. All the "problems" that most people have with this game could be solved by upgrading their computers. We knew there would be no LAN and no cross-realm months ago. And, they'll probably add cross-realm features sometime in the near future. The single player is a glorious and challenging and stunning I find it hilarious that so many people are giving this game a 0 out of shear spite. All the "problems" that most people have with this game could be solved by upgrading their computers. We knew there would be no LAN and no cross-realm months ago. And, they'll probably add cross-realm features sometime in the near future. The single player is a glorious and challenging and stunning experience (play it on Brutal), and the multiplayer is as deep and intriguing as SC1. People who say multi is micro-oriented must really suck at the game, it's still a macro game at heart just like SC1. The improvements on the UI are everything we could have asked for with multiple building selection, worker rally straight to minerals, infinite unit selection, and improved hotkey locations. You no longer have to have 300 actions per minute if you want to be competitive. I hope this game brings e-sports to the US. It's the perfect game to do it.… Expand
  25. EsbenC.
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    By far the best game I have yet played, the campaign is amazing and so is the multiplayer part. There is almost perfect balance on the first day of the release with no tactics being lame (meaning that every tactic can be beat if you spot it and counter it) This game is severely underpriced for the great job Blizzard have done with it.
  26. JesseC
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    I am not a huge fan of the first starcraft and I only played it a little bit so I wasnt even going to buy the SC2 at first. I thought the first one was boring and I assumed SC2 was just going to be some pushover 5 hour long campaign mode and online multiplayer mode. Now having put 10 hours or so in single player and messed around in multiplayer I am in love. In campaign, I thought the I am not a huge fan of the first starcraft and I only played it a little bit so I wasnt even going to buy the SC2 at first. I thought the first one was boring and I assumed SC2 was just going to be some pushover 5 hour long campaign mode and online multiplayer mode. Now having put 10 hours or so in single player and messed around in multiplayer I am in love. In campaign, I thought the missions were going to be repetitive and have you play a CPU opponent much like you do in multiplayer for each mission. The missions are a variety of different scenarios and objectives all based around the storyline. In between missions you will be on your spaceship, able to interact with fellow shipmates, buy upgrades for your soldiers, buy contracts with mercenaries, upgrade tech/science, and even play arcade games! Multiplayer is as advertised, only with much more depth and tactics involved. This game deserves nothing less than a 10… Expand
  27. JosiahA
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    Amazing start to the trilogy. Empahsis on the word trilogy. Many people complain because the game is not "complete." Actually, the game is quite complete they realease the entire Terran campaign as they said they would. As was stated before, they forumla did not change much, but it did not need to. It is an instant classic and nominee for game of the year in my book.
  28. JosephW
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    So far the campaign is phenomenal. The way they tell the story and how you interact with the characters and environments is totally unique and a breath of fresh air. The campaign is immersive and is not just a tutorial for the multiplayer. The challenge maps are helpful to beginners and advanced users alike, but also are a lot of fun and adds to the value of the game. This game is So far the campaign is phenomenal. The way they tell the story and how you interact with the characters and environments is totally unique and a breath of fresh air. The campaign is immersive and is not just a tutorial for the multiplayer. The challenge maps are helpful to beginners and advanced users alike, but also are a lot of fun and adds to the value of the game. This game is everything a Blizzard fan would want in a Starcraft game, I can't wait to see what they do with the Protoss and Zerg campaigns.… Expand
  29. JonathanK.
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    One of, if not the best strategy games of all time. Everything about this game has been refined and polished down to the last pixel. Even though this is just the first installment in a series of three, there's enough content to keep you entertained for hundreds of hours, easily. From the robust story missions, to the challenge missions, online ladder, and endless amounts of user One of, if not the best strategy games of all time. Everything about this game has been refined and polished down to the last pixel. Even though this is just the first installment in a series of three, there's enough content to keep you entertained for hundreds of hours, easily. From the robust story missions, to the challenge missions, online ladder, and endless amounts of user generates maps, this game is well worth the investment. Long time fans of starcraft or the RTS genre in general will not be disappointed with this spectacular offering. Even if you didn't play the first starcraft, really don't let this one pass you by. There's something here for everyone.… Expand
  30. HansM
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    Pretty much the best RTS I've played. My pc is not the best, but I can run it on ultra graphics with no FPS problems, and the gameplay is magnifique. One of the best campaigns I've played, and the achievements and challenges makes it more interesting. Anyone who says different are basically stupid.
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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 »