User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3772 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. OwenM
    Aug 1, 2010
    10
    Amazing game. Lengthy campaign with plenty of replay value in trying to get all the achievements, amazingly addictive multiplayer, and potentially infinite mods changing the game in every way possible. This has more value than almost any other new game release.
  2. BrianB
    Aug 1, 2010
    10
    One of the greatest RTS games I have ever played is in my hands and installed on my computer. I have the original Starcraft and Brood War and those games have nothing compared to Starcraft 2. STORY: Everybody complains about no Protoss and Zerg campaigns in Wings of Liberty but there is no need . 26 missions (plus a bonus mission that I played) makes up for a long single player and really One of the greatest RTS games I have ever played is in my hands and installed on my computer. I have the original Starcraft and Brood War and those games have nothing compared to Starcraft 2. STORY: Everybody complains about no Protoss and Zerg campaigns in Wings of Liberty but there is no need . 26 missions (plus a bonus mission that I played) makes up for a long single player and really engaging story. The story was awesome. You do get to play some Protoss missions but overall the story is so engaging it is hard to stop playing and go get some sleep! SOUND: Sound is amazing! The original Starcraft nostalgia is there with some of the music being remixed to the newer setting. Even the units pretty much sound the same if not better. Great Sound. Graphics: One of the best for an RTS game. Do expect to play this game on some integrated graphics at decent frame rates with more than a couple of dozen of units. Some level are just plain beautiful and worthy of high praise. Blizzard has done a quality job in the graphics department. GAMEPLAY: A lot of people are saying this game is a rehash of the original but they are so wrong and I don't even think they played it. Now remember those cliffs that helped create a natural defense that would only be conquered by air units, well now some units like the Terren Reaper can fly up those cliffs with ease. This changes the gameplay up a bit and it is refreshing . But it does have the same Starcraft feel and isn't hat supposed to be what we all wanted in the first place? Why change the formula up when it has been proven to work? New units replace some of the old units from Starcraft and Brood War and to say I like these better than the old units.Multiplayer is such a blast and even better than the original. Too bad for no LAN support but I won't miss it. I don't live in South Korea anymore playing in the PC game rooms that is better with LAN. Most people won't miss it and the same goes for me. If your a fan of the original Starcraft then you gotta get this one. All others some play and see for yourself. I wouldn't really judge this game by what other people are saying, especially all the negative ones that give this game a 0 or a 1 because I feel they wanted features they wanted and since it doesn't include it they bash the game. You can't review what is not there. Best just to go out there and try it! Find someone who has it and ask if you can get their guest pass that was included with the game and see for yourself. You won't regret it! Expand
  3. DanD
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    This game is hands down the greatest game ever made. Everything about the original was improved to a great degree, from match making to game balance. The new units add a lot of new strategies as do new mechanics such as destructible rocks, xel'naga watch towers and the addition of a second gas node at every base. As a die hard fan of SC:BW I went into this game with very high This game is hands down the greatest game ever made. Everything about the original was improved to a great degree, from match making to game balance. The new units add a lot of new strategies as do new mechanics such as destructible rocks, xel'naga watch towers and the addition of a second gas node at every base. As a die hard fan of SC:BW I went into this game with very high expectations and I can tell you that it lived up to every bit of it. The campaign, im sure is fun if youre into that sort of thing, I myself went straight for the multiplayer, which is excellent with the brand new ladder system. Gone are the days where you play against people significantly below or beyond you in terms of skill . My only complaint is the lack of clan support which the original enjoyed. I think it'd be great if people could make clans to make it easier to connect with other skilled people for team matches, such as 3v3s and 4v4s. All in all, if you even sort of enjoyed BW you will love SC2. Stop reading this and buy it now. Expand
  4. JeancarloG
    Jul 27, 2010
    10
    After 12 years of waiting it is finally here. Having just started playing the campaing and already a beta vet, i can say that this game delivers on all its promises and even adding some surprises. So, fan or not, totally check this game out.
  5. JasonK
    Jul 27, 2010
    10
    Also, the menu setup is beautiful. It's different than any other Blizzard game, which is slightly disappointing, but it is beautiful.
  6. DanielH
    Jul 27, 2010
    10
    I played the beta for months, and just finished the single player storyline after about two weeks of play. It's the most balanced RTS I've ever played, and the graphics, gameplay, and storytelling are top-notch. Best game of the year so far.
  7. PierreN
    Jul 28, 2010
    10
    A worthy successor to Starcraft 1. The length of singleplayer is almost the same, and longer with the amount of extra missions. Multiplayer is more accessible to both hardcore and casual players, and allows more tactical gameplay. A must-try for both RTS fans and other gamers.
  8. AlvaroV
    Jul 28, 2010
    10
    Direct to the point. The gameplay is great (single and multiplayer), you can make your own maps, you can play alone, simple and intuitive interface, very good performance for any actual machine configuration. I gave 10 because there is no weak point on the game.
  9. ZenM
    Jul 28, 2010
    10
    It was a long time coming, but for fans of Blizz and SC I think this is just what we asked for. Only downside is that Battle.net isn't all it could be. No chat, no real support for tournaments, etc. Hopefully that will change in time. Thanks to the amazing beta the game is well-balanced for multiplayer even at lunch, and the campaign is well done. I'm looking forward to seeing It was a long time coming, but for fans of Blizz and SC I think this is just what we asked for. Only downside is that Battle.net isn't all it could be. No chat, no real support for tournaments, etc. Hopefully that will change in time. Thanks to the amazing beta the game is well-balanced for multiplayer even at lunch, and the campaign is well done. I'm looking forward to seeing how the story goes. Expand
  10. PacManP
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    Turns out the 12 year wait WAS worth it. SC2 is immediately familiar to old school fans and yet still up to date with the visuals and improvements to the RTS genre that have occurred since the last Starcraft was released. The addition of the RPG elements only enhances the experience.
  11. AlanG
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    Epic. Like other reviewers have said this game lives up to the unusually high expectations, and exceeds them in many areas. Look forward to frequent support and patches from Blizzard, as well as loads of new content, both official and from the fan community.
  12. JzM
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    The single-player takes a long time to start swinging but the instant-on multiplayer action more than makes up for it. Not quite at the level of the original yet, but tactics are constantly evolving and with the base provided it's pretty hard to see this game as anything other than pure awesome.
  13. SaikoM
    Jul 30, 2010
    10
    A game that has (currently) a 96 critic rating and an 86 user rating? It's sad that people will just vote the game a 0 if: 1) Their computers can't handle it (looking at you, Gary K); 2) They don't know how to get around real ID; 3) They think the single player is short or they're getting shafted because it's only the terran campaign. I'm not a fanboy but A game that has (currently) a 96 critic rating and an 86 user rating? It's sad that people will just vote the game a 0 if: 1) Their computers can't handle it (looking at you, Gary K); 2) They don't know how to get around real ID; 3) They think the single player is short or they're getting shafted because it's only the terran campaign. I'm not a fanboy but I'm going to sound like one, other than TF2 I don't think there is any game on the market that has as much replayability and 'bang for the buck' as this. The single player alone will take you 20 something hours if you have to retry a couple of missions, the multiplayer sets you up with people of your level after the 5 placement maches, and if you're an achievement whore, you'll literally be playing the game at least a year before you get all of them. 10/10 easily, game of the year Expand
  14. MichaelB
    Jul 30, 2010
    10
    Incredibly fun, in every aspect. Matchmaking in multiplayer keeps those of use in the mid-range skill level from being stomped too often, and from being bored to tears fighting opponents with no chance of competing. I can't begin to applaud the single player campaigns as well as they deserve. One of those games that really makes you sit back and wonder, "Why is this just now being Incredibly fun, in every aspect. Matchmaking in multiplayer keeps those of use in the mid-range skill level from being stomped too often, and from being bored to tears fighting opponents with no chance of competing. I can't begin to applaud the single player campaigns as well as they deserve. One of those games that really makes you sit back and wonder, "Why is this just now being included in these games?" The campaign truly lets you play your way, upgrading your units and building to customize the things you personally choose to use most often. I'd give it an 11 if I could, I strongly advise anyone who likes RTS games or has wanted to try one to play this game. Expand
  15. JordanB
    Jul 30, 2010
    10
    Back in 1998, I was playing Warcraft II before Starcraft came along. Starcraft really swept me off my feet. The story had a surprising level of depth. The game play was addictive, both online and off. The graphics were quite good. This game had everything going for it, and I wanted more, even after the Broodwar expansion. Twelve years later, Blizzard delivers. The story is somewhat Back in 1998, I was playing Warcraft II before Starcraft came along. Starcraft really swept me off my feet. The story had a surprising level of depth. The game play was addictive, both online and off. The graphics were quite good. This game had everything going for it, and I wanted more, even after the Broodwar expansion. Twelve years later, Blizzard delivers. The story is somewhat predictable at times, but the ride is enjoyable regardless. All the units, even the new ones, feel somewhat familiar (a pro and a con). The game runs on a ton of different computer specs., but it's important to check to see if you meet them before purchasing. The graphics are superb, and the cut scenes, in game and pre-rendered, pull you into the universe. The multiplayer is challenging, yet fun. There is no LAN support, sadly; I know many friends that refused to by it because of this. The campaign focuses primarily on the Terrans. The Zerg and Protoss campaigns will release in separate expansions later on. This may be a con for some people. If you like Starcraft, you Expand
  16. BrettK
    Jul 30, 2010
    10
    I remember when I first played Starcraft, and how I was absolutely addicted to it, and I think this is the first sequel that I've played that has actually matched the original experience. It actually made me feel like a kid again, especially when I realized it was 10 at night and I hadn't eaten supper yet.
  17. CoryL
    Jul 30, 2010
    10
    Awesome game indeed. Well worth waiting for, and I love the graphics. Gary K, you must be quite the character to give a game a 0 for not having a good enough computer to run it. You say the balancing is way off... I have to congratulate you. You must be one of the smartest men alive to by a few moments of playing the game, you can tell it's unbalanced, and that the team of Awesome game indeed. Well worth waiting for, and I love the graphics. Gary K, you must be quite the character to give a game a 0 for not having a good enough computer to run it. You say the balancing is way off... I have to congratulate you. You must be one of the smartest men alive to by a few moments of playing the game, you can tell it's unbalanced, and that the team of intelligent, dedicated people balancing this game in every aspect for several years are all wrong. I suggest you sign up for a job at Blizzard. Expand
  18. JimmyP
    Aug 1, 2010
    10
    The people giving low scores to this game know nothing about gaming. This is STARCRAFT "2" - why would you expect anything like company of heroes? Starcraft was and is the most successful RTS franchise in the history of gaming and rightly so. Why would they try to change and innovate the game play? This is the perfect sequel. It is the first starcraft with a vastly improved game engine, The people giving low scores to this game know nothing about gaming. This is STARCRAFT "2" - why would you expect anything like company of heroes? Starcraft was and is the most successful RTS franchise in the history of gaming and rightly so. Why would they try to change and innovate the game play? This is the perfect sequel. It is the first starcraft with a vastly improved game engine, battle.net, and the addition of a number of cool units and features - which is exactly what a sequel should be. WHY would they change one of the most successful games in the history of computer gaming? So many games have been ruined with lousy "innovative" sequels. If you're looking for innovative, buy a new, innovative game - not a sequel. There are plenty out there. If you're looking for another 5-10 years of fun and insane multiplayer on battlenet - buy SC2. Blizzard does everything right, this is just another example. Although, not including all 3 campaigns in an expensive game is definitely a little ridiculous. If your framerate drops while playing this game, you need new hardware. It is far from hardware intensive. If you think your FPS drops playing SC2 - try a new FPS. Expand
  19. MarkC
    Aug 1, 2010
    10
    This version of Starcraft has got so much more to it than the original ever had. For one updated graphics that look -amazing- when on Ultra high. The battle.net system is better than ever apart from the lack of chat rooms. If you're a newbie like I was you'll find that the matchmaking system is perfect for newbies and veterans alike. You'll always have a close battle unless This version of Starcraft has got so much more to it than the original ever had. For one updated graphics that look -amazing- when on Ultra high. The battle.net system is better than ever apart from the lack of chat rooms. If you're a newbie like I was you'll find that the matchmaking system is perfect for newbies and veterans alike. You'll always have a close battle unless it's your very first game etc. The storyline in the campaign is very deep, and while some idiot reviewers complain we have to pay for two expansions just to see the Protoss/Zerg storylines they forget to mention that we have 26 missions in SC2 for Terran and probably will be the same for the Zerg/Protoss Expansions. Whereas SC1 did let you do all three race's storys in one game, they each only had 10 missions a part. I'd prefer 90 missions apart 3 games than 30 missions in one. Don't be swayed by all the reviewers here bashing it when you see them bring up Bobby Kotick or Activision. They have nothing to do with Blizzard's games. Read all the truly positive reviews and enjoy this game for what it is. It's an amazing RTS with a great story mode, badass graphics, and a never ending fun online experience. And contrary to some reviewer's beliefs, the critics who gave this a high rating aren't being paid. They just know a good game when they see one which is rare these days since everything else is crap. Also yes it does cost $60, but that's expected and fine. Games stayed at $50 for the past 15 years while people were paid more so in reality it's the same price it always has been. Expand
  20. joeyg
    Aug 1, 2010
    10
    Starcraft II has certainly been long overdue, but the immense waiting has really paid off. Blizzard have another jewel to add to their crown, and it
  21. Loriftw
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    The wait was worth it. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty delivers on all fronts with unique singleplayer missions, a gripping story for the campaign and excellent multiplayer. Prepare yourself for the definitive RTS of the decade. StarCraft II is the new standard and will cast a shadow over all RTS titles that follow for quite some time.
  22. CaleS.
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    I love RTS games it's my favorite genera and I've played them all. So when StarCraft 2 was finally announced to be released a year ago I was skeptical. After playing it and beating the single player campaign I can say that it is the single greatest RTS i've ever played. No other RTS has ever had this good a story and presented it in such a polished form.
  23. BenH
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    Well its still starcraft but expertly polished, upgraded and an amazing game. The weighting between the races is perfect (If you know how to use them) This game will put RTS gaming back on the map. What i find sad is that Absolute Games basically rated this low as they believe the Genre is no longer current. What the hell, reviewers like that should not even be allowed to review on a site Well its still starcraft but expertly polished, upgraded and an amazing game. The weighting between the races is perfect (If you know how to use them) This game will put RTS gaming back on the map. What i find sad is that Absolute Games basically rated this low as they believe the Genre is no longer current. What the hell, reviewers like that should not even be allowed to review on a site like this. Their reviews are consistently way off the mark. Expand
  24. ChrisB
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    Epic game, love it so far. Finished the campaign on hard, will go for a second ride on brutal. The multiplayer will keep me occupied for the coming months/years - finally I have a truly competitive game, which doesnt seem to have a skill ceiling.
  25. MBand
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    Excellent game, the campaign is stunning in both the way it looks but also the innovation. Gone are the days of an RTS campaign being 'Destroy the enemy bases', with the bases simply getting more varied and numerous as the campaign goes on. Starcraft 2 changes this by giving the player optional objectives, time based missions and a whole host of other things to do that really Excellent game, the campaign is stunning in both the way it looks but also the innovation. Gone are the days of an RTS campaign being 'Destroy the enemy bases', with the bases simply getting more varied and numerous as the campaign goes on. Starcraft 2 changes this by giving the player optional objectives, time based missions and a whole host of other things to do that really make the game that bit better. To all of those who lament it being a terran only campaign i'd argue that i'd rather have the story of starcraft 2 told over 90-ish missions than 30, and that this game has as many missions as the original. Expand
  26. TomN.
    Aug 3, 2010
    10
    This game is beautiful, polished, and worth every penny of the 59.99. Full of features, music, artistic touch, and excellent gameplay it is a joy to own. Yet This is more than a game. It is a call to liberty, and take our fallen nation back. Its theme of revolution throughout is something we need in our own society, as the government has become opressive, defunct, and corrupt beyond This game is beautiful, polished, and worth every penny of the 59.99. Full of features, music, artistic touch, and excellent gameplay it is a joy to own. Yet This is more than a game. It is a call to liberty, and take our fallen nation back. Its theme of revolution throughout is something we need in our own society, as the government has become opressive, defunct, and corrupt beyond repair. When voting starts making no difference, The only thing left is a revolution. How much longer are we going to allow the calamity of harsh taxes, false wars, and oppresive oligarchies to ruin us before we stop being cowards, pick up the guns, and take our country back from the plutocracy it has become? Expand
  27. NikoD
    Aug 4, 2010
    10
    It's a perfect combination of RTS and RPG elements. The story itself is great and is being told in a very stylish manner. Graphics are pure awesomeness and so is the gameplay. Everything feels so familiar and yet so fresh. I dunno how Blizzard managed to pull this on off, but it's just perfect in every way. Waiting for the new campaigns.
  28. WoodyF
    Aug 6, 2010
    10
    I'd feel more impartial if I only gave this game a 9 but I have to give it a 10/10! I actually enjoyed the cinematics and single player campaign, I'm about 1/3 of the way through the achievements and I'm still learning new aspects of the multiplayer game daily. Yes, it IS pretty much Starcraft with updated graphics. No, it isn't an epic strategy game like Galactic Civ I'd feel more impartial if I only gave this game a 9 but I have to give it a 10/10! I actually enjoyed the cinematics and single player campaign, I'm about 1/3 of the way through the achievements and I'm still learning new aspects of the multiplayer game daily. Yes, it IS pretty much Starcraft with updated graphics. No, it isn't an epic strategy game like Galactic Civ II or even Warlords. Still, I feel like I got a good value for $60. Despite claims that WoL is only "1/3 of a game", the quantity and quality of missions in the single player campaign (26+ missions depending on how you count them) is easily equal to any single player RTS out there. And be honest... how many of us bought SC2 expecting to spend more than a week playing solo, anyway? Expand
  29. VoidC
    Aug 6, 2010
    10
    Reading all the 0 negative user reviews, i can safely say that they are frustrated pirates and copyright infringers. The game is great, and it doesn't deserve a score lower than 9.
  30. JashinS
    Jul 27, 2010
    10
    Amazing game! Marries together storytelling, cinematics, gameplay, multi-player, and beautiful graphics together for one of the most robust and satisfying RTS experiences ever!
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. Jan 18, 2011
    90
    If you are into real time strategy in any form, it's hard to ignore Starcraft II.
  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]