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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. KhorneFlakes
    Apr 13, 2011
    5
    Its your basic RTS game, adds nothing new to the RTS genre, I mean really, the technology behind this game...Blizzard could have made this game back in 2004, graphics are cartoony, and the game play is very simple, after playing games like Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance, you just can't go back to anything like this. Credit where its due though, I admire the care and effort thatIts your basic RTS game, adds nothing new to the RTS genre, I mean really, the technology behind this game...Blizzard could have made this game back in 2004, graphics are cartoony, and the game play is very simple, after playing games like Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance, you just can't go back to anything like this. Credit where its due though, I admire the care and effort that Blizzard put into this game, every campaign mission always adds some interesting element with every level, but over all, game is nothing new or interesting, how it got over 12 million sales is beyond my comprehension.… Expand
  2. MrCinnamon
    Jun 23, 2011
    5
    Starcraft 2 is a bit of a hit and miss. yes, the gameplay is fun. The campaign is well written. And the visuals are very impressive for the most part. but it has so many issues. The constant fixed camera angle is so out of date. One has to ask how little effort it would have been to make a rotateable camera. I felt cheated of a basic tenement for when I want to see a little bit more. ThisStarcraft 2 is a bit of a hit and miss. yes, the gameplay is fun. The campaign is well written. And the visuals are very impressive for the most part. but it has so many issues. The constant fixed camera angle is so out of date. One has to ask how little effort it would have been to make a rotateable camera. I felt cheated of a basic tenement for when I want to see a little bit more. This also made a perspective problem (Strictly artistic point of view). I shouldn't have been able to see certain object angles from the fixed camera point. The space combat was, pardon the phrase, ridonculous. The ships were stuck on a 2 dimensional plane and relative to size, battleships had a weapon range of less than a mile. Also its a very lazy sci-fi universe. The aborted child of games workshop's warhmmer, it still has problems with who it is. All of the races and designs are a copy of someone else's fantasy. And then the killer. The game is too easy. There is no inherent strategy. Strategy is the art of forcing the opponent to your schemes and outmanouvering him. This is button spamming rushes. Its fun, but there is no tactics needed. All in all it is a fun game, but it has lazy lore, unreallistic space combat and a lack of strategy. I'd buy the game, but not for full price. I'll wait for a preowned copy.… Expand
  3. brenty
    Aug 5, 2010
    8
    one point away for the price of the game, another point for the combination of making us wait for so long and bringing very little new to the table. also the fact thats it 1/3 of a game, but im fine with that since it works on its own. everything else is fun tho, the game play is well balanced and it seems like they spent more time on the story this time (its always nice even when the one point away for the price of the game, another point for the combination of making us wait for so long and bringing very little new to the table. also the fact thats it 1/3 of a game, but im fine with that since it works on its own. everything else is fun tho, the game play is well balanced and it seems like they spent more time on the story this time (its always nice even when the story has been done many times). all in all, starcraft fans have to buy it, everyone else, wait till the price goes down.… Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. TedM
    Jul 28, 2010
    10
    I'm about halfway through the single player campaign and I can already say that I got my money's worth. Fantastic storyline, artwork, cinematics, gameplay, sound and music score. Strategy options are endless. Can't wait to get started on multiplayer.
  7. VinceM
    Jul 28, 2010
    10
    Fantastic game, completely perfect in possible way. Don't listen to Gary K. The game may not be perfectly balanced, but Blizzard always always supports their games to the fullest. The game will be balanced with more input from gamers. Also Gary K is mad because the game will not run properly on his piece of junk PC, but he does not understand that is not Blizzard's fault. 10/10!
  8. SalvatoreC
    Jul 28, 2010
    10
    Honestly I would give this game between a 9.0-9.5 to be fair. Their are some drawbacks but all in all the game is super solid in everything. The one exception to me is the story is a little poorly convied. I selected 10 because it really doesn't deserve the 0's the whiners are giving it because it doesn't include LAN play. Big woop even the progamers are over it.
  9. JakeH
    Jul 28, 2010
    10
    Easily the best RTS since the original StarCraft. While the Command & Conquer series has gone downhill minus the Red Alert offshoot, Blizzard has done the right thing by keeping the formula for gameplay the same while updating the graphics and giving a more interactive control to the player in between missions. The voice acting is a blast and very well done. I have not come across any Easily the best RTS since the original StarCraft. While the Command & Conquer series has gone downhill minus the Red Alert offshoot, Blizzard has done the right thing by keeping the formula for gameplay the same while updating the graphics and giving a more interactive control to the player in between missions. The voice acting is a blast and very well done. I have not come across any balancing issues other than neglecting to upgrade units in between missions. Pure glee, nothing wrong with this game whatsoever other than multiplayer can be a handful if you get matched with someone that's been playing for years. Best PC game of 2010! Gary K's review needs to be removed as any PC gamer knows that you need to make sure your PC meets the MINIMUM specifications (and your options match as well). SC2 requires some heavy lifting from your CPU and GPU and just because your hardware is not up to date doesn't mean the game is horrible.… Expand
  10. SteveX
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    This game is the total package. It has all the core elements from the original StarCraft along with all the new bells and whistles you expect from a modern video game. The multiplayer is well-balanced despite having a larger roster of units...that's incredible! I'm sad the lurkers and medics aren't in the multiplayer, but they were somewhat overpowering in the first This game is the total package. It has all the core elements from the original StarCraft along with all the new bells and whistles you expect from a modern video game. The multiplayer is well-balanced despite having a larger roster of units...that's incredible! I'm sad the lurkers and medics aren't in the multiplayer, but they were somewhat overpowering in the first version. Regardless, the match-making is awesome. B.net 2.0 is great...no more noobs spamming messages to you because you've beaten them hard. I like SC2's DRM as well...you have to be connected online the whole to you play whether it's single or multiplayer, but it's not a problem. As with MW2, there is no LAN play, but that's not even an issue. Their net code is incredible...my roommate and I have played matches against each other and there is no lag whatsoever...so LAN play is virtually "unnecessary". The single player campaign is awesome...I love the cutscenes. I'm playing on an HD 5850, and it looks like a dream. Hands down, SC2 has the best graphics you'll see besides Crysis.… Expand
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. R7critical
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    Pretty fantastic game. Very smooth and polished. I thoroughly enjoyed the campaign mode, and eagerly await the next installment. Sadly the community that surrounds it is not conducive to enjoying the game experience. Great fun to play with friends, but as usual you should avoid the pubbies. Most of them haven't learned to act like decent human beings yet, or play very robotic "strats" thatPretty fantastic game. Very smooth and polished. I thoroughly enjoyed the campaign mode, and eagerly await the next installment. Sadly the community that surrounds it is not conducive to enjoying the game experience. Great fun to play with friends, but as usual you should avoid the pubbies. Most of them haven't learned to act like decent human beings yet, or play very robotic "strats" that if fail, they immediately leave. The computer opponent is more challenging and inventive than most of the players you'll find online. Also the major league gaming component is entirely ignorable. You can have a much better time with this game without paying any attention to the elitist buffoonery that surrounds it.… Expand
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. KTcraft
    Apr 13, 2011
    8
    Starcraft 2 doesn't embody the future of gaming, nor does it try anything revolutionary. Instead, it focuses on the strengths of the past, much like Blizzard's other titles. The first place to look is the story and single player campaign. For this, Blizzard has in fact created a new style of campaign interface, a persistent base of operations that you can upgrade and improve as you beatStarcraft 2 doesn't embody the future of gaming, nor does it try anything revolutionary. Instead, it focuses on the strengths of the past, much like Blizzard's other titles. The first place to look is the story and single player campaign. For this, Blizzard has in fact created a new style of campaign interface, a persistent base of operations that you can upgrade and improve as you beat missions, and complete objectives that while limited, offers a fundamentally different approach to a single player campaign then most other RTS. The story follows the character James Raynor who, for fans of the original game, will remember as a daring soldier and revolutionary. As the story progresses you meet new characters who will continue to fight alongside you during your campaign against the Dominion. Although frequently predictable, the story is compelling, and the cinematics and dialogue help build the gritty atmosphere of the Starcraft universe.

    The AI has seen many improvements over the original game. It is far more responsive and in many ways, plays like a real opponent would. Alas, it is still limited by technology, and things like cannon rushing can catch the AI off guard time and again. Unit pathing and individual AI is much improved as well, you won't be waiting for ten minutes while your goliaths try to squeeze up a ramp at the same time, and as a result, run across the map. UI and controls are also a huge improvement. Waypoints are much easier to access, hotkeys work in an extremely efficient manner with most keybindings set around the "wasd" keys for very easy access. Multiple buildings may be selected and hotkeyed simultaneously and unit ability control is fine tuned to precision.

    While single player is entertaining and has limited replay value, the competitive multiplayer is where Blizzard truly chose to focus. In an intuitive, and persistent matchmaking system, you can test your skill against other players nation wide. While there were some initial networking issues, Blizzard has smoothed most if not all of the lag issues and has worked tirelessly on balancing(I will discuss in the next paragraph). Social networking has taken a hit for the worse however, and local play is non-existent. One of the greatest features of the original Starcraft was the ability to share and watch game replays together. Currently it is not available in Starcraft 2, however Blizzard has made clear an interest in bringing it back.

    A common gripe among many seems to be game balance. That this unit is overpowered, this race is bad, this ability doesn't work. As a high-intermediate level player, I have the capacity to understand both high and low levels of game play, even if i cannot match it myself. Those criticizing the balance often have little experience of their own, and the experience they had was often relatively poor. It is clear in Starcraft 2, that Blizzard chose to emphasize the playstyles of each of the races, and can be summed up relatively simply. The Zerg are a macro and economic intensive race, who focus on very large numbers of relatively inexpensive troops. A Zerg player must be constantly managing multiple bases at once as well as being able to constantly build units almost rhythmically. Zerg requires lower level of tactical control.

    The Protoss is an extremely tactically oriented race. Its units are expensive-particularly gas intensive. A Protoss player must conserve troops, and learn not to throw them away. The key to winning as Protoss is learning how to use abilities wisely. Because Protoss armies are often outnumbered, a Protoss player must learn to create his own advantages. Using storms, force fields and hallucinations are all keys to success as a Protoss player.

    Terran is a versatile race. Terran has the ability to make relatively quick tech changes early game, allowing for many varied army compositions. Terran also features a high capacity for harassment and hit and run tactics. Terran relies very heavily on unit placement, using high ground, taking advantage of ramps and choke points, spacing and kiting. While this sums up the basis of each races gameplay, it does not represent a definitive guideline. As time goes, new strategies and builds will be created, and playstyles will change. Learning and adapting to these playstyles is an important part of the multiplayer experience, something many people lack the patience and understanding for.


    In summary, Starcraft 2 is a game that offers a very competitive multiplayer scene, with a good(if short) single player campaign. While it does nothing new or revolutionary, it reestablishes what made Starcraft Brood War so great.    … Expand
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. chronoT
    Sep 5, 2012
    10
    I will have to admit I was extremely skeptical that this game would be better than the original Starcraft. After its release and playing for an extraordinary amount of time, I can say that SC2 is an amazing game. It is fair to also assess that it is the same level of quality as the original. This is an exceptional level of quality because Starcraft is truly in my opinion Blizzard's gem andI will have to admit I was extremely skeptical that this game would be better than the original Starcraft. After its release and playing for an extraordinary amount of time, I can say that SC2 is an amazing game. It is fair to also assess that it is the same level of quality as the original. This is an exceptional level of quality because Starcraft is truly in my opinion Blizzard's gem and a revolution in pc gaming. Let it be known that there are people who devote their lives to this game, expect to get schooled in multi-player. If you do play for a while though, practice makes perfect, you will improve significantly over time. SC2 is remarkably flexible and balanced and every battle is a fight to the end. There are so many different strategies at your disposal, and even if you don't want to fight others you can team up against the computer or join one of the HUNDREDS of AWESOME UMS games that are provided. UMS for those who don't know means USE MAP SETTINGS, and is pretty much where the players create a map for others to play. I absolutely love defense UMS games such as turret defense, they are so simple yet totally satisfying. You will need a good PC to run SC2 on FULL settings, but if you qualify the reward is terrific. Blizzard truly did an excellent job making this game a successful predecessor to one of the best games ever made, too bad that didn't happen with Diablo 3 :)… Expand
  20. Malandrin
    Mar 25, 2013
    1
    This game is beautiful. And that's it. If that's enough for you, I'm fine with it. I for one can't believe one can actually give credits for the story. It defiled the legacy of the previous games, period. Shallow characters, meaningless battles, nightmare-ish story, and so forth. Blizzard can't care less.
  21. Onanym
    Jul 16, 2013
    10
    Well balanced strategy game (like Sc1 and Bw). The single player Campaign was excellent! Even thou the story does`nt "top" the original SC1 story, its a good continue, and the game itself has renewed the way the campaign is build up. You can develop in different directions, between missions, and have to live with the choices you make. It has different difficulties, which makes it fun noWell balanced strategy game (like Sc1 and Bw). The single player Campaign was excellent! Even thou the story does`nt "top" the original SC1 story, its a good continue, and the game itself has renewed the way the campaign is build up. You can develop in different directions, between missions, and have to live with the choices you make. It has different difficulties, which makes it fun no matter the level your on. (my friend has to play it casual to enjoy the game, i need more challenge and go hard, and if hard is to hard, then i can take this one mission easier, and go back to hard on the next mission again). The game also has 3 alternate challenges within each mission, which you don`t have to take to succeed, but which makes it fun to play the same mission again several times to reach this goal as well.. And of course, the graphics is up to date Excellent game, MANY hours of fun, even after single player campaign is through, you can play it again, or enjoy the best multiplayer strategy game of all time … Expand
  22. TSTINKERS
    Jul 20, 2013
    10
    10/10. This game was great. There is a great multiplayer ranking system. Each game lasts about 10-25 minutes on average. I would often play 2 games after work and then I was able to put it down. Many games got my heart racing. The single player campaign is excellent.
  23. AlternateSkybox
    Jul 22, 2013
    10
    Positives:
    - looks cartoony but appealing and still serious enough to enjoy
    - most unit portraits are well made and have a good design - Multiplayer! This is about Multiplayer - frequent balance patches - Modability! This is a great plus for me. You can make basically everything in the GalaxyEditor. One can make entire new games within Sc2. Awesome! - active Community: be it Forums    Positives:
    - looks cartoony but appealing and still serious enough to enjoy
    - most unit portraits are well made and have a good design
    - Multiplayer! This is about Multiplayer
    - frequent balance patches
    - Modability! This is a great plus for me. You can make basically everything in the GalaxyEditor. One can make entire new games within Sc2. Awesome!
    - active Community: be it Forums or the constant flow of new custom maps. With a community that big that has access to advanced moding tools such as the fabulous editor this game won't get boring too fast :)
    - the campaign missions are designed fun and diverse

    Negatives:
    - Music. Except for the Terran music I consider the soundtrack of part 1 to be the superior one. The great terran music in Sc2 is en par with the terran music in Sc1. They even captured the whole 'space cowboy' theme a little better this time around.
    - Story: The campaign didn't touch me or anything. The whole atmosphere wasn't as unforgiving, cold and gruesome as in Sc1. In Starcraft 1 the cold depth of space was present. The terrans were rugged, slightly degenerate nihilist basterds in Sc1 and it suited them. They were space dark, weird space humans. In the multiplayer of Sc2 everything feels alright about the terrans but in the campaign they're all too shiny and perfect at times. The dark awesome feel of part one is absent during Sc2's campaign. Still, the missions were fun and diverse (see above)
    - Protoss: when have the protoss become singing moral elves? Really they once were awesome radical superbeings who felt superior to everyone because they were. They had awesome big ships and erased entire planets with their radical advanced technolgy if it served their interest. Besides they had other faces and looked way more awesome. Now they just look... I don't know. Their faces are to edged, the eyes to little. I preferred the design in Sc1. It was simpler but it looked way more natural. The way an intelligent alien race should look. Besides, in Sc1 Protoss didn't wear shiny cute crystals everywhere. What happened to the Protoss? They were cool once...

    Conclusion:
    This is a multiplayer game so the minus of the story is a relatively unimportant one. The protoss problem is a question of personal preference of course. Don't like them? Play another faction. Overall they fit in with the other 2 (way more badass) factions well enough. So this minus is rendered rather meaningless, too. The music, while not as good as in part one at some points (again the Protoss music is my least favorite...) overall is still a solid piece of work and the terran theme is awesome. Zerg is cool, too, sounding very organic and aggressive which suits this race perfectly.    … Expand
  24. Zerg_King
    Jul 14, 2015
    10
    Best real time strategy I ever played. I still play it on a regular basis, it's fun, it's amazing, it's fluid, there are always thousands of players online in multiplayer.

    Of course I gave it 10!
  25. ComandanteCobra
    Jan 25, 2016
    10
    Impressive.
    Gameplay is fast and fun ..Blizzard manage to cut out some of the boring time consuming task in old rts game # stunning animated sequences # good story # choise driven plot.
    It's really a good work.
  26. TomCat86
    Dec 4, 2017
    0
    The same way blizzard messed up diablo 3, and world of warcraft, they messed up starcraft 2. They take a great franchise and change it so it doesnt resemble the former games and most of the similarity comes only from name. It is sad to see blizzard trash such great concepts with their SAME artwork styles carrying over from WORLD OF WARCRAFT, into different games entirely. Blizzard, wtfThe same way blizzard messed up diablo 3, and world of warcraft, they messed up starcraft 2. They take a great franchise and change it so it doesnt resemble the former games and most of the similarity comes only from name. It is sad to see blizzard trash such great concepts with their SAME artwork styles carrying over from WORLD OF WARCRAFT, into different games entirely. Blizzard, wtf stop dropping the ball... Hire some new artists or rehire the artists you had for diablo 1-2, and starcraft 1. Stop using the same artwork styles from world of warcraft and putting them into entirely different games.... This isnt even the biggest pet peeve here. The story, the gameplay, the balancing, everything about the games lacks creativity, its like blizzard thought they could ride the glory of the former blizzard north and hope the fans would eat it all up. No thanks. There is a reason blizzard is HAVING to go to free to play and its not because of good product.… Expand
  27. DavisK
    Jul 27, 2010
    10
    Absolutely amazing. SC2 had a big shoe to fill due to the overwhelming success of its predecessor, and it far exceeded my expectations. Just like the first SC, I'll be playing this for years to come.
  28. 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.
  29. SeanA
    Jul 27, 2010
    10
    I was going to write a lengthly review on SC2, but I decided to save you and me some time: You MUST have this game, your life is not complete without it.
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. JaredR
    Jul 28, 2010
    10
    This game is a great successor to Starcraft. Running on ultra settings it's gorgeous. Despite the lack of LAN support, or the ability to spawn extra copies, this game is still well worth the price of admission. And as far as Gary K. says regarding the game bringing his rig to a crawl, it sounds like it's his hardware more then anything. I rock an AMD Phenom II x4 and a geforce This game is a great successor to Starcraft. Running on ultra settings it's gorgeous. Despite the lack of LAN support, or the ability to spawn extra copies, this game is still well worth the price of admission. And as far as Gary K. says regarding the game bringing his rig to a crawl, it sounds like it's his hardware more then anything. I rock an AMD Phenom II x4 and a geforce 9800 card and have no issues. Stop reading and start playing.… Expand
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. Clone25
    Sep 25, 2010
    10
    This game has got to be the best PC game ever made. Amazing graphics and improved gameplay has blown all those series that get yet another game every year to the sky. The wait for this game has really paid off. Continuing with the unfinished story from the first games, Starcraft 2 has refitted itself with new units, structures,characters and map editor. The prologue at the installationThis game has got to be the best PC game ever made. Amazing graphics and improved gameplay has blown all those series that get yet another game every year to the sky. The wait for this game has really paid off. Continuing with the unfinished story from the first games, Starcraft 2 has refitted itself with new units, structures,characters and map editor. The prologue at the installation point tells you the story so far, so new players of starcraft do not have to buy the first games to get whats going on. Starcraft 2 now has an achievements centre where you earn achievements for something you did while playing. you can see the achievements board in your profile. This is one of the best real time strategy games ive ever played… Expand
  36. RazorDreamz
    Nov 4, 2012
    10
    In one word: Amazing! The anticipation for Heart of the Swarm is killing me. I love the game, watch all the professional matches, and this from a guy that never even played Starcraft 1! Every gamer needs this in his staple of classics.
  37. RonnyS
    Aug 6, 2010
    7
    Sooo.. Are they going to be going the franchise route with starcraft now, or? Starcraft 2011, Starcraft 2012 and so forth.. Cause in 12 years they've added less than what EA adds to Tiger Woods each year.. This is pretty ridiculous if you ask me. It's an OK rts by todays standards. The campaing was absolute rubbish, though. Got half way through while always thinking "it'll Sooo.. Are they going to be going the franchise route with starcraft now, or? Starcraft 2011, Starcraft 2012 and so forth.. Cause in 12 years they've added less than what EA adds to Tiger Woods each year.. This is pretty ridiculous if you ask me. It's an OK rts by todays standards. The campaing was absolute rubbish, though. Got half way through while always thinking "it'll get better next map", but that never really happened. And when you're still thinking "it'll get better" after 10 hours of play... then... that's a massive fail. I'm not going to get into the MP of this game, I know it's the big draw of a game like this, but I'm just not going to get back into it. It's the same as it was 12 years ago, when the playerbase of online games were at about 18-20 years average. Now I'm 12 years older, don't have patience for kids and their insults, and don't really care much about pwning nabs in a retro RTS.. If you liked SC1 and played it a lot back in the day, it might be worth buying it when it hits the cheap bin just for the nostalgia. Definitely not worth the 60bucks I paid. I bought Warhammer 40k Dawn of War II Chaos Rising 2 days after I bought sc2. It's just a better game. Metascore of 85, but that's not a bloated 85. Starcrafts 94 is just a testament to how many reviewers get paid these days.… Expand
  38. JohnB.
    Jul 29, 2010
    9
    This is a bog-standard RTS. But given that it's Blizzard there was never any doubt that it was going to be an AWESOME bog-standard RTS. Beautiful design, great graphics, engaging storyline. Highly recommended.
  39. Darkmark
    Mar 9, 2013
    10
    Even though the campaign story was a bit disappointing this is still one of my favorite games of all time. The campaign though having a bad story is still quite fun the first couple of playthroughs. The multiplayer is fantastic and even though the constant cheesing can be annoying, the macro games are so much fun and very different from game to game. The arcade is also much fun if you getEven though the campaign story was a bit disappointing this is still one of my favorite games of all time. The campaign though having a bad story is still quite fun the first couple of playthroughs. The multiplayer is fantastic and even though the constant cheesing can be annoying, the macro games are so much fun and very different from game to game. The arcade is also much fun if you get tired of melee matches, and even though the maps aren't nearly as good as the ones in Warcraft 3, they're still pretty good. I will be playing this game for years from now on so even though the story was poor i'm still gonna give it 10/10.… Expand
  40. 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.
  41. grandpajoe6191
    Nov 8, 2011
    8
    "StarCraft 2" is a blast. Despite the fact that you need a damn membership, the game is slick with awesome graphics. The gameplay's the same thing, but its managaeble. They really didn't fix or improve anything necessary (except for adding in several more units to the game) but still it's impressive and addictive just like the first one.
  42. MickoW
    Aug 5, 2010
    7
    Good game, missions are well thought out and fun. Besides that, its Starcraft 1with a face lift. Thats not a bad thing, just over hyped. The graphics are nothing special for 2010, you cant even change the cameras angle, just zoom in and out. The downsides are that you dont own the game, just a license to use it, no LAN play, must be online to play singleplayer and must sign up for Good game, missions are well thought out and fun. Besides that, its Starcraft 1with a face lift. Thats not a bad thing, just over hyped. The graphics are nothing special for 2010, you cant even change the cameras angle, just zoom in and out. The downsides are that you dont own the game, just a license to use it, no LAN play, must be online to play singleplayer and must sign up for battle.net. The time spent on making videos for the single player campaign should probably have been spent on improving the graphics engine. Good fun, if a little underwhelming.… Expand
  43. AndrewP
    Jul 28, 2010
    5
    After 12 years I feel like we deserve more than Broodwars with updated graphics, destroyable rocks and some watchtowers. The majority of the units are very close in function to what they were in Broodwars, and the basic game play hasn't changed at all. Sure it's still fun but seriously that's it after 12 years? Lets put this in perspective: nintendo has released roughly 100 After 12 years I feel like we deserve more than Broodwars with updated graphics, destroyable rocks and some watchtowers. The majority of the units are very close in function to what they were in Broodwars, and the basic game play hasn't changed at all. Sure it's still fun but seriously that's it after 12 years? Lets put this in perspective: nintendo has released roughly 100 games related to the mario franchise in that amount of time. The C&C franchise has released 12 titles (xpacs incl.) since 1998. In March 1998 the Backstreet Boys were at the peak of their careers, there was a new show on TV called South Park that had been causing controversy since its first episode 7 months earlier, and something called a "Justin Beiber" had just celebrated its 4th birthday. This is basically a first generation RTS re-packaged, now if you'll excuse me I'm going to play Broodwars.… Expand
  44. FabioF.
    Aug 6, 2010
    5
    A excellent art work as every game from Blizzard. Sadly it was shipped with a poor story as all recent games released. True good games dont need a restrictive DRM to make a profit. We was hoping to buy a great sequel of the original Stracraft not a multiplayer client. I would not play in Battle.net even for free. Blizzard is surely losing his touch.
  45. ScottK
    Jul 29, 2010
    7
    The game is undoubtedly awesome, and coming to the end of the campaign here shortly, it did not let me down! The online side on the other hand has a lot to be desired. Lack of chat rooms, lack of Lan, lack of cross region play, something that has been pabundant in previous titles has been removed from this game. With thousands of users asking for the ability to chat "in game" and being The game is undoubtedly awesome, and coming to the end of the campaign here shortly, it did not let me down! The online side on the other hand has a lot to be desired. Lack of chat rooms, lack of Lan, lack of cross region play, something that has been pabundant in previous titles has been removed from this game. With thousands of users asking for the ability to chat "in game" and being ignored, thats why im giving this a 7. Though to be fair, a 9 for the gameplay/story, a 3 for their failed battle.net experience...it really brings it down.… Expand
  46. clovis20
    Mar 25, 2011
    10
    Best RTS ever played. I'm a old RTS gamer since Dune I, Dune II, C&C and etc.
    It's brand new (some imbalance appears as normal in RTS world) and is already awesome. The next expansions and patches for sure will lead this game to the top #1 as most played RTS in world. Getting error: Score (4.0) id must be a floating point number.
  47. RobertM.
    Jul 29, 2010
    9
    Awsome game game. Even with the hype this game still wowed me in a few places. The flow of the mission was done very well with good transition between missions. Graphics cards can studder because of the mission breifing though bevause the card is rendering the on-ship enviroment and the onscreen enviroment seperately which is kinda impressive in its own right. Even though there is only Awsome game game. Even with the hype this game still wowed me in a few places. The flow of the mission was done very well with good transition between missions. Graphics cards can studder because of the mission breifing though bevause the card is rendering the on-ship enviroment and the onscreen enviroment seperately which is kinda impressive in its own right. Even though there is only one race the mission is fairly long. The lack of lan play was a major disappointment for me. The online portion for single player has advantages but has a very annoying disadvantage. I can play the game online at home and when I am out and about on my laptop and my progress will remain the same how ever if the connection drops you will loose your progress and might as well quite the misson because it wont remember your progress even on the machine you played on once you closed the game. I did not like having to repeat missions needlessly. the game should try to reconnect when the connection comes back after a few seconds.… Expand
  48. 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
  49. 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.
  50. 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.
  51. 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
  52. PeterR
    Aug 2, 2010
    7
    What this game does well is its story. If that's all the game is about it should get a perfect 10. But RTS's are in part about commanding large armies and creating a feeling of being a general. It's in this regard that SC2 gets a 5. The game plays exactly as it was 12 years ago with the addition of a badly executed order queuing ability (bad because if you mess up order 4 What this game does well is its story. If that's all the game is about it should get a perfect 10. But RTS's are in part about commanding large armies and creating a feeling of being a general. It's in this regard that SC2 gets a 5. The game plays exactly as it was 12 years ago with the addition of a badly executed order queuing ability (bad because if you mess up order 4 or 5 you need to re-issue all orders). Without changing the core gameplay Blizzard could have added any number of features that truly make modern RTS's very fun and engaging. Some such features would be: Zoom engines, Dual monitor support, group attack commands (being able to issue a command to attack an entire group and not just 1 individual in a group), formations, a low profile UI, etc. This is why this game gets a 7. While the gameplay isn't bad, it sure isn't good. It's simply antiquated. So if you're looking for story absolutely buy this game. If you're an RTS fan you may want to look elsewhere.… Expand
  53. 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.
  54. 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
  55. 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
  56. KarstenF
    Aug 3, 2010
    7
    SC2 is a decent game. You get some nice story told in wing commander mannor that is not too deep. You get many really different missions that get some replay value as you could go for the achievements. And thats it. Was fun playing it but nothing that has a deeper impression than a good towerdefense flash game. The AI is basically absolent throwing enemies at me based on time and given SC2 is a decent game. You get some nice story told in wing commander mannor that is not too deep. You get many really different missions that get some replay value as you could go for the achievements. And thats it. Was fun playing it but nothing that has a deeper impression than a good towerdefense flash game. The AI is basically absolent throwing enemies at me based on time and given paths. I don't really have to develop a tactic. Multiplayerwise I am not a fan of a wild click orgy. There is basically no helping AI for movement. Your Units will frequently block each other. But hey its starcraft and the wild clicking is called esports. Be quick and anywhere on the map and replace the missing AI. Not my kind of game. We get what we expected. A game over 12 years old with an graphics update. Still works but really won't blow my mind or reinvents the RTS genre.… Expand
  57. Dokk
    Aug 3, 2010
    7
    Ultimately I gave it an 7, but I'm honestly kinda conflicted about it overall. It deserves at least a 7 because of the bottom line - it's a shit load of fun. OTOH, it deserves a lower score for lack of innovation. It really makes you appreciate just how great SC1 was in 1998 and remains to this day. I haven't played the original for quite a while now, but I would revisit it Ultimately I gave it an 7, but I'm honestly kinda conflicted about it overall. It deserves at least a 7 because of the bottom line - it's a shit load of fun. OTOH, it deserves a lower score for lack of innovation. It really makes you appreciate just how great SC1 was in 1998 and remains to this day. I haven't played the original for quite a while now, but I would revisit it regularly over the years and it was always like seeing an old friend. I'm having a blast with Starcraft 2 but 12 years is too long to wait for this to be honest. It could just have easily come out 5 years ago. After all this time, we should have something new and innovative while still maintaining the high level of polish and fun we've come to expect. And sometime during that 12 year hiatus, I wish they would have given us the original with a new coat of paint - ie higher resolutions, etc - just to whet the appetite for SC2. I guess they have been working on the whole "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality. But that's where they went with the sequel as well. The gameplay was awesome fun 12 years ago and is still plenty of fun all this time later. Unfortunately, given the next 2 expansions as well as the very long development cycle, it seems Blizzard is leaving innovation to more creative companies. Like I said, that's not such a bad thing given how much fun there is to be had. But if we're still zerg rushing in 2025 or so (when SC3 is released).… Expand
  58. 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.
  59. DaveD
    Jul 28, 2010
    9
    here are the facts, this is a great RTS. It has all the great parts of the starcraft, with a big graphics upgrade. It offers new possiblilties with the new units, wich are, just like other blizzard games, very balanced. I love the orignal starcraft, and I'm not writing some stupid fan boy review. But I'm also not writing a hater review. Pros: New unit choices, dynamic story, here are the facts, this is a great RTS. It has all the great parts of the starcraft, with a big graphics upgrade. It offers new possiblilties with the new units, wich are, just like other blizzard games, very balanced. I love the orignal starcraft, and I'm not writing some stupid fan boy review. But I'm also not writing a hater review. Pros: New unit choices, dynamic story, mission choices, large campain (23 missions, most games come with 8 or 9 per side, so up to 18 total), lots of humor, great graphics, awsome multiplayer, upgraded map editor for more great possibities in map making. cons: tasking on hardware to run at full settings, a bit laggy online, only comes with Terran campain so long wait to play other stories nutral: cost of expansions will not be the same price as a full game, but will offer over 20 missions per side, no new units...at this time...will be offered to keep balancing issues out I think this game is not perfict, but it is awsome and a must have for RTS fans People who are giving this game less then a 5 are probally morons who dont know what their talking about. I can not see one acutal complaint about the game that was not a known issue (like only comming with one storyline), or the price (which will come down in 6 months). Also, morons dont realise that they will, in 2-3 years, will be able to buy the game and all the expansions as a package deal, so if you dont like the price, dont give a bad rating beaucse this is a standard for games now (call of duty, music games that can cost $100s of dollars for the songs you want, or Fallout games). This is the game the RTS genera really needs, with all the crappy RTS games that are comming out now.… Expand
  60. JoeS
    Aug 6, 2010
    7
    Disappointing is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Starcraft 2. I am a huge fan of the first game and Brood War. I've played those games about 50 times over and I plan to play them again. I doubt I'll play through this game more than once. The story has gone from amazing to campy trash. The gameplay has gone from feeling epic to feeling like you're playing Disappointing is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Starcraft 2. I am a huge fan of the first game and Brood War. I've played those games about 50 times over and I plan to play them again. I doubt I'll play through this game more than once. The story has gone from amazing to campy trash. The gameplay has gone from feeling epic to feeling like you're playing with glass figurines. The gameplay feels about the same, the only major differences being that some of the old units now have different names and appearances. Really, this whole thing just makes me want to play Starcraft 1 again.… Expand
  61. RemingtonW
    Jul 28, 2010
    10
    There are very few bad things a person can say about starcraft 2. A person really needs to play the game to understand why people have been playing the original for so long. The game is almost instantly fun to play, everything clicks in just the right places the pace is fast and addicting. New additions to the campaign are well implemented and add to the experience. For those out there There are very few bad things a person can say about starcraft 2. A person really needs to play the game to understand why people have been playing the original for so long. The game is almost instantly fun to play, everything clicks in just the right places the pace is fast and addicting. New additions to the campaign are well implemented and add to the experience. For those out there that are complaining about the price and only one race being available for the campaign need to stop as what is given to you in the game is more fleshed out and better produced then other (full games)… Expand
  62. Neddy
    Jan 16, 2015
    0
    Without a doubt the worst game I ever bought. The game itself is ok-ish, but the effort you have to go through to play is ****ing insulting.

    Currently I can't even play it because it wants me to connect but the connect button is greyed out. I can't play. Anyway the story goes like this. Installed it from the DVD copy. Wanted to install Battlenet, which I though no I only want offline    Without a doubt the worst game I ever bought. The game itself is ok-ish, but the effort you have to go through to play is ****ing insulting.

    Currently I can't even play it because it wants me to connect but the connect button is greyed out. I can't play.

    Anyway the story goes like this. Installed it from the DVD copy. Wanted to install Battlenet, which I though no I only want offline mode, because I don't play online. No choice, either install Battlenet of don't play. Then it makes me click lots of conditions I don't want like its anti-cheat software must be installed or I can't play offline single player.

    Then it updates about 3GB. Then when I try to launch it won't but sends me to an online Battlenet account page. It says I have no games to play. WHAT! After lots of stress I think I work out here I must put in the key-code from the game DVD case, ie the licence key. I do it thinking I have used my only code and attached it to another copy and not the one I bought. I then click on the link in the Battlenet online account page hoping that will now launch game.

    Then it gives me a link to download the whole game, but I have it all installed on my PC. Anyway I close this page, but I keep getting sent back to it. This is after I have installed it and updated it, which it won't even attempt to launch if you don't update.

    After lots of screaming I get rid of that page. and worked something else out, and launched it from the Battlenet installation on my PC. Then it wants to do a 15GB update. 15 ****ing gigabytes.

    After that I can't log in by the connect screen. I close that and reload it and this time it works and lets me log in. I load the game. It's slow, not very good and talks to you far far too much. Cut-scene waffle and waffle and then in game every time you click an unit it speaks to you. Service bots even say, "Oh you scared me."

    Then after all this of the couple of hours I have played it has crashed four times. I gave up and came back to play again and I can't log in by the connect coz it's greyed out. 24 hours to get it going, and was it worth it, NO! 2 hours play, four crashes and I have to fight with it again to try to launch it now.    … Expand
  63. DamienR
    Aug 3, 2010
    5
    While the in-game graphics and cut-scenes are undeniably well made, with excellent art design, voice acting and animation, the part of the game that you pay for (namely the RTS gameplay) just isn't up to par. It is undeniably well balanced for multiplayer, but the graphics and level design are way behind current technology, and are not even slightly ground breaking. Really pretty While the in-game graphics and cut-scenes are undeniably well made, with excellent art design, voice acting and animation, the part of the game that you pay for (namely the RTS gameplay) just isn't up to par. It is undeniably well balanced for multiplayer, but the graphics and level design are way behind current technology, and are not even slightly ground breaking. Really pretty disappointing. Singleplayer story is average, if not a bit cliche (saving a lost love, betrayal, shady alliances etc etc yawn), though the missions are fairly interesting. Lastly, paying three times for one game, and forcing Battle.net on everyone, AND no LAN? No thanks.… Expand
  64. ToddS.
    Jul 29, 2010
    10
    It's Starcraft and you already know you should be playing instead of reading this. Great mix of everything that was great about the first one while adding new units and new tech trees to make it new enough. the single player campaign might only be 1 third of the story, but it's large enough that it IS it's own game. Can't wait for the Zerg and Protoss Campaigns!
  65. HomeSlice
    Aug 11, 2010
    10
    Changes from SC1: --Added queen/comstat/chrono boost to the races to add another component to your strategy. Huge CHANGE from SC1. --Buildings addons can be used interchangeably with other buildings with terran race. --Can hotkey all buildings together to cutout some micromanagement. --Group sizes are limitless now unlike 12 units from the first game. --New abilities, such asChanges from SC1: --Added queen/comstat/chrono boost to the races to add another component to your strategy. Huge CHANGE from SC1. --Buildings addons can be used interchangeably with other buildings with terran race. --Can hotkey all buildings together to cutout some micromanagement. --Group sizes are limitless now unlike 12 units from the first game. --New abilities, such as blink/corruption/changeling/can move while burrowed/ --can rally workers straight to minerals, which again cuts out unneeded micromanagement from SC1 which are all HUGE and great changes. --With SC2 came a completely new Battle.net, which has been the same since SC1, but I guess, you know, that doesn't matter. --High yield resources. --High ground units can not be attacked unless you have sight up there. HUGE change, which completely differs from SC1. --All the new units. --Creep plays a lot more role, such as spreading it out with either your overlords or creep tumors, which increases your zerg units speed while they're on it. UNLIKE in SC1.

    I mean, how are these not changes? What in the world could anyone possibly ask for? Everyone on here that gives it a bad rating always says that. I don't understand, they aren't specific. "Same game as SC1". If you don't like the game that's fine. I can understand why people (younger) have gotten used to modern day RTS. SC has always been about mineral/map control. If you don't like the game fine, but please explain why you feel it's the same as SC1.    … Expand
  66. ttocs
    Aug 12, 2010
    10
    Real time strategy games just don't get any better than this. They took what worked in the original and expanded upon it creating a universe that not only puts you in the driver seat but shocks and awes along the way. The units are balanced, the gameplay is fun, and the multiplayer is fantastic as ever. I was afraid that my aging PC wasn't going to be able to handle the graphics, but itReal time strategy games just don't get any better than this. They took what worked in the original and expanded upon it creating a universe that not only puts you in the driver seat but shocks and awes along the way. The units are balanced, the gameplay is fun, and the multiplayer is fantastic as ever. I was afraid that my aging PC wasn't going to be able to handle the graphics, but it can. My PC is 3 years old with an upgraded 9000 series nvidia geforce card and it plays it fine on medium. My buddy has an even older computer and plays it fine on low. So, don't be afraid if your PC isn't up to snuff.… Expand
  67. 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
  68. 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
  69. 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
  70. Galenmereth
    Aug 13, 2010
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Gameplay:

    The gameplay of SC2 is superb. While some lament its decision to stay true to its old-school RTS roots invented back in the nineties, I cherish Blizzard for being bold enough to let it bask in its own simplistic-but-hard-to-master roots. StarCraft 2 feels like the Tetris of fast-paced strategy games. It's not the World of Warcraft of strategy games like a lot of people seemed to expect it to be, but it's the best fast-paced hardcore strategy game you'll find. And the campaign does these mechanics a great justice; it plays with the mechanics, easing you into the finer aspects of multitasking and micro-management over time, all the while keeping the gameplay interesting by changing the playing field and the rules constantly. The story supports the gameplay perfectly, giving you an intellectual reason to keep on playing.

    You can change the difficulty any time you want in between missions, meaning you're never locked into a tight spot if you find a mission is too hard for you on your current difficulty.

    It's great fun while it lasts, and it can last quite a while if you want to get all the achievements and unlock all the extra portraits. Not to mention the fact that the multiplayer aspect is a potentially endless hobby, one that will provide hundreds upon hundreds of hours if you're into the competitive aspects of multiplayer gaming.

    Story:

    There is a problem with the StarCraft II that you won't be aware of if you haven't read a lot about it beforehand, filtering out the preconceptions from the legitimate complaints, which is that the game is not a complete single player game. Although most of us know Wings of Liberty is the first part of a trilogy, I believe few of us were prepared for what this actually means. You see, the campaign ends so abruptly, there isn't even a cliffhanger to get you psyched up for the next installment. When the last and severely short cinematic faded into black and the credits started rolling, it felt like a fluke. As if watching a movie from a scratched disc that suddenly skipped to the ending, leaving out the essential last minutes of dialogue. My gripe is not that Wings of Liberty does not complete the story, but rather that it doesn't even try to wrap up its own part of it. It was a tremendous disappointment, even for me, who bought the game mostly for the multiplayer aspects.

    Summary:

    First of all, if you plan to buy Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty for the multiplayer, you don't really need a reason. This is StarCraft, and it's better than ever.

    However, if you plan to buy it purely for the single player experience, you need to ask yourself what's most important; the story or the gameplay. If you buy it for the former, you will be very disappointed. But if you buy it either purely for the gameplay experience or at least for both gameplay and story, you'll feel content even despite its somewhat amputated ending.    … Expand
  71. Bisonator
    Aug 13, 2010
    10
    The last ten years has mostly been console gaming for me. Starcraft 2 reminded me why I used to play PC games. Games like this just don't work on consoles! C&C is a travesty on a console and Halo Wars was v simplistic. Starcraft 2 has great balancing, top notch production values and tweaks that old nostalgia nerve just enough to make it feel like home. This is a masterful recapturing ofThe last ten years has mostly been console gaming for me. Starcraft 2 reminded me why I used to play PC games. Games like this just don't work on consoles! C&C is a travesty on a console and Halo Wars was v simplistic. Starcraft 2 has great balancing, top notch production values and tweaks that old nostalgia nerve just enough to make it feel like home. This is a masterful recapturing of yesteryear brought to a new generation of PCs and gamers alike. Do yourself a favour and check it out - at least on a trial basis. (The retail edition comes with free, time-limited trial cards to give to friends, so just ask around!) I cannot wait to see what Blizzard do with Diablo 3!… Expand
  72. 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
  73. capthavic
    Aug 15, 2010
    10
    This is exactly what a sequel should do: keeping what works while adding enough changes to make it fresh. The in game graphics and cutscenes look amazing without the obvious difference between them like most games. The gameplay is the classic SC but with modern tweaks and upgrades to make it even better. I don't understand why some people complain about that. Those same people wouldThis is exactly what a sequel should do: keeping what works while adding enough changes to make it fresh. The in game graphics and cutscenes look amazing without the obvious difference between them like most games. The gameplay is the classic SC but with modern tweaks and upgrades to make it even better. I don't understand why some people complain about that. Those same people would complain that Blizz should have kept things the same if they had radically altered the gameplay. If you go into SC2 expecting DoW or WiC then yeah you'll be disappointed. And if that's what you want then go play those games instead.… Expand
  74. vai0
    Aug 15, 2010
    10
    When something like SC2 gets released by a developer like Blizzard people expect the absolute best, and will criticize it with that in mind. The story could be a little more serious, and the MP still has some slight balancing needed, but realistically compared to the other games on the market its amazing.
  75. Inthrax
    Aug 15, 2010
    10
    !!ALTHOUGH NO REAL SPOILERS - THIS WILL SAY A LOT ABOUT THE FEATURES OF THE GAME!!

    I've read many reviews saying it's just a rehash of starcraft 1 , and the graphics havn't changed much, but that's completely wrong. There are many more new units to choose from , more depth into upgrading them, the graphics are fenomenal for an rts making it look gorgeous to play and the maps are    !!ALTHOUGH NO REAL SPOILERS - THIS WILL SAY A LOT ABOUT THE FEATURES OF THE GAME!!

    I've read many reviews saying it's just a rehash of starcraft 1 , and the graphics havn't changed much, but that's completely wrong. There are many more new units to choose from , more depth into upgrading them, the graphics are fenomenal for an rts making it look gorgeous to play and the maps are thouroughly detailed. The campaign will give you entertainment for 10+ hours, even more if you want to challenge yourself to do the achievements( Yes , achievements! , very similar style to blizzard's World Of Warcraft.). The cutscenes are spectacular which you expect of blizzard from their past cutscenes such as the wow ones. The story is deep with lots of great depth and is grabbing from the off. Multiplayer is addicitvie. There are many subcatergory's (1v1 2v2 3v3 4v4 FFA) , and with all apart from FFA , after 5 placement games you get placed into a division (Bronze Silver Gold Platinum Diamond). You are constently motivated to progress higher!. You can go into a team game as random , or with a friend, and if you go in with a different friend later on , you will start from placement matches , so it tracks your members in multiple teams of the same catorgory. This game is certainly worth a purchase. You may see Korean gamers who are mighty impressive players with fast hands playing this game, but it matches you to players in your region so no need to panic. There are to be 2 new campaigns set for release most likely at the end of the year or next, so content will keep coming towards you with new maps. Once more, this game features an intergrated Real ID system , which lets you talk to friends playing other Blizzard Games (WoW ofcourse!) and friends who are perhaps in the campaign while you play multiplayer. If you like to have some sort of bragging rights (We all do) then you can showcase your best achievements which will be seen to any member viewing your profile and along with achievements come portraits to put a picture next to your ingame name. These portraits can say a lot about a player IE beating the game on the hardest difficulty (Brutal).

    Best RTS currently on the pc market in my opinion.    … Expand
  76. tsabszy
    Aug 16, 2010
    10
    This game totally worht the wait!! I bought the collector's edition at midnight on july 27 and it's worht the price too!! I love this game. Awsome characters and awsome game experience. The multyplayer part of the game is the same in every way it should be the same like in SC1 but it has all the improvements i miss from that game!
  77. Janny_A
    Aug 19, 2010
    10
    The negative comments are just hilarious. The game is fantastic in every single way, it surpasses the original so much it's not even funny.
    Sure, some balance issues have come, but is that something new and unexpected? The first one wasn't balanced enough for years and SC2 came out with almost perfect balance. You have an expansive campaign with unparalleled multiplayer. I can't wait for    The negative comments are just hilarious. The game is fantastic in every single way, it surpasses the original so much it's not even funny.
    Sure, some balance issues have come, but is that something new and unexpected? The first one wasn't balanced enough for years and SC2 came out with almost perfect balance. You have an expansive campaign with unparalleled multiplayer. I can't wait for the expansions - this is by far the best RTS campaign ever. There's so much more to say about the game but I'll only say this - it's the best RTS you will have for the next 10 years. Deal with it and enjoy it! 10/10.    … Expand
  78. dudwasup
    Aug 20, 2010
    10
    this is a great game i never played he first but the second looked great and its a great game its not a game you sit down your first time and are just good you do have to put some time in and practice multiplayer is well done. i recommend having a good cpu a quad core is a good choice or a really fast core 2 duo both would play fine
  79. blikk
    Aug 20, 2010
    10
    The wait was well worth it. Everything about this game satisfies me in every single way imaginable. Single player campaign was great, absolutely cannot wait for the second installment to come out. It's just too bad we'll have to wait!

    100% Recommend to any RTS lover. Starcraft is second to NONE!
  80. Chupwn
    Sep 4, 2010
    8
    It's a prettier starcraft, you play it just like the 1st one, only you can have unit groupings as big as you like. Oh, and terrans get very different equipment in Campaign mode, so when you switch over to multiplayer, you've got to rethink all your strategies.

    Love the music and the new layout of in-between mission area.
  81. dj_stevie_c
    Aug 23, 2010
    10
    I wanted to write a review but I had to play one more mission.

    GO BUY IT ALREADY.

    No seriously, if you're a fan of RTS style games then you should go and get it. The game is absolutely superb.
  82. 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
  83. 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.
  84. 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.
  85. 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
  86. ESRolic
    Sep 15, 2010
    6
    Over 10 years of waiting, and I am disappointed. It just feels like a StarCraft re-made. I am not talking about the actual tactics that you may play in competitive games, it's the gaming experience. Blizzard changed the face of RTS with the innovations of SC (comparing with WCII and C&C/RA), but apparently there is basically no innovation in SCII. Everything in SCII, you can find itOver 10 years of waiting, and I am disappointed. It just feels like a StarCraft re-made. I am not talking about the actual tactics that you may play in competitive games, it's the gaming experience. Blizzard changed the face of RTS with the innovations of SC (comparing with WCII and C&C/RA), but apparently there is basically no innovation in SCII. Everything in SCII, you can find it somewhere else before. Technically, the graphics and sounds etc are just average, nothing special. The only good thing, is probably the so called 'map editor', with which we may see some fantastic innovations in the future.… Expand
  87. 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
  88. Silf
    Dec 4, 2011
    10
    To those like me who had not played Starcraft, first of the name what I can say is that Starcraft 2 is a really enjoyable RTS set in a dystopian futuristic universe. The campaign is a well-crafted way to get into the story but maybe a little short (although alternative missions and achievements makes it a re-playable game). There is a great diversity of units with unique playing style forTo those like me who had not played Starcraft, first of the name what I can say is that Starcraft 2 is a really enjoyable RTS set in a dystopian futuristic universe. The campaign is a well-crafted way to get into the story but maybe a little short (although alternative missions and achievements makes it a re-playable game). There is a great diversity of units with unique playing style for each race, so lots of strategy to try in Battlenet: the core of the game.
    The criticisms I could make: no out of the box possibility to play LAN so better have a good internet connection and then lots of trouble playing a multiplayer game online without constant lagging. Also I agree with those saying that the music, voice acting etc. could have been better.    … Expand
  89. 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.
  90. 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
  91. Julius33
    Oct 21, 2010
    10
    I am a big fan of RTS games and well i can say that this game is awesome! I played SC:BW for some time and loved (despite its outdated graphics, still awesome).
    The game-play i would say is somewhat different from BW but it isnt a drastic change. The campaign is great and will take some time to complete and is quite challenging on higher difficulties. And as i said, single-player is great,    I am a big fan of RTS games and well i can say that this game is awesome! I played SC:BW for some time and loved (despite its outdated graphics, still awesome).
    The game-play i would say is somewhat different from BW but it isnt a drastic change. The campaign is great and will take some time to complete and is quite challenging on higher difficulties. And as i said, single-player is great, but multi-player. Now that is a different story :)
    Battle.net 2.0 can be described with one word: Awesome. I mean you could just spend your whole day in SC2 either by playing 2v2/3v3 against computers with a teammate, playing some league matches, or the best part: custom games. Custom games are just incredible. Basically you have around 100 different games(and i think many more actually) in SC2 so you will not get bored easily.
    The balancing is great when playing league matches: you always get to compete against a player who is pretty much at your level. I have yet to actually see some sort of idiot on Battle.net, everyone behaves and there are no retarded people online.(Trolls/spammers/anything like that)
    So my advice: If you like RTS games, or you have thought about which one should be your first one, then you should definitely buy this game! Thumbs up 10/10. High Five Blizzard!    … Expand
  92. 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.
  93. 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
  94. 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
  95. 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.
  96. VidsRule
    Mar 28, 2013
    10
    Been playing this off and on for 2 years and I can say for sure that there is virtually no limit to the amount there is to learn about it. It's huge, it's a lifetime game, getting to know it feels like I'm getting a small Degree for a university course. I would say getting to know the technical (controls/interface) is bigger than some entire games, and then getting to know the technicalityBeen playing this off and on for 2 years and I can say for sure that there is virtually no limit to the amount there is to learn about it. It's huge, it's a lifetime game, getting to know it feels like I'm getting a small Degree for a university course. I would say getting to know the technical (controls/interface) is bigger than some entire games, and then getting to know the technicality of each race (builder order/units/uniqueness) is like 3 full other games (3 races), and then actually getting good at the game is like 10 full other games. So you're basically getting 14 games worth in this one game. That's actually not even an overstatement because I'll be playing this for 5 years and I'll probably get 14 times the number of hours I get out of most games. Wow, I just realized that I'm not in hyperbole.… Expand
  97. DrCola
    Nov 19, 2011
    7
    Very addicting, only worth it if you play the multi player alot, and I mean alot. If it aint broke, dont fix it, I totally agree, the reason why rehashed games like COD suck is because their formula is broken and they release more without fixing it. But Starcraft was almost perfectly balanced. So is starcraft 2. really though, the one thing that would make me buy this game over starcraft 1Very addicting, only worth it if you play the multi player alot, and I mean alot. If it aint broke, dont fix it, I totally agree, the reason why rehashed games like COD suck is because their formula is broken and they release more without fixing it. But Starcraft was almost perfectly balanced. So is starcraft 2. really though, the one thing that would make me buy this game over starcraft 1 is the abillity to select more than 12 units at once.… Expand
  98. 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
  99. 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
  100. james12600
    Dec 15, 2011
    10
    absolutely amazing game, best RTS in my opinion, excellent graphics, gameplay and even community. excellent to play at LAN parties and the perfect game for competitive play. the multiplayer is so well balanced between the races and the campaign is well designed and is great fun, well done blizzard.
Page:

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 »